As long as we know where we are wrong, we can create a difference
RAWALPINDI: Equality to me is being human, irrespective of gender. Every individual is unique and capable of doing different things which, in no way, implies that one is better than the other. Each one of us is just extraordinary, unlike anyone else. The very terms, male, female, transgender, etc are discriminatory in nature, segregating one from another on the basis of appearance, biological characteristics, creating stereotypes and attaching certain attributes to a particular socially created group. The genders are not in conflict with one another, but the meanings attached to their very existence are.
We are to uplift one another, to make this world a better place for others to survive — not only for the other group but your own group as well. Women do not strive for what the men have but for the acquisition of what they want for themselves. Inequalities that exist among the genders are not innate but are created due to social institutions’ structure.
Inequality is now rather embedded in our social fabric — sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. Individuals are marginalised on the pretext of their gender and hence their abilities. As long as we know where we are wrong, we can create a difference but not falling for falsely-created boundaries.
Iqra Siddique
Published in The Express Tribune, February 23rd, 2019.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
