Exploring Gender Stereotypes: Why Are Women Still Perceived as the "Weak Gender"?

Since the day we were born, we are forced to fit into norms that traditions impose us. As young children, we intend to satisfy people and imitate them with our actions. That demonstrates 'our roles' start at the beginning of our childhood and affect us without gender difference. Although men's responsibilities have their difficulty, it is obvious that women face more violence and inequality. Young girls are taught how to dress, talk and behave 'properly'. Every day, women hear that they should 'cover up' and ‘stay silent'. In the history, women were seen as 'the weak gender'. They were ignored, abused and assaulted. Their voice tried to be taken from them. However, women did not stay silent and accept being ignored as men wanted them to be. They fought for their rights and lives, proved that they are more than just flash and bone. For centuries they were denied their necessary rights, blamed for being 'witch' and burned. Now, even though the society acknowledge women and men equals, the people's behavior shows otherwise. In the work, women get paid less than men, they overwork and still do housework or childcare. They are shamed because of their body and weight; their health services are insufficient. Gender equality plays an essential part in achieving prosperous society. They do not only represent half of the population, but also indicate its potential. Sustainable World will come along with equal human rights, opportunities and education. Paying no attention to the half of the World will cause irrevocable disasters and denying girl's education also means denying half of the World's capacity. Although 143 countries assured equality between women and men, there are still 52 countries that do not participate in that action. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights decided to take action about gender equality and acknowledge it as a part of international human rights law. The document states ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.’ ‘Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion…birth or other status.’  There are still young girls who do not aware of their rights and forced to stop education or marry. The issue about gender discrimination were recognized by the United Nations and since then the UN is focusing on the development of gender equality. 'Gender Equality' is a component of 17 Sustainable Development Goals which aims to succeed to reconstruction of the World. While the gender imparity remains in political, economic and social life, the progress of activities continues to expand. As the young women of the society, we intend to stop the cultural, gender-inclusive language and perception in women based on the fact that they have powerful influence on people. We believe and support that girls who have faith in themselves, we have the voice of community and next generation in ourselves. It is our fundamental right to participate in the choices of our lives and future. As the part of the World, our very being allows us to decide in the making of the new sustainable future.

Beray DOVAN, The Board Director of Empower Girls