behavior
April 25, 2024
Minutes To Read: 3

8 Things You Can Do to Fight for Gender Equality

As much as women have won rights, it is a fact that society still has to go a long way in order to actually achieve gender equality.

Want a recent example? Even in March 2017, Polish MEP Janusz Korwin-Mikke, who has already made racist and anti-Semitic statements, did not hesitate to distill his machismo in the European Parliament on the last day 2.

According to Korwin-Mikke, women should earn less than men because they are "weaker, smaller and less intelligent."

Even sounding outdated, this is a speech that, unfortunately, is still present in our daily lives, in conversation circles and on social networks, proving that we still need to live in gender equality.

Here are some things you can do to fight for this cause:

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1. Help NGOs to combat violence against women

Most NGOs aimed at combating violence against women are continually struggling financially, although their work is essential to the fight for gender equality.

If you cannot contribute financially, check with your local NGOs if you can help by doing some kind of volunteer work, such as giving talks or organizing support events.

2. Interest in politics

Facebook text has an effect among your friends and may even reach a large number of people, but in practice, it is in political institutions that gender rights are decided.

But how can we guarantee our rights if we are even below Afghanistan in relation to the proportion of women in the House and the Senate? In a ranking of 190 positions, Brazil ranks only 154th in terms of female participation in national parliaments.

It is therefore essential that women engage more in politics, follow the decisions of politicians, and join parties that seek to defend gender equality.

Read also: How to survive in a male-dominated professional environment

3. Sign petitions and respond to Federal Senate polls

This is one thing you can do without leaving home: sign petitions and participate in Federal Senate research on bills.

Petitions are usually organized by gender advocacy groups and delivered to representatives of Congress. If you agree with the proposal, sign and share with as many people to do the same.

In addition, be sure to participate in public consultations promoted by the Federal Senate, which poll the opinion of the population about bills. An example is this public consultation on recognizing stable same-sex union as a family entity.

4. Report acts of violence

When witnessing attitudes of violence, do not shut up? but do it safely so you don't take risks.

Gone are the days when "in a fight between husband and wife you don't get the spoon". Now domestic violence is a police case. If you know of an aggression situation against women, make a report on Ligue 180.

Read also: Female leadership from the perspective of reason

5. Fight the pay gap

Unfortunately, it is still very common for women to earn less than men to perform the same service. If you are a businesswoman, make sure your employees receive the same salary as their male colleagues who perform the same job.

In addition, it is important to pave the way for women to hold management and board positions that are still dominated by men today.

6. Invest in children's education

If we want the next generation of girls and women to have peace of mind while walking the streets without being harassed and sexually abused, we need to invest in educating our children.
Respect, the notion of consent and gender equality must be worked on at school, so that girls know their rights and boys learn new attitudes early on.

7. Be a Conscious Consumer

Try watching television commercial breaks and see how many advertisements use women's objectification to promote their products. Unfortunately, appealing to the exposure of the female body as a mere vehicle for attention is a common technique in advertising.

If you feel offended by an advertisement, you may contact the company itself or Conar, the National Advertising Self-Regulation Board, to make a complaint.
Still, of course, try to give preference to brands that are in favor of gender equality.

Read also: 10 women entrepreneurs to inspire you

8. Make your microuniverse aware

Bringing change around the world is a virtually impossible task for just one person, but you can start by promoting a change of attitude in the people around you.

You know that cousin who loves to tell a macho joke? What about that friend who goes over intimate photos of women released without permission? You don't have to fight with them, but it's worth talking to and explain that these seemingly innocent attitudes contribute to the perpetuation of female inferiority.

We all have our own routine and responsibilities, but if we act together, it will be possible to make progress on gender equality. Do your part and encourage your friends to do the same!