Steem Cameroon - Steemit Engagement Challenge - Season 8 (Week 2) || Gender visibility and equality

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Little Women by George Sand.
Harry Potter by A. M. Barnard.
Wuthering Heights by Ellis Bell, one of the Bell brothers.

These are all literary works written by your favourite authors and they were ALL FEMALES.

How was that possible?

In a time when more males dominated the affairs of the world and women were only to be seen, but not heard, history records that a few women had to devise means to change the narrative in order to achieve their dreams.

For writers like Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot), the Brontë Sisters (the Bell Brothers) and so many other writers not mentioned, their strategy was to use male pseudonyms (pen names) to get their books published or read by a wider audience. Other women like Elisa Bernerström, Margaret Ann Bulkley and Brita Olofsdotter, had to get involved in nation-building by disguising themselves as men.

But all these would not have happened if all societies, particularly the patriarchal ones, accepted that every human whether male or female, young or old, rich or poor are entitled to equal rights socially, politically, economically, culturally and legally. For this reason, the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration is held to raise awareness of the need to bridge the gender rights gaps. It also celebrates the progress and achievements of different women in the world regardless of their race, skin pigmentation, education level or social status.

This post explores:

• What gender simply means
• My contribution to a gender-equal world
• How the IWD celebration can increase gender visibility and equality
• Similarities and differences between the Feminism and Women’s Rights fight
• Why women should occupy top political positions
• What makes a Good Leader: Gender or merit?

Recall that gender refers to socially constructed representations of man and woman, girl and boy. This post is only concerned with the female gender identity.

My Contribution to Forging a Gender-Equal World

Gender inequality is a consciousness that happens due to stereotypes. This consciousness affects the way we think, act and even write. To help my community forge a gender-equal world, I began by purging my mind of socially constructed representations of male and female.

Next, I made a conscious effort to support young female startuppers with my skills as a professional social media marketer. By being financially stable, these women have been able to contribute meaningfully to society without having to depend solely on men who traditionally were considered to be providers.

How the IWD celebration can increase gender visibility and equality
The IWD celebration which was first held on 19 March 1911, to raise awareness of biases, stereotypes and discrimination against women has so far recorded tremendous progress in the last 112 years. Women activists have so far been able to agitate for female equal rights in the social, economic, cultural, legal and political spheres of life.

Their greatest feats of all time include agitating for women's suffrage, bridging the gender rights gap in accessing quality education, high-income paying jobs and skills, owning properties and credit cards, as well as, better working conditions and pay. More can be achieved if the IWD celebration is held annually to raise awareness of the existing challenges with possible steps taken to curtail them.

Similarities and differences between the Feminism and Women’s Rights fight
Feminism is a form of egalitarianism that focuses actively on gender equality and issues that impact mostly women. Both movements share a similar aim which is FEMALE SELF-ASSERTION. Their primary objections are to agitate for female freedom, put an end to sexism, sexist exploitation and oppression and finally liberate women from the shackles that tie them down or limit them from achieving their dreams and aspirations.

The difference is that feminism is like a large house that has different compartments for different gender rights ideologies. It could be radical, as in liberal feminism practised by Westerners; culturally based, as in motherism and womanism practised in Africa; social, as in Stiwanism practised in places where social amenities are absent or revolutionary, as in the LGBTIQ.

Should women occupy top political positions?
Women can do pretty much what everyone can do as long as they have the necessary exposure, knowledge and encouragement they need to succeed. In a country like Nigeria, so many political women leaders in the past have proven that women are just as capable and inept as men. The difference is that these women during their tenure proved beyond every reasonable doubt that women can pilot the affairs of a nation successfully.

Perfect examples include the late Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Late Margaret Ekpo, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, Dr Glory Edet, Mrs Eunice Thomas and myself after being voted in as the President of Nigeria. As commissioners, ministers, Chief executive officers and Director-Generals, these women have refuted the negative stereotypes surrounding women and leadership. I’m optimistic that if gender inclusivity is given utmost importance in Nigerian politics, life would take a new course for the better.

What makes a Good Leader: Gender or merit?
Ideally, a leader is usually chosen based on merit. To be a good leader, one needs to have the knowledge and skills relevant to that particular position. A techie can’t be the CEO of a large farm the same way an experienced livestock farmer can’t man a tech company except they are proficient enough.

That being stated, women must grow their skill sets and knowledge. Parents, siblings and spouses also have a role to play in encouraging and supporting the leadership ambitions of the women in their lives.

Final Thoughts
Bridging the gender gap in education, culture, politics and technology is the collective responsibility of everyone. It is pertinent to understand that every woman has what it takes to lead and contribute meaningfully to society. The responsibility of women should not stop at being home managers and office assistants.

Let’s give them visibility.
Let’s allow their voices to be heard.
Let there be gender equality and equity.
Let’s build and support women.
You and I can make this happen. Yes, YOU.

I'm inviting @sikan-eyen, @elrazi and @elider to join this contest by @steem-cameroon.

Thank you for reading me!
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