Gender and Homelessness
Gender in homelessness is a less discussed problem than the issue of poverty and homelessness in general, but it is very important. There are significant differences between being a homeless woman and a homeless man. We have already started to decrease gender inequality all over the world, but there is still work to be done, particularly for people living in poverty. Unlike other, frequently discussed gender issues, within the homeless population, men find themselves struggling more than their female counterparts.
To give a general summary of the issue, there are more homeless men than women. It has been stated by the Homeless World Cup organization that 74.4% or homeless people are male. That leaves only 23.6% to be female. This is because men are more prone to not being able to, or not going to, a homeless shelter or staying with their family.
Second of all, there is a substantial gender inequality in homeless shelters. It is much more likely for a woman to get into a shelter and not have to sleep on the streets than a man. There are not nearly as many homeless shelters for men as there are for women and families. 75% of shelters are for women and families only. This is why you are more likely to see a homeless man than a woman.
Lastly, there are gender differences in violent crimes. You might think that women are more subject to violent crime. Sean DeLue stated, “I think women are more subject to violent crime, because women are considered to be weaker,” but it is actually quite the opposite. Men are actually more likely to be subject to violent crimes. BBC News has noted that "1.7 percent of women aged 15 or older indicated that they had fallen victim to one or multiple violent crimes, versus 2.5 percent of men." This is mostly in street crimes, but I think it is important for us to know this.
In conclusion, both genders should be receiving the same amount of care. We can provide more homeless shelters for both genders and help solve some of these problems. No one should sleep on the streets.
In conclusion, both genders should be receiving the same amount of care. We can provide more homeless shelters for both genders and help solve some of these problems. No one should sleep on the streets.