Dashmielle Farin

12 - Napier
Women’s Fight
From detrimental gender norms and stereotypes to outright physical, emotional, and
sexual violence, women have been treated as second-class citizens for generations.
Today, we are reminded of the pervasiveness of various types of violence against women
under the patriarchal system. Its views, which are forced on our society, promote gender-
based injustice and inequality — which leads to misogyny, violence, and discrimination
against women. These ideologies reduced women to enslaved subjects that males might
own and rule. Despite decades of progress toward equality, the fight to eradicate such
notions will continue until the world is finally a safe place for everybody, particularly
women.
Various institutions in society promote and instill patriarchy in various ways. While men
are recognized as the primary authority in the family, women are viewed as the nurturers
and caregivers of the house that serves them. Men oppress women in marriage and
consider them as property. Because of this belief, most women are victims of domestic
abuse and violence. Furthermore, stereotyped roles are ingrained in children as they grow
up in the household. Daughters are raised to take a motherly role and are assigned
domestic labor and care tasks, whilst men are considered the family breadwinners.
These prejudiced beliefs are reinforced by the educational system, which constantly
emphasizes rigid gender roles that influence how children perceive gender—from the time
they enter primary school, they are exposed to the ideology that there are appropriate
occupations designated for men and women. Women are frequently represented in the
media as sex objects, performers, and commodities for men's pleasure.
As a result, prejudice and inequality became prevalent for women. Women are also
stereotyped as just housewives. They are regarded as less productive and inferior to
male-dominated, well-paid, and professional occupations. Men also earn more and are
more likely than women to achieve positions of authority.
Additionally, women are frequently subjected to sexual harassment, assault, and other
types of gender-based violence in the workplace. Women are enticed to work overseas
because they lack opportunities and good working circumstances, making them more
vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and physical abuse. Women are more vulnerable to
these threats because of the social standards and expectations that society places on
them.
However, the battle for gender equality in modern society will not be resolved as long as
patriarchal attitudes are prevalent among the people. Some women may side with
oppressors, while others may be victimized. These discriminatory attitudes include
undervaluing women and men who do not conform to patriarchal norms. Men, unlike
women, are expected to act tough and reject weaknesses such as emotions and softness.
Similarly, social expectations prevent males from discovering their genuine identities. This
demonstrates the importance of a unified and diversified approach to overthrowing the
Dashmielle Farin
12 - Napier
ultimate oppressor. Our difficulties, regardless of gender, intertwine as we work to
empower women.
We, connected by our difficulties, need to act together now more than ever to take a step
toward true equality. We must be determined to actively engage in dialogues that expose
the injustices that women face on a daily basis and to hold authorities accountable for the
inadequate treatment of incidents of violence and abuse. I urge diverse institutions to
abandon socially regressive beliefs and begin instilling more progressive and inclusive
principles in society. We must take tangible efforts, working together to dismantle a
system that has long harmed our community. We carry on their triumphs and build the
women's movement by empowering women by carrying their calls and aspirations.