In the current day we live in, there has been a push for greater equality for all genders. There has been a push for equal pay between men and women who are performing the same jobs and tasks. There has been a push to allow women opportunities in jobs and positions that were previously dominated by men. These have all been great movements for gender equality. However, it doesn’t stop there and it never will. The fight for gender equality will be a continual one. Anyone who would like to see equal opportunities for both men and women in any setting must be prepared to be lifelong advocates.
Why is gender equality so important? Each individual has different and unique life experiences. Some of those experiences were gained or influenced because of their gender. Being open to learn and grow from people of all genders, races, and ethnicities will help foster unity. Gender equality is important because we all deserve to feel like we’re being treated fairly. We all want to feel like we’re being given equal opportunities just as much as the person next to us. It wouldn’t be fair for someone to be excluded simply because of their gender.
No gender is greater or superior than the other. We should never act like we are better than others, especially due to our gender. Experience, work ethic, and integrity are far better judges of someone’s success as opposed to someone’s gender.
Gender Identity Scenario #2
With a partner or a small group, read the following scenario and discuss the follow-up questions.
Rex is in the 7th grade drama class. For this year’s school play, the class chose to do a play about vikings! Everyone who wanted to audition for parts signed up and everyone who wanted to co-direct the play with Mr. G, the drama teacher, wrote their names to be considered. Mr. G asked Rex and two other students to take the list of names and decide who they wanted to co-direct the play with Mr. G. The names listed were “Anthony, Jillian, and Bryce”. The other two students immediately ruled out Jillian. When Rex asked why, they said it was because she was a girl and that she probably didn’t know much about vikings or action films/plays.
>If you were Rex, how would you respond? The other two students began their process of elimination for who would be the best co-director based on gender alone. What are some qualifications that Rex could propose they look at in order to see who would be best for the spot?
>Why is eliminating someone from consideration for a job, a role, or a position based on their gender wrong?
>Even if they didn’t end up choosing Jillian for the directing job, how would Rex insisting they look at other qualifications be a way that he’s promoting gender equality?
>In your opinion, should Jillian be given the chance to direct simply because she is a girl? Why or why not?
Download Learn More About: Equality for All Genders (English) here.