In many societies, there has been minimal or no focus on gender as an aspect of social problems of equality and opportunities. Discuss the factors...

a) Lack of differentiation between gender and sex
To many people, sex and gender are synonymous. Mentioning gender issues is seen as an implication of wanting women to rebel against their 'God given' assignments such as domestic chores, rearing chil- dren,, child'bearing and suckling. Due to this confusion, gender issues are not treated with the seriousness they deserve. Society regards most gender activists as divorcees whose intention is to wreck marriages. Women are encouraged to avoid them as much as possible. For example in Kenya FIDA fights for the rights of women. However, people down play its significance since it aims at reinforcing the dignity of women.

b) Traditional beliefs
The existence of powerful traditional beliefs and assumptions on the roles of women has helped reinforce gender stereotypes. Beliefs like females must be gentle while males should be rough and females should; not lead nor possess property have contributed in discouraging women "";' from vying for leadership or powerful positions even when they are capable. Due to internalization of their assumed or perceived inferiority, some women in leadership positions talk as if they are apologetic for holding those offices and denying men a chance. Many women have internalized these inferior statuses. Some reputable and devoted female church goers perceive and preach that senior offices are not God give to women but to men. The Bible is used to reinforce the concept that the1* man is the (head5; implying that there must be the opposite, which is the 'tail'. This has helped strengthen the idea that males are superior to females. During elections, many female voters hardly vote for female aspirants as they have internalized the belief that women are incapable of holding high offices. Beliefs about sexuality and economic empowerment are. culturally built in both men and women. Men are supposed to be decision makers while women are to follow the laid down track

c) Confusion about women's intelligence
In many African societies, it is assumed that women are less intelligent than men. In Kenya, abuses such as "Wewe ni mjinga kama mama yako" (You are stupid just like your mother) are still very common, However, it is very rare to hear one being told he/she is as stupid as the father. This implies that society has internalized the concept that women are stupid. In many families,, an undisciplined or not so bright child is regarded as having acquired these traits from the mother's side, A child who is well mannered and intelligent is mainly associated with the father or regarded as displaying traits associated with relatives from the father's side. These assumptions are largely due to the absence of statistical evidence, particularly comparative studies on male and female intellectual differences. However, people are socialized to accept the bi- ased position.

d) Gender awareness has also been affected by the presence of influential forces based on social class, ethnicity and even religion, which reinforce the human differences between men and women and the roles each should play in society. In religion, there is still a strong belief that women cannot serve God as ministers, pastors or prophets; that only men can. This belief influences the consideration of gender issues.

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francis1897 answered the question on August 22, 2022 at 11:13