The role of women
Women roles have tended to vary from situation to another. Various literature and even holy script have also tried to construct the role of women in the society. However, the right to freedom as entrenched in various constitutions has allowed women to engage in different roles like their male counterparts. There is no limitation or hindrances that obscure women from doing that which they deem right and within their capability. This paper delineates on the current roles of women in this era compared with the portrayals of women roles in the literary works.
In the modern period, 21st century, women roles have changed drastically. The rights and freedom in the laws has played a far reaching role in ensuring this. The movement for women liberty began in the 19th century. Women agitated for self ownership and to be legally and equally respected (Ely, Robin et al 475). Their role was not to be housewives rather than to arise and take leadership roles. Stigmatization upon women in terms of sex, family, technology, economic wellbeing and even social dimension was not to be experienced. Therefore, women were to compete competitive with women and included in the building of the nation. Their feminism was not to deter them from achieving their self worth.
When the roles of women are compared currently and other previous periods such as Othello, The epic of Gilgamesh, Old Testament: Genesis, Medea, The Canterbury Tales and
Metamorphose, there are noticeable differences. Currently, women have the freedom to worship and make decisions without consulting their husbands, they have the ability to work and be self suitable. They also take on leadership roles. They are not housewife as it was in the ancient days. They can also participate in national building by setting up their companies’ and elevating their status. In the Old Testament for instance in the book of Genesis, women were created and required to play the same roles. However, when Eve ate the forbidden fruit the roles assigned to them were changed. Women are given the role as signing children and helping the husband. Therefore, women are given a low stature in terms of their place and role (Wendy 3). In the story of Medea, women are perceived as inferior and lacking in intelligent. However, Medea acts contravene this as she works hard and strives hard to achieve what she wants. Therefore, her actions are viewed by the many to contravening the expectations of the society. Likewise in the Canterbury tales women are depicted as people that bring agony to man and cause his man. They use their beautiful nature to sway men in the wrong direction. Therefore women are projected to play no important role in uplifting the life of men. In metamorphose, women are depicted as victims. They are suppressed and dominated over by the male counterpart. There role is therefore limited to making their husbands happy and looking for the children. Likewise, in Othello and epic of Gilgamesh men are not valued by the society. They are the ones who suffer; they are raped and intimidated by the society.
Therefore, the role of women and the way women have been depicted in
the society has changed drastically. In various literacy works as shown above, women were oppressed, their role was in the homes and were depicted as having less intelligent to lead and foster economic development. The current women have been elevated and are able to compete favorable with men without intimidation. Therefore, it is important to appreciate this transformation. It is important for society to give every person an opportunity to advance and explore their goals and ambitions.
Works cited
Ely, Robin et al. ‘Taking Gender Into Account: Theory and Design for Women’s Leadership Development Programs,’ Academy of Management Learning & Education, 10.3(2011): 474-493. Print.
Wendy, McElroy. Liberty for women: Freedom and Feminism in the twenty-first century. Ivan R. Dee Publishers. (2002). Print.
