Is Gender Equality a Myth?

Gender equality vs. gender equity

Gender equality refers to the equitable distribution of resources, programs, and decision-making power between men and women in such a way that men and women have equal access and opportunity. While the goal of treating everyone the same may appear admirable, the concept of equal treatment tends to blind people to the truth that each person is distinct and different. People differ in their capacities, interests, resources, and experiences. As a result, many have correctly remarked that the time has come to comprehend the difference between gender equality and gender equity. Gender equity leads to gender equality, which ensures that everyone has equal access to various possibilities for social, psychological, physical, and mental well-being. Gender equality is not a zero-sum game in which one sex must be favored over another. Instead, it is about ensuring everyone has an equitable opportunity to reach their full potential. When we focus on gender equity, we create a society where everyone can thrive.

The importance of gender equality

In a community, everyone has the freedom to live according to their preferences, with no unfair treatment. To achieve that, we believe gender equality is vital. It allows us to avoid hostile generalizations or prejudices about people on the fringes of society. People have not yet grasped that everyone, regardless of gender, religion, color, ethnicity, nationality, or cultural belief, is entitled to human rights. Therefore, they should not be treated unjustly in any aspect of life. Every democratic society is built on the foundation of human rights. When we overcome gender inequality, everyone benefits from equal rights and chances in school. Well-being improves because there is no discrimination against males or females when they are treated equally by their peers or family members. We must see beyond binary thinking and instead, focus on inclusivity for all. We can start by examining our attitudes and behaviors toward others of different genders. Only then can we hope to create an equal world for everyone.

The presence of gender disparity in many areas of life

Gender disparity has been dissipating throughout history, with significant progress toward equality occurring primarily in the early 1900s. Despite this progress, gender inequality persists in many forms to this date. If I give a few examples, the first and foremost would be the obvious gender discrimination between men and women in education. It was found that more than 60% of states have unequal access to education for girls and boys, and almost 61% of countries have disproportionate proportions of girls and boys enrolled in secondary school. Only a few countries provide equal educational opportunities for females and males worldwide.

Despite advances in gender equality, discrimination against women persists in many areas of life, including education. In many parts of the world, girls face significant obstacles to getting an education. Even when they do attend school, they often face discrimination and mistreatment. For example, most women feel unsafe using the restrooms at school. This is because they are much more likely than men to be physically abused, oppressed, or mistreated at educational institutions. Sexual assault and harassment are also serious problems for women in education. These experiences often have severe psychological ramifications for women's safety and way of life. Women whose husbands have been sexually and physically assaulted are significantly more likely to have an abortion and be distressed. Although girls' access to education has improved in recent years, more needs to be done to ensure that they can safely and effectively learn.

Why is investing in girls' education beneficial for gender equality?

Moreover, gender-based violence in schools impedes worldwide literacy and women's access to education. This implies that girls are less likely than boys to graduate from high school and college. There are roughly 123 million uneducated children worldwide, with boys accounting for just 39% of the total and girls representing the majority. A baby raised by an educated female parent has a significantly better chance of surviving and leading an ordinary life than a child born to an uneducated mother.

It has been shown that when girls are given access to education, they are more likely to marry later and have fewer children, both of which can help break the cycle of poverty. In addition, educated women are more likely to be employed and earn higher wages, reducing poverty. While there is still much work to be done to ensure that all girls have access to education, it is clear that there is great potential for this issue to be addressed in a meaningful way.

Narrow the pay gap to achieve gender equality.

The wage disparity between men and women is known as the “gender pay gap.” The pay discrepancy between males and females is typically due to a combination of reasons, including discrimination in the recruiting process, income disparities, discrepancies in educational opportunities and experiences, and variances in the types of occupations males and females can quickly pursue. Simply put, even in enlightened cultures and prominent institutions, thIS fact is confirmed. We can see wage differences between men and women despite having the same education degree, working hours, and so on.

End child marriage to accelerate progress toward gender equality.

Approximately 750 million women and girls marry before they reach the age of 18. Child marriage is a common consequence of persistent gender inequality and disproportionately impacts schoolgirls. Early marriage is indeed one-sixth as prevalent among boys as it is among girls worldwide. As a result, schoolgirls marry as minors, their childhood is taken away, and their lifestyles and physical and mental well-being are compromised.

Gender equality is a must.

It is only the tip of the iceberg regarding the possibilities of societal change. The problem runs much deeper than what can be seen on the surface. Patriarchal mindsets and deeply embedded societal standards are at the root of gender inequality. It is time to end this culture of hatred and injustice. All women must receive justice, which can only be achieved by being fair to men. We must take steps to compensate for the historical and social factors that have restricted women's ability to compete on an equal footing with men. Only then can we create a truly just society.