2026 Global Social Work Midterm Question #3
Describe a form of sexism that exists in your country. Now consider the best practices described in Half the Sky and the reading about challenging gender norms via women's entrepreneurship. Describe a best practices global social work intervention you would like to carry out to counteract that form of sexism.
The most common forms of sexism in Lithuania are gender inequality in the labor market, manifested in wage differences, discrimination when women seek higher positions, and stereotypical views of the professional roles of women and men. Although women and men have equal opportunities in law, in practice women are more likely to work in lower-paid sectors (social services, education, care work). This is not because women are less inclined to pursue education, but because they face structural barriers, inequality, and injustice, which have a negative impact on women's career choices. They are less likely to hold top management positions and more likely to face preconceptions about their competence or "natural" roles in the family. There is also a persistent view that women should be primarily responsible for childcare, which limits their opportunities for professional development.
ReplyDeleteThe book Half the Sky highlights that one of the most effective ways to fight gender inequality is through women's economic empowerment—investing in their education, entrepreneurship, and financial independence. The discussion of challenging gender norms through women's entrepreneurship also emphasizes that economic opportunities can change social stereotypes and power relations within a community. In my opinion, the main idea of the book is that the exploitation and discrimination of women and girls is one of the biggest human rights problems of the 21st century, but at the same time it is also the greatest untapped opportunity for social and economic development.
I believe that a community-based program to strengthen women's entrepreneurship and leadership, targeting women living in rural areas or experiencing social exclusion, would be a particularly useful intervention. The program would include entrepreneurship training, financial literacy education, a mentoring network, microfinance opportunities, and psychosocial support. It would also expand knowledge about the exact sciences. Lithuania is a developed country, but I know from personal experience that women often face stigma in educational institutions (universities, colleges, vocational schools) if they want to study exact sciences, for example, to become a mechanical engineer. An important part of the intervention would be working with the community and men to reduce stereotypical attitudes about gender roles and promote equal partnership in the family and the labor market.
LINA VYŠNIAUSKIENĖ
DeleteI agree with Gabija's opinion regarding the labor market in Lithuania and women's opportunities to achieve higher job positions. Women who raise young children are particularly restricted. They are refused employment because children are often sick. The possibilities for caring for children under 3 years of age are also very limited. For example, in France, mothers who breastfeed babies can work part-time, and there are conditions for caring for such young children (only a few childminders).
In my country, one of the most common forms of sexism is that women are less likely to hold leadership and politically influential positions, even when their education and professional experience are equal to or higher than those of men. This is often described as the “glass ceiling” – invisible barriers that prevent women from advancing in their careers. Although many women in Lithuania complete higher education, they are still underrepresented in top decision-making positions.
ReplyDeleteI believe one of the main reasons for this situation is deeply rooted stereotypes. Women are still often seen as gentle, caring, and more suitable for supportive roles, while men are perceived as strong, rational, and natural leaders. Even if these ideas are not expressed openly, they influence decisions about promotions, trust, and responsibility. This can create a sense of being undervalued and may reduce women’s confidence in their own abilities.
While reading Half the Sky, I was particularly struck by the idea that investing in women changes not only their lives but also the well-being of the entire community. The book emphasizes that empowering women - especially through education and economic independence - is one of the most effective strategies for social change. Similar ideas appear in literature about challenging gender norms through women’s entrepreneurship: when women become visible as business founders, organizational leaders, or political figures, public attitudes begin to shift.
If I had the opportunity to implement a social work intervention to address this issue, I would create a program focused on strengthening women’s leadership. This would not be limited to training sessions but would also aim for broader change within organizations and communities. First, it would be important to work with institutions to promote transparent recruitment processes, clear competency criteria, and awareness of unconscious bias. Second, I would establish a mentorship network in which experienced female leaders support younger professionals in building confidence and professional skills. Third, practical skills such as public speaking, negotiation, and strategic planning would be strengthened, because often women lack not competence, but opportunities to demonstrate it.
For example, a municipality could implement a six-month program for highly educated women working in education, social work, or the public sector. Participants would receive mentoring, attend leadership workshops, and at the end present their own initiatives—such as a social enterprise project, a community initiative, or a plan to apply for a leadership position. At the same time, organizations would provide training on stereotypes and gender equality to ensure that change happens not only within women themselves but also within the system.
I believe such an intervention reflects best practices in global social work because it addresses both individual empowerment and structural inequality. It strengthens women’s voices, reduces stereotypes, and creates visible role models. Over time, this could help reduce sexism and build a fairer society where positions and opportunities are based on competence rather than gender.
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ReplyDeleteLiving in Lithuania, I often notice that one of the most noticeable forms of sexism is very strong gender role stereotypes. It seems that there is still a strong belief in society that women should be "caring," "gentle," and "family-oriented," while men should be "strong," "career-oriented," and "breadwinners." Although we say that we are all equal, in reality these expectations are still strongly felt. I often see that women are automatically assigned more responsibility at home - they have to take care of the children, the household, and the emotional atmosphere in the family. Even when a woman works as much as a man, it is often considered normal that she will "still have time" to do everything at home. This creates a feeling that a woman's time and work are less valued. Stereotypes are also evident in the workplace. Sometimes it seems that women have to prove themselves more in order to be taken seriously. There are still comments that women may be "too emotional" to lead, or that they "will go on maternity leave anyway," so they are viewed with caution. There is also a tendency to focus on a woman's appearance rather than her competence. This also contributes to the feeling that women are valued not for what they do, but for how they look.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading Half the Sky and an article about women's entrepreneurship, what struck me most was the idea that women's economic empowerment can greatly change their lives and even the whole community's attitude towards gender roles. When a woman has her own income, her own business, or at least financial independence, she becomes more visible and more valued.
I think this is very relevant to Lithuania, because sexism here often manifests itself in the expectation that women should take care of the home and men should earn money. When women become financially independent, these expectations begin to weaken. I also think that this form of sexism is deeply rooted because it is passed down from generation to generation - through family, school, and shared culture. Although the situation is gradually improving, it is still evident that women have to prove themselves more and work harder.
I think the best intervention would be a women's empowerment program that would help women feel more confident, gain more knowledge, and have more financial opportunities. Such a program would be practical and really useful in everyday life.
It could include:
• simple training on finances and how to start your own business;
• support and advice from other women with experience;
• small financial assistance for the first steps;
• a safe space where women could talk, share experiences, and feel understood.
Why would this help combat sexism?
Because in Lithuania, there is still a strong stereotype that women should be "homemakers" and that their opportunities are limited. When women have their own business, their own income, and more self-confidence, they can more easily break these stereotypes. This changes not only their lives, but also the attitudes of those around them.
I think that the issue of enforced gendered stereotypes and roles is incredibly important as it shapes the culture of a community. While it is not true that women are only good at / should only be homemakers, once that stereotype is built upon; with traditions, with laws, with societal norms, it makes a world where societally and politically women are not given the opportunity to try and do anything except what the norm says they should. An example of this is former Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who fought against gender discrimination in the law, she was one of the only women studying law at the time and was not hired anywhere because of a million sexist excuses. When she went to court to fight for gender equality, she recieved a lot of disapproval from many of the people (men) in power because they thought women were where they belonged and were not capable of doing the "harder jobs", but it is never that one can't, but that they have been denied the opportunity to try. I think your empowerment program is such a powerful way of given women feel more confident and capable in managing their lives and independence, and in changing the culture around the stereotype.
DeleteIn Lithuania, I still notice a form of sexism related to the evaluation of women's appearance in public and professional situations. Women often receive comments about their clothes, weight, or appropriate appearance, even when it is completely unrelated to their work or abilities. Meanwhile, such things are rarely discussed in relation to men. This may seem like a minor issue, but in fact, such constant criticism of appearance limits women's self-confidence and forces them to constantly think about how they look rather than their competence. It is a subtle but very real form of sexism that makes women feel that they are being judged not on their work but on their appearance.
ReplyDeleteBased on the ideas in the book Half the Sky, which talks a lot about the importance of empowering women through education and community support, and the ideas presented in the articles about changing gender norms, I believe that a good social work intervention would be simple educational campaigns about gender stereotypes and the harmful evaluation of women based on their appearance: e.g. "women are not just handbags or high heels, women are not their appearance." Such campaigns could take place in schools, workplaces, and even in the media. They would clearly state that a person's value does not depend on their body, weight, or clothing. It would also be useful to invite female leaders who could share their experiences and encourage other women to be more confident. Such intervention would help to gradually change public attitudes and reduce the pressure on women to conform to certain standards of "perfect appearance."
