That women are still not treated equal to men isn’t a secret. Many women have to experience disadvantages just because of their gender. Sexual harassment, prejudices and unequal opportunities are just some to mention. Moreover, females are way underrepresented in politics and economics. Even though the government should represent our society, there are only 27.5% females in the current congress. Also, in business women only have 28% of board seats on the Russell 3000 index of publicly traded companies. Men are two to three times more likely to hold senior management positions. In addition, women earn about $10,000 less than men - this is considered the gender wage gap. This gap is even worse for Black, Latina and women of color. As we can see from these numbers, women are underrepresented and still marginalized.
However, women aren’t necessarily less qualified than men - their performance just tends to be more underrated. Women are on average 30% less likely to be called for a job interview than men with the same characteristics. One way to create more visibility for women is a gender quota. This is a tool to increase women’s representation in politics and businesses by requiring a certain number or percentage of women in leading positions. For example, 40% of board members must be female.
At first, it may be argued that gender shouldn’t play a role whether someone gets a job or not. A person should be chosen because of their qualities. A gender quota might be considered unfair, or women don’t like to be chosen just because of their gender. I can understand these points to a certain extent. However, currently our society is not at a point where gender doesn’t play a role anymore. Women, especially Black, Latina and women of color, experience disadvantages. A gender quota is not about erasing men’s merits, it is about removing obstacles and leveling the playfield for women. It could ensure that our government truly reflects the population it represents. Businesses which established a gender quota in their leading positions noticed smarter decision-making. A diversified board brings more opinions, ideas and life realities into a business. Non-male persons can offer different perspectives that haven’t been taken into consideration yet.
In my view, a gender quota is a good way to create more diversity. Our society is so diverse but usually this isn’t represented in politics or economics. I don’t think that we should have a gender quota forever but at least till we reach the point where women are treated equal to men.
Questions
What do you think about a gender quota?
Should a gender quota be mandatory in congress or leading business positions?
How high should this quota be (30%,40%,50% ...)?
Sources
https://cawp.rutgers.edu/facts/levels-office/congress/women-us-congress-2022
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/03/what-is-the-gender-wage-gap-in-your-state.html
https://thefeministshop.com/blogs/the-feminist-shop-blog/gender-quotas
https://fortune.com/2022/09/30/how-many-women-sit-corporate-boards-record-28-percent-russell-3000/
https://www.gendereconomy.org/the-debate-about-quotas/
https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/465074-why-american-politics-needs-gender-quota/
Replies
I think that how you are treated/paid in a place of work or profession should be based off of how hard you work and the quality of your work, regardless of gender. As far as a gender quota in congress and other business positions, the same rule should apply. However, in general society, I believe that women should be represented as equally as men and shouldn't experience innequalites because of their gender.
I can understand you. Unfortunately, it is harder for women to get into these top positions because of their gender.
In my opinion, I think you should get paid for how hard you work and what you accomplish. Men in my opinion are getting paid more because they have harder jobs. I think if you are good at what you do and it is showing you should get paid the same. I think the quota should be around 45%.
I think that you should get paid for how hard you work. I think that men are most likely getting paid more because they are mostly the ones doing the hard or tough jobs. I think that if you are good at your job and are productive it shouldnt be dependent on your gender it should be on how hard you have work and how much money you have earned your company.
I see your point. However, I also think that women are capable of doing the same work as men do. I think that they just need to work even hard to get into these positions.
I think that having gender quotas would be a very good idea and it should be mandatory for various positions. This would allow for a more diverse work environment and would also prevent from sexism. This quota should be 50%, unless it is a business that only one gender or not a lot of the other gender applies for. If 9 men apply for a positon and only 1 woman does, it isn't fair to only hire 1 man because it has to be 50%.
I totally agree with you! This would make companies way more diverse.
I think that there should be a gender quota. Women are very underrepresented in this time. All of the womens rights movements have definitaly helped and majorly helped, there is still more that needs to be done. I think the quota should be around 40%. I think that because, if it is to high then men could make a even bigger issue over it.
I agree with you. Women definetly need more representation.
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