Is Gender Equality Still a Myth?
Is "Gender Equality" still a Myth?
Outline:
1. Introduction: thesis statement: Gender equality is achieved but yet not achieved. There are many corners in the world where women are suffering even to take a breath and there are many countries where women are working side by side with men but still cannot claim that they have achieved gender equality because true gender equality will be achieved when women will not be exploited, humiliated and harassed in any form by any one.
2. What is gender equality?
3. Waves to rise women
1. Introduction: thesis statement: Gender equality is achieved but yet not achieved. There are many corners in the world where women are suffering even to take a breath and there are many countries where women are working side by side with men but still cannot claim that they have achieved gender equality because true gender equality will be achieved when women will not be exploited, humiliated and harassed in any form by any one.
2. What is gender equality?
3. Waves to rise women
- first use of word feminism in English in 1890's
- four waves of feminism
- up till 1920
- 1918- vote was granted
- National Union of societies of equal citizenship
- family allowance or endowment
- birth control
- protective legislation
- late 1960
- liberation from patriarchal defined society
- ideological position of women
- emerged in 1990's
- race and class were important issue
- started in 2008
- connected with technology (kiran Cochran- author)
- combines politics, psychology and spirituality in an overarching vision of change (Diana Diamond- researcher)
- against street harassment, manipulation, work place discrimination
5. Myths about women
(a) about their personality
*fragile creature
- physically weak
- intellectually deficient
- emotional being
*frailty thy name is woman
Cleopatra
*Bone of contention
- woman, wealth and land is root cause of dispute on Earth
- Helen of troy
- Habil and Kabil
(b)myths about physical existence of women
- having girl is waste of investment
- economically dependent
- feeding
- clothing
- education
- marriage
- dowry
- share in property
(a) male chauvinist society
- women are sub ordinate to men
- ranked lowest in society
- gender based discriminations
- gender selective abortions
- not allowed to pursue their education and career
- victim of torture
- cutting of nose, ears and hair
- beating
- tying like animals
- burning by kerosene and petrol on domestic disputes
- acid throwing
- honor killing
-Buried alive
- female genital mutilation (FGM)
- treating women as they are non- living object
*mental torture
- fear of being divorced
- snatching away of children
*forceful marriages
- marriages to Quran
- wani
- Trokosi
- to settle feud
*cannot claim for divorce
*no respect for divorced and widow
- Sati
- forced to live as simple life as possible
- probation to remarry
- no justice for girls/ women who are molested
- no concept of spousal rape
- women trafficking
- Christianity- Jesus spoke to women Jesus reacted against inequalities based on gender After resurrection, Jesus first appeared before woman
- Jews- Miriam is among liberator of children of Israel seven out of fifty-five Biblical prophets were women
- Hindu- universal mother Shakti many deities
- Islam- women has equal position as men but different duties Quran has mentioned word men 24 times and women 24 times Surat Nissa- Nissa mean women respect and honor for women mother- heaven lay beneath her feet daughter- blessing wife- soul mate and comforter share rights as men, like, right to live, express their opinion about spouse, claim divorce, remarry, share in property, must be respected
*men oriented society
- have no identity of their own
- very low literacy rate of women
- subjected to violence and humiliation
- Constitution of 1973 offer refuge by Article 25- all citizen are equal before law and no discrimination on the basis of gender Article 26- no restriction in access to public places if they are not specific for religious purpose, on the basis of gender, caste, race etc Article 27- no discrimination in job opportunity if eligible on the basis of gender
- cyber crime bill and women protection bill control online harassment up to one year imprisonment and one million rupees fine for culprit
. 9. What really is “gender equality?
- we will be able to say we have reached equality when we have reached absolute parity in all spheres of life.
- no violence ( neither physical nor economical)
- no anti- women cultural practices
- words of appreciation whether a house wife or a working women
- allowed to display her talent
- above all respect and dignity
- women performing tasks of men
- women same as men
- herself making her life tough
- females everywhere but where is “women” herself
- women same as men then say no to ladies first
- compete for open merit instead of fighting for women quota
- say no to privileges for being a women like less or no field work, maternity leave, separate seats in public transportation, ans so on.
