Gender Equality: Are we there yet?

Over a month ago Emma Watson’s address to the UN on gender equality went viral, causing both positive and negative reactions. The negative reactions reiterated Watson’s point that gender equality is not with us yet and that calling it a ‘hate movement’ rather than a human right adds to the misconception of gender equality.

Emma Watson’s speech headed the introduction for the gender equality campaign He For She aimed at raising awareness that feminism isn’t about hating men, it is simply fighting for equal rights. But how is Emma Watson different from Germaine Greer? Good question. It is not Emma Watson in particular that is different but what she, and He For She, is standing for; gender equality for both men and women.

Around the world you are more likely to be impoverished if you are a woman, you also make up two-thirds of the worlds illiterate population, two-thirds of exploited workers, own 1% of the world’s resources, and occupy 18% of seats in parliaments around the world.

So, to everyone who thinks we have a gender equal society, well we don’t, so start fixing it.

Though women experience the majority of extreme gender inequality around the world, particularly in developing countries, men also experience it and that is exactly what He For She is trying to tell the world. Men are often constrained to prescribed social gender roles that prevent them from expressing their emotions resulting in high rates of male suicide worldwide.

Gender inequality is not always as visible as other social issues. In western countries it is often hard to spot it on the streets, but it’s there and in developing countries it’s clearer than ever. So, if gender equality was a road trip, no, we’re not there yet but we can see it getting closer.

By: Taylor-Jayne Wilkshire

Image: http://foter.com/