The Gender Quagmire

Literally, All Fingers Are Not Equal; but in practical, when the hand wants to perform the function of eating, all the fingers are involved. Though some play more important roles than others but they all have equal opportunity to participate.

As ordinary as it looks and seems, this is the stack reality about the role of gender in our society. Everyone has a unique and distinctive role to play in human societal development and for societal balance and equity, it is pertinent that everyone be given an equal opportunity for one to effectively contribute his/her quotas to the society.

This is not an article about gender inequality because we do not have the mandate to differentiate the superiority of a gender over the other. But as responsible citizens aiming to achieve an ideal society, everyone must imbibe the culture of fairness. Even in a law court; for there to be a balance in the adjudication of judgement and to curtail sentiments and biases; both lawyers (Prosecutors and Defence) are given a fair hearing in any jurisprudence. This is done to ensure both sides receive equal treatment.

This should also be applied in any society as it relates to gender. Both sexes should be given an equal opportunity for them to exhibit their internal strengths, talents and aspirations in a sane society. This call is absolutely different from the call of gender equality. This is a call for Equal Gender Opportunity.

Gender equality, simply put, is a belief that both men and women should receive equal treatment. People should not be discriminated against because of their gender. It can also be called sex equality, gender egalitarianism, sexual equality or equality of the gender. The protagonists of gender equality fail to realise the differences in nature, capacity, strengths and resolve in both sexes. Though all fingers are fingers but never the same in size, length and function. In a work environment for example; one shouldn’t expect that a female pregnant or nursing parent should be exposed to the same work hours as the male. In such scenarios, gender equality will be difficult to achieve. If this is done, there will be an outcry from the “feminist” group who will kick against it.

Gender equal opportunities; as different from gender equality, is the absence of barriers to economic, political and social participation on grounds of sex and gender.

Simply put, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. This does not mean that women and men have to become the same; but that their rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female.

The concept of gender equal opportunity also called equality of opportunity is the idea that people ought to be able to compete on equal terms, or on a level playing field for advantaged offices positions. Reducing unequal gender opportunities strengthens economies and builds stable and resilient societies that give all individuals in the society (including boys and men); the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Some steps to achieve gender equality are: Talk to women and girls: one of the reason why we have not achieved gender equality everywhere is that women and girls voices are too often excluded from global and national decision making.

Make education gender sensitive: There should be progress in increasing awareness in gender sensitivity of educational system.

Let girls use mobile phones and be exposed to basic technologies device: Girls should be encouraged in the use of technological devices like internet, computers phones, etc. Through this medium they will be able to say their minds.

Raise aspirations of girls and their parents: one of the key strategies must be to change how girls, families and society imagine what girls can be and can do. We need to give girls images, ideas and role models that expand their dreams.

Empower mothers: They say charity begins at home. Through empowering women at community level you will also enhance girls education.

Give proper value to women’s work: The unpaid work women and girls do provide the foundation for the global economy. There should be an equal work equal pay worldwide.

Encourage women into non-traditional vocations: Encouraging women in non-traditional jobs is crucial in not only making long-lasting change in their lives but also help break social taboos.

Stop the violence: Gender inequality has allowed for violence against women to continue unabated.

Now is the time to take action for equal gender opportunities.