"Women Don’t Walk the Streets Rich": A Documentary Exposes the Financial Disparity Facing Women
Pascal Galinier’s review highlights Véronique Préault’s documentary, "Women Don’t Walk the Streets Rich," a compelling exploration of the persistent financial discrimination against women in developed societies. The film, available on Arte.tv and broadcast on Arte, tackles a sensitive subject with a direct and often humorous approach, challenging the prevailing narrative of gender equality.
Préault’s documentary questions the assumed independence of women in contemporary society. While women are increasingly encouraged to pursue education, careers, and even motherhood, the film exposes a stark reality: significant economic disparities continue to plague women worldwide. Through statistics, expert interviews, and even cultural references, the documentary meticulously dissects the systemic factors contributing to this imbalance.
The documentary opens with a voiceover juxtaposed against images of busy, working women in New York City. The narrator immediately challenges the perceived narrative of female empowerment by pointing out the gap between perception and reality. The statistics presented paint a concerning picture: according to UN Women expert Jocelyn Chu, women are projected to earn only two-thirds of what men earn over their lifetimes by 2025. In France, a staggering 76% of retirees living below the poverty line are women. Globally, women earn on average 15.8% less than men. These figures underscore the pervasive nature of financial inequality and highlight the vulnerability of women, especially in old age.
One of the documentary’s strengths lies in its ability to weave humor into its serious subject matter. Préault cleverly uses excerpts from Disney’s "Sleeping Beauty" to illustrate the societal emphasis on traditional feminine attributes like beauty and grace while neglecting the importance of financial security. The commentary observes the absence of wealth as a "gift" bestowed upon the princess, questioning whether wealth is simply not considered a desirable or attainable goal for women. The film then probes young girls about their aspirations, asking if they dream of being rich.
Psychotherapist Nicole Prieur conducts an insightful session with young girls from affluent backgrounds, asking about their career aspirations. The girls express interest in various professions, including acting, journalism, fashion design, law, and engineering. However, when asked about money, their responses reveal a complex and often contradictory understanding. One girl suggests that loving one’s job is more important than earning money, while another dismisses money as something that "shines but serves no purpose." Prieur observes a distinct difference in how young boys and girls perceive money, hinting at the early development of gendered attitudes towards wealth and financial independence.
The documentary emphasizes that, despite progress in women’s rights, deeply ingrained societal mechanisms continue to limit women’s financial independence. The film mentions Simone de Beauvoir’s "The Second Sex" as a crucial text that laid bare the systemic oppression of women. Préault argues that these mechanisms often steer women away from lucrative career paths, even when their academic performance demonstrates their potential. The field of computer science serves as a prime example, where pioneering women like Ada Lovelace and Hedy Lamarr could have inspired generations of girls. Yet, in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, women only represent a quarter of the workforce.
Caroline Ménager, co-founder of Pixpay, a financial services startup for young people, highlights that financial discrimination starts at a young age. While boys and girls may receive similar amounts of pocket money, disparities emerge when it comes to extra spending on activities like movies, outings, or clothing. Ménager suggests that mothers may unintentionally contribute to this discrimination by favoring their sons with these additional resources. This observation underscores the insidious nature of unconscious bias and the role of families in perpetuating financial inequality.
The documentary acknowledges historical milestones in women’s rights, such as the 1965 French law granting married women the right to open a bank account without their husband’s permission. This landmark legislation, followed by laws on contraception and abortion, represented significant steps towards female autonomy. However, the film includes a telling clip from a vintage news report in which a woman expresses her belief that men should be superior to women in all aspects of life, including financial decisions and family matters. This archival footage serves as a stark reminder of the deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes that have historically limited women’s opportunities.
The documentary explores the long road that lies ahead in the fight for gender equality. The film highlights the Gender Inequality Index, developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which measures disparities between men and women across various dimensions. Pedro Conceiçao of the UNDP encapsulates the current state of affairs by noting that even when asked about the ideal candidate for leadership positions, both men and women overwhelmingly favor men, revealing a pervasive bias that undermines women’s potential.
In conclusion, "Women Don’t Walk the Streets Rich" poses a fundamental question: is the discourse on gender equality and parity a genuine reflection of reality, or simply a comforting illusion? The documentary suggests that the revolution towards true financial equality for women is a long and arduous process, requiring a critical examination of societal biases, systemic barriers, and individual choices. Préault’s film serves as a powerful call to action, urging viewers to challenge the status quo and work towards a future where women have equal opportunities to achieve financial independence and security.
