UK NEWS
HOW PREJUDICE HOLDS BACK WOMEN OVER 45
POSITIVE: Chat show host Trisha says women over 45 achieve extraordinary things
By Sarah O'Grady
THE dreams and hopes of the nation’s women are being held back by our ageist society, it is claimed today.
Negative attitudes by employers and society in general make women over the age of 45 feel unrecognised and unsupported.
Two-thirds of women surveyed believe that there is an “ageist” view which prevents them achieving their goals.
Many feel that the achievements of older females are not properly recognised, according to the research by consumer brand Dove.
The survey is published to launch a nationwide initiative to recognise the achievement of women over 45 in different walks of life. Television presenter Trisha Goddard is heading the judging panel.
She said: “Time and time again I meet women over 45 who quite clearly are the backbones of their families or communities. They think of themselves as ordinary whereas what they’ve achieved is quite extraordinary.
“Then there are the women who’ve nurtured dreams for years but never had the means to achieve them.’’
A spokesman for Dove said: “The findings of the survey surprised us. While women seem to be in charge of so much of their life, especially in comparison to their mothers’ generation, they feel quite strongly that as they get older they become invisible.
“What is seen as challenging and motivating for a 21-year-old to do, is regarded with a little suspicion if a 50-year-old woman wants to do something similar, whether voluntary work overseas or retraining for a new career.”
Kamaljeet Jandu, the GMB union’s national officer for equality, said she was not surprised by the findings.
“Women’s issues are seen as political correctness and therefore employers develop a blind spot to the wealth of talent that women bring to any workplace.”
Other barriers which women say hold them back include a lack of confidence (44 per cent), time (22 per cent) and money (25 per cent).
WOMEN OVER 50
22.10.08, 2:57pm
I publish Goldivas.com, an internet magazine for women over 50. We have articles on careers, money, fashion, beauty, travel and creative living. One of our stated goals is to highlight the achievements of women over 50. The cultural perception of women over 50 needs an overhaul! http://www.goldivas.com/
• Posted by: Goldivas • Report Comment
OH, GO ON KARLH...
21.10.08, 4:10pm
....admit it, women can do a dozen things at once, men can't, it's been proven...
• Posted by: Disgruntled • Report Comment
HERE WE GO..........
21.10.08, 1:04pm
more positive discrimination on the way !
• Posted by: KarlH • Report Comment
I'D GO SO FAR AS TO SAY....
21.10.08, 12:20pm
....prejudice over the age of 30 holds back women. I think men feel threatened because women can multi-task, they have had enough experience over the years.
• Posted by: Disgruntled • Report Comment
50 YEAR OLDS HAVE A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE TO OFFER
21.10.08, 11:39am
Including the fact that their family is raised and so wont be expecting maternity benefits !
• Posted by: marigold • Report Comment
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