Women have long been regarded as the foundation of families but the traditional idea that women should stay at home while men work is no longer relevant.
During the early 19th century, women were denied many rights that they enjoy today. Women were not allowed to vote, own property, or have any legal rights to their children, which were solely controlled by the father.
Women began to be recognized as individuals and not just perceived as their husband’s property in the mid-19th century. In 1848, the New York State Married Women’s Property Act was passed, which gave women the right to own property, have custody of their children, and access and keep their wages. This law marked a significant turning point in the fight for women’s rights and paved the way for further progress in gender equality.
Many individuals still believe that a woman’s main responsibility is to be a homemaker. This outdated view suggests that women should focus on taking care of their children, cooking and cleaning while men should provide for their families and expect to be catered to by women.
Nilah Washington is a 26-year-old Certified Nursing Assistant from the Bronx, NY. She refuses to conform to traditional gender roles. She desires to start a family and pursue her dreams, but society tends to unjustly view independent and assertive women like her as masculine. Conversely, “men are often of the view that taking care of the household is a job for women only,” Washington said, while men should be engaged in “manly” activities.
The media often portray women in stereotypical roles which is what most people expect. However, women have different expectations. Until recently women were not given the same opportunities as men. Today, more women are working in non-traditional roles, breaking down the barriers that have existed for centuries.
We must acknowledge the important contributions of women. Margaret Knight invented flat-bottomed paper bags and Josephine Cochrane invented the dishwasher. Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system, which has helped many people feel safe in their homes. It’s worth noting that gender doesn’t determine a person’s ability to innovate.
Women with rights are influential. Women are more than just caretakers of their families. The fight for women’s rights and equality has seen significant progress, but there is still a long way to go in the struggle against gender stereotypes.
