Since I was young, my relatives and grandmother always told me that girls do not need to be highly educated. I have always wondered why they never stop my brothers from reaching for higher level of education. To my grandmother, she always encourages my brothers to get a doctrate degree so that they can be a specialist in one area that they like. Why can't I do the same thing? I have always wanted to be a teacher and I have some passion for it. However, I was told not to go overseas to further my studies. Five years ago, my grandmother and aunts stopped me from going to the US because they felt that there is no need for me to study that much. They always say that I will eventually marry, become a mother and a housewife. At that time, I told them that I wanted to explore the world and do not want to limit myself to certain levels they were trying to set for me. My parents were supportive and let me further my education in America and Singapore.
I must admit that my grandmother's perception of girls is that they do not require high education since it is unnecessary. I do want to change her mindset and perception because girls should have the same opportunity to experience and learn new things as boys do. The traditional Cambodian perception of girls is exactly the same as in Indian society before. Women are always be inferior to men and always remain as a housewife regardless of how much education she could achieve. Personally, I think it is extremely unfair and untrue because girls can achieve the same level as success as boys do if she is willing to do so. People should not judge the ability based on gender.
5 comments:
Certainly, there are still gender inequality in our society, especial in the corporate world. While the notion of women are inferior to men is no longer a sound argument, it is still part of the lives of today's women, especially within her family.
Your example is quite unique because you were able to triumph despite the obstacles. But one has to remember that not every parents want their daughters to be just housewives. There are economic factors and social factors, as in India, that prevent women from achieving her highest potential. It takes a strong, empowered, and goal-oriented woman to overcome the glass ceiling. Of course, she also need the unconditional support of her family too.
I agree that this inequality between men and women still exist and that it is truly unfair.
It will take a while before the glass ceiling could really be broken because of the way our ancestors and the older generation were brought up. However like what Hilary Clinton has once said, the glass ceiling has not been broken but it has a million cracks on it already. =)
I'm glad your parents are still supportive of you continuing your education! =) and i am glad mine are too!
Good post girl! ALL HAIL US GIRLS!
On the side note, women are not alone in gender discrimination. Men are also subject to discrimination too. We are subject to different standards than women, whether in the corporate world or in society in general. How often do you hear a man sues a woman for office sexual harassment or sexual inappropriateness in the office? Yes, very rare.
While--one can argue--women are still subjected to gender inequality, they are not alone.
:)
In this context I totally agree women are definitely, or rather treated unfairly in this modern, yet still old-fashioned society. No doubt men are seen as the upper class in terms of gender, but there are living examples women are capable of doing what men can achieve, or even better. I must say, your parents did the right thing and thankfully they did not heed your grandmother's advice of not sending you abroad for your studies.
However, if you're talking about inequality between men and women, I reckon this agenda would be a never-ending one..
Cheers!
I totally agree that there is inequality between the two genders especially with the older generation! Well, as time past, gender discrimination is getter lesser and lesser and females are also able to do things males do.
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