Essay: “Behind every successful man there is a woman”
This is a famous quote everyone learn in school but hardly anyone understand this in mature age or even not after ripe age. If this quote was well understood and women were treated fair enough than the point of discussing “gender equality” and demanding “gender equality” would never had come. Women are subjugated by men since early times and for this different tactics has been used like relating myths of weakness to women and declaring them coward and paralyzing them from main stream of life. Calling women main cause of evil and bounding them in four walls, and the most pathetic one is considering them burden and unwanted which destroy their inner self and personality. To support these myths, many men has invented unfriendly and anti_women cultural norms which are more than anti_human and this all has been practiced by many since long till now. Women are manipulated and humiliated, and this all has made women to bring courage to break the traditional chains to burst the bubble of myths and to fight for rights which all humans deserve to have. For this purpose women have stepped out of their traditional shells and are working in fields with men, sharing men’s burden by overburdening themselves. Women now demanding “gender equality” to prove themselves worthy of doing anything they want or which men can do including physical tasks as well as intellectual one. But even after struggling so hard yet they haven’t achieved full gender equality or true gender equality.
Gender equality refers to a state when to achieve access to any right and opportunity will not be effected by gender, and both males and females have easy approach. “United Nations Educational, scientific and cultural organization has defined gender equality as
“equality between men and women; the freedom to develop and make choices unhindered by gender stereotype, role and prejudices; that the different behaviors, aspirations and needs of women and men are considered, valued, and favored equally. It does not mean that men and women have to become the same, but that their rights, responsibilities and opportunities do not depend on whether they are born male or female”.
Gender equality is demand of feminist movement. Term feminism was coined was Charles Fourier and this term was first used in English in 1890’s in association with the movement that demand for equal political and legal rights for women. Since 1890’s to 2008 feminism movement has covered a long journey of three complete waves and entered into fourth one to achieve more. First wave was up till 1920 and in this they achieve right to vote in 1918. That wave turned its name into National Union of Societies of Equal Citizenship whose main objectives were family allowance, right to birth control and protective legislation. This wave never protested against patriarchal societies but the second wave did which was started in 1960’s and asked for ideological position of women in societies. Second wave has many achievements except equality which was main concern and this give birth to third wave in 1990’s whose basic concern was to respond to the failures of second wave. Now 21st century is in fourth wave of feminism since 2008. Karin Cochran (author) has related this wave with technology but Diana Diamond (researcher) has called it a combination of politics, psychology and spirituality in an overarching vision of change. This wave is against street harassment, violence (physical, mental, sexual), manipulation, and work place discriminations.
The real point to ponder is why women are demanding “gender equality”?
And the answer is have they been treated fair enough by men to be happy in the conditions they were in? It was in 1930’s when Supreme Court of Canada passed a judgment about women that “they really are persons”. Strange but the fact is women were never counted in the category of humans. Since last hundred years world is observing women’s day and to some extend accepting them in independent form. Commonly conceived perception is men like independent women and love to build relation with them, but the ignorable aspect is that the same man never waste a single moment to break the ego and dignity of independent women brick by brick. God has created men and women to complement and comfort each other not to suppress other to prove oneself manly. Why nobody or just a few regards the real place of women? Napoleon Bonaparte has said;
“Give me good mothers and I’ll give you a good nation”
But despite these golden quotes rarely some have regard the true place of women other are still stuck to old, stinky myths.
Some myths have been evolved about women in every era to prove them inferior, useless and dumb. These myths have targeted the whole existence of women and have make fun of their dignity. Most common and ever believed myths are: women are fragile creatures who are unable to perform tough physical tasks like men because their tender wrist cannot hold weight too much and for too long. Not only are they fastidious physically but also emotionally and intellectually who prefer to follow heart rather than brain and prefer crying instead of handling critical situations. Due to deficiency of brain women are easily trapped by anyone and become unable to differentiate between right and wrong, pure and impure and prefer materialism as a general concept say women are easily lured to all that things that shine as a common opinion say that princess Margette do not want to risk her place in palace in order of accession to the throne, so she left her famous love affair. Beside materialism women are also charged with infidelity. Shakespeare in his famous tragic play called women “frailty thy name is woman” and Cleopatra has proven this fact by her famous love affair with Mark Antony which has kept minds of people captured for about hundreds of years. Beside these allegations, women are also seen as root cause of evil and turbulence. Most commonly known phrase regarding this is: “Woman, riches and terrain are scuffle on earth” Helen of Troy fairly provide example for this to the criticizers. Cheek by jowl is example of first murder committed by Qabil is said to be because of woman. These are the myths about their personality but that was not enough and physical existence of women was also condemned and the perceptions were built that make people belief that having girl is a waste of investment. Parents feed them, protect them, provide them shelter, educate them and when they become worthy of doing something they got married and become part of another family. Not only this for their marriage all investment is from parents and it is parents who prepare a list of dowry and latter bring out share in property. These types of unsophisticated thoughtss have hollowed the moral character of our society and have given birth to many anti- women as well as anti-human cultural norms which are followed by a great number in almost every society.
