Democracy and gender equality : a brief survey

Abstract

This study based on observation, experience and study of a selected group of women in our society, living in a small democratic Island State. This means freedom for personal expression, beliefs and freedom of worship, access to information, education and the right to vote. As democratic citizens, we agree that gender discrimination is against natural law. Men and women have equal opportunities; they right to exercise their human rights and dignity and freedom. In the past, women were the property of men. Their role in life was to serve him. Society was order in a sort of 'sexual hierarchy', with men at the top. It was a power-structured society. However, things changed since the principles of democracy became the tenets of a democratic government. There are no more differences between the sexes; gender equality replaced male-domination. Change in mentality cannot happen over night. What had been the normal attitude and behaviour for centuries takes time and goodwill by all sides concerned to change.