The 21st century era is unbelievably advancing yet the world has tied women with shackles of inequality and discrimination. It is a myth that the world has achieved gender equality. Because women are evidently victims of marginalization throughout the spectrum of life. The United Nations goal of achieving ‘gender equality’ by 2030 seems a forlorn hope. The pace at which the world is moving towards gender equality portrays an image otherwise; it is highly likely that the world will take more than a century to reach this goal.
Gender inequality will prevail if the myth of gender equality does not bust soon.
What is Gender Equality?
Gender equality refers to the idea of providing equal opportunities and respect to women as men. History is witness to struggles of women in every society around the world. The agenda of women is to get fair and equal treatment as men. From patriarchy to notions such as ‘girls are economic burden’ the women suffer through it all.
Gender Equality is a Myth: The Evidence
1) No country in the world has achieved gender equality
It is evident that there is gender inequality. No country in the world has achieved complete gender equality. Only five countries have achieved 0.8/1 gender equality in the world.
2) Women still fight for their basic rights to reproductive health
Deprivation of rights to abortion and reproductive health are among the basic human rights violation of women. For instance abortion is criminal act in Ireland and Chile. Such a state of women in world cannot stand for gender equality.
3) Women have to compromise their basic right to education
The patriarchy in society consider women as inferior to men. Such a society crush their right to education and healthcare under the patriarchy notions. Women make up more than two-thirds of world’s 796 million illiterate people according to UN Women.
4) Women face gender discrimination even at workplace
Even if women manage to climb up the social ladder and end up with good jobs, the workplace is no different. They face gender discrimination and bias. Women face pay gaps in every field of profession. The glass ceiling actually exists. Women get 16% less than their male counterparts in a developed country like the United States.
5) The glass ceiling is a reality
Not only a pay gap but women suffer through less chances of promotions to top positions. The existence of glass ceiling hinders women’s progress to top positions. In US, women serve only 5% of top positions.
6) Women get less political representation opportunities
In a world where political players are leading the nations, women political representation is alarmingly low. The US ranks 75th in world having 23.6% women political representation. If a country like the US ranks this low, the position of other countries is likely to portray hopelessness.
7) High incidence of physical abuse to women
Women are not only subject to discrimination but also to physical assault. They are the common victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and abuse. According to UN Women 35% of women globally have experienced physical or sexual assault of one type or another.
8) Leadership and decision making roles are snatched from women
Women are subject to marginalization as members of the society. In most countries, they do not serve key roles in the patriarchal societies around the world. Moreover, leadership and decision-making roles are less assigned to women even in their own spheres of life. This is evident in the fact that 21% of girls in Pakistan face forced marriage before their 18th birthday.
And the list goes on to prove that gender equality is a myth. From acid attacks to rapes and sexual abuse, women are subject to all kinds of violence. Women get unequal treatment in life as compared to men.
The Way Forward..
But despite such alarming signs of gender disparity, women are voicing their concerns and fighting for their rights. Aurat March is one such example. However, this march has been criticised for voicing things other than the basic agenda. Slogans like ‘apna khana khud garam karo‘ and other such ideas are thought to sideline the actual issues of women rights violation.
The issue of gender parity is grave and it needs more efforts to be addressed with the right approach. Gender equality is not a fight of women but a fight for human rights. Women must be treated as humans first. This is not just women’s duty to fight for their rights but a collective call for change.
Evidently, this is not just a regional problem but a global issue. Hence, it is also duty of every state to provide equal opportunities to men and women in every spectrum. Additionally, the UN must adopt more measures to promote gender equality through different channels. Moreover, the media has the power to influence ideas and perceptions thus it should promote women empowerment and gender equality. Lastly, the world super powers should become the flag bearers of gender equality. This will serve as an example for the rest of the world to follow.
