Hello.
This is my essay draft for my English class and I'm needing feedback and If you can point to any areas of weaknesses
Throughout history, gender inequality has affected society time and time again. The leaps in progress made cannot be ignored, but the struggle is far from over. The system still promotes wage gaps, gender roles remain harmful to people and in their representations in media, leaving them restricted and judged based on social constructs and ideas on gender. It is not just women who are affected by this, but men, non-binary, and people who do not fit the norm. My intention is to take a look at how our past developed the building blocks of gender inequality, how it still presents an issue today, and propose solutions that can help rectify these issues, especially concerning black women and the LBGTQ+ community. Gender inequality is so ingrained into our ideals, maintaining gender roles from the past, influencing media portrayals, breeding systemic workplace discrimination and violence against marginalized identities. To rectify these issues, there needs to be improved approaches that include legal reforms, educational shifts, and a cultural redefinition of gender.
Gender inequality began long ago with early Western ideas and medical theories, such as the one-sex model and the theory of the four humors. These frameworks suggested that women were simply inferior versions of men, justifying their exclusion from political, academic, and social life (Global). Ancient philosophers like Aristotle supported this hierarchy by claiming that women were naturally less capable, both physically and mentally. These beliefs didn't stay as just ideas, but they were built into laws and traditions that still influence society today.
The roots of toxic masculinity trace back to the feminist movements of the 1970s, when scholars began to challenge rigid gender norms and explore masculinity as a social construct. According to Voicebox, "toxic masculinity refers to a set of harmful behaviors and attitudes that are often associated traditional norms, such as aggression, dominance, and emotional repression." These traits were historically seen as markers of strength but have since been revealed to contribute to emotional suppression, strained relationships, and broader social harm. By understanding how these ideals were socially constructed, we can begin to unlearn them and promote healthier versions of masculinity grounded in empathy and emotional literacy.
Colonialism played a significant role in reinforcing rigid gender binaries by imposing Western ideologies on diverse cultures that often held more fluid and inclusive understandings of gender. Many societies recognized identities beyond the male-female binary long before Western influence, for example, the Qariwarmi in Incan culture, the Two-Spirit people among Indigenous North Americans, and the Sakalava of Madagascar who identified a third gender based on feminine traits in boys. However, these systems were frequently erased or distorted by colonial forces and Western anthropologists who interpreted them through a binary lens. Over time, patriarchal norms became entrenched in law, education, and governance, sidelining gender-diverse people. In Western Europe, gender had once been seen as fluid. Galen's second-century theories even claimed male and female anatomy were the same, just inverted, but Enlightenment thinking and rising scientific rationalism contributed to the hardening of binary views. Additionally, practices like cross-dressing were accepted only in limited contexts, such as performance, while those who lived outside binary gender roles often faced criminalization. This long history of erasure and control has had lasting effects, visible today in ongoing struggles for recognition and equality among gender-diverse people (Sinigaglia).
In the modern era, gender inequality remains visible across numerous domains, with one of the most influential being media representation. Television, film, and advertising continue to reinforce stereotypical portrayals of women as nurturing, submissive, and primarily valued for their appearance, while men are depicted as dominant, emotionally reserved, and career-driven (Melusina Press). For me, it is hard not to notice how often women are sexualized in media, frequently shown nude or with their breasts exposed in ways that male characters simply are not. It is frustrating to watch movie after movie where a female character exists only as the love interest, the girlfriend, or the wife, roles that often end in her death simply to give the male lead a reason to grow or seek revenge. These patterns reflect and reinforce a broader cultural message: that women's bodies and emotions exist to serve men's narratives. As the article points out, media has a powerful influence on shaping societal norms, especially for young audiences. When girls rarely see themselves as the hero, the leader, or the complex main character, it subtly tells them they are less important. The lack of strong, multidimensional portrayals of women and gender-diverse characters contributes to real-world inequality, making it harder to challenge the status quo.
