Women in the U.S. have it better than most places in the world. We aren't forced into marriage when we are children, we can serve on a jury, vote, drive, leave the house without permission, pursue an education, among other things. That being said, the US still falls behind the rest of the world when it comes to gender equality. 7 staggering facts after the jump!
Wednesday, August 26th is Women's Equality Day,
which marks the 95th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment, which
gave women the right to vote. The victory came after decades of activism and work done by extraordinary women like Susan B Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Congress passed the 19th amendment in 1919, but it
was ratified in 1920 because only 35 states approved of it, just one state shy
of the two-thirds majority vote needed. The vote came down to the state of
Tennesee which was divided 48-48, but the tie was broken by 24 year old
lawmaker Harry Burn, who had supposedly received a letter from his mother
telling him to "be a good boy" and vote for women's rights. 95
years later, women's equality has come a long way but a lot still remains to be
done.
We should most definitely acknowledge how far we have come and celebrate the women who have paved the way for us thus far. However, I also feel that it is important to address and acknowledge the fact that there are still huge issues with women's rights and gender equality in this U.S.
We should most definitely acknowledge how far we have come and celebrate the women who have paved the way for us thus far. However, I also feel that it is important to address and acknowledge the fact that there are still huge issues with women's rights and gender equality in this U.S.
Women in the U.S. have it better than most places
in the world. We aren't forced into marriage when we are children, we can serve
on a jury, vote, drive, leave the house without permission, pursue an
education, among other things. We are very lucky. That being said, the US still falls
behind the rest of the world in many categories when it comes to gender equality. Here are 7 staggering
facts:
1. 84% of countries, including Afghanistan,
guarantee gender equality in their constitution. The U.S. does not.
2. Only 4 countries in the entire world don't
guarantee some form of paid maternity leave. America is one of them.
3. The wage gap still exists, with women earning
just 84 cents to every dollar a man earns. And at the current rate we are
going, women will not receive equal pay until 2042. According to the World
Economic Forum, the U.S ranks 65th, out of 142 countries, in wage equality. Who
is higher on the list than the U.S? Russia, Ethiopia, Thailand, Egypt and
Honduras.
4. When it comes to female members, The U.S. Congress ranks in the bottom half of national
parliaments around the world. Women make up just 20% of the Senate
and 19% of Congress. Far from great considering women make up 51% of the US
population.
5. CEDAW is considered an "international
bill of rights" for women, it promises to end discrimination, fight
against violence and establish equality. All but 7 of 193 member states of the
United Nations have committed, least on paper, to
end discrimination against women and establish equality in everything from
health care and education to political participation, employment and marriage. The
U.S. is one of the 7 member states who have NOT ratified it- along with Iran,
Palau, Somolia, Tonga, Sudan, and South Sudan.
6. Women account for only 5% of Fortune 500 CEOs.
Norway was the first country to set a quota for corporate boards seats. Today,
women make up 40% of Parliament and 40% of board seats on public companies.
7. According to the Status Of Women, 5 States in the U.S.
receive an "F" grade on women's equality. Taking job opportunities,
overall health of women, and childcare options into account, The Status of
Women looked at all 50 states to determine the best and worst states for women.
The five states that received “F” grades were West Virginia, Mississippi,
Louisiana, Arkansas and Idaho.
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