I completely agree, and I’ve experienced this myself. Once, when my work was being evaluated, a male colleague commented that my short skirt was “inappropriate,” even though it had nothing to do with my job. Unfortunately, in Lithuania, women are often judged on their appearance rather than their skills, while men usually aren’t. Comments like this may seem small, but they hurt confidence and make women focus on looks instead of work. I really like the idea of campaigns and talks that teach people that women’s value is about their abilities, not their clothes or body.
DeleteYour observation about how women’s appearance is constantly evaluated is very relevant. It might appear to be a minor problem, but studies indicate that such daily examination of gender supports gender inequality by making the focus on the competence of women fluctuate to their bodies (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). Educational campaigns, as you said, may be a significant step to subvert these norms. Gender stereotyping research also indicates that the awareness program in the workplace and school can slowly transform attitudes and decrease bias.
DeleteIt has much in common with the case in Russia. Women are also often evaluated not on their skills but on how they look and norms on femininity are usually confirmed in the media and at workplaces. The pressure may have an impact on the confidence and career opportunities of women. And I believe that your concept of engaging female leaders and role models is particularly potent since it does not just break stereotypes, but also demonstrates other possible approaches to the definition of success in women.
LINA VYŠNIAUSKIENĖ
ReplyDeleteSexism in Lithuania is often seen through gender pay gaps. Women are more likely to work in lower-paid jobs. These are not just decisions made by employers – these are societal norms. According to Eurostat data, the gender pay gap in Lithuania among young workers (<25 years old) is as high as 12.8% (2024). This economic inequality is a sexist norm, as women are understood as “helpers”.
The book “Half the Sky” highlights gender inequality, the exploitation of women and girls (prostitution, trafficking, poor healthcare, limited educational opportunities). The book is a call to action! The book emphasizes the importance of creating a source of income, violence prevention, health, rights, not only helping women, but also changing the system and attitudes.
In Lithuania, I would introduce the practice of social work intervention - a "gender-transformative" economic empowerment intervention, the aim of which is to increase the importance and economic power of women's work, reduce wage inequality, and change attitudes about the role of women. Stories change norms.
I would use financial literacy and public speaking training, encourage mentoring from experienced businesswomen (it is best to learn from an example. By the way, there are already such mentoring clubs in Lithuania, e.g., She is glowing, BNI Hanza club), provide assistance in contact with clients or banks. Of course, it is very important to conduct audits on remuneration transparency, publicize real success stories (after all, examples inspire us), involve men, which would reduce discriminatory beliefs. I would also pay attention to legal aid, crisis centers, and the search for childcare models (currently, there are extremely limited options for childcare for children under 3 years old in Lithuania).
The devaluing of women's work is a practice supported by norms. Therefore, it is very important to empower women and change the rules, and of course, expectations.
One clear example of sexism in Lithuania is inequality in the workplace. This includes the gender pay gap, the separation of jobs by gender, and the fact that women are less often in leadership or decision-making positions. A 2024 public opinion survey shows that Lithuania still has serious gender inequality problems, such as differences in pay, job segregation, and fewer women in leadership roles. The survey also found that women are more likely than men to feel that they do not have equal rights (31% of women compared to 14% of men). Data from UN Women (n.d.) by 2018 data also shows that there are still gaps in gender equality in Lithuania, especially in the labor market and in unpaid care work because women spend almost twice as much time on unpaid household tasks as men (16.7% woman and 8.3% men). “Half the Sky” highlights that women’s economic empowerment can drive broader social change. It stresses the importance of local, community-based efforts, as well as mentorship and education for women as powerful tools for transformation. The book also emphasizes the need to change social norms and to prevent violence or backlash that can occur when women gain more power and opportunities.
ReplyDeleteA useful social work program in Lithuania could focus on helping women start businesses and become leaders. The program could offer business training, digital skills, and financial support through women-led groups, with help from local women’s NGOs. It would also include leadership training and community activities to challenge ideas that limit women’s roles in leadership and place most household work on them. Social workers could also provide safety planning and support services to help protect participants from possible domestic violence. In my opinion, this type of practice, where NGOs led by women take the lead, could work effectively and gradually encourage changes in state institutions as well.
One form of sexism that exists in Lithuania is gender inequality, especially lower career and business opportunities for women. Women still work with stereotypes that their main role is to take care of the family and children, which is why they are encouraged to start a business or seek leadership positions. Women; - are paid less than men for similar work,
ReplyDelete- have fewer opportunities to obtain financing for business.
Such stereotypes limit women's economic opportunities and independence, and are therefore considered a form of sexism.
The best practice of social work interventions
The book Half the Sky emphasizes that one of the most effective tools to combat gender inequality is women's economic empowerment programs, especially by promoting their entrepreneurship.
Global best social work practices in this area are:
• Women's entrepreneurship and financial literacy programs - training that helps women create and manage a business.
• Microcredit and financial support - small loans or financing programs for women to start a business.
• Mentoring and support networks - help from experienced entrepreneurs for women starting a business.
• Reducing gender stereotypes through education and social campaigns.
Such interventions help women become economically independent, increase their opportunities in the labor market and contribute to gender equality in society.
According to the practice described in the book Half the Sky, one of the most effective measures to combat gender inequality is the economic empowerment of women, especially by promoting female entrepreneurship. Such initiatives help women become financially independent and increase their opportunities in the labor market.
Various initiatives are underway in Lithuania to promote female entrepreneurship and economic independence. For example: - Entrepreneurship training and programs for women - training is organized that helps women acquire knowledge of business creation, financial management and marketing. -Financial support for beginning women entrepreneurs - state and European Union programs provide support for small businesses or startups created by women.- Mentoring programs - experienced businesswomen share their experience and help other women start or expand their businesses.- Women's business networks and organizations - communities are created where women can collaborate, share experiences and receive professional support. Such initiatives help reduce gender inequality by giving women more opportunities to create, earn an income and actively participate in economic life. This is in line with the idea emphasized in the book "Half the Sky" that women's economic empowerment is one of the most important ways to combat sexism and gender inequality in society.
Domestic violence against women and the poor legal reaction towards it is one of the forms of sexism that prevail in Russia. Some types of domestic violence were decriminalized in 2017 as long as they do not result in severe bodily injury. Due to stigma, fear, lack of shelters or services, most women stay in abusive relationships.
ReplyDeleteAccording to studies conducted on gender inequality, women are usually confined in abusive relationships through legal and institutional barriers that restrict their access to justice and resources. As an example, the literature on discriminatory legal regimes shows that unequal laws can support male domination in families and deny women the opportunity to leave abusive environments safely (Deif, 2005).
Based on the best practices outlined in Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, the intervention would consist of community support and economic empowerment (Kristof & WuDunn, 2009).
One of the potential programs would be entrepreneurship training, small grants or microloans, mentorship, and support groups of survivors of domestic violence. It would also involve counseling and legal education on the rights of women.
Economic independence is critical as most women remain in abusive relationships because of financial reliance. By encouraging women to be entrepreneurs, it is possible to make the world a safer place, disrupt the conventional gender roles, and establish more effective community networks. This practice represents one of the major concepts of global social work which is empowerment coupled with structural change towards enhancement of gender equality (Kristof & WuDunn, 2009).
I believe that economic empowerment along with social support can be considered one of the most efficient strategies that social workers can use to combat gender-based violence since it allows women not only to restore their safety but to become self-reliant in the long term.
I think your thoughts are very important, especially how you show the connection between legal loopholes and women's vulnerability. I believe that decriminalization in 2017 is not only a legal but also a symbolic blow to women's safety. When the state sends the message that "it's not serious," it becomes even more difficult for women to seek help.
DeleteI also agree with your thoughts on economic empowerment. I often think that financial opportunities alone are not enough if a woman lives under complete control, fears for her children, or has nowhere to hide safely. Therefore, I believe that such programs must be very comprehensive: not only entrepreneurship training, but also real protection, legal assistance, psychological support, and community education. Otherwise, we risk offering solutions that are nice in theory but difficult to implement in practice.
I liked your analysis because it clearly shows that violence is not just an individual problem - it is a consequence of broader gender inequality. I myself am noticing more and more that as long as society continues to believe that men have more power in the family, it will be difficult for women to escape the cycle of violence, no matter how many programs or services are created.
I completely agree with your opinion that legal loopholes greatly contribute to women's vulnerability. I particularly agree with decriminalization, as when the state sends the message that violence is not that serious, women lose even more confidence in the support system. This can really stop them from seeking help and leave them trapped in a dangerous environment. In fact, financial assistance alone will not help if a woman is afraid of her partner, has nowhere to go, or is completely controlled. I also believe that support systems need to be broader: safe housing, psychologists, lawyers, community support groups - only then can intervention be effective.
DeleteI particularly agree with your observation that violence is not just a family problem. It is related to society's view of women and power within the family. As long as male dominance is considered the norm, it will be very difficult for women to escape the cycle of violence.
