Why it is that even in the 21st century, a young child is made to believe the fact that the male gender is stronger than females? Recently while waiting at the checkout line at the grocery market, I overheard a conversation amongst a 6-year-old girl talking with her family about her new baby brother and how he was “stronger” because of his gender and without any sufficient proof:
This little girl was already under the impression that all girls/women do is housework whereas boys are stronger and tougher. Why is it that young children that haven’t even been exposed to the “real world” are already under the impression that boys hold a “stronger position” than girls?
In the current society we live in, we see areas like science, politics, sports, etc. where women have played leading roles, broken records and changed lives. These actions being so incredibly significant tend to still be hidden amongst the accomplishments men have done. So why do women have to work harder to be more recognized than men? In countries like Afghanistan and Yemen, girls are strongly suppressed. Women and young girls are not allowed to participate in the basic privileges like education and sports. The essential question that most women face today is “How do we change other people’s perspective on women?” Women can contribute as much to the world as men and create a better world as a whole.
If you were to ask an average elementary school student who the best swimmer in the world is, they would probably go with Michael Phelps or Ryan Lochte. Of course these extraordinary swimmers have something to be proud of, but we currently have a new addition to these talented swimmers. We have Diana Nyad, who achieved a feat that no one in the world has accomplished (this year, the 64-year-old was the first person confirmed to swim from Cuba to Florida without the protection of a shark cage). Did Nyad give up on her dreams when tons and tons of people thought that what she was attempting was impossible? No. Did Diana become an inspiration? Yes. Women are an inspiration, and can become even better known if people had a different outlook toward us.
There is no reason why there should be a distinction between genders, and equality for both genders would lead our world into having a better and stronger society.
Take Hillary Clinton, for example. She held a very prestigious and vital position in the Senate as the United States Secretary of State; she was the first lady of the United States, a mother and an inspirational politician who could possibly be the future first woman president of the United States. It takes courage to say you want to become the president of the USA. It takes courage AND confidence to actually try. Clinton has become an amazing role model for all women around the world.
Women are not given equal statuses; they have to fight harder to be recognized. Some women are not given the privilege to go to school, and some are even forced to marry at a young age.
It takes courage, like Malala Yousafzai brought out to bring awareness to the fact that not all girls have the right to education. This extraordinary girl stood up against the Taliban rule, which banned all girls from attending school. She survived a deadly attack because of her opinion, and she is now a strong activist for girls’ education around the world.
Each and every one of us has courage. Recently, Nada Al-Ahdal from Yemen spoke up for what she thought was right even if that meant going against the people she loved. She had to flee from home because she did not want an arranged marriage by her parents since she was only 11. This just goes to show that women not only have the courage to bring about change but are becoming increasingly aware to stand up for their rights and empower the younger youth of today, which are the future of tomorrow.
Lisa Marie Dias is a Redmond High School freshman.
