#IDWGS Essay: Voice of a women to outshine the world: Science of Equality by Shruti

Beyond being a homemaker, to an embodiment of compassion, and a bearer of children, women are instilled with something beyond one's contemplation. Undoubtedly, women have been marginalized for centuries, but marginalization doesn't stand with their inability to make history. It is a bitter fact but women were not only suppressed, they were badly oppressed. Their mobility was barred for several irrational reasons, one being—to prevent their sexuality. Some back the argument that women have not contributed something worth mentioning in the past. Based on this, nothing should be attributed to their names in the present time. But, I strongly defy this stereotypical notion. Had there been no patriarchy or male chauvinism, and had both genders been given equal rights, the contribution of women could be seen and recognized such as in the fields of science, literature, etc. So, contrary to the notion which says women have not given much in the past, the fact is they were barred from doing so.

Women are, undoubtedly, the makers and breakers of history and age-old records. It is only women who broke the age-old mindset and became the pioneers of innovations—from Christina Koch who became the first woman to set foot on the moon, to Amelia Earhart who surpassed all historical records and became the first female aviator to fly alone across the Atlantic ocean. Similarly, frontline workers like doctors who comprise a large population of women indeed showed persistent bravery during the COVID-19 years. Thus, everyone should be altogether recognized and saluted irrespective of their gender. These are a few examples of their accomplishments. Women not only have the potential to be good speakers but also to change the tone of the audience. Women should not be seen as someone who works just to sustain themselves. An embodiment of strength, one who can sustain two beings simultaneously with a sole breath for over nine months, is no less than a miracle— an extraordinary virtue. Her life is not confined to this, she influences society with her exemplary achievements and lends a helping hand to those who are afraid to question societal norms. She moreover dares to break the so-called—glass ceiling. Furthermore, a woman lends a kind hand and heart to somebody's severity by being a doctor; discovering a cure for diseases, and many more. This is empowerment, an indispensable energy inherent in women.

Believe it or not, some people are unintentionally compelled to accept that sustainability is only associated with the protection of environmental resources and to leave enough for future generations to rely upon. But we can see varied nuances of the term ‘sustainability’ wherein women comprise an inseparable element of the same. According to the #Goal5 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) signed in the year 2015, gender equality finds a separate mention. It further states that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but unhesitatingly a basis for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. The sustainability of women can be seen in fostering the very idea of gender egalitarianism, and freedom not only physical but mental too, to allow them to think what they want, not the way society wants to condition them and make them think. This freedom of thought ensures the inner will and personal calling of an individual.

Because of this liberal mindset, women in the 21st century exhibit that they can be successful doctors or scientists, along with teachers, scientists, engineers, bureaucrats, etc. In fact, the potentiality of women does not limit her to a single profession, she ensures to become a woman with a multifaceted calibre, from being a good homemaker and a successful professional.

Yes, women suffer, but we can not deny that women can defy, and fly as far as they desire. Born on the dark page of history, the time when the freedom and movement of women were disapproved, a woman awoke. She not only broke the glass ceiling but indeed broke the limits; she is an eternal example and an inspiration for the ages to come. The woman whom we call Madame Marie Curie. She was the first woman to get the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1903. Despite countless odds, one who dares not to surrender and face the world the way it is, is a real woman—as women are not just ‘made’ strong, they are ‘born’ strong. The people who think they are not powerful might not be aware of the history that women create, the walls they dare to break, and the glass ceiling they ensure to come out of.

It is not unalterable that only men can become leaders. Until and unless we question the mindset that whenever we think of a leader, it would be men, we can not bring ‘gender balance’. I am not misandry as I don't believe in the idea of retaliation, but rather promote and envisage liberal feminism. There have been women from the smallest of the small levels like schools to the biggest of the big platforms like the United Nations where they are the initiators, leaders, and team workers. In the field of science as well the same notion follows. Who is unaware of Anandibai Joshi, a renowned woman who became the first woman to complete the education in the medical field in the USA. She belonged to an era wherein women were condemned if they dared to showcase their interests in becoming something. Similarly, who can ever forget the bravery of Kalpana Chawla?

Practically, women have come far and are ready to make history for eternity to come. Concerning the field of science, the historic participation of women in the Covid years resonates with the successful trajectory of goal 5 leading towards holistic sustainability from women being socially, politically, and economically free, to becoming financially independent.

“ Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise ”—Maya Angelou

 About the Author

My name is Shruti. I am from the state of himachal pradesh. Presently (India) pursuing Humanities from St. Bede's college,  Shimla (HP). My interests include reading, writing and singing. I have done several internships and participated in various competitions associated with essay writing, article, poetry and other such competitions.