Yes, I agree with you, it was very difficult and scary for me when I started to create a business and work independently, although I knew finance well, but I needed knowledge in marketing. And the bot community helped me, of course I had to choose where the tuition fee was lower. But I could be subsidized by the government. Now you can only go to study a trade if you are unemployed, but that's not enough...
DeleteQuite a few forms of sexism, unfortunately, exist in Lithuania. The one I choose to discuss is sexism at work.
ReplyDelete1) Women are often treated differently in comparison to men because of existing assumptions related to motherhood.
2) Employers still quiet often see young women without children as a “risk” because they would become pregnant in the near future. And that can influence promotional decisions or salary increases. Job interview questions about marital status, the status of their relationships still do exist, unfortunately.
3) At the same time, women who already have small children are viewed as unreliable or risky employees because they might need to take sick leaves to care for their children. Ant that supposedly have a direct impact on their work performance and engagement.
4) This creates insane paradox: women without children are seen as a potential risk (of getting pregnant soon, so no need to invest in them), while women with children are seen as a burden (as they are supposedly not „all in at work“, etc).
5) In everyday life this is stronly supported by gender norms, since many people still believe that caring for sick children is primarily the mother’s responsibility. This is reinforced by cultural and parental beliefs as well as by financial superiority/power, since father (because of the above) earns more money.
6) As a result, women’s careers and salaries (may) progress more slowly than men’s. In addition to that they face pressure and have to double perform (quite often including the time when they take care of their sick children) at work to prove their value.
The readings suggest that gender inequality is often connected to broader social structures and expectations about gender roles. And that I truly support. Women are expected to take care of their home and kids. Because of these expectations, women often have fewer opportunities for career development or leadership positions.
Based on the best practices described in Half the Sky and the research on women’s entrepreneurship, one possible global social work intervention would focus on strengthening women’s economic independence (social support with kids, loans for beginning, part time jobs, extra support for own business). These kinds of initiatives help women gain income and more control over their work conditions.
But it has to go along with emotional liberations from the role of mother ONLY. Women need acceptance and validation that by doing so (actively performing at work) they are not failing as mothers. Therefore it should go along with psychological support/training and getting rid of the old beliefs about the roles of women and what they can and can not be doing.
Research on women’s entrepreneurship shows that when women have their own economic resources, they gain more independence and confidence (that helps with psychological resilience as well). This can also help challenge traditional gender roles in society. When women become visible as business owners or leaders, it gradually changes how communities see women’s abilities and roles.
But none of that is possible without changing the existing narratives. Therefore, the intervention could include support networks and discussions about gender roles in families and workplaces. Encouraging a more equal sharing of childcare responsibilities between men and women could reduce the pressure placed only on mothers. From a global social work perspective, combining economic empowerment with community support can help address both the structural and cultural causes of gender inequality and create more equal opportunities for women.
One of the places where sexism is often prominent in the United States is in the workplace. This remains an issue because women are often seen as the “caretakers” of a household rather than valued in the workforce. I can share a personal experience to illustrate this. My boss is a 40-something woman. She is the director of our department and has been with our organization for 20 years. She is extremely knowledgeable and qualified. However, other departments with male directors are treated as if they have a higher position than her. She is definitely treated differently in the workplace because she is a woman.
ReplyDeleteThe article Challenging gender norms and practices through women’s entrepreneurship makes this same point. While specifically talking about entrepreneurship, the authors talk about the role gender plays in the business world. The article talks about structural, social, and personal barriers that women face. Some examples of barriers include limited access to credit, land, education, and networks. The article argues that women’s entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for social change, but it does not automatically eliminate gender inequality.
In both the article Challenging gender norms and practices through women’s entrepreneurship and Half the Sky, best practices must include empowering women economically. A social work intervention that could be implemented could involve educating women in financial literacy. Since it is usually men who control financial spaces, it would be extremely empowering to have a women-led, women-focused training on financial literacy. A financial literacy class could be offered in many different contexts and countries. Along with the training, they could also provide access to microloans that would help women start small businesses. Half the Sky goes into detail about the life changing practice of microfinancing. This practice involves providing small, low interest loans to women and allows them to start their own business. Another aspect of inequality that I mentioned in the workplace is that men tend to have access to larger, more powerful networks. To combat this inequality, another aspect of this intervention could include mentorship and networking opportunities. This could include women mentoring other women, but perhaps an even more powerful intervention could be connecting women to influential and powerful men who could mentor them. The men could be trained in the effects of sexism around the world, and they could use their power for good to uplift and empower women. I like this idea of an intervention because it is an attempt at enacting some structural change, rather than finding a solution for an individual.
I like how you connect the readings to economic empowerment and propose structural interventions like financial literacy, microloans, and mentorship. and the use of your boss’s experience makes the issue tangible and relatable. Adding a brief example of how mentorship or networking could directly help women overcome barriers could make it even stronger. Overall, it’s clear, thoughtful, and solution-oriented.
DeleteIt is very important that people talk about this stigma and discuss it by referring to personal experiences or examples observed in their surroundings. Such examples help us better understand how gender stereotypes operate in real life and within the workplace. I believe that the perception of women primarily as homemakers is still deeply rooted in society. Because of this, when a woman holds higher or leadership positions, it can still cause surprise or doubt among some people. For this reason, these discussions are very important, as they help identify these stereotypes and promote greater awareness and gender equality in the workplace.
DeleteOne of the most persistent and tragic forms of sexism in India is connected to the dowry system. Although laws such as Dowry Prohibition Act are in place, women still experience harassment, abuse and extreme cases have been reported of dowry deaths. The gap between the legal and the reality is very clear, and there are a number of loopholes that make perpetrators get away with the crime. As an example, complaints are usually dependent upon survivors or their families to do so, but fear of stigma, retaliation, or social ostracization do not allow them to do so. Police may delay registration of cases or misclassify incidents, and legal proceedings can drag on for years, giving families a chance to manipulate outcomes. Even when convictions occur, punishments are often light, and societal attitudes frequently normalize the harassment, blaming women for “not fulfilling expectations.”
ReplyDeleteThese loopholes makes it clear that the protection of the law is not enough. These voids are important to be filled by social work interventions. The awareness of women regarding their rights and legal safety is only a starting point, yet it should not end there since social workers can help women to report to the police, refer them to help lines and interest groups, and offer emotional comfort during the long legal process. Peer supporting safe spaces should be necessary, where women could share their experiences, gain strength, and decrease isolation.
Another important point is the economic empowerment: financial literacy classes, microloans, and entrepreneur training will decrease the reliance on marital families and enable women to make independent choices and escape abusive partners in case of need.
It is also necessary to address the cultural and social aspects. Social workers will be able to involve the families, the leaders of the communities, and the authorities locally in discussions that will question the negative traditions, including the idea of dowry and make people respect the rights of women.
By tackling loopholes in law enforcement, gaps in social support, economic dependence, and entrenched cultural norms simultaneously, these interventions create a system where women are protected, empowered, and equipped to challenge the deep-rooted sexism that enables dowry-related abuse and violence.
Your post clearly explains how the dowry system continues to harm women in India even though laws exist to prevent it. I like how you pointed out that the problem is not only the law itself, but the gap between the law and how it is actually enforced. Fear of stigma, retaliation, and long legal processes can make it very hard for women or their families to report abuse. That shows why legal protections alone are not enough.
DeleteI also think your focus on social work interventions is really important. Raising awareness about rights is a good first step, but the extra support you mentioned, like helping women report abuse, connecting them to hotlines or organizations, and providing emotional support, can make a big difference during a difficult and stressful process. Safe peer support spaces are also a strong idea because they help women feel less isolated and allow them to learn from others who have gone through similar experiences.
One form of sexism that exists in the United States is the gender pay gap. On average, women are paid less than men for doing the same or similar jobs. Women are also sometimes overlooked for leadership roles or promotions because of stereotypes that men are better leaders or more committed to work.
ReplyDeleteA global social work intervention to help address this problem could be based on ideas from Half the Sky, which talks about empowering women through education, economic opportunity, and community support. One best practice from the book is helping women gain financial independence.
For example, a social worker could start a program that supports women entrepreneurs. The program could offer small business training, mentoring, and small loans to help women start their own businesses. This approach is similar to the microfinance and entrepreneurship ideas discussed in Half the Sky. When women are able to start and run businesses, they can earn their own income and gain more respect in their communities.
The program could also include workshops that challenge gender stereotypes, showing that women can be successful leaders and business owners. Social workers could partner with local organizations to provide childcare, networking opportunities, and legal advice so women have fewer barriers to starting businesses.
