115: Truth on Gender Equality (4)

【Respect Individuality】
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.
 
When we think in this way, the same can be said for men of all diversity spectrum.
 
For some men, rather than working at an office or elsewhere, they wish to stay at home as a house-husband, doing the housework, managing the domestic affairs, or raising the children. It’s equally important to change our society so that men can feel comfortable without worrying about the public eye.
 
Just as we need to remove the social norm that aims to define "This is how women should behave," we also need to do away with the idea of "This is how men should behave."
 
And naturally, this takes us beyond just women and men, as the same can also be said for LGBTQ individuals.
 
There are people who were born biologically female but feel male at heart, and therefore live as men. There are people who were born biologically male but feel female at heart, and therefore live as women.
 
We must aim for a society where each person can live authentically as themselves, with no hesitation, without any reservation, free from the traditional confines of the "woman" or "man" identity, and with the universal protection of equal rights.
 
When we try to block that effort, or fail to support it, or respond with “I’m comfortable as is, so I don’t want to change anything,” then we have a problem. And to be sure, this isn’t only a problem in Japan or Asia. As the Gender Gap Index reveals, every country in our world needs to change.
 
It’s a common mistake to highlight the biological/inherent differences between women and men, and claim, "It’s not about gender equality, it’s about gender separation." Or, to insist that "It’s not discrimination, it’s a mere distinction." It’s also wrong to lump all women, all men, or all LGBTQ individuals into one category, and then delude ourselves into thinking we’re "respecting the differences."
 
To truly respect our differences, we begin by respecting the individuality of each person, with honesty and sincerity, rather than lumping people into categories. We must sincerely respect what each person wishes to be and how they want to live authentically as themselves.
 
And most importantly, we must value the individuality of each person, with respectful care for each and every one of us, striving together for everyone’s happiness. 
 
The true meaning of gender equality lies along this path.

Read Next: Truth on Gender Equality (5)【What Elections Tell Us】
Read Previous: Truth on Gender Equality (3)【Hesitant Women】

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