Bulgaria recommends

CLUB “HEAR THEIR VOICES AGAIN”

The club’s essays and articles on topic:

 “Gender equality”

   

PLAMENA PETROVA: 13, a marvelous painter, a creator, likes reading and animals

 “Feminism has never just been about liberating women from men, but about freeing every human being from the straight jacket of gender oppression.” – Laurie Penny

The Constitution of each country says that women and men have equal rights, but is it really true? Discrimination against people because of their gender or sexual orientation is daily routine. Sexism has different manifestations. We watch on TV discriminatory advertising. Women take care of the household. Ads for alcohol and meat are for men.

Children are taught from small to determine what is usually “female” and what – usually “male”. Girls grow up with the consciousness that they have to be beautiful to be liked. Pink products are for girls, and blue ones – for boys.

Sexism also exists at school. Often, teachers say: “I need some boys to take the tables to the other room”. Often the word “girl” is used to offend weak boys or gay men. Even in evaluation there is discrimination. Girls need to do much more effort in mathematics and science to get the same marks as boys. It is important that students from an early age are informed of the problem. Discussions need to be held to make students in order to make them look at their behavior critically.

 SOFIYA YANKOVA: 16, a singer, a creator, likes English, daughter of a pastor

Men and women differ physically and emotionally. Men are stronger and women are weaker, more gentle and emotional. Girls and boys have been treated differently since early childhood. Girls are prepared to be good wives, to be ladies, and boys are prepared to be innovators and learn to do physical work. Generally parents pay more attention to boys’ education. One of the main challenges facing men and women in the workplace is that men have access to many more occupations thus “pushing” women into small professional sector and making their choice very limited. Male children aspire to professions such as a pilot or an astronaut, and females fit as a teacher or a nurse. Old ideas about women’s limited rights somewhat halt the development of some women, but there are also such women, who are educated, follow their dreams and fight for a place in society. Typically, the husband is the head of the family, but today more and more men take care of their children and home. In the past it was important to be physically strong, but today the power is in innovation and intellect. Both genders can succeed in creating a successful business. Actually important are the efforts one makes to meet their goals, be it a man or a woman.

 NIKOLAY BOZHKOV: 19, a thinker, a creator, a PC expert

Since the creation of mankind there have always been two genders-male and female. Living along for so many time, getting through history together they have become inseparable. Men need women as much as women need men. However it's not a secret that women have always been put one step lower than men. History have shown us many examples of that and we need to learn from these examples that women deserve to be as privileged as men are.

 It is said that in this world we are all being born equal, but why does men have always been above women? Why do they have rights that the other sex doesn’t? It's because they are the stronger gender. Being the stronger gender gives power, making them ruthless to women. They are the ones who decide the fate of the world. But where are the women in this men's reign. They are right next to all these men who think that are doing great without no ones help. But they doesn't realize that if there were no women by their side, they wouldn't' have done so well. That’s why women deserve to be as equal as men and to have equal rights.

 To achieve equality both genders should take part in working for it, not only women. Men can also have benefits by that. It is known that women are weaker than men, not good enough, don't have the skills that the stronger gender have. But I think that this is a stereotype. I believe that they can manage things as well as males can. And if they can do so, they will contribute for the progress of every business out there. Women can actually be a pretty good competition to men. Both genders could have benefits by that.

 What people should strive for is not only equality written on a paper, but both genders to have access to resources and information, equal chances for success and most importantly to be respected as equals. This of course doesn't mean that the two genders should become the same. Men should still do what they do but give women respect and realize that males and females are born equal. This applies for women too. Everyone deserves fair treatment and opportunities.

 In modern days, so many people wants gender equality and they are becoming more and more. For many years there have been movements for equality between men and women. And a lot of women were recognized as equal to men. They have worked really hard to get there and have succeeded. This is what should be the only thing needed for success-hard work, not gender.

 Many women are so into the idea of gender equality that they forget what the true goal is. They have started to hate men, they think that women should rule, but this is not what we strive for.

Every human being born on this earth should have equal rights, but also responsibilities. People should have the same chances to get what they want without other people being interested in their genders.

  ROSEN RACHEV: 18, an actor, a footballer, a PC expert, a member of the School Council

The issue of gender equality is so much discussed between the two sides. Each of the two sexes believes that his/her statement is true.

