While working in the fields, I noticed that women were often assigned the more labor-intensive tasks, such as picking and sorting produce, while men were given roles that involved operating machinery or overseeing the work. For instance, one day, a female coworker was struggling with carrying heavy baskets of produce, but when she asked for help, she was told to manage on her own. Meanwhile, a male coworker who asked for assistance with a simpler task was immediately given support. This unequal distribution of tasks made it clear that women were not being treated fairly, despite their hard work and dedication. This disparity was not only unfair but also demoralizing. Women were clearly capable and hardworking, yet their efforts were undervalued. Over time, I observed how this pattern affected us . Women seemed more fatigued and less motivated, while men appeared more relaxed and appreciated. This experience opened my eyes to the deep-rooted gender biases that still exist in many workplaces. It demonstrates the need for a more equitable distribution of tasks and support, ensuring that all workers, regardless of gender, are treated with respect and fairness. Addressing these issues is crucial for creating a more just and productive work environment for everyone.
How could the public admire and respect women who lead community initiatives? In recent years, our communities have faced numerous challenges, from economic downturns to social injustices. Businesses have struggled, families have faced housing insecurities, and many have lost their jobs. During these hard times, women have stepped up as leaders and change makers. Although often unsung, these women have empowered their communities by creating support networks, advocating for justice, and providing essential services. Their efforts have made them heroes for many, showing the power of women-led initiatives in transforming and uplifting communities. Just like Leslie, an LVN, started a weekly health check-up program for the elderly in her community. She organized volunteers to help with blood pressure checks, medication reviews, and health education. Her efforts improved the health and well-being of many elderly residents. These women inspire others in the community by leading by example and showing what’s possible through determination and compassion. They often start initiatives that address local needs, like setting up food banks, organizing educational programs, or advocating for policy changes (UNWoman). Their actions demonstrate that one person can make a significant difference, encouraging others to get involved and contribute in their own ways. By sharing their stories and successes, these women not only provide tangible support but also foster a sense of hope and possibility, motivating others to take action and support their community.
Figure 1The image shows people Marching with a sign that says "Woman demand Equality"
" Then and Now: Goals of The Women’s Rights movement” by Population Media Center covers the ongoing struggles and achievements in the fight for women's rights worldwide. The article starts by explaining that, despite many advancements, women still face significant challenges. These include issues like gender-based violence, unequal pay, and limited access to education and healthcare. Progress has been made. For example, more women are now in leadership positions in politics and business. There have also been improvements in laws protecting women from violence and discrimination. The article notes that these changes are often the result of long-term efforts by activists and organizations dedicated to women's rights. However, it also points out that there is still a lot of work to be done. In many parts of the world, women continue to face serious obstacles. For instance, in some countries, women are not allowed to own property or make decisions about their own bodies. The article emphasizes the importance of continuing to fight for equality and justice for all women, regardless of where they live. One of the main messages is that the fight for women's rights is not just about helping women, it's about creating a fairer and more just world for everyone. When women have equal rights and opportunities, societies as a whole benefit. This includes better economic growth, healthier communities, and more stable and peaceful nations.It reminds us that while there have been significant achievements, the journey towards true equality is far from over. This serves as a call to action, urging everyone to continue supporting and advocating for women's rights. Only through collective effort can we achieve a world where everyone is truly equal.
In the article "A Century After Women Gained the Right To Vote, Majority of Americans See Work To Do on Gender Equality" by Juliana Menasce Horowitz and Ruth Igielnik, the authors discuss the ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality in the U.S. One important point they make is that "about three-in-ten men say women’s gains have come at the expense of men." I think this is a really important issue to talk about. When men feel like they are being left behind, it can create a lot of tension and make it harder to push for equality. It’s not just about giving women more opportunities, but also about helping everyone understand that gender equality benefits all of us. If men see women’s progress as a threat, it can lead to resistance against changes that would help create a fairer society. Horowitz and Igielnik point out that these feelings are more common among older men and those without a college degree. This is important because it shows where we might need to focus our efforts to change these perceptions. Education and open conversations can help people see that when women succeed, it doesn’t mean men have to fail. Instead, it means our society is becoming more balanced and fairer. In my opinion, respecting each other and understanding that everyone’s success contributes to a healthier society is crucial. If we can work on changing these views, we can make better progress towards true gender equality. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, which is key to effective education and a better society overall. So, I agree with the authors that there is still a lot of work to do, and addressing these perceptions is a big part of it.
Society has let women down in many ways, making it hard for them to have the same opportunities and rights as men. Women often earn less than men for doing the same job, which means they have less financial security and independence. They face unfair treatment at work, such as being passed over for promotions just because they are women, stopping them from moving up in their careers. There are not enough women in leadership positions in politics, business, and other fields, leading to important decisions being made without considering women's perspectives. Women also suffer more from domestic violence, sexual harassment, and assault, and society often doesn't do enough to protect or support them. In many places, women don't have full access to reproductive healthcare, limiting their control over their own bodies and futures. Society still holds onto outdated ideas about what women can and should do, limiting their choices and opportunities. In some parts of the world, girls don't get the same chance to go to school as boys, keeping them from reaching their full potential. Fixing these problems requires big changes and a commitment to treating men and women equally, which will help society better support women and help them succeed.
