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Misogyny Begins In Our Homes
Growing up in Pakistan I was keenly aware of the deep-seated sexism and misogyny that permeated every aspect of society. Whether it was in the workplace, in politics, or even in the media, women were constantly subjected to discrimination and mistreatment based solely on their gender. Unfortunately, this small minded thinking was also prevalent within my own family.
One day during a family gathering, the topic of women’s rights came up in conversation. My male relatives were discussing the recent wave of feminist activism that had been sweeping the country, and didn’t seem to have a favorable view of the events.
“Why do women need all of these rights?” my uncle asked dismissively. “They already have everything they need. What more do they want?”
I felt my blood begin to boil at his ignorance. How could he be so blind to the reality of the situation? “That’s not true at all,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “Women are still facing a lot of discrimination and inequality in this country. We need to work together to create a more equal society.”
My uncle laughed. “Come on, don’t be so sensitive. You know we don’t really mean it like that. It’s just a joke.”
But I wasn’t laughing. I knew that this kind of casual dismissal of sexism and misogyny was a big part of the problem. “It’s not a…
