Ensuring Women's Economic and Bodily Autonomy: A Collective Responsibility

Women’s rights are fundamental to achieving an equitable society, yet many structural and systemic barriers continue to prevent women from attaining full decision-making authority over their own lives and economic situations. Together with organizations advocating for women's rights, we must push for systemic changes to ensure women have complete freedom over their bodies and economic futures.

The Economic and Social Challenges Facing Women

Women continue to be disadvantaged due to numerous factors, including:

• The burden of unpaid care work.

• Low wages and insecure employment.

• Poor working conditions.

• Limited access to property ownership and inheritance rights.

These obstacles are deeply rooted in sexist structures that hinder women’s ability to balance full-time employment with family responsibilities. If a woman cannot contribute financially to her household, access social security benefits, or own property, the economic consequences extend beyond the individual—it negatively impacts her decision-making ability, physical security, and the economy as a whole.

The Power of Financial Independence and Leadership

When women achieve financial independence, they gain control over their lives. This financial autonomy enables them to:

• Pursue education and career opportunities.

• Access healthcare and secure living arrangements.

• Provide financial stability for their families.

• Make independent decisions about their future.

However, economic independence is not just about employment. A dignified life requires access to fundamental needs such as food, shelter, education, healthcare, and social protection. Governments must ensure access to these services, particularly for women, as they are disproportionately affected by economic instability.

Workplace Discrimination and Gender Inequality

Despite efforts to close the gender gap, women still face discrimination in the workplace. Across the world, women are often expected to take primary responsibility for household and caregiving duties, limiting their ability to pursue careers. Even when they enter the workforce, they frequently encounter:

• Lower wages compared to men.

• Barriers to career advancement.

• Exclusion from discussions about land, resources, and property ownership.

Shockingly, in 18 countries, men have the legal authority to prevent their wives from working outside the home. This legal and cultural discrimination severely restricts women’s ability to achieve economic independence and secure a prosperous future.

The Role of Government and Corporate Accountability

Systemic inequalities are exacerbated by unfair tax policies that allow large corporations to evade taxes while governments struggle to fund essential services. Since women are the primary users and providers of public services, the consequences of these inequities disproportionately affect them. To address these disparities, governments must:

• Recognize, reward, and redistribute unpaid domestic and care work by investing in public services and infrastructure.

• Ensure equal pay and fair access to social security and retirement benefits.

• Guarantee workers' rights, including the ability to form unions and demand fair wages.

Furthermore, corporations must be held accountable for human rights violations, and measures should be implemented to combat tax evasion. Ending workplace violence against women must also be a priority.

Transforming Society for Gender Equality

True gender equality can only be achieved when women are granted full control over their bodies and economic situations. This requires comprehensive policies that guarantee:

• Fair wages and employment opportunities.

• Access to education, healthcare, and housing.

• Protection from gender-based violence and workplace discrimination.

• Equal rights to land and property ownership.

Together, with organizations advocating for women’s rights, we must continue fighting for a world where women have the full authority to make decisions about their own lives, free from oppression and financial dependency. By ensuring economic justice and bodily autonomy, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society for all.