Nature Created Man and Woman as Equals
Introduction
The chapter “Nature Created Man and Woman as Equals” teaches that men and women are equal by nature and God’s design. It uses the story of a family-Ashangbi (a journalist and activist), Tomba (a lawyer and social worker), and their daughter Lanthoi-to show how equality works at home and why it’s needed in society. Lanthoi prepares for a school symposium on “God Created Men and Women as Equals,” learning from her parents about fairness and women’s potential.
1. Setting and Family Description
Setting: A peaceful house near a stream, surrounded by mountains, mustard fields, and a garden with jasmine and fruit trees. It’s April, and the courtyard has incense burning at God’s altar.
Ashangbi: A middle-aged mother of three, a journalist, and a women’s rights activist. She’s writing an article in her reading room.
Lanthoi: Her youngest daughter, smart and thoughtful. She asks her mother for a discussion on gender equality for her symposium.
Tomba: Lanthoi’s father, a lawyer and social worker. He supports his wife’s work, shares household chores (cleaning, cooking, etc.), and believes in equality for all.
2. Key Themes and Messages
Equality at Home: Tomba and Ashangbi show equality by sharing responsibilities. Tomba’s help allows Ashangbi to succeed as a professional.
Inequality in Society: Outside their home, women face unfair treatment and fewer opportunities than men.
God’s Intention: Ashangbi says God created men and women to share life’s joys, sorrows, and nature’s blessings equally.
Women’s Importance: Women are half of humanity and vital to family, society, and nation-building. They can do anything men can-farming, leading, exploring, etc.
Love and Motherhood: Mothers bring love to families, a bond beyond comparison. Women embrace challenges to become mothers.
3. Discussion Between Lanthoi and Her Parents
Tomba’s View: He tells Lanthoi, “The world is still full of inequalities. We have to find a way to bring equality between men and women.” He’s sad about society’s injustice to women.
Ashangbi’s View: She agrees with Tomba, saying women don’t get the same chances as men outside their home. She explains that God wants equality, and women’s subjugation goes against this.
Lanthoi’s Learning: She sees her parents as equals and feels love at home. She asks about laws and rules to help women reach their potential.
4. Historical and Modern Examples of Women
Pioneer Women: Lanthoi’s grandmother told her about brave queens like Linthoingambi and Kuranganayani, who were as strong as kings. Common women also built homes and farmed.
Modern Women: Today, women are mountaineers, astronauts, scientists, soldiers, and leaders, proving they equal men in all fields.
5. United Nations Declaration
- Ashangbi tells Lanthoi about the UN’s rules for equality:
- Equal Access: Same opportunities for health and education.
- Equal Participation: Women should help make political and economic decisions.
- Equal Reward: Same pay for the same work.
- End Discrimination: Stop violence and unfair treatment against women.
- These rules aim to free women from suppression and let them use their physical and mental abilities.
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