Gender quality refers to sexual equality or equality between sexes, for equal ease of access to resources and opportunities, including economic participation and decision-making, and the state of valuing different behaviors, aspirations, and needs equally, regardless of gender. However, it is a general observation that there exists a lot of discrimination between humans. Discrimination exists due to cultural differences, geographical differences, and gender.
Inequality based on gender is a concern that is prevalent in the entire world. Even in the 21st century, across the globe people do not enjoy equal privileges. Women in society are often cornered and are refrained from getting equal rights as men in health, education, decision-making, and economic independence in terms of wages. The social structure that has prevailed for a long is in such a way that girls do not get equal opportunities as men. Women generally are the caregivers in the family. Because of this, women are mostly involved in household activities.
There is less participation of women in higher education, decision-making roles, and leadership roles. This gender disparity is a hindrance to the growth rate of a country. As per the World Economic Forum’s gender gap ranking, India stands at rank 108 out of 149 countries. This rank is a major concern as it highlights the immense gap in opportunities for women in comparison to men. In Indian society, for a long time back, women have been neglected in many areas like education, health, decision-making areas, financial independence, etc.
Another major reason, that contributes to the discriminatory behavior towards women in India, is the dowry system in marriage. Because of this dowry system, most Indian families consider girls as a burden. Many women quit their jobs and opt-out of leadership roles because of family commitments. However, such actions are very uncommon among men.
Discrimination against men based on gender has been observed in the health and education sectors due to stereotypes that men are dangerous to women and
children. In the legal system, men on average receive higher rates of incarceration and longer sentences than women for similar crimes. Research on discrimination against men has been limited, and the topic is little discussed due to cultural biases. Equality measures often pay little or no attention to discrimination against men, which is perceived as morally less serious than discrimination against women.
It has been found that a nation can progress and attain higher development growth only when both men and women are entitled to equal opportunities. When women and men hold the same position and participate equally, society progresses exclusively and creates a landmark. When a community reaches gender equality, everyone enjoys the same privileges and gets similar scopes in education, health, occupation, and political aspects. Even in the family, when both male and female members are treated in the same way, it is the best place to grow, learn, and add great value.
Once all these menaces are eradicated, every family will understand the value of a woman and a man, our country will achieve gender equality in a real sense. Women are creating examples everywhere and we all should highlight them to change the scenario and give them equal rights. In the end, the performance of India in the Olympics 2024 is the current example where female players have shown that even after facing such hardship, their performance is at par with male athletes With so much potential, it is only a matter of time when women will be treated equally as men and have all their abilities on display for the world to see!
Hence, keeping in mind that earth is our mother and all people must have equal rights, we have to uplift the condition of women and change the world to a better place for both men and women to sustain a respectful life and for their dignity to be maintained.