Across Women’s Lives: Major Issues Facing Females Globally
“Break the silence. When you witness violence against women and girls, do not sit back. Act.” Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary – General
Across Women’s Lives: Major Issues Facing Females Globally
UN: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Worldwide, women live an average four years longer than men. In 2011, women’s life expectancy at birth was more than 80 years in 46 countries, but only 58 years in the WHO African Region. Girls are far more likely than boys to suffer sexual abuse. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among adolescent girls in high- and upper-middle-income countries. Almost all (99%) of the approximate 287 000 maternal deaths every year occur in developing countries. Globally, cardiovascular disease, often thought to be a “male” problem, is the number one killer of women. Breast cancer is the leading cancer killer among women aged 20–59 years worldwide WHO factsheet
In February of this year, a group of bloggers joined forces with Public Radio International (PRI) and SheKnows Media, BlogHer’s parent company, to bring a closer focus on the wide range of issues that impact women’s lives. The key goal of this initiative – #womenslives – remains to encourage us all to initiate dialogue and contribute stories about women’s issues; women’s rights, health, education, wealth, economic development and more. As a Mother of twin girls, a sister, daughter, aunt, girlfriend, and a member of the female gender, I am always aware of the many issues my kindred sisters struggle with on a daily basis. While there is a school of thought that prefers to believe that gender equity is a non-topic, many of us would rather see and live in a world that treats all of its members with fairness, dignity and respect. I have taken the liberty to share statistics and videos (including some from TEDWomen 2015: Momentum and TEDWOMEN) that will help elucidate the issues that continue to face us as girls/women globally. As shown, above and below, health remains a powerful point of impact and flows into other facets of our lives.
“I know how important good mental health care can be because I personally benefited from it.” Tipper Gore
Across Women’s Lives: Major Issues Facing Females Globally
Critical Issues in International Women’s Health
Depressive disorders account for close to 41.9% of the disability from neuropsychiatric disorders among women compared to 29.3% among men. Leading mental health problems of the older adults are depression, organic brain syndromes and dementias. A majority are women. An estimated 80% of 50 million people affected by violent conflicts, civil wars, disasters, and displacement are women and children. Lifetime prevalence rate of violence against women ranges from 16% to 50%. At least one in five women suffer rape or attempted rape in their lifetime.
Health Related issues: If we stop to consider the statistics above, it can become overwhelming but we must not stop there. Did you know that there are 2 billion malnourished people globally and most are women and children? Did you know that there are 35 million people with hiv/aids of which half are women? I know some of you have read my posts on this subject but, let me say it again; heart disease remains the #1 killer of women – cardiovascular/heart disease is an insidious killer of women and getting regular checkups isn’t always available to many around the world. What are you doing about it? Start where you are and spread the word in your community. According to curated data from the World Health Organization WHO, Abortion rights, Reproductive health, Mental health, Malnutrition, Hunger, breast cancer, HIV/AIDS are also high on the list of health related issues that have a negative impact on women’s lives.
“I am a bad feminist and a good woman.” — Roxane Gay lights up #TEDWomen http://t.co/xvjzrHPiZu @rgay pic.twitter.com/7zP4BysPZS
— TED News (@TEDNews) May 28, 2015
When we add the one (1) billion women living in poverty and lack of education to the mix, and we begin to understand that these issues are both endemic and enervating. Although a recent UN Report on Hunger via the New York Times shows that Hunger numbers have dropped from 1 billion to 795 million, we are still dealing with massive numbers of women, men and children who go hungry every day. Since women tend to give up their share to their children, it is no surprise that the percentage of women who go hungry and become malnourished remains high. Since our brains need fuel to function effectively, hunger has a tremendous impact on education outcomes; a hungry child will have difficulty concentrating in a classroom and eventually will flunk or drop out.
If you are eager to explore the vast women’s issues subject, there are so many resources available; PRI has done a superb job of reporting and curating fascinating and heart-wrenching topics for your perusal. I’ve added links above/below for you to visit and read up, and also will continue to update this post by adding links to specific topics that moved me. Many of them reminded me that our work will never be completed until all of us, men and women, join the movement for gender equity. Throughout this post, take some time to read the UN Reports, TEDWomen 2015: Momentum, PRI posts, and other great sources of information that will help shed light on the subject. Knowledge is power; the more informed we are, the more empowered we will be.
