E for Equality of Gender #AtoZChallenge

Posted on by Parul Thakur

Equality between women and men refers to the equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women and men and girls and boys. Equality does not mean that women and men will become the same but that women’s and men’s rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female. Gender equality implies that the interests, needs and priorities of both women and men are taken into consideration, recognizing the diversity of different groups of women and men. Gender equality is not a women’s issue but should concern and fully engage men as well as women. Equality between women and men is seen both as a human rights issue and as a precondition for, and indicator of, sustainable people-centered development.

Source: United Nations Women 

I have a lot of women colleagues and at work, I have never felt that women do not get opportunities but I would be called short-sighted if I base my understanding on this premise. There is ample data and research to show that we have a long way to go. 

The McKinsey Global Institute has published a research paper, The Power of Parity: Advancing Women’s Equality In India which represents how various states of India fare over Femdex – an India Female Empowerment index representing Gender Parity.

Gender Equality
Gender Parity – Source McKinsey Global Institute

Looking at this graph, I am surprised.

  • Goa stands better than Karnataka
  • Pondicherry stands better than Delhi
  • Chandigarh is better than Maharashtra
  • Himachal Pradesh stands better than Tamil Nadu

Achieving equality is not women’s issue. It is our country’s issue. As the report calls out, we need to support this with all our might – financial, opportunities to work, changing the mindset and attitudes of people and of course, supporting each other.

I am blogging from A to Z during April  and the theme I have chosen is set on women. I am also a minion on co-host Pam’s Unconventional Alliance along with Claire, Shalini and Rajlakshmi. Visit us, show us some love and don’t leave without sharing your thoughts. 

 

34 thoughts on “E for Equality of Gender #AtoZChallenge”

  1. This is so important to realise that Equality of genders is not a women’s issue but that of the society (involving men equally) and the country as a whole.
    Truly the stats are far from what we usually believe.

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  2. We have written several times on how gender equality is still an elusive concept here in the United States. Great to see your perspective! #AtoZChallenge

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  5. This reminded me of the Ariel Ad or share the load! This is need of the hour, we have to push this so that our children have a better future. The stats are sad! Thanks for sharing 🙂
    @KalaRavi16 from
    Relax-N-Rave

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  13. Whenever people talk about gender equality, the first person that comes to my mind is Emma Watson. The #HeForShe movement has picked up so much momentum because of her awe-inspiring role in it!
    I do hope we can be little Emmas in our daily lives too 🙂

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  14. It’s everywhere. You can always see it around you. In daily soaps, in movies, in buses, in public places, at work places, everywhere and I just hope it gets rid away before me closing my eyes forever.

    Wonderful subject you picked Parul 🙂

    Cheers

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  16. Oh, gender inequality is very much here. I have seen so many families where girls are still not allowed higher education or to go out and work. A lot needs to be done to change the mindsets!

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  18. This is there in our very psyche… like it or not; I feel women themselves are responsible and it starts from the time a child is born…. and only get reinforced as the child grows bigger… a lot of awareness, sensitization for both men and women from all sectors need to be done.. thanks for sharing the UN quote and the statistics 🙂

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  20. You had me at E.
    I guess the way you have summed up your thoughts in the last line – about attitude and opportunities – across states & premises , is the only way each of your other 25 subjects can see the light of the day.
    I read recently how equal rights and status for women globally is a scenario that’s atleast 80 years away.
    I am not surprised. I mean there are countries where women cant vote or drive or go to school or work outside home or even show their face in public.. and nothing really shocks me anymore.
    We really are privileged Parul .

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    1. It’s relative. Isn’t it? There are places where women are not killed for dowry or in foetus. But I agree that we are privileged than many and we have a long way to go.

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