Gender inequality, also known as gender discrimination, is the unequal treatment between the opposite sex based on their gender roles. This enables one sex to be given preferential treatment. All around the world, thousands of people have been subject to this discrimination for years in all fields of life showing how deep rooted this problem is. Unfortunately, it seems as though women have been suffering the most at the hands of gender inequality for centuries.
Education holds grave importance in the development and progress of a human. No matter the gender, every person has the right to educate themselves. However, due to gender discrimination, women are less likely to enter schools in comparison to men because most parents prioritise the education of sons over their daughters as it is believed that sons are the hope of their old age. As a result, women are deprived of their basic right to education due to which they are unable to gain the required qualifications to be able to step into professional fields. Not only does it restrict their chances of developing a career, but it also forces them to help in house chores until they are eventually married off before they even enter adulthood. Researches have stated that an increase in the education of women can help bring betterment in the development of humans and could also contribute in solving social issues which are playing a vital role in preventing the progress and development of our society.
Moreover, lack of education in turn has a negative impact on the economy of a country. It lowers down the average level of earning per person, which causes the economy to decline. Even when women have started working in professional fields, they face a lot of risks and hurdles while stepping into a male-dominant world. Not only are there fewer positions for women, they are also offered lower salaries for the same position in contrast to men. Providing better opportunities for everyone, regardless of their gender, could help bring forward talented candidates who could in turn help in the progress of our country.
Another major issue that has risen to its peak due to gender inequality is gender based violence. Women and children are most exposed to such acts in our society. Most men tend to misinterpret their rights and responsibilities and end up believing women, children and other genders to be inferior beings. This had led to a steady rise in hideous acts such as rape, honor killing, child sexual abuse, male rape and more. These are just a few examples of the many ways in which people around us face discrimination at the hands of the dominant sex.
Due to the privileges gained by the dominant sex, which in our society is the male, majority of the people in our society desire to have sons and this is nothing new to us. For centuries, people have hoped to have sons who would support them and their families while daughters are considered nothing but a burden on the shoulders of their fathers. This has resulted in a severe imbalance in the population gradient. Unfortunately, we see various such examples around us every day but turn a blind eye to it.
Gender inequality has been prevalent history for ages and it is not an easy gap to fill. A proper plan is needed to eradicate this problem from the roots, which requires cooperation from each sector. We could begin from our homes, where every child is treated equally and given the same opportunities. In schools, children should be informed on how to deal with gender stereotypes from a young age and should be taught that regardless of their gender, every human has equal rights in this world. Not only should they be taught, rather it should be ensured that they implement these teachings in their life.
Secondly, the economic sector should work towards providing better job opportunities for women as well and both male and female candidates should be given the same treatment. A lot of people around us believe that women cannot do certain jobs, which is untrue. Every field should be open to anyone willing to apply, which could help bring forward deserving people that could contribute towards the development of a country. We could take influencers and celebrities on board to help spread awareness about gender discrimination and how it could have a negative impact on the coming generations. Moreover, we should work towards building a safe and secure society where every human can live peacefully without having to worry about their safety, a society where non is considered dominant.
Lastly, as fellow humans, the bare minimum we could contribute towards resolving this issue is to reject chauvinist attitudes and stop any act of discrimination happening around us. History tells us that once we start a battle against gender discrimination, we move towards better, more stable and happier lives, with well-educated citizens living in a well-developed society.
Fortunately, nowadays, people have become more aware of this serious issue and are ready to help decrease its impact from our society. However, we still have a long way to go before we can eliminate this bug completely from our systems. We need to work together in order to fulfill the dream of having a society where both boys and girls enjoy their equal rights to the fullest.