“The growing understanding of the detrimental impact of violence on women and society as a whole needs to be translated into investment in the implementation of strategies for the promotion of gender equality and the prevention of violence.” Carmen Moreno, with Hilary Anderson and Renske Hoekstra (Inter-American Commission of Women, Organization of American State) via Open Square Compendium on Research-Evaluations-Analysis-Data (READ) for SAFE PASSAGE: Gender-Based Violence and Global Education
Across Women’s Lives: Major Issues Facing Females Globally
Across Women’s Lives: Major Issues Facing Females Globally
Breaking it down: The economics of a sex worker in Thailand | The World
…”Prevalence of two forms of violence against women: violence by an intimate partner (intimate partner violence) and sexual violence by someone other than a partner (non-partner sexual violence). Women aged 15-44 are more at risk from rape and domestic violence than from cancer, car accidents, war and malaria, according to World Bank data.
Domestic & All Forms of Violence against Females: “Honor killing,” Dowry Murder, Sexual harassment, Female Genital Mutilation, Violence during pregnancy, Rape/Assault/Violence in Situations of Crisis/Sexual violence in conflict. When we think of Violence against women/girls, it is shocking to learn that 35% of women globally experience violence in their lifetimes. We can’t help but look at our neighbors and friends who might have been victims of domestic violence and were fortunate enough to survive. If 1 in 3 women experience an act of violence, it is an alarming number and one that we must do everything in our power to address and combat. We can start with the way we raise our sons and daughters and the messages we feed them.
We can start by reaching out to our legislators and demanding more laws and funding to fight it. We can do more by joining organizations as volunteers and donors to ensure that those on the forefront of the fight get maximum support. Each of us can make a difference even in the smallest way. We just have to choose the path that works for us and follow through on it. While domestic violence might not impact some of us directly, it does have a far reaching impact in that we are co-workers, friends, parents, commuters, or even patients of the abused/abuser, and we’ve read enough news reports to learn that such exposure can put us in the crossfire of an act of violence.
“I have watched women go from victims to survivors after receiving services that the agencies funded by the legislation on domestic violence have been able to offer … And I believe we will see the same kind of impact from addressing sex trafficking among our foster youth.” Rep. Louise Slaughter
Across Women’s Lives: Major Issues Facing Females Globally
The underage victims of Thailand’s sex industry
The most widely cited definition of human trafficking is in the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons(1):‘[T]he recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.’
Human/Sex Trafficking & Exploitation: Did you know that about 2.5 million people are forced into human/sex trafficking annually and 80% are female? While some of us might feel that this is happening in other parts of the world, the truth is that it is happening in every country in the world. Human/Sex trafficking is in the USA too and we often walk by victims unaware of their desperate situation. For more homegrown insight, Read: The Whistleblower: Sex Trafficking, Military Contractors, and One Woman’s Fight for Justice by Kathryn Bolkovac and Cari Lynn Kathryn’s story will shock and inspire you to stop being complacent. As writer, Lori Foster, aptly said, “We tend to think of human trafficking as a foreign issue, not something that could happen here in our own backyards. But it’s a fast-growing problem in the United States, in every area, with no real defined demographic.” It is in every developed and developing country.
The day workers you meet at Nail shops (Read New York Times articles on: Nails and Nails), and similar industries, are often recruited and brought in to work for little or no wages and the abuse that follows makes it difficult for them to speak out and report it. The pornography industry is a $billion dollar conglomerate that feeds the taste and desires of a growing client population, and those who can’t get it locally, travel to nations with lower restrictions to feed their frenzy. While some women/girls fall into sex trafficking/ slavery/prostitution because of poverty, (over 1 billion poor women in the world today) others are forced into this situation and can’t get out. We need to keep our focus on asking governments globally to end it.
More Below!
“The Incheon Declaration rightly commits us to non-discriminatory education that recognizes the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment for sustainable development. This is a crucial opportunity for us to work together, across sectors, towards the fulfilment of the Education for All promise of peaceful, just and equal societies. A world where people are equal can only be achieved if our education also universally teaches this.” Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women Executive Director and UN Under-Secretary-General.
