Gender Equality

Whenever a woman enters into a male dominating space, the silence becomes loud. Whenever a woman steps up onto the ladder of progress after fighting the patriarchal norms, she is trolled. Whenever a woman is fighting alone, her interests are questioned. And this does not end here, it starts from here.
Gender equality is not just a fundamental human right, but an integral part of society for a prosperous and sustainable world. There has been a tremendous amount of progress in this area over the last decades. Many possibilities are opening up for a woman in different sectors now. More girls are allowed to go to school, fewer are forced into marriage, many are given chances to serve in parliamentary positions.
In a society, everyone has the right to live his/her life on their terms without any discrimination. A state where all individuals are considered equal irrespective of caste, color, creed, and, religion we call it equality. The most powerful discrimination is gender inequality. Even in the twenty-first century, many top-notch organizations have become examples of this discrimination. We can achieve gender equality only if, man and women stand together and treat each other with respect.
It is safe to say that this century has provided us with privileges that both men and women can exercise equally. As time has changed, it is seen that women are holding the same professional positions as the man. This slow and steady progress has widened the scope of equality in sectors like education, health, and occupation. Earlier, women’s opinion was not considered valuable. But now women are shining beyond expectations.
An insatiable hunger for success has limited us to see the full strength of manpower that can be achieved by uniting the two genders together. A nation needs to utilize all the resources to progress at the right speed. Giving equal opportunities to both genders will create a balance in society. This equilibrium in the equation starts right at home. Earlier, boy child was favored by all and girl child was not desired. Having a girl child was such an omen that she was not allowed to go to school or was married early. Teaching her household chores was more important. But as time has progressed women have become rebellious. Now women are choosing their life partners on their own. Opting for higher degrees and grabbing every chance of entering the market in a professional capacity. We are taking what was supposed to be given to us by birthright.
The fight has not been easy. It has taken time for women to make a mark in the male dominating world. Fighting against the violence, hunger, poorness, illiteracy, that the world has bestowed on women right from the start, has awakened confidence. Starting from an early age girls start competing with boys at the school level. Women choose to make themselves financially independent before they get married. Talking openly about the right time to have children. Saying no to unacceptable judgments. All these achievements have given rise to a strong woman who is capable of taking decisions and seeking gender equality.
Although there are many challenges that we still face. Discrimination in the eyes of law and social practices that still exist, women continue to be underestimated. Whether it is the world of politics or arts, 1 in 5 women reports experiencing harassment in one way or other by their co-worker. Forceful implementation of rules or guidelines, which are otherwise relaxed for a male worker, is not only a pattern of the old regime but has somehow walked its way into the modern lifestyle as well. This landscape can only change for women if men become an active part of the movement.
Covid-19 has slowed the progress dramatically. The effects of the pandemic have reversed all the improvements made on gender equality. The outbreak has aggravated the existing inequalities for women across every sector- from health and the economy to security and social protection. Women have played a disproportionate role during the crisis. Women are exhausted by shifting between a professional worker and a homemaker. Due to lockdown, many women are trapped in their homes with abusive partners. There is no access to safety and freedom. Research has shown, during this outbreak, the violence against women and girls has increased enormously.
It is daunting, but the world has become aware of the need to fight for gender equality. Many ways that can promote gender justice in daily life. This starts from our home and ends at our home. In old times, women were supposed to take care of the household chores and children. The responsibility was never shared. Now, this has changed. Women are not alone to bear the burden of the whole house. The husband shares an equal hand and performs duties that can ease the wife’s daily life. Another way to promote gender justice is by voting for women. By accepting women leaders, especially from underrepresented communities, support can be exhibited on a larger scale.
Do not accept the least possible treatment from the opposite gender. Scold chauvinist and racist attitudes. One of the powerful ways to fight together is to fight for each other. Always support other women whenever necessary. Notice the signs of violence and seek help. Do not hesitate in calling out the offender. Sexual violence is one of the major concerns for a woman. To teach the coming generation, it is important to say no today because they are learning from us.
Gender equality is about appreciating each other. Recognizing the potential and letting each other succeed. Maintaining work ethics and behaving properly behind closed doors can promote healthy competition and give an unbiased voice to gender equality. Having diversity at work and sharing responsibilities at home will make our nation a well-organized and balanced country. Gender equality is a term where everyone is taught to treat each other with respect. To achieve the change, it is important to take small steps and contribute significantly in all walks of life for the benefit of gender justice.