Why didn’t women have more opportunities in the past compared to today? While women in some parts of the world, such as under Taliban rule, still lack the same rights as men and are constrained by laws created by politicians, I reflect on my own experiences. When I was first asked about my hobbies in 7th grade, I struggled to give a specific answer since I had diverse interests: drawing, professional tennis; I thought that my passions should reveal themselves over time.
However, when I expressed my aspirations, a teacher told me not to worry about them for the reason that as a “girl,” my future husband would take care of everything. Her words made my blood boil. Why shouldn’t I have the right to choose a career over starting a family?
In tenth grade, while researching this question, I discovered Diana E.E. Kleiner’s course on “Roman Architecture.” This course not only guided me toward architecture as my main focus but also highlighted how, during the Roman Empire, buildings and spaces were predominantly designed by men for men. The disparity between men and women species, illustrated that women were never prioritized; they were often viewed as incapacitated. Women could not manage their lives or own property, leaving their fathers, male siblings, or husbands in control of their assets. This system effectively enabled men to seize women’s property simply because of their marital or familial connections.
So why do women still lack full rights in some regions today? The gender revolution has primarily impacted the workforce but has not yet transformed private life. Some argue that biology dictates that women are physiologically weaker than men. However, I reject this notion; being born with different physical attributes does not determine one’s potential for achievement.
To advocate for gender equality, I shared an article titled “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women Architects Shaping Free and Inclusive Spaces.” I hope it serves as a small yet significant step toward promoting gender equality for both women and men.