As women, we face a unique set of challenges and experiences that can truly impact our quality of life. From the gender pay gap to ageism and discrimination, women face a range of social and economic barriers. While progress has been made in recent years, there is still much work to be done to correct these issues!
In a recent article published by Booming Encore, author Susan Williams explores the challenges that women face as they age, and the progress that has been made in recent years. She highlights that while women have made significant gains in areas such as education and the workforce, they continue to face discrimination and unequal treatment in many areas of life.
One of the key challenges that women face as they age is the gender pay gap. Women typically earn less than men throughout their working lives, which means that they have less savings and retirement income to rely on as they age. This can make it more difficult for women to maintain a comfortable standard of living in retirement, and can lead to financial insecurity and poverty in old age.
Another challenge for women is ageism and discrimination: gendered ageism. Older women are often seen as less valuable or desirable in the workplace, and may struggle to find employment or advance in their careers as they age.
More and more women are staying in the workforce later in life and there is growing awareness of the impact of gendered ageism. But we’re not there yet!
Williams suggests a range of strategies, from advocating for policies that address the gender pay gap and promote equal treatment in the workplace, to supporting initiatives that promote social connection and community engagement for older women.
You can’t stop progress: all the studies show that women’s leadership, compared with men’s, makes a hugely positive impact on the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet & Profit. But what is important about now and going forward is that there are more of us women, especially older women, in positions of power as leaders, intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs. Plus now in the 4th wave of the women’s movement (aka, feminism) we have more self and collective agency and authority than ever before.
No longer in the shadows, unseen, unheard. Our sovereignty is not for sale nor will it be relinquished!
How do you treat the older women in your life? How can you better support them and work to fight against gendered ageism?
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