In human history, the concept of gender has never been more widely disputed or in a state of such flux. There can be no doubt that we are making great strides in pushing the boundaries of gender inequality and discrimination. Here is a look at 3 ways in which gender equality has advanced in the last 10 years.
1.No more prescribed genders
Historically, humans have believed that gender determines our behaviour, shapes our brains and even determines our worth. But lately, the term gender neutral has been on everyone’s lips. While conservative views may challenge this new idea of non-binary gender, the truth is that old stereotypes and gender norms have been changing for a very long time. For example, nowadays, men can wear skirts and stay home with the kids, and women can use snus or nicotine pouches and ‘bring home the bacon’.
We have arrived in a place where, although our genitals may place us in a certain gender category by nature, we do not need to place ourselves into any category. Instead, we can advance into a world where our unique abilities, characteristics and personalities will determine our worth, regardless of which gender we choose.
2.Powerful women are being seen and heard
Not only have women’s voices been united and heard through movements such as #MeToo, but we are also seeing more powerful women leading countries (New Zealand, Germany) or entering into political roles historically reserved for men only (Kamala Harris).
This shift can also be seen in Hollywood. Actresses are no longer merely clotheshorses that walk red carpets, look pretty and repeat the lines written for them. Instead, women such as Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd and Emma Watson (and so many more) represent organisations such as Unicef and the United Nations, and speak out for women’s rights.
There are so many positive and powerful female role-models for young girls to look up to and emulate, and so this trend is bound to continue its upward trajectory.
3.Feminine hygiene is no longer in the shadows
Regardless of how you identify, the truth is that people with female genitalia will begin to menstruate at some stage. In fact, as many as 800 million people menstruate every day. However, for so long, this topic has been seen as taboo and shameful, and so many women – especially in the developing world – have been made to feel unclean due to this natural cycle. The proper hygiene products have been withheld for various reasons, such as accessibility or even the belief that tampons remove virginity.
This ‘period poverty’ has become a leading issue, as has the drive to remove unsafe and unsanitary conditions during menstruation. Access to clean water, sanitation products and basic education around menstruation has become key in giving women power over their own bodies, removing the stigma, and allowing them to continue to attend school or work despite them menstruating.
This has been a time of advancement in terms of gender equality, and great strides have been made in removing the old stereotypes and gender norms. This next decade is set to be an exciting one.
