Ideally, as millennials today we are no more expected to be racist, sexist etc. considering the environment we grow up in or the values we are taught in educational institutions. However, do we as millennials actually embrace the idea of gender equality? Do we as millennials detest the extreme form of sexism and gender roles that are portrayed in every form of media whether it is movies or even advertisements?
Well, the answer most of us will give is yes! We agree with that. As millennials, we have a move ahead of gender roles and gender stereotypes and well should say at least most of us are making a conscious effort to not behave in a sexist way. This approach from us has impacted, encouraged or in some cases supported the thinking of our previous generations. The impact is seen today in many fields.
For example, the most celebrated and embraced example of women empowerment is from the Olympics games of 2016. From a time when sports was seen as a completely unapproachable topic for women to a year where women of India kept its pride by being the only ones to bring back home the medals for their country. It is not only the battle of sports that women have managed to conquer but they have soared other heights which throughout history were thought to be unapproachable for them. Whether it is Avani Chaturvedi, who managed to become the first Indian women to become a fighter jet pilot or it was Manushi Chhillar, who managed to bring back to India the title of Miss World for the 6th time.
Women all over the world have done commendable work over the years. Women like Marie Curie, the first female Nobel prize winner; Valentina Tereshkova, first woman astronaut and many others have since, laid the foundations for girls to be able to soar heights without any obstacles in their path. And here, it is also important to define what do we mean by a woman? We mustn’t forget the inclusion of cis women or transgender people in this community, for their battle is way harder than that of a normal woman. However, these people also stood up strong on their feet to prove to the world their existence. Whether it was Georgina Beyer, first transgender mayor or even women who have come in support of this community, for example, Hilary Clinton who became the first lady to march in the LGBT pride parade.
Women have shown their expertise in all fields from Mary Kom, who is currently the most successful boxer in the world with six gold medals in world boxing championships or whether it is Priyanka Chopra who has worked hard to be a famous actress all around the globe. Women today are not afraid of taking responsibility on their shoulders, even so in leadership positions. Whether its German Chancellor, the British Prime Minister or India’s ministry, which consists 9 female ministers of which 6 are cabinet ministers. It is recorded to be the highest number of female cabinet ministers that has ever been witnessed in the history of Indian politics. There is a change and it is us millennials who can make this change or rather should say it is we millennials who are making this change.
This embracement of women in leadership positions is supported by institutions like DIMUN where young adults embrace themselves as personalities and not as how their gender identities define them. It is a space where women along with men talk about real-world problems which include problems for, about and regarding women. Therefore, institutions like that of DIMUN play a vital role in shaping tomorrow with gender equality through the means of equal opportunity and equal treatment irrespective of one’s gender. The world is taking a step forward towards gender and we are happy to be a small contributor to this change. This women’s day we celebrate the progress and hope for further empowerment of every person who proudly calls themselves a WOMAN, Cheers to womanhood!
