Introduction
Women’s rights have had a long and complex history. Although women were given enough rights in some places, they were recognized only as state subjects and had limited rights in most territories. For example, in ancient Rome and Arabia, women were captives in marriage. In ancient Egypt, their rights were similar to those of pigs. Thus, women’s rights were limited at all times and in all cultures.
The situation changed only in the 20th century. In 1903, the Women’s Social and Political Association was created in the United Kingdom. In 1908, the National Association for the Right of Women to Vote was founded in the United States. These organizations became powerful tools for promoting women’s rights (Wagner, 2019). Since then, women’s rights have continued to develop. Many countries worldwide recognize that women should have equal opportunities and rights to men. However, not all countries adhere to these principles. At the same time, international diplomats and politicians began to change international treaties to protect women’s rights. It is important to note that globalization played an essential role in this process.
Definition of Globalization
Globalization is a process that represents a gradual reduction of barriers between national markets and conforms to global trends and standards. It provides more business opportunities and improves economic development in different countries (Baylis et al., 2020). This process has great importance for the improvement of women’s rights around the world. Globalization has accelerated the process of information dissemination and expanded access to different sources of knowledge.
Women’s Rights Improved Due to Globalization
Today, globalization plays a crucial role in improving women’s rights, leading to the development of feminism and creating an equal world for all. Globalization had a variety of effects on women’s rights. One of the main ways was the accelerating economic growth, which increased the number of women’s jobs (Baylis et al., 2020). This gave women access to economic resources and opportunities for self-realization. This process also contributed to a more equitable income distribution and reduced gender inequality.
Globalization has also helped change public opinion about women and their societal role (Baylis et al., 2020). In the last few decades, feminism has taken on a global scale and become one of the most discussed topics worldwide. This has helped make essential legislation changes and raise awareness about gender inequality issues.
In addition, globalization has improved women’s political position. Women have become more actively involved in the political life of various countries, holding high positions in governments and occupying seats in parliaments. For example, in 2021, Kamala Harris became the first woman in the United States to hold the position of Vice President (Janda et al., 2020). Without globalization and its impact on world politics, this significant achievement for women’s rights would have been difficult to imagine.
The number of women in leadership positions in various commercial, political, and non-commercial organizations has also risen. For instance, in 2016, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) appointed its first-ever female Secretary-General, Fatma Samoura. The institution, which has long been criticized for its lack of diversity and gender imbalance, reached this critical turning point in its history. The World Bank and the United Nations, among other international institutions, have worked hard to advance gender equality and give women more authority in various fields. This has increased women’s representation in leadership positions in several countries, including Rwanda, where women hold over 60% of parliamentary seats (Janda et al., 2020).
Globalization has also allowed women to participate in global affairs and raise awareness about important issues. This is seen in campaigns like the UN’s HeForShe, which calls for men and women to work together to achieve gender equality. The campaign has attracted many celebrities and world leaders and helped to make gender equality issues more conscious and public.
Negative Influence of Globalization on Women
However, globalization has also had some negative impacts on women’s rights, such as the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. For example, portraying women in the media often reinforces gender roles and stereotypes, portraying women as passive, emotional, and submissive. This can harm women’s self-esteem and limit their personal and professional growth opportunities.
Moreover, the globalized economy has also contributed to the exploitation of women’s labor, particularly in low-wage jobs such as garment factories and domestic work. Women in these industries often face unsafe working conditions, low pay, and limited opportunities for advancement (Baird et al., 2023). Globalization can also lead to cultural assimilation and the loss of cultural traditions, which can have negative implications for women in some societies. For example, in some cultures, women are not allowed to participate in politics or hold high positions.
The rise of social media has also played a significant role in promoting gender equality and challenging stereotypes. On the one hand, it has provided a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and advocate for their rights. However, it has also perpetuated harmful gender stereotypes, such as objectification and sexualization (Wagner, 2019). These negative trends are particularly prevalent in the advertising industry, where companies often rely on images that portray women as sexual objects to sell products. These images can significantly impact young women’s self-esteem and body image, leading to increased pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
Addressing the Harmful Impact of Globalization on Women
However, several governments and industries have taken various steps to fight these harmful trends. In many countries, laws have been passed to prohibit sexist and discriminatory advertising, particularly in promoting beauty and cosmetic products. For example, Instagram has implemented features to combat online bullying and harassment, including the ability to restrict or block accounts that engage in abusive behavior (Wagner, 2019). The platform has also launched campaigns to promote body positivity and diversity, such as the #EffYourBeautyStandards and #CelebrateYourSize movements.
Conclusion
Overall, globalization is essential in improving women’s rights, but its consequences need constant monitoring and control. It is necessary to continue to work towards eliminating gender inequality and creating an equal world for all. This is only possible through the active participation of both women and men in global dialogues and partnerships and through encouraging international laws and norms that protect women’s rights.
In conclusion, globalization has significantly impacted women’s rights worldwide, leading to increased access to education, the growth of laws protecting women’s rights, the spread of the feminist movement, and the growth of the women’s rights movement. These changes have resulted in increased recognition of the importance of gender equality and have helped improve the lives of millions of women today.
References
Baird, M., Cooper, R., Parker, J., & Donnelly, N. (2023). Women and work in asia and the pacific. Massey University Press.
Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (2020). Globalization of world politics: an introduction to international relations. (8th ed). Oxford University Press.
Janda, K., Berry, J. M., & Goldman, J. (2020). The challenge of democracy: American government in global politics. Cengage.
Wagner, S. R. (2019). The Women’s suffrage movement. National Geographic Books.