In the workplace, women continue to face significant challenges, with the gender wage gap remaining a persistent issue. This disparity is not solely due to women choosing lower-paid or stereotypically "female" professions; even within the same occupations, men tend to earn more than women (Valenti, 2023). Women of color face the steepest gaps due to the intersecting forces of racism and sexism. Research shows that occupational segregation, societal expectations, and discrimination contribute deeply to this inequity (Valenti, 2023). In fact, closing pay gaps within the same occupations would eliminate a greater portion of the wage gap than simply redistributing men and women across different fields (Valenti, 2023). Despite having higher educational attainment than men on average, women still earn less at every education level. Structural inequalities, including industry cultures that discourage women, especially in STEM fields further limit women's earning potential (Valenti, 2023). Moreover, cultural expectations place a greater domestic burden on women, limiting their availability for jobs that reward long, inflexible hours, particularly in high-paying industries. Much of this domestic labor, such as cooking, cleaning, child-rearing, and caring for sick or elderly relatives, is considered "invisible work" and goes unrecognized because it's seen as something women are just supposed to do. If women were actually paid for all of this unpaid labor, their earnings would look drastically different. On top of that, women are often the ones expected to cut hours or leave the workforce when family responsibilities arise, making it harder for them to move up professionally. Meanwhile, men are frequently praised for doing basic parenting tasks, as if it's surprising or admirable, even though they are simply taking care of their own children. This unequal recognition reinforces the idea that caregiving is primarily women's work and continues to devalue the labor women perform both in and outside the workplace. Even when women enter male-dominated industries, they often do not see a significant pay boost, and the influx of women into certain professions can result in lower wages for that field (Valenti, 2023). Additionally, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles and are more likely to experience harassment and microaggressions (Valenti, 2023). These realities highlight that the gender wage gap is not a result of individual choices alone, but of deeply rooted structural and cultural inequalities.
The inequality faced by trans and gender-diverse individuals is not only structural but deeply personal and pervasive. Discrimination impacts their access to healthcare, employment, housing, and even basic respect in public spaces. According to a 2022 report by the Center for American Progress, more than half of transgender or nonbinary individuals reported postponing or avoiding medical care due to cost or fear of disrespect and discrimination, and over 8 in 10 reported that debates over anti-trans legislation significantly affected their mental health and sense of safety (Medina and Mahowald). These findings reflect the systemic barriers that continue to harm LGBTQI+ people, especially those who are trans. I witnessed this firsthand when I was a freshman in high school and joined an LGBTQ ally club. Our sponsor, who to my best understanding was a transgender woman, was often mocked by other students simply for not conforming to what society expects a woman to look like. They would comment cruelly on her physical features, like her hands or the hair on her arms. It made me furious then, and it still does now, because this type of ridicule is a reminder that societal rejection doesn't just happen in laws or policies but in everyday interactions that chip away at a person's dignity. These experiences illustrate how gender-based discrimination goes beyond a binary framework and highlights the urgent need for broader cultural acceptance and legal protections.
Gender inequality has profound emotional and psychological effects, especially when filtered through the lens of toxic masculinity. Men are often socialized to suppress their emotions, which has been linked to higher rates of depression, strained relationships, and even suicide (Voicebox). This emotional repression doesn't just hurt men, it impacts the people close to them. It can be incredibly discouraging to date someone who refuses to open up emotionally or engage in honest conversations about their feelings. When vulnerability isn't a shared experience, it becomes difficult to form a deeper emotional bond. On the flip side, it's equally disheartening to encounter men who expect women to conform to rigid gender norms, whether it is about appearance, behavior, or emotional expression. It creates constant pressure to perform a version of femininity that may not reflect who you really are, making you feel like you're not enough unless you fit into a narrow societal mold.
Violence against women is one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, rooted in patriarchal power structures that reinforce gender inequality. As the Violence Against Women article by Medica Mondiale emphasizes, this violence is not just individual but structural, showing up in physical, psychological, sexualized, social, and financial forms. In societies where masculinity is tied to dominance and aggression, violence becomes a tool to control and humiliate and to maintain power over women and gender-diverse individuals. This resonates deeply with my own lived experience. As a Black woman, I carry a particular kind of vigilance, one shaped not only by personal anxiety but by the reality of structural violence. It's a quiet but constant awareness that my safety isn't guaranteed, especially in interactions with men. I've learned to do the mental math in every situation: how to be likable, how to say "no" without provoking anger, how to stay alert while trying to seem relaxed. That fear doesn't just live in my mind, it lives in my body. And while men rarely have to calculate how to protect themselves in casual conversations, I'm constantly negotiating how to stay safe while still trying to be myself.
