Some months ago, in my two-sided approach to writing, I wrote about gender equality, and someone in the comment section queried me, saying that was not what gender equality means. Yoh! I was surprised because most people see this topic from the easy and soft angle and never really balance the equation as the term “equality” demands.
What is gender equality?
Is it not giving females the same opportunities that are given to men?
Is it not equal treatment of both genders?
Is It not giving both genders right to education?
Is it not judging both genders equally?
Is there any other definition of gender equality that I do not know? If there is, then that must just be a play on English words. As long as the discussion is centered on equal treatment of both men and women, and not a lifestyle of giving favourable treatment to men, that is gender equality.
Equal treatment in earnings in the workplace, mounting positions in organisations, and also in political spaces:
Whenever the subject of gender equality comes up, this is the first part people talk about, and I am not against it because this area is still being pushed aside(by men🌚). Some companies, even today, still give men upper hands over women with regards to earnings and leadership positions. Women are considered less capable than men, especially when viewed from the mindset that "women are weaker vessels."
In the political sector, especially in my nation, Nigeria, women are not given good opportunities to lead. They usually lead under men as subordinates, and I have never seen a woman lead Nigeria as a president. No, no, we already have the idea that it is going to be tough for a woman to become the president of this nation, I mean, the responsibility is going to choke her. This is where the call for gender equality comes in. Let women lead too, because they are humans and can do it.
Work and responsibilities should be shared equally:
This is where the call for gender equality often gets backlash, because women, even as they push for gender equality, sometimes do not come up to task when it comes to sharing responsibilities. No lies, women, when given positions in big places such as being governors or presidents, will do the work. But what about the little and beginning stages, where women still hold the mentality that men ought to do the stronger work whenever men are present in the system?
This is where, most times, the situation is judged from, and the idea of women being weaker vessels who cannot compete with men comes back into play. I always give an example from my experience. I once worked in a firm in the midst of ten ladies, and no matter how we tried to balance the system, there were certain tasks that were automatically assigned to me simply because I am a man. I would murmur and give attitudes to both the ladies and management but nothing...
In summary, gender equality means that women and men are given equal treatment in all ramifications. While the call for gender equality continues, women should also take responsibility from the scratch. I am not against the gender equality movement; I only suggest that it should be done properly.
Well, you may not like this angle of mine, but I have poured out my mind.
Thank you!
The photo used is mine