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.

More Women Stay at Home Than Men

Joseph Chamie
January 25, 2018

Out-of-Wedlock Births Rise Worldwide

Joseph Chamie
March 16, 2017

Modern Servitude: Romanian Badante Care for Elders in Italy

Despite difficult conditions, poor Romanian women relocate to care for Italy’s aging population
Raluca Besliu
January 3, 2017

Surrogacy: Human Right or Reproductive Exploitation?

Wild variation in regulations worldwide ensure that surrogacy is both human right and exploitation
Joseph Chamie and Barry Mirkin
October 28, 2014

Long-Term Answer to Border Crises: Empower Women

Border crises flare as government policies neglect inequality, family planning and gender mainstreaming
Marisol Ruiz
August 19, 2014

Re-Imagining Kinship

Biological parenthood is valued over all other forms – childlessness should be de-stigmatized
Amrita Nandy
May 13, 2014