Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in
today’s article.
1. hamper
(v.) [ham-per] – to restrict or block the progress of somebody or something
Example: Lack of Vitamin C hampers good brain
function in babies.
2. productivity
(n.) [proh-duhk-tiv-i-tee, prod-uhk‐] – the rate of producing goods or services
Example: The CEO believes productivity will
increase if there is work focus.
3. prospects
(n.) [pros-pekts] – possibilities of succeeding in the future
Example: ABC Company offers good promotion
prospects to excellent supervisors.
4. disparities
(n.) [dih-spar-i-tees] – lack of equality between people or things
Example: Ms. Smith noticed the huge disparity
between her total sales computations from that of the other accountant in their
department.
5. prohibited
(adj.) [proh-hib-ited] – describes something that is not allowed
Example: Prohibited drugs cannot be sold in
drug stores.
Article
Read the text below.
Giving more opportunities for women to be evenly
matched with men may boost economic growth, according to a recent report by
World Bank.
The World Development Report 2012 stated that
providing better working and livelihood conditions for women could increase productivity and expand development
prospects. On the contrary, gender inequality and the lack of opportunities hamper economic growth.
World Bank pointed out that in recent years
gender gap has already decreased, specifically in education. The disparities
between boys and girls attending schools have decreased, if not ended.
This means that more women now have access to education.
However, in many countries, females continue to
suffer discrimination in areas like health and employment. Certain jobs
remain prohibited to women, while
female mortality remains high in developing countries because of poor health
service, diseases like AIDS, and a preference for sons.
World Bank president Robert Zoellick said the
Bank has been finding ways to bridge this gap. In the past five years, it has
provided $65 billion to support women’s education, health and employment.
World Bank believes countries should address this
problem as well for them to reap the economic benefits. Allowing women to
have better opportunities would make them equal with men in terms of
productivity. Eventually, this will result in a boost in the total output of
each worker.
According to Justin Lin, World Bank’s chief economist,
limiting opportunities for women to succeed in a globalized economy is not
only wrong but also economically harmful.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
Do
employed women in your country occupy high positions in their companies?
·
Do
you think women should be given a chance to have these positions? Why or why
not?
Discussion
B
·
Does
your government provide support to women especially working mothers?
·
In
your country, whose decision is usually followed in the household? Is it the
father’s or the mother’s? Why do you think so?