Equality is humanity's Holy Grail, the cornerstone of most value systems, but we have yet to reap all of its rewards. Sure, our society has tremendously evolved for the better during the last, say, 100 years, but a long journey is still ahead, and the vast array of double standards that still divide people to this day highlight this perfectly.

The double standard definition states that it is a rule or a principle applied to different people or groups. The most prominent case of double standard examples to this day come from gender equality. What's usually okay for men, is not acceptable when done by women. Starting with beach attire and ending with lady bosses, society finds unnecessary ways to chime in about what's wrong and what's right.

Bored Panda has compiled a list of insightful illustrations that uncover the uncomfortable truth behind some everyday life situations, and it's (mildly) disturbing how accurate they are. Judging by these images, it's clear that sometimes terms like 'gender equality' are reduced to no more than a catchphrase. Scroll down to see the proof for yourself, and vote for your favorites.

#1

Double Standards

Double Standards

David Horsey Report

RELATED:
    #2

    Clothing Standards

    Clothing Standards

    beiibis Report

    Carris Butcher
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get fake geek girl all the time! I wear big glasses, I dress differently and I do occasionally play games. People I know say I'm trying to be a fake geek girl or gamer girl and I have no idea what they mean. I'm not trying to be anything I'm just comfy this way! I'm glad it's not just me who experiences this

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    #3

    Body Image Standards

    Body Image Standards

    Scott Metzger Report

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Woman's face though: "I live among idiots. Honestly, do you think that I want your f***ing opinion?"

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    #4

    Boys vs. Girls

    Boys vs. Girls

    Archie Comics Report

    #5

    Double Standards

    Double Standards

    Anna Maria Jung Report

    #6

    Work Rules

    Work Rules

    Sunny Street Report

    #7

    Fakes And Posers

    Fakes And Posers

    radrangy Report

    Isabel Tamayo
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm especially affected with this because I have a Batman shirt. I'm definitely not a fake geek girl and I'm not trying to be. :P

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    Daria B
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He's just being jealous of her shirt and the fact that it looks better on her than it would on him. Hah!

    Marion Bowler
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No but seriously, guys at my work say s**t like that all the time and then say ," wow I was just kidding, don't get so defensive". Ugh....

    Daria B
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, they're always just kidding. And that's exactly the problem.

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    borklaser
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you don't have to READ batman to like it, some people like to watch cartoons/movies, too. I actually really like comics/graphic novels/Manga but prefer Tv or movies because I fly through them so fast, plus the expense.

    Shana
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only thing I've ever had someone say to me was "she's a girl, she'll just suck at videogames" at a lanparty... Proceeded to pwn the guy who said that the entire time in Quake4. :P (which was the only time they ever said that though ;) ) But I've never had someone say I'm a fake gamer or whatever, also never been asked to say everything I know about whatever game/movie subject to prove it.... (Usually guys are just in awe because I have videogame tattoos :D )

    Pascal Desjardins
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lol i kinda feel the guy. I see a person wearing this and i think great we have something in common. Then u talk to him or her and they say nah i just like the shirt. Its anoying

    Shana
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can still watch and like the movies/cartoons without knowing everything about it though :p but I do get your point. I think it's silly when people wear bandshirts and not even knowing the band :p

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    Amanda Sango Hibbs
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That actually could have been handled better >.> but point taken

    Pascal Desjardins
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Its like people wearing sweats. Its called sporting wear for a reason

    Liliana V
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the girl was just saying this to him before he said anything, it would be wrong of her. But the fact that this is a comeback just makes my day!

    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    look at that guys T-Shirt :P

    Hope Cows&Chickens
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get this all too often. A good friend got me a tattoo (cuz I'm a Supermom!) & complete strangers come up, touch my arm (where the tattoo is) and start chatting me up about Krypton and sh¡t. When I say it means SuperMom, some sigh and walk away but some others actually want to argue about how I shouldn't be allowed to have it cuz I'm not a 'real fan's. Wtaf? I also have 'SERENITY' down my arm. Yes, I am a fan of Firefly but my tat is older than that. It's about the serenity prayer. Guys have said to me, ' you got that in the wrong font!' as if serenity wasn't a word before the show!!! Again, such disappointment aimed at me from a total stranger. People get tattoos that mean something to them, not to impress all the strangers they'll come across in the future!

    #PugLife
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Go back to the kitchen?! Are you kidding me?!!

    myplane150
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not as relevant. People wear shoes for comfort and practicality whereas logos are more of a statement. Although, fanboys CAN be huge d-bags.

    Nathan Thompson
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    LOL that one made me laugh...Love that...

    Imran Ibrahim (Ultimatechamp)
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This ain't a double standards. Nobody likes those rare jerks. Not even other boys

    Red Fat Seal 240
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's the opposite for me even though Im a guy. For some reason i meet girls that gatekeep their idols all the time

    Nicole
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Back in my day... Being a geek was what u did not want to be. That changed apparently.

    Micah Wolper
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The number of girls with rolling stones and pink Floyd t-shirts is insane. They don't listen. It pisses me off.

    nathan spencers
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    its batman , who the f**k can't wear batman everyone knows them.

