Letherbe

BY: XIAN CYREN MERIALES

On March 8, the world commemora- ted International Women’s Day, a celebration of women’s rights and the bringing of attention to issues such as gender equality and violence and abuse against women. The holiday has been designated as an official United Nations observance since 1975.

The world views women as the inferior sex to men, deeming them physically less capable and less intelligent. Over a century ago, women were deprived of their rights to education and suffrage. Society stuck to conventional gender roles for women, setting them up to become housewives for men, who, on the other hand, are perceived to be the better sex.

Stereotypes, gender roles, and discrimination have gone too far, depriving women of their rights, needs, and aspirations —and they have had enough of it.

In New York City in 1908, female garment workers protested against their working conditions and sought rights and suffrage. From then on, women's empowerment began to flourish across the globe. In 1917,

XIAN CYREN MERIALES News Editor of The Scroll

Russian women were the first to gain legislative rights in a country of major power. Thousands of strikes and movements can be seen throughout the 20th century where women fought and gained equal opportunities with men.

While women still experience prejudice and unequal treatment today, they have made significant progress in their pursuit of gender equality.

For instance, neither sex is withheld from their right to education. Rigid gender roles are no longer prevalent. Moreover, wives and husbands can both become breadwinners for their families.

Women now, unlike before, have a vast array of options for their career opportunities. They can freely exercise their suffrage and civil rights and have female representation in the government. They can now possess a loud voice to make a change for the young women growing up today, for themselves, and for a gender-equal world.

Gender equality means that the different behaviors, rights, needs, and aspirations of women and men are considered equal, regardless of whether they are born male or female. It does not mean for them to become the same; instead, it seeks fair treatment according to their respective needs. It is what the world ought to pursue for a better world.

ALEISHA REAL