When overcoming societal challenges, it’s easy to feel like the problems are too big and too complex. But one way to handle these issues is by understanding them. And that’s where social workers step into the picture. The need for such social workers is increasing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for social workers is growing by 9% yearly and is expected to continue till 2031.
This blog post will explore what it means to be a social worker and how you can use your Master’s degree in social work (MSW) to help women overcome some of society’s biggest challenges.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Master Of Social Work?
A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a professional postgraduate degree and requires an undergraduate degree in social work. The MSW program will equip you with knowledge and skills to help you better understand your client’s needs and develop effective interventions based on their unique circumstances.
You need a minimum GPA of 3.0 in your Bachelor’s to study MSW. But different universities may have different eligibility criteria. If you have the prerequisite scores, you must decide which MSW course you want to enroll in. You can either go with offline or online courses.
Offline courses require you to attend classes every day. On the other hand, online programs are flexible and allow you to study as and when you want. You can access study materials 24/7 from anywhere. If you opt for an online MSW program, you must research to find the best available courses. And one of the best ways to do so is by looking at testimonials from previous clients.
You can easily find testimonials on the university’s website. For example, Spalding University has testimonials for all its courses on its website. For the online MSW program, the university has four video testimonials. One of the testimonials on the website is from the Director of Volunteer Services, at Hosparus Health. You can also find some accreditations listed on the website.
As an MSW graduate, your job prospects are wide open. You could work for non-profit organizations or government agencies, become self-employed, start a business, teach at universities, consult with private companies, or even get into politics.
Preparing To Be A Social Worker
As a social worker, you’ll be helping people overcome some of the greatest challenges in their lives. You should be able to listen closely and understand what your client is going through, which requires patience and empathy. You will also need perseverance. It can take time for clients to trust you or open up about what they are experiencing.
For this work to be effective, you must have courage. The courage to stand up for what you believe in even when others disagree with you, the courage to stay calm during difficult situations, and even the courage necessary when facing an intimidating opponent.
Societal Challenges Faced By Women
Women face several unique challenges in society. According to the World Bank, women are:
- Less likely to be able to access healthcare
- Less likely to be able to access education
- More likely to be victims of gender-based violence and discrimination
Gender-Based Discrimination
Gender-based discrimination is a form of discrimination that can be found in the workplace, at home, and in public. This type of discrimination occurs when individuals are treated differently because they belong to a particular group based on their sex/gender identity.
Gender-based discrimination is often subtle and can take many forms, including:
- Sexual harassment
- Gender stereotyping
- Hiring practices that favor one gender over another
- Pay equity issues
If any woman faces such discrimination issues at the workplace, you can help file a lawsuit against the company. For example, in October 2022, an Ex-Kirkland & Ellis associate sued the company for gender discrimination, stating that her workload was always more than male counterparts.
Unequal Access to Healthcare and Education
The societal challenges women face are not limited to a single country but are global. In many developing countries, women have limited education and healthcare access. The lack of resources results in higher maternal mortality rates, preventable diseases such as malaria, and gender-based violence (GBV).
Moreover, women often have no say over their own bodies or lives. They may be unable to work outside the home or make decisions about their future without permission from male family members or partners.
It’s also common for women across the globe to live under patriarchal systems where men hold power over them. That means there is often little opportunity for these individuals’ voices to be heard by decision-makers at local government levels. That, in turn, prevents the authorities from addressing problems like those listed above.
Limited Economic Opportunities
The economic participation of women is low. They are less likely to own land and more likely to be in informal employment, which is generally poorly paid and offers no benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans. According to American Progress, there will be only 77% of women in the US labor force in 2023, up against 76% in 2019.
Additionally, their husbands or fathers often require women to give up their jobs once they get married. Men who marry a woman with a higher income will often force her out of the workforce altogether so that she can stay at home with the children while he works full time.
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The Role Of MSW Graduates In Overcoming Societal Challenges
As a social worker, you’ll be able to help women overcome the systemic barriers they face. You can help them gain access to healthcare and education. You can help them achieve economic stability through employment or entrepreneurship. You can also provide counseling services for those who have experienced violence at the hands of men.
In addition to these concrete tasks, you will also be working toward social justice by advocating for policies supporting women’s rights in your community and worldwide. Through your work with clients or other stakeholders, you’ll be able to make an impact on issues such as:
- Poverty reduction
- Environmental sustainability
- Human rights abuses like slavery and torture
- Conflict resolution between nations or ethnic groups
- Immigration policy reform
Conclusion
The world is beautiful, but it can be hard to see through all of the challenges women face. With the help of Master of Social Work graduates, we can overcome these societal barriers and create a better future for everyone.
About The Author
This Article Is Written By WMDR Team. Our Vision Is To Create A Community Where A Woman Can Get Access To All The Free Resources To Help Her In Her Health, Mental Wellness, And In her Personal Relationships.