This kind of mental labor is exhausting and invisible, yet it shapes everything about how I move through the world. It reflects exactly what the article exposes: that the violence many women fears isn't random, it's embedded in the everyday, reinforced by cultural norms that see women, especially Black women, as less worthy of protection. And the cost of that is more than just anxiety, it's a limitation on freedom, opportunity, and peace.
Growing up in school, I noticed how much emphasis was placed on men's contributions to history, scientists, inventors, political leaders, while women were often mentioned only briefly, if at all. It sent a quiet but powerful message about whose stories mattered and whose didn't. And for trans and gender-diverse people, there was nothing. No acknowledgment, no inclusion, just silence. That kind of erasure shapes how students see themselves and who they believe they can become. When the curriculum fails to reflect the diversity of the world, it doesn't just affect individual self-worth, it limits potential, discourages participation, and contributes to ongoing inequality. Education should be a space where all students feel seen and valued, but when entire identities are left out, that goal becomes impossible.
In recent years, there have been efforts at legal and institutional level to address gender inequality. Policies such as Title IX and the Equal Pay Act have laid important groundwork for challenging discrimination. Alongside these laws, many organizations have introduced diversity and inclusion training, aiming to shift workplace culture and promote equity. Media platforms have also made public commitments to create diverse representation. While these efforts signal progress, their effectiveness often depends on how deeply they are implemented and whether they lead to lasting change beyond surface-level reform. It is easy for these efforts to come off as symbolic rather than something substantial.
Legal reforms, while necessary, do not always translate into safety, fairness, and equity. Media continues to reinforce damaging stereotypes, and institutions often reward those who conform to traditional gender norms. These short-term solutions fail to address the cultural roots of inequality. For example, having a gender-neutral bathroom is important, but it does not automatically make an environment inclusive if the culture remains hostile. Real change requires structural transformation and a shift in cultural narratives.
Tackling gender inequality takes more than surface-level fixes; it demands ongoing efforts across multiple areas like policy, education, healthcare, media, and grassroots advocacy. Governments need to develop new policies that recognize the complex ways discrimination operates, especially at the intersections of race, gender, and identity.
Schools are foundational in shaping how young people understand the world and their place in it. To foster truly inclusive environments, educational systems need to move beyond traditional norms and actively embrace gender diversity. This includes integrating inclusive content into the curriculum, creating space for open dialogue, and training educators to support all students with awareness and sensitivity. Representation matters, not just in what's taught, but in who's doing the teaching and leading. When students see themselves reflected in their education, it builds confidence, belonging, and long-term success.
Healthcare systems must evolve to meet the needs of all patients, including those who are trans and nonbinary. This means providing comprehensive training for medical professionals to ensure care is delivered with respect and cultural sensitivity. It is important that there be easier access to gender-affirming treatments, with mental health services being better at address the issues that the LGBTQ face.
Media and entertainment industries wield immense influence over cultural norms. As Melusina Press notes, responsible portrayals of diverse genders can reshape public perceptions. This means hiring diverse writers, producers, and actors, not just for visibility, but to influence storytelling from the ground up. Seeing empowered women and gender-diverse people in leadership, hero, and intellectual roles can inspire younger generations to see their own potential.
Grassroots movements and public awareness initiatives are crucial in driving change. Communities must create inclusive environments where everyone can express themselves freely and safely. Activism has always been central to significant social progress. The impact of efforts like protests and mutual aid groups can be incredible. Through action, people can challenge entrenched systems, amplifying marginalized voices. These efforts also build solidarity, encouraging a sense of shared responsibility for social justice.
As a Black woman, my experience with gender inequality is deeply intertwined with racial discrimination. I navigate both racial and gendered biases daily, from being hypersexualized to being told my hair is not "professional" enough. Centering our voices in gender conversations is critical to finding effective solutions. Elder and Tillery emphasize that the liberation of Black women is central to achieving justice for everyone. When we uplift the most marginalized, we create systems that are more just for all. My identity cannot be separated into parts; it must be acknowledged in full.
Gender inequality is not a thing of the past, it remains a pervasive issue that affects individuals and communities today. It is deeply embedded in outdated ideologies and perpetuated by modern systems. By exploring its historical roots, recognizing its effects today, and prioritizing the voices of the most marginalized, we can begin to break down the structures that sustain gender inequality. While the battle continues every day, through sustained commitment, education, and an intersectional approach, we can move toward a future that is more equitable for everyone.
