As a woman who has lived on this earth for 34 years, I must admit that the subject at hand is one that often leaves me feeling fatigued and disheartened before I even begin to express my thoughts on it. However, despite this, I believe it is important to address the topic head-on, so here we are.

The persistent justifications for the current state of gender inequality are undeniably tiresome. Conversations surrounding the underrepresentation of women in specific industries consistently resurrect the tired assertion that women possess minimal interest in these fields. Likewise, when delving into the intricacies of the gender pay gap, we are frequently confronted with the trite argument that women consciously choose lower-paying occupations. However, even if we were to entertain this notion, it disregards the inherent societal significance of many of these supposedly "lower-end" professions, which are in fact indispensable for the proper functioning of our society.

Furthermore, the comparison between a woman and a man occupying identical roles is marred by the reality of unequal compensation. It's regrettable that certain individuals attempt to counter this irrefutable fact by emphasising the notion of maternity leave as a compensatory benefit for women, without consideration for their diverse family plans and life choices.

Despite a wealth of concrete data available from sources such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, there remains a persistent denial of these disparities. The incredulous claim that gender-based inequality isn't real persists, casting doubt upon the thorough research and statistics available.

In discussions about how men perceive and interact with women, it's disheartening to observe the tendency to place blame on women themselves. This ongoing cycle of blame and denial only perpetuates the broader issue. Hence, I find it necessary to address these concerns today. Despite the strides we have taken, it's evident that the progress made is far from sufficient. The frustration with the current state of affairs is palpable, and a transformative shift is crucially needed.

An Intentional Distraction

During a recent conversation with a friend about the hurdles she's encountering in life, I broached the subject of feminism to underscore the underlying systemic problem and the injustice she's grappling with. Her initial reaction was one of scepticism toward feminism, citing what she termed as "those crazy feminists" who appear to advocate for the domination of men. This scepticism seems rooted in her perception of Third Wave Feminism and comparable movements. Regrettably, this type of response isn't uncommon — it echoes a sentiment that the media, particularly social media, has deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness.

In hindsight, I wish I could have articulated a more compelling response at that moment, but alas, I'm no master orator. Nevertheless, this incident reflects a broader issue with how our thought processes are conditioned. It's disheartening to observe that concepts aimed at genuinely benefiting people are often portrayed as malevolent and irrational. This perception of skewed intentions steers us from focusing on equality and thrusts us into a climate of apprehension, labelled as "crazy feminists."

This trajectory is not a mere accident. It's a strategic shift that bypasses the core principle of equality and diverts the conversation into an atmosphere of fear, designed to keep individuals from openly advocating for gender equality. It reminds me of a recent rant, delving into the subjects of propaganda, hypocrisy, and the personal struggle. In this context, it's clear that such tactics are wielded intentionally to hinder progress and uphold the status quo.

Regrettably, women often find themselves shouldering the blame for other people's predicaments — sometimes taking said blame upon themselves. It's as if some of us are consistently trying to excuse those we feel responsible for, not realising how that diminishes the agency of those we purport to protect. This tendency can have a detrimental impact on our mental well-being as well, underscoring the need to liberate ourselves from its grip.

Instead, we should foster an environment where others are encouraged to own up to their actions or inactions. It's essential to recognise that we are not accountable for the deeds or emotions of others, just as they are not answerable for our own. However, we find ourselves grappling with a legacy of having been the unsung support, without whom many achievements wouldn't have been possible.

Expectations and Reactions

Furthermore, there are a set of notions that are, frankly, so cringe-worthy that they almost don't deserve a second thought. It's an unfortunate reality that society tends to place undue expectations on women, pressuring them to conform to a paradigm of friendliness and agreeableness. This implies constantly wearing a smile, avoiding confrontation at all costs, and even striving to appear appealing. However, the ramifications of this expectation are far from positive.

Consider the predicament where our amiability and cheerful expressions are frequently misconstrued as flirtation. This often paves the way for unwarranted advances or even harassment. Astonishingly, there persists a well-worn stereotype about those who interpret any instance of a woman being pleasant towards them as an invitation for flirtatious engagement. This interpretation persists even when it's part of the woman's professional obligation, as seen in the example of a cashier in a store.

Moreover, the clothes we choose to wear are frequently unjustly held accountable for the ill-treatment we might encounter. It's as if our appearance, whether it pertains to our attractiveness or the extent of our skin exposure, is somehow deemed a justification for others' disrespectful behaviour. Curiously, you don’t hear people telling men they were “asking for it” for dressing well or baring skin, like wearing shorts or going shirtless.

