The way that women are viewed by society is often
overlooked as something that must be changed, yet it is
still an issue that deserves much focus. While it is true
that women have made much progress in the last few decades,
women have yet to obtain equal status to men. In some
countries, like in the United States, women enjoy many
freedoms and opportunities. However, some women are not as
fortunate and still live in a society that tries to
dominate their lives, and often does.
Because of the recent war with Afghanistan, the world is
increasingly becoming aware of the harsh and strict
dominance that some women have to endure. Before the war,
very few people stopped to think about the rigid reality of
those women. Unfortunately, the only reason they do now is
because of the constant reminder the media provides through
its coverage. It seems that the world had forgotten about
these women, and had left them alone to face their
unchangeable fate.
In other countries there are still distinctions between men
and women, yet in a more subtle way. For example, in some
Hispanic cultures, women are still perceived as nothing
more than housewives. Girls are brought up thinking in this
manner, and therefore learn to accept it without
questioning it. Although this situation is not as extreme
as the one in Afghanistan, something must also be done
about it. Because as children they are instilled to aspire
to be nothing other than housewives, women are restricted
from fully exploring their capacities and talents. If a
woman does fulfill herself professionally, she may find
that she will never be fully accepted by society.
Sexism still exists, but those who are lucky enough not to
be in these conditions prefer to ignore the issue. However,
if the problem is ignored, there will never be any change
and these women will have to continue living in the stated
conditions. Women have much to offer, but in order to
demonstrate it, they must first be given the opportunity.
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