The journey towards economic equality for women has been an arduous one, with systemic barriers spanning centuries. Author Josie Cox delves deep into the past to shed light on the struggles women have faced in catching up to men economically. From the Women’s Business Ownership Act in 1988 to the ban on women entering Ivy League colleges before 1969, the road to economic parity has been riddled with obstacles. Even as recently as 1978, women could be fired from their jobs for getting pregnant, highlighting the pervasive discrimination that has plagued women in the workforce.
Cox discusses the concept of “coverture,” a legal practice deeply ingrained in English law that stripped women of their independent legal identity. Under coverture, women were subsumed under the legal identity of their fathers and later their husbands, depriving them of basic rights and economic autonomy. While coverture has weakened over time, its remnants still persist, perpetuating inequalities in modern society. The tradition of women taking their husband’s name upon marriage serves as a stark reminder of coverture’s enduring influence.
The discriminatory practice of firing women for getting pregnant until 1978 had far-reaching repercussions, forcing many women to conceal their pregnancies to avoid job loss. While it is now illegal to terminate a woman’s employment on the grounds of pregnancy, subtler forms of discrimination persist in the corporate world. Pregnancy discrimination remains prevalent, underscoring the uphill battle that women continue to face in the workforce.
The repeal of Roe v. Wade dealt a severe blow to women’s progress towards economic empowerment and personal freedom. The decision’s economic consequences are far-reaching, exacerbating existing gender disparities and impeding women’s access to healthcare and reproductive rights. As a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality, the fallout from the Dobbs decision will have significant economic implications for women in the long run.
Despite strides towards gender equality, women remain vastly underrepresented in leadership positions, particularly in Fortune 500 companies and political arenas. The persistent biases and stereotypes that dictate notions of leadership perpetuate gender disparities and hinder progress towards economic parity. Encouraging more women to assume positions of power is crucial in dismantling outdated beliefs about gender roles and promoting true gender equality.
Menopausal women face unique challenges in the workplace, with the subject often remaining taboo and unaddressed. As women reach the age of menopause, typically between 45 to 55, they bring a wealth of professional and life experience to senior roles. However, the rigid structures of the work environment often fail to accommodate their needs, hampering their economic contributions. Acknowledging the needs of menopausal women in the workplace is essential for harnessing their economic potential.
Throughout history, countless women have fought valiantly for gender equality, challenging societal norms and paving the way for future generations. One such figure is Dexter McCormick, whose pioneering efforts in funding the research and development of the oral contraceptive pill revolutionized women’s reproductive health. McCormick’s unwavering commitment to empowering women underscored the vital link between reproductive rights and economic liberation, inspiring generations of women to seize control of their bodies and their destinies. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience and tenacity of women in the face of adversity.