Gender Equality in 2023
A husband keeping his name & a wife continues to keep hers after marriage — Sounds like a statement of superiority or equality?
Over the years I have witnessed constant arguments between two genders trying to prove one is superior than the other. What I don’t understand is the need to be proved superior? Both the genders are special in their own ways. Aren’t they? The need of the hour in my opinion is to let them be themselves, let them be what they want to be, let them wear what they want to, let them pick toys and the career of their choice. Let them be free to choose without labels, choose for themselves, for one another and live in harmony & with respect.
“Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong. It is time we perceive gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals.” — Emma Watson
We sure can’t ignore the fact that over the years we have achieved much in terms of equality for both the genders, but we still have a long way to go.
‘Pink is for girls and boys don’t play with dolls’, if you are familiar with such stereotypical statements then you probably live in an environment that is raising — big strong boys, little cute girls and is not open to accept the dire need of gender equality. Strict gender norms are stifling both boys and girls
and can also extend to them later in life, with serious consequences.
Having a tool kit along with a crayon set sure gives kids diverse choices to explore their interests & creative skills. Glad that I was brought up in a household where I was given a choice to pick my own toys.
I did not understand back then but the scene picturing my GI Joes arriving in the DIY Mechanix cars to drink tea with my barbie in the brand-new kitchen set, speaks volumes about the varied choices one gender can prefer if given an opportunity. I don’t remember the conversations that Roadblock & Night Viper had with the legos & teddy bears but they sure did make an interesting & diverse team to give any kid company.
‘Gender equality starts at our home; gender equality starts with us!’ OK. But what exactly is gender equality & why is it even important?
When persons of all genders have equal rights, duties, and opportunities, it is referred to as gender equality. Gender inequality affects people of all ages and from all walks of life. It has an impact on everyone, including children, women, men, trans and gender diverse persons and families.
Gender equality is a human right, sadly our world faces a insistent gap in access to chances and decision- making power for men and women. Gender inequality can range from uneven access to education, lack of employment equality to lack of legal protections and poor medical care. But, most of us end up arguing about petty things like the few reserved seats for women in the metro despite a dedicated compartment and complain about the glorious women’s day celebrations.
Importance of Gender Equality?
It can lead to a more productive and inspired world. The common goal of gender equality is a society wherein males and females experience similar possibilities, rights and duties in all spheres of life.
Equality among ladies and men exists whilst each gender is capable of sharing the distribution of energy and influence; have same possibilities for monetary independence via work or via self-business setup; experience same rights to schooling, interests and talents; distribute duty for the house and kids and are absolutely free from coercion, intimidation and gender-primarily based totally violence each at work and at home.
Few steps to support and promote gender equality:
• Be mindful of the fact that gender equality is for both genders and not for one specific gender
• Overcome stereotyping & unconscious bias for genders, try to use non gender specific terms in conversations
• Help each other gain power be it inside your home or at work
• Listen to one another and reflect on the differences
• Do not make comments that ridicule, demean or humiliate other gender
• Share all type of chores equally
Remember, Gender equality isn’t voluntary, it’s necessary because clothes have no gender, haircuts have no gender, video games have no gender, makeup has no gender. Sometimes even people have no gender. So, don’t constrict yourself or others with labels. Do what makes you happy and spread peace and happiness around.
