In a world designed for both men and women, the pervasive nature of subordination of women to men ranks through other forms of inequality. Though claims of progress have been made throughout time, gender inequality, discrimination and oppression of women is still not a relic among us. It is a concept that requires attention and confrontation. A concept that requires scrutiny.Though it may not seem that way, this is the most disregarded and overlooked vector of inequality. Gender inequality does not mind the litany of class,race or even age.
Throughout the 20th century, feminism as a concept was evident.There were four waves of feminism. The first wave of feminism arose in the 1920s, an example being a feminist movement in Europe,which fought for participation of women in political elections. Throughout the first wave of feminism, mass protests were conducted, women organisations were established, and newspapers were published. This saw a major shift in the political, economic and social system of Europe at the time. Feminism did not only manifest itself in Europe ,but also in America, where associations like the National American Woman Suffrage Association emerged, which focused on women’ s suffrage and their legal rights.
The second wave of feminism took place from the 1960s to the late 19th century.The feminist activities that transpired were meant to correct the economic and social injustices faced by women. The disparities displayed to women had reduced to some intensity,which was evidence of the success of the first wave of feminism.The second wave of feminism opted to solve the gender stereotypes and preconceived roles of women, increase educational access, and also enable job opportunities impartially.
The third wave of feminism occurred during the 1990s. This wave, however,did not focus on oppressions but rather the intersectionality,diversity and inclusivity of women, particularly women of colour, since they were more marginalized. It also focused on chronic issues such as rape culture. This wave achieved success in combating intersectionality, therefore giving life to the idea that women are diverse and diverting the abstract notion of a ‘woman’. Moreover, media and technology greatly contributed to the spread of feminism and helped in establishing a different view to the typical woman.
The fourth wave of feminism, which was the last wave of feminism, focused on combating sexual harrassment, sexual abuse, objectification and sexism faced by women. This wave however,utilized social media in creating awareness and dealing with the discrimination and the stereotyping that was still predominant in our societies. This wave was recent, only dating back to 2010. According to rosemary clark-persons,a noted feminist,use of social media has enabled feminist activities to become more visible and apparent.
Let us take a switch from what has been done to change gender inequality and sexism to actually focusing on the root problem of this and issues faced by women.As much as a lot has been done to establish equality in the world, sexism, especially towards the female gender is still prevalent. It seems like it is inevitable and therefore some women develop an inferiority complex.They believe that they are subservient to men.
Don’t you think that it is dismal that the world has already decided that women are inferior? For centuries,women have faced constant disdainment from this patriarchal world. Patriarchy,a system established by the male gender,has been amidst us for so long,dating back to centuries.A system meant to silence and suppress the female gender.A system meant to control them.Though not as deep an issue as other systematic oppressions,it is still prevalent in most societies.
Women,no matter their race,color, age have faced prejudice.Why is it that a woman in the same position as a man,will still earn less? Why is it that one in three women face gender based violence at our homes? Patriarchy, a well designed system, was established by men to keep women under, to prevent them from ever knowing or doing more than what men expect of them.
In a world where patriarchy exceeds matriarchy,abnormal issues are likely to emerge.
Don’t you think it is criminal and illegitimate that young women,often minors,are forced into permanent partnerships with men thrice their age? And more revolting,is that childbearing is forced onto them at these young ages. It is gut-wrenching that the rest of their lives are already decided by irrational and illogical adults,and that their lives are to be spent taking care of children and their inhuman husbands,often in poverty-stricken households.
It is even more wicked that some governments,despite knowing that these young women are being forced into marriages, despite their ages,turn a blind eye.Violence is also prominent in our societies,often directed towards women.Some men feel the need to ‘correct’ their wives,often with the excuse of ‘disciplining’ them.This is honestly such a foolish and injudicious way of thinking. No one has the right to lay hands or show any signs of violence towards another human being,no matter the gender.
Discrimination towards women is still an issue. It is foolish,and backward to show discrimination based on the genetic makeup of a human.
Oppression towards women is also revealed culturally and religiously. A closer look into this established taboo in our societies clock that women are more expected to perform or follow this set rules and expectations blindly and mindlessly. There are more set rules for women than there are for men. This is meant to keep women under control. Discrimination as a spectrum,is not limited culturally or religiously towards women.
It also comes out politically.The political underrepresentation in our parliaments and cabinets is appalling. Why is it that when women do involve themselves in politics, especially when trying for positions in the government,they face violence and threats?Sarah Korere, a Kenyan legislator, was assaulted by her fellow parliamentarian, back in 2016. The assaulter, Mathew Lempurkel, had sexist motives. The reason for assaulting her? Simply over a couple of factors with gender bias being one of them.
It is astonishing how misogyny has been normalized in our societies. Zooming into our households, misogyny plays a primary role in shaping the minds of the next generation of adults.Children are raised into embracing misogyny. Why is it that daughters are expected to cook, clean and take care of others? This reinforces that the primary role of these young girls in our families is to serve others.The unequal division of labour is common and prevalent in our households.
There is conspicuous bias towards the male child. In some tribes in Kenya, the worth of a male child is, by a wide gap,more than a female’s. This gender bigotry is awfully draining,because it suppresses any potential in these young children. As much as there are efforts to correct these issues, some people remain obstinate towards these issues.
It is also sickening that a woman can never walk freely, especially in today’s society, without feeling unsafe. It is wrong that there is no haven for women.
In some cases, these malefactors are never put to justice, especially in developing countries, since not much effort is put into protecting and prioritizing the rights and safety of women. In fact, in some cases, women are seen as the villains and as the causes if any sexual harassment befalls them.
In conclusion, being misogynistic is having a twisted way of thinking and efforts should be made to correct this way of thinking. These double standards that are forced onto women should cease. Women should not be portrayed as objects, but as full human beings and of the same worth as the male gender. Patriarchy should not be predominant in our societies, and neither should matriarchy.There should be a fair world with fair chances and treatment for everybody, irrespective of gender.
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Amani Nganga is a first year education student at Kenyatta University
