The Economic Burden of Being a Girl

You may have heard countless times that the lives of girls are easier. They have reserved seats in the metro, preferential treatment in colleges and jobs, and less responsibility in society. However, amidst discussions about crimes against women, patriarchy, and gender-based discrimination, one aspect is often overlooked - the economic burden faced by girls.

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The Pink Tax

To begin, let's talk about the "pink tax." This refers to the phenomenon where similar products marketed to both men and women have higher prices for women. For example, a 20-inch product may cost $199.99 for men, while the women's version is priced at $209.99. This markup is often attributed to marketing strategies that emphasize the product's "special" nature.

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Personal Care

When it comes to personal care, men typically spend less than women. Men can easily look groomed by taking a bath, shaving their beard, and getting a simple haircut using regular soap. On the other hand, women spend significant sums on salon visits, hair treatments, manicures, pedicures, and more. The cost of a single salon trip for a woman can amount to INR 1000-1500, whereas men rarely spend as much.

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Beauty Products

Society's definition of beauty places a high value on women's appearance. From childhood, girls are conditioned to believe that being fair-skinned equates to beauty. Consequently, many girls and women invest in beauty products and makeup. A study conducted by Harvard University found that women who use makeup are often viewed as more competent.

The pressure to look attractive is especially prevalent in industries such as hospitality, airlines, public relations, and fashion. Women are expected to wear makeup, even though men can easily mock it. This societal expectation results in a thriving content industry, with influencers promoting skincare routines and beauty products. India's cosmetic industry is now the fourth-largest globally, with women spending an average of INR 22,000 annually on makeup.

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Biology and Healthcare

Biologically, women face additional expenses related to their menstrual cycles. Products such as pads, tampons, and menstrual cups can cost up to INR 300 per month, which accumulates to INR 1 lakh by the age of 30. Women also bear the costs of medication and heating pads to alleviate period pain, further increasing the economic burden.

Additionally, when women get pregnant, they often take maternity leave, affecting their career growth and adding to their financial responsibilities. Studies show that women experience more illnesses, both short-term and chronic, compared to men. However, access to healthcare facilities is often limited for women.

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The Pink Tax and Clothing

To make matters worse, companies often create gender-specific versions of products, with women's versions becoming more expensive. This begins in childhood, where girls' toys are typically pricier than boys' toys. Even in adulthood, clothing and accessories for women tend to be more expensive. Matching accessories, jewelry, and even innerwear contribute to the overall cost, making women's clothing purchases more financially demanding.

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The Missing Pocket

Equality is also lacking in daily attire. Women's clothing often lacks functional pockets, or the pockets are significantly smaller than men's. Historically, women did not have pockets, leading to the need for handbags and purses. This gap in functionality has contributed to the $50 billion handbag market today.

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Wedding, Dowry, and Jewelry

Marriage adds another layer of economic burden for women. While people often scrutinize the cost of the groom's sherwani, they tend to overlook the high expense of the bride's lehenga. Designer lehengas can cost up to INR 6.95 lakhs, compared to the maximum price of INR 2.45 lakhs for sherwanis. Wedding-related costs, including jewelry, further add to the financial strain. It is estimated that a middle-class family spends INR 5-25 lakhs on various jewelry items alone.

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Wage Gap

Lastly, the gender pay gap exacerbates the economic burden on women. Women are often offered lower salaries than men for the same position and type of work, typically around 2% to 6% less. Moreover, only 22% of women in India are employed. The remaining 78% engage in unpaid labor, working an average of 5 hours a day in their homes - a contribution not recognized as paid work.

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Conclusion

It is crucial to acknowledge the economic burden faced by girls and women in Indian society. From the pink tax to personal care, healthcare, clothing, and weddings, the costs associated with being a girl are often neglected or overlooked. Addressing these disparities requires understanding, awareness, and collective efforts to challenge societal norms and create a more equitable future for all. Recognizing and taking action against the economic burden on girls is a significant step toward achieving gender equality.

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