It's crucial to acknowledge the inherent power dynamics at play in these situations. In a physical confrontation, the general tendency leans towards a woman being less likely to overpower or escape from a man's grasp compared to the reverse scenario. This doesn't imply that a man cannot be subjected to assault by a woman — undoubtedly, such cases exist. However, it underscores the reality that women frequently resort to conflict-avoidance strategies due to a recognition of the power imbalance, knowing that they are often at a disadvantage in terms of physical strength.

These expectations often significantly impact women's mental health. The pressure to always be pleasant and attractive can be exhausting and result in feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. It can also foster a culture where women feel that they must continuously be "on" and cannot express their genuine emotions or feelings without facing ridicule, experiencing shame, or feeling selfish for doing so.

This dynamic can further fuel a troubling double standard, a pattern that's sadly all too familiar when a woman dares to voice her criticism. It's a scenario that unfolds frequently: when a woman expresses the very same criticism as a man, her words often don't carry the same weight. Instead of being taken earnestly, her viewpoints can be brushed aside, framed as emotional outbursts, or belittled as stemming from personal grievances. It's baffling how we've somehow conditioned ourselves to believe that women are inherently less capable of logical thinking than men.

True Equality for All

It's important to acknowledge the inherent injustice and detriment posed by these societal expectations. Women should have the liberty to openly express their thoughts, emotions, and feelings, free from the shadow of maltreatment. Our manner of dress and conduct should be a reflection of our authentic selves, untethered by the concern of others' potential reactions.

Another crucial point I'd like to underscore is that feminism is not synonymous with women seeking dominance over men or dismissing instances of discrimination that affect men. It's essential to recognise that advocating for women's rights and gender equality doesn't entail ignoring or undermining the struggles men might face.

Paradoxically, though, there is a tendency among some men to overlook the challenges faced by women, often rationalising it by pointing to their own hardships and the lingering grasp of toxic masculinity that hasn't yet been dismantled. This lack of acknowledgement and empathy isn't a result of women's actions or shortcomings, but it's disheartening that such arguments persist.

It might appear self-evident, but it's worth explicitly stating: what we truly need is equality. We should be committed to safeguarding the rights of all individuals, irrespective of their gender, and irrespective of whether society has progressed beyond the confines of toxic masculinity. The essence of this demand is to provide a level playing field for everyone who encounters prejudice and mistreatment rooted in factors they have no control over. This shared objective should unite us in our pursuit of a just and equitable world.

After all, equality means ensuring everyone has the same opportunities, from education to employment, eliminating discrimination. It's about making decisions based on merit, not irrelevant traits, and giving everyone a voice in positions of power. Equality protects human rights, prevents economic disparities, and respects cultural diversity.

It strives for social justice by addressing historical injustices and supporting marginalised groups. Access to opportunities is ensured for those facing additional challenges, like disabilities. Equality changes societal attitudes, challenging biases, and stereotypes through education. It's an ongoing effort to create a world where everyone can thrive, without discrimination or disadvantage.

This Is Not a Distraction

While I don't expect everyone to wait for a revolution where workers seize control of the means of production, there are actionable steps we can take, despite our individual limitations, to effect change. Although our influence may be limited, there are still ways we can contribute. One crucial step is fostering an environment where self-respect and mutual respect are paramount, thereby cultivating a culture of dignity and consideration. By challenging prevailing norms and inquiring into their rationale, we can lay the groundwork for alternative solutions. Furthermore, educating ourselves about our rights and advocating for their enforcement, both for ourselves and others, is important to ensure we keep pushing against continued exploitation. Forcing organisations to embrace and implement these rights furthers the cause of creating a fair and just society.

These actions, though seemingly modest, possess transformative potential. The definition of "normal" and the formation of habits are shaped by the collective actions of the majority. Through incremental changes in our daily lives and by inspiring those around us to do the same, we can initiate a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate circles. As this momentum builds, our influence can expand, gradually shaping a society that upholds justice, equity, and respect for every individual's rights.

This principle extends to worker rights as well, as the notion of continually seeking improvement is pivotal. Whether we're advocating for more rights as women, men, transgender individuals, or any other identity, the pursuit of additional rights shouldn’t undermine the struggle for worker rights. This alignment stems from our perpetual quest for progress in all facets of life. It's simply essential to remember that when challenges arise, our unity should be grounded in our shared humanity rather than our diverse identities.

Also, let's not overlook the significance of material conditions. While we may not be able to resolve every issue before evolving our economic systems, we must acknowledge that changing mentalities around the allocation of worth and value and addressing deeply ingrained biases is essential for creating a more equitable society and economic system. Attempting to overhaul societal and economic structures without addressing these underlying attitudes could inadvertently lead to a system that superficially resembles socialism but still adheres to superficial hierarchical principles. While we don't have to tackle all these challenges at once, it's crucial to remember that genuine success requires a comprehensive change in every aspect of society.