Problems Faced By Millennial Women

Its 2020 and the fight for equal rights for women is still not over. With the world experiencing the third wave of feminism and #metoo trending once again social media, we really need to ask ourselves, are we still dealing with the problems of the past? With so many women in leadership positions outperforming their male counterparts, are we still dealing with problems like the pay gap, objectification of women, gender roles and what not? Let’s discuss the problems faced by millennial women.

PAY GAP

Gender pay gap seems to be one of the biggest problems faced by millennial women. The reason for this ranges from socioeconomic to structural. Girl children are not allowed to go to schools, Even if they do, they are made to drop out in most cases. Even if they manage to get educated, they are not allowed to work. Women who do join have to take maternity leaves or leaves for taking care of other family members. All of this gradually leads to the whole falling off behind men when it comes to their earning overtime.

BOLLYWOOD

Objectification of women is another issue. The way women are portrayed in movies adds fuel to already existing problems. More often than not, women in item songs are shown surrounded by men performing provocative and sexual dances. This sends out a wrong message in society. Movies also tend to reinforce the stereotypes like women being submissive and them doing household work. One example of this is the film Kabir Singh. This sets the wrong expectations for women.

Also Read: Top 30 Most Powerful Women in the World

RURAL AREAS

Across the unorganized sector, in areas like agriculture, women are routinely paid significantly less because they are considered incapable. It’s very difficult for women to break free of their traditional roles and go out to earn bread for their family. Patriarchy exists everywhere but it’s more deep-rooted in rural areas. There are socio-cultural barriers and lack of resources which make everything difficult for women. People generally send their sons to schools and daughters are kept at home to look after the younger siblings.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

In the wake of the news about Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s sexual crimes, the words ‘Me Too’ were all over social media, with women everywhere posting them in solidarity. Some of the men were named and shamed when the #MeToo movement swept across India. After decades of silence sexual harassment was acknowledged as an issue and people spoke about it openly.