In his article "Let us not restrict gender equity to only International Women's Day" published in Meri News portal on 07 March, 2012, Dr Lalit Kishore [1] stated, "Gender is a social construct that has led to a situation in which the social structures, power structures and work cultures have become male dominated. These days, this male dominance is being questioned and challenged for fairness and justice for females and an equitable society is being urged by many, cutting across all gender types."
Since the portal has closed, the article is reproduced here as follows
Each year, International Women's Day is observed on March 8 with an emphasis on 'gender equity'. The concept of gender equity has emerged since sex-roles stereotyping has become deep seated in many societies and work areas. Let us resolve to make India a gender equitable country this IWD.
GENDER IS a social construct that has led to a situation in which the social structures, power structures and work cultures have become male dominated. These days, this male dominance is being questioned and challenged for fairness and justice for females and an equitable society is being urged by many, cutting across all gender types.
Essentially, the focus on gender equity is meant to ensure that development policies and programmes provide equal educational, social and economical opportunities and benefits to women at par with men.
According to UN, gender equity subscribes for the view that all human beings, irrespective of their gender, are free to develop their potentials and 'make choices without the limitations set by stereotypes, rigid gender roles and prejudices'.
"Gender equality means that the different behaviour, aspirations and needs of women and men are considered, valued and favoured equally. It does not mean that women and men have to become the same, but that their rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female. Gender equity means fairness of treatment for women and men, according to their respective needs. This may include equal treatment or treatment that is different but which is considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities," declares the document of International Labour Organisation (ILO) - a UN body - titled 'ABC Of Women Worker's Rights and Gender Equality'.
An Indian educator Lalit Kishore describes gender equity in the form of a pedagogical cinquain as follows: "Gender equity / Human right, social justice / Affording equal rights, removing biases, creating equitable opportunities. / A social situation in which both the sexes have equal participation in decision making and equal opportunities to develop their potentials without any bias and discrimination. / Equal humans."
In order to redress the gender balance and under-representation of women in power structures and decision-making forums, deliberate affirmative action and compensation to women in the form of quota are required. For example, one-third quota for women's representation in Indian Parliament has been proposed but act has not been passed yet due to its current male dominance as many feel. Let us resolve to make India a gender equitable country this IWD!
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