Gender Identity and Reassignment Surgery

Gender Identity is a huge issue for literally thousands of people the world over. The subject of Gender Identity, gender dysphoria and sex reassignment surgery is an area where there is great misconception and fear of the unknown. Trans-gender people face rejection and often ridicule as a daily occurrence in some cases.

So, what are the most pressing issues for those in the trans-gender world?

To get to the root cause of most gender identity issues which cause about 1 in 30,000 women and 1 in 11,000 men to feel that they are trapped in the wrong gender, it is necessary to take an in depth look at theories surrounding gender development in the womb and the development of gender identity issues in toddlers and teens. The history of the trans-gender world and the first medical procedures in the 1930's were very experimental in nature and quite rudimentary compared to techniques known today.

Gender Dysphoria is essentially is a term which describes those people whose birth sex does not match their gender identity. For people in those circumstances, there are choices from minor hormonal treatment and living in the 'correct' gender for the person, which is enough for some, right through to looking at the procedures behind sex reassignment surgery. There is no one 'right' answer and each situation needs to be judged on its merits based on the person's situation, affordability, availability of medical cover and so on.

Trans-gender people are often victimized physically and emotionally and many parts of the world have been slow to introduce legislation to protect the interests of this minority group. Then, there is the issue of 'coming out' to family, work colleagues and friends. Often if not always, there is hardly ever an 'ideal' time or place to deal with such issues.

Not all trans-gender people will undergo reassignment surgery but for those who do, there are now a vast number of potential surgical procedures which are available many of which are inherent with potential complications. For those who do elect to undertake such surgeries there is a stringent requirement for psychological assessment before hand as these surgeries are irreversible.

There are a lot of stereotypes and misinformation surrounding this subject and only time can break down those barriers. The support of family and close friends for a trans-gender person are invaluable as they steer through the minefield of reassignment surgery options to bring their gender characteristics into line with their inner sense of gender identity.

Ashley Stevenson is a journalist who supplements his income with a home based internet marketing business selling information products. For information about the product which is the subject of this article click through one of these links.

Gender Distribution in Organizations

"Gender bilingual organizations" is a find of Avivah Wittenberg-Cox. She wrote a new book, "Because, like every author, I thought there was a book screaming to be written." (1)
The book presents seven steps to building "bilingual' organizations."

One of the questions Avivah poses on the gender issue is: "how can you be sure to have hired the best candidates when you only recruit men?"

The author(s) show the way ... large companies that want to become more gender-balanced in their approaches to both their talent (employees) and their markets (customers). (1)

In my own book about business architecture, the gender-distribution is one of the main characteristics of a company's profile. It is one of the visible structures that give evidence on what companies' value. Many people and managers talk about equal rights and multicultural or multi-gender teams, but there is often little evidence.

"This book makes it perfectly clear why the progression of women in business is an obvious 'win-win' proposition for all."

"There is a chapter called 'Figuring out Females' which summarizes what managers need to know about women in order for their companies to benefit from their obvious talents."

The book devotes a chapter on Cultural differences across the world on this issue;

• the North American approaches: "have been characterized by private sector pushes ... implemented proactive policies to get more women to the top (usually asking them to behave as much like men as possible on their way)."
• European approaches have been driven more by public policy ... has created some societies (particularly in France, the Nordics and the ex-Communist countries) where full-time, dual career couples have become acceptable social norms. Unfortunately, private sector companies have not always done their share."
• "No country has yet combined private sector pushes with public sector pulls."

Now what is missing from this source is the change management approach so that knowledge of the European Professional Women's Network can be divulged and implemented. Some resistance from the opposite sex may be expected.

Women Issues Around the Glob

According to a United Nations 2009 report on women's rights, the global community has failed to attain its objective of empowering women and attaining gender equality between men and female and that only 10 out of 180 member countries had attained some response. In the report it is pointed that women continue to be undermined and deprived of fundamental rights and freedoms as most countries have failed to impose measures.

Women issues around the globe are a vital gauge of understanding world welfare it can be seen all around the world that countries which discriminate on women are usually the least developed for example the Afghanistan while countries that seek to empower women for example Sweden, US and Norway are usually very developed. The U.S though developed and seeking to empower women in the last three decades, little progress can be said to have been achieved. Women in the U.S are still regard lowly citizens as compared to their male counterparts in almost all dimensions of the society.

In politics itself women are not regarded as serious contenders and many do think that they should leave politics to men whom they view as strong leaders of the society. The result of this discrimination is clearly seen in the ratio of male to female persons in government. This too has resulted in gender issues in government lacking representation. At domestic levels women are not spared either. Statistics have shown in the recent gender violence among women has increased. Although their stiff penalties for this type of behavior, not much has changed in fact, many women are not reporting such incidences since there are long lasting solutions to curb this menace.