Across Women’s Lives: Major Issues Facing Females Globally
Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders
“The only labels you should have are the ones you give yourself.” — @maria_bello #TEDWomen pic.twitter.com/lHyWm6bnh6
— TED Talks (@TEDTalks) May 28, 2015
Globally women make up 40% of the paid workforce (2). In developed countries, such as the United States of America (USA), women now account for nearly half of all workers (3) but, in many developing countries that proportion is much smaller. In Pakistan, for instance, women represent 21% of paid workers (4). This gender gap is gradually shrinking as the share of women in paid work increases and the share of men in paid work decreases (2). Despite women’s increasing presence in paid employment, they continue to be under-represented in high-level and decision-making positions and often face barriers to their advancement (the “glass ceiling”). In addition, women on average continue to earn less than men, even for the same job (5) WHO – Gender Work and Health
Work/Health/Education/Gender Bias/Inequality: When we think of gender bias, what comes to mind are topics on job bias and education inequity. Yet, gender bias flows into every area of our lives. The woman who earns less wages than her male colleague might not always have a working partner to make up the difference, and so that old logic of men as supreme heads of households ought to be buried with that equally archaic belief that women are cut out for only certain types of jobs. As Sheryl points out above, there are fewer women leaders because of societal expectations and our acceptance of them. We can work to change this by taking actions that empower us and by aligning ourselves with others who will encourage us. If pay equity issues remain a hot button topic in the USA and globally, it is for good reason. When we are compensated fairly for equal work, we experience the power of financial independence, and are able to put our energies into fighting for our rights on other issues that contribute to global inequity.
One of the insidious side effects of any form of bias is the stress, and the mental and physical strain it places on all affected by it. I look forward to the day when all of us would feel that our efforts are being addressed and rewarded fairly. Once the matter of gender inequity is resolved, we will find that its impact was/is far reaching. Then, our attention can shift to other pressing areas of global concern. As a woman, I support this initiative on women’s lives because many of my life decisions have been influenced by some of these issues. What about you?
As the daily prompt on Baggage Check asked: We all have complicated histories. When was the last time your past experiences informed a major decision you’ve made?
Positive Motivation Tip: The lives of all humans matter. Girls and women matter. They are us and we are connected to many of them. Silence is death. Women’s lives matter.
For More: Women’s Lives & Issues
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Across Women’s Lives from PRI & SheKnows, and Prevelance of Violence via UN, and others via Wikipedia
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
It seems everyday voice against women is on the rise. It’s actually quite sad. It is a huge issue and we need to end it anyway we can! The statistics about things (money) is scary too men vs women!
Some of the issues face today are shocking. You’d think this day in age most of us would all just get along and treat each other with respect.
I’m amazed at the violence against women and how some women are stuck in these lifestyles! So sad!
I didn’t realize there were more women and children than men who are malnourished. I am pretty floored by that! I just thought men would fall in there fairly equally. I think women will sacrifice more than men on food. 😉
I couldn’t agree more. People shouldn’t sit back and relax while other individuals, especially women, children, and the elderly gets mistreated or violated. Doing nothing is as worse as being the aggressor.
This is so great, such a good read. It revamped my motivation to help the cause. The honor killings and they way baby girls are murdered in China and India because their family does not want to pay dowry, is beyond disgusting and such a sad situation for these women to be born into. I only pray that we who are more able to use our voices do so in a manner that benefits those who cannot. Kudos to you!
Women are getting more and more into the leadership ladder in politics and business, yet there are still a lot of women suffering from problems like you have recounted in this blog article of yours. It is very hard to fathom why such injustice still exists in our modern society. – Fred
I appreciate you sharing this post. I know for a fact that women are more influential today than they were a long time ago. I really hope that women would draw towards each other so that we can be there as a support, listener, to have a should er to cry on, ect.
These are serious issues facing women that need to be address and who should partake but some of our global leaders. If we all do our part a little at a time these acts will decrease.
What a nice move! All of us should do our part to let the world know about the issues facing women today and to help eradicate these problems.
As long as our society — generally — has a “me first” attitude, these problems will not be solved. That’s true across the world, not just in the US.
what an impressive article! I have depression and know I’m not alone. You touched on so many important topics from trafficking, depression, healthcare and violence. We need to stand up and be heard.
It is a travesty how women can be treated. Even in this country.
Sad but true!
Wow! This is a lengthy yet worth-reading article because we’re talking about more than 50% of the population. I never knew they were that “public” in other Asian countries. Thanks for the good read!
Is it true that cervical cancer is caused by an infected sexual partner? Sorry, it just came to mind when I came across the part on women’ s health issues. I saw a trailer of one of the local shows and that was the insinuation.
Anyway, I agree. As women, we should make the initiative to step forward and try to do something to push laws against women abuse. It’s been so prevalent, society’s starting to see it as the new normal which is alarming.
This is the problem facing the leaders right now worldwide. It’s the culture and society that molded these never-ending negative events. Awareness and positive approaches are needed.
this is really great article, showing that women can also do tough jobs outside the home.
I agree, we should break our silence when we witness violence of any sort not just when it comes to women or girls, even when we see men or boys being hit. Violence is violence, it is wrong. We should stand up against what’s wrong and do something about it.