This is my essay draft for my English class and I'm needing feedback and If you can point to any areas of weaknesses
Throughout history, gender inequality has affected society time and time again. The leaps in progress made cannot be ignored, but the struggle is far from over. The system still promotes wage gaps, gender roles remain harmful to people and in their representations in media, leaving them restricted and judged based on social constructs and ideas on gender. It is not just women who are affected by this, but men, non-binary, and people who do not fit the norm. My intention is to take a look at how our past developed the building blocks of gender inequality, how it still presents an issue today, and propose solutions that can help rectify these issues, especially concerning black women and the LBGTQ+ community. Gender inequality is so ingrained into our ideals, maintaining gender roles from the past, influencing media portrayals, breeding systemic workplace discrimination and violence against marginalized identities. To rectify these issues, there needs to be improved approaches that include legal reforms, educational shifts, and a cultural redefinition of gender.
Gender inequality began long ago with early Western ideas and medical theories, such as the one-sex model and the theory of the four humors. These frameworks suggested that women were simply inferior versions of men, justifying their exclusion from political, academic, and social life (Global). Ancient philosophers like Aristotle supported this hierarchy by claiming that women were naturally less capable, both physically and mentally. These beliefs didn't stay as just ideas, but they were built into laws and traditions that still influence society today.
The roots of toxic masculinity trace back to the feminist movements of the 1970s, when scholars began to challenge rigid gender norms and explore masculinity as a social construct. According to Voicebox, "toxic masculinity refers to a set of harmful behaviors and attitudes that are often associated traditional norms, such as aggression, dominance, and emotional repression." These traits were historically seen as markers of strength but have since been revealed to contribute to emotional suppression, strained relationships, and broader social harm. By understanding how these ideals were socially constructed, we can begin to unlearn them and promote healthier versions of masculinity grounded in empathy and emotional literacy.
Colonialism played a significant role in reinforcing rigid gender binaries by imposing Western ideologies on diverse cultures that often held more fluid and inclusive understandings of gender. Many societies recognized identities beyond the male-female binary long before Western influence, for example, the Qariwarmi in Incan culture, the Two-Spirit people among Indigenous North Americans, and the Sakalava of Madagascar who identified a third gender based on feminine traits in boys. However, these systems were frequently erased or distorted by colonial forces and Western anthropologists who interpreted them through a binary lens. Over time, patriarchal norms became entrenched in law, education, and governance, sidelining gender-diverse people. In Western Europe, gender had once been seen as fluid. Galen's second-century theories even claimed male and female anatomy were the same, just inverted, but Enlightenment thinking and rising scientific rationalism contributed to the hardening of binary views. Additionally, practices like cross-dressing were accepted only in limited contexts, such as performance, while those who lived outside binary gender roles often faced criminalization. This long history of erasure and control has had lasting effects, visible today in ongoing struggles for recognition and equality among gender-diverse people (Sinigaglia).
In the modern era, gender inequality remains visible across numerous domains, with one of the most influential being media representation. Television, film, and advertising continue to reinforce stereotypical portrayals of women as nurturing, submissive, and primarily valued for their appearance, while men are depicted as dominant, emotionally reserved, and career-driven (Melusina Press). For me, it is hard not to notice how often women are sexualized in media, frequently shown nude or with their breasts exposed in ways that male characters simply are not. It is frustrating to watch movie after movie where a female character exists only as the love interest, the girlfriend, or the wife, roles that often end in her death simply to give the male lead a reason to grow or seek revenge. These patterns reflect and reinforce a broader cultural message: that women's bodies and emotions exist to serve men's narratives. As the article points out, media has a powerful influence on shaping societal norms, especially for young audiences. When girls rarely see themselves as the hero, the leader, or the complex main character, it subtly tells them they are less important. The lack of strong, multidimensional portrayals of women and gender-diverse characters contributes to real-world inequality, making it harder to challenge the status quo.
