Women are denied equal rights with men to:

• land
• shelter
• property
• food
• mobility
• worship
• education
• their children
• employment opportunities
• the right to manage, control and care for their own bodies, and their reproductive functions

EXERCISE

Examine the following list of roles and activities and decide whether they are done by men, or by women.

---

Roles Activities Men Women

---

Chef Caring for the family

---

Tailor Planting vegetables

---

Farmer Fetching water

---

Housewife Carrying heavy things

---

Doctor Sewing

---

Politician Cooking

---

In most countries you will find that the roles are ascribed to men and the activities to women.

When this is analysed, it can be seen that, although the roles and activities are basically producing the same results, the roles are usually paid roles while the activities go unpaid. This is what is meant by 'women's work being undervalued', which again puts women in an inferior position to men.

Media reporting often reinforces stereotypes about the roles of men and women instead of highlighting examples of how things can and are changing.

For example, breaking down the traditional belief that if a husband or partner, helps with rearing the children, or doing housework, he is not 'manly'. Instead reinforcing the message that it's acceptable for both husband and wife to share in this responsibility.

Resource: Human Rights Watch

The media are a powerful tool for change, and a gender sensitive media can make an important contribution to gender equality.