Name: Sarah Lane
Community/State: Karratha, Western Australia
School: St Lukes College
Age/Grade: 16 Years, Year 11
Overcoming the odds – how can we push through barriers to achieve gender equality?
101 years ago women got the vote. We are leaders. We are CEOs. We are mothers, wives and daughters. We have been to space, discovered cures for diseases and created innovations that have changed lives. Yet women’s contribution to society largely goes unnoticed.
In high school we are told we can be anything. The reality is certain roles are gender favoured. For many people, when they visualise a teacher, nurse or secretary they see a woman. Conversely, when we visualise a CEO, principal or doctor, many of us will see a man. Instead of a CEO being male or female we need to see someone strong, determined and focused regardless of gender.
For centuries women have been oppressed but that does not mean we need to overthrow men and take power. As young women it is our time to balance the ledger and give a voice to all. Authors such as Germain Greer, Gloria Steinem and tennis player Andy Murray are continuing the campaign for equality and womens rights. It should not be just those with a public voice who fight for equality but for us all to do our part.
But where to begin? Let’s start with more female representation in government and lawmaking so we have a voice in life changing decisions.
Dr Phillip McGraw says feminism is ‘a marathon not a sprint’. There are many steps required in order to reach our goal of equality. We need to promote that at birth all children are equal regardless of gender, culture or bank balance. All are entitled to equal medical care, an equal right to an education, voting equality and the right to equal pay. Everyone deserves the right to live in a society and work in a workplace that reflects the fundamental belief that we are born equal and should be allowed to live in a way that reflects that equality. This must be our mission. All of us.
Malala Yousafzai was just a girl trying to educate herself. No one knew her name until she was shot by men trying to prevent her from getting to school. Now Malala is a face of feminism. She is an inspiration to millions. Malala spoke up for her beliefs and rights. She did not shy away from the fight. She fights on despite the consequences. We could all be the next Malala. Let’s change our future for the better.