Female Pilgrim: A Walk for Equality
By: Vinoth Kumar
Women’s equality is one of the hot topics unfolding in social media these days. What’s a better time to talk about it than on ‘Women’s Equality Day’ itself? In a world where the potential and power of women have long been underestimated, the future resonates with hope, empowerment and the relentless pursuit of a just society. However, as we stand on the cliff of a new era, it becomes increasingly evident that the struggle for gender equality is not just a women’s issue – it’s a societal obligation that demands our collective attention and action. Join me as we go aboard on a thoughtful exploration of women’s equality.
History says the demand for equality started with the ‘right to vote’. This right was given to women in the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution in 1920. Between the timeline from 1878 to 1920, female activists were subject to various resistances like physical and/or verbal abuse and sometimes going as far as getting jailed. Hosseini’s words in “A Thousand Splendid Suns” capture the essence of their journey, reminding us that “Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman.” This truth reverberates through history, from the suffragettes’ relentless fight for voting rights to modern battles against systemic gender inequalities. The echoes of this victory resonate with the vigour that unity and determination hold.
Since that fateful day in 1920, women have carved their paths in every sphere of life. From politics and academia to business and sports, women have shattered stereotypes and defied limitations. It is about recognising the inherent value and potential of every woman, irrespective of their background. When women are empowered, societies flourish. Education, economic opportunities, and access to healthcare are fundamental components of empowerment that enable women to contribute positively to their communities and families.
How can we not talk about the greatest woman of times, Sudha Murthy? Her literary works and humanitarian endeavours have left an unfading mark on society, illuminating the path towards education, gender equality, and positive change. “In the process of helping others, you end up helping yourself.” A quote from one of her best-selling novels “How I Taught My Grandmother To Read” underlines the fact that collective progress paves the way for individual empowerment. When we empower women, we empower society as a whole. It is essential to recognize that the fight for women’s equality extends beyond gender alone. The interconnectedness of different social identities such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, plays a significant role in shaping women’s experiences. This means that every person on this earth should have an equal shot at achieving something.
Looking at the current world I can surely tell that women are advancing in fields that were earlier dominated by men thereby creating a balance in society. I have witnessed women’s professions ranging from CEOs of top companies to driving rickshaws in India. We have countless successful women entrepreneurs, doctors, social media influencers, singers and many more.
I believe that every year ‘Women’s Equality Day’ acts as a thread that connects us with struggles in the past and will continue carrying the achievements in the future. As the sun sets on this day, let us not forget the words of Sheryl Sandberg, “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.” Let us ideate a world where opportunities know no gender and hope women architects design a better future.
