The topic should be viewed in terms of the word ‘equalityâ€. Equality means no superiority or inferiority. Even our Constitution emphasises equality through the Bill of Rights.
Former president Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail because he fought for freedom and equality among all races and sexes in South Africa,.
On August 9, 1956, South African women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the unfair treatment of women.
Many men in senior positions harass women sexually or emotionally in the workplace. Unfortunately many women become victims because they desperately need a job.
Deserving women should be appointed in positions they are qualified for. Men should respect women and treat them as equals.
Women must not despair and continue to fight for their rights as human beings.
Those who paid lobola to marry a woman often believe that they have bought the women and use their power to force their wives to do things for them, even if women are uncomfortable with doing those things.
We, both males and females, should practise our rights and not just talk about them. Females must have the power to stop males from saying they are the heads of the families. We are all equal. We deserve equal chances.
Our upbringing and cultures also have an impact on gender equality. Male and female children are not treated equally. The male is treated as the powerful one and is expected not to get emotional or cry, while the female infant is allowed to get emotional and is treated like a soft flower that needs to be taken care of. This has to change, because in the eyes of God, we are all equal.
The way we treat our children is very important. If children are taught from a very young age that they are equal, they will treat each other as equals.
My other dream is to see females being given a chance at male-dominated work and sport, while males are given the opportunity to try their hands at female-dominated work and sports. The world would be a better place if governments stipulate rights for males as well, so that they can never say: ‘The law protects females too much.†Let’s encourage and support each other in everything we do.
In my opinion, perfect equality between the sexes will be a reality if we accept that times have changed and that young people want equality.
If, by a miracle, we can achieve perfect equality between males and females, this world would be a better place. People will see themselves as human beings, and not as males or females. This can only be possible if we change our perceptions about each other. Then, this world will be a peaceful, harmonious and enjoyable place to be. My dream of a perfect world will then be achieved.
Thabang Monnamorwa
Batlhaping High School