Figure 2 The picture shows a young woman in light blue scrubs with long curly hair. She is smiling and holding the hand of an elderly woman with grey hair, who is also smiling. The young woman is wearing an ID bange and a stethoscope.
Leslie’s interview was quite the rollercoaster! She started by sharing how tough it was to work as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in the hospital. She said, “Imagine juggling endless tasks, long shifts, and the constant pressure of making sure everything is perfect. It was exhausting, and I often missed out on family time, which was really hard for me because I value those moments so much.” One of her biggest challenges was dealing with difficult patients and their families. She had some wild stories, like the time a family member insisted on doing things their way. She recounted, “It turned into a chaotic but unforgettable day. I had to stay calm and patient, even when things got really tough.” She also mentioned another time when a patient refused to take their medication, saying, “I had to use all my persuasive skills to ensure they got the care they needed.” But Leslie didn’t let these challenges get her down. She found ways to cope and thrive! She built a strong support network with her colleagues, who became her second family. “We were always ready to help or share a laugh,” she said. Leslie also developed a great sense of humor, which helped her stay positive and keep things light, even in stressful situations. “My colleagues often joked that I could make anyone smile, no matter how bad their day was going,” she added. Leslie also faced unfair treatment just because she was a woman. She explained, “Sometimes my male colleagues were given more respect and better opportunities, even if they had less experience. “Leslie shared more about her struggles with gender bias at work. She said, "It was really frustrating to see my male colleagues getting more respect and better opportunities, even though I had more experience. It felt like no matter how hard I worked, I wasn't being seen for my true capabilities." She recalled times when her suggestions were overlooked in meetings, only to be praised when a male colleague voiced the same idea. "It was disheartening and made me question my worth," she explained. Leslie also mentioned that promotions seemed to come easier for her male counterparts, which added to her frustration. "I had to work twice as hard to prove myself and get the recognition I deserved." Despite these challenges, Leslie didn't back down. She took on extra responsibilities and volunteered for challenging tasks to showcase her skills. "I wanted to make sure my voice was heard and that I was seen as a valuable team member," she said. Leslie's determination and resilience helped her overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger and more confident in her abilities. But Leslie didn't let that stop her; she worked even harder to prove herself and make sure her voice was heard. “I took on extra responsibilities and volunteered for challenging tasks to show my capabilities,” she said. To manage her workload, Leslie became a time management pro. “I used checklists and prioritized tasks, ensuring nothing was missed. This made me more efficient and gave me a sense of control over my busy days.” She even started mentoring new nurses, sharing her tips and tricks to help them succeed.
Leslie's story is a testament to the struggles women have faced for many years and how things are slowly evolving for the better. Throughout history, women have been fighting for their rights and equality. From the suffragette movement that won women the right to vote to the ongoing battle for equal pay and opportunities in the workplace, the journey has been long and challenging. In the past, women were often seen as less capable than men. They were expected to stay at home, take care of the household, and raise children while men went out to work. This created a significant gap in opportunities and respect. Women had to work twice as hard to prove themselves and earn the same recognition as their male counterparts. Leslie's experiences reflect these historical struggles. She faced gender bias at work, where her ideas were often overlooked, and promotions seemed out of reach. Despite having more experience, she had to fight for the respect and opportunities that came more easily to her male colleagues. This is a common story for many women, even today. However, things are changing. The fight for gender equality has brought about significant positive changes. More women are now in leadership positions, and there is a growing awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace (Weingartner). Policies are being implemented to ensure equal opportunities, and more companies are recognizing the value that women bring to the table. Leslie's determination and resilience are part of this positive evolution. By taking on extra responsibilities and showcasing her skills, she made sure her voice was heard. Her story is an inspiration and a reminder that while the fight for equality is not over, progress is being made. Women like Leslie are paving the way for future generations, ensuring that they won't have to face the same struggles. This I believe: the journey towards gender equality is ongoing, but with continued effort and determination, a more equal and respectful world is within reach.
Works Cited
Calderon, Leslie Personal Interview October,01,2024
Horowitz, Juliana Menasce, and Ruth Igielnik. "A Century After Women Gained the Right To Vote, Majority of Americans See Work To Do on Gender Equality." Pew Research Center, 7 July 2020,
www.pewresearch.org.
National Women's History Museum. "Feminism: The Second Wave." 18 June 2020.
https://www.womenshistory.org/exhibits/feminism-second-wavelinks
Population Media Center, Then and Now: Goal’s of The Women’s Rights Movement,
November 12,2020
https://www.populationmedia.org/the-latest/history-of-womens-suffrage
Weingartner, Jessica. "Women's Power in the Struggle for Freedom and Equal Rights." 21 Mar. 2024.
https://www.facinghistory.org/ideas-week/womens-power-struggle-freedom-equal-
Wood, Saffron. "The Role of Women in Society: Past vs. Present." 12 July 2023.
https://medium.com/@saffronwood570/the-role-of-women-in-society-past-vs-present-
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