The great majority of men think that women do not have all the ability to do activities that they can handle easily. In their point of view, a woman has certain duties and rights that she must obtain and should not deviate from them. According to women, however, a large proportion of men would not be able to cope with their obligations. The fact that they call them the "gentle sex" does not mean that women can not handle, for example, the heavy physical work that men do. In the household it is often mentioned that women are obliged to take full care of everything.

I think that both genders should be equal in this aspect and that household work should be distributed equally. I have always admired women practicing male professions in the fields of fire, police, military, and so on. For this you need serious physical and mental training, endurance, perseverance and discipline. Women, for example, can occupy many responsible positions, which are often performed by men, for example the Chancellor of Germany is a woman - Angela Merkel. Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for 11 years and Queen Elizabeth is the Head of the Commonwealth and queen of 12 countries. All these facts are evidences of gender equality.

On the other hand, I think men can skillfully deal with the obligations of the opposite sex. They can also take good care of the household such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. The best chefs in Bulgaria are men – for example, Uti Bachvarov and Ivan Zvezdev. Very often, in life, one of the sexes struggles for their own families - to take care of their children, their homes, their relatives, although sometimes they may find themselves in a difficult financial situation. When a person is strong and struggling, he can achieve everything, although sometimes he pays a high price for it. There are so many talented individuals that life has put on their knees before a life problem, but they do not stop fighting for their goals and dreams. It does not depend on gender, but on how is the person built and how can he handle all sorts of challenges in life.

Most important of all, there should be harmony between the two sexes. Everyone should be honest and sincere with the other, so that there is understanding and love among people, to live in peace with themselves and the surrounding society. We must accept the others they are, to make compromises, to help, support, respect, and appreciate. This is the meaning of life. That is why there must be gender equality.

  DESISLAVA STAMATOVA: 16, a fashion lover, a singer and dancer

People are often divided by race, nationality, age religion. In my opinion, there is no place where people are so compassionate about where they are equal to having the same social position, duties and rights.

Most people think that men are those with advanced knowledge, and women are concentrated on how they look attractive to men. It doesn’t matter how a man looks because he always has access to managerial posts. On the other hand, if a woman does not have the right appearance, the ability to be evaluated, despite her qualities and abilities, is limited. They are subjected to various procedures in order to be perceived by the others. In the past women wore a corset that lowered the waist and lifted the bust. Nowadays, they are on diets, enlarge their bust and lips with silicone and do lifting. They don’t do this for satisfaction but to be accepted by society. Men and women are different in biological aspect as well as in their responsibilities. For example, society has transferred the responsibility for raising children on women, and for defending them – on men.

In order to be able to build ourselves as individuals develop the world, we must be equal. All people should be respected and accepted. A woman should not be dependent on someone, but she has to scratch and achieve something, like a man. Everyone wants to progress in this life.

I think we should be equal to develop as people. Men should not underestimate women, because they can do more that they are supposed to do. We must not judged by gender as “gentle” and “strong” and be equal to achieve more in life.

 POLINA TONCHEVA: 13, a dancer, a singer, likes nail art, cats and languages

According to some people, both sexes aren’t equal, because women can’t do man’s work. I think they are wrong. If men can do female work, so women can do man’s work as well.

In fact, I don’t think there should be even any division of work. In the house chores should be distributed equally. The husband should cook, clean and take care of the children and she should repair broken appliances, cut wood and so on. There are lonely parents who do male and female work. Once two people have gone on one road, they have to help each other. The woman is not a robot. Family obligations must be equal. A lot of men think that women can’t do typically male activities. An example of equality is the Bulgarian woman, who has succeeded in many areas of work. There is no equality in some Muslim countries where women can’t go out of their homes. They can’t talk to other people. Some of them are sold. There is inequality around the world, although a lot of organizations have been fighting for women’s rights. In some countries women haven’t got the right to vote.

Probably in some parts of the world the situation won’t change. I hope I will never be a witness of such attitude. Nowadays, many problems would be solved if there were no division between men and women.

Still, friendship between the sexes gives rise to a new life.

  MIHAELA MIHAILOVA: 16, a singer, a dancer, likes parties and travelling

Gender equality is comparison between men and women. For example, there are things in which women are better than men or vice versa. Women are often thought of as being the weaker sex, but it’s not true. The fact that they are more sensitive does not make them weak. Men do not have the ability of the fly to make an elephant. Statistics show that a man’s brain weights more that a woman’s brain, but this doesn’t make men smarter. Because of the desire of women to enter society they do a number of procedures that would provide them with a better external view and thus a good reputation. Equality is a fundamental right for several reasons. One of them is the opinion that women would not cope with activities and professions typical for men. Second, there is unequal distribution of family responsibilities between the two sexes. A lot of men and women struggle alone in life. They raise their own children and do all duties to survive. Furthermore, men use physical and virtual violence more often then women. My appeal is: respect yourselves and people around you, because we are al equal.