Overall, this type of intervention helps reduce sexism by giving women more economic power and challenging the idea that men should be the main earners. Over time, empowering women financially can help change attitudes about gender roles and create more equality.
I agree with your observation that the gender pay gap is still a serious issue in many countries, including the United States. Even when women have the same education and qualifications as men, they can still face barriers in promotion and leadership opportunities. This shows that gender stereotypes continue to influence decisions in the workplace.
DeleteI also think your idea about supporting women’s entrepreneurship is very important. Economic independence can help women gain more confidence and create new opportunities for themselves and their communities. Programs that include training, mentoring, and microloans could be very effective in helping women start their own businesses.
In addition, I think it is very valuable that you mentioned childcare support and networking opportunities. These practical supports can make a real difference because many women face structural barriers when trying to build careers or businesses. Overall, your intervention idea clearly shows how social work can contribute to reducing gender inequality and empowering women.
Among the several types of sexism practiced in Palestine is the low economic opportunities available to women because of traditional gender roles and the structures. Women in most societies are still required to perform duties at home rather than in their career or as business owners. This has led to a situation where women are more likely to be unemployed and have low access to leadership and financial services.
ReplyDeleteLabor market prefers to hire males over females also due to the roles structure, especially if the woman is married or a mother.
Even educated women would not be able to enter the labor market or even start businesses due to social expectations, inability to get funds, or inability to move freely in certain locations, for the employer it's safer and better to hire a male or the family won't allow her.
This type of sexism makes women less economically empowered and hinders their involvement in making decisions at family and community levels.
Inspired by the best practices discussed in Half the Sky and research on challenging gender norms through women's entrepreneurship, an effective intervention would be a community-based women's entrepreneurship initiative. This initiative must focus not only on empowering women and funding them, but to raising awareness to the community, families, and labor market of the importance of including women.
This is a very important point about how traditional gender roles limit women’s participation in the labor market and reduce their economic opportunities. Such inequalities often affect women’s ability to participate in decision-making both within families and in the wider community. I agree that supporting women’s entrepreneurship could be an effective step, but it is equally important to address community attitudes and family expectations. Raising awareness in society could help create a more supportive environment for women’s economic empowerment and greater participation in the labor market.
DeleteIn 1950–2000, women experienced various forms of sexism both in society and in the labor market, despite the official declaration of equality. In 1950–1990 (during the Soviet era), women had to work in almost all fields, but often suffered a double burden – they worked and at the same time were considered primarily responsible for household and child care. Although the law proclaimed equality between men and women, higher management positions were more often occupied by men. There was also a widespread view in society that a woman’s main role was to be a mother and a caregiver for the family. By 2000, society in Lithuania gradually began to talk more about gender equality, discrimination and women’s rights. More discussions arose about equal opportunities in work, politics and public life.
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ReplyDeleteOne form of sexism that still exists in Lithuania is discrimination against women in the workplace because of motherhood. Women without children are sometimes seen as a “risk” because employers think they may become pregnant in the future. At the same time, women who already have children are often seen as less reliable workers because they may need to take time off to care for a sick child. This creates an unfair situation where women can be judged not by their skills, but by assumptions about their family role. In my opinion, this is a very real form of sexism because it limits women’s career growth, income, and confidence.
ReplyDeleteThe ideas in Half the Sky show that women’s empowerment, especially economic empowerment, can create wider social change. The reading about challenging gender norms through women’s entrepreneurship also suggests that when women gain financial independence and become visible in business, stereotypes begin to weaken. Because of this, I think an effective global social work intervention in Lithuania would be a community-based support program for mothers and women returning to work.
This program could include entrepreneurship training, financial literacy, mentoring from other women, and small start-up grants or microloans. It should also provide practical help, such as childcare support, flexible learning options, and support groups. Another important part would be working with employers and communities to challenge stereotypes about mothers as workers. In this way, the intervention would not only help individual women, but also address the larger social attitudes that keep sexism in place. I think this is important because women should not have fewer opportunities just because they are mothers or may become mothers.
I really agree with your point about how women face discrimination in the workplace because of motherhood. It shows how women are judged not for their skills but for assumptions about family roles. This connects a lot with what I discussed in my post about the “double burden” women face—balancing work or studies with most household and caregiving responsibilities. Both situations highlight how traditional gender expectations limit women’s opportunities and independence.
DeleteI also like your idea of providing entrepreneurship training, mentoring, and childcare support. Just like in my post, these kinds of programs not only help women manage responsibilities but also challenge societal stereotypes about what women “should” do. Supporting women both at home and in work is really key to creating lasting change.
I think you describe a very real and sensitive form of sexism that many women experience in Lithuania. The situation you mention creates a paradox: if a woman does not have children, she may be seen as a potential “risk,” but if she already has children, she can also be perceived as a less reliable employee. In both cases, the focus shifts away from her professional abilities and towards assumptions about her family role. I agree that this kind of thinking can limit women’s career opportunities and financial independence.
DeleteI also like how you connect this problem with the ideas from Half the Sky. Economic empowerment really can be a powerful tool for social change. When women gain more financial autonomy and visibility in business, traditional stereotypes slowly begin to weaken.
Your idea of a community-based support program for mothers returning to work sounds very meaningful. I especially find the combination of entrepreneurship training, mentoring, and practical support like childcare very important. Without such practical conditions, it is often difficult for women to fully participate in the labour market.
I also agree with your point that interventions should not only support individual women but also challenge wider social attitudes, including employers’ assumptions about motherhood. Changing these attitudes is essential if we want real gender equality in the workplace.
In Cameroon, sexism appears to be a very prominent issue that cuts across several socio-political, economic, and cultural aspects that turns to have negative effect on most women who have little or no access to opportunities and well-being. In some local communities in Cameroon, boys education is prioritize over girls; some families still have the stereotype mindset that investing in a girls education is a complete waste of resources and less valuable because she will eventually end up marry and join another family. As a result, girls are more likely to drop out of school at an early age. In some regions, it is very normal to find young girls being forced to early marriages, this alone limits and have huge negative impact on their personal education, development, and ability to become economically independent.
ReplyDeleteA huge majority of women in Cameroon often have fewer chances for employment opportunities, faced with high level of discrimination, gender inequality which pushes them to concentrate in low paying informal works of life such as petite trading, farming, or domestic labor. Meanwhile access to land ownership, property inheritance, is also more limited for women.
In most rural communities, traditional norms usually place men as heads of households and as the primary decision makers, while women are often focused on domestic work, childcare, and support systems to their husbands. Some cultures still believe women can’t ascend to leadership statutory positions like chiefs, mayors, governors or ministers because they think they are less likely to succeed than men etc. This practice reduces women’s voice in decision making within the family setup and community as a whole. Domestic violence, harassment are also examples of sexism commonly faced by many women and society has made them to accept those horrible treatments as normal while discouraging them from reporting these abuse. However the ongoing conflict which has lasted for almost 10 years has worsened the situation for most women especially those within the Northwest and Southwest affected regions. Women and girls are at high risk of sexual exploitation, violence, abuse, displacement and insecurity makes them more vulnerable and during armed conflict. Many women as a result of this conflict have lost their farms, businesses, husbands and sources of income. School disruption caused by crisis has forced many girls to remain at home and may be pushed into early marriage or pregnancy, sex workers some into informal work which creates serious mental health challenges for many young girls and women.
The book Half the sky aims at empowering women and girls going through education, socio-economic opportunities, education, and creating local awareness of leadership roles is one of the most effective strategies to fight sexism. One of the major aspects discussed in the book is supporting women’s entrepreneurship, which seeks to allow women to be independent and have equal influence in their communities.
A social work intervention strategy I would like to recommend or implement in Cameroon is Women’s Economic and Political Empowerment and Leadership Program which will focus mainly on women affected by the Anglophone crisis which will help instill integrity, dignity and build a stronger self esteem to women and girls. while encourage the government to include our education system in schools and universities to fight against gender stereotype, will equally provide skills and entrepreneur training which will enable these women and girls develop small business, financial literacy, and promote vocational skills such as tailoring, agriculture/food production and processing.
Lastly, I will create support groups where women could share their experiences, receive counselling in schools, hospitals and in other areas of society By so doing, I believe it will greatly reduce women’s economic dependence on men, increase women's participation in community leadership, and promote gender equality and challenge sexism across Cameroon.
One form of sexism that still prevails in Lithuania is the limited number of women in leadership positions and the persistent gender pay gap (women earn less). These inequalities are reinforced by traditional stereotypes that women should focus on childcare and housework, while men should pursue careers and leadership positions. Such norms limit women's real opportunities and their participation in social and economic life. This situation is contrary to the fundamental principles of human rights and constitutes discrimination on the basis of gender.
