For centuries, women have been marginalised by men. But, in recent times, women have also been breaking the mould of what it means to be a woman. Jess Bourne reflects on women’s history in the UK and how it has affected her life.
Being a female is hard work. Trust me, I know. We are expected to be hard-working, dedicated, passionate, successful, maternal, loving and caring. The list is endless. But how are we expected to do all of this when we’re constantly getting shot down?
Feminism. No, it doesn’t mean we hate all men. It means we strive for our voices to be heard on matters of equality of the sexes. Well sometimes, if we’re lucky.
As Beyoncé famously said: “Who run the world? Girls.” Well, let me tell you, we’re trying (there was that time when Liz Truss ran the country but let’s draw a veil over that.)
How many women actually take part in making key decisions that affect women and men alike? Not many. Not enough, that’s for sure.
And who are more likely to be paid less than men for doing the exact same job? Oh yes, it’s women. Of course it is.
It’s 2024 and women are still treated like second class citizens. Many people still see us as objects or baby-making machines. We’re not. We are human beings, and we have feelings and emotions.
But, thankfully, somewhere in history, women decided enough was enough. They were fed up with men always making the key decisions and ruling over their lives like dictators. They decided to take a stand for what they believed was right and now, people like myself can play a part in putting an end to misogyny and the patriarchy.
Before feminism, men and women had clear gender roles within the house. The men were expected to go out to work and earn a living, while the woman stayed at home with the children – cooking, cleaning and ensuring the upkeep of the house.
I don’t just want to be a housewife that is stuck at home doing the same jobs day in day out. I want to be an independent woman with a successful job. But, despite this, this dream doesn’t mean that I don’t want a husband and a family. It just means that he will not control what I do. Why can’t we be equals? Is that too much to ask?
This is not just my story. It’s everyone’s story. It’s a story that spans 200 years, and it is still having an impact today.
A quick history lesson. Feminism began in 1791 with women campaigning to put an end to slavery. And despite their successes, they never received the recognition that they rightfully deserved. And it’s not often that you hear this story – that women were instrumental in the abolishment of slavery. But it’s true. They were the ones that got the ball rolling and encouraged others to think about their actions.
This was just the start.
Then, more than 100 years later, the Suffragists were formed, which in turn, resonated with Emmeline Pankhurst, who then established the Suffragettes. Many women lost their lives during the campaigning, but they were fighting for what they believed to be right. Now thanks to their actions and dedications, it means that women now have the right to vote, something that was previously forbidden.
Fast forward to 1970, two world wars had happened, and endless amount of acts and bills were passed resulting in women becoming more equal to men, but there were still clear inequalities.
Harold Wilson’s government passed The Equal Pay Act. This made it illegal to pay women less than men, just because of their gender. Despite this, many organisations still disregard this, with only 8% of them paying both sexes fairly.
This means that when I get a job, working as a journalist, there is a high likelihood I will not be paid more, or even the same, as men who have the exact same skills, same dedication, and same degree as me.
Just think if that was your mother, daughter or wife. And they got paid less because of their gender. And it’s not as if we asked to be a woman. We didn’t ask to be treated so differently.
Women have continued to advocate for what they believe to be right and thanks to our predecessors, women today, including myself, can live in a much more freeing and equal world.
Women can now receive an education, vote, have a job and control what they do with their lives and bodies.
But there is still a long way to go in other parts of the world. There are still inequalities in society that need to be addressed, so one day, patriarchy is just learnt about in history books, rather than being something we have to tackle day in and day out.
