Gender Inequality: A Link between Women and Poverty - Essay Example

There is a link between women and poverty. Women represent about 70% of the world’s poor. They are seen to be at a marginalized status, especially in low-income societies. This is a common observation that in such poor societies, the women are mainly responsible for meeting the family needs. The gender is biased while making macroeconomic policies in different countries of the world and resultantly the women are disadvantaged. Taboos and prejudices in labor markets perpetuate the inequalities which lead to the curse of women's poverty.

The societal pressures do not allow them to be represented in better-paid jobs and they are usually given the chance to work only in low-paid informal sectors. These practices are prevalent not only in low-income underdeveloped countries but also in the developed countries like the U.S.A. The women face discrimination in the fields of education, health care, employment and control of assets, etc. The basic rights such as access to clean drinking water, sanitation, medical care, and decent employment are not provided to women.

Although, in the United States, the average wages of men and women have grown closer the women still earn less than men. In low-income societies, gender inequality is seen to a much greater extent. Education and labor market experiences represent the human capital that determines wages. Women in low-income societies have to face discrimination in both of these determinants. This discrimination proves a hindrance in the way of women to proper education and if they succeed to get an education, they can not find good jobs.

That is why the women remain more disadvantageous. (Cnelson, 2008)