    Gina McGrew
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love this! See this double standard a lot with toxic male hockey fans, act like in this comic with women fans and folks who are new to hockey.

    Stephen R Hipp
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah he's that dude that made a shoe

    Rob Bradley
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Should read "poseur"...the word "poser" means "a difficult, perplexing question or problem".

    Anthony Burkert
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because of Big Bang Theory, there are fake geeks of all genders.

    Jeffrey Geskes
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, if she doesn't like Batman and is just wearing the shirt because she likes the logo, I think that is the definition of a fake geek.

    TommyLee Graves
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    im a firm believer that you shouldnt wear t shirts you dont know anything about tho... i even call dudes out on that s**t

    moonsong23
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He didn't see that one coming!

    Szucs Zsuzsanna
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love that logo too! Oh, and Batman is Michael Keaton! Period.

    Chloe Tee
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is "fake geek" something that really bothers people? o_0 I guess geek isn't derogatory anymore?

    Kostas
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "go back to the kitchen": said no one ever

    Laura Hewitt
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So which came first, this or http://www.dorktower.com/2014/02/26/sick-burrrrrrrn-dork-tower-26-02-14/ ?

    endelbendel
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Illustrates Fear of Vaginas.

    Jennifer Kieljan
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    The dude is right, don't buy a Batman t-shirt if you don't know anything about Batman. The shoes are general, it doesn't have a logo of something.

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    #8

    Body Standards

    Body Standards

    AlexandraDal Report

    #9

    Double Standards For Parents

    Double Standards For Parents

    Chaunie Brusie Report

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's really annoying. I only have an experience as a passer-by or a witness but I can say some people indeed are narrow-minded enough to act like that.

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    #10

    Double Standards On Emotions

    Double Standards On Emotions

    Robot Hugs Report

    Anna Thouvenin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Double standards both ways in one comic. Finally <3

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    #11

    Body Positivity

    Body Positivity

    beiibis Report

    Liliana V
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The fact that they are both eating the same thing in the same portion size just really makes this extra sad.

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    #12

    Generalization

    Generalization

    xkcd Report

    Eglė Liubinaitė
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    F*k this stereotype, I'm the best at math in my class :p

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    #13

    Leadership Strategies

    Leadership Strategies

    thecooperreview Report

    Anna Thouvenin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That reminds me of the man who made the experience of signing all his emails by a female name for a week to talk about gender inequality in doing business. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-happened-when-a-man-signed-work-emails-using-a-female-name-for-a-week_us_58c2ce53e4b054a0ea6a4066

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    #14

    Makeup vs. Natural

    Makeup vs. Natural

    Kate Ordie Comics Report

    Anna Thouvenin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So damn true. One time I overheard my coworkers talking and these two guys were discussing about "girls who put makeup are so insecure, it's like they couldn't even go out without makeup if their life depended on it". Then another day in the same week, I was so tired I decided not to put makeup. The very same guy saying this was like "omg what happened to your face?". Yeah no wonder why women are "so insecure"...

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    #15

    Gender Equality

    Gender Equality

    shortpacked Report

    #16

    Shameless Girls

    Shameless Girls

    Brown Paperbag Report

    Jade B
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can I just say that I love the art style of this one? <3

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    #17

    Double Standards

    Double Standards

    For Better Or For Worse Report

    coffee zombie
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Women don't get round, they get curvy in all the right places. And that's sexy af.

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    #18

    Gender Equality

    Gender Equality

    Matt Bors Report

    Ivana
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This election just wrecked me, all hope was lost.

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    #19

    Girls vs. Boys

    Girls vs. Boys

    Immer Report

    Ja Legge
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's true. Girls get bashed if she slept with a guy then that guy spreads a rumor abt them. Guy gets cheered on and a girl gets bashed.

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    #20

    Double Standards On Young Girls

    Double Standards On Young Girls

    deadeyedplasticdesktoy Report

    Daria B
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're a true pro-life, instead of blaming a stranger, do something towards building a society where abortion is not needed. Same goes for (extremist) pro-choicers - instead of hating on some women's decisions, let's do something towards building society where abortion is not something a womam does because "she had no other choice".

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    #21

    Double Standards On Bodies

    Double Standards On Bodies

    kendrawcandraw Report

    Captain Planet
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think only women have a problem with this. I can't imagine guy's really finding this a big deal. XD Also on the beach people sunbathe topless as well so. As far as armpit hair. Well you're free to do it. But people are also free to not find you attractive then. But there are all kinds of things people find attractive and not attractive so I don't really see a problem.

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    #22

    Shallow vs. Desperate

    Shallow vs. Desperate

    Razzy Report

    Helen Burgess
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    very well done! and the girl in the second instance doesn't even get a speech-bubble, let alone a date!

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    #24

    Girls vs. Boys

    Girls vs. Boys

    Brown Paperbag Report

    Kristin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are people like that?! When boys get laid everyone is proud! When girls get it they get punished!