Education plays an important role in the lives of women and I’ve observed during Sunday college, these house helpers, working students and single moms attend my class with eagerness to learn and develop their skills because they know if they can graduate and find jobs or setup their business, they can get out of their poor environment.
While it’s not a panacea for all that ails us, it is a skill-set no one can take from us.
I love your motivation tip that states that “The lives of all humans matter.”
Wow, lots of information here to re-read and educate myself. There is a lot going on with woman!
While man are born equal, the environment they are born in made them unequal. The education or even the poverty issues are causing many ladies to suffer in silence. It’s indeed an important issue to look into!
A part of the problem seems to have been the extent to which women have tried to portray themselves as equal to men in all respects – to the extent of sneering at those who display what I was taught as good manners – deferring to, giving a seat to, standing when one enters and all that outdated stuff. Nevertheless, it did give women an image of someone to be cherished and respected.
As for violence, two of the stumbling-blocks are cultures which still insist that it is a man’s right to beat a wife, for example – and conundrum comes when there is too much drink and the violence is mutual. Still, the woman usually comes off worst, so probably the rule of interfering regardless and restraining the man is a good one.
Interesting perspective … we’ve come a long way and we have a steep climb ahead.
Past experiences are always shaping the way I make decisions nowadays. Our lives definitely do matter and we should be heard!
Amen!! Women across the globe needed to be treated with respect and love just as men do! Thank you for sharing!!
Eliz dear is it okay to re-blog or would you prefer if I didn’t ?
Go right ahead. Thank you so much for asking Gilly! 🙂
such an interesting post to read! these are very known issues around the world and is sad how equality is still not in place. even at my work place, ive had emails from male clients telling me to ask my developers about an issue when i am a developer…
Women never have it easy, I think. I like your positive tip of the day. Life of human beings matter, men or women
Sex slave trafficking and domestic abuse or violence bothers me. I feel sad for all those victims.
Ughhhh makes me so sad to think about all the horrible issues going on globally with women :-/ hopefully one day these things will no longer be an issue 🙂
I’m glad to see women stand up for this and I’m especially happy to see public figures such as Tipper Gore be vocal and honest about their experiences. Great initiative.
That photo of the lil’ girl holding the ‘Not for Sale’ sign is so powerful…and sad. This post makes me think of what women and girls have to go through in India.
it is refreshing to see so many women rolling up their sleeves and dive in to help. I am especially glad we are getting some great awareness thanks to high-profile women who care about the issues at hand.
I really love this. Thank you so much for sharing. It’s such an important topic!
As a woman myself, I feel really grateful to see more groups standing up for women around the world – especially in areas such as health, and also education and the workforce whereby there may be social stigma still in certain cities.
I have watched a real life story documentary about a woman who was being sold to foreigners for her family to earn money. She was very young then. When she was interviewed and asked why she does what she does and her answer was “to earn money”. When the interviewer told her why that way when there’s other way. It was surprising to find out she never really knew there were other ways on how to earn money.
It’s so sad that there are a lot of women who are forced to do things for the sake of providing for her family. The government should really create programs for women that would allow them to earn and be motivated individuals.
I’m actually happy to know that there are a growing number of female organizations being built to solve the issues each one of us are facing. All we need now it to support one another.
You have so beautifully highlighted what all women across the world are going through.Different form of violence is there in all the classes of the society but still many of them get unreported or women themselves dont want to come out.
I find Ted talk very impressive and almost all the episodes are inspiring.
I think it is great that bloggers are bringing awareness. It is heartbreaking to read about all of these statistics. We women need to stick together and help make a difference.
Even though we’ve come so far, it’s just amazing how much further women need to go.
Great post. It’s always great to see women’s issues highlighted.
We may come from different cultures but we often find ourselves fighting for the same causes. Women bring forth lives into the world. Their opinion matters. They matter. We must never forget that. -katrina centeno
There are indeed a lot of issues for women today. It’s nice that eventually they are having more voice and some of them are being addressed.
Sad to know that women suffered from these flights.. Child trafficking is something I can’t bear for it is quite rampant in our country.
Thank you so much for sharing your voice on women’s issues. All women should be treated equally and with respect as should anyone for that matter.
Seriously, I think it’s just so crazy that people don’t see how important women are and how much they need to be respected. Hope someday we finally experience equality for all! 🙂
This is an eye opener for concerned international and local organizations to work hand-in-hand in finding solutions to these problems women of today are facing.
Indeed women have gone through a lot. And yes, I’ve known several women who were made stronger by their experience. One good thing here is that VAWC is in place. I just hope our law enforcers and lawyers are going to be vigilant towards achieving the purpose of the VAWC law.
