everyone deserves to achieve their full potential

Why do we keep battling over which gender has it worse? What is the ultimate prize in this battle? And does anyone really want it? Is it a pity party?  A vindication or validation that you have it worse off? Certainly, the feeling of victory would be short lived. And it most definitely will not solve any of the underlying issues nor make anyone better off in the end.

Arguing distracts and prevents us from solving the actual problems. And maybe it is intended to? It is certainly easier to fight than find and implement solutions. Solving a problem is harder than arguing about it.

As a recent article articulates, both genders without a college degree are worse off today and both are suffering. We already know that men and women were doing well and on an upward trajectory in the 1980s and 1990s. But the situation is not as rosy today. Both men and women are worse off today for different reasons. Hopelessness, lack of opportunity, and lack of education are problems both boys and girls experience. And stripping away women’s reproductive rights and the freedom to make decisions about their own body compounds all these problems for our girls.

Everyone deserves to thrive and reach their full potential. Instead of wasting our energy fighting, we could focus on interventions that make a positive difference. This is certainly a better option than pitting boys and girls against each other because this is just a race to the bottom.

If we work together on creative solutions and opportunities instead of fighting, we might just solve for all.