The struggle for economic equality for women has been deeply rooted in history. Author Josie Cox delves into the past to shed light on the challenges that women have faced over the years. From the Women’s Business Ownership Act passing as recently as 1988 to women being barred from Ivy League colleges before 1969, the road to economic parity has been marred with obstacles. Women could even be fired for getting pregnant up until 1978, highlighting the pervasive discrimination that existed in the workforce.
A significant factor contributing to the economic disparity between men and women is the concept of coverture. Rooted in English law, coverture stripped women of their legal identity, subjugating them to their fathers and later their husbands. This legal practice meant that women had no rights to their own bodies or earnings. While coverture’s influence has waned over time, remnants of this oppressive system still linger in society, such as the tradition of women taking their husband’s last name after marriage.
Josie Cox highlights the stark reality that women could be terminated from their jobs for being pregnant until as late as 1978. Many women concealed their pregnancies out of fear of losing their employment, underscoring the systemic biases prevalent in the workplace. Although it is now illegal to fire women based on pregnancy, subtle forms of discrimination persist, hindering women’s career progression.
The landmark Roe v. Wade decision and subsequent challenges have underscored the vital connection between reproductive rights and women’s economic freedom. Recent restrictions on abortion access have dealt a severe blow to the decades-long struggle for gender equality. The economic repercussions of such decisions are far-reaching, albeit challenging to quantify accurately.
Despite advancements in gender equality, women remain underrepresented in key leadership positions. The disparity is especially evident in Fortune 500 CEOs and political leadership roles. Breaking stereotypes about leadership qualities is crucial to ensure greater diversity in positions of power. Additionally, dismantling societal expectations around caregiving responsibilities is vital to achieving true gender equality.
Menopausal women encounter unique economic hurdles in the workplace due to the lack of policies addressing this life stage. As women reach the peak of their professional expertise in their late 40s and 50s, the mismatch between workplace demands and their needs becomes apparent. Acknowledging and accommodating menopausal women’s needs is essential to harnessing their economic potential fully.
Josie Cox’s book showcases the remarkable stories of women who have driven progress in gender equality. One standout figure is Dexter McCormick, who played a pivotal role in bringing the first oral contraceptive pill to the market. McCormick’s audacious actions to provide women with reproductive autonomy exemplify the relentless fight for women’s rights. Her legacy underscores the importance of access to reproductive healthcare in empowering women economically and personally.