Reality of Womanhood in the Twenty-First Century

TW- this article discusses sexual assault and body image

“I am learning to speak up for myself” but there is ‘judgement on everything we do’. A recent survey conducted on 1,844 teenage girls revealed that many fail to enjoy being a girl in the twenty-first century and over 85.9% of those surveyed believe they are not equal to boys – the ‘superior gender. But why is that?

It is important to recognise the progress we have achieved in our fight for gender equality. Girls are more prepared to study subjects that were typically classed as being ‘boys territory’ and women are more likely to acquire highly prestigious jobs that in the past would’ve only been attained by men.

However, it is important to also recognise the power and influence men have on girls feeling safe and also their own self worth. One girl argued that “men use us as pawns to feed their own pride and ambition”, whilst another argued that she is “constantly body shamed by men”.

“Girls, when walking home, often carry their phones directly on them or avoid certain areas out of fear of being harmed”

A prevalent argument that reoccurred in many aspects of the survey was the fear that many young girls have of walking home alone at night. One girl stated that boys can “walk safe at night” without the continuous fear of being raped, sexually assaulted, or harassed. This indicates the innate fear girls of this generation have. Through the expansion of media and the exposure of acts such as sexual abuse, young girls have become more aware of the dangers lurking and heightened their fear of men themselves.

In an attempt to prevent these occurrences, the survey showed that girls, when walking home, often carry their phones directly on them or avoid certain areas out of fear of being harmed.

In a study conducted by the Crime Survey for England and Wales in March 2017, they found that by the age of 16, 3.4 million women had experienced some form of sexual assault, and in 2019, at least 406,970 girls were either raped or sexually assaulted.

These official statistics help solidify why girls are scared to do simple things like walking home on their own.

“I am told to be perfect by society, to look perfect, and act perfect”

Additionally, the survey also revealed the impact both social influencers – boys and girls – had on other girls’ self confidence.

Around 65% of the girls surveyed revealed that social media influencers such as Kylie Jenner, have been a contributing factor to their lack of self worth and confidence. One girl argued that “I am told to be perfect by society, to look perfect, and act perfect”, whilst another argued “if you want to have status or be popular, you have to have flawless makeup and a good body”.

If anything, these statements only show the negative impact social media has on girls. They have become conditioned to believe that they must be the definition of ‘perfect’ yet that is just unattainable.

A further 22% argued that boys negatively influence the way girls view themselves. One girl argued that “although girls negatively view other girls, when a boy verbalises it, it impacts me more.”

“They wear the makeup to attract and the outfits to impress”

When a boy comments on a girl’s appearance, it is likely to have a greater impact because they feel conditioned to impress – they wear the makeup to attract and the outfits to impress.

The survey further revealed that many girls have become subject to commentary on their body because of boys and their expectations, with many arguing that these comments stay with them for a long period of time.

The survey also challenged the beliefs as to when we are exposed to gender inequality. 33.5% argued that we are only exposed when we are aged between eleven and fifteen because that is when boys “are more aware of the institutionalised dominance they have over girls”.

Many, however, argued that children as young as six are exposed to inequalities and sexism. One example of this is how teachers often relied on ‘two strong boys to carry the chairs’. This highlights how, from a young age, it is established that boys are the stronger gender whilst girls are weaker and less able.

“We have no one else to blame but ourselves for today’s gender gap”

Another argument raised was also how from birth, parents provide their children with toys and pieces of entertainment that have been designed to entertain a specific gender. For example, girls often have baby dolls and more maternal items whereas boys will have toy weapons and action figures.

One girl who was surveyed argued that “these early exposures to different toys for girls and boys can potentially be a factor in the gender roles of today despite being less distinct than in other centuries. Boys have action figures that portray unrealistic presentations of superior men who may influence their self-concept, whilst girls from young ages know they are to care and nurture babies. We have no one else to blame but ourselves for today’s gender gap”.

When asked the question, ‘Do you think we will ever be fully equal to boys’, a definitive 38% argued ‘no’ whilst 47.9% argued ‘maybe’.

It is important to recognise that as a society we have progressed – women now have access to masculine careers. However, as one girl stated, “there will always be prejudice passed down”.

This highlights how there is a chance that girls will never be equal to men. Through many men growing up believing that they are superior to women, their values and beliefs will be passed down to their children.

Yet there is also a solution to this.

“Being a girl should be celebrated, it is an identity that makes many feel ‘proud’ and ‘capable'”

Through “a lot of work and re-teaching” girls may eventually become equal to men. Through teaching, it can help to “no longer restrict female confidence and male expression of emotion”, two factors that explain why total equality doesn’t exist.

The past century has been significant in advocating for women’s rights and change. Girls have a more positive mindset where they know they are “capable of doing everything a boy can do”, yet society is the stagnant factor which is corrupting the ability to change.

“Boys have it easier, much easier”, one girl stated, showing that being a girl in the twenty-first century pose challenges.

However, the survey also revealed that being a girl should be celebrated, it is an identity that makes many feel ‘proud’ and ‘capable’, showing the overall progress that has been achieved over the past century.

Brooke Heneghan

Follow @HeneghanBrooke

Featured image courtesy of  Omar Lopez on Unsplash. Image license can be found here. No changes were made to this image..