Gender Equality: The Urgent Need to Address Gender-Based Discrimination

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Every year, International Women's Day has a theme, and this year's focus is on gender equality. It emphasizes the importance of taking swift and effective steps to eliminate gender-based disparities between men and women. Despite significant progress, gender inequality persists in various aspects of society, including families, communities, and workplaces. Even in educated families, girls are often excluded from decision-making processes, their career choices are restricted, and their voices go unheard. Gender-based inequality exists at every level of life, sometimes overtly and sometimes subtly. Many times, women themselves become part of this cycle, knowingly or unknowingly. Here are some questions to consider:

1. Have you ever refused an opportunity to work alone due to fear or societal expectations?

2. Did you reject a partner because their salary was lower than yours?

3. When your daughter wanted to participate in a school event, did you stop her out of concern for her safety or convenience?

4. When your maid didn’t show up, did you call your daughter to assist you with household chores?

5. In your workplace, have you ever raised your voice against the pay disparity between men and women for the same work or achievements?

6. Did you prevent your daughter from studying in another city due to financial reasons while sending your son away without hesitation?

7. After working all day, did you go straight to the kitchen while your husband relaxed in front of the TV?

8. Did you pressure your daughter to marry because a “good match” was found, despite her reluctance?

9. When your teenage son expressed interest in dance, did you discourage him because of societal judgments?

10. When your daughter wanted a divorce to pursue her career, did you dismiss it as an unreasonable reason?

These questions might seem subtle, and you may feel like you aren't doing anything wrong. However, these actions reflect deeply ingrained societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality. The famous feminist thinker Simone de Beauvoir once said, “A woman is not born, she is made,” reflecting on how society shapes the roles of women. Women are born with the same abilities and potential as men, yet societal expectations often limit their choices and opportunities.

A study published in The Guardian last year showed that when asked to prioritize between career and marriage, 47% of girls valued marriage and family more than their career, while 100% of boys prioritized their careers. Meg John Walker, the author involved in the study, noted that this reflects patriarchal thinking that trains girls to prioritize others over themselves. This mindset needs to change. Women must be empowered to embrace their own aspirations and dreams, not just those of their families.

The Roots of Gender Discrimination

Gender discrimination is deeply embedded in our society. For years, practices such as female foeticide skewed the male-to-female ratio, and it took immense effort to address this issue. Today, the ratio is gradually improving, thanks to efforts to educate and empower girls. We must continue this momentum and work towards bridging gender inequalities across all levels of society.

The Fight for Women's Rights

Many women in India still do not know their rights. About 61% of women are unaware of their rights to ancestral property, maintenance allowance, equal opportunities at work, education, and even the right to be born. Saraswati Laxman, a communication professional, emphasizes that women should be fully aware of their rights and should support each other in fighting for them.

Supporting Women’s Success

If a woman in your family or community wants to work, study, or pursue her career, it is crucial to offer her support. Successful women set an example not only for themselves but for society as a whole. Anu Kalra, a writer and artist, argues that when one woman is held back from progressing, it impacts all women.

Raising Awareness Among Boys

At the root of gender inequality is the belief that girls are inferior to boys. Until boys and their families recognize that girls are not inferior, bridging the gender gap will remain challenging. Vivek Sharma, a law expert and social worker, insists that the solution lies in educating boys from an early age to see girls as equals and not as rivals.

Raising Your Voice Against Inequality

Arpana Maru Jain, co-founder of My Second Act, believes that speaking out against gender discrimination is essential. She cites an example from her own life, where she raised the issue of unequal prize money for boys and girls at her school. By bringing it to the attention of the teachers, she was able to ensure equal treatment.

Empowering Women Around Us

Manjari Sharma, a holistic fitness expert, emphasizes the importance of empowering the women around us. Whether through teaching skills, offering emotional support, or providing educational opportunities, empowering even one girl can create a ripple effect that spreads across society.

International Women’s Day: A Historical Perspective

International Women's Day originated from a labor movement and was later recognized by the United Nations as an annual event. The first celebration of Women’s Day took place 116 years ago in 1909 when 15,000 women protested in New York City, demanding shorter working hours, better wages, and the right to vote. The idea to celebrate Women’s Day internationally came from Clara Zetkin, a prominent advocate for women’s rights.

In conclusion, gender equality is not just about laws and policies; it is about changing the mindset and behavior of individuals within families and communities. Each step taken towards empowering women and raising awareness about their rights brings us closer to a society where both men and women can enjoy equal opportunities and respect. This Women's Day, let’s commit to taking action and support gender equality in every sphere of life.