WOMEN VS MEN
How representation of genders or the lack of it heats up a debate every women’s day
Eight March marks the pursuit of women to achieve their rights and status in par with men in order to build a gender equal world. International Women’s day brings the message of empowerment to women across the world with this year’s theme being #BeBoldForChange.
Besides, the International Women’s day, the lesser known International Men’s day also exists which is dated as 19 November. International Men’s day focuses on improving health, encouraging gender equality and appreciating the role of men in family and society. Previous year they also had a theme to stop male suicide that is caused by worsening health conditions.
However, still many people are skeptical about men’s day and how it isn’t relevant worldwide with male dominance and patriarchy running in many countries. Paper Crush spoke to people about their views on having men’s day and the significance it carries for them.
“I believe men’s day is not all that important because men have a big representation. I also think Women’s day is not enough to recognize the rights of women, instead there should be a women’s week to celebrate the multiple roles women have”, said Salman Nasir a faculty member in NUST.
A few people also challenged the concept of celebrating these days.
“I do not get the purpose of allocating these days for genders but if a women’s day exists then so should a men’s day and a day for the transgender,” said Ammarra Jawad.
“The reason for celebrating women’s day or men’s day should be identified. Some forty years from now, women’s day was relevant everywhere but now times have changed and there has been a lot of work on women’s rights. Though they still might be relevant in low income countries where women need representation. Alongside this we must also address to men’s issues equally”, said Sehr-un-Nissa a psychologist and Gender and Media studies teacher.
The debate also remained a hot topic on social networking site Twitter with there being different takes on International Women’s day.
Such as this one questioning the superiority of women over men:
Or this one wanting to know about men’s day to get their share of credit:
The negative feedback also happened to upset someone:
And some wanted equal representation for everyone:
Men’s day is usually brought up on International Women’s day however, the latter seems to have more prominent demonstration across the world. It remains to be seen what feedback International Men’s day gets and if they get equal representation and support worldwide as women’s day.
Edited by Hassan Abbas
