“If we can say that gender inequality began in the Neolithic, or in the Copper Age or in any period, it means that it’s something cultural, it’s not something biologically determined,” she says.
The very first phase of a child’s life is spent at home. Gender inequality also starts from home.
Knowingly of unknowingly we as parents contribute a lot towards gender inequality. For example why do we always denote the color pink with the girls and buy everything in pink for them ? And paint their rooms as pink? And boys are generally denoted by blue color.
Why do we get kitchen sets, dollhouses and dolls for the girls and cars and airplane toys for the boys ?
We always want are girls to help in household chores where as boys are expected to lend a hand in fixing things like machinery etc. Usually there is more freedom given to boys than the girls. We want our daughters to be soft spoken and delicate darlings but our boys are not even allowed to cry very often otherwise they are tagged to be “like girls”.
But what exactly is gender inequality in broader sense ? In a broader sense gender inequality is inequality at home, workplace and life in general where there are unequal opportunities , unequal pay for the same work and unequal recognition.
This may be due to societal or cultural norms or due to disbelief in women’s ability or perceive differences taken up by the society.
However, It’s always women who are the victims to it sometimes men too go through similar inequality. Where they cannot emote or have to face allegations that are not even true against them.
Generally, people are categorized as either male or female depending on their chromosomes and/or genitalia. Gender is commonly defined as the social identity of the person. Sex refers to one’s biological identity as defined by physical and/or chromosomal makeup.
Gender inequality can be defined as allowing people different opportunities due to perceived differences based solely on issues of gender. Gender discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of an individual or group due to gender. Gender inequality and discrimination are generally discussed as pertaining to women, but anyone can experience gender-based inequality or discrimination.
Nowadays gender inequality has become a challenge for all those who are capable of doing so much but due to prejudice and hypocrisy persisting in the society have to face the consequences that hinder their growth.
How can we promote gender equality?
Empowering women is one way to promote gender equality but precursor to that is awareness, awareness to men and women of out societies so that they can bring a change and be the change.
Engaging both the genders in every type of work is essential and to appreciate them is important so that they feel recognised.
Equal opportunities for both and equality in credits.
Reducing the gender gap by practically providing equal rights to women and men. Rejecting chauvinism and stereotypes is also a crucial part when promoting equality at work place, home and society.
