women’s rights

cultural, social and econo mic

factors influencing it.
introduction r e m y
I am a woman, M y dr e am s a
and yes, I run co mp a s s , a n d m y
my own de t e rm in a t io n is
business. my fuel.
hist ory
Ancient world

Medieval Period

Enlightenment Era
history
19th Century

20th Century

21st Century
economic factors
Economic Independence: Women's economic
participation is crucial for their independence
and empowerment. Access to jobs, equal pay,
and career advancement opportunities enable
women to contribute to the economy and gain
financial independence.
Gender Pay Gap: Persistent wage disparities
between men and women highlight ongoing
economic inequalities. Women often face
barriers to high-paying jobs and are
overrepresented in lower-paying sectors.
economic factors
Poverty and Frustration
- Economic deprivation in households often leads to
frustration and stress, increasing the likelihood of violent
behavior, with women experiencing higher levels of
domestic and sexual violence.
- Lack of economic resources can worsen issues like
trafficking and sexual exploitation, as women may be
compelled into dangerous situations for survival.
Limited Access to Education
- Economic disadvantage often leads to prioritizing boys'
education over girls', resulting in higher illiteracy rates
among women and leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
- Limited educational facilities for girls in certain regions
further restrict their personal and professional development
opportunities.
economic factors
Workforce Participation
Cultural norms restrict women's labor force
involvement, often confining them to low-paying jobs,
and they face discrimination and stigma. Lack of
control over earnings reduces their economic
independence and reinforces gender roles.

Workplace Discrimination and Harassment

Women encounter workplace challenges like
harassment and unequal pay. Weak enforcement of
legal protections makes it hard for them to assert their
rights and achieve economic equality.
economic factor
Asset Ownership
s
Legal and cultural barriers often prevent women from
owning land, limiting their asset accumulation and financial
stability. Strengthening property rights would empower
women economically, addressing gender inequalities.
Asset Credit
-Microfinance initiatives aim to empower women by
providing them with small loans to start or expand
businesses. While these programs have potential, their
effectiveness is limited by cultural barriers that often result
in men controlling the loans.
- Microcredit alone does not address the structural barriers
women face, such as household responsibilities and social
norms that restrict their economic activities. make it short
economic factors
Job Training and Education
-Policies supporting women's job training and
education enhance their economic opportunities and
bargaining power at home and in the labor market.
-Financial services, legal support for property rights,
and workplace protections are also vital.
Implementation and Enforcement
Effective enforcement of supportive policies is
essential, ensuring women have access to legal
resources and support services to claim their rights.
cultural factors
Tradition and Religion: Many societies are deeply
rooted in traditions and religious beliefs that dictate
gender roles. These roles often place women in
subordinate positions, limiting their opportunities
and rights. For instance, in some cultures, women
are expected to prioritize family responsibilities over
professional aspirations.
Patriarchy: Patriarchal norms, which favor male
authority and leadership, often result in
discriminatory practices against women. This can
manifest in various forms, such as limited access to
education and employment.
cultural factors
Educational Opportunities
- Many cultures prefer investing in boys' education, believing
they will be primary earners while girls will marry and handle
household duties.
- A rural India study found families with limited resources often
prioritized boys' education for its perceived better economic
returns.
Career Advancement
- Cultural norms can limit women's workforce participation and
career advancement by prioritizing family responsibilities over
professional aspirations.
- In South Korea, traditional Confucian values emphasize
women's caregiving roles, resulting in lower female labor
force participation and significant gender gaps in leadership
positions.
cultural factors
Emotional Intelligence and Socialization
- Socialization teaches girls to be nurturing and empathetic
and boys to be assertive and independent, shaping
women's self-perceptions and professional interactions.
- Research shows these early experiences contribute to
higher emotional intelligence in women due to their
culturally encouraged nurturing roles.

Biases and Discrimination

- Gender biases, both conscious and unconscious, lead to
discrimination in employment, healthcare, and politics.
- Women often face hiring biases, with employers assuming
they are less committed due to potential family
responsibilities.
cultural factors
Gender Roles and Family Expectations
- Cultural expectations around gender roles can impact
women's rights within the family.
- In many Hispanic cultures, "marianismo" emphasizes
traditional female virtues, leading to expectations that
women should sacrifice personal goals for family needs.
Media Representation
- Media reinforces or challenges cultural gender norms,
often portraying women in traditional domestic or
supportive roles.
- This representation perpetuates limiting beliefs about
women's capabilities and their place in society.
cultural factors
Legal and Policy Frameworks
- Cultural norms influence a country's legal
and policy environment, affecting women's
rights.
- In many Middle Eastern countries,
longstanding cultural and religious beliefs
result in biased laws, giving women fewer
inheritance rights compared to men.
recommendations for change
-Education and Awareness
Promote gender equality through education and
campaigns that emphasize the value of girls'
education and shared household responsibilities.

