The struggles that women face in achieving economic equality with men are deeply rooted in history. Josie Cox, a financial journalist, sheds light on this issue in her book, “Women Money Power: The Rise and Fall of Economic Equality.” From the Women’s Business Ownership Act in 1988 to the discrimination against pregnant women in the workplace, Cox uncovers the harsh reality faced by women for centuries in their pursuit of economic freedom.
One of the significant obstacles to women’s economic empowerment was the legal practice of coverture. Under coverture, women had no independent legal identity and were essentially absorbed into their husbands’ identities. This meant that women had no rights to their own bodies or earnings, reinforcing the notion that women were dependent on men for economic survival. Although coverture has weakened over time, its lingering influence is still evident in societal norms, such as the tradition of women taking their husband’s last name.
Historically, women could be fired from their jobs for getting pregnant, a common and accepted practice until 1978. Many women hid their pregnancies to avoid losing their jobs, highlighting the lack of protection for pregnant women in the workplace. While it is now illegal to terminate a woman’s employment due to pregnancy, subtle biases and discrimination still exist in today’s corporate world, perpetuating the challenges faced by women in balancing their professional and personal lives.
The repeal of Roe v. Wade dealt a significant blow to women’s reproductive rights and economic empowerment. Access to healthcare and reproductive rights are intricately linked to women’s personal freedom and economic independence. The severe restrictions on abortion access following the Dobbs decision have far-reaching economic consequences that hinder gender equality progress made in the past decades.
Despite advancements in gender equality, women are still vastly underrepresented in leadership roles and corporate positions. The lack of female Fortune 500 CEOs and political leaders reflects ongoing gender biases and societal expectations. To achieve true economic equality, more women must break into these positions of power while challenging outdated views on caregiving and unpaid labor traditionally associated with women.
Menopause remains a taboo subject in many workplaces, yet it has profound economic implications for women. The age at which women typically enter menopause coincides with when they have acquired valuable professional experience, making them ideal candidates for senior and lucrative positions. However, the rigidity of workplace structures often fails to accommodate the needs of menopausal women, limiting their economic potential.
Dexter McCormick, a trailblazing figure in women’s history, played a pivotal role in bringing the first oral contraceptive pill to the American market. McCormick’s bold actions, such as smuggling diaphragms into the country, exemplify the fierce determination of women to take control of their bodies and lives. Her story underscores the importance of reproductive healthcare in enabling women to realize their full personal, professional, and economic potential.
The fight for economic equality for women is a complex and ongoing struggle deeply intertwined with historical and societal norms. By acknowledging the challenges faced by women in the past and present, we can work towards a more equitable future where women have the same opportunities and rights as men in the economic sphere.
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