In a world where conversations about gender equality, feminism, and gender neutrality are more important than ever, it is crucial to navigate the complexities of these topics with sensitivity and clarity.

Comparison

This phenomenon is not new, and it’s best exemplified by the case of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. Abhishek, the son of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, faced comparisons with his father’s success throughout his career. However, after marrying Aishwarya Rai, a global icon and one of Bollywood’s most prominent actresses, the spotlight on their relationship became even more intense. The same pattern is evident today with actors like Ranveer Singh and Vicky Kaushal, who are undoubtedly skilled and accomplished in their own right.

However, they find themselves in situations where people compare their commercial success with their wives, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, respectively. While Deepika and Katrina have been part of more commercial hits, the talent gap between the couples is subjective, with many feeling that Ranveer and Vicky are superior actors. In recent interviews, these men are often asked questions about how their wives impact their lives, leading to discussions about what it’s like to have a more successful partner. These questions, while well-intentioned, tend to overshadow the men’s individual achievements. It’s crucial to remember that their accomplishments, while perhaps not as extensive as their wives’, are still significant and praiseworthy.

Pseudo feminism

Often few women, misuse the principles of feminism for personal gain or fame. Instead of advocating for genuine gender equality and empowerment, they employ a distorted version of feminism to advance their own agendas. This can involve statements like “We don’t need men” or dismissing men’s contributions to the discussion on equality. Pseudo feminists may reduce feminism to a superficial portrayal, often influenced by media and movies, where it’s associated with smoking, drinking, and promiscuity. It’s worth noting that both genders have the right to make personal choices, including smoking, and such decisions should be respected. However, reducing feminism to these stereotypes fails to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of feminism, which encompasses a wide range of issues and concerns that go beyond such shallow portrayals.

Gender Equality

We strive for gender equality and celebrates feminism, it’s essential to recognize that achieving true feminism means treating both genders fairly. The focus should be on uplifting both men and women, rather than bringing one gender down to elevate the other. Special treatment or discussions about equality shouldn’t be necessary in an ideal world. Gender-neutral laws and policies can help bridge the gap and create a society where everyone can thrive based on their abilities and aspirations.

The goal should be a world where women aren’t underrepresented or marginalized, and men aren’t unfairly criticized for having more successful partners. It’s a world where individuals are celebrated for their unique talents and contributions, irrespective of their gender. It’s essential to question whether the need for special treatment or discussions about gender equality indicates that we have not yet achieved true parity in our society. Issues such as promoting women’s cricket more than men’s, implementing reservations for women, discussing the gender pay gap, and quizzing about female leaders in politics all point to the fact that we still have work to do to attain genuine gender equality

Gender Neutrality

It’s crucial to acknowledge that women have been ill-treated historically and continue to face more violent crimes and fewer opportunities in many fields. However, the solution is not to subject men to the same suffering but to eliminate suffering and crimes for all. This includes addressing issues such as menstrual discrimination, where female employees are sometimes met with insensitive comments or obstacles when they need to take time off during their period. Real change begins with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. While reservations in parliament, like the proposed 33% reservation for women, may be seen as a positive step toward achieving better gender representation in politics, the goal should be a world where such reservations are unnecessary. It should be a world where women’s representation in terms of numbers is on par with men’s, not due to quotas but because they have equal opportunities to participate in leadership roles.