-Policy Reforms
Enact and enforce laws for gender equality,
including equal pay, prevention of gender-based
violence, and support for women's participation
in all sectors.
recommendations for change
Media Representation
Encourage diverse and positive portrayals of
women in media to change societal perceptions and
break stereotypes.

-Community Engagement
Collaborate with community leaders and
organizations to promote gender equality and shift
cultural norms from within.
Social Factors
The advancement of women's rights is
influenced by various social factors, which
interplay to either support or hinder progress.
These factors include cultural norms and
values, educational opportunities, economic
conditions, legal frameworks, political
representation, media representation, and social
movements. Each of these factors plays a
crucial role in shaping the landscape of
women's rights globally.
Social Factors
Access to Education: Education is a powerful tool
for empowerment. Societies that prioritize female
education tend to have better outcomes in terms
of women's rights. Education provides women with
knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate in
social, economic, and political life.
Gender Bias in Education: In many parts of the
world, girls face barriers to education, including
cultural biases, early marriage, and poverty. These
barriers prevent them from achieving their full
potential and contributing to society.
Social Factors
Participation in Governance: Women's
representation in political institutions is
critical for ensuring that their perspectives
and needs are considered in policymaking.
Greater political participation can lead to
more gender-sensitive laws and policies.
Barriers to Entry: Social and cultural barriers,
such as gender bias and lack of support,
often hinder women's political participation
and leadership.
Social Factors
Portrayal in Media: Media plays a significant role
in shaping societal attitudes towards women.
Positive representation of women in media can
challenge stereotypes and promote gender
equality.
Influence of Social Media: Social media has
emerged as a platform for advocacy and
awareness-raising. It enables women to share
their stories, mobilize support, and push for
change.
Social Factors
Laws and Policies: The existence and
enforcement of laws that protect women's rights
are fundamental. Legal frameworks addressing
issues like domestic violence, workplace
discrimination, and reproductive rights are
essential for women's empowerment.
Implementation and Enforcement: Even where
laws exist, weak enforcement can undermine
their effectiveness. Corruption, lack of
awareness, and inadequate legal support
systems can impede women's access to justice.
Social Factors
Activism and Advocacy: Social movements
and grassroots organizations have been
instrumental in advancing women's rights.
Movements like #MeToo and Time's Up have
brought global attention to issues such as
sexual harassment and gender-based
violence.
Community Support: Collective action and
community support can drive significant
changes in societal attitudes and government
policies.
conclusion
The progress of women's rights is multifaceted, influenced by
an interplay of social factors. Addressing these factors
requires a holistic approach that includes promoting
education, ensuring economic opportunities, enacting and
enforcing supportive legal frameworks, increasing political
representation, and challenging cultural norms and media
portrayals. Cultural factors, such as entrenched traditions and
patriarchal values, often pose significant barriers, while
economic conditions, like employment opportunities and the
gender pay gap, play a crucial role in either empowering or
limiting women. Social movements are pivotal in advocating
for these changes, helping to shift societal attitudes and
press for legal and policy reforms. By addressing these
interconnected elements, we can work towards creating a
more equitable society for women.
 UN Women
sources
Cultural Norms and Values: UN Women. (n.d.). “Social norms, gender and development". Retrieved from
https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/discussion-paper-social-norms-gender-and-development-a-review-of-research-and-
practice-en.pdf
Educational Opportunities: UNESCO. (2015). "Education for All 2000-2015: Achievements and Challenges".
Retrieved from UNESCO
https://www.unesco.org/gem-report/en/efa-achievements-challenges
Economic Conditions: World Economic Forum. (2021). "Global Gender Gap Report". Retrieved from WEF
https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2021/
Legal Frameworks: UN Women. (n.d.). "Laws and Policies". Retrieved from UN Women
https://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/gender-parity-in-the-united-nations/laws-and-policies
Political Representation: Inter-Parliamentary Union. (2021). "Women in Politics: 2021". Retrieved from IPU
https://www.ipu.org/women-in-politics-2021
Media Representation: Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. (2020). “film historic gender parity in
family films". Retrieved from Geena Davis Institute
https://geenadavisinstitute.org/research/2020-film-historic-gender-parity-in-family-films/
Social Movements: Harvard Kennedy School. (2019). "The Impact of #MeToo Movement". Retrieved from
HKS
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/12/metoo-surge-could-change-society-in-pivotal-ways-harvard-analysts-say/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzrFzuvtvi8
thankyou, any questions?
by Alveena, Fiona & Javeria