Unending Gender war?

A few days ago I heard some people telling a story of a dental nurse that her dentist had looked up the address of her patient before deciding how much to charge her. The patient lived in a good part of town, and so the bill for the removal of her wisdom tooth was bumped up - without her knowledge, of course.
That's not fair! was my initial reaction.

But then, I suppose, the dentist would argue that she can charge whatever she likes, and, further, that by doing this sort of thing, she would not have to charge so much to her less well-heeled patients.

If the dentist charges the same to everyone, then this is a bit unfair on the poorer patients. On the other hand, if she charges the wealthier more, then this would be a bit unfair on the wealthier patients.

So, in practice, both things seem to be generally acceptable. And, on the whole, it all seems to be more a question of balance. Provided that the wealthier are not charged too much more than poorer folk because of their financial position, they do not create too much of a fuss about it.

But for any given differential between the two, a fuss, at some level, is usually made.

And the only point that I am trying to make in this article is that there is no real solution to the problem. There is no right and morally correct thing to do. It is all a question of balance.

And so there will always be a tussle between the two camps.

But 'tussle' is surely too tame a word for what is, in fact, much more like a war!

And it will probably remain so for a considerable length of time to come because there is no solution. There is no right and morally correct thing to do. There is nowhere to be found where to draw a line which will be acceptable to everyone.

It is all a question of balance, with some people leaning one way and with other people leaning the other way.

But the balance between the two sides can be very much affected by the motives that appear to be behind the policies being applied.

For example, the dentist can be portrayed as a Samaritan, helping the poor by taking some more from the rich. But, on the other hand, she can be seen as something of a Scrooge who is simply trying to squeeze as much money as possible out of each of her clients.

Should a woman who can carry one brick in her wheelbarrow be paid the same as a man who can carry two?

By and large - though there is no strict division along gender lines –me as a woman I will answer Yes to this question, and probably my husband as a man will answer No. But, just as in the previous case concerning the dentist, there is no place where to draw the line that is acceptable to everyone.

Girls versus technology

Technologies should be equally accessible to male and female students. Yet, as girls enter adolescence; large numbers of them tend to lose interest in science, math, and computer science. Girls are narrowing the gender gap in science and math, but not in technology.

Overall girls' test scores and course enrollments have risen in these areas, with the exception of computer science. In order to attempt to address this issue, the cause of the discrepancies between males and females in computer use must be established.

A gender gap exists between males and females in the use of technology. Girls are still not much interested in computers as the boys. One simply needs to walk into computer clubs or computer science classes in order to see the gap between the number of boys versus girls in these clubs and classes.

It is important to note that this is not always the case nor is it necessarily intentional. Many parents, educators, and manufacturers out there are indeed very sensitive to the issues of gender. They are making great strides to create equity in all areas for males and females. On the other hand, there are those parents, educators, and manufacturers who are shocked and surprised to realize that they are unintentionally sending separate signals about expectations for girls and boys. Differential treatments by educators divert girls from science and technology.
In the same way, other influential adults in girls' lives influence the paths girls follow and the perception of girls concerning their own future and those of others.


Teachers and the educational system are believed to influence the gender gap in computer use.. Boys gravitate toward computer games and mechanical toys. Girls, on the other hand, are more likely to play with dolls or be involved in more social games. Teachers may treat boys differently than girls causing differing expectations.
For example, boys and girls are often approached differently when dealing with inappropriate physical and verbal attacks on others. Boys involved in pushing or even fist fights may be more accepted that girls involved in the same activities; "boys will be boys." Girls are expected to be better negotiators thus preventing the need for physical altercations.

In addition, girls in adolescence tend to experience weakening self perceptions . Many girls in adolescence go through changes which negatively affect self image and future choices. As a result, girls often refrain from asking questions and sharing answers. Many girls feel inferior to others or wish to mask their leadership abilities and intelligence and decline opportunities to take part in student government, clubs, or challenges that may cause failure. These issues also discourage some girls from taking part in higher track classes in math, science, and computer science. Still others point at education at the administrative level. Here, some say, is where funds are appropriated. There are views that teachers and administrators in education are responsible for the gender gap in technology.

The lack of strong female role models is believed by some experts to be yet another reason for the gender gap in technology use between males and females. It is suggested that providing children the opportunity to see guest speakers from both genders in nontraditional careers. Common sense tells us that we find possibility or lack of possibility in what we experience. Girls who see and develop communication with other females who have careers in science and technology fields, will be more likely to have these high expectations for themselves. These girls will perceive science and technology fields as plausible careers for themselves. Few female mentors are available for girls when investigating career opportunities . Just like boys, girls benefit from listening and interacting with mentors and role models.

