Achieving gender equality is not that simple

Essay by esszed99High School, 10th grade February 2005

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"I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman."

These were the words uttered by the influential Australian singer/ songwriter Helen Reddy in 1972. Although over 30 years old, this songs lyrics raise imperative issues about women's right and about the capacity and ability of women to excel. Helen Reddy, I am sorry to break this to you, but achieving gender equality is not as simple as women all over knowing that they are 'strong", that they are 'invincible' or that they are in fact 'women' because our views don't necessarily reflect the views of the rest of society. The ideals of this particular song have yet to have a significant effect on the global society; men and women still not having attained equality and women being generally disadvantaged in most aspects of society.

If only it was this simple. If only one person had the ability to change the way humanity thinks; if only one person could write a song that had the power to abolish gender inequality forever.

If only.

Unfortunately for us, nothing in life is this simple, particularly the achievement of equality. It is very well known that since the beginning of time, women have been fighting for equality because, lets face it, the systematic oppression of women in Australia and all over the world is a noticeable and tragic fact of history. I personally believe that the denial of equality to one-half of the world's population is an offence to human dignity. On no grounds can inequality on any kind be justified.

It is not wrong however to say that women have made progress and advancements throughout time, but total equality is still a myth and still does not exist.

Some fundamental steps taken in Australia towards equality between men and women include the...