The International Women's Day does not just commemorate the lifelong struggle for women to find their voice, but also their battle against discriminatory stereotypes. Let us take a look at some of the myths about women and how they contrast with reality.
Women are 'naturally' better at housework, childcare
This is likely one of the oldest and most pervasive gender stereotypes. Women have been burdened with the vast majority of household and childcare work for so long that society seems to believe they were gifted with talent for such tasks while in the womb.
The ability to do household work is a basic life skill. Everybody should learn how to cook, wash clothes, make beds, and do other chores in order to survive.
For biological reasons, women have to take on some added responsibilities with regard to childcare that are impossible for men. However, women are also burdened with a larger share of childcare work as emotional support is still incorrectly seen as “unmanly".
Women are always emotional about everything
Women are still often criticized for being “too emotional", even though modern psychology has clearly demonstrated that repressing emotions in the way most men do is far unhealthier. This is clearly demonstrated in the higher suicide rate among men across the globe. Not to mention that it is emotions and empathy that separates human beings from robots.
Women are less confident than men
This particular stereotype completely ignores the fact that women have been oppressed in patriarchal social structures for thousands of years. It is not that women are less confident than men, the patriarchy simply discourages confidence among women and demands that they are submissive. As we get closer to becoming a society with true gender equality, more and more women are showing their talent and confidence in various fields, including leadership.
Women can’t take financial responsibility for a family
Today, women working outside the home is no longer a taboo. However, the increase in their participation in the workplace has come alongside the propagation of a new set of discriminatory stereotypes. Many people assume that employed women spend their income on frivolous issues without taking responsibility for the family, and that a man is always the main breadwinner. In reality, there are countless examples of women who support their entire families on their own.
Having children is the most meaningful ambition for every woman
Childbearing is often treated as an obligation for women, not a choice, with this belief being driven by the base instinct to extend the family tree. Many societies can barely comprehend the idea of a woman who chooses to be childless.
Nowadays, many successful women have begun becoming vocal about their lack of interest in becoming mothers and this has given voice to other women. Childbearing is by no means the primary purpose of a woman, and they can live equally fulfilling lives by pursuing their careers, hobbies, and other interests.
Being a feminist is equivalent to 'anti-men'
The idea of feminism arose from a struggle for equal opportunities and rights. By definition, feminism is the belief in social, economic, and political equality of the sexes. However, this definition is often twisted by those who wish to discredit the feminist movement into women wishing for superiority over men.
'No' means 'Yes'
There is no clear record of exactly when or how this idea spread, but there is a widely accepted misconception that when girls say "no" to something they actually wish the other person to interpret it as a positive response. Pop culture, especially South Asian films and dramas has played a key role in propagating the stereotype. Gender studies experts have said the root of the misconception is men’s refusal to hear anything they do not want to.