Abolishing Gender Stereotypes

Abstract

This article focuses on reducing, or rather eradicating gender inequality from our society. It stresses the necessity of why people of all genders need to be treated with equal respect and should be given equal opportunities in all aspects of life. It also gives us a few tips as to what we can do to abolish gender inequality and ensure a just and prosperous future for all the citizens of Planet Earth.

I. Key Words

Gender, Civil Rights, Stereotypes, Inequality, Women, Transgenders

II. Introduction

As the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Kofi Annan, said, "Gender equality is more than a goal itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and building good governance." These words are significant because they highlight the current problem that our civilization faces. Girls don't get the freedom to go out alone, the "other" gender, as it is commonly referred to, have no rights, and the status of females is going down day by day. This article will tell you how that is happening and how to prevent it in the future to ensure a peaceful society.

III. Some Brief History

Since the 1800s, gender equality has been a pressing issue in this world. Women have not been granted freedom, and their struggle has been monumental. It was only in the 1920s that Rosa Parks and other activists fought for their rights through the Civil Rights Movement. In India, this stereotype had been prevalent since the Vedic Age, and women have faced one of the most challenging challenges here. The situation now, however, is not way better, but it has improved. Let’s see how gender inequality is caused:

IV. Causes:

There are many factors and causes affecting women and transgender people. Here is a list of a few:

1. Participation – Due to a very patriarchal society, women and transgender people are denied opportunities to participate in political affairs and have no say in the governance of the country. They are stuck in a crisis both economically and socially, with very little to live on minimal dignity.

2. Sexual Assaults and Rapes – India accounts for one of the most cases of rapes. In 2019 alone, there were more than 128,000 registered cases of rape. 78% of women in India have been victims of rape, sexual assault, or attempt to rape. Women would feel unsafe to go out alone, and thus, this is another reason for gender discrimination.

3. Backward Thinking – Most Indians think that a woman's rightful place is at home, cooking, and taking care of her kids, while the man is the breadwinner, the hard worker, and the one who puts food on the family's plate.

V. Current Status

Right now, in India and around the world, the status of women and transgender people is declining. At toll gates and numerous public places, we see transgender people begging for money. We see women carrying children and roaming on the streets, pleading for food, and some monetary help. The privileged ones among us, tend to ignore them and move on with our lives. Women in a few countries, until very recently, weren't even allowed to drive cars. In most Indian societies, the bride's family has to finance all expenses for the marriage, as the groom is considered superior to the bride. Women are treated extremely inferior to men, and it is high time we change these stereotypes.

VI. What does the Indian Government do?

The Government of India has implemented numerous laws regarding inequality against women and has also brought about various schemes for the promotion of women. Here are some of them:

1. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao – This scheme aims to generate awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services intended for girls in India. It mainly targets the clusters in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Bihar and

Delhi

2. Balika Samridhi Yojana – This is a crucial initiative of GOI to support the birth of a girl child and support her delivery. The scheme was launched in 1997 to provide financial aid to children born after 15 August 1997

3. Swadhar Greh – A scheme for women in difficult circumstances

4. Mahila E Haat - Itis an initiative for meeting the aspirations and needs of women entrepreneurs. It is an online marketing platform for women, where participants can display their products. The platform has been set up by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, under Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK).

VII. What can we do?

As educated and literate people with a lot of exposure, we can write articles and publish them in magazines and on social media regarding this pressing issue. We can hold awareness programs at a school and community level. From our childhood itself, we can promote the individuality and freedom of women and start treating people of all genders equally. Helping them out when needed, to ensure a safe and happy India, where there is active participation, and everyone can live their lives happily and peacefully.

Jai Hind!