Gender equality is everyone’s issue, says McGregor
OPINION
By Samantha McGregor, Healthy Youth Network
Flamborough Review
Wed., Dec. 1, 2021
I am a feminist. Why has this statement become so negative?
By definition, feminism is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and equal opportunities. It isn’t the idea that women are better than men nor is it an “I hate men” mentality.
It’s a political, social, and economic theory that suggests no matter the sex you were born as, or the gender you identify with, you should be treated equally.
I am a feminist. Why is this statement usually only said by women?
One of the main principles of feminism is gender equality, and men are a gender worth fighting for too. Men deal with harmful gender stereotypes daily, from ‘act like a man,’ to being told you can’t cry or show emotions.
Men struggle with mental health. Men are the targets of gender-based violence. Men suffer because of gender inequality.
Which is why Healthy Youth Network is launching a youth-led Ally Program for students to see themselves as allies in preventing violence against women, breaking harmful gender stereotypes and building healthy relationships.
With funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada, we are able to launch our Ally Program, aimed at creating systemic change around gender-based violence and gender equality at Waterdown District High School (WDHS).
We’ll be working with WDHS students to conduct research around gender-based violence and to plan and implement our Ally Program. These students will play a vital role in creating systemic change in their school, community, and even country.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to be part of developing this program,” said WDHS student Hannah McGregor, 18. “I feel like students are sometimes left out of the decision-making process on issues that directly impact us.”
Gender equality is a men’s issue, a women’s issue and an everyone’s issue. Therefore it’s up to everyone to find a solution.
To learn more about our Ally Program visit http://parent.healthyouthnetwork.ca/ally-program/.
