Hailey Mason

This graphic takes a look at the roles of women in five major religions. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 86% of women in the U.S. are affiliated with a religion. 63% of women say that religion is important in their lives, and 44% attend worship services at least once per week.

70.6% of the U.S. population have chosen Christianity as their religion, but only 31.5% of the world population is Christian. 55% of the members are women. The notable women in scripture are Mary, mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. Women are in positions of power including preaching, teaching, and missionary roles. The main responsibility of women is to raise and teach children, maintain a Godly household, refer to the husband on familial and religious matters, and maintain social groups in church.

0.9% of the U.S. population have chosen the religion of Islam. The world population, however, is 23.2%. 35% of the members are female. Notable women in Islamic scripture are Aisha, wife of the Prophet Muhammad, and Hawwa, the wife of Adam. Women of the Islamic faith are active in politics and religious organizations like The Muslim Brotherhood. Main responsibilities of women are to care for children, pass traditions on to children, serve husband in home, follow gender-specific commandments, assist their husband and other male family members in political and religious decisions, and care for familial assets.

The religion of Judaism has a U.S. population of 1.9%, worldwide it is 0.2%, and 48% of its members are female. Notable women in scripture are Miriam, sister of Moses and 7 of the 55 prophets in the Bible are women. Women are permitted to hold positions of power. Women’s main responsibilities are less specific, as the first human was created of both genders. However, women are expected to perform more intellectual tasks, while men perform more physical ones.
The world population of those who follow Hinduism is 15%, in the U.S. there are 0.7%, and overall there are 38% women. Notable women in scripture are Shakti, the Universal Mother, and Sita, part of the Godhead. Women are not typically in positions of power unless in very rich, powerful families. Women cannot officiate ceremonies. The main responsibilities of women are to raise and care for children, be part of an arranged marriage, help husband perform traditional ceremonies, care for elderly family members, and maintain the household.

The world population of Buddhism is at 7.1%, in the U.S. it is 0.7%, and has 49% women followers. Notable women in scripture are Abhirupananda, from the Order of the Buddha, and Jenti, a follower of the Buddha. Women are allowed positions of power. The main responsibilities of women are to maintain the household, help raise children, stand in for husband in decision-making when he is unavailable, if in polygamous marriage, co-exist peacefully with husband’s “co-wives”.

A Woman’s Work: An Infographic by Hailey Mason

Ms. Hailey Mason has come up with this infographic. She is a writer for Christian Universities Online and she always adores creating articles and visual graphics on different aspects of Christian scholarships, financial aid and many other resources to help students.