ReplyDeleteKristof and WuDunn (2010) describe examples of good practice in their book Half the Sky, which talks about empowering women through the education system, economic independence, and community support systems. Bianco, Lombe, and Bolis (2017) argue that women's entrepreneurship can change the social system and help expand women's professional activities. Both examples emphasize that women participating in economic and social life help communities to overcome prevailing beliefs and stereotypes.
Based on these perspectives, the universal social work intervention that I would like to introduce and expand in Lithuania would focus on free women's entrepreneurship programs, financial literacy, and independence training. This intervention would give women self-confidence and thus possibly change the prevailing stereotypes in the country, which still limit the role of women in society.
The contradiction between the discourse of gender equality and professional reality
ReplyDeleteIn contemporary society, there is an increasing emphasis on ensuring gender equality and encouraging women to pursue professions that have traditionally been considered “male-dominated.” However, in practice, women who choose such professional paths often encounter additional social pressure, stereotypes, or criticism. Comments that question women’s competence or suitability for certain roles reveal that formally recognized equality does not always translate into real equality within the workplace. This demonstrates that gender stereotypes continue to influence professional choices and can hinder women’s professional integration and career advancement in fields historically associated with men.
Gender segregation in the labor market and wage inequality
Labor market analysis also reveals a certain degree of gender segregation across professions. It is often observed that sectors offering lower wages tend to have a higher proportion of female employees, while men participate in these sectors less frequently. This suggests that social and cultural factors still influence career choices and the overall structure of the labor market. Such patterns contribute to the broader gender pay gap, which remains a significant issue in many countries. Therefore, the question of gender equality in the labor market should be examined not only through the lens of equal access to professions but also through the real economic and structural conditions that shape employment opportunities.
Manifestations of discrimination in the hiring process
Despite the existence of legal mechanisms intended to ensure equal opportunity, women may still face discriminatory practices during the recruitment process. Employers sometimes take into account factors such as gender, age, marital status, or whether a woman has children, even though these aspects are not directly related to professional competence. Questions about marital status or personal life asked during job interviews may be considered a form of indirect discrimination, as they can influence the employer’s perception and evaluation of a female candidate. Such practices indicate that the principles of gender equality in the labor market are not yet fully realized and require more consistent institutional and societal attention.
Women’s empowerment and the role of social work in defending women’s rights
Based on the idea presented in the book Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, which emphasizes that women represent “half the sky,” it is argued that women’s social, economic, and political opportunities should be equal to those of men. However, in reality many women continue to face discrimination, psychological pressure, and unequal opportunities in the labor market and society. One of the key challenges is that some women may not recognize forms of discrimination or psychological abuse due to a lack of awareness about their rights and the principles of gender equality. Even when such situations are recognized, some women may hesitate to seek help because they fear stigmatization, losing their jobs, or facing additional social pressure. Furthermore, defending one’s rights within the legal system often requires financial resources, such as hiring legal professionals or initiating legal proceedings, and economic insecurity may therefore become an additional barrier to seeking justice. In this context, the role of social work becomes particularly important. Social workers can act as advocates who inform women about their rights, help them recognize forms of discrimination or abuse, and guide them toward appropriate institutions or support systems. Through these actions, social work contributes to women’s empowerment, increases their legal awareness, and strengthens their capacity to actively defend their rights within society.
The disparity between the notion of gender equality and the actual situation that women can experience in the labor market is well explained in your discussion. It successfully brings about the problems of stereotypes in the workplace, unequal pay, and hiring inequality. The argument on the empowerment of women and the influence of social work is also reinforced by the connection with Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity to Women Worldwide. On the same note, even in the Indian setup, even after the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, it is observed that most women continue to face wage disparities and pressure when venturing into male dominated careers, regardless of the laws that have been enacted. This demonstrates that, legal equality is not sufficient, and that further social consciousness and propping are required to obtain actual gender equality.
DeleteIn India, sexism appears to play a role in social and cultural practices that limit women’s rights and opportunities. One of the issues seen among the population of India is gender discrimination before and after birth. Many families prefer to have male children because sons are traditionally seen as carriers of the family name, performers of religious rituals, and providers for the family. On the other hand, daughters are considered an economic burden because of practices like dowry, even though it's strictly restricted by the law.
ReplyDeleteEven though there is a law against sex-selective abortion in India, the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. But the lack of proper monitoring of sex-selective abortion is still happening in many places in India. Also, the girls may receive less nutrition, healthcare, and educational support compared to boys. Even girls have a dream to study hard and achieve great things. Due to societal stigma, the girl child is an economic burden for the family; they will be forced to get married at a very young age after higher secondary education, as age will be around 18.
One intervention to overcome this issue should be a community awareness and empowerment program, which will work while engaging with parents, schools, and societal leaders. This program should challenge harmful beliefs about the value of girls. Social workers could conduct different workshops to promote the importance of gender equality.
Another important part is to create support groups and leadership programs for adolescent girls. These programs should focus on giving education support, life skill training, and mentorship opportunities, which help girls to develop leadership and confidence and question the inequalities around them. When girls get the opportunities to participate in decision-making, it challenges traditional gender norms and increases their social status.
This approach is inspired by the ideas highlighted in Half the Sky, which describe how empowering women and girls through education, community engagement, and social support can transform gender attitudes. By creating a change in the community viewpoint and strengthening the voices of girls, social workers can reduce sexism and promote gender equality in the Indian context.
The most common and not much discussed and glorified form of sexism that exists in my country is the expectation that women should be responsible for most household and caregiving work, even when they also study or work full-time. In many families, girls are taught from a young age that cooking, cleaning, and caring for children are mainly their duties, while boys are given more freedom to focus on education or careers. Because of this, women often experience a “double burden,” where they must balance work or studies with most of the household responsibilities. This can limit women’s career growth, education opportunities, and personal freedom.
ReplyDeleteIn Half the Sky, the authors emphasize that changing gender inequality requires changing social attitudes and empowering women at the community level. The reading about women’s entrepreneurship also shows that when women gain economic independence and leadership roles, communities start to rethink traditional gender norms.
The best-practice global social work intervention I would like to carry out is a community education and women’s leadership program. This program would organize workshops and discussions for both men and women about gender equality, shared household responsibilities, and respect for women’s rights. At the same time, the program would support women in developing leadership and entrepreneurship skills, such as small business training, financial literacy, and networking opportunities.
Another important part of the intervention would be working with young people in schools, teaching boys and girls about equality and encouraging boys to participate in household tasks and caregiving. When young people learn these values early, it can help change long-standing stereotypes.
The goal of this intervention would be to reduce the belief that caregiving and household work are only women’s responsibilities. By combining education, community dialogue, and women’s economic empowerment, social workers can help create a more equal society where both men and women share responsibilities and opportunities.
Sabitha, I myself align with your comment, I still see that is our country as well. On the one hand, this is truly a social inequality, but also it makes me think a lot about how deeply all that is rooted culturally (via stories or even fairytales parent tell to children, stories of male hoeroes and woman supporters, etc) in the entire generation(s). I agree that education for both men and women is very important and in as early age as possible, so that when they have their own kids, the bedtime fairytales could be about a strong woman and a caring dad who chose to live this way, or about both loving parents who navigate through work and family life and support each other rather that having a mother do it all oon her own.
DeleteSexism continues to exist in many societies, including Lithuania, despite gender equality being an important value in modern social policy. One of the most common forms of sexism in Lithuania is gender inequality in the labor market, which is reflected in wage gaps, limited career opportunities, and stereotypical gender roles. Social work, which aims to promote social justice and equality, can play an important role in addressing these inequalities. Drawing on the best practices described in the book Half the Sky and research on challenging gender norms through women’s entrepreneurship, effective interventions can be developed to promote changes in gender norms and women’s economic empowerment.
ReplyDeleteForms of Sexism in Lithuania
In Lithuania, one of the most visible forms of sexism is the gender pay gap and stereotypical expectations regarding women’s roles in the family. Women are more likely to work in lower-paid sectors such as education or social services, while men dominate higher-paid fields such as technology and engineering. In addition, societal expectations often assume that women should take primary responsibility for childcare and household duties. These factors can limit women’s career opportunities and economic independence.
Best Practices from Half the Sky and Women’s Entrepreneurship
The book Half the Sky emphasizes that one of the most effective ways to combat gender inequality is women’s economic empowerment. The authors argue that when women have access to education, financial resources, and entrepreneurial opportunities, they gain greater autonomy and can participate more actively in economic and social life.
Research on challenging gender norms through women’s entrepreneurship suggests that entrepreneurship can serve as a powerful tool for changing traditional gender roles. When women become entrepreneurs or economic leaders, they not only improve their own financial situation but also serve as role models for other women and younger generations.
