Feminism Unveiled: A Roadmap to Gender Equality

 

I remember very clearly, one of my memories when I was 7 years old, I was walking down the road with one of my friends (she was 2 years older than me). Back then I lived in my granny’s village. While I was walking suddenly some boys started laughing at me and they were mimicking my style of walking, my friend told me not to walk like a guy. 

Gender Stereotypes

Our posture while talking, walking, eating, sitting, how often we smile, politeness, etc.

length of our hair, how colorful and vibrant our clothes are,

how often we look in the mirror caring about our looks (is called feminine),

playing sports that make us sweat (are masculine).

all this divides us into gender categories other than how we look.

This is what seven-year-old me started realizing and adopting, I had questions but all my "whys" were ignored, and I was scolded for asking, also I was told 'it is disrespectful to ask cross questions like a fool.'

To define these gender stereotypes- Gender stereotypes are preconceived and generalized views about how members of a certain gender should behave or which traits they should have. They are meant to reinforce gender norms, typically in a binary way (masculine vs. feminine).

You are a woman! This is a big statement, a fact that we can’t deny, and a statement that decides our actions, behavior, choices, level of respect, level of autonomy, and permission to what rights we have and what we can enjoy.

"Come back home till 8 pm, or don’t be out after 8 pm it is not safe for you."

Why and who makes staying out late unsafe- men!

  ‘They can’t control themselves and do they turn into monsters after 8 pm. I wonder if they are some kinds of disguised werewolves.’

The patriarchy 

So, these werewolves I mean the men who are scared of change, the change that makes them equal to women.

They have created this male dominating society, for themselves way back in time.

'People who bully others, they hurt others to protect themselves, they aren’t even strong enough to face the thought of threat.'

Men and women are always equal like two halves that complete the whole. meant to work together, like before evolution as hunters and gatherers, with time one started protecting the land other cultivating fields, etc.

During times of war, females were attacked and used as a tool to win the battle, building up the mentality that females are physically weak.

How can you attack a disarmed and call her weak?

Afterward, men started ruling kingdoms, had many wives, and started slaving women as concubines, women were treated as possessions. 

Where did their voices go?

Women were treated as inferior, and their voices were suppressed….

A problem which looks more like manipulation to me- Gender discrimination

 we are human beings with the ability to think, and the right to speak our minds, we have the 'consciousness'.

From the times, when we were not aware of stereotypes (childhood) and we started following the prejudices and, in a way, are supporting the discrimination.

However, now-is never too late, now we know. We are fully aware of seeing the world and our fellow humans with love, respect, and the right light.

This is a sign to throw away unwanted glasses.

And do nothing as starting step, 

Don’t follow the path which divides you into categories.

Patriarchy did not benefit males too, it left them with damaged mindsets, where they could not discover and expose their emotional sides. Where they cannot face their vulnerabilities making them prone to depression and damaged mental health.

What is the solution?

Feminism

You don’t have to feel uncomfortable reading the word feminism, because of fake and wrong definitions and interpretations. The worldwide accepted definition is-

Feminism is a socio-political movement that advocates for the social, economic, and political equality of the sexes.

To be a feminist you don’t have to go on strikes and protest, be aggressive.

You just have to be mindful of your actions.

You can be a parent where the roles of mother and father are not predefined, you can be a spouse who does not follow assigned roles, specifically to be a husband and a wife.

But there is one condition to be a feminist-

Don’t suppress your voice, don’t stop.

As Emma Watson said in her speech 

‘If not me, who?

If not now, when?’

now let us get aware of some actionable steps which we can follow as an individual.

Educate Yourself:

Start by educating yourself about the principles of feminism and the challenges faced by gender-diverse individuals. Read books, articles, and attend workshops or webinars to gain a deeper understanding.

Challenge Stereotypes:

Be conscious of stereotypes related to gender and challenge them when you encounter them. This includes stereotypes about men, women, and gender-diverse individuals.

Use Inclusive Language:

Use language that is inclusive and respectful of all genders. Avoid making assumptions about someone's gender identity.

Promote Consent and Respect:

Promote consent and respectful behavior in your relationships. Advocate for consent education and stand against any form of harassment or assault.

Support Gender-Equal Parenting:

Encourage and practice shared responsibilities in parenting, from housework to childcare. Challenge traditional gender roles within the family.

Advocate for Equal Pay:

Support and advocate for equal pay for equal work. Raise awareness about the gender pay gap and demand fair wages for all.

Mentorship and Support:

Offer mentorship and support to individuals who may face gender-related challenges in their careers. Help them navigate obstacles and advance professionally.

Support Gender-Diverse Individuals:

Be an ally to gender-diverse individuals by using their preferred pronouns, respecting their gender identity, and standing up against discrimination.

Participate in Activism:

Get involved in local or online activism. Join feminist organizations, attend rallies, and engage in grassroots efforts for gender equality.

Vote for Gender-Equal Policies:

Participate in elections and vote for political candidates who support gender-equal policies and laws.

Foster Inclusive Workplaces:

If you're in a position of influence, advocate for diverse and inclusive workplaces. Encourage equal opportunities, pay transparency, and policies that support work-life balance.

Support Women-Owned Businesses:

Choose to support women-owned businesses and enterprises. Your purchasing power can help boost economic opportunities for women.

Call Out Sexism and Discrimination:

Speak up when you witness sexism or gender discrimination. Be a vocal advocate for change in your community and workplace.

Teach Equality:

Educate the younger generation about gender equality and feminism. Encourage open conversations with children and students to challenge stereotypes early.

Join and Donate to Gender Equality Organizations:

Contribute your time or financial support to organizations working to promote gender equality and feminism.

Remember that even small actions can make a difference. It's a collective effort to create a more inclusive and equitable society. By taking these actionable steps, you can contribute to the ongoing progress of feminism and gender equality in your daily life.

A change starts with an idea, fueled by a belief in the possibility, and achieved with consistency and patience.

being open minded gives us the vision to see the reality-The real world behind gender-based stereotypes and discrimination, The world where we all are equal and happy.