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By Nisansala Aryachandra

Successful policy formulation and the development of constructive strategies to cater for youth problems will depend to a large extent on developing a sharp awareness of the differences that exist between females and males and in taking into account the disadvantaged position of women in many societies. Women's Day which falls on March 8th signifies the importance in dedicating a special day to protect the rights of women all over the world.

"Women account for half the world's population, perform two thirds of the hours worked (though recorded as working only one third of those hours) receive one tenth of the world's income, and have one hundredth of the world's property registered in their name." This statement based on ILO figures is believed to be substantially true, as it is built on empirical research, and taken as a prime example when discussing gender equality.

Even so we know inequality between males and females still exist and it is more or less social constructs that has attributed to forming such views in the minds of the masses.

Whether one is aware of it or not, discrimination against women happens every second somewhere in the world.

It may not be things that will make us raise our heads and notice, but little day-to-day things that we have become to accept as common or natural.

It has been so accepted, even women themselves are unaware that it is discrimination.

Many have argued about gender inequality for decades and a brief glance to the past will enlighten us that theories to explain the situation have always disadvantaged women. There are quite a few theories, the notable ones are: Women's reproductive roles.

This some people have argued that it has always put them at disadvantage to men. It is said whilst they bear and raise children, women are taken out of the mainstream of public life for long periods of time. This is seen as an opportunity for men to assume control of all the main aspects of public life.

Another theory, the Conflict Interactionalist Model of Society explains when social groups of any kind differentiate themselves then they tend to be in conflict over resources (here Interactionism refers to action between individuals).

The Functionalist Theory believes that it has always been functional or practical for men to take up the 'available' public roles. The Functionalist argues that women are naturally suited to the role of child rearing and bearing functions while men are more suited to the labour market. And the Structural Conflict Theory argues that the root cause lies in capitalism because it use's women's reproductive and child rearing functions as cheap ways of replenishing its labour markets.

The UN adaptation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women on December 08, 1979 seeks to protect and promote the well being of women. In it we will see an interesting provision that speaks of discrimination as 'unintentional' as well as intentional.

A simple day-to-day example will show that even at a day and age as now, we are still ignorant of the conceptual point where pressing issues of our time have become to be. What really is necessary is to open our eyes and notice.

Research in education as I have learnt for example shows that there is a 'hidden curriculum' in effect at schools.

This refers to the social values that are openly stated but which nevertheless convey to students (girls and boys) what is expected of them. It is in some way constantly favour boys over girls.

As a result, this has had an enormous influence on the educational performance of children and usually works against equal achievements by girls. To prove the point, let's take the subjects of science and technology.

These are two subjects where few girls excel in and much less pursue as careers. This is clearly 'unintentional' on the part of the teachers, but is somehow absorbed into the classroom practices.

It has been shown that science and maths teachers, both males and females tend to ask girls the less challenging factual questions, and ask boys reasoning questions.

As a result, boys tend to dominate in these classes and control the flow of information in the way that suits them.

Such are the little things that later becomes more defined and serious discriminations that may affect you or someone close to you someday.

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