Do We Still Live in a Patriarchy?

Do we still live in a patriarchy? Quite simply, yes.

Patriarchy can be defined as a social system in which power is held by men, through cultural norms and customs that favour men and withhold opportunity from women.

While hope that equality is coming close in leaps and bounds, unfortunately it’s a much slower process than we may think. Countries with the most influential female icons and role models are still run and dominated by men. Take America for example; it has been governed by men since its foundation in 1776, and presidentially since 1789.

It is 2017 and we have yet to see a female president in the White House. We must ask ourselves, why? In today’s society, we should expect more for women’s rights. Despite the fact that feminism has taken hold and our movement as women is continually taking monumental strides towards change, it still feels like we’re standing still.

Sexism is something that all girls grow up knowing that they will be subjected to at some point in their lives. Whether it’s something they deal with everyday, or those fortunate enough to experience it less often, it is still a demeaning occurrence. This should not be the case. Girls should not have to learn to be “more careful” than boys walking down the street. Girls should not be limited in education and employment. Girls should not have to excuse male behavior because “boys will be boys.” And girls should never be made to feel less of a human because a human is a human, it is as simple as that.

Frankly, girls should be girls and proud.

We still have a long way to travel on the road to equality, but everyday we are getting closer.

Though we believe that we are doing everything we can to fight sexism and the antique patriarchal values, we have to take control as the next generation. We have to unlearn sexism, until it is an obsolete term in our vocabulary. We have to teach our children equality, and make sure the opportunities are equal and untarnished by gender barriers.

Yes, we do still live in a patriarchy and yes, it is unfair. But yes, we can still change this. Free the nip, embrace your femininity and expel negativity. Don’t let the patriarchy bring you down.