Gender issue

In every town beauty pageant, the question of the essence of being a woman is always almost asked. I used to watch my classmates who joined these pageants and see what their standard answers were being a mother. However, I think it’s unfair to speak of this while we celebrate women's month.

You see, it’s biological for a female to bear a child when the right time and age comes but it isn't what defines a female. They are more than that. In fact, much more. They can be in power, innovate, and lead. I have always believed in the concept of equality, thus, females shouldn’t be treated lowly because of their gender.

I've had several experiences where I was looked down on for being female. On most occasions, these are when I am driving my car. I'd get side comments from bystanders watching me park the car. They say that my slow pace to get it right is because of my femininity. Really, now? So we call males who can't park their cars right sissies as well? I don't think so.

Heck, I don't even understand why we should glorify women on March when there isn't even a month for the men. If the issue here are the sacrifices that women make for others, it doesn't make it at all different for men. They can't biologically carry a child but in their lifetime they have made hard choices for their family and for the woman they love.

This issue even goes beyond women empowerment because other genders too should be given empowerment. Even the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community should have their share. They have also done astounding work in our society, there's no question about that. In fact, I know many of those in this sector who have aced their way in their careers. So I guess, it’s not really about the question of gender but what one can do.

That said, I think it is time to stop the hate and the blame because someone is female. Race shouldn't even be an issue. Right now, Asians in the United States are suffering from hate attacks and they don't even have a clue why. We can't generalize a group because of one person, we all have our own rights.

I'd like to live to see a day where I won't be cat-called down the street or that no one will judge me for my skimpy outfits. We all express ourselves in our own ways and have our own choices to define who we are. It is not by how many babies a woman can bear that makes her different from the rest. A woman is who she is because of hard work, determination, and perseverance. Regardless of gender, we can be the best we can and we can be empowered as well.