HHR

MANICALAND STATE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

FACULTY OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

Assignment Cover Page

Surname: Falekeza

Name: Nyasha

Reg No: R1912698V

Program: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Level: IV

Semester: ii

Module: Gender and the world of work

Lecturer: Mr. M. CHIKOZHO

Question: Discuss any 5 strategies that can be employed to reduce gender inequality
between men and women in the world. (20 marks)

Gender inequality is a prevailing issue that affects societies worldwide. It hinders progress
and limits the potential of individuals, organizations, and economies. To address this issue
effectively, it is crucial to employ a range of strategies that promote gender equality. Sevaral
strategies can be employed to reduce gender inequality between men and women and reduce
gender inequality. These strategies include raising awareness of gender bias, implementing
gender equality policies, promoting women's leadership roles, addressing cultural and
religious factors, and leveraging information and communications technology (ICT) for
gender equality.

One strategy is to raise awareness of gender bias. Studies have shown that programs that raise
conscious awareness of gender bias can improve equity in various fields, including science
(Roper, 2019). By educating individuals about the existence and impact of gender bias,
society can work towards reducing its influence and promoting equal opportunities for men
and women. Promoting education and raising awareness regarding gender inequality is
fundamental to its eradication. Governments, NGOs, and educational institutions can work
together to create and implement gender-inclusive curricula. This includes educating students
about the importance of gender equality, teaching gender studies, and challenging gender
stereotypes. By fostering an environment that recognizes the value and rights of both men
and women, we can overcome societal biases and empower individuals to work towards
gender equality. Campaigns, workshops, and public discussions can be organized to address
the root causes of gender inequality, such as cultural norms, discriminatory practices, and
biases. These initiatives can challenge societal beliefs and promote gender equality by
encouraging critical thinking and fostering empathy.

Implementing gender equality policies is another effective strategy. Policies that promote
gender equality can be driven by strong political will and target-driven approaches
(Debusscher & Ansoms, 2013). However, it is important to ensure that these policies go
beyond mere public relations and result in real transformations that address the underlying
economic rationale, the neglect of women's invisible labor, and the formalistic
implementation of gender policies (Debusscher & Ansoms, 2013). It is also essential to have
strong legal frameworks and policies that protect the rights of women and promote gender
equality. This includes laws against gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and
unequal access to education and healthcare. Governments should enforce and strengthen
existing laws, ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence face legal consequences.
Additionally, implementing quotas or affirmative action policies can help increase the
representation of women in leadership roles and decision-making positions.

Promoting women's leadership roles is crucial for reducing gender inequality. Encouraging
women to take on leadership positions in various sectors, including health decision-making
roles, can contribute to greater gender equity (Bergen et al., 2020). This strategy involves
challenging gender-based norms, attitudes, practices, and discrimination that hinder women's
advancement and influence in decision-making processes. Empowering women and
promoting their leadership is key to combating gender inequality. Organizations and
governments should invest in programs that provide women with the necessary skills,
knowledge, and resources to succeed in their chosen fields. Mentoring programs, leadership
training, and scholarships targeted specifically at women can help address the
underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles. Encouraging women to pursue
careers in male-dominated fields, such as STEM, politics, and business, is also vital to
breaking gender stereotypes and achieving gender equality.

Challenging deep-rooted gender stereotypes and changing societal attitudes is vital to combat
gender inequality. This strategy involves implementing comprehensive awareness campaigns
and public education programs that challenge harmful gender norms. Engaging men and boys
as allies in promoting gender equality is equally important. By promoting positive portrayals
of women in media and encouraging discussions on gender roles and expectations, societies
can shift towards a more equal and inclusive mindset. Addressing cultural and religious
factors is also essential in reducing gender inequality. Research suggests that gender
inequality is not solely attributable to the absence of democracy but is influenced by culture
and religion (Cooray & Potrafke, 2011). By challenging and transforming cultural and
religious norms that perpetuate gender inequality, societies can make significant progress
towards achieving gender equity.

To address gender inequality effectively, it is essential to have strong legal frameworks and
policies that protect the rights of women and promote gender equality. This includes laws
against gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and unequal access to education
and healthcare. Governments should enforce and strengthen existing laws, ensuring that
perpetrators of gender-based violence face legal consequences. Additionally, implementing
quotas or affirmative action policies can help increase the representation of women in
leadership roles and decision-making positions. Leveraging information and communications
technology (ICT) can be a powerful strategy for reducing gender inequality. ICT can provide
opportunities for women and girls to access education, employment, and other resources
(Aguboshim et al., 2022). By closing the ICT usability gaps and ensuring that women and
girls have equal access to and proficiency in ICT, societies can empower them and bridge the
gender digital divide.

In conclusion, reducing gender inequality requires a multifaceted approach. Strategies such as

raising awareness of gender bias, implementing gender equality policies, promoting women's
leadership roles, addressing cultural and religious factors, and leveraging ICT can contribute
to achieving greater gender equity. These strategies must be implemented in a comprehensive
and coordinated manner to bring about meaningful and lasting change.
References:

Roper, R. (2019). Does gender bias still affect women in science?. Microbiology and
Molecular Biology Reviews, 83(3). https://doi.org/10.1128/mmbr.00018-19

Debusscher, P. and Ansoms, A. (2013). Gender equality policies in rwanda: public relations
or real transformations?. Development and Change, 44(5), 1111-1134.
https://doi.org/10.1111/dech.12052

Bergen, N., Zhu, G., Yedenekal, S., Mamo, A., Gebretsadik, L., Sudhakar, M., … & Labonté,
R. (2020). Promoting equity in maternal, newborn and child health – how does gender factor
in? perceptions of public servants in the ethiopian health sector. Global Health Action, 13(1),
1704530. https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2019.1704530

Cooray, A. and Potrafke, N. (2011). Gender inequality in education: political institutions or

culture and religion?. European Journal of Political Economy, 27(2), 268-280.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpoleco.2010.08.004

Aguboshim, F., Obiokafor, I., & Nwokedi, C. (2022). Closing ict usability gaps for nigerian
women and girls: strategies for reducing gender inequality. World Journal of Advanced
Research and Reviews, 15(1), 056-063. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2022.15.1.0665