I know what you are thinking. But women can vote. They have rights and a voice. They have the ability to get an education. They have it better than they did before. But the question is, do they really? The UK and USA are seen as a few of the most developed countries in terms of their economies, technology and more. But the ugly truth is, that if you were to look deeper, at the rate at which they are developing, you will realise that they are slowing down. Of course, there are many reasons for this, and I am only focusing on a select few.

How can they expect to grow, when 50% of the population earns 83p for every pound a man earns? How can we? The statistics and logic and math just simply do not add up. And god-forbid that anyone in that 50% are transgender, non-white or part of the lgbtq+ community (or anything that does not fit society’s steel enforced, stereotypical box). However, I am not saying that it is a walk in the park for cis, white and straight females. In reality, I could probably call this the racist truth, or the homophobic truth, or even the transphobic truth, as my examples have been accused of being those things as well. But I want to focus on a certain part of it. The misogynistic part. I am not trying to minimalise the rest of it all, just that as a cis, straight British-Indian female, I understand it the most, with racism coming in at a close second. I also understand that men do not have it extremely easy either, facing emotional oppression, amongst many other issues. But I cannot really relate to this on a personal level so I believe I should wait a little longer before writing on that equally important topic.

So, let’s start in the UK. Our current Prime Minister is Boris Johnson, an extreme misogynist. He has made numerous insensitive remarks, in public, on the ‘fickleness’ of women and has suggested that it is ‘feeble’ for a man in current times to be unwilling to take control of his woman. Just based upon this, you can tell how ‘caveman’ it sounds. On top of that, he has called children raised by strong and valiant single mothers ‘ill-raised, ignorant, aggressive and illegitimate’, when it is him that seems to be extremely ignorant.  How can we expect to evolve, when our very own Prime Minister is stuck in the likes of the Victorian Era and a firm misogynist? Not only does he insult such fearless pillars of society, but there are many disgusting allegations against him. Many respectable women have accused Johnson of groping them and having sexual affairs with them. These women were and still are real people, with real feelings. And to think he discarded them so crassly makes you wonder whether he really is the best person to progress this country towards equality.

Now onto our second and very well-known example, Donald Trump, President of the USA. His ‘conquests’ against women are infamous and despicable, and he is another misogynist whom we trust, but should be wary of, to lead America towards equality. To think at least 26 incidents of ‘unwanted sexual contact’ and another 43 incidents of inappropriate behaviour have been reported is enough to make anyone sick to their stomach. And if you are to add his distasteful comments as well, it really does disgust you. For example, Hilary Clinton, a proud, amazing and successful woman was subject to his abhorrent behaviour in 2015, when he unrightfully said ‘If Hilary Clinton can’t satisfy her husband. What makes her think she can satisfy America’. Not to mention, his perverted comments on the subject of his daughter, Ivanka Trump, are repulsive and degrade his already appalling image further. Calling her ‘a piece of ass’ and ‘voluptuous’ is under no circumstances acceptable. In fact, not just her, but calling any woman such degrading words, as though they are objects to be possessed is disgusting.

I do not want this to be taken as a political statement in regards to any ongoing elections (or anything else really), as this is simply my view on the way our world seems to be. I just want to make it abundantly clear for any of those still in doubt, that women are strong, fearless and certainly not objects or ‘notches’ on the belts of careless men. Asking a woman if she is ‘on her period’ every time she expresses her opinion on a topic she is particularly passionate about is wrong and misogynistic. Stereotyping women who do not hesitate in speaking their mind as obnoxious and attention-seeking is wrong and misogynistic. Assuming a woman can only work in a certain type of job or career is wrong and misogynistic. Catcalling and asking a woman to ‘smile more’ is wrong and misogynistic. Mansplaining is wrong and misogynistic. Expecting a woman to act and look a certain way is wrong and misogynistic. Women are more than just objects. They are sisters, mothers, daughters, wives, aunts, friends and have the potential to be anything they set their mind to. But more importantly, they are people. And that should be enough for you to respect them.

Thank you so much for listening/reading. If you have any questions, be sure to ask in the comments, don’t be afraid or nervous as I am sure other people have the same questions as well. And if you have any corrections, issues or concerns I will be happy to listen (and will appreciate them immensely). Bye for now.

Hopefully_writing signing out.