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    See Also on Bored Panda
    #25

    Society's Take On Men

    Society's Take On Men

    Rasenth Report

    Michel M. Prins
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The second one will always be an idiotic statement, for both male and female. I hear it a lot, yet don't understand why it's a race to get intimate with another person. It's a personal experience and (can be) something special, on top of that: It's none of another's business, and if those think it is, they're the ones leading a sad life. Sure, the term "Lucky at cards, unlucky in love" is on it's place in this regard, but luck can switch lanes now and then.

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    #26

    Dad Bod vs. Mom Bod

    Dad Bod vs. Mom Bod

    howbabycomic Report

    Sheila Stamey
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have we totally forgotten how milf went ? Not that that was great but, seriously ? Which one do we pick? Can we just be who we are, male, female, or however, and just be happy? The insecurity is mind blowing to me, on behalf of the observer!

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    #27

    Sexual Harassment

    Sexual Harassment

    Razzy Report

    Andrew Petrykowski
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How is this a relevant comparison? How about comparing the reaction you get as a male when telling someone about being a victim of sexual assault.

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    #28

    Things You Can Only Do With Boys

    Things You Can Only Do With Boys

    Last Place Comics Report

    Anna Thouvenin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, the vagina is the inside part. So...

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    #29

    Double Standards

    Double Standards

    Scott Adams Report

    coffee zombie
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I dont agree that only weak men show emotion. It's nice to see a man who has emotions instead of trying to act like they are made of stone, with no feelings.

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    #30

    Appearance Standards

    Appearance Standards

    John Lydgate Report

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm more like the right half. And I'm fine.

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    #31

    Comic Book Characters

    Comic Book Characters

    mcginty and sharpley Report

    Kori K. Warriner
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly, I have a problem with either gender of superhero being displayed in a sexual manner.

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    #32

    Sexualizing Bodies

    Sexualizing Bodies

    Jago Dibuja Report

    Stille20
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think they over sexualize super heroes, but there is a difference. The male characters are being portrayed as strong, the women as sexual. If female super heros looked more like Serena Williams or Kerri Walsh it would be different.

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    #33

    Equality

    Equality

    Cyanide and Happiness Report

    Ivana
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We were playing around, play fighting when I kicked my husband in the balls. It wasn't on purpose and I instantly felt horrible as he spent about 5 minutes in pain on the floor. The worst he got me was an elbow to the nose that caused a nose bleed, and one where he slammed my back into the thermostat. Literally last week my husband asked "Why don't we wrestle anymore" and all that flashed through my head. I don't like the idea of women hitting men any more than a man hitting a woman. The only fighting I am okay with is play fighting.

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    #34

    Double Standards

    Double Standards

    megacynics Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #35

    Problem Solving

    Problem Solving

    Razzy Report

    Anna Thouvenin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't agree with this one. Men get a lot of pressure on their bodies, as much as women. There is not a single person I met who said that they should "accept themselves" as a way to solve their problems (with getting laid). On the same note, any magazine cover will show that makeup is not a way to solve problems, or there wouldn't be 254 pages of the "new amazing diet already used by 45 stars that will make you lose weight before you even realize it". And we also have countless articles on "accept yourself and screw who doesn't, you don't need them anyway"...

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    #36

    Acceptable vs. Unacceptable

    Acceptable vs. Unacceptable

    Justin Hubbell Report

    Anna Thouvenin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As someone who hate body hair, both are unacceptable. But I don't care about what they do as long as I don't have to touch them :p

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    #37

    Double Standards

    Double Standards

    mamaiscomic Report

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But really, what's their purpose from evolutionary point of view?

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    #38

    Men And Women

    Men And Women

    Everyday feminism Report

    Eglė Liubinaitė
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I kinda like emotional boys more, like, atleast they aren't like those "badass" shitsacks like others. Also, expressing emotions is actually good for own body.

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    #39

    Standards For Dressing

    Standards For Dressing

    John Lydgate Report

    Luc Mailloux
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait... what is this trying to say, even? What I gather is that people will judge you regardless of how you look. Surprise!

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    #40

    Double Standards In The Workplace

    Double Standards In The Workplace

    Daisy Bernard Report

    Amanda Sango Hibbs
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is why I like the medical field. Everyone dresses the same

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    #41

    The Smiley Face Double Standard

    The Smiley Face Double Standard

    endlessorigami Report

    #42

    Double Standards In Relationships

    Double Standards In Relationships

    John Lydgate Report

    Pasca Mouse
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate it when people are like " Looks likes someones on there period." it's so annoying

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    #43

    Girl Power

    Girl Power

    Le Rage Comics Report

    sunnyrei82
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    women like that are the ones who make people think wrong about feminism. And, because many people are soooo closed minded, they think every single woman who wants equity are like that.

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    #44

    Double Standards

    Double Standards

    spaceavalanche Report

    Daria B
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people really don't get it that it's not same....

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    See Also on Bored Panda
    #45

    Gender Equality

    Gender Equality

    Pablo Stanley Report

    Silvia
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No. Any statistics on the subject will show that women do not get paid equally for the same job, with the same qualifications and experience.

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    #46

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