Wednesday 13 March 2013

Gender equality

I'm no feminist
It's not an issue for me
I just want
Equality

Women and men
Are basically the same
On everything
Important

I've spent my life
Working alongside men
With no obvious
Prejudice

I know I've been lucky
That many others aren't
But it's also
Changing

I'm the lucky generation
Enjoying rewards of feminists
I just hope things
Keep improving

So I do my bit
Even though this isn't much
I keep demanding
Equality

Xxx

I haven't written anything for international women's day, mostly because I find it insulting that we need one day a year - why can't we all celebrate everyone equally all year long? But today poets United challenged us to write about women, so this is my take.

14 comments:

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Yes, we have come a long way, and I hear you about equality. Still a long way to go, so I'm happy to hear from a younger woman that things are better.

Janet Martin said...

I am giving you a standing ovation! THANK-YOU!

Margaret said...

Feminism. Not feminist. Respect and equality. As simple as that.

Mary said...

I do think in some countries today equality is pretty much a 'given,' but I think worldwide women still have a long way to go.

kelvin s.m. said...

...though a lot has been changed since the time of yore... i still think equality has never been totally reached or achieved the way it should be promoted to every mankind... yet, we can almost hope for another level of acceptance & understanding depending on how wise & brave we make our steps t'wards that aim for equality & change... smiles...

Anonymous said...

hmmmm guess you've been lucky, or are pretty or never got pregnant or had a family - 75 cents on the dollar still a long way to go baby toward your equality

LLM Calling said...

I don't think I've been lucky and I'm not pretty but I've always been clear that I do a role regardless of my gender. I worked for fifteen years as an engineer and was.paid equally, promoted faster than most men and respected well.

as for becoming a mum, I gave up my career to be a mum because that was the choice.we made. I could not have balanced.both without failing at both in some way.

that's what I mean by equality. there are men who are the main carers in the family and they don't complain about their career progression - it's choice.

for the same job everyone regardless of age,gender, race or anything else should be treated and paid equally. and in the UK in pprofessions this is certainly happening.

hope that helps.

LLM Calling said...

they definitely are, and certainly Rachel doesn't think twice about the world being her oyster

LLM Calling said...

exactly, all about cultural changes

LLM Calling said...

true enough, although in many "developing" countries change is happening through empowerment of women and its creating a real cultural shift

LLM Calling said...

exactly. I think a lot of it is now more about personality than gender. proactive and confident men and women do better than those who are more reserved. of course that's not equality either but it's progress.

Unknown said...

I appreciate the perspective offered here, Emma. Equality means we get to choose. We decide what our role will be. We are not pigeon-holed by gender. Many cultures have come a long way and it will continue to improve worldwide.

Anonymous said...

I agree. It comes down to respect and treating others the way we want to be treated.

Theresa Milstein said...

Yeah, you know your group is on the short end of the stick if you get a day or a month out of the year.