Gender Inequality At Home And Abroad

Is gender equality better here at home than it is abroad in other countries? If so, what reasons do you think attribute to this? The answer may not be as obvious as you think. Many might say that urbanization and development of small towns and villages is the answer to bring more opportunities for women that have limited options in a commerce challenged region. Here at home our culture directly correlates status with money while in other countries its forbidden. Here in America where resources and better opportunities lie, many are blinded by the fact that gender inequality is more prevalent. Many feel as though our justice system and laws in addition with the countless opportunities that America boasts, equals success for all. In other third world countries where the dollar value is low, many women thrive and run the household and in some instances are courted by many men. My friend Taksheel that I work with is from India and he tells me that there are many regions throughout India where women have more than one husband. These regions are considered to be rich in culture and resources but the dollar value isn't inflated due to the sacredness of the culture which denounces the value of currency. Therefore he says a much natural and simplistic culture resides in distant cities that surround big cities such as Mumbai. He also adds that even in Mumbai women are treated like royalty so much that they are almost viewed as objects. Taksheel has been in America now for 6 years and he still is culture-shocked at how the women here are perceived culturally. So what does this all mean? Should more laws be forced to make it a level playing-field for all genders? Should we urbanize more? A recent article that reported women in a poverty stricken area of the Philippines were making 50% more than their male counterparts but yet still experiencing gender injustice. So neither a country like ours or a country like the Philippines seem to get it right. Could it be our culture that we have adapted to puts women at a disadvantage? Is the problem in our education system? What are your thoughts?

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Gender-inequality-present-despite-urbanization&id=48067

http://www.sundayszaman.com/sunday/newsDetail_getNewsById.action?newsId=273604

Duke Energy

I believe there are some very interesting topics to be discussed relating women to the workforce in the field of technology. I have worked at Duke Energy for a total of one year through the CO-OP program at Belews Creek Steam station. This is a 2200 mW coal fired power plant located just outside of Greensboro. On the total engineering and technical team at the power plant, there was a total of one engineer who was female. The power plant employed a total of 26 engineers. The leadership team including the engineering managers, production manager, plant manager, and operations manager were also all male. In the working class including mechanics, electricians, operators, and lab technicians, there was a total of one female employed. However in the administrative department, there all the employees were female. That being said out of about 250 people, there was a total of 5 women at the power plant; three of which being administrative secretaries to the leadership team. This must be difficult for both females who are seeking a job at this location and the people who are already employed. During my time at the power plant, worked with many engineers on different projects. The engineer that I found to be most knowledgeable and show exceptional project management skills was in fact the female engineer.

Relating this back to the readings, this shows that even though it is the 21st century, we still have significant improvements we need to make to bridge this gap. Although I never discussed how it felt like to be led by men and work only with men, I could sometimes sense that she could be let down and get frustrated working in this kind of environment.

Duke is however working to improve the situation. On March 17th, they are launching an event called "Girl Power" to target high school teenagers to make them aware of the jobs at Duke Energy.More infirmation is available at
http://www.duke-energy.com/visitor-centers/ee-community-events-calendar.asp

I also feel that Duke Energy should increase scholarships for women in the engineering studies. I feel as though this would help to bridge the gap and get women more influenced in learning about the field of technology and pursue a career at Duke.

Gender and Health Insurance

There has been a lot of talk lately about Obama's Affordable Care Act. Many religious affiliates and pro-life groups are not happy with the act because it requires employers to cover birth control for women. We have been talking about birth control in our class and whether or not it should be controlled by doctors. Many people suggested that it should be doctor controlled because of health risks and monitoring, but it was also brought up that many women who would want birth control might not be able to afford it. Now, with Obama's new plan, they will be able to afford it and it will improve access to quality healthcare for more women.

Here is an article describing the coverage: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2011/08/womensprevention08012011a.html

Women in Engineering and Management

I work at a pharmaceutical production facility. We have three different departments with engineers in them, and in our department there are eight engineers. I am the only female, and I'm just the intern. My manager is male. And his manager is male. The VP of our site is male and the president of the company is male. Women just are not present in managerial roles. This can be seen in all companies and in all fields. I have heard that women get into management (or even just engineering) and then decide to leave because it is too male dominated. Some women are strong and keep with, like Irene Rosenfeld, the CEO of Kraft Foods. Hopefully, strong women that are in management will influence and inspire other women to join them.

From http://spectrum.ieee.org/at-work/tech-careers/women-engineers-inch-up-the-management-ladder Only seven percent of engineering managers are women. Managers are viewed to be stereotypically masculine, aggressive and dominating. It is looking up for women to get into management. It is easier for them to fit in with their stereotypical collaborative efforts since more companies are looking for the collaboration mindset now instead of just a "here's what to do now do it". It is also easier to work from home if they have to stay home with their kids every now and then. From the executive director of the Society of Women Engineers, "you get better results if you have diversity". More women in management will be needed for better diversity.