The reproduction health is also another issue that has sparked debate for a very long time. Women cannot determine choices about their reproductive health unless with permission from authorized sources which is rather wanting as this means that women cannot decide on what is good or bad for themselves. Economically women still lag behind men. Most prosperous companies around the country are owned and run my males. This is so because their many hurdles that are thrown on a woman path once she decides to start up her own company for example, societies do not support such kind of women as they believe that they are abounding their family chores for materialistic gains. Many other women find themselves being asked for sexual favors by people in order for certain business deals to be met. In the end women shy away from business ventures and resign to mare docile carriers.

Recent studied have also indicated that women earn less than men for the same kind of labor or services rendered. This is due to the belief that men are providers of the society and their input or output is quite vital to the well being if the society as compared to the value of a females work. Women suffer quietly with the motive to be authentic and to be recognized for who they really are. Issues revolving female sexuality, sexuality identity and women's sex lives from childhood through menopause and old age. Change in this trend begins with women. Most women are trapped by old ideas and are adamant to try something new. Women should get organized and tackle the clutter and clean up this act of gender inequality.

Implementation Of Gender Perspectives In The Economic Aspects

The project ECE aims to identify additional targets and indicators to measure progress on the implementation of gender perspectives in the economic aspects of the MDGs. These additional targets and indicators oriented towards economic policies and development strategies in the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
Project outputs include : (a) identifying additional targets and indicators for gender equality in the economy, and (b) the establishment of the MDGs to disseminate information and issledovaniy.

Dannye results might affect the policies by (a) increasing awareness among policy makers about the impact of gender equality in the economy, (b) provision of indicators and recommendations for the introduction of gender perspectives in economic policies, and (c) inclusion of engendering economic policy in the National Strategy for the Achievement of MDGs and / or Level Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRSP). Rationale

The draft reflects the importance of economic factors to reduce poverty, enhance social integration, achievement of the MDGs in the area of health care, and other priorities identified in the documents of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). It also takes account of the work and expertise of the latter. Areas gaps and priorities MDGs Central Asia and the South Caucasus have the highest poverty levels and the risk of non-achievement of the MDGs to ECE. These countries are also experiencing declining gender equality, especially in the area of access to economic opportunities, which directly affects the Goal 1 (eradicating extreme poverty and hunger) and Goal 3 (Promote gender equality and empower women). The deterioration of the situation of women is typical of the transition process, as in the transition to a market economy, redistribution of resources is not in favor of women.

The women rolled high proportion of job loss, moving to the less-paid jobs, and reduce social protection, including health, technology and safety of children. At the same time, fewer women are involved in the privatization and development of this private sector. Participation of women in revenue also hampered the revival of traditional attitudes towards women. The above results in more women than men to be poor. Women are less likely to fulfil their economic potential, as they are forced to work in low-paying sectors and positions other than their level of education.

Thus, equal economic opportunities for men and women is necessary for economic growth, development and achieving the MDGs in the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Comparative advantage ECE operates in the economic sphere and not been involved in projects in the health sector.

Strengths of ECE for the project are (a) gender statistics, (b) an integrated gender approach to economic policy, and (c) to promote integration in the region under the auspices of the UN Special Program for Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), which operates in partnership with the UN. The economic focus of the project to make the best use of the field of expertise of ECE and integrated approach to the work of researchers, specialists in statistics and gender, and political personalities in the field of economics.

Gender Bias, Gender Discrimination, Gender Equality

From Looking for a Better World: One of my major interests is in the equality of women in all societies. Gender bias is as hurtful and destructive as any other bias. Though I am not particularly liberal, I have for my lifetime been opposed to the macho philosophy, the Islamic plunder of womanhood, the gender distinctions in the professions and the entire "woman driver" and, yes, even "blonde joke" phenomena.

Women and men are not created equal. They each have their God given strengths, focused on their responsibilities for procreation and family viability. Those differences are not easily dismissed ... however those differences do not condone gender discrimination in society and certainly not in the workplace. In fact, because of the glass ceiling and gender discrimination, professional women need to be better than their male counterparts to succeed! That makes them better choices ... and, in fact, I have made those choices! My physician, ophthalmologist, podiatrist and a recent surgeon are all female. Obviously, female clergy are welcome in my world.

I attended a lecture given by an oil minister from an Islamic state. He was asked when women would gain equality ... and he jokingly replied "When the sands of the Sahara turn to Jello." I cannot accept the gender inequality issue and I certainly am opposed to the current Islamic extremism.

