Question of women education

Women’s Rights

When a house is on fire and innocent people are inside who do we expect to come to the rescue? A man. When we speak of a leader or a chief executive officer of a powerful corporation who usually holds these positions? A man. When we think of a leader of a country, for who is such a position reserved for? A man. Women have been denied rights, fair, and equal treatment all over the world. However, according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “ all human beings are born free, equal in dignity, and rights. They are endowed with reason, conscience, and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood,” yet Women are no different than men and need to fight to ensure that they have equal rights to men.

Women are thought to be inferior to men. Girls are raised to believe that they are to be protected by, and have their needs met by men. The proper sphere for women has always been delegated to be the household. It is within the household that women are to perform the chores, take care of children, and cook. The responsibility of a woman has repeatedly been to take care of the household and ensure that the family is happy. Even amidst all the progress that women have made, the stigma still exists! Especially in countries that are impoverished and not fully developed. Many men have never stopped to think how difficult it is to be a woman in a patriarchal society, where women are granted very little power.

Pakistan, a country in the Middle East, is a place where women’s rights have been neglected. In Pakistan the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley, where Malala Yousafzai resided. Radical prohibitions with the intent of maintaining control were implemented such as, the banning of television, music, girls education, and even allowing women to go shopping. Many families were forced to move to neighboring towns out of fear. However, the Taliban did not deter brave and determined individuals like Malala, who stayed and exercised her right to freedom of expression. She blogged about the harrowing experiences that she amassed in Swat Valley, about people living in fear, and how men were staunchly against women receiving an education. Speaking up almost caused Malala her life, she was shot in the head by the Taliban.

In an increasingly globalized world where progress is idealized, women activists, like Malala Yousafzai have become aware that education is the key to change. By gaining an education, women can break barriers that have formerly been reserved to men. During the Age of Enlightenment European countries placed an emphasis on education. However, men were the ones that received an education. Nonetheless, people were able to challenge traditionally held beliefs on what was considered common knowledge, and effectuate change to outdated notions. Men were able to use reasoning and logic to justify their thoughts. The reasoning and logic exemplified by Malala is no different than that of the the enlightened despots who believed deeply in their philosophies and successfully changed the world.

Education is important for eliminating ignorance. Organizations like Educating Girls Matter focus on educating girls in countries where females are not granted access to an education. Women need to believe and understand that they are capable of being independent and able to do the same things as men. Women have the same capacity as men and should never be deterred to think otherwise. Nothing that is worthwhile is easy and even though sometimes a woman may feel helpless, and vulnerable, they must never give up. By enabling women access to an education, women are more likely to have economic opportunities, eliminate inadequate health care, stop early marriage, reduce sexual violence, and diminish discrimination.