Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, activities and attributes that a particular society considers appropriate for men and women, explains the World Health Organization. The distinct roles, reinforced by legal systems and religion, have historically given rise to gender inequalities not only in health care but with education and employment opportunities. Globalization has challenged the most archaic perceptions of gender roles through books, films and other media; new technologies in satellite television and the internet; policies of multinational corporations and tourism. Human rights groups reach across borders to lend support and inspiration to those in other lands; the United Nations and other international target gender equality as a major goal.

Mate-in-Vietnam Marriages

Some Singaporean men are turning to an unorthodox manner of finding a wife.
Chong Chee Kin
July 21, 2002

Globalization Narrows Gender Gap: World Bank

World Bank economist Andrew Mason finds that globalization helps to remove gender disparities.
June 13, 2002

Pew Survey Finds America’s Global Stature Diminished

The lone superpower is finding that power doesn't equal popularity.
December 4, 2002

Let's Burn the Burqa

Women who choose to don burqas contribute to passing moral judgment on the women who don’t
Taslima Nasrin
January 17, 2007

Yet Another Problem in the Middle East

A report by Arab authors reveals the many inequities confronting Arab women
December 20, 2006