Still in 21st century or more appropriate we can say in 2017 we are living in a male chauvinist societies where woman is no more than a sub ordinate and is counted on lowest social rank, perhaps slaves and woman hold the same rank in some societies. People still wish for son and prefer boys over girls and discriminations are made in food, clothes, education, career choice and even in her share in family love. Female are subjected to violence since when they are in womb and suffer different types of violence till they are in tomb. Girls are unwelcomed and unwanted. According to WHO (World Health Organization) “every year in the world estimated number of abortions are 40-50 million that is 125,000 per day. UN statistics mentioned that about 100 million girls are missing around the world, do you know why? Because many of them are thrown in dustbin, in sewerage, along the road side and many more were aborted when they are in womb of their mothers which is considered as the most safe place for a child. Gendercide is worst enemy of woman but if by chance successfully trick gendercide and open eyes in world than she has to face harsh world and lead a life of inferiority , physical torture, mental punishment, economical agony and above all abuses. There are many reported and almost twice or thrice in number unreported cases of different types of physical agony which women has to bear, like domestic violence, cutting of ears, nose, hair, tying them up in chains, locking them in cages, beating them like animals, burning them alive by petrol or kerosene oil on petty domestic disputes and so on. Aren't they human being? These are unmanly, savage, brutal and inhuman acts. Alongside there are throwing of acid by so called street lovers. Physical torture also include FGM, which is cutting of female genital parts to make them suffer physically and mentally throughout their life and about 200 million girls and women are scarified on this ritual worldwide. Then came honor killing which include Karo Kari in Sindh, Pakistan, if allegation is put on somebody and they are unable to prove them innocent than for their sin they are buried alive. Next to honor killing is forceful marriages which include marriage to Quran to keep riches within family, Wani to settle feud, like wani is trokosi which is practiced in Ghana and many African countries, this include presenting girls to priest for gratitude of blessing or as atone for crime. Early marriages are also part of this chain. UNICEF has reported that more than 700 million girls till today are married before their 18th birthday and among these 250 million were even before their 15th birthday. After marriage if woman is unable to adjust with her unfair or brutal husband than she is made to live with him because without him there is worst hell and no respect as claiming a divorce or being divorced is a stain on women character. Widows are also punished for death of their husbands as in India they are forced for “sati” or other option which is applicable in other parts of Asia is live as simple life as possible. Marriage of divorced and widow is like a taboo in Asian part. Compared with physical torture is mental punishment which society inflict on women. Mentally killing and harassing tools are fear of being divorced, snatching away of children, false allegations, inhuman punishments, note of non-acceptance by society and so on. Economical agony is another type of imposed punishment and way of men to prove them earthly gods. Men made women to long for things which are for their basic needs, blame them of spendthrift, control money and beat them saying ‘why they haven’t cook anything when they know its time of their arrival’ and keep women dependent to make them feel greater. Other anti-women believes include; no justice for molested women or even blame for this that they are responsible and must have done something. Due to this and because of insulting procedure very few report such cases and mostly such victims are isolated from society, some are forced to prostitution and some who gather courage to set example by punishing culprit with the help of law need to have courage and patience. Number of this abuse against women is in great number in all over world some statics of different countries are: India have 71.2% “Islamic Republic of Pakistan” have 57.9% Australia have every 1 out of 6 women are victim England have every 1 out of 5 women In US this ratio is 83%, every 1 out of 3 women face this and 68% women do not report such cases. According to RAIN “every 107 seconds someone in the US is sexually assaulted” Compared to this is “spousal rape” which is unconsidered by many in the category of rape.But nobody ever considered about that torture and agony through which women pass while making her eligible to be accepted by the society but still she is alien for her own family and society.
