Research

Gender inequality is a situation whereby one's gender and sex are determined by the social, cultural, and legal aspects that eventually affect the dignity and rights of men and women (Evans, 2017).

This creates stereotyping assumptions that lead to unequal access and enjoyment of the rights of individuals. Important progress on gender inequality has been made globally over the past decade. For example, there has been increased participation of women and people of color on matters of discrimination, sexual assaults, degradation, and exploitation (United Nations, 2020).

Moreover, the gender roles have also become less rigid with an increasing number of women taking up roles that were once left for their male counterparts (Marsiglia, Kulis and LechugaPeña, 2021). There has also been an increased global awareness brought about by the quantity and quality of data that has resulted in a clear view of gender inequality consequences.

This paper provides an analysis of gender inequality in the hospitality industry. It looks at the impact of geographical location on gender equality, factors influencing gender inequality, the impact of access to education on gender inequality, a case of gender inequality in the hospitality industry, and finally, the conclusion.

Gender inequality is not evenly distributed around the world. Some regions have moved closer to attaining millennium development goal number III of gender equality promotion and empowering women relative to others (World Bank, 2011).

A look at the inequality distribution across the globe gives a clear indication that the western jurisdiction has championed for gender equality by countering the violation of the rights of women through the enactment of stringent laws and regulations for offenses related to women, girls, and children (Beghini and Umberto, 2019).

However, in regions that practice Islamic religion, more so the Middle East and the Northern part of Africa there are high incidences of male dominance brought about by perceptions that the progress of women is a western concept, a belief that is given high priority in the sharia laws that govern these Islamic regions (Nadeau and Rayamajhi, 2019).

This prevents women and girls from participating in some activities believe to be preserved for their male counterparts creating a male-dominated society.

Several factors influence gender equality across the globe. One such factor is the level of economic development that has a significant impact on the gender inequality gap (Kochhar, Jain-Chandra and Newiak, 2017). Women in developed countries have increased control of their life with improved access to essential services, advanced technologies and are more educated (Publishing, O and Centre, 2010).

On the other hand, in developing countries, evidence suggests that due to poor economic development, women and girls are deprived of economic knowledge with reduced access to essential services leading to gender bias. Culture is also one factor that influences the extent of inequality among men and women. Women have been marginalized on matters of access, contribution, and participation in cultural and social activities such as arts, cinema, theatre, heritage, and music (Bokova, Shaheed and Deloumeaux, 2014).

This has prevented them from achieving their full potential which eventually impedes inclusivity and sustainability. However, for men, the belief they should be the breadwinners in the family creates discrimination in terms of pay for equal work done by both men and women. This discrimination in terms of wages creates a stereotyping assumption that women are less strong and highly imperfect than men.

Education plays a fundamental role in the achievement of sustainable development goals. Education that is quality, inclusive, easily accessible, and equitable creates lifetime opportunities for everyone (OECD, 2017). High gender inequality gaps exist in regions where there is limited access to learning and continuity in education such as in Sub-Sahara Africa, North Africa, and the Middle East (Publishing and OECD, 2012).

On the contrary, regions that promote both formal and informal learning, especially in western countries, experience highly reduced incidences of gender inequality. Empirical evidence suggests that there is a strong correlation between access to quality education among girls and women and increased incidences of gender-based violence.

Societies with high incidences of gender-based educational discrimination experience disparities in areas of health, economic stability among the households, early marriages, reduced involvement of women and girls, and increased frequencies of gender-based violence (UNESCO, 2016).

Whereas, there is improved access to services that are essential including health and advanced technologies in societies that are more educated therefore creating opportunities for women and girls to compete effectively in the labour–market with equal pays for equal level of skills, education, and experiences (OECD, 2017).

There are high incidences of gender imbalance in the hospitality industry relative to other industries. Promotion and career advancement are limited for women in this industry with statistics suggesting that there is a ninety percent chance that men will get promoted to top-level positions relative to women (Kumar, Dhiman and Dahiya, 2015).

Moreover, work requirements and structure naturally create pressure on women preventing them from balancing between family and career. The industry is oftentimes characterized by working hours that are irregular and involve frequent traveling and relocation thereby creating a high level of stress for women (Costa, Moura and Mira, 2020).

Despite these challenges, the industry is starting to address these issues to accelerate the creation of a more diverse workforce. One such intervention is the strong encouragement of professionalism against the biasness with regards to women by basing employment on performance as opposed to gender (Jauhari, 2008).

Furthermore, women in the industry are now more than ever being educated on the existing barriers and are given the necessary tools required through improved networking and mentorships. This has an impact on increasing their access to various opportunities and improving their level of influence that is equal to men.

In conclusion, gender inequality as a social, cultural, and legal orientation creates stereotyping assumptions that lead to unequal access and enjoyment of the rights of individuals. The inequality is affected by several factors some of which include geographical location, level of economic development, Culture, and access to education among other factors. In terms of geographical location, some regions have moved closer to attaining the millennium development goal of gender equality promotion and empowering women relative to others.

For economic development, women in developed countries have improved access to essential services, advanced technologies and are more educated than their counterparts in developing countries. Culture, on the other hand, creates inequality since women have been marginalized on matters of access, contribution, and participation in cultural and social activities relative to men.

In my opinion, there are high incidences of gender inequality in the hospitality industry relative to other industries with a high chance that men will get promoted to top-level faster than women. However, the industry is starting to address these issues to accelerate the creation of a more diverse workforce through the creation of awareness on the existing barriers and are giving women the necessary tools required to achieve the level of equality required. This is being undertaken through improved networking and mentorships.

Beghini, V., Cattaneo, U. and Pozzan, E., 2019. A quantum leap for gender equality: For a better future of work for all. 1st ed. Geneva: International Labour Office.

Jauhari, V., 2008. Global cases on hospitality industry. New York, Haworth Press. 1st ed.