WHAT IS EQUALITY?
“Equality” is the most
misinterpreted, misquoted and controversial word that has ever existed in human
context. What equality meant for me might not be equality for others and thus, it is
difficult to come to any one conclusion in human context. Today, at this point
of time there are people struggling across the world for equality which is
gender based, cultural based and so on. This term reflects a different meaning
for every individual existing upon earth. Similarly, what equality for me was a
decade back is not anymore an issue for me and the meaning would change again
in future also.
Being a woman, I have always
supported woman rights. They were always at my top priorities and still they
are. But, what I feel is the real meaning of equality has misinterpreted in
many ways. Though I am one of those who support feminism strongly, but, I still
believe that men and women cannot be compared and bought at an absolutely equal
level in many aspects. Few months ago I had read an article which said that,
comparing men and women is like comparing fish with a bird. You cannot expect a
bird to swim or a fish to fly, but what you can expect is, the “coexistence” of
birth the species with equal opportunities to grow and survive.
My idea of equality is slightly
broader and different than most of us. What I believe equality is – having
equal rights and duties which constitutions provide us. Being a woman, I must
be paid according to my skills and not as per my gender. Similarly, I shouldn’t
get any uneven advantage in my professional life, simply because I am a woman.
I must be promoted, and appreciated for my work irrespective of the gender that
I posses. Equality is when, despite of being a housewife, I have property on my
name and I get the respect that I deserve. I should have freedom to protest, express and achieve heights in my life. I shouldn't be compared to my brother, husband or any male. I should be treated like a different individual altogether. Further, what I wear is absolutely
my choice and that doesn’t give anyone a right to rape, harass or molest me,
but, if I am expecting equality I must also dress up in a dignified manner. My
freedom of choice does bring responsibility too. My life must have my rules.
I Have come across lots of
arguments which scream that, if men can bare their chests so can we. I
completely disagree with this. Men and women are two different entities. There
body structure and psychology differs as well. Being a woman, I cannot, I need
not and I should not bare my chest because that is not equality which I am
fighting for. My equality would come in having equal space, facilities and
respect towards the opposite genders. Just because males are doing this, I
don’t need to this. I believe that we are at a much higher level than men, and
our fight for equality is not for clothes. No doubts that we all have choices
and all these choices are respected, but, baring chest or showcasing private
parts because males are doing is something which according to me isn’t
dignifying for a woman “she is
beautiful, when she is dressed in dignity and confidence.”
There are hell lot of issues where we need to fight for equality
but, comparing all the time, in all the way with men is in a way degrading
ourselves only.