Is it religion that support such anti-human acts? No, religion has greatly protected women and condemn anti- women social practices. Religion has given women dignity, status and brought them into main stream of life. History has recorded many incident where women have played their parts to spread religion or make its practices common. Jesus spoke to women and after resurrection first appeared before a woman. Jesus was against inequalities made on the basis of gender and grouped women with him. In Jews, Miriam is among the liberator of children of Israel and 7 out of 55 Biblical prophets are women. In Hindus, Shakti is supreme mother of universe and has many deities. Islam has granted equal position to men and women but their duties differ. In Quran word man is mentioned 24 times and same number is for word woman. Whole Sarah title “women”, Surah “Nissa”. Islam has greatly honored women because if mother, heaven lay beneath her feet daughter, blessing of Allah and if Wife, soul mate and comforter. Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W said “best among you is one who is nice with his family”, family include father, “mother”, “wife”, children (sons and daughters), and being nice mean treating them fairly by fulfilling their rights as Islam has specify rights for everyone even for women which include: being nice to them their right to live right of education- Hadith says “seeking education is compulsory for every men and women” right to express their opinion about their spouse and if one is not comfortable with that after marriage due to his unfair treatment than she has a right to claim divorce and Islam had granted right to widow and divorced to remarry. Share in property from father and husband as well. It is not religion that asked to treat women unfairly. If one translate religion so than it is wrong perception of commands of religion. Religion, whatever it is, is a great protector of women- against violence to women. Suppressing women in the name of religion is manipulation of its orders.
Pakistan and many other countries are men oriented society where women are identified by the name of their father or husband and without their name they are nothing but suspiciously treated by society. In Pakistan and Afghanistan literacy rate of women is lowest. There are many hurdles and compulsions for them in perusing education and choosing profession and are subjected to violence not only at domestic level but by overall society. There is also a minority group where women hold high education, high ranks in jobs, move freely and so on but that is minority group because still many areas have situations worse than backward, where schools for girls are abolished, girls are target if they pursue their education and are not allowed to step out of their houses.
Constitution of Pakistan has tried to work out worse situations of women. For this article 25, 26 and 27 are established according to which all are equal before law, access to public and entertainment places if they are not specific for religious purpose and job opportunities will remain unhindered by gender. Some protection is offered by cyber crime bill too, according to which on line harassment will result in up to one year imprisonment and one million rupees fine. Beside this is women protection bill which strike against violence whether it is domestic or sexual, harassment whether it is street or in work place, all will result in severe action. But making law is not enough the real matter is action on such laws within time , without embarrassing the victim.
Till 21st century many has rose the slogan of gender equality but what really is gender equality? Gender equality doesn't mean that women and men have to become the same but that women have to given a proper space to breath, to display her talent, to live without facing violence by culture or by society, to allow her to place the brick of her share in nations progress, words of appreciation whether she is a housewife or working women.
But many has defined gender equality in a wrong sense; i.e., women and men have to become the same and this wrong perception has made women to perform all the tasks of men and work as a machine from dawn till late at night without a proper break. This has many negative results like woman herself has burdened herself, stuck her life in a tough web of life where we see females working everywhere but not a woman herself as true woman is missing in all this. If gender equality is to become women and men same than the irony comes when preacher of this, demand separate quota for women, asked for facilities like no or less field work, maternity leave and other female privileges like “ladies first”. Above all, in all this cycle sacredness of women is lost somewhere. In dreaming about being a man, women have been more exposed to abuse, manipulation and humiliation.
To conclude, we can say that we need to amend ourselves, our society, norms, our perceptions and we need to respect each and every human being whether a male or a female. We need to bring gender equality in our societies which compulsorily made everyone to treat everyone fairly regardless of gender. We need to build utopia for female where they are free to breathe without being abused. Eleanor Roosevelt has said “woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it is in hot water”, but despite judging her strength, putting her in hot water and treating her like a tea bag we need to treat her like a beautiful flower whose fragrance made the universe scented, whose colors has painted the universe and whose attractiveness has made world prepossessing. Women are most precious jewel which must be handled with care and love because only a true and a great man know the real worth of woman and give her respect and only the great societies made their women to make great nations.
