Gender is a broad spectrum. It is a term that exists as a social construct- when it comes to roles, responsibilities, or norms that have been set by society. It is so distinctly visible how we can directly see various roles and responsibilities and societal thoughts being dragged when it comes to men and women in our society. We all can see that there are various kinds of individuals identifying themselves with different genders e.g., cisgender, transgender, etc. When it comes to society due to lack of proper education individuals have been separating gender roles which are leading to gender discrimination, segregation, and the establishment of gender differences in hand.
Moreover, people have been showing differences when it comes to the division of roles and responsibilities. When in words and paper it is said that “all human beings are born free and equal” but when in reality it’s actually the other side of the coin where we can see how individuals are discriminated against according to their gender, etc. The way things are separated according to gender it’s so distinct in our society, all the roles and responsibilities that any individual abides by, in so many stances it drags away an individual’s freedom from their life. Suffocation can be another alternative word describing the individual’s state. We can see that society has mainly separated roles and responsibilities according to the gender that you carry i.e., male & female. Due to the separation of roles and responsibility, we can find that there is so much difference even in the growth and doings of an individual. We can find differences in roles and responsibilities from childhood to adulthood. Through various roles and responsibilities have been a dividing factor in our society likewise adding to it we can find various other factors like patriarchy and other stigmas being attached to the gender which is enhancing the aspect of gender difference.
Gender Inequality can be distinctly visible from the beginning, i.e., from childhood to old age. Even it is seen to be distinct in the case of daily livelihood functioning. From working in the kitchen to working in the office. Though in the 21st century the difference has been decreasing due to proper education, still it is deeply rooted in our society which is showing a difference in each household to that of the working area. The gender roles which have been separated are still so distinct that in so many cases women are termed as the ones looking after the household activities and males being the bread earner of the family. Due to the perception towards each gender, it is affecting an individual’s freedom and lifestyle.
We all can see that gender inequality has set lights upon each part of the world from developed countries like the US to that of developing countries like Nepal. Gender Inequality has been one of the rising issues in today’s world. According to The global gender gap index 2021, Iceland has the highest gender equality, indexed at 0.89 whereas the United Arab Emirates has the worst gender equality Ranked at 22.
The gender gap index is calculated by setting a benchmark of national gender gaps on economic, political, education- and health-based criteria, and is based on a total of 14 indicators from various categories.
From gender roles in household activities to that of the wage gap in official sectors each part has been affected by gender inequality. Also, we can see that gender inequality or discrimination has been distinctly practiced even among the educated group of the society like that in working areas or among the urban communities. Though these inequalities and differences are increasing on a day-by-day basis due to the rise in education and knowledge the situation is changing. It might take a lot of time and effort on an equal basis but the change will be seen. Also, there are individual-level activists to that of NGOs and INGOs level activists working on addressing the issues of gender inequality in society but because it is deeply rooted it is still going to take decades to end the practice of gender inequality. There might be difficulties coming during the time of change but surely it is going to result good after the effort.
NGOs have been playing an important role in our society in addressing gender inequality. They mainly play a role as an instrument to fight against gender inequality. The major role that NGOs play are;
NGOs have been termed as a safe space for the ones who are facing problems in their society. There are so many NGOs which work in various sectors and which focus on being a safe space for the individuals who are facing problems. Individuals who are victims of gender inequality normally search for the space to discuss their problems and want someone to listen to them without any judgment. NGOs normally working on the sector of gender inequality are the ones who are involved in providing a safe space for the victims to open up and feel free from the things they are feeling.
In a society where individuals are being judged and thinking about supporting the victim is something rare, in such cases, NGOs normally play an important role in being a backbone of the victims where NGOs provide the victims with various kinds of support which could be legal, financial or moral support. For eg, if the victim is facing discrimination in his/ her official setting in such case if the victim wants to fight against the discrimination and want justice then NGOs working in the sector will be as a support system for the victim and helps the victim to fight against the discrimination and provide justice to the victim. NGOs help in linking victims with the legal entities of the society as well as link with other various support when needed.
There are different NGOs working on advocacy levels for the aspect of addressing gender inequality in our society. Different community-level advocates, as well as individual-level advocates, are working along for the aspect of eradication of discrimination from society. NGOs are aware of the diverse factors involved in Gender inequality. As they have been working at a ground level, they are properly aware of laws and regulations. Likewise, they are knowledgeable about different levels of problems in society for which they work from the ground level as a source that provides solutions.
NGOs help in pressurizing the government for the proper implementation of laws and policies. They work as a mediator between government and society where they work in pressurizing the government for the betterment of the legal system. Also, NGOs work for advocating equal pay, increase female representation in organizations, both government and private. Likewise, they help in enhancing equality in society. Moreover, they work in promoting Equality.
Each individual has a right to live with dignity. NGOs also focus on enhancing a better and dignified lifestyle. Individuals normally should have a right to live with dignity. In such a stance it is seen that NGOs help individuals to have a dignified lifestyle. They promote the aspect of equality which also drags along the aspect of dignity and a respectful lifestyle along it.
We all can see that even the modern or educated urban society is having the problem of gender inequality. As a backbone of society NGOs have been playing an important role in educating and empowering the community. People in society have been so much under the light of segregation and discrimination which is normally due to lack of education and awareness where NGOs have been working along for educating and empowering the community.
These are some of the points which focus on how NGOs have been playing a role in addressing gender inequality. In an overall manner, we all can focus on the point that NGOs have been playing an important role in addressing gender inequality.
Samikshya is a fresh social work graduate who has experience in working as a trainee with various organizations. She has been working as a prospect researcher and is involved in studying topics related to social entrepreneurship. Her particular interest lies in writing which is shown with her involvement as a rapporteur in various projects.
