Dixya Poudel

It is said that gender is a social construct. As a matter of societal concept, it certainly determines the ways men and women are treated. Further, a society is responsible for demarcating roles to the respective genders that then become self-fulfilling.
From an early age, parents set aside gender differences to their children. Girls are styled in clothes that reflect femininity. They are encouraged to be polite, demure and obedient. Boys are however taught to be strong and display little to no emotions. Girls can often be seen playing house while boys are seen playing more tough or macho games. It isn’t thus surprising that gender is construed from the very childhood. While it is true that every individual is unique, it is also true that both the genders have their own collective characteristics.
It becomes evident when children grow up to be adults. Their differences in nature become obvious as men and women settle down in their lives. As often seen in most relationships, women complain that men don't give them enough attention. In turn, men complain that women tend to nag. It can lead to arguments along with simmering resentments and unresolved concerns that tend to escalate. Thus while keeping in mind gender differences it is essential to work towards a unified stance.
As feminism and women empowerment take huge strides globally, there are still gender disparities. Even in the West which is the epitome of science, technology and prosperity, there are gender discriminations. Women are either objectified or body shamed and put down because they don't adhere to an ideal image of femininity. Meanwhile in the underdeveloped societies, women are relegated to the backgrounds in the households and often at work too.
Despite the progress in the fields of feminism, it stands true even now that women are the ones carrying out household duties and taking care of children and grownups alike. While men associate with their counterparts, women are expected to serve them deferentially. But it isn’t too dismal. There are signs that things are shaking up as the young and upcoming generations today embrace radical ideologies. Female leaders and public figures today set an example of strength, success and courage to young girls in all aspects of life.
Now girls have someone from their gender speaking up in a voice that demands to be heard. Further, young men and women today are more proactive when it comes to gender roles. As compared to yesteryears, the millennial generation has set a new bar for gender equality with shared responsibilities at personal and professional lives. Youths are thus collaborating in ways that their older generations didn't. Therefore, when it comes to gender equality, there is shining hope and glimmer of a better future.
While men and women have their differences, they can co-exist peacefully, support one another emotionally and continue to thrive in their lives. Their psychology may be vastly diverse but as the millennial generations have shown, men and women today are bridging the gap. Understanding and evaluating gender roles further go an extra mile to genuine conversations starters. Perhaps the world will eventually see men and women in an equal and unbiased existence. What it takes for gender equality is one step towards not just merging similarities but also acknowledging differences.