Job-hunting women 'better off 50 years ago'

Job-hunting women 'better off 50 years ago'

There are regular news items being posted regarding the status of women in terms of the barriers to paid employment.

The message that comes from stories like these is that there are actually prohibitive constraints on women participating fully in our society. Anyone who says that we have come a long way in providing conditions for women's full societal participation may be being blind sided. A recent article in the financial review suggests that by not providing conditions inclusive to women's entry into the workforce, corporate Australia is being hampered in receiving the positive benefits of having a workforce with equal gender representation (Australian Financial Review, 19th Jan. 2010) . The interviewee's in this article also suggested that implementing programmes to retain their female employees after absences such as maternity leave, would guard against a knowledge and skill drain which is currently being experienced. Further, one interviewee suggested reintroduction of a quota system may go some way to address the gender imbalance. The reasoning provided was that gender quotas would replace an existing quota system, namely, the boys club. Given these statements, it is in the best interest of corporate Australia to encourage and provide a corporate culture that ensures the inclusion and retention of women in paid employment at high levels. This might be achieved by providing flexible work environments for men and women allowing for sharing of family responsibilities and promoting a culture that supports access to such programmes. Some options that might prove productive are; job-sharing, flexible time tables and work from home options. Addressing the paid employment question needs to be considered in conjunction with the domestic side of things. There is not much point providing conditions for women to participate in paid employment if they are just adding to their burden.

There also needs to be a shift in gender role ideology. To provide full participation in society by men and women the idea of the woman as the home-maker needs to be addressed. Men are just as capable as women in participating equally in domestic affairs. Would you really want to be with a partner who can't take care of themselves. Take for example the ridiculous statements by Mr Tony Abbott earlier this week in his 'housewives do the ironing' statements. Mr Abbot, in a lame attempt to win back some ground after his gaff, suggested that his wife ironed his clothes because, if left to him he would probably not do it. These statements reinforce traditional gender stereotypes that undermine progress in gender equity. He has also insulted men, suggesting that without a domestic supporter (wife) they are incapable of managing themselves. The one thing that has been positive about the remarks Abbott made is that it has created an environment to discuss gender equity attitudes. Do we really consider this man a viable alternative leader of our government?

Gender equity requires disucssion by both men and women in an environment conducive to change. Discussion will help tease out the complexities of issues and provide the ground on which to build positive policies that can benefit both the private and public sphere and both men and woman. The issues surrounding gender equity in our society are complex and require careful consideration and implementation. When a change occurs in one sphere it impacts on another. These considerations need to be taken into account by all parties.