Table of Contents
Vocabulary – Women’s Rights
This list of vocabulary items is related to women’s rights. It includes terms and phrases that will enhance your understanding of women’s rights issues, providing you with the language needed to engage in informed discussions and advocacy.
1. Essential Women’s Vocabulary List
This is a list of essential women’s vocabulary :
Discrimination
The act of treating a person or particular group of people differently, especially in a worse way from the way in which you treat other people, because of their skin color, religion, sex, etc.
- She felt she had been discriminated against.
- In order to increase the number of female representatives, the selection committee decided to discriminate in favor of women for three years.
Equal Opportunities
The principle of treating all people the same, and not being influenced by a person’s sex, race, religion, etc.
- The advert says: “We are an equal opportunities employer.”
Equal Rights
Having the same rights, treatment, etc.
- Girls and boys must have equal rights in education.
Equal Status
Having the same position in society.
- Women are fighting to have equal status as their brothers.
Female-Headed Households
Families taken care of by a woman.
- Women in female-headed households often bear the burden of ensuring household survival.
Feminism
The belief that women should be allowed the same rights, power, and opportunities as men and be treated in the same way, or the set of activities intended to achieve this state.
- She had a lifelong commitment to feminism.
Gender Discrimination
Refers to the belief or attitude that one gender or sex is inferior to or less valuable than the other.
- It is unacceptable that gender discrimination is widely in use even in developed countries.
Gender Equality
The state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender.
- Achieving gender equality requires the empowerment of all women and girls.
Glass Ceiling
An unofficially acknowledged barrier to advancement in a profession, especially affecting women and members of minorities.
- She struggled to break through the glass ceiling in her corporate career.
Intersectionality
The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
- Intersectionality highlights the unique challenges faced by women of different backgrounds.
Patriarchy
A social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.
- Feminists often critique the patriarchy for perpetuating gender inequalities.
Sexism
Actions based on the belief that the members of one sex are less intelligent, able, skillful, etc. than the members of the other sex, especially that women are less able than men.
- The university has been accused of sexism because it has so few women professors.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual behavior that annoys or upsets someone.
- She reported her boss for sexual harassment.
Segregation
The act of keeping one group of people apart from another and treating them differently, especially because of race or sex.
- A segregated school/society.
- Blacks were segregated from whites in every area of life.
Suffrage
The right to vote in an election, especially for representatives in a parliament or similar organization.
- Universal suffrage (= the right of all adults to vote).
Women Leaders
Women leaders contribute to the development of their home country.
- Many nations are governed by women leaders.
Women Empowerment
Refers to increasing the spiritual, political, social, or economic strength of women. It often involves the empowered developing confidence in their own capacities. Successful efforts must target women empowerment.
- Empowered women bring extra income to the family, manage the family resources, and contribute to the progress of a country.
- The most important element in the empowerment of women is education.
Women’s Rights
The term women’s rights refers to freedoms and entitlements of women and girls of all ages. These rights may or may not be institutionalized, ignored, or suppressed by law, local custom, and behavior in a particular society.
- Women’s rights are seen as an imperative.
Violation of Rights
The act of breaking or acting against rights that normally should be treated with respect.
- She claimed that the way she’d been treated was a gross violation of her rights.
Women’s Participation
The participation of women in the development of a country.
- Nothing can be more central in the development of a country than women’s participation at all levels.
Women’s Exclusion
The act of excluding women from something.
- Women’s exclusion from political, educational, and economic opportunities is a hindrance to women’s empowerment.
2. Common Phrases and Expressions About Women
The language we use often reflects societal attitudes and values. Here are some common phrases and expressions related to women, along with their meanings and examples:
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Refers to the unseen barrier that prevents women and minorities from reaching the highest levels in a profession.
- She worked hard and finally broke the glass ceiling to become the first female CEO of the company.
Equal Pay for Equal Work
The principle that women should receive the same pay as men for doing the same job.
- The campaign for equal pay for equal work has gained significant momentum in recent years.
Gender Gap
The disparity between men and women in various contexts, such as employment, pay, and education.
- Efforts are being made to close the gender gap in STEM fields.
Girl Power
A slogan that celebrates and encourages women’s empowerment, independence, and confidence.
- The concert was a celebration of girl power, with performances by strong, talented female artists.
Glass Slipper
A reference to Cinderella’s slipper, often used metaphorically to describe the idealized or stereotypical expectations placed on women.
- She rejected the glass slipper and pursued a career that defied traditional expectations.
Lean In
A phrase popularized by Sheryl Sandberg, encouraging women to pursue their ambitions and take leadership roles.
- She decided to lean in and take on the challenging project at work.
Motherhood Penalty
The disadvantages that women can face in the workplace after having children, such as lower pay and fewer promotions.
- Despite her qualifications, she faced a motherhood penalty after returning from maternity leave.
Queen Bee Syndrome
A phenomenon where women in positions of authority may distance themselves from or not support other women.
- She was accused of having Queen Bee Syndrome when she didn’t mentor junior female employees.
Sisterhood
The solidarity and support among women.
- The women in the group felt a strong sense of sisterhood and helped each other succeed.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
A phrase encouraging people to understand another person’s experiences and challenges, often used in the context of gender empathy.
- To truly understand her struggles, he tried to walk a mile in her shoes.
Women’s Intuition
The idea that women have a natural ability to understand or know something without conscious reasoning.
- She trusted her women’s intuition and decided to change her career path.
Woman of Substance
A phrase used to describe a woman who is strong, independent, and has a significant presence or impact.
- She is a woman of substance, known for her charitable work and leadership in the community.
Women’s Work
Traditionally referred to tasks and jobs considered appropriate for women, often domestic or caregiving roles.
- She challenged the notion that childcare is solely women’s work.
Work-Life Balance
The equilibrium between personal life and career work, particularly important in discussions about women juggling multiple roles.
- She strives to maintain a healthy work-life balance to spend quality time with her family.
These phrases and expressions highlight the ongoing discussions and challenges surrounding women’s roles, rights, and recognition in society.
Conclusion
The above list of women’s vocabulary is crucial for understanding and discussing topics related to women’s rights issues. By familiarizing yourself with these terms and expressions, you can better engage in conversations, support advocacy efforts, and promote gender equality.
This vocabulary not only helps in recognizing the challenges women face but also empowers you to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing fight for women’s rights.