Lee Canter said it best, "Parents are the most important, influential people in a child's life. Parental views on gender roles, belief systems regarding gender, and actions toward both sexes will inevitably influence children. Children are sent strong signals about the world around them, more specifically about men and women, from parents. Parents' actions and words send messages about the parents' beliefs. Parents should closely examine whether their actions and words are telling their children what they wish them to be telling their children. Parents should closely examine what they say with their actions and words.

If we want to see young girls more involved in computers, we must begin with parents. There are many practical and easy ways parents can encourage their girls in the use of technology. Parents can begin at home to encourage girls to use technologies. Several ideas for encouraging girls' interest in technology. First, children should be exposed to technology at an early age. Children should learn that technology is fun and helpful to use. They should see it as one of the many tools in our world that make life easier. Parents should also buy technology products of interest to their daughters. Unfortunately, a majority of the CD's for children are designed for the interests of boys. Girls rarely have interest in monsters or weapons commonly seen in computer software. Rather, they tend to want to accomplish a specific goal using the computer. As a result, it may be more challenging to find programs that will interest young girls. "Barriers are lifted when girls play with other girls and have equal access to the control devices such as the video game control pad, keyboard, joystick, or mousective of girls toward technology.

Mugabe votes is this the end of him

On March 29 Robert Mugabe voted but the question is being asked was it the last time for him to vote as president. We will see.

The Zimbabwe harmornised elections

March 29 was the mosgt important day for the Zimbabweans. It was a day for them to make a decision. As of now we are still not yet sure what they have decided. But I was priviledged to to be there to witness the people making the most important decision. But unconfirmed results show that Morgan Tsvangirai could have beaten the old man clean. Could this mean the Zimbabweans have spoken we will wait for the official results. lest wait you will be updated as the time goes.

International Women's Day - the fight for parity continues

International Women's Day (IWD) is the story of ordinary women as makers of history. It is rooted in the centuries old struggle of women seeking to participate in society on an equal footing with men.
The idea of an IWD (March 8) first arose at the turn of the century, which in the industrialized world was a period of expansion and turbulence, booming population growth and radical ideologies.
IWD is a time to reflect on the progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women's rights.
Some people realized that women comprise more than half the world's population. And that too often they are in the front line in terms of poverty, sustaining communities and managing the earth's biodiversity and natural resources, women are also uniquely vulnerable to environment-related health issues. Despite their role and their know-how, women's contribution is often undervalued and ignored.


Until women are fully represented at senior leadership levels of public, professional and economic life, women do not have equal rights nor an equal voice. Slowly of course women are taking up decision making decisions but it is not the figures that we are happy. I guess we need to take all chances that are available.
These sisters, along with many other sisters in leadership roles, speak out on women's issues and rights. They speak out on pay equity, women's health care, violence against women, globalization, and opposition to the war in Iraq, child care, full employment, and pension entitlements. Successes have been achieved and, as women, we applaud their efforts.
However, we recognize that women are connected internationally. Sisters in Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe the Philippines, Colombia, Afghanistan and other regions of the world, including Canada's own First Nations community – have successes and challenges that resound within the hearts and souls of women through networking in an organization called Women Together as one.
Yes there are differences within the respective cultures and political landscapes, but the underlying connection is that women constantly strive for fully recognized equality with men and for basic, and improved, human rights. A trite saying that was written stated that "Women hold up half the sky" – so why is it so hard for society to treat women as equals!
In 2008, the slogan that will set the basis for ILO's International Women's Day is "Investing in Decent Work for women: Not just right, but smart", based on the overwhelming evidence that promoting equality is not only a matter of human rights, but it also makes good economic sense.

The motivation and guidance for many women who are in leadership comes from mentors — people who have influenced their personal and professional development, and passed along their skills and knowledge. The positive impact of mentors and role models is perhaps most impactful during times of challenge in women's lives— women who are escaping violence and abuse, single parents working hard to support their families and those who have rarely experienced the feeling of hope and opportunity.
Mentors and role models play critical roles in women's lives. They help women reach their personal best so they too can contribute to building a strong economy and safe communities.
On International Women's Day, I invite you to think about the role models and mentors in your life. What knowledge and skills can you now pass to a younger woman, to help open doors in her future?
This year, we can do more than celebrate our achievements — we can cultivate success for the future.

Just keeping uptodate

Life is what you make please send comments and lets see how we go

Penelope is AISI GKP second prize winner

Penelope Paliani-Kamanga is second prize winner of the AISI GKP awards print category for more information go to http://www.uneca.org/aisi/ma07winners.htm