Plunder and disrespect of women among the Muslim extremists are but a cursor of their disregard for life. It is just a clue, albeit a significant one, towards the larger issues of suicide bombings and indiscriminate slaughter. If the gender issue was gentler, their other more acceptable behaviors could follow.

"Looking for a Better World" deals with this and other issues of ethics. The book teaches that we can all make this a better world. If you want to read more, see:

The Psychology Behind Dancing - Is It A Gender Issue?

Have you ever been at a party where all of your friends were dancing, or perhaps you saw one or more adults dancing? If you removed yourself from the picture entirely, the whole thing might look utterly ridiculous to you. However, there is something- some appeal when it comes to dancing that makes us want more. If you watch any of these music videos that are out nowadays, there is usually some form of dancing taking place. It makes you wonder how exactly music is tied into dancing. Does one need the other? What is the psychology of someone who loves to dance? And why is it that it only really seems acceptable (in certain situations) for females to dance over males.

For instance, you never hear of males getting together and talking about going to the dance clubs so that they can hang out and dance; and if males are having this conversation, then they are usually perceived by others as being gay. The same can be said of those males who choose to go to school to major in dance. It seems that in a lot of cases, dancing has been reserved as a strictly female-only sport. There are some situations, however, where it may be socially acceptable for heterosexual males to dance. For example, if a group of heterosexual males get together and want to go to a dance club, they would then have to qualify that statement by saying that they wanted to go to the dance club to "pick up girls" or to "grab a bite to eat and throw back a couple drinks". If they did not qualify the statement that they wanted to go to the dance club, then it would be interpreted by others (and perhaps misconstrued) that the males did, in fact, want to go to the dance club to dance.

Therein would lie the question about their sexuality. Perhaps, the whole dance craze has gotten out of control with the recent release of several dance shows on television. Perhaps there are parents out there who are getting nervous about their sons going out to clubs and getting into trouble. Whatever the reason, dancing nowadays has taken on greater significance when speaking about social norms and what is socially acceptable. There are plenty of reasons that we dance. Young people and old people alike are getting into the dancing groove. For some people, dancing is a form of comfort while for others, it can be a form of exercise or self expression. When you watch a male and female figure skater skating together, for example, it is a form of self-expression that is both athletic and artistic.

There is also scientific proof, which has informed us that dancing is beneficial to our health because it raises the level of our endorphins (those things that make us feel really good). So, the next time you're at a party, whether you're young or old, a guy or a girl, feel free to get up and get out there on the dance floor because it's good for you!

Estate Planning - Gender Issues Meet Social Security

If Social Security benefits play a significant role in your retirement plan, it may be time to rethink your strategy. The big news on the Social Security front over the past few years has been the fact that, due to an overabundance of encroachments on the system, it will soon be paying out more than it takes in. Opponents argue that the current Administration's move toward personal retirement accounts will further erode what the American Association of University Women has referred to as "one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in our nation's history."

An issue that often goes unnoticed, or at least unsung, is the extent to which the Social Security system extends the inequities against women that are established in the workplace. Despite gains in salary equality reported in the 1990s, which brought women somewhat closer to parity with men in the working world, studies show that those gains have slowed in the first five years of the 21st century. There is still a huge salary gender gap prevalent in the world of corporate America and it is a gap that carries over into retirement plans, and specifically Social Security.

It is estimated that women who work full-time in this country earn 76 cents on the dollar when their salaries are compared with men in the same work categories. The gap gets wider for older women (ages 55-64) who only earn 68 cents on the dollar when compared with men of the same age group. Women's pensions are correspondingly smaller because they haven't paid as much in to the company's pension plan, and women who live alone reputedly have a difficult time making ends meet, much less saving for anything.

Not only do women earn less than men, but married women generally spend less time in the workforce than do men, due to time spent raising families, taking care of elders, and other care issues that confront the typical family. Thus their earning power is diminished, impacting pension plans, specifically Social Security.

Thus, women are more dependent on Social Security, but receive less of it. Of all women aged 65-75 in this country, a quarter of them report Social Security as their primary income, constituting 90% of what they have to live on from month to month. That number goes up among women 85 years of age or older, 40% of whom depend on Social Security for 90% of their income. It is estimated that over half of all older women in the US would be living in poverty without Social Security.

Yet, because of womens' lower earnings and less years in the workforce, elderly men's pension incomes are generally twice that of women, who are forced to depend on spousal benefits for survival in their elderly years.

No matter what happens with the political maneuvering surrounding Social Security, it is apparent that it is a critical program that allows people to remain self-sufficient long after their working years. For many people, particularly women, it may be the only estate planning tool available.