Yes, Universal Basic Income (UBI) can absolutely promote gender equality, and in more ways than you might initially think.
It’s a revolutionary concept that’s been gaining traction worldwide due to its potential in tackling several socio-economic issues.
UBI can serve as a powerful tool for women empowerment, putting financial power directly into their hands. It’s not just about the money; it’s about providing the freedom and agency to make choices.
It can level the playing field in many areas, from work opportunities to decision-making within households.
But how does this all work exactly? How does providing a basic income to everyone translate into promoting gender equality?
And what are the mechanisms through which UBI creates these changes?
1. UBI provides financial independence
Financial independence is a crucial factor in promoting gender equality.
Universal Basic Income, by its very nature, provides a guaranteed income to everyone regardless of their gender, employment status, or social standing.
This means that women, who are often disproportionately affected by poverty and financial instability, receive the same amount as men.
This financial independence can be transformative. For many women, especially those in abusive or controlling relationships, money is a significant factor that keeps them trapped.
UBI can provide the much-needed safety net, allowing them to leave such situations without the fear of financial ruin.
Moreover, it can also empower women to make choices about their lives and careers without being overly concerned about financial implications.
They can choose to pursue further education, start a business, or even take time off work for personal reasons without worrying about their basic needs being met.
This can lead to a more balanced representation of women in various social and professional spheres.
UBI can also help reduce the gender pay gap. Since everyone receives an equal basic income, it lessens the financial disparity between men and women.
It doesn’t completely solve the problem, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
2. UBI acknowledges and compensates for unpaid care work
One of the major reasons women tend to be economically disadvantaged compared to men is the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work they shoulder. This includes tasks like caring for children, elderly family members, or the household, which often fall on women’s shoulders.
While this work is essential for the functioning of society, it is often undervalued and unrecognized. It also prevents many women from participating in paid employment, further exacerbating economic inequalities.
Universal Basic Income can help address this problem by providing a form of compensation for these essential tasks. By receiving UBI, women (and men) who do unpaid care work will be economically recognized for their contribution to society. This can help shift societal perceptions about the value of care work and contribute to greater gender equality.
UBI also provides security and support for these individuals, allowing them to continue their care duties without financial worry. It recognizes that every person has a valuable role in society, whether they participate in paid labor or not. This can be a significant step towards acknowledging and valuing the work typically done by women.
3. UBI can reduce gender disparities in poverty rates
It’s a well-documented fact that worldwide, women are more likely to experience poverty than men. This is particularly true for women who are single parents, elderly, disabled, or belong to marginalized communities.
These women often face systemic barriers that limit their earning potential and access to resources.
This can be particularly beneficial for women who are single parents. The guaranteed income from UBI can provide a crucial safety net, helping them manage the costs of childcare and raising children.
It can also offer them the freedom to pursue better job opportunities or education, breaking the cycle of poverty.
Similarly, for elderly and disabled women who often face higher poverty rates, UBI can ensure financial stability and independence.
It provides a reliable source of income that is not contingent on their ability to participate in the workforce.
By addressing these systemic issues of poverty and financial instability among women, UBI can promote gender equality on a broader scale.
4. UBI can empower women to escape gender-based violence
Gender-based violence is a pressing issue worldwide, with women often finding themselves trapped in abusive situations due to financial dependence on their abusers.
Economic constraints can make it difficult for victims to leave, as they might not have the means to support themselves or their children independently.
Universal Basic Income can provide a vital lifeline for women in such situations. With a guaranteed income, women have the financial resources they need to escape abusive relationships and start anew.
This can significantly reduce their vulnerability and dependence on abusive partners.
UBI also provides an unconditional safety net. Unlike other forms of welfare which may come with strings attached or require proof of ‘need’, UBI is available to all without any conditions.
This means that victims of abuse do not need to navigate complex systems or face potential judgment or stigma when seeking help.
READ ALSO: 7 Surprising Ways UBI Could be the Solution to Systemic Racism
5. UBI can foster gender equality in decision-making
Gender inequality is not only about financial disparity, but it also extends to decision-making power within families and communities.
Women, particularly in patriarchal societies, often have less say in important decisions about household expenditures, education, and more.
Universal Basic Income can play a transformative role in this regard.
By providing women with their own income, UBI enhances their bargaining power within the household. It empowers them to have a say in how resources are allocated and decisions are made.
When women have control over their own finances, they are more likely to invest in their own and their children’s education and health – areas that often get neglected when income is controlled by men.
This can lead to better outcomes for the entire family and community.
Moreover, having an independent income can also increase women’s participation in community decision-making processes.
It can provide them the confidence and means to voice their opinions and influence decisions at a broader level.
6. UBI boosts women’s participation in the workforce
Despite progress in recent decades, women still lag behind men in terms of workforce participation worldwide.
Economic constraints, coupled with the burden of unpaid care work, often prevent women from seeking employment or pursuing their career goals.
Universal Basic Income can be a game-changer in this regard.
With the assurance of a basic income, women can afford to take risks and explore employment opportunities that they might otherwise not consider.
It provides the financial stability that allows them to seek jobs that align with their interests and skills, rather than being forced into work out of necessity.
Additionally, UBI can help alleviate the ‘motherhood penalty’ many women face in their careers.
The flexibility offered by UBI allows mothers to manage their time effectively between their jobs and childcare responsibilities without worrying about their basic income.
Increasing women’s participation in the workforce not only contributes to gender equality but also has wider economic benefits. It increases diversity in workplaces, enhances productivity, and leads to better decision-making.
7. UBI promotes equality in education
Education is a key factor in achieving gender equality, but unfortunately, many girls and women worldwide are deprived of this fundamental right due to economic constraints.
They often have to forego their education to contribute to household income or take care of family members.
Universal Basic Income can bring about a significant change in this scenario.
By guaranteeing a basic income, UBI ensures that families do not have to choose between educating their daughters and meeting their basic needs.
This financial security can encourage families to keep their daughters in school longer, leading to higher levels of education among women.
It can also help adult women who had to drop out of school earlier due to financial constraints to return to education.
Higher levels of education among women have numerous benefits – it increases their employment opportunities, reduces their vulnerability to poverty, and even improves health outcomes for them and their children.
This can lead to a ripple effect of positive changes in societies at large.
Thus, by promoting equality in education, UBI can play a crucial role in advancing gender equality.
8. UBI encourages a societal shift towards gender equality
Last but not least, Universal Basic Income can play a significant role in driving a societal shift towards gender equality.
Besides the direct effects on women’s financial independence, decision-making power, and participation in the workforce, UBI can also influence societal attitudes and norms related to gender roles.
By providing everyone with an equal income, UBI sends a strong message about equal worth and value of all individuals, regardless of their gender.
This can challenge traditional gender norms that often associate men as breadwinners and women as caregivers.
It also acknowledges the value of unpaid care work, often performed by women, and compensates for it.
Moreover, UBI can help create a more equitable society where everyone has the financial means to pursue their aspirations.
This could lead to more diverse representation of women in various fields, further challenging gender stereotypes.
Thus, UBI can act as a catalyst for societal change towards gender equality, pushing us closer to a world where men and women have equal opportunities and rights.
