In a social construct, several types of races, genders, castes and mindsets reside together. However, looking at the nature of how the society works, each one of them has its own features, benefits and discriminations. There is one form of discrimanation which is highly prevalent in all parts of the world. Yes, we are talking about Gender Inequality.
It is something that can be found in the smallest places and on the largest platforms. It is a matter of shame that women have to bear the brunt of a male dominated society. For a society to become progressive, it must treat its males and females equally on all parameters, whether it is profession, education or marriage.
In the 21st century, men and women must enjoy the same facilities and privileges irrespective of their gender. It is often seen that in the remote areas the men and women are not treated equally. A society that does not treat the genders equally can never grow economically. Taking measures to spread awareness regarding gender awareness os one way of stepping forward to balance out the discrimination between men and women.
A society that does not treat its women with respect cannot function impartially. It has been seen in the recent years that women have been able to succeed financially, socially and emotionally in every sphere of life. When men and women work equally in an economy, the flourishes along with the mindset of people living in it. Let’s have a look at some inspiring quotes by great leaders, philosophers and artists that have some striking views about gender equality.
GENDER EQUALITY IN WORKPLACE
In recent years, women have voiced about inequality in the workplace due to their gender. It is absolutely unfair that women have to accept lesser pay and woese working conditions than men because of who they are, even when they have the same qualifications, experience and skills. Many researchers have measured gender equality with the help of Gender Development Index (GDI), Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM) and Gender Equity Index (GEI). These indicators show how women are confined to their homes and aren’t allowed to work outside.
After fighting with several societal stigmas, women have started coming out of their houses and working in the same fields as men. Gender equality in the workplace in all forms is necessary to encourage women to fulfill their dreams. Have a look at the following quotes which fearlessly talk about the significance of gender equality in workplace:
- To all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful, and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams. – Hillary Clinton
- Equal pay isn’t just a women’s issue; when women get equal pay, their family incomes rise and the whole family benefits. – Mike Honda
- Achieving gender equality requires the engagement of women and men, girls and boys. It is everyone’s responsibility. – Ban Ki-moon
- A gender-equal society would be one where the word ‘gender’ does not exist: where everyone can be themselves. – Gloria Steinem
- If women are expected to do the same work as men, we must teach them the same things. – Plato
- When women do better, economies do better. – Christine Lagarde
- I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own. – Audre Lorde
- Women’s rights is not only an abstraction, a cause; it is also a personal affair. It is not only about us; it is also about me and you. Just the two of us. – Toni Morrison
- I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard… We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back. – Malala Yousafzai
GENDER EQUALITY IN SPORTS
Gone are the days when the thought that only men can play sports was prevalent. Women have earned name, fame and respect for themselves for several years in sports. It is not wrong to say that women in sports have always received lesser salaries and appreciation than their male counterparts. When it some it getting sponsors and appreciation, the struggle is way more than that in male championships. It is quite evident that gender inequalities are still highly prevalent when a sport is named a sport in common parlance, when males participate in it, however when it is played by females, it is named “women sports”. Still, some people find it hard to believe that women are physically and emotionally fit to play all sports. Various sports players like Serena Willians, Maria Sharapova, PT Usha, and Mary Kom have voiced their opinions regarding gender inequality in sports and encouraged women to come forward and play with all their will and might. Let’s hear it from the legends in sports themselves about gender equality.
Maria Tourpakai, founder of the Maria Toorpakai Foundation and Peace and Sport Champion for Peace:
- “Women were supposed to be created from Adam’s womb but the reality is that women give birth to men.”
Marja Ruotanen, director human dignity and equality within the Directorate General of Democracy, Council of Europe:
- “I have a daughter and I don’t think she would like to play beach volleyball because women are portrayed as sexual objects in most cases.”
Stiliani Chroni, president of Women Sport International
- “What we know right now is that the locker rooms or the clothing are not the problems… The problem is the power…. Sexual exploitation is about power – sexual exploitation in different forms is about control.”
Aya Medani, member of the Athletes’ Commission, International Olympic Committee and Peace and Sport Champion for Peace
- “For governments, fathers and husbands – please give your daughters and wives the support and the position to succeed and we will also support you.”
Maria Tourpakai
- “It has to be possible to do it… transgender people should have access to sport. Sport should be accessible to everyone.”
