For years now the role of women in the labor market has been gradually increasing. However, there are still a number of difficulties they face – and many because of sheer discrimination.
“Discrimination against women’s work is a reality in the daily lives of working women: if not a present reality, there is, at least, the constant threat of discrimination. Its combat is made with an effective labor legislation and, above all, with formal education, so that in this way there is due respect for differences.” (CALIL, 2007, p.116)
In April 2015, UN WOMEN published the report “Progress of the World’s Women.” This report states that women’s economic and social rights are often disrespected and subjugated because there is a “masculine reality” to which they have to submit in order to work. Even so, the scenario can be changed and the guarantee of an equal market can come into existence.
The released document shows that on average, in the world, women’s salaries are 24% lower than men’s – even in the same job and with the same (or higher) qualifications.
“Women study more and have a higher level of education, but are trained in areas that pay lower salaries and occupy jobs with lower pay. It is still recurrent to observe lower salaries for women who occupy functions identical to those of men. In 2010, the average income was R$1,587 for men and R$1,074 for women, which corresponds to 68% of men’s earnings. The differences decrease in the largest cities and in most Brazilian state capitals. The average pay in the Northeast is 43% lower than in the Southeast (R$881 versus R$1575). The average income of black or mixed race women (R$727) represents 35% of the average income of white men (R$2086). The average income of rural women is R$ 480, lower than the minimum wage at the time, of R$ 510.”
Clemente Ganz Lúcio in Brazil 247 – published in Geledes Portal on November 12, 2014.
The role of women in the Labor Safety market increases every year. In technical courses in Occupational Safety, they represent about 50% of the students, according to the National Confederation of Industry (CNI).
Still, the sector is not free from prejudice. In many areas, companies give preference to men, as is the case of construction companies – which stop hiring women for leadership positions, because they believe there might not be the proper respect. It is worth pointing out that this kind of attitude contributes to the continued existence of gender differences in the labor market.
Although there are still companies with these practices, many openly disapprove of this type of distinction and may warn or even punish employees who may be prejudiced.
This kind of attitude is very important to be able to put an end to these senseless differences, that still prevail to this day in the labor market.
With these comments, Ansell | Hércules would like to propose a reflection on this topic. Everyone is equal and deserves the same opportunities and the same recognition. May people and laws contribute to make this equality come into existence!
To women, battlers and winners by nature, our wishes of success and happiness in this day of world celebration.