Proposed Social Work Intervention
Based on these ideas, one of the best social work interventions in Lithuania could be a community-based women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment program. This intervention could include several key components.
First, social workers could organize entrepreneurship and financial literacy training, providing women with practical knowledge about starting a business, financial planning, and marketing.
Second, an important component would be mentorship programs, in which experienced businesswomen or professionals support women who are starting their own businesses and help them overcome structural barriers.
Third, the program could include microfinance or small grant opportunities, enabling women to start small businesses or social initiatives. Such financial support could reduce economic barriers and encourage independence.
Finally, social workers could implement community education initiatives aimed at challenging stereotypical gender norms and promoting gender equality. These activities might include workshops, discussions, and awareness campaigns about gender equality in both the workplace and family life.
Conclusion
In Lithuania, sexism often manifests through economic inequality and stereotypical gender roles that limit women’s opportunities in the labor market. Based on the best practices described in Half the Sky and research on women’s entrepreneurship, social work interventions focused on women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship can be an effective way to address this inequality. Such programs would not only improve women’s economic position but also contribute to broader social change and the promotion of gender equality in society.
In my understanding, sexism towards women is still a significant problem in Lithuania. There are still many stereotypes about women in society. They are often called weaker, emotionally unstable. It‘s still often assumed that women should take on traditional gender roles: focusing on raising children, doing household chores and cooking. There is still a pressure not to pursue a career but instead to build a family and be dependent on men. However, I believe that our generation is gradually trying to eliminate traditional gender norms and divide the differently within the family.
ReplyDeleteOne example of sexism in Lithuania is related to employment opportunities for women who have children. Employers can assume that mothers will prioritize child rearing work, take more sick days. Because of these reasons, women are considered as being less reliable employees and face difficulties looking for a job. This can be connected with wider gender stereotypes, where women are expected to take traditional gender roles. As a result, motherhood may create a negative impact on women‘s employment opportunities and financial independence. I‘ve heard that mothers feel like they have dropped out of the labor market.
Due to existing stereotypes, women are also less likely expect to hold leadership “suit and tie“ positions. According to societal norms, women are still expected to be nurses, secretaries, hairdressers while men occupy higher ranking roles.
In the reading by M. Emilia Bianco, Margaret Lombe, and Mara Bolis, several practices were explained to adress sexism and challenge gender norms through women‘s enterpreneurship. This include transforming harmful gender norms and empower women to have their own sources of income. This can help to reduce gender inequality and the idea of men being the breadwinners of family. I liked the idea of creating skills building and support networks. Those networks should include business skills, confidence and financial literacy, shared knowledge teaching. In my view, this example of empowering women, could be applied in Lithuania. By creating supportive and community based groups, women could discover their strengts, gain more confidence in starting their own businesses, and becoming less dependent. I believe that this would help women to be seen and heard while challenging deeply rooted traditional gender roles. Support and encouragement are very important.
One form of sexism existing in Lithuania is gender inequality in the work, particularly wage differences between women and men, different job opportunities, and fewer women in leadership positions. Laužadytė-Tutlienė and Mikučiauskaitė (2022) found that women are more likely to work in lower-paid “female-dominated” sectors, while fewer women hold higher-level positions, which explains part of the wage gap. Even when women have the same or higher education as men, stereotypes and traditional gender roles in the family limit their career opportunities. Women more often take primary responsibility for childcare, which makes it harder for them to reach leadership positions and become financially independent. Moreover, gender inequality is not limited to wages or career opportunities. It also affects women’s self-esteem and their ability to pursue personal goals. Traditional views of what constitutes “male” or “female” work create stereotypes that can be passed from generation to generation, restricting women’s choices. For example, women often face stigmatization if they wish to work in technical jobs, which are traditionally considered “male-dominated.” Reading the book Half the Sky highlights that one of the most effective ways to combat gender inequality is women’s economic empowerment. This not only provides financial independence but also changes societal attitudes and stereotypes, demonstrating that women can successfully occupy a variety of professions and leadership positions. Ways to achieve this include: Changing stereotypical attitudes about “male” and “female” professions and promoting a culture of equal opportunities in the family and workplace. Providing women with opportunities to work in traditionally male-dominated jobs and hold higher-level positions, without discrimination based on emotions or perceived competence. Organizing courses where women acquire skills in business planning, marketing, and financial management. Therefore, one potential intervention in Lithuania could be gender equality education programs in schools and universities, aimed at changing attitudes toward gender stereotypes from an early age. It would also be possible to develop a system that tracks wage gaps, career opportunities, and employment of women and men in different sectors to monitor progress effectively. A social work intervention could involve creating targeted groups for women facing employment challenges, particularly: Women in rural areas and smaller towns and Women experiencing social exclusion or discrimination in the labor market. Within these groups, training could be provided on business planning, financial management, and investments, equipping women with the skills to start and manage their own businesses or pursue higher positions at work. Additionally, connections could be established with experienced entrepreneurs, leaders, and experts who could provide mentorship, guidance, and practical support.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteOne form of sexism that still clearly exists in Lithuania is the belief that some professions are “male” and others are “female.” Even today many people think this way, sometimes without even noticing it.
For example, technical, physical or leadership jobs are still more often associated with men. Construction, engineering, mechanics, or higher management are usually seen as “male spaces.” At the same time, professions connected with care, education, social work, or service are more often seen as “women’s work.”
The problem is that work traditionally done by women is often valued less and paid less. Because of this, women’s average salaries in Lithuania are still lower than men’s. Part of the gender pay gap exists exactly because women are concentrated in sectors that society historically considers “female.”
There is also a cultural expectation that women will take more responsibility for family care. Because of this, women sometimes interrupt their careers or accept less demanding jobs, which also influences income and professional opportunities.
So sexism today is often not open hostility, but rather a set of social expectations about what women should and should not do.
A social work intervention to counteract this sexism
The book Half the Sky shows that one of the strongest ways to challenge gender inequality is economic empowerment of women. When women have financial independence and professional opportunities, social attitudes slowly begin to change.
If I could develop a social work intervention in Lithuania, I would focus on expanding women’s opportunities in professions that are traditionally seen as “male.”
The program could include mentoring, training, and practical support for women who want to work in fields such as construction, technical trades, engineering, or other male-dominated sectors. For example, women could receive training, meet female role models working in these professions, and receive support if they want to start their own small businesses.
Another important part would be changing the public narrative. Society needs to see examples of women successfully working in different professions. When these examples become visible, the idea that certain jobs belong only to men slowly loses its power.
For me this is important because freedom also means the freedom to choose one’s profession without stereotypes. A society becomes more fair when people are valued for their abilities and work, not for whether they fit traditional expectations about gender.
In Sierra Leone, women have few economic opportunities, mostly caused by strong gender roles and inequality in access to education and resources. Also, many girls are hindered by poverty, early marriage, and the culture which puts boys' education above girls'. As a result, many women are in low-paying informal jobs, such as small-scale trade or farming, and have very little access to land, credit, and business growth. According to Half the Sky reports, when women are economically empowered, it improves not only women's lives but also those of entire communities. Also, research on women's business growth shows that by providing women with financial resources, training, and support, we may challenge gender roles and foster greater female independence.
ReplyDeleteAs a result, I suggest a social work intervention in the form of a women's empowerment through entrepreneurship program. This program will give women business training, financial literacy, and access to small loans or savings groups to help them start or run their own businesses. Also, the program will include mentoring sessions with successful local women business owners in the country, thereby helping build confidence and leadership among the women. Also, as part of the program, I will hold community engagement and discussions with men and local leaders to put a stop to harmful gender roles and encourage them to support women's economic activity. I will also push for better girls' education.
This approach, therefore, combines economic growth and community outreach to help women achieve financial independence while we work to address the cultural factors that drive sexism in Sierra Leone.
i think Similar situations can also be observed in Cameroon and many other African countries, where women commonly work in the informal sector and face serious discrimination and barriers culturally and economically. Thus making such empowerment initiatives equally relevant in fighting against sexism.
DeleteSexism in Lithuania often appears through traditional gender roles. People often discuss what the role of a woman and the role of a man should be in society. Women are often expected to focus on taking care of the family. Even though many women work and have good education, society still expects them to be mothers and caregivers.
ReplyDeleteMen are often expected to be the main providers of the family. They are also expected to be strong and not show emotions. Not showing emotions as a man is a huge problem in Lithuania, I often think that this is one of the main reasons why so many Lithuanian men commit suicide. 80% of suicides are committed by men. In 2022, 426 men and 101 women died by suicide.
Because of these traditional gender roles woman have fewer leadership opportunities in labor market and more household responsibilities. Men face stigma if they are more emotionally involved in family life.
Ways to counteract this form of traditional gender role sexism.
