CHALLENGES WOMEN FACE TODAY
Historically, a woman's place was in the home doing her dutiful chores while her husband was in the sole breadwinner. This division had consequently formed expectations as to the role of men and women in society. It had created stereotypes and sexism also known as gender discrimination. No doubt gender discrimination can affect both the sexes but there is particular interest concerning women and girls.
From a very early age, we have been taught stereotypes and roles to play in order to maintain control and order in society. Nobody dares to go against these norms set by the people in almost all cultures around the world. Even in today's globalised nations, stereotyping exists and will continue doing damage unless society's change their conventional mindsets. Societies must realise the dangers of perpetuating the gender roles. The cycle must be broken for societies to thrive and progress in this era of globalisation.
Stereotyping of women and girls start in their very own homes where they face negative cultural attitudes and also practices. Their rights have been violated by those who belief that women are just objects that have to follow what they are told. Sexist remarks have been used on women to show disrespect to them. Women and girls have been objectified by the society at large to suit the needs of the majority. They are thought of as empty beings with no dignity and self-worth.
Some of the ways by which women are discriminated against:
Women are expected to have kids and quit their jobs.
Women are expected to be the child's primary caregiver.
Women are judged more harshly when voicing their opinions.
Women are expected to have more soft skills then men.
Women are judged more based on their looks.
Women are perceived as naturally weaker than their male counterparts.
Women are expected to be neater in their dressing and housekeeping.
There is much expectation of a woman's role in society which holds true till today. This conventional mindset is here to stay unless women themselves fight for their rights and pave the way for opportunities for reform and to restructure the beliefs that have been embedded for generations. Women should be aware of their rights and how to enforce these rights. Knowledge of legal literacy for women would go a long way in helping them fight for their rights so that they are not exploited by unscrupulous people.
There should be a rising social consciousness among societies all around the world regarding stereotyping against women. Social movements such as civil societies can spearhead anti – stereotyping movements to champion the rights of women more aggressively so that women get the respect the deserve. We have to ensure that women and girls have a smooth transition from childhood to adulthood and that they receive what they deserve as real living beings on this earth.