In the workplace, women continue to face significant challenges, with the gender wage gap remaining a persistent issue. This disparity is not solely due to women choosing lower-paid or stereotypically "female" professions; even within the same occupations, men tend to earn more than women (Valenti, 2023). Women of color face the steepest gaps due to the intersecting forces of racism and sexism. Research shows that occupational segregation, societal expectations, and discrimination contribute deeply to this inequity (Valenti, 2023). In fact, closing pay gaps within the same occupations would eliminate a greater portion of the wage gap than simply redistributing men and women across different fields (Valenti, 2023). Despite having higher educational attainment than men on average, women still earn less at every education level. Structural inequalities, including industry cultures that discourage women, especially in STEM fields further limit women's earning potential (Valenti, 2023). Moreover, cultural expectations place a greater domestic burden on women, limiting their availability for jobs that reward long, inflexible hours, particularly in high-paying industries. Much of this domestic labor, such as cooking, cleaning, child-rearing, and caring for sick or elderly relatives, is considered "invisible work" and goes unrecognized because it's seen as something women are just supposed to do. If women were actually paid for all of this unpaid labor, their earnings would look drastically different. On top of that, women are often the ones expected to cut hours or leave the workforce when family responsibilities arise, making it harder for them to move up professionally. Meanwhile, men are frequently praised for doing basic parenting tasks, as if it's surprising or admirable, even though they are simply taking care of their own children. This unequal recognition reinforces the idea that caregiving is primarily women's work and continues to devalue the labor women perform both in and outside the workplace. Even when women enter male-dominated industries, they often do not see a significant pay boost, and the influx of women into certain professions can result in lower wages for that field (Valenti, 2023). Additionally, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles and are more likely to experience harassment and microaggressions (Valenti, 2023). These realities highlight that the gender wage gap is not a result of individual choices alone, but of deeply rooted structural and cultural inequalities.
The inequality faced by trans and gender-diverse individuals is not only structural but deeply personal and pervasive. Discrimination impacts their access to healthcare, employment, housing, and even basic respect in public spaces. According to a 2022 report by the Center for American Progress, more than half of transgender or nonbinary individuals reported postponing or avoiding medical care due to cost or fear of disrespect and discrimination, and over 8 in 10 reported that debates over anti-trans legislation significantly affected their mental health and sense of safety (Medina and Mahowald). These findings reflect the systemic barriers that continue to harm LGBTQI+ people, especially those who are trans. I witnessed this firsthand when I was a freshman in high school and joined an LGBTQ ally club. Our sponsor, who to my best understanding was a transgender woman, was often mocked by other students simply for not conforming to what society expects a woman to look like. They would comment cruelly on her physical features, like her hands or the hair on her arms. It made me furious then, and it still does now, because this type of ridicule is a reminder that societal rejection doesn't just happen in laws or policies but in everyday interactions that chip away at a person's dignity. These experiences illustrate how gender-based discrimination goes beyond a binary framework and highlights the urgent need for broader cultural acceptance and legal protections.
Gender inequality has profound emotional and psychological effects, especially when filtered through the lens of toxic masculinity. Men are often socialized to suppress their emotions, which has been linked to higher rates of depression, strained relationships, and even suicide (Voicebox). This emotional repression doesn't just hurt men, it impacts the people close to them. It can be incredibly discouraging to date someone who refuses to open up emotionally or engage in honest conversations about their feelings. When vulnerability isn't a shared experience, it becomes difficult to form a deeper emotional bond. On the flip side, it's equally disheartening to encounter men who expect women to conform to rigid gender norms, whether it is about appearance, behavior, or emotional expression. It creates constant pressure to perform a version of femininity that may not reflect who you really are, making you feel like you're not enough unless you fit into a narrow societal mold.
Violence against women is one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, rooted in patriarchal power structures that reinforce gender inequality. As the Violence Against Women article by Medica Mondiale emphasizes, this violence is not just individual but structural, showing up in physical, psychological, sexualized, social, and financial forms. In societies where masculinity is tied to dominance and aggression, violence becomes a tool to control and humiliate and to maintain power over women and gender-diverse individuals. This resonates deeply with my own lived experience. As a Black woman, I carry a particular kind of vigilance, one shaped not only by personal anxiety but by the reality of structural violence. It's a quiet but constant awareness that my safety isn't guaranteed, especially in interactions with men. I've learned to do the mental math in every situation: how to be likable, how to say "no" without provoking anger, how to stay alert while trying to seem relaxed. That fear doesn't just live in my mind, it lives in my body. And while men rarely have to calculate how to protect themselves in casual conversations, I'm constantly negotiating how to stay safe while still trying to be myself.
