98 Section D ( Set 10 )

Generally, the roles of women have changed in many areas, especially their social status and positions.

In the past, they were usually housewives or babysitters only. Even if they were employed, they could merely work as low-paid workers. Therefore, their social status was low. Besides, by virtue of lack of resources, they had to sacrifice their chance of learning for their brothers and so they were deemed as fools.

However, nowadays, they can receive high level of education. Some of them perform excellently and they can work in high ranks in companies and government. One of the typical examples is Anson Chan, who is the Chief Executive Secretary of the SAR. Women are also allowed to achieve in some areas which are physically demanding such as firefighters and police officers.

Regrettably, some of them encounter problems in pursuing their careers. Discrimination is the major problem. We always hear tell of female applicants who are rejected owing to their age and even their looks. Women are also regarded as a low ability group though they can perform as good as male counterparts. Therefore, women usually earn lower pay than men do. Such misconception also leads to fewer women who can work in senior positions. Employers may prefer men rather than women though their performances are the same.

On the other hand, employers may reject married female applicants as they will get pregnant someday. Employers think that they will lose money when they are on pregnant pay-leave. As a result, some of the pregnant employees are fired without rational grounds.

Outline:

  1. Roles of women have changed in general:
  1. In the past,

    2. ~ They were usually housewives or babysitters only.

    ~ They did not have high status in society.

    Women¡¦s chances of receiving education were sacrificed due to limited resources.

  2. Nowadays,

~ They can receive education and work in high positions in companies and government. One of the typical examples is Anson Chan.

~ They are allowed to pursue in careers which are regarded as physically demanded and women are not suitable to do, e.g., firemen and policemen
  1. Problems women encountered in pursuing in a career:

~ they may be discriminated by male colleagues and bosses due to their age and appearance

~ Married women applicants are ¡¥avoided¡¦ by bosses, as they will get pregnant

~ When they get pregnant or sick such as cancer, they are easily fired when they ask for pay-leave

~ women are deemed to be less able than men though their performance are the same and so men are preferred for higher ranks rather than women

~ they may get lower pay compared with male counterparts

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