What exactly does gender stereotyping mean?
Put simply, gender stereotyping is assigning specific traits/ roles to an individual, based on their gender i.e. man or woman. An unjust infringement of fundamental rights and individual freedom, gender stereotyping is present and in practice in almost every sphere, even in 21 st century. Wide-ranging personal rights get violated due to unwarranted gender stereotyping.
We focus on gender stereotyping of women in this article.
Stereotypes lead to discrimination that in turn may lead to severe and long-lasting effects on mental health. Not just among women but also in their families.
One common example of gender stereotyping in our society is the idea that women “should” dress and behave modestly to avoid sexual violence.
Let’s see some more such stereotypes foisted on women:
– Inadequate education among women
– financial insecurity
– restricted right to freedom of expression and movement
– under-representation
Any surprise then that women suffer from stress, anxiety, and self-doubt among other mental health problems.
“It is said that girls with dreams become women with vision. May we empower each other to carry out such vision – because it isn’t enough to simply talk about equality. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to simply believe in it. One must work at it. Let us work at it. Together. Starting now.”
– Meghan Markle, United Nations, 2015.
Throughout history, women have challenged stereotypes. One such challenge erupted in Iceland in 1975 when 90% women went on a nationwide strike taking to streets and asking for equal rights.
Sex-based discrimination is reducing but gender stereotypes remain. The bright side is that more women are rising, challenging and fighting circumstances, and winning too.
For example; Mrs Rishika*, a homemaker and mother of two started a home bakery during the Covid- 19 lockdown when her husband, the sole earner lost his job.
As per WHO, women constitute 70% of global healthcare force. Managing others’ safety and also taking care of their own families proves how resilient women are despite stressful and demanding situations.
This International Women’s Day, choose to improve your mental health, share your experiences and help others grow.
*Names have been changed for confidentiality.
Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.
About MindTribe.in.
MindTribe Founder Dr. Prerna Kohli, India’s eminent psychologist, established the company to leverage the strength of the online to make counseling affordable and accessible to everyone. MindTribe provides counseling, workshops, support groups, forums, and eLearning.
About the Author.
Ishita Jain is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about her by clicking here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.