Gender Equality

Ashton Kutcher recently posted the following lines on his Facebook page: There
are NEVER diaper changing stations in mens public restrooms.
As a girl, I am very well aware of the need for the upliftment of women in a world
of extreme discrimination and sexism. However, this fight is not one sided only. It
is a call for parity of genders on this earth. In this post, Mr. Kutcher very clearly
highlights how years of patriarchal societal traditions and rules have thrust upon
women, the role of housekeeping and caretaking. Its not a choice but a duty, a
sort of responsibility which women have to fulfil. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai and
Kolkata, the segregation of ladies and mens compartments in trains and metros
further highlights this disparity.
I would like to give an example of a very well known author and columnist-Mr.
Chetan Bhagat. Ever since he took on writing as a full time profession he has
been the one sitting at home, taking care of his kids and writing wonderful novels
for us while his better half is earning through her nine to five job. Its high time
that men also put in a few hours towards the household chores. In a rapidly
changing world, the shifting roles of men and women might take some time to be
recognised by a conservative society like ours. But with examples like Ashton
Kutcher and Chetan Bhagat many men around the world are now able to see
through these unsubstantiated rules of society. Women are now stepping out into
the world and men are realising the need for equality of gender in all aspects, be
it work or responsibility of the house. Everyone is, and should be entitled to
equal opportunities and dreams irrespective of their gender.
I conclude by quoting Emma Watson It is time that we all see gender as a
spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals. We should stop defining each
other by what we are not, and start defining ourselves by who we are.