What is a woman’s worth? Is it synonymous with value? Who defines it? Is it a tangible thing? Are we born into it, marry into it, or do we earn it? I’m writing a book about women, and consequently this subject has taken up so much of my waking thought, that I practically see the question lurking behind everything I do and say. In researching this subject, I’ve had an opportunity to view women from many angles, perspectives, cultures, time zones and eras.
A general round-up of what defines us as women reveals, not surprisingly, that women are the traditional nurturers, the connection-makers, the socializers, and the soothers.
Are we defined by motherhood? Perhaps – parenting of the young is still considered a predominately woman’s domain and duty, and how the kids turn out can be a direct reflection on us. Very often, the first question we’re asked in conversation is, “How are your kids?” If the kids are not well – we take on the blame. As the mother of four – I spend a great deal of my time wondering if what I have done in life has been worthwhile, particularly as far as my children are concerned. People say, “If your children are happy and healthy, then you are happy too.” What an understatement.
Are we defined by our careers? Though 60% of women in the US are in the workforce, relatively few are in high-level jobs. The top five occupations of working women, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, are secretary, teacher, nurse, health aid, and cashier, and the median income is $552 per week.
Are we valued for the efforts we expend? Globally, women perform 66% of the world’s work, but receive only 11% of the world’s income. There are 6 million more women than men in the world, but we own less than 1% of the world’s land. In addition to out-of-home jobs and careers, women are double-shifters, meaning they come home to an additional workload of domestic and house management duties
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