So today is international women’s day and I thought a quick post made sense. The theme for this year is generation equality, which is quite relevant and relatable even in today’s times. It is a very novel theme for realizing the importance and representation of women in today’s world. Each for equal enables a progressive world.

Equality in the 21st century

In the 21st century and in the iconic 2020, where do we stand when it comes to gender equality or even basic human rights, as a society? If you look back at the history probably we got a little far, which is commendable. But is it where it is supposed to be? Definitely not. The unfortunate part is, equality shouldn’t be fought for, looked at as a privilege or a favour. No no no! It is a right you are born with, cause you just as human as the next man beside you. In the end only that should matter.  

The society as we know it

Patriarchy of the society has been instilled in our minds and conditioned through generations. It tells us what a man needs to do, what a woman needs to do or how a man should behave and how a woman should behave. It runs deeps in all cultures, some more than others, but nonetheless present. Hence, makes it even more of a challenge for change to occur.

I really wonder who even came with those rules or role distribution in the first place? Who decides who gets to do what?. It should be the individual that gets to display their caliber, no matter the man or a woman. Also, it is not a country thing or a race thing. Of course, disparity is more in some than the others, due to rigid traditions or unawareness, but it exists even today mostly everywhere, just different levels.

On the other hand, equality doesn’t mean physical and people need to understand that. Men and women are biologically built different and we need to accept that. If this was a case, I would only believe in equality when men start giving birth (really!). It is the freedom, the opportunities and the respect we talk about, when we talk gender equality. Not women wanting to become men, we don’t want to either. Rather than being looked at as women or man, if we just looked at individuals, equality would be a tad bit easier to achieve.

Feminism in the everyday life

I am sure on everyday basis we still face quite a bit of gender discrimination. Whether it is at our workplace, homes or just around about. Parts of the society still look down upon women who live on their freewill, are career-oriented, or opinionated. They look at feminism as a fad (even a lot of women) and it annoys me quite a bit sometimes. I know the meanings and the word has been twisted in a lot of ways according to convenience and what not. But no is not a fad, neither should be taken something as only for the fancy.

With the number of cases of discrimination and crimes against women still coming to light in large numbers, feminism becomes an even more prevalent topic. Sometimes even the women around are so taken away by the whole idea of it, that they tend to give in to the societal norms or just right pulling other women down. When it should be the opposite, woman supporting woman is the best thing there can be in this world. Feminism is a lifestyle and a mindset which needs to make its way to the lives of masses for change to take place. We need to re-tune, break the conditioning that we have been fed with.

The change in the times

All that being said, we need to always look for the silver lining and keep at it. The fight and the sacrifices all women over the centuries have fought to get to where we are today cannot be disregarded or gone to waste. And the fights are never easy, who would know that better than all of us out other, fighting every single day. Work on the foundation that already exists, or build the foundation if there isn’t any, but push.

The good part about today’s times is the awareness. Be it due to the tech advancements or people speaking up more than before, things are looking brighter. We have more women coming out and turning up for things which probably wouldn’t have been possible couple of years ago. Additionally, we have many women run organisations and women supporting other women, be it emotionally, professionally or morally, which is so comforting. Go Women Power!

There is much progress though these days, which is great to see and a lot of men taking a stand and being supportive. We need more men who do this definitely, but some of them taking the lead is a pleasantly welcoming. A paradigm shift which was long due, is somewhere taking place. Not just for women’s but also other communities such as the LGBTQ which has been largely oppressed and ignored. But that being said, an equal world is still a far cry, however, not impossible.

Recognising each other

I think we all wait for a day when we do not need to treat women achieving something or having their freedom as something out of the ordinary, at least I am. I know there is a long journey ahead to where we need to get to, but one step at a time.

But for now, let’s just take a moment to celebrate all the women, that have inspired, won, achieved a battle small or big. After all, that is what womanhood is about. To all those brave fighters, who fight everyday in ways small or big, make things happen, keep moving day after the other; Happy women’s day. You are more precious than you will ever know. Let’s be responsible for our own actions, all day everyday.

P.S. what does equality mean to you? Or feminism for that matter. What inequality do you generally face around you that irritates you to the core? Leave in the comments below please.