Gender equity is a term that has become increasingly prevalent and popular in recent times. The effort to establish gender equity is not limited to Indian society alone; it is a global movement. These initiatives range from individual efforts to collective actions by communities, organizations, and, most importantly, programs and policies implemented by governments. All these actions are aimed at ensuring the elimination of gender-based discrimination. Like the initiatives of others, Mukti has also been undertaking various efforts to eliminate gender-based discrimination for nearly the past 10 years. However, over the past 4 years, these efforts have gradually expanded on a somewhat larger scale.
However, the path of progress in this area is somewhat different from that of other developmental goals. If one attempts to simplify the issue, various complexities arise, and the risk of counterproductive outcomes becomes evident. To understand the notion of gender equity, it is essential to first comprehend the concept of gender discrimination.
Understanding Gender Discrimination
To understand gender discrimination, we must first grasp the concept of social gender. Gender refers to the roles and expectations imposed upon individuals based on the sex they are assigned at birth. At birth, based on their physical sex characteristics, individuals are categorized as either male or female. From this point onward, societal norms and expectations are shaped according to the gender assigned to them, determining how they will be treated, what roles they will fulfil, and what behaviours and customs they will follow.
At first glance, one might wonder where the harm lies in these different gendered expectations, as they seemingly add diversity to life. However, upon deeper reflection, it becomes clear that such differentiation often places certain individuals ahead, providing them with more opportunities, greater freedoms, and privileges, while simultaneously denying others basic rights, stalling their progress. For instance, societal norms often restrict women to domestic roles, while providing men with unrestricted access to the workforce. Additionally, girls face social pressure to marry early and build their lives around marriage, while boys are rarely subjected to similar expectations. These differing societal behaviours, based solely on an individual’s gender identity, are what we refer to as gender discrimination.
What is Gender Equity?
Now, let us focus on the concept of gender equity. To understand how gender equity can be achieved, it is important to have a clear idea of what it entails. Equity, in general, refers to a state of fairness where no individual is deprived of their fundamental rights. Everyone stands on equal footing. Gender equity means that no one will face discrimination based on their gender identity, and everyone will have equal opportunities to thrive in society and achieve their potential.
However, there is a fundamental misunderstanding surrounding gender equity. Often, discussions around gender equity inadvertently frame the issue as a conflict between men and women, suggesting that men are the primary obstacle to achieving gender equity. This perception arises from a partial and incomplete understanding of gender discrimination. It is crucial to recognize that the roots of gender discrimination lie in patriarchal social structures, systems that have historically favoured men by granting them more privileges and power.
The establishment of patriarchal systems is often attributed to either a group of men, women, or both. While there are varying opinions on the historical origins, one thing is certain: the patriarchal structure was not the work of present-day men alone. Both men and women have been subjected to this system for centuries. This system has reinforced gender inequality through various rules and practices that we learn from a young age, often unconsciously carrying them into adulthood, further entrenching discriminatory practices.
Achieving Gender Equity: A Battle against the System
Therefore, to establish gender equity, we must first understand what the real struggle is about. It is not a fight against individuals or men in particular, but rather a battle against the systems and outdated practices that perpetuate gender inequality. To achieve gender equity, we need to critically analyse and challenge the norms, roles, and behaviours that we have internalized. We must ask ourselves whether the privileges we enjoy based on our gender are inadvertently hindering the progress of others.
The day we can ask these questions without bias and introspect, we will know that we have truly embraced the concept of gender equity.
This is the path to Mukti, and thus, a key value in this movement is participation and inclusion. It is crucial to involve both those who have been deprived and those who have benefited from the system in efforts to reform it. While much work remains, the daily realization of these truths is gradually shaping us into better, more conscious individuals.
Today, I had the opportunity to discuss the issue of gender equity in terms of binary. However, the challenges faced by people with non-binary gender identities in a patriarchal society are yet to be fully addressed. I hope to explore this in future writings.
I conclude by extending my best wishes and congratulations to all the readers of the Mukti Barta.