Gender equality is not only an issue for women and girls.

"Gender equality is not only