Gender Equity
Introduction:
Gender
equity refers to the equal valuing of the roles of women and men. It also
denotes fairness of treatment between men and women. In other words, it
signifies a condition in which both men and women are looked at with the same
attitude and mindset in all circumstances without showing any unfair dealing towards
the female. It works to overcome the barriers of stereotypes and prejudices so
that both sexes are able to equally contribute and benefit from economic,
social, cultural, and political development in societies.
Gender
inequity and women’s movement: History shows that women had been
treated very unfairly and even cruelly in many societies and countries. They
have been deprived of many social, political, economic, and even familiar rights
and privileges. They were confined only to the four walls of their family. In
this situation, women tried to come out of their confinement from time to time
and raised their voices against discrimination. They organized themselves
and launched movements for establishing their rightful position in society.
These movements acquired great momentum and strong force during the early
years of that last century across the world. In fact, women have agitated
and held rallies throughout the world since the early years of the 20th
century to focus on discrimination against them and equity regarding their
rights, facilities, and opportunities.
Gender
inequity across the world: The human rights of women throughout the Middle
East and North Africa are systematically denied by each of the countries in the
region, despite the diversity of their political systems. Many governments of
this region put some restrictions that adversely affect women and women have
become subject to a host of additional specific human rights violations. This
ultimately undermines women's full personhood and equal participation in society
and puts women at increased risk for violence. Many of the laws in the
countries like Iran, Egypt, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia treat women essentially as
legal minors under the eternal guardianship of their male family members. In
Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive and even men aren’t allowed to
drive women if they are not closely related. In many areas of Afghanistan girls
often take out of school when they hit puberty. Husbands in Egypt and Bahrain
can file an official complaint at the airport to forbid their wives from
leaving the country for any reason. In Saudi Arabia, women must obtain written
permission from their closest male relative to leave the country or travel on
public transportation between different parts of their kingdom. These are a
few examples of gender inequity in the world.
Bangladesh
Scenario: In Bangladesh, gender inequity begins at birth. Here girls are born
into an unwelcome world and confined only to domestic chores. Girls are given to
understand that they are the weaker sex so they should not raise their voice
when they speak, they should not go out without the permission of the male
members and without being escorted by them. They are meant only for doing
household work within the confines of the house, for childbearing, child
caring, and for homemaking. In consequence, the women develop a sense of
self-effacement, self-denial, and inferiority that persists throughout their
life.
Gender
equity for development: Gender equity is first and foremost a human right.
Women are entitled to live in dignity and in freedom from what and from fear.
Empowering women is also an indispensable tool for advancing development and
reducing poverty. Empowered women contribute to the health and productivity of
whole families and communities and improve prospects for the next
generation.
Conclusion:
The
importance of gender equity is underscored by its inclusion as one of the eight
Millennium Development Goals. Gender equity is acknowledged as being a key to
achieving the other seven goals. Yet discrimination against women and girls
including gender-based violence, economic discrimination, reproductive health
inequities, and harmful traditional practices remains the most pervasive and
persistent form of inequity.
