It is a very sad and disappointing day in one struggling democracy. The legislature of that country voted today on a bill that, if passed, would have required women to receive equal pay for work equal to that of their male counterparts. Sadly, the law failed to pass. Even in 2010, gender equality is offensive to some.
Aside from the obvious fairness of receiving equal pay for equal work, the requirement of equal pay for equal work would have helped reduce poverty among single parent households (since most of them are single moms) and among retired widows. But to some, the idea of women being treated as men's equals was just too much.
In this same country, struggles for racial equality have resulted in the passage of sweeping laws, but women have been unable to get their shoes on and get out of the kitchen. Some have tried, with various levels of success, but have been unable to actually end gender inequality because of religious dogma, social convention, and what can only be described as being undermined by other women.
For example, a few very powerful women in this country's legislature, who are paid the same as their male counterparts, voted against the measure, refusing to extend the sort of income equality they enjoy to all women in their country.
Yes, it is a very sad day indeed for this backwards country that cannot find a way to value their female citizens the same as their male citizens. It's especially sad for me since it is my country.
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