Gender Inequality: Hindrance to Progress and the Need for Change

Kamalika Munshi, a student in Class 11, highlights the ongoing issue of gender inequality and its impact on the progress of human civilization. She discusses the challenges faced by stay-at-home women in domestic disputes and the glass ceiling hindering earning women in the workplace. Kamalika also draws attention to the worsening gender inequality during the pandemic, including high dropout rates among girls and increased child marriages. She points out the harmful effects of rigid gender roles and stereotypes, where women are primarily valued for their child-bearing function. While legislative changes such as women’s reservation and paternity leave have been introduced, Kamalika emphasizes that societal acceptance and encouragement are essential for meaningful progress. She calls for empathy, inclusivity, and a fair society to ensure holistic progress for all.