This kind of mental labor is exhausting and invisible, yet it shapes everything about how I move through the world. It reflects exactly what the article exposes: that the violence many women fears isn't random, it's embedded in the everyday, reinforced by cultural norms that see women, especially Black women, as less worthy of protection. And the cost of that is more than just anxiety, it's a limitation on freedom, opportunity, and peace.
Growing up in school, I noticed how much emphasis was placed on men's contributions to history, scientists, inventors, political leaders, while women were often mentioned only briefly, if at all. It sent a quiet but powerful message about whose stories mattered and whose didn't. And for trans and gender-diverse people, there was nothing. No acknowledgment, no inclusion, just silence. That kind of erasure shapes how students see themselves and who they believe they can become. When the curriculum fails to reflect the diversity of the world, it doesn't just affect individual self-worth, it limits potential, discourages participation, and contributes to ongoing inequality. Education should be a space where all students feel seen and valued, but when entire identities are left out, that goal becomes impossible.
In recent years, there have been efforts at legal and institutional level to address gender inequality. Policies such as Title IX and the Equal Pay Act have laid important groundwork for challenging discrimination. Alongside these laws, many organizations have introduced diversity and inclusion training, aiming to shift workplace culture and promote equity. Media platforms have also made public commitments to create diverse representation. While these efforts signal progress, their effectiveness often depends on how deeply they are implemented and whether they lead to lasting change beyond surface-level reform. It is easy for these efforts to come off as symbolic rather than something substantial.
Legal reforms, while necessary, do not always translate into safety, fairness, and equity. Media continues to reinforce damaging stereotypes, and institutions often reward those who conform to traditional gender norms. These short-term solutions fail to address the cultural roots of inequality. For example, having a gender-neutral bathroom is important, but it does not automatically make an environment inclusive if the culture remains hostile. Real change requires structural transformation and a shift in cultural narratives.
Tackling gender inequality takes more than surface-level fixes; it demands ongoing efforts across multiple areas like policy, education, healthcare, media, and grassroots advocacy. Governments need to develop new policies that recognize the complex ways discrimination operates, especially at the intersections of race, gender, and identity.
Schools are foundational in shaping how young people understand the world and their place in it. To foster truly inclusive environments, educational systems need to move beyond traditional norms and actively embrace gender diversity. This includes integrating inclusive content into the curriculum, creating space for open dialogue, and training educators to support all students with awareness and sensitivity. Representation matters, not just in what's taught, but in who's doing the teaching and leading. When students see themselves reflected in their education, it builds confidence, belonging, and long-term success.
Healthcare systems must evolve to meet the needs of all patients, including those who are trans and nonbinary. This means providing comprehensive training for medical professionals to ensure care is delivered with respect and cultural sensitivity. It is important that there be easier access to gender-affirming treatments, with mental health services being better at address the issues that the LGBTQ face.
Media and entertainment industries wield immense influence over cultural norms. As Melusina Press notes, responsible portrayals of diverse genders can reshape public perceptions. This means hiring diverse writers, producers, and actors, not just for visibility, but to influence storytelling from the ground up. Seeing empowered women and gender-diverse people in leadership, hero, and intellectual roles can inspire younger generations to see their own potential.
Grassroots movements and public awareness initiatives are crucial in driving change. Communities must create inclusive environments where everyone can express themselves freely and safely. Activism has always been central to significant social progress. The impact of efforts like protests and mutual aid groups can be incredible. Through action, people can challenge entrenched systems, amplifying marginalized voices. These efforts also build solidarity, encouraging a sense of shared responsibility for social justice.
As a Black woman, my experience with gender inequality is deeply intertwined with racial discrimination. I navigate both racial and gendered biases daily, from being hypersexualized to being told my hair is not "professional" enough. Centering our voices in gender conversations is critical to finding effective solutions. Elder and Tillery emphasize that the liberation of Black women is central to achieving justice for everyone. When we uplift the most marginalized, we create systems that are more just for all. My identity cannot be separated into parts; it must be acknowledged in full.
Gender inequality is not a thing of the past, it remains a pervasive issue that affects individuals and communities today. It is deeply embedded in outdated ideologies and perpetuated by modern systems. By exploring its historical roots, recognizing its effects today, and prioritizing the voices of the most marginalized, we can begin to break down the structures that sustain gender inequality. While the battle continues every day, through sustained commitment, education, and an intersectional approach, we can move toward a future that is more equitable for everyone.
