Women in the economy

It's not exactly new news that the economy isn't doing too well. If you're like me, you're spending at least a part of your spring break frantically applying to jobs and internships for the summer. Luckily for me, I am in a pretty secure financial situation, which isn't very common. So it was with frustration that I read that with the export sector declining, women are being hit hard by the global rise in unemployment. Apparently, "Although the crisis had its initial impact largely on male-dominated sectors such as finance, insurance and construction, it is now spreading into fields where women are widely employed,"--Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development

And, unsurprisingly, "Women’s lower employment rates, weaker control over property and resources, concentration in informal and vulnerable forms of employment with lower earnings, and less social protection, all place women in a weaker position than men to weather crises”, said ILO Bureau for Gender Equality Director Jane Hodges

Of course, this means that there are two problems--the difference in employment and policy protections of women, and the economic crisis. It seems to me that one of these can be acted on now--not by imposing standards on other nations, but by making an example of ourselves, and making sure that movements started in other countries have some resources to make the changes they see as necessary and beneficial. More equality in employment, around the world, would benefit everyone.

On the US level, it looks like the wage gap for women still exists (of course, that was before the economic crisis. According to claims by the National Women's Law Center, the stimulus might be good for getting some more women in underreperesentated fields. And for those thinking this might be bad for men, check out this really interesting piece from the NY Times.

I know this post might seem like a downer for spring break. But it doesn't have to be! Give a little bit to Kiva, the microfinance organization, and look for a woman entrepreneur to help. It'll make you feel better, and make a big impact! I promise! Plus, it's the gift that keeps on giving! (You can take your money back when the loan is repaid, or lend it again). Programs like this are exactly what help these changes happen.

By the way, if you get bored during break, I recommend looking through the UN women watch site. It's pretty interesting stuff.

Any thoughts? I try not to impose cultural standards, but I know I do sometimes--do you see any problems? What changes do you see as being viable or necessary now?
How's your spring break going?