FROM WHICH COURSE: AN INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING MAGAZINE

Your Shout! Are women treated the same as men?

Which Course reader Ezme Bushell asks whether the gender gap has closed

Published: 29 July 2006

Nowadays there are many people we look up to. But best of all, there are more strong women role models. Every one knows Destiny's Child, for example; three successful, independent, black, bright women. They have made millions of girls want to be strong just like them. Then there's Kelly Holmes, double gold medal-winnner at the Athens Olympics in 2004. Her determination gives people the sense that it is possible to do anything, if you work hard and believe in yourself.

Shami Chakrabarti is another great role model. She's director of the human rights organisation, Liberty and has spoken widely about the importance of human rights, giving young women the message that it is important to stand up for what you believe in.

A lot has changed. Before the First World War, women were seen as weak and dependent on men to survive. They had few rights, were not allowed to vote and were expected to stay at home, look after children and do domestic jobs. Those who were allowed to work had fairly limited prospects and were usually pushed towards stereotypically "female" roles, such as nursing. However, the war incited change. For the first time, women were recruited to do jobs that had previously only been considered suitable for men. With the men at war, these jobs still needed to be completed. So women began working with aircraft, in factories, in fire engines and plumbing. They were learning new skills and showing that they were every bit as capable as men.

Women are just as strong and independent as men, but men and society have not always thought so. Since the 19th century women have been campaigning for equal rights. The suffragettes campaigned for the right to vote. Some even gave up their lives. The suffragists, on the other hand, didn't believe in violence, instead they protested, held marches, put up posters and handed out pamphlets. Both parties gained press attention and soon had most people on there side. By 1918, they had gained the right to vote for women aged over 30 and in 1928 women older than 21 were able to vote too. If it had not been for their hard work and resilience, Britain today may have been a very different place.

That said, we still have a way to go. In 2002, a poll revealed that women in full-time work were earning 27 per cent less than men and women in part-time work 41.1 per cent less. But there are organisations fighting to make sure that women have equal rights - like the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Another issue is the media's representation of women. The majority of images suggest that women have to look a certain way: be slim, wear the right clothes and have certain lifestyles to be beautiful. This pressure makes some women lose confidence.

Women have come along way since the 19th century. We have great role models. British women can vote and do almost any job. There are also a lot more women involved in politics and in positions of power and authority, including female doctors and police officers. However, there are a few more things in the 21st century that need the involvement of women and more equal rights, such as women's representation in some sports and equal pay. Women must be treated fully equally as we are undoubtedly equal to men.

Which Course magazine is now available online at whichcourse.epagesmarketing.com. Contact Joshua Gilbert - tel: 020 7005 2283; fax: 020 7005 2292.