Reproductive Rights

Let’s tackle one of the most contentious issues that acts as a barrier to gender equality. In Europe, although there is a growing effort to challenge the long-standing belief that men and women are inherently different and should occupy distinct roles, we cannot ignore the biological differences that, with exceptions, characterize the two sexes.

While everyone is human, and our sex chromosomes should not dictate our capabilities, the reality remains that women bear children, which can hinder their professional advancement. Time taken off work for childbirth can impact their career performance, salary, and promotion opportunities. This is not solely a societal inequality, but it's a crucial point to consider. Employers often discriminate against pregnant women or those of "childbearing age" to avoid the costs and complications associated with maternity leave.

Moreover, women who choose not to have children still encounter numerous challenges. Limitations in reproductive health services, combined with the societal expectation for women to manage family planning, can place a significant burden on their finances, time, and health. Although long-term contraceptive options for men are being developed, they often face skepticism, as many question whether it is wise to deal with hormonal side effects for contraception.

A Man’s World

In many aspects of contemporary society, men are often viewed as the default human. This includes everything from medical research to crash test dummies to the technology we use. For example, clinical studies frequently rely on data derived from trials involving men, particularly Caucasian males aged 25-30 who weigh around 70 kg, referred to as "Reference Man." However, he does not represent the entirety of humanity.

The Guardian highlights that men and women have different immune systems and hormonal profiles, which can affect how substances are absorbed. Women generally have smaller bodies and thinner skin, both of which may reduce the safe levels of toxins they can tolerate.

Using this narrow view of humanity can harm those who do not fit this mold, while also perpetuating the outdated notion of "Mankind" and his female counterpart.

Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome describes the feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy that persist despite evident success. Those experiencing it often struggle with chronic self-doubt, overshadowing their achievements. Anyone, regardless of gender, can face this issue.

However, Clare Josa, an expert on imposter syndrome, suggests that women are particularly susceptible. Recent research from NatWest, part of its #OwnYourImposter campaign, revealed that 60% of women considering entrepreneurship hesitated due to a lack of confidence, despite their qualifications.

So, do women fall behind simply because they lack the confidence often exhibited by their male counterparts?

Some attribute this confidence gap to lower testosterone levels, but the underlying issue appears to be social conditioning. From a young age, girls may subconsciously learn that they cannot match the competence of their male peers. While they may achieve academic or professional milestones, the prevailing belief is that a man will always know better. Both genders have been conditioned to accept this narrative, thus perpetuating the cycle.

Everyday Misogyny

Is actual misogyny present in your workplace? Probably not! However, misogyny encompasses a general dislike or prejudice against women, manifesting in many subtle forms.

Perhaps you’ve noticed hints of it in the light teasing directed at a woman who expressed anger in a meeting or raised her voice to voice her dissent. The reaction may be to label her as "hysterical" or to suggest, "Maybe it's that time of the month..."

I personally recall a colleague referring to me as "a good girl, but..." in an attempt to soften the subsequent belittlement following my challenging his opinion.

Now, if the same behavior were exhibited by a man, the narrative would likely shift. He might be described as having a "bad day" or "out of line," without any references to his emotional state or reproductive health.

Physical Assertion

This issue extends beyond women to anyone not fitting the mold of a straight, stereotypically masculine male. Society may claim that "what matters is on the inside," yet we live in a world that remains fixated on physical appearance. The tall, assertive man in a suit often garners more professional respect, regardless of his actual competence.

It’s essential to recognize that men and women are generally physically different. Typically, men are taller and stronger, providing them an irrational advantage over a petite woman, even if her professional skills far exceed his. She may occupy less space and command less attention in meetings, leading to a subconscious bias favoring his authority.

While this doesn't apply universally, many smaller men or those who reject traditional masculinity also face similar biases. This subconscious gender bias in the workplace is an issue that cannot be overlooked.

Subtle Objectification

Objectification is a well-known concept, increasingly called out in recent years. However, the tendency for men to perceive women as sexual objects extends beyond overt harassment or inappropriate remarks, which, although condemned, still occur alarmingly frequently.

Even minor expectations, such as women wearing high heels, makeup, or fitted clothing for certain roles, raise eyebrows today. While a polished appearance is essential, why must the standards for women often exceed those for men’s business attire?

We also need to examine the loaded yet often well-intentioned remarks suggesting that a woman’s presence in a meeting will "lighten the mood" or that a female colleague will "charm" a client. Outside of a few specific professions, women are not present to enhance the experience for men; they are there to leverage their skills and expertise to deliver results—just like anyone else.

Not-so-Subtle Objectification

Regrettably, blatant objectification and inappropriate sexualization of women continue to persist. The #MeToo movement has highlighted the toxicity of male entitlement, but the problem remains entrenched, with Europe facing similar challenges.

Over half of women aged 15 and older have faced some form of sexual harassment during their lives, with countries like France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Finland reporting rates exceeding 70%. This indicates that Europe still grapples with a significant issue of sexual harassment.

While we may have legal frameworks that suggest equality, how can we genuinely claim to have achieved gender equality when harassment of women remains pervasive?

Gender Equality in Europe: The Bottom Line

Even in Europe—particularly in Nordic countries—unpaid domestic and caregiving responsibilities disproportionately fall to women. As a result, a greater number of women work part-time, leading to not only a gender pay gap but also a gender pension gap. Furthermore, sexual objectification, professional devaluation, and misogynistic beliefs continue to influence the European female experience.

The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) notes that “the European Union has made slow progress toward gender equality, with a Gender Equality Index score of 67.4 out of 100, indicating substantial room for improvement.” The World Economic Forum estimates that, at the current pace, it will take nearly 100 years to achieve full gender parity.

We must not take gender equality for granted, even if it appears that some women hold powerful positions or that "women have it worse in other countries." While Europe may perform relatively well on a global scale, the statistics reveal a different story. In matters of rights, freedom, and respect, "relatively well" is insufficient to abandon the fight for true equality.

> Roxanna is a British-Iranian content writer specialized in human rights, health, and welfare. With a languages degree from King’s College London, a Master's in European Studies from LSE, and an EU communications background, she aims to raise awareness and foster dialogue around ethical and sociocultural issues globally. http://roxannaazimy.com @roxannayasmin