We are all equal

Gender just defines a man and a woman, but other than that, there is no difference in their abilities or strengths. A male could be a good chef, while a female could be a good police officer. Each human is born with and develops certain skills based on which, they take up a profession.

Discrimination, if any, begins at a very young age when society unknowingly suppresses the inner strength of a girl and boosts the strength of a boy. As a girl grows up, she is made to believe that she is weak in many aspects (especially physically) compared to a boy. Boys grow up being told not to shed tears or show emotions and they grow up rugged, afraid that tears will result in ridicule.

Women have joined the army and have proven to be efficient at the workplace, so they are no less than men and vice versa. Each human being is capable of doing all types of work, whether it is earning money, domestic work, raising children or serving the nation. Certainly there is a difference in physical structure, but abilities will not depend on gender, rather on the active genes of the human being.

Women need not feel suppressed in any aspect, as they are no different from men as far as abilities, physical strength or earning money is concerned. We are humans first, and gender discrimination is absolutely out of turn. All are equal and let us learn to treat everyone equally.

As humans, if we just respect one another, it will take us far ahead in life as well as bring harmony in relationships. So let us work on gender equality and dismiss the thought of gender inequality, as it is just a perception of the mind. Is gender equality possible? I do not know how far people will shed their inhibitions, doubts and beliefs about gender equality. However, I firmly believe that there is no concept called gender inequality and as human beings, we are all equal.

- The reader is an Indian novelist based in Bengaluru, India.