anything you can do….

May 10, 2009

Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviour, activities and attributes that a particular society considers appropriate for men and women. The distinct roles and behaviour may give rise to gender inequalities, i.e. differences between men and women that systematically favour one group. In turn, such inequalities can lead to inequities between men and wome. Society has a way for things. It tends to determine typecast, a social blueprint that chalks our action and behaviour. While determining ‘gender’ society takes into account the biological attributes of men and women and make clichés for social interaction.

Women have been traditionally attributed the position of a homemaker, a role which today we find many women play with great success. Yet, there are those who crave to break free from the social stereotype and venture into avenues hitherto tread only by men.

A gender sensitive atmosphere is one that understands the needs of women, biological and social, and enables them to stand out as an individual in society without prejudice or stigma.

It is a fallacy that certain professions are best suited for women while others are not. Although women have excelled in professions like nursing, medicine, teaching and such, corporate Bangladesh has now exemplarily proven that women can venture into other professions beyond the stereotypes.

Today, we have women in fields of science, engineering, arts, business and the media; managing these responsibilities with great prowess. Women are known to juggle between their professional and domestic roles.

It is wrong to believe that men and women are equal in all respects. The biological differences alone give rise to significant distinctions and needs between the two sexes. But it is the right of women as human beings and merely not as females that constitute the principles of gender sensitivity.

“We have a misconception that women ‘can’t do’. We must break away from the image that certain professions are not suited for women, while others are ‘meant’ for them. In the last few years, women have excelled in the media as reporters, editors and presenters; all professions that even recently were considered ‘unsuitable’ for them.

“In corporate Bangladesh, we must first break the discrepancy in recruitment that exists in many industries. There should be an atmosphere where the same opportunities exist for climbing the hierarchy. It is essential that women be allowed time for capacity building. With time, provided that a common ground exists between men and women, they can prove their proficiency with conviction,” says Rina Roy, Director, Rights, Manusher Jonno Foundation.

“The road towards being gender sensitive starts from a very personal level. We must first learn to empathise with the women in our lives. The subject must be addressed in discussions at formal as well as personal level. School curriculum must also address the subject, which will ensure that the seed of gender sensitivity is sown at an early age,” says Roy.

In Bangladesh, women now comprise a significant section of the workforce. Industries like readymade garments boast a high percentage of female workers. Besides, the ‘conventional’ sectors, women are also part of the army, police and other armed forces. They keep no stones unturned to prove their ability. They are all set to prove, that they ‘can do’.

anything you can do….

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