Take steps to gender equality
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is “Accelerate Action” which emphasizes the importance of swift and decisive action to achieve gender equity. The timing of IWD during Women’s History Month was not a coincidence. Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to
highlight women’s contributions to history and society. This day is more than just a day of observance. It is a call for action to accelerate women’s equal rights. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 to reach full gender parity. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 to reach full gender parity.We support the efforts of countless organizations, groups and individuals who work not just on this day but throughout the year toward gender equality and a more equitable world for women.Gender inequality
Gender inequality exists in many forms. The
gender wage gap
persists with women earning $.82 per $1 earned by men. Mental labor is work women do outside the home that they are not compensated for. The work of running and managing a family and household is disproportionately done by women. Mental loadThis is the term used to describe the invisible emotional and cognitive labor that is involved in managing family tasks, household chores, childcare and parenting decisions, and the emotional well-being of the family. Despite advancements in gender equality, women continue to bear a disproportionate share of the mental load, impacting their mental health, career opportunities and overall quality of life.Research
points to women experiencing more related negative consequences, such as stress, lower life and relationship satisfaction, and negative impact on their careers. This dynamic can be difficult to change. The society constantly tells women that being a mother means putting others’ needs ahead of their own. Women and men must challenge the current status quo that women’s time is less valuable than other people. Mothers need to internalize the message that sharing the parenting load with their children and husband or partner is good not just for them but for the children and family as well.
Strategies to mitigate effects of mental load
The burden of mental labor can be offset by engaging in self care.
Women need to take time for themselves without feeling guilty. It means that women should put their own needs first. This means doing things which bring you joy, satisfaction and replenishment. Take some time for physical activity to burn it off. Bring your favorite music if it helps you to reduce stress. The relief you gain from spending time moving your body may lessen your likelihood to snap at your partner.
Perhaps this is taking time to read that book that you’ve been wanting to read. For others connecting with nature and the outdoors is restorative.
Miss your friends? Connect with your friends. Reach out to friends, whether it’s by texting or meeting up in your favorite coffeeshop. Taking the time to reconnect with those who feel like your home away from home will leave you all feeling rejuvenated.Relationship EqualityResearch shows that women are the ones to bring up a problem in the relationship 80% of the time. Does this mean they are always unhappy, like to argue and are generally unsatisfied? No! This means they are taking the responsibility of their relationship. To take some of this pressure off, develop some Gottman rituals like the stress reducing conversation and the State of the Union meeting so that there are built in times for both partners to address the health of the relationship.
Accepting influence
is a concept that Dr. John Gottman identified in his research as being a characteristic of healthy relationships. This is specifically about men accepting the influence of their female partner. She is a major influence on the decision-making in the relationship, and even in her partner’s personal life. Their opinions and viewpoints are valued and important. The idea is to share power, have balance in the relationship, and respect different points of views when facing a problem. The research of Dr. John Gottman has revealed that men who are emotionally intelligent enough to accept the influence of women have happier and healthier relationships. Children of these relationships have better outcomes as well.
Get Involved
Whether you participate in events, fundraising, or on a more individual level it all makes a difference towards the goal of gender equality.
International Women’s Day
has great resources available to you in addition to opportunities for local involvement. Here are a list of other organizations doing great work for IWD:Achievements
At The Gottman Institute we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our co-founder Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman. Here are some of the highlights of her career:
Co-founded The Gottman Institute with her husband Dr. John Gottman, creating a research-based approach to relationships that has helped countless couples worldwideDeveloped “Sound Relationship House Theory” alongside Dr. John Gottman, which provides a framework for understanding healthy relationshipsCreated the highly effective therapeutic approach known as the ‘Gottman Method Couples Therapy’
Coauthored numerous influential books including “Ten Principles for Doing Effective Couples,” “The Marriage Clinic,” and “And Baby Makes Three”
101010101010101010101010101010 Here are some of the highlights of her career:
- Co-founded The Gottman Institute with her husband Dr. John Gottman, creating a research-based approach to relationships that has helped countless couples worldwide
- Developed the “Sound Relationship House Theory” alongside Dr. John Gottman, which provides a framework for understanding healthy relationships
- Created the Gottman Method Couples Therapy, a highly effective therapeutic approach used by thousands of therapists globally
- Co-authored numerous influential books including “Ten Principles for Doing Effective Couples Therapy,” “The Marriage Clinic,” and “And Baby Makes Three”
- Designed the “Art and Science of Love” workshop that has educated thousands of couples on relationship skills
- Pioneered research on same-sex relationships, helping to develop evidence-based therapy approaches for LGBTQ+ couples
- Mentored countless therapists and psychology professionals throughout her career
- Worked to make relationship research and therapy more accessible across different cultures and backgrounds
Perhaps one of her greatest achievements which often goes unrecognized is her role in bringing the Gottman research, tools and methods to the mainstream. Dr. John Gottman’s brilliant research may never have been adapted into skills for couples to improve their relationships and methods for therapists to use with their clients.
The adaptation of the research into usable, practical tools has helped transform the relationships of hundreds of thousands of couples.
Final Thoughts
International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month are significant in that they serve as an acknowledgement of the importance of the role of women in society as well as a call to action to work toward gender equality. Women’s health and wellbeing must be improved and protected through their relationships. We must challenge the status quo and their needs. As feminist Gloria Steinem once reportedly said:
“The story of women’s struggle for equal rights belongs to neither a single feminist nor a single organization, but to all those who care about human right.”
