Gender, Equality, Feminism and Teenagers
Aadrita Mahzabeen ।।
Gender, gender equality and feminism are all topics considered, more or less, taboo in our society. Of course, we have evolved and are still doing so, but we have spaces left yet to fill.
Teenagers and adolescents in this era are aware of feminism, equality, and gender. They are familiar with the terms non-binary and gender-non-conforming. They are also aware of topics regarding gender-inequality and feminism.
The issue is, even if some people are educated, most people refuse to acknowledge these subjects. We live in a patriarchy, a social system where the important, leading or decision-making roles are given to men. This system has been taught and passed on for many generations. Gender inequality has decreased over time, but is still prominent everywhere. We must break the barriers to let people express themselves freely.
I, as a girl, have faced many challenges in life due to these barriers. I cannot go outside alone or walk freely in my own country. I do not get the same opportunities boys easily do. Neither do my other female friends. My male friends don’t get to express their interests such as singing or dancing either as they are deemed “feminine” by society. Hobbies, interests or objects do not have genders, so why do we categorize them? If girls want to have short hair, we should let them and if boys want piercings we should allow that too, because it is their choice and life.
Due to men being thought as superiors and women as inferiors, women have been abused by their husbands and families, just because of their dreams and wishes. Gender inequality also creates barriers including restricted mobility, lower literacy rates, lack of access to decision-making power, discriminatory attitude towards women by service providers, and lack of healthcare of women and girls. This puts them at risk of dangerous diseases and problems.
Gender norms related to rigid notions of masculinity may put men at risk too. It may affect their behaviour, attitudes and mental health. They may engage in injurious activities such as smoking, misusing alcohol or other health risks. Men usually do not show their “weaknesses”, so they may not seek help and healthcare either, leading to deadly consequences.
Gender diverse people also face harmful attitudes and barriers against them. They are treated very poorly in our society. They are treated as lowlifes and are not provided basic human needs starting from jobs to healthcare. Consequently, they are exposed to diseases, mental health problems and much more.
In conclusion, breaking societal norms for gender and achieving gender equality will bring justice to everyone, not just women. We must educate people on these topics and feminism is needed to do so. There is still injustice being done to countless people in this world, so we must all try to put an end to this in order to have our mothers, sisters, family and friends live in a safe and free world.
