Gender equity and what it really means
Gender equity is giving men and women same opportunity, same chance, but also understating their different needs and situations.
For a very long time, men have been put in position of power, authority and responsibility, they are the head of the home, breadwinner, the one that just provide for the home no matter. Most people don't care if he has or how he gets it, he must provide. He will be as less than a man if he can't provide and this is not supposed to be so.
Most women of today are educated, they run businesses, and also support their homes in any way they can. But there are some women that rather not support, they prefer to make their money and keep in their pockets while all the burden falls on the man. When we talk about gender equity, it doesn't mean that women should take over the roles of men or disrespect man simply because they are earning more, it means they should support each other, if a woman is earning more or if the bills are much for the man, the woman should support in anyway she can, be it school fees or house rent.
God created a woman out the rib of a man and made her his support, so in that case she is meant to support her husband. In marriages, when both partners understand that they are team not competitors, they support each other better. A wife should be seen as helper, she should support her husband and not being a burden to the man.
I read a story a few months back, where a woman who earned enough couldn't support her husband when he was struggling. Their child was being sent away from school because of fees and she could not pay the fees instead she was making life hell for man at home, the man even asked her to borrow him money but she said she didn't have. I wonder what she uses her money for when she can't pay her child's fees, she won't buy soap or pad for herself, she collects every penny she spends from the man.
Gender equity can reduce pressure on both men and women. Some men suffer silently because of the weight of financial responsibility. They work long hours, take loans and sometimes fall into depression because they have to bear everything alone. A wife should not be seen as lazy because she is a stay at home mum. Her work is just as important. A husband should not be shamed for helping with cooking or taking care of the children. These are acts of love, not weakness.
If we truly understand gender equity, we will teach our sons and daughters that both genders can be strong, smart, caring, and capable. We will raise boys who respect women and girls who believe in themselves. We will have homes where husbands and wives share responsibilities, not because they are forced to, but because they love each other
It is not competition, it's not about me versus women. It's about fairness, understanding and balance. It's knowing that sometimes women need help and sometimes men need help and it's okay.
Gender equity brings peace to homes, respect to relationships, and progress to society. When we carry the load together, life becomes lighter. When we value each other equally, love grows stronger.
All images are mine