Both “Half the Sky” and the article about challenging gender norms through women’s entrepreneurship show that when women gain economic independence it can help reduce gender inequality and change social attitudes. To achieve more economic independence education about sexism is very important. If we change how society constructs women and men roles in it, we can change inequality in labor market.
On of the best ways to change people’s opinions is discussion. That’s why I think social workers could organize community discussions and educational workshops about sexist gender roles in society and how that’s just a social construct and not a fact how women and men should be behaving in our society. These discussions would encourage people to question traditional gender roles and when people start to question things then change can happen.
I think you explained the issue of traditional gender roles in Lithuania very clearly. It is interesting how these expectations affect both women and men, especially regarding leadership opportunities and men’s mental health. I also agree that community discussions and education can help people question these norms and create change in society.
DeleteOne form of sexism that exists in the United States is the heightened vulnerability of undocumented women to domestic/intimate partner violence if they are dating a green card holder/American citizen. Because the migrant woman’s uncertain legal status hinges upon their partner, they can be coerced against their will with the threat of removal from the country.
ReplyDeleteBianco et al. argue for a three-pronged approach in combating sexism. First, they argue for structural-level changes by reforming institutions to enable women to access employment opportunities more easily. Second, they suggest creating spaces that foster new perceptions of gender roles, combat interpersonal sexism, and build community among other women. Lastly, they believe that women's individual capacity needs to be uplifted by fostering personal growth, self-confidence, autonomy, and awareness of their own rights.
To combat gender-based violence against migrant women in the United States, I would like to carry out changes to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). By expanding institutional VAWA eligibility to include not just green-card holders and citizen partners, but also other forms of transient legal status. Such as protection from derivative refugees, asylees, temporary protectees, and humanitarian parolees. Next, to create awareness campaigns that educate migrant community members on gender-fluid roles and techniques to combat interpersonal sexism. Third, to develop closed-affinity groups for migrant women to be in community with one another, to build a network of solidarity, growth, and mutual aid.
Bianco, M. E., Lombe, M., & Bolis, M. (2017). Challenging gender norms and practices through women’s entrepreneurship. International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 9(4), 338–358. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijge-10-2017-0060
I really appreciated your discussion of how undocumented women can be especially vulnerable to domestic violence because of their immigration status. Your explanation clearly shows how structural inequalities can create situations where women feel trapped and unable to seek help. I also liked how you connected the three-pronged approach from Bianco et al. to practical solutions, especially expanding protections under VAWA and creating support networks for migrant women. These ideas highlight how both policy changes and community support are important in addressing gender-based violence.
DeleteOne form of sexism that still exists in Lithuania is the persistent gender inequality in leadership positions and the labor market. Although women in Lithuania have high levels of education and actively participate in the workforce, they remain underrepresented in high-level decision-making positions in business, politics, and other sectors. Women also experience a gender pay gap and often face subtle social expectations that prioritize caregiving and family responsibilities over career advancement. These expectations are deeply rooted in traditional gender norms that shape how society perceives women's roles. Even though legal frameworks in Lithuania formally support gender equality, cultural attitudes and structural barriers continue to reproduce inequality.
ReplyDeleteIn many workplaces, women are still expected to balance professional responsibilities with the primary role of caregiving in the family. This can limit their opportunities for career advancement and leadership. Women may also face stereotypes that portray them as less assertive, less capable of managing large organizations, or less committed to long-term careers due to motherhood. Such stereotypes contribute to a phenomenon sometimes referred to as the “glass ceiling,” where women can advance only to a certain level before invisible barriers prevent further progress. These barriers are not always explicit discrimination but rather subtle patterns in hiring, promotion, and workplace culture.
The book Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn emphasizes that gender inequality is one of the most significant human rights challenges globally. The authors highlight how empowering women through education, economic opportunity, and social support can transform communities and reduce poverty. The book presents many examples of successful interventions where supporting women's entrepreneurship and leadership helped break cycles of discrimination and dependency. One of the key lessons from Half the Sky is that women’s economic empowerment often leads to broader social change. When women gain access to resources, education, and financial independence, they are better able to challenge traditional gender norms and advocate for their rights.
Another important reading related to this topic discusses how women's entrepreneurship can challenge gender norms. Entrepreneurship allows women to gain financial independence and demonstrate leadership capabilities in ways that challenge stereotypes. When women start businesses, they not only create opportunities for themselves but also become role models for other women and girls. Their success can shift community perceptions about what women can achieve. In many cases, women entrepreneurs also employ other women, creating networks of support and empowerment.
Drawing on these ideas, a best practices global social work intervention that I would like to implement in Lithuania would focus on supporting women’s entrepreneurship and leadership development as a strategy to challenge sexism and gender inequality. This intervention would combine economic empowerment, education, mentorship, and community engagement. The goal would be not only to support individual women but also to transform social attitudes and structural conditions that reinforce sexism.
ReplyDeleteOne persistent form of sexism is the intersection of gender-based violence, femicide, and the criminalization of survivors of abuse. Growing up in Mexico I was surrounded by a climate of gender violence and the constant disappearance and/or femicide of women and girls. It is the neglect of these issues that I want to highlight for this example of sexism. The reality I grew up in takes on a similar, but also underacknowledged form in the United States. Women, especially women of color and low-income women face high rates of domestic violence, femicide (although not labeled as such un th U.S. systems), and disappearance.I believe that there is a cultural norm that devalues women’s lives. The crisis of missing and murdered women, particularly among Indigenous women and minorities, illustrates how gendered violence is so often accompanied systemic neglect and complete lack of institutional response. When these are ignored, under-investigated, or deprioritized, it reflects systemic sexism. At the same time, many survivors of abuse are criminalized by the legal system. The ACLU reports that about 85–90% of incarcerated women report a history of physical or sexual abuse before entering prison, with some studies estimate up to 95% of women in prison have experienced domestic or sexual violence in their lifetime. Women who have been imprisoned for actions taken in self-defense or for crimes directly connected to coercion and abuse have been consistently unfairly sentenced, and the disregard for their experiences as survivors shows us a much lager pattern of sexism where the state fails to protect or acknowledge the experiences of survivors yet punishes them when they attempt to protect themselves. Half the Sky highlights community-based support networks, economic empowerment (emphasis on women’s entrepreneurship), and survivor-centered interventions as best practices for addressing gender inequality. There is much that could be done to address these issues, but one intervention I believe would be effective is reforming how domestic violence and abuse reports are handled within social service and legal systems. Currently, survivors who seek help often face high burdens of proof before they can access shelter, legal protections, or financial support. This can discourage people from seeking assistance and may place survivors at further risk. I would shift this approach toward practices where individuals who report abuse are initially met with support, safety planning, and resources. Another important component would be increased funding for community-based shelters and survivor support programs. These spaces could provide not only emergency housing but also longer-term services such as counseling, legal assistance, childcare, and financial planning. Economic instability is one of the main barriers preventing survivors from leaving abusive situations, so programs that offer job training, employment connections, and small financial assistance grants could help survivors rebuild stability and independence. Finally, social workers could play a key role in policy advocacy and prevention efforts. This could include lobbying for policies that expand funding for shelters, improve training for law enforcement and court personnel on trauma-informed responses, and strengthen accountability mechanisms for perpetrators of violence. Social workers could also partner with community organizations to run education and prevention programs. Ultimately, this intervention would focus on making systems more responsive to survivors by combining trauma-informed practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, legal recognition, expanded social services, and policy advocacy.
Bianco et al. In their article Challenging gender norms and practices through women’s entrepreneurship imply that “increasing women’s access to spaces, positions and resources will not adequately address gender inequality if those inequalities are still present in interactions and women’s perceptions and beliefs about the self” (2017). I believe this sentiment represents the state of women's rights in the United States very well. While women have many of the same political and financial rights that men do, the USA is still a society founded and ran by the patriarchy, which reflects in women’s ability to access and take full advantage of their rights. Our current presidential administration (which is very conservative) is even attempting to pass legislation that weakens already existing policies that uplift women. For example, federal aid for degree programs that are female dominated such as: nursing, education, and social work, is now severely limited. This change is legislation will make it infinitely hard for women (especially those who are marginalized) to obtain advanced degrees in these fields.
ReplyDeleteIn Half the Sky, Chapter eleven makes the argument that when women have a place in politics and are active in the economy, the whole community benefits socially and financially as a result. Kristof and WuDunn provide the example of villages in India who reserved 1/3 of its leadership positions for women following a 1993 constitutional amendment (2002). I believe that a similar solution would be beneficial for the US as well. If legislation was passed that required the proportion of men and women in any area of government to match the proportion of men and women in the area being governed, many of the issues in American politics that stem from lack of representation, would be solved. This solution also makes room for political leaders who fall outside the man/woman gender binary, who are not represented at all in our current government even though they are very marginalized by current legislations. The role of the social worker in this solution would be mainly as an advocate.
