The Lack of Opportunities for Women: A Society That Refuses to Take Women Seriously
Despite the remarkable progress made in gender equality over the years, women across the world still struggle with a severe lack of opportunities. Society, even in the 21st century, continues to uphold systemic barriers that prevent women from fully thriving in different spheres of life. From workplaces to leadership positions, from education to entrepreneurship, women are often met with skepticism, undervaluation, and deeply ingrained prejudices. This widespread failure to take women seriously has created an unjust reality, one that hinders not only individual women but also society as a whole.
Women and the Struggle for Equal Opportunities
Throughout history, women have had to fight for every inch of progress. Even today, many industries remain male-dominated, with women facing significant challenges in breaking through. The lack of equal opportunities stems from multiple societal factors, including gender biases, outdated cultural norms, and institutional barriers.
In the corporate world, women often find themselves struggling to climb the career ladder—not because they lack talent or ambition, but because they are judged differently from their male counterparts. Many hiring managers, whether consciously or unconsciously, still prefer men for leadership roles, citing concerns over maternity leave, family responsibilities, or even a supposed lack of assertiveness. As a result, the number of women in executive positions remains disproportionately low, despite women making up nearly half of the global workforce. According to a 2023 report by the World Economic Forum, women hold only 31% of senior management positions globally, highlighting the persistent gender gap in leadership roles.
Similarly, in education, young girls are frequently discouraged from pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) due to deeply ingrained stereotypes. A UNESCO study found that only 35% of STEM students in higher education are women, reflecting the ongoing barriers they face. They are often told that these fields are better suited for men, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy where fewer women enter these industries, thus reinforcing the false narrative that men are naturally better at them.
But unequal opportunities are just one part of the problem. Even when women do break into male-dominated spaces, they are often met with a more insidious challenge: being dismissed and undervalued.
A Society That Dismisses Women’s Voices
One of the most damaging aspects of societal prejudice against women is the failure to take them seriously. Women’s ideas, contributions, and even lived experiences are often dismissed, belittled, or questioned. This phenomenon manifests in many ways, from workplace meetings where women's suggestions are ignored (only to be praised when a man repeats them) to political arenas where female leaders face harsher scrutiny and backlash than their male counterparts.
A study by Harvard Business Review found that women’s voices are interrupted 33% more often than men’s in workplace meetings. Women in male-dominated industries constantly have to prove themselves over and over again, while men are often granted automatic credibility. A woman’s expertise is doubted until proven, whereas a man’s competence is assumed until disproven. This unfair standard not only damages women's self-confidence but also robs society of valuable perspectives and innovative ideas.
Even in social settings, women who speak out against injustice or share their experiences with discrimination are often accused of exaggerating or playing the victim. The idea that women are "too emotional" or "too sensitive" continues to be used as a tool to silence them, preventing crucial discussions about gender equality from taking place.
Acknowledging these biases and challenging societal norms are crucial steps toward ensuring that women receive the respect and opportunities they deserve. True equality happens not just when women are included in the conversation, but when their voices are genuinely heard, valued, and acted upon.
The Impact of Societal Prejudices on Women
The deeply rooted prejudices against women have far-reaching consequences, affecting their financial stability, mental health, and overall quality of life. Women are still paid less than men for the same work, a stark reality that contributes to economic dependence and financial insecurity. The gender pay gap means that women have fewer resources to invest in their futures, making it even harder to break free from the cycle of inequality. According to the International Labour Organization, women earn approximately 20% less than men globally for the same work, further highlighting this economic disparity.
Additionally, societal expectations force women to take on a disproportionate share of unpaid labor, including household chores and caregiving responsibilities. A report by the United Nations found that women perform 76% of the world's unpaid caregiving work, significantly limiting their professional opportunities and economic independence.
Beyond economic and career limitations, women also face significant mental and emotional burdens. Constantly having to fight for recognition, respect, and fair treatment can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. When a society continuously undermines a group of people, it sends a clear message that their contributions are not valued, which can have lasting psychological effects. Studies from the American Psychological Association have shown that women who experience workplace discrimination are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression.
Breaking the Cycle: Creating a More Equitable Society
- To address these systemic issues, society must take deliberate steps to break the cycle of discrimination and lack of opportunities for women. This change must start at multiple levels:
- Policy Reforms: Governments and organizations must enforce strict laws that promote gender equality in the workplace, including pay transparency, parental leave policies, and anti-discrimination protections.
- Educational Empowerment: Schools and universities should actively encourage young girls to pursue careers in all fields, particularly those where women are underrepresented.
- Changing Cultural Norms: Society must challenge outdated beliefs that place limitations on women. This includes normalizing shared household responsibilities and promoting the idea that women can excel in leadership roles.
- Amplifying Women’s Voices: Women must be given platforms to express their ideas, and their contributions should be acknowledged and respected rather than dismissed.
- Male Allyship: Men play a crucial role in dismantling gender biases. By actively advocating for gender equality and recognizing their own privileges, they can contribute to creating a fairer world for all.
By acknowledging these biases, implementing meaningful policy changes, and fostering cultural shifts, we can create a more just and equitable society where women are valued, heard, and given the opportunities they deserve.
Conclusion
Women have long been denied equal opportunities, dismissed, and subjected to harmful prejudices that hinder their growth and success. While progress has been made, much work remains to be done. By challenging the biases that hold women back, supporting policies that promote gender equality, and fostering an inclusive culture, society can finally move towards a future where women are not just seen but truly valued and respected. It is time to take women seriously—not just in words, but in actions. The question is: Will you be part of the change?
About the Writer:
Asara Bullen is a passionate Climate Advocate, Communications and Media Relations Specialist, and seasoned Radio Presenter with over seven years of experience across the humanitarian, government, private, and corporate sectors. She is also a Third Cohort Fellow of the New Generation Program under the Climate Leadership Initiative. Her commitment to environmental conservation extends beyond advocacy, as she actively engages in community-driven initiatives such as tree planting projects to combat deforestation and training women on fuel-efficient stoves, promoting sustainable energy solutions that reduce carbon emissions and improve household health. Currently, she is negotiating Loss and Damage for South Sudan under the UNFCCC, working to ensure climate-vulnerable communities receive the necessary support and resources to address climate-related impacts. She has also represented global and regional climate agendas at high-profile events, including the Africa Climate Summit 2023 and UNFCCC COP27, COP28, and COP29. With expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and advocacy campaigns, Asara remains dedicated to driving impactful change for a more sustainable and just future.
