"Not a Battle, but a Balance: Rethinking Gender Equality Without Losing the Plot"

[DISCLAIMER: My perspective on gender equality is rooted in the belief that true fairness doesn’t require rivalry or extremism. While I firmly advocate for women’s rights and the removal of unjust barriers, I do not believe that true equality means erasing the inherent differences between men and women. My goal is to spark reflection, not division. I welcome dialogue and hope this piece fosters more understanding and cooperation between the sexes.]

There's a lot of noise around gender equality these days. Some are important—long overdue, even. But honestly? Some of it feels like it's drifting into a weird space where it’s less about justice and more about rivalry. And that’s where I check out.

I believe in fairness. I believe in creating space for women to breathe, grow, and lead without having to claw for the basic respect they deserve.

But I’ll be real: I don’t believe in absolute equality—not the way some people are pushing it today. Men and women aren’t the same, and I don’t think we have to be in order to deserve the same dignity.

This isn’t about tearing men down. It’s not about flipping the power dynamic so women come out on top instead. I have brothers. And they are good, kind, emotionally intelligent, respectful men who uplift and protect the women around them without ever feeling threatened. They prove every day that supporting women doesn’t require diminishing men.

Gender inequality is real. That’s not up for debate. All around the world, women are still denied basic rights, shut out of decision-making, and undervalued in every sector you can think of. In some places, laws still control what women can wear, say, own, or even decide about their own bodies. And culturally? The old expectation that women should shrink themselves—be agreeable, be quiet, be "nice"—is very much still alive.

But here’s my two cents: fixing all that doesn’t mean we have to overcorrect. We don’t need to erase the beauty of our differences just to find balance. What we need are systems that are fair, not forced. Laws and policies that lift everyone up, not pit one group against another.

When I talk about women’s rights, it’s not because I expect only women to dominate and lead. I just believe that it’s imperative that women are seen, heard, valued. Because when women win, society wins. And when good men stand alongside women, we all move forward faster.

I’m tired of conversations that feel like battlegrounds. There should be partnerships, not polarization. Equality shouldn’t come at the cost of grace, respect, or common sense. It should be about equity—meeting people where they are, tearing down barriers, and letting everyone rise in their own way.

This isn’t a battle. It’s a balance. And if we could stop yelling long enough to actually listen, maybe we’d realize... we’re not as far apart as we think.