Gender Inequality

Though human beings are perfectly created to cohabitate, the fear of differences pushes them to discriminate and oppress. One of the most common forms of discriminations in the world is sexism. In America gender inequality doesn't only manifest itself in households. It is a social implicit norm. Let me explain... Women are paid less for the same amount of work in the same position men could have... People with different sexualities get beaten in public... This is only the tip of the iceberg.

How big and broad is the gap between women and men in the social political and economic life of people living in the United States?

It is important for women and men of all ages to understand that the same way white supremacy exists, so does patriarchy (power to men). In fact they coexist and almost complete each other. But why should people accept oppression when the Constitution promises equality?

The first step

The first step towards gender equality took place in 1848 at the Seneca Falls Convention in New York. With the Declaration of Sentiments (ladies take notes) written and signed by activist and leader, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and signed by her, 67 other women and 32 men this even marked the beginning of feminism in the United States of America. The Declaration of Sentiments was the first official document dedicated to women's rights. It also helped recognise women's importance in the political life of the country hence, the 19th amendment in 1945. As you can note women strived and fought for almost 100 years before having the right to vote and be a part of the political system they're in.

The 19th Amendement 1945

The Right to vote was a major shift in the history of the United States of America. Half of the country was finally eligible to vote and new needs and concerns surfaced as well. Not long after, in the 6Os, feminism is finally defined and deeper issues such as the definition of femininity are tackled. One of the main figures of feminism the 60s was Betty Friedan known for her book, Feminine Mystique, 1963, in which she explains that women are lured by patriarchy into thinking that femininity comes down to being housewives with no educational ambitions. HOW AWFUL!

At the end of the 60's and the beginning of the 70 the United States of America were introduced to the reproductive rights and a Sexual Revolution (rights to put a term to pregnancy in 1973, right to use contraceptives, right to be sexually active bruh).

The purpose however of all this resistance was to free women and all people oppressed because of their sexual identity and even ethnicity (it is also called intersectionality). Therefore, (fast-forward to the 21st Century). The long war for gender equality helps and encourages other communities. In deed in 2015 the Supreme Court recognised, thanks to the Obergefell v. Hughes case, LGBTQ+ community andrights. And last but not least for my ladies out there! The MeToo Movement helped women to publicly confront men and their wicked ways! Indeed, the MeToo movement helped women keep men accountable for their sexual violence.

Today women and men put an effort in awareness campaigns to help remodel the new generation build equity and equality regardless of the genders, ethnicities or social classes.

Have you seen the gender equality gap manifest in your life? If so comment what you'd like to change about it.

See you soon!!!!