GENDER INEQUALITY

Written by:  Kathy Fitisone, MBA, Administrative Analyst
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As people continue to push for gender equality throughout the world, we are in awe of those who are at the forefront of activism. They are leading the rallies, marches, and protests to bring light to this inhumane issue of Gender Inequality that leads to increased violence and poverty against women.
It is important to know that for numerous reasons that vary from one person to the next, not all people are forefront activists, not all people are able to be physically part of rallies and protests. This does not mean you can’t play your part in lessening the inequality gap. There are several things that you as an individual or family can do from within your homes.
Be an example. Whether you are single parent, a married couple, or a blended family, as an adult you have the ability to “be the change you want to see”. Your children see and hear you. They mimic adults. Let them see that as a single mom you are more than capable of doing yard work; as a single dad you can still fix your daughter’s hair. Let them see that cooking is not only a mom’s job and washing a car is not only a dad’s job. Make cooking together a family event. Be mindful of what you say around children in regards to gender, sexuality, and gender inequality. Show them that emotions are not gender-specific – everyone is entitled to happiness, everyone has the right to cry.
Share the care and workload from home.  Make sure that all household chores that are undertaken by children are equal and irrespective of gender. All young children can pick up after themselves and put away toys both inside and outside of the house. All older children are capable of setting the dinner table, putting away laundry, or doing yard work. Children should learn that cooking, cleaning, and child rearing are not female-specific chores.
Encourage and accept differences. One way to get our families to be acceptable of others is to be acceptable within your own family. Let your children be artists and musicians, let them be gardeners and carpenters, chefs and mechanics. Let them learn to play football or dance. Acknowledge differences of race and ethnicities. Provide opportunities for children to see other countries (there are many online apps), taste foods from around the world, and listen to music of different countries. All these help develop acceptance of people being different yet equal. 
Talk about gender equality with your family. We need to continue the dialogue about the inequality that exists and how these harmful practices affect women and girls of all races, ages, social-economic backgrounds. We need to make sure our children are aware that this type of wrong exists and that it leads to an increase in domestic violence and poverty against women. We need to educate our children that it is only through lessening the gender gap that we will be able to achieve increased chances of equal political participation that leads to cooperation across political lines. With this cooperation we not only envision improved action on healthcare and education for all humans, but the recognition and promotion of gender equality as a basic human right.
Posting or sharing reliable, proven, content about these topics on social networking sites. Join the movements on social media. We have seen the power of social media campaigns in bringing about awareness and changes in attitudes.
As a family unit, you have an important role in ending the injustices and transforming these discriminatory practices. Let gender equality become a norm with your household.