GENDER EQUALITY IN EDUCATION
The first step towards surviving in a society is education. Education is not only a fundamental right but also a human right. In various parts of the world, girls are not sent to schools believing they are to be married in future and will not add anything to the honour of the family. Most importantly, the society is structured in such a way that the onus of earring for the family relies on men and taking care of the household is the responsibility of women. This construct has facilitated a huge gap between the education of girls and boys. In countries like India, child marriage is one of thr biggest reaons behind gender inequality in education. This gap is called the Gender Gap.
Certainly, the conditions of gender inequality in education is better than earlier, but we still have miles to go. Getting education is one of the most basic rights that one can ask for, and hence steps must be taken to create awareness regarding education for girls. Some great leaders and authors have written wonderful quotes regarding gender equality and education.
- Education is the key to opportunity in our society, and the equality of educational opportunity must be the birthright of every citizen. – Lyndon B. Johnson
- The right to a quality education is, I believe, the perfect path to bridge the gap between different cultures and to reconcile various civilizations. Without such a right, the values of liberty, justice and equality will have no meaning. Ignorance is by far the biggest danger and threat to humankind. – Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned
- Education promotes equality and lifts people out of poverty. It teaches children how to become good citizens. Education is not just for a privileged few, it is for everyone. It is a fundamental human right. – Ban Ki-moon
- One of the factors a country’s economy depends on is human capital. If you don’t provide women with adequate access to healthcare, education and employment, you lose at least half of your potential. So, gender equality and women’s empowerment bring huge economic benefits. – Michelle Bachelet
- Until we get equality in education, we won’t have an equal society. – Sonia Sotomayor
- Equality! Where is it, if not in education? Equal rights! They cannot exist without equality of instruction. – Frances Wright
GENDER EQUALITY AND FEMINISM
Feminism and Gender equality have always remained connected with each other. One gives birth to another. They have a mother and child like relationship. Feminism is a concept that believes that all genders have equal rights and opportunities. It propagates the idea of levelling the playing field between men and women so that they can have equal privileges. Mainstream, radical and cultural feminism has taken over the field and it is here to stay for many years to come. Several waves of feminism in different parts of the world are an example that it encourages gender equality in all forms.
- Equality! Where is it, if not in education? Equal rights! They cannot exist without equality of instruction. – Frances Wright
- There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer. – Rihanna
- In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders. – Sheryl Sandberg
- 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
- It is time that men and boys recognize the part they must play in gender equality and join with the voices and actions of the women and girls who are trying to re-shape society in the interests of us all. – Jimmy Carter
- When girls are valued less than boys, women less than men, they face multiple risks throughout their lives – at home, at work, at school, from their families and from strangers. Gender-based violence is a major consequence of gender inequality. It is a worldwide phenomenon. – Bukky Shonibare
- We need the talent and insights of girls today to lead our businesses tomorrow. That’s why expanding educational opportunities for girls isn’t charity. It’s a smart investment in a stronger global economy and in our future. – Indra Nooyi
GENDER EQUALITY TO INSPIRE THE WORLD
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”
― Maya Angelou
“It is time that we all see gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals.”
― Emma Watson
“Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all kinds of oppression.”
— Nelson Mandela
“A woman is human. She is not better, wiser, stronger, more intelligent, more creative, or more responsible than a man. Likewise, she is never less. Equality is a given. A woman is human.”
― Vera Nazarian
“All through life there were distinctions – toilets for men, toilets for women; clothes for men, clothes for women – then, at the end, the graves are identical.”
― Leila Aboulela
“Women have discovered that they cannot rely on men’s chivalry to give them justice.”
– Helen Keller
“I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.”
– Mary Shelley
“The emancipation of women will only be possible when women can take part in production on a large, social scale, and domestic work no longer claims anything but an insignificant amount of her time.”
― Friedrich Engels
“Repression is a seamless garment; a society which is authoritarian in its social and sexual codes, which crushes its women beneath the intolerable burdens of honour and propriety, breeds repressions of other kinds as well.”
― Salman Rushdie
All these quotes cheer the idea that people must get all the opportunities and rights no matter what their gender is. The day when society will become fair, just and respectful towards women’s rights, will be the day when it will change for good. Hopefully these quotes will inspire the women all over the world to achieve their goals.