Human trafficking is one of them I remember a clip where most of the women are tutored and sold as slaves. This should be shared.
Why women? Are we the weak ones? I sad to know that women usually the victims. I hope we all can do something about women and sex trafficking, right now this is a hot issue in my country.
SO many issues that women around the globe face. It is easy for some of us to live in isolation and not realize what even our neighbor might be experiencing.
Great article you have here.. Thanks for sharing.
our society has double standards.. such a shame that women has to suffer and prove themselves and exert more efforts to be appreciated and accepted … i just hope in the coming years everyone is equal . no more abuse and violence but love and respect.
In spite of the many developments in our modern times, there is yet much to be done for women’s cause.
It’s sad how these are still happening in this day and age. Whether we come from different parts of the world, problems like these are still prevalent. I hope things change for the better sooner. We just have to do our part, and fight for a better world not just for women and children, but for everyone.
We have come a long way but we still have a long way to go. Women today are nowhere near equal to our male counterparts.We still don’t get paid the same and men still see us as objects rather than as people. We need to work harder to get our slice of the pie!
This article is so important. Issues affecting women still aren’t being taken as seriously as they should be, and if that doesn’t change, it will result in horrendous consequences for everyone.
I concur…. More women need to get on board too.
Reblogged this on Lucid Gypsy and commented:
A very informative article from Eliz Obih-Frank with statistics on issues that affect women globally. A must read.
Thank for the re-blog Gilly! Appreciated. <3
important topic, Eliz! (sorry to add: there is also violence vs. children)
So true Frizz… the list is very, very long. So good to hear from you! <3
I saw that Gilly had asked permission so I will also re-blog. The more exposure this post gets the better!
Thank you dear one… we all go back to our early blog community days. No permission required. 🙂
Reblogged this on Julia's Place and commented:
We may differ in our cultures, faith and skin colour but women share so much.
Thank you for the reblog!
Reblogged this on Scribblings from the Bluegrass.
Thank you for the reblog!
So sad how women can be treated so poorly. Yet it is a reality.
A powerful and disturbing post Eliz. The fact that South East Asia (read Indian subcontinent) and the middle East top the stats in violence against women shows how much culture has a part to play in the treatment of women. Education coupled with poverty eradication is the only way out. A long and arduous road indeed.
So true Madhu! These problems are still quite global and we need to work harder at dispelling myths and ending violence against women and girls.
So good to see you here TY! <3
Human trafficking is so real and important. I don’t feel like we talk about it enough. Thank you for sharing this.
It is so sad all the things that are happening in modern day to women. Very sad!! Something must be done
It’s almost 2020! I am appalled that these issues are still so prevalent. Thank you for using your platform to bring attention to them.
It’s so important that we all stand up for women! For our health and lifestyle! And mostly for equality!
Thank you for sharing all of these important resources. I am SO happy that someone is spreading this message.
While it’s easy to turn your face around while there is some violence happening against women, it takes guts and strength of character to stand against it. If you look away and do nothing about it, you could be the next victim.
This is a powerful and needed post. It’s crazy that In this day and age we are still being attacked we need to protect ourselves more and I hope things get better.
I completely agree. These problems are global and we need to work a lot harder and to educate men, women, boys and girls at dispelling myths and ending violence against women and girls.
Itss great to see you raising a voice for the women. Well done!!!
Such an important topic to bring awareness to, thanks for sharing
I this education is the biggest solution to these issues. It’s important to educate ourselves to help ending violence.
Issues commonly associated with notions of women’s rights include the right to bodily integrity and autonomy; to be free from sexual violence; to vote; to hold public office; to enter into legal contracts; to have equal rights in family law; to work; to fair wages or equal pay; to have reproductive rights; to own. Your post has enlightened in many ways.
Thanks for sharing the struggles women have around the globe. We need to support one any other more!
It’s so incredible that these days women are still not seen as equal with men. I was reading recently that in my country, because of the lockdown, women are less protected against domestic violence and the cases have risen as well. I can’t imagine how it must be to not be able to get out of the house and be forced to live in the same space as your abuser. It’s horrible…
This post was written so beautifully. So many things that woman all over the world go through.
Thank you for this list of major issues facing females. It is so true.
great sharing with stats to share what issues affecting the females globally, we as females need to stand up & be heard, to be treated equally & gain respect
It is very disheartening to see that at this age women still face these issues. It is important to voice out and be vocal about these problems.
Women are really powerful and great leadership but some women are facing voiceless because of violence it’s sad but it’s true.