114: Truth on Gender Equality (3)

【Hesitant Women】
The deep-rooted culture of our society fosters a social norm that “This is how women should behave.” So much so that not only men, but also many women tend to accept them.
 
Nonetheless, there are also many other women who live rather comfortably in this society.
 
“I enjoy getting pampered, treated to fine dinners, and heavy bags carried for me. Honestly, I’m given lucky benefits because I’m a woman. Studying hard, or working so hard isn’t my ambition. I get along well with men, so it’s quite comfortable for me the way it is.”
 
Yes, we can say that they’re the women more or less at ease with the current social norm that aims to define “This is how women should behave.”
 
In fact, they rarely feel “forced” into conformity, but instead, it’s almost instinctive as if second nature. So, they’re often welcomed by those around them, and in turn they feel even more comfortable.
 
To be fair, it’s not that they don’t see any problem with today’s society. Surely, they do. But for some women, their own professional/social advancement can take a back seat as long as they’re pampered/given lucky benefits.
 
As a matter of fact, they’re more troubled by a separate concern.
 
“I’m comfortable in today’s society. Does that make me no good?”
 
In particular, they become extra hesitant when they feel subjected to a harsh stare down as if a hinderance to gender equality.
 
If we are to respond to this concern, it’d be “not at all.” Rather, it’s a blessing for anyone to be able to find a place of comfort. That’s a good thing; there’s no problem in that.
 
Instead, the real challenge is for all of us to strive together to change our society so that women who don’t feel comfortable in today’s society can also feel comfortable.
 
Surely, “all of us” includes “women who feel comfortable in today’s society.” If their response is “I’m comfortable as is, so I don’t want to change anything,” then we have a problem.
 
“I want to be evaluated not on my looks, but on my performance. I want an equal footing with men for a fair shot at professional success. I want to study more at school. Whether in science or engineering, I want equal opportunity as men.”
 
A society that’s also comfortable for women who wish for such equality. And it’s profoundly important to change our society to make this wish come true.
 
For women who feel their own professional/social advancement can take a back seat as long as they’re pampered/given lucky benefits. And for women who wish for a society of equal footing/opportunity to thrive.
 
What’s important is that we all strive together to change our society so that both of the women, and women of all diversity spectrum can feel comfortable regardless of gender.
 
It’s not “either/or” but “both.”

Read Next: Truth on Gender Equality (4)【Respect Individuality】
Read Previous: Truth on Gender Equality (2)【Petty Men】

Complete Series: Truth on Gender Equality (1)～(6)
[1]   [2]   [3]   [4]   [5]   [6]   
​
Read Theme: Inclusive Diversity