International Women's Day

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"Feminism is the radical notion that women are people." - Cheris Kramarae and Paula Treichler.

Today I went to school and many of the teachers were telling the women in class, "Gratulerer med dagen!!!" (Congratulations with the day!). I was confused and wondered who was having a birthday. Then our teacher was telling us about how today is International Women's Day. I should have known that!

In class, we were explained how today is a day where people take a look at statistics and compare equality between men and women, what can be done to fix problems of inequality and why these problems still exist. I mean, come on people, it's 2013 and equality is still an issue worldwide!!! Women still earn less, there are still double standards - okay, they exist for men too, but arguably maybe not to the same extent (men feel the pressure to appear strong when they're vulnerable whereas, well, women can be chastised with vulgar names for the same actions a man would be praised for), there's the whole gender role expectations where anything out of the ordinary somehow reinforces an objecting person's criticism, judgement and ridicule. Plus, there are many many, MANY other details I can't get into without rambling on - I have written so many papers on variations of this in my not too distant past, so that was my chance to ramble on. I'll leave it at that.

However, Scandinavia, I think deserves some props. Scandinavia has the most equality in the world. Of course there is sadly not total equality, but it is a step in the right direction. Since I live in Norway, I'll go into detail on rights women living in Norway have:
- Women in Norway are entitled to 56 weeks maternity (or adoption) leave at 80% pay OR 46 weeks at 100% pay.
- Fathers are given "daddy leave" of 12 weeks paid parental leave.
- The mother if she chooses can take an extra year of maternity (or adoption) leave which will be unpaid, or she can return to work.
- Mothers (or the primary caregiver) of a child are granted a child benefit until the child is 18 years.

One thing that has shocked me is well, not only how cheap the health care is, but when I've had a regular doctor visit, my doctor tells me I don't have to pay anything... because I'm pregnant. WHAT!?!?! When I visit my specialist for my maternity appointments the total is 100 Norwegian kroner or about $17 USD. It's little things like that which lead me to believe Norway is a caring society to, well everyone, women and the tiny little person they're carrying inside them.

Of course like many statistics in the western world, Norway has a decline in marriage, women make up a higher percentage of those attending college and women fall into "care" jobs such as nursing or teaching.

It's no wonder there is a day set aside to honor women and the work of our predecessors and to look forward at making the future more equal for future generations. What's good for the goose is good for the gander, right? :-) However, setting aside a day for one group of people is kind of a clear reminder we're still a ways from equality.

So, to all women out there: Gratulerer med dagen! Happy International Women's Day! :-)

Comments

Unknown said…
Why people gender discriminate between male and female. I hate those discrimination. Women's importance known to every people. I love my mother ,sister,friends and also respect women as they desire.Happy International Women's Day"
March 9, 2013 at 3:04 AM
Anonymous said…
Weird. You think a decline the number of married in Norway is the correct metric? That's your American side showing! People don't get married in Norway, until perhaps much later in life after they've had children. There's no need as the law is equal for partners, and religion is uninteresting.
April 8, 2014 at 12:29 PM
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