This is a famous quote everyone learn in school but hardly anyone understand this in mature age or even not after ripe age. If this quote was well understood and women were treated fair enough than the point of discussing “gender equality” and demanding “gender equality” would never had come. Women are subjugated by men since early times and for this different tactics has been used like relating myths of weakness to women and declaring them coward and paralyzing them from main stream of life. Calling women main cause of evil and bounding them in four walls, and the most pathetic one is considering them burden and unwanted which destroy their inner self and personality. To support these myths, many men has invented unfriendly and anti_women cultural norms which are more than anti_human and this all has been practiced by many since long till now. Women are manipulated and humiliated, and this all has made women to bring courage to break the traditional chains to burst the bubble of myths and to fight for rights which all humans deserve to have. For this purpose women have stepped out of their traditional shells and are working in fields with men, sharing men’s burden by overburdening themselves. Women now demanding “gender equality” to prove themselves worthy of doing anything they want or which men can do including physical tasks as well as intellectual one. But even after struggling so hard yet they haven’t achieved full gender equality or true gender equality.
Gender equality refers to a state when to achieve access to any right and opportunity will not be effected by gender, and both males and females have easy approach. “United Nations Educational, scientific and cultural organization has defined gender equality as
“equality between men and women; the freedom to develop and make choices unhindered by gender stereotype, role and prejudices; that the different behaviors, aspirations and needs of women and men are considered, valued, and favored equally. It does not mean that men and women have to become the same, but that their rights, responsibilities and opportunities do not depend on whether they are born male or female”.
Gender equality is demand of feminist movement. Term feminism was coined was Charles Fourier and this term was first used in English in 1890’s in association with the movement that demand for equal political and legal rights for women. Since 1890’s to 2008 feminism movement has covered a long journey of three complete waves and entered into fourth one to achieve more. First wave was up till 1920 and in this they achieve right to vote in 1918. That wave turned its name into National Union of Societies of Equal Citizenship whose main objectives were family allowance, right to birth control and protective legislation. This wave never protested against patriarchal societies but the second wave did which was started in 1960’s and asked for ideological position of women in societies. Second wave has many achievements except equality which was main concern and this give birth to third wave in 1990’s whose basic concern was to respond to the failures of second wave. Now 21st century is in fourth wave of feminism since 2008. Karin Cochran (author) has related this wave with technology but Diana Diamond (researcher) has called it a combination of politics, psychology and spirituality in an overarching vision of change. This wave is against street harassment, violence (physical, mental, sexual), manipulation, and work place discriminations.
The real point to ponder is why women are demanding “gender equality”?
And the answer is have they been treated fair enough by men to be happy in the conditions they were in? It was in 1930’s when Supreme Court of Canada passed a judgment about women that “they really are persons”. Strange but the fact is women were never counted in the category of humans. Since last hundred years world is observing women’s day and to some extend accepting them in independent form. Commonly conceived perception is men like independent women and love to build relation with them, but the ignorable aspect is that the same man never waste a single moment to break the ego and dignity of independent women brick by brick. God has created men and women to complement and comfort each other not to suppress other to prove oneself manly. Why nobody or just a few regards the real place of women? Napoleon Bonaparte has said;
“Give me good mothers and I’ll give you a good nation”
But despite these golden quotes rarely some have regard the true place of women other are still stuck to old, stinky myths.
Some myths have been evolved about women in every era to prove them inferior, useless and dumb. These myths have targeted the whole existence of women and have make fun of their dignity. Most common and ever believed myths are: women are fragile creatures who are unable to perform tough physical tasks like men because their tender wrist cannot hold weight too much and for too long. Not only are they fastidious physically but also emotionally and intellectually who prefer to follow heart rather than brain and prefer crying instead of handling critical situations. Due to deficiency of brain women are easily trapped by anyone and become unable to differentiate between right and wrong, pure and impure and prefer materialism as a general concept say women are easily lured to all that things that shine as a common opinion say that princess Margette do not want to risk her place in palace in order of accession to the throne, so she left her famous love affair. Beside materialism women are also charged with infidelity. Shakespeare in his famous tragic play called women “frailty thy name is woman” and Cleopatra has proven this fact by her famous love affair with Mark Antony which has kept minds of people captured for about hundreds of years. Beside these allegations, women are also seen as root cause of evil and turbulence. Most commonly known phrase regarding this is: “Woman, riches and terrain are scuffle on earth” Helen of Troy fairly provide example for this to the criticizers. Cheek by jowl is example of first murder committed by Qabil is said to be because of woman. These are the myths about their personality but that was not enough and physical existence of women was also condemned and the perceptions were built that make people belief that having girl is a waste of investment. Parents feed them, protect them, provide them shelter, educate them and when they become worthy of doing something they got married and become part of another family. Not only this for their marriage all investment is from parents and it is parents who prepare a list of dowry and latter bring out share in property. These types of unsophisticated thoughtss have hollowed the moral character of our society and have given birth to many anti- women as well as anti-human cultural norms which are followed by a great number in almost every society.
