Missing a step in Gender Mainstreaming

By: Cindy Koen

Gender mainstreaming has been seen frequently on headlines internationally. The concept of gender mainstreaming is to promote, integrate, monitor and evaluate policies that regulate gender equality and overcoming discrimination.

It would then be understood that gender equality will be achieved when both women and men have the same rights and opportunities. They would have equal right to participate in decision-making processes and receive similar benefits. Both women and men’s goals and aspirations would be equally valued and favoured.

This all sounds wonderful and sorely needed. However, if a woman does not have the confidence to stand up for her rights and equality, what then? How sure are we that we are not only putting policies in place just to make us look good? Or that we stand up for women’s rights yet have done nothing on encouraging Women to do the same.

For generations women where taught that they are inferior to men. It was ingrained that they need to bow down and do whatever the man asks of them. Their role was simple; stay at home, tend to the house, raise children and keep quiet. 

The struggle for women was and still is very real. They where the one’s that had to suffer the most when there was economic pressure. The smallest impact was burdened by the women. Women where responsible for “making things right”. For putting food on the table, even when there was no food available.

It is now, when times are changing that we need to start acting and educate our women about their rights. Their right to act, to say no and to stand up for themselves and their children. 

I believe it is our responsibly to teach women that they ARE enough and that they deserve better. We need to be the advocates for WOMEN POWER. It is every person’s responsibility to allow a woman to stand up for herself. Schools need to teach children the power of self-confidence.

We need to teach women that no matter how insignificant a role is, it has purpose. Therefore, allowing them the right to be proud of what they are and what they do. 

At the same time, we need to teach men and youth to respect the role of a women. We need to harbour the understanding of equality and support. Maintaining a household and raising a family is not only the women’s responsibility. 

It is only then, that our gender mainstreaming policies will take effect and prove to be working.