Regarding the sexism in Ukraine, I would like to be more specific and refer to personal experiences. I have encountered sexist behavior towards women who drive a car. I often hear from men that women do not know how to drive or can only drive automatic cars, and should not be on the road whatsoever. I am happy to admit it is more like a shadow in society because very few people would scream and claim it; they would just silently discuss their opinion, which I see as a strong moment against the normalizing of sexism.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, I also know about very disturbing cases of sexism against women in the army and political institutions. In these cases, women are often seen as weak and, what’s more disturbing to me, too emotional and hysterical; they might even justify their sexist attitude by claiming such behavior to be normal for women due to their menstrual cycles.
Similar to the provided examples, the article Challenging Gender Norms and Practices discussed the influence of stereotypes on women’s development, freedom, and ability to get opportunities.
In terms of women in the work field, I believe women should be supported first in order to develop and firm the belief that they are able to do lots of things. The discussion in Half the Sky supports the idea by introducing interventions to support women in entrepreneurship by providing training and mentoring, for example. I also believe in voice and awareness in the community to silence things that limit people from being happy.
Thank you for your insights.
DeleteI cannot believe how compassion, love, tenderness and other emotions that most women emit to the world, is seen as "too emotional" as if it is negative thing and is seen or named as a weakness, and therefore not suited in politics. As we can see today, this is exactly, what world leaders lack the most, and oh, let's mention, which gender punches the wall or start riots after their beloved sports team loses the game... Then its manly, then it's how males show their "power", etc. I really wish this narrative could change, especially in politics, where so many important decisions are made, just because mans ego was hurt...
Mariia thanks for giving insights on how sexism appears in Ukraine. The stereotype many people have towards women drivers i think cuts across many societies, though in most cases not openly expressed in public, but i feel like it turns to affect women's confidence, personal development, and access to opportunities. For example in Cameroon, we can find very few courageous women as taxi drivers but daily, they suffer from stereotype and discrimination most especially from men as they don't think women should be indulged into that kind of job. so i think creating institutional empowerment, and community awareness as key aspects towards challenging harmful gender norms and supporting women's full inclusion in society.
DeleteA large form of sexism in the US is the underrepresentation of females in leadership positions. I decided to chose this one because Half the Sky talks a lot about how sexism isn’t just overt violence but about how there is a large exclusion from power. Investing in women and girls and giving them access to resources can help expand their ability to lead. By investing in girls education, health, and finances women will be empowered to create the conditions necessary for more leadership to emerge.
ReplyDeleteThere are a multitude of examples of sexism that exist in the United States, as it is a deeply patriarchal society. However, I will focus on the disparity in access to menstrual health care, specifically the access to menstrual products for low-income women across the country. There is a marked inability for a large percentage of America’s women to afford basic menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, as many states consider them to be luxury products, and therefore tax them as such. As a result, these women may resort to alternatives outside of these products on a monthly basis that are bad for their health. In Chicago, for example, the cheapest box of tampons at a local grocery chain, Jewel Osco, is $6.99. With tax, this costs the same amount as the federal minimum wage, which still sits at $7.25.
ReplyDeleteTo combat this as social workers, a potential evidence based solution lies within community health resources for women, using a CHW (community health worker) lens. The women’s health community health workers located in India, as discussed in Half the Sky, are based within local social circles and build upon existing resources to provide low-cost or free educational resources to women. This is not unlike what organizations in the United States like Planned Parenthood are doing, however I believe we could learn from community health workers in being more specific, grassroots based as to match the needs of different impoverished communities. Many drug centered harm reduction resource agencies are already operating on this model, and I think it could be expanded to menstrual health as a community staple. Furthermore, although this issue is not directly related to entrepreneurship as a direct solution as discussed in the Bianco et al., (2017) article, having more local women led menstrual product businesses that are based on the needs of the community, rather than being simply product driven or created by men, could be beneficial in female empowerment.
One of the forms of sexism that exists in Lithuania is deeply rooted idea in society, families, couples, friends etc is that women should take care of the house, raise children and be responsible for their upbringing, education and emotional or/ and ethical sophistication. There is no questioning who is taking longer paternal leave, who is staying with a child longer, who is expected to take sick leave to nurse sick child. And on top of that, woman/mother/ sister/daughter/niece/ girlfriend/ wife has to clean the house and overall take care of all other issues regarding it. Gender equality laws exist, but traditional narrative still overpowers it. This might limit woman's economical independence, as as we know from the previous question, is that if economical freedom is limited, then other freedoms are limited or denied as well. Book - Half the Sky talks about gender inequality around the world. The idea that sticks out, is to empower women with economical freedom, letting them to be in charge of their own decisions and avoiding financial dependence from males. The book shows that women who gain financial independence, education, loans, better career opportunities, eventually take control of their lives.
ReplyDeleteA global social work intervention I would like to carry out would be to spread financial literacy, entrepreneurship focused to women, and women carried business. Such program would include mentoring and training regarding finances, investment, business management. This could be a crucial for women, coming from maternal leave. It would include partnership working closely with local communities, supporting local business, giving them practical advices and skills, that would help in long term.
Coming back to sexism and how women are expected to do all the chores at home, while men can "relax" after work and just watch TV, I would suggest family workshop ideas. This would bring all types of professions, career level and age couples and families, to show how men and women can share household activities without shifting it to one another with dissatisfaction or guilt. The narrative of women holding all four corners of the household has to change and men must see the toll that their loved ones has to take on to be able to "fit in" into outdated social norms.
Such workshops, seminars or discussion tables would empower women, would let whole community to be involved, showing it's strengths and the capacity of eliminating sexism that we can reach when people are united.
The United States is no stranger to gender- based disparities, it is seen in wages, educations, representation, healthcare, violence, finances, and norms. The focus of this entry will be on gender-based discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Varies women experience unsafe and uncomfortable environments that were created by inappropriate comments, pressure, and unwanted attention from fellow colleagues. There are cases that women are afraid to report harassment due to the worry and stress of losing their job, facing retaliation, or being ignore. Harassment in the workplace creates unequal power dynamics which can hinder opportunities for women to advance in positions and status. With workplaces that create an unsafe and unsupported atmosphere for women, it has caused departure from their job, at times avoid certain careers or promotions like leadership positions, increasing to the gap in gender inequality.
ReplyDeleteHalf the Sky discusses challenging these gender norms to empower women, as social workers we can implement intervention with the focus on workplace advocacy to promote safe work environments and also programs that empower women to feel support and valued as colleagues. This program’s main focus will be helping women in understand their rights as employees, developing skills in areas such as leadership, and providing support with discrimination and harassment experiences. The intervention is not just limited to those three different focuses but also including workshops that inform women about the workplace right and how to operate their reporting system. Another is trainings in leaderships role and building confidence workshops to encourage and help women pursue leadership roles and promotions. Providing mentorship networks as well as support groups can create safe spaces for women to give and get advice and share experiences amongst one another. Then there is creating partnerships within businesses to promote gender equality and safer work environments.
This is an important to build empowerment within the women in the workplace, challenging the harmful norms to create long lasting change among employees. By addressing sexism in the workplace with implementing new policies, training, and social worker it can contribute to gender equality. Through advocacy, education, and empowerment women are more confident in expressing their knowledge and their importance to the workplace no longer facing unfair treatment and discrimination due to their gender but taken serious as a member of the establishment.
I can also relate to your opinion in the Indian context, and most of the women who faced harassment are not taking any legal assistance because of their fear of losing their careers. So it's very important to make safe working environments for all people.
DeleteSo addressing sexism in the workplace can create a healthy work culture and a much more valuable place where people can work.
In Bangladesh, we see a big gap between women in power and women at home. On one hand,our prime minister ,speaker,and top leaders, bank managers but on the other hand, many women are kept inside one room without any light or rights. A common form of sexism is that women must stay home while men control the money and other things. This makes women dependent on men for everything.. Even though leaders are female, social norms keep ordinary women hidden away. They have no "agency" because they cannot go outside, go to school, or earn their own money.
ReplyDeleteTo fix this, a social work intervention should focus on women's entrepreneurship at the village level most. we can help these women start small home businesses, like selling baked goods. And in cities we need to make safe environments for womens. When a woman earns her own money, she brings "light" into her room and gains the power to make her own decisions. This is a best practice because it uses money and success to prove that women should not be hidden. It gives them the freedom to move from the dark room into a life of opportunity
Gender equality and equity is a human right and a culture that should be taught in schools, and spread among parents and older generations. Women are no less than a man but a better investment to families and a more support members to communities.
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