THE TRUE DEFINITION OF GENDER EQUALITY

BUT WHY IS THIS SO?

If we think back to the previous lessons, we remember how women and 

men have different expectations and responsibilities placed upon them by

the society in which they live - and these influences come from all sorts 

of people and institutions.

Both sexes end up doing different amounts and types of work because of gender stereotypes that say that it is ‘natural’ for women to take on the burden of child rearing or housekeeping, or that men should be waited upon by their wives.

WHAT THIS MEANS IS THAT WOMEN...

Usually work longer hours

Have more varied tasks 

Often juggle many things at once

On the other hand, men often have more leisure time because their wife

 or girlfriend takes responsibility for vital activities like cooking, cleaning

 and childcare, often on top of their paid job!  It’s true that some men do

 help out occasionally, but very rarely on a basis of daily shared responsibility.

As a result, men also have more time for educating themselves or getting involved in leadership activities outside of them home, giving them a big advantage over women.

THE VALUE PLACED ON WOMEN & MEN’S WORK

The work women do in the house is often not seen as ‘real’ work - and

 even when they do work outside the home, they are often pushed in the direction of jobs that are seen as ‘feminine’ such as nursing, teaching or caring.

These jobs are often paid less than ‘men’s work’, and because we tend to value goods and money more than we value bringing up children, ‘men’s

 work’ is seen as being more important. Women will often feel they just 

aren't 'made' for certain types of job - often because of comments from 

family or peers.

What this means is that in many countries around the world, Nigeria included, more of the work that women do is unpaid compared to the work that men do, and the work that women do is seen as being less important.

Women are often held back from progressing their education and skills and contributing their talents to the betterment of their country.

"Oh she? She doesn't work, she's a housewife!" (Image credit:UN Women/Neelabh Banerjee)

The value placed on women and men’s work is just one example of how gender stereotypes create an unequal society.

For example, in the Memory Box activity in Lesson 2, many of you

 shared that you had been negatively affected by gender stereotypes -

 when it comes to leadership for example, or access to education, or 

even self esteem.

One of the worst outcomes of gender roles is the fact that women and

 girls become victims of violence because of being seen as inferior to men.

What is gender equality?

This takes us to the true definition of gender equality. Gender equality 

does not mean believing that women and men are exactly the same, 

or should try and be the same.

Believing in gender equality means recognizing the unfair situation

 created by gender stereotypes, for women especially, but also for men.

Striving for gender equality means striving for a society where men and women receive equal treatment, and are not discriminated against based 

on their sex.

Some people prefer to call it “gender justice”, and here at Purple we call

 it 50/50!

So, if you believe it is wrong that women earn less than men doing the

 same jobs, or earn less than men with lower qualifications, then you

 believe in gender equality!