Gender Equality

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0Dg226G2Z8

Emma Watson, chosen as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for women, certainly blew me away with her speech. I believe what she says is right and it's a good time to voice out about the big issue we face right now.

I remember so clearly as if it were yesterday, when I was in primary school, I was teased about being a cry baby. Being tough was a huge factor and having a 'thick' skin was imperative. Even in high school, girls were as vicious as boys and they would tear you apart emotionally. I found this rather odd because I've always believed that girls were meant to be gentle and boys were supposed to mean and tough.

I was not 'raised by wolves' but growing up, it felt slightly similar. At a certain age, I was left to defend for myself and to toughen up at all cost. Perhaps the other reason was growing up with male figures in the family, females were just meant to sit, smile, shut up and submit. Being feminine was a weakness. I was told crying was wrong or there's something wrong with me if I showed emotion. I find that it's just ironic with the switch of gender roles. And perhaps, this was one of the reasons why I'm sort of a tomboy.

Emma's campaign, HeForShe; is not just about women's right but about men and women coming together to support each other.

I can't believe that the statistics of writer/director for women is 7%! It's imperative that women and men speak out and do something about the things that affect women.

But... gender equality also affects men too. It's rare but seeing the vulnerability in men is beautiful. It should not be seen as a sign of weakness, emasculating or gay. And as Emma has mentioned in a different video, even feminism becomes misinterpreted.

From the experience of marriage, men are usually the dominating and controlling gender. This is also from a traditional point of view. Men are portrayed as the 'master of the house' while women tend to chores and wifely duties.

'Equality' in a relationship was not easy to come by. I married too young. I was married at the age of twenty two, turning twenty three and I didn't know my former partner very well. We never understood each other. I tried to adapt to independence as it was the first time I had ever lived under the same roof with someone else other than my parents. Neil tried to teach me how to be independent; which seemed condescending and controlling. I fell into depression and struggled for two and a half years trying to understand.

Eventually, I learned that communication was key, except we hardly communicated. And due to our irreconcilable differences - we divorced. It took years but with the support from friends and professional help, I managed to recover from the 'dark'.

The key ingredient to 'equality' is understanding. Fear tends to hold us back. Even though we have different views, at least we are gradually adapting to understand and support each other. As mushy as that may sound, it's a part of love too, not just for gender equality.

Until next read... ciao!