Are We Equal?

The modern society has created an illusion of the stands of both men and women. In places, we find the universal truth that women are deemed equal to men in all respects. However, in other layers of society, men have a clear edge over the segment representing women. Taking science under consideration in this debatable issue, we tend to see a clear gap between men and women where men seem to be much more productive and advanced in society than the presence of women in the same sphere (Ross et al., 2022). But, this may be a clear result of their contributions and achievements that have not been acknowledged in the true sense. Despite their unvalued contributions, this section of society has always been of significance. The current society needs equal distribution of rights to go through a well-paved path of humanity. Despite all of this being known to all, still we find sheer ignorance among people in this arena.

“You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.”― Brigham Young

The presence of women in the society has been influential from the ancient times. As a result of the patriarchic society, there has always been an acknowledgment of men in the society and women only had their contribution acknowledged as "good mothers" or "good housewives" (Albayrak, 2023). But, the sacrifices and contributions they made for their family and the well-being of society remain unnoticed. With growing times, the status of this part of the society came to light as they started to showcase their unnoticed educational skills, followed by their prominence in work in varied spheres of society. Platforms like diverse jobs, businesses, parliamentary positions, authors, poets, revolutionary platforms, cinematic arenas, etc. were all a part of them coming forward as a unit and gaining access in the front rows. They needed strong parliamentary support in the specific nations they represented which very slowly, but sternly came in their favour as the governments of various countries started to acknowledge their benefactions and granted higher positions for them in society.

"As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it." — Sandra Day O'Connor

Modern society needs no explanation where men and women have an equal stand in all spheres of society. But, at times, we find it harsh to explain women's empowerment in diverse spheres. To portray light on this topic, we need to see through the eyes of this part of the society where they have started to evolve themselves and upgrade their current pathway in society. The most significant blessing a woman has achieved from the Almighty is their sole power to bring life to earth. This contribution of them can never go unnoticed. Their sacrifices, and unbearable pain during the period, followed by their passionate upbringing have been the most notable part of their journey of life. Alongside, they have also been part of political platforms, where diverse nations like Rwanda, Cuba, Nicaragua, Mexico, and other upcoming nations have seen the growth of women in their parliamentary positions.

“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong, it’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” ― G.D. Anderson (TODAY JOURNAL, 2024)

As a crucial part of society, they have not only received education but have also been a crucial part of educating the next generation and started to shape a concrete impact on society through their valuable contributions. Men and women have now been on equal terms to bestow education to society to educate the upcoming generations with the required resources. Educational platforms, with the presence of women, have now been different where it is easier to enhance the socio-emotional expertise along with escalating the desires of the students for their selves along with standing up as their role models or guide (UNICEF, 2024).

“My fourth-grade teacher was the first one I can remember to speak to me directly, and not just to my parents, at the end-of-year report card meeting. She advised me on the importance of working hard and not taking intelligence for granted. I only vaguely remember what she said, but I remember feeling seen. It meant a lot and was a great introduction to finding a growth mindset!”

– Anindita Nugroho, Education Researcher at UNICEF Innocenti

The health sector has been covered by a strong portion of women who have started to enhance their contributions and have become a crucial part of the industry. Although the presence and alms of men are notable, from being unnoticed to getting a concrete pathway in the healthcare industry, women have shown a remarkable move to justify their equity in the modern arena. A record by Berlin et al. (2019) states that above 50 percent of employees presently serving the US healthcare sector are women. This record justifies their position in the global healthcare sector.

Regardless of their contributions in other parts of society likewise cinema, artwork, and other entertainment sectors, there has always been a negative area of every positive side. Some women take this opportunity of equality to glorify their misdeeds and take undue advantage of these rights (Law, 2023). There have many such incidents where a part of the women's society has acted selfishly to defame the society of males. To bring an end to this debate, where women have been glorified and portrayed, it needs to be clarified that both the sectors male and female are crucial to forming a safe and healthy eco-chain where everyone lives peacefully. Both the communities require each other to harness their lifestyle and they are both dependent on each other in one way or the other. The contributions of both spheres have always been crucial and significant for the advancement of mankind.

“Gender equality is the goal that will help abolish poverty that will create more equal economies, fairer societies and happier men, women and children.”

– Graça Machel (founder of the Graça Machel Trust and member of The Elders), on the far-reaching benefits of gender equality.

REFERENCES

Albayrak, E. (2023). From Ancient Age to The Present: The Role of Women in Society Throughout History. Handle.net. [online] doi:https://doi.org/2630-6417.

Berlin, G., Darino, L., Greenfield, M. and Starikova, I. (2019). Women in healthcare | McKinsey. [online] www.mckinsey.com. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare/our-insights/women-in-the-healthcare-industry.

Law (2023). Misuse Of Women-Centric Laws In India: An Analysis. [online] IJLLR. Available at: https://www.ijllr.com/post/misuse-of-women-centric-laws-in-india-an-analysis

Ross, M.B., Glennon, B.M., Goroff, R., Berkes, E.G., Weinberg, B.A. and Lane, J.I. (2022). Women Are Credited Less in Science than Are Men. Nature, [online] 608, pp.1–2. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04966-w.

Statista (2022). Countries with largest share of women in parliament 2020. [online] Statista. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/267028/women-in-selected-national-parliaments/.

TODAY JOURNAL (2024). 45 powerful women empowerment quotes that’ll leave you inspired. [online] TODAY.com. Available at: https://www.today.com/life/quotes/women-empowerment-quotes-rcna42474.

UNICEF (2024). Celebrating women in education | Innocenti Global Office of Research and Foresight. [online] www.unicef.org. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/stories/celebrating-women-education.