YOANNA VELICHKOVA: 15, a leader, a singer, a PC expert

Despite many initiatives and efforts in policies of some countries on gender equality, men and women do not always have an equal start in profession, in the amount of salary, in participation in politics and in the achievement of career goals, family balance and much more. Men and women are not given the opportunity to choose what to learn, what to do, because they are already prescribed by the others and by their sex.

Discrimination on grounds of gender remains a common occurrence in many spheres of life around the world. It is difficult and even impossible to find a place on the planet where gender equality exists in its full meaning. Sex discrimination is a fact, despite significant progress. Although we are increasingly seeing women in leadership positions or participating in government, men who raise their children at home and women in typically men’s professions, we can’t say that gender inequality is overcome. Mostly, women’s ratings are based on their appearance and whether they are appealing to men. And that is exactly the case.

We must try to understand the needs of both sexes. We must all be aware of the mistakes we make towards the others, to build understanding and friendship towards each other. No matter where we are – in the street, at school or at work – we have to be respected. 

 TONI VASILEVA: 17, a poet, a dreamer, a creator

Gender equality - what’s this and is it even possible? This, ladies and gentlemen, is my goal in life. You will ask why? Because I'm tired of all gender discrimination around the world. I am a woman and I am proud of this! It doesn't mean I am less. I am not less smart or less capable just because I am not born male. We are all just humans, and this makes us equal. Men and women must have the same rights. Both genders can be equally good at the same things. We complement each other without even seeing it. We all want to be respected, but that cannot happen if we don't respect the others, too. I think that sometimes we forget about it and it's our biggest mistake. If we want change to happen - we should start with ourselves. Respect is something to fight for. It is not a gift, which you can get without doing anything. And as soon as we understand this, we will see the change we want to see. This is not an instructional essay - this is a truth essay. I wrote this because I hate how the world sees us. It sees us as a "woman" or as a "man". But we are much more than that! We are different humans with different personalities. We are not just a gender! I refuse to believe in this. Nobody can tell us what we can or what we cannot do. Ok, I am a woman, and you're a man and so what? I can cook - you can cook, you can build - I can build, I can learn - you can learn! We are the only ones who determine what we are capable of. But guess what? Every person can do everything if he/she really wants it. So don't tell me that I am less smart or brave, just because we not the same gender. I will give you back the favor and the world will be a better place for living. So what do you think, my pal? Should we give a try? 

 MISHEL DIMITROVA: 14, a singer, fashion lover, good at drawing

I think gender equality is difficult to achieve for many reasons.  Women are often underestimated in their abilities and skills. Men think that women can’t do their job and that they think the have to do the household and family duties. Now women occupy much higher positions in their profession and men are hosts in the house. A lot of women have contributed and have remained significant in history. In the Bulgarian history an example is Raina Popgeorgieva – she sew and waved the Bulgarian flag bravely and fearlessly next to Botev during the April Uprising against Ottoman Empire.

  VIKTORIA MIHALEVA: 13, good at arts, a folk dancer, loves nature and travelling

Opinions on gender equality are two – male and female. According to women, gender equality is a fundamental right, but according to men it is not.

Men think that women are physically weak and would not cope with typically male occupations and activities. Some women, however, do even better than men. Valentine Terezhkova was the first woman to fly in space, disproving this opinion of the stronger sex. Violence at home is mostly applied by husbands on their wives. No one will be tolerated for attacking a person who can’t protect themselves regardless of gender. Another issue is that the duties in the house are not evenly distributed. Men often think that women have to do everything at home, but they are wrong – everyone should help with the duties. 

 ROSITSA ZLATEVA: 18, a folk singer and dancer, likes socializing and travelling

In what kind of a world do we live? Whether we feel the differences or not? We all know about these differences between people and we can not do anything. We ask ourselves which is the stronger sex and there is not an exact answer to this question. It is because in the minds of all of us we must be equal.

Some men are better in some things then women, but in other aspects women are better than me. I don’t think that men are always the “strong” sex as it written and spoken everywhere. In some cases the women dominate in the family. Discrimination by gender remains a common phenomenon in many spheres around the world. It’s hard to find a place where there is equality. Everyone will feel better in a society where people are equal in terms of race, religion and gender.