Equality or non-discrimination is a state where every person gets equal opportunities and rights. Every individual in the society yearns for equal status, opportunity and rights. However, it is a general observation that much discrimination exists among humans.
Discrimination exists because of cultural differences, geographic differences and gender. Gender-based inequality is a concern that is prevalent all over the world.
Even in the 21st century, men and women around the world do not enjoy equal privileges. Gender equality means providing equal opportunities to both men and women in political, economic, education and health aspects.
Importance Of Gender Equality
A nation can progress and achieve high growth rate only when both men and women are entitled to equal opportunities.
Women in society are often kept in Mecca and are denied the same rights as men in terms of wages, health, education, decision making and economic freedom.
The social structure that has long prevailed in such a way that girls do not get equal opportunities as men. Women are usually the caregivers in the family. Because of this, women are mostly involved in household activities.
There is less participation of women in higher education, decision making role and leadership roles. This gender inequality hinders the growth rate of a country.
The economic growth rate of the country increases when women participate in the workforce. Gender equality enhances economic prosperity as well as the overall well being of the nation.
How is gender equality measured?
Gender equality is an important factor in determining the overall development of the country. There are many indices to measure gender equality.
Gender-Related Development Index (GDI) – GDI is a gender-centric measure of the Human Development Index. The GDI considers parameters such as life expectancy, education and income in assessing gender equality of a country.
Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM) – This measure covers much broader aspects such as the ratio of seats to female candidates in the national parliament, percentage of women in economic decision-making role, share of income of female employees.
Gender Equity Index (GEI) – GEI ranks countries on three parameters of gender inequality, they are education, economic participation and empowerment. However, GEI ignores the health parameter.
Global Gender Gap Index – The Global Gender Gap Index was introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2006. This index focuses more on identifying the level of female disadvantage.
The four important areas that the index considers are economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, political empowerment, health and survival rates.
Gender Inequality in Nepal
According to the World Economic Forum's gender gap ranking, Nepal is ranked 108th out of 149 countries. This rank is a major concern as it highlights the huge gap in opportunities among women as compared to men.
In Nepalese society for a long time, the social structure has been such that women are neglected in many areas like education, health, areas of decision making, financial independence etc.
Another major factor that contributes to the discriminatory treatment of women in Nepal is the dowry system in marriage. Due to this dowry system, most of the Nepalese families consider girls as a burden. The choice for the son still persists. Girls have avoided higher education. Women are not entitled to equal employment opportunities and wages.
In the 21st century, women are still the gender preferred in household management activities. Many women quit their jobs and dropped out of leadership roles due to family commitments. However, such actions are very uncommon among men.
Conclusion - Essay on Gender Equality
For the overall well being and development of a nation, scoring high on gender equality is the most important aspect. Countries with low inequality in gender equality have made great progress.
The Government of Nepal has also started taking steps to ensure gender equality. Many laws and policies are formulated to encourage girls. The “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Yojana” (Save Girl, and Make Girls Educated) campaign is designed to spread awareness about the importance of girl child.
There are also many laws for the protection of girls. However, we need more awareness to spread the knowledge about women rights. In addition, the government should take the initiative to check the correct and proper implementation of policies.