Gender Inequality In Syria Essay

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Wang, Annie
Mrs. Philyaw
HH2: Period 5
3/25/14
Gender Inequality in Syria
"No society treats its women as well as its men." So states the United Nations Development Programme, written in its 1997 Human Development Report. Gender inequality is a highly prevalent issue in society all over the world. However, in less privileged third world countries such as Syria, this problem is exacerbated by the pitiful conditions the Syrian people live in. According to a gender gap study conducted in 2013, Syria’s gender gap index ranks 133rd out of 136 countries. In comparison, America’s index ranked as 23rd out of 136 countries. The harsh contrast between the two presents a crushing reality that we must come to face, and eventually change. Syrian women are discriminated against, beaten, refused the same rights as men, and expected to live up to different standards than men are. This is not only unfair; it is wrong and must be changed immediately.
But what is gender inequality? According to gender communications scholar Julia Wood, it is the unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender that arises from differences in socially constructed gender roles as well as biologically through chromosomes, brain structure, and hormonal differences. However, such discrimination against women does not stem from a mere mindset that can simply be ignored or overlooked; the gender gap cripples women in all aspects of their life. For Syrian women, the withholding of rights, their entitlement to basic human freedoms, and lack of equality all intertwine with each other to create a system that they are systematically oppressed under. For one thing, it hinders their ability to secure stable jobs. In a study conducted by the U.S...

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...atter to people like us, when we too face the effects of gender inequality in our everyday life? Although it is true that ALL women over the world face gender inequality, Syria’s problem is one that desperately needs change as soon as possible. The injustices against women there are staggering, and make other countries’ seem tame. As human beings, we must care for the welfare of other humans when they are suffering-as Syrian women are today. And think about it. These women are all mothers, sisters, daughters, and companions.
The current gender inequality crisis in Syria is a serious issue that is in dire need of change. The discrimination and cruelties committed against Syrian women are unbelievable. Although an issue as deeply rooted and widespread as gender inequality may be a daunting task to undertake, together, we have the power to make a difference.

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