Still in 21st century or more appropriate we can say in 2017 we are living in a male chauvinist societies where woman is no more than a sub ordinate and is counted on lowest social rank, perhaps slaves and woman hold the same rank in some societies. People still wish for son and prefer boys over girls and discriminations are made in food, clothes, education, career choice and even in her share in family love. Female are subjected to violence since when they are in womb and suffer different types of violence till they are in tomb. Girls are unwelcomed and unwanted. According to WHO (World Health Organization) “every year in the world estimated number of abortions are 40-50 million that is 125,000 per day. UN statistics mentioned that about 100 million girls are missing around the world, do you know why? Because many of them are thrown in dustbin, in sewerage, along the road side and many more were aborted when they are in womb of their mothers which is considered as the most safe place for a child. Gendercide is worst enemy of woman but if by chance successfully trick gendercide and open eyes in world than she has to face harsh world and lead a life of inferiority , physical torture, mental punishment, economical agony and above all abuses. There are many reported and almost twice or thrice in number unreported cases of different types of physical agony which women has to bear, like domestic violence, cutting of ears, nose, hair, tying them up in chains, locking them in cages, beating them like animals, burning them alive by petrol or kerosene oil on petty domestic disputes and so on. Aren't they human being? These are unmanly, savage, brutal and inhuman acts. Alongside there are throwing of acid by so called street lovers. Physical torture also include FGM, which is cutting of female genital parts to make them suffer physically and mentally throughout their life and about 200 million girls and women are scarified on this ritual worldwide. Then came honor killing which include Karo Kari in Sindh, Pakistan, if allegation is put on somebody and they are unable to prove them innocent than for their sin they are buried alive. Next to honor killing is forceful marriages which include marriage to Quran to keep riches within family, Wani to settle feud, like wani is trokosi which is practiced in Ghana and many African countries, this include presenting girls to priest for gratitude of blessing or as atone for crime. Early marriages are also part of this chain. UNICEF has reported that more than 700 million girls till today are married before their 18th birthday and among these 250 million were even before their 15th birthday. After marriage if woman is unable to adjust with her unfair or brutal husband than she is made to live with him because without him there is worst hell and no respect as claiming a divorce or being divorced is a stain on women character. Widows are also punished for death of their husbands as in India they are forced for “sati” or other option which is applicable in other parts of Asia is live as simple life as possible. Marriage of divorced and widow is like a taboo in Asian part. Compared with physical torture is mental punishment which society inflict on women. Mentally killing and harassing tools are fear of being divorced, snatching away of children, false allegations, inhuman punishments, note of non-acceptance by society and so on. Economical agony is another type of imposed punishment and way of men to prove them earthly gods. Men made women to long for things which are for their basic needs, blame them of spendthrift, control money and beat them saying ‘why they haven’t cook anything when they know its time of their arrival’ and keep women dependent to make them feel greater. Other anti-women believes include; no justice for molested women or even blame for this that they are responsible and must have done something. Due to this and because of insulting procedure very few report such cases and mostly such victims are isolated from society, some are forced to prostitution and some who gather courage to set example by punishing culprit with the help of law need to have courage and patience. Number of this abuse against women is in great number in all over world some statics of different countries are: India have 71.2% “Islamic Republic of Pakistan” have 57.9% Australia have every 1 out of 6 women are victim England have every 1 out of 5 women In US this ratio is 83%, every 1 out of 3 women face this and 68% women do not report such cases. According to RAIN “every 107 seconds someone in the US is sexually assaulted” Compared to this is “spousal rape” which is unconsidered by many in the category of rape.But nobody ever considered about that torture and agony through which women pass while making her eligible to be accepted by the society but still she is alien for her own family and society.
Is it religion that support such anti-human acts? No, religion has greatly protected women and condemn anti- women social practices. Religion has given women dignity, status and brought them into main stream of life. History has recorded many incident where women have played their parts to spread religion or make its practices common. Jesus spoke to women and after resurrection first appeared before a woman. Jesus was against inequalities made on the basis of gender and grouped women with him. In Jews, Miriam is among the liberator of children of Israel and 7 out of 55 Biblical prophets are women. In Hindus, Shakti is supreme mother of universe and has many deities. Islam has granted equal position to men and women but their duties differ. In Quran word man is mentioned 24 times and same number is for word woman. Whole Sarah title “women”, Surah “Nissa”. Islam has greatly honored women because if mother, heaven lay beneath her feet daughter, blessing of Allah and if Wife, soul mate and comforter. Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W said “best among you is one who is nice with his family”, family include father, “mother”, “wife”, children (sons and daughters), and being nice mean treating them fairly by fulfilling their rights as Islam has specify rights for everyone even for women which include: being nice to them their right to live right of education- Hadith says “seeking education is compulsory for every men and women” right to express their opinion about their spouse and if one is not comfortable with that after marriage due to his unfair treatment than she has a right to claim divorce and Islam had granted right to widow and divorced to remarry. Share in property from father and husband as well. It is not religion that asked to treat women unfairly. If one translate religion so than it is wrong perception of commands of religion. Religion, whatever it is, is a great protector of women- against violence to women. Suppressing women in the name of religion is manipulation of its orders.
Pakistan and many other countries are men oriented society where women are identified by the name of their father or husband and without their name they are nothing but suspiciously treated by society. In Pakistan and Afghanistan literacy rate of women is lowest. There are many hurdles and compulsions for them in perusing education and choosing profession and are subjected to violence not only at domestic level but by overall society. There is also a minority group where women hold high education, high ranks in jobs, move freely and so on but that is minority group because still many areas have situations worse than backward, where schools for girls are abolished, girls are target if they pursue their education and are not allowed to step out of their houses.
Constitution of Pakistan has tried to work out worse situations of women. For this article 25, 26 and 27 are established according to which all are equal before law, access to public and entertainment places if they are not specific for religious purpose and job opportunities will remain unhindered by gender. Some protection is offered by cyber crime bill too, according to which on line harassment will result in up to one year imprisonment and one million rupees fine. Beside this is women protection bill which strike against violence whether it is domestic or sexual, harassment whether it is street or in work place, all will result in severe action. But making law is not enough the real matter is action on such laws within time , without embarrassing the victim.
Till 21st century many has rose the slogan of gender equality but what really is gender equality? Gender equality doesn't mean that women and men have to become the same but that women have to given a proper space to breath, to display her talent, to live without facing violence by culture or by society, to allow her to place the brick of her share in nations progress, words of appreciation whether she is a housewife or working women.
But many has defined gender equality in a wrong sense; i.e., women and men have to become the same and this wrong perception has made women to perform all the tasks of men and work as a machine from dawn till late at night without a proper break. This has many negative results like woman herself has burdened herself, stuck her life in a tough web of life where we see females working everywhere but not a woman herself as true woman is missing in all this. If gender equality is to become women and men same than the irony comes when preacher of this, demand separate quota for women, asked for facilities like no or less field work, maternity leave and other female privileges like “ladies first”. Above all, in all this cycle sacredness of women is lost somewhere. In dreaming about being a man, women have been more exposed to abuse, manipulation and humiliation.
To conclude, we can say that we need to amend ourselves, our society, norms, our perceptions and we need to respect each and every human being whether a male or a female. We need to bring gender equality in our societies which compulsorily made everyone to treat everyone fairly regardless of gender. We need to build utopia for female where they are free to breathe without being abused. Eleanor Roosevelt has said “woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it is in hot water”, but despite judging her strength, putting her in hot water and treating her like a tea bag we need to treat her like a beautiful flower whose fragrance made the universe scented, whose colors has painted the universe and whose attractiveness has made world prepossessing. Women are most precious jewel which must be handled with care and love because only a true and a great man know the real worth of woman and give her respect and only the great societies made their women to make great nations.
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