Women and Men are not equal. We do not get treated the same in the workplace, home life, and social events. In America, from the outside, it appears women have the same rights as men, but that is not true. A woman goes out with her friends and is afraid of a man harassing her. Women are also judged for domestic reasons. Some believe women should stay home and care for their family; if she doesn’t, she is selfish. Men can work long hours and never be home for their children, and society is fine with that.
The inequality between men and women is even more severe in other counties. In Africa and other third-world countries, girls go through FGM (female genital mutilation). It is when a girl’s exterior genitals are partially or entirely removed. It causes health issues to women. Also, women in 3rd world countries are viewed as unworthy of receiving an education. This is not good because all the girls not receiving an education could have done good in the world.
In a previous class, I learned about an amazing woman named Dr.Kakenya Ntiaya. Dr. Ntiaya underwent FGM and was eventually supposed to become a young bride just like everyone else in her village. She knew she was destined for greater things. She convinced her father and village to let her pursue education and in return, she would come back and help her village. When she returned, she created a school for girls and educated them. She changed the mindset of the village and now more girls are allowed to pursue an education and fewer girls undergo FGM. This is just an example of someone who is helping to fulfill goal #5.
Currently, women are becoming more equal to men but it is not 50/50. Women count for 70% of healthcare workers battling the coronavirus but they are still paid less than men. In some countries, the risk of domestic violence is up 30% from the lockdown. 1 in 5 women is currently married in childhood versus the 1 in 4 ratios in 2004. Also, 28% of women are in manager positions versus 25% in 2000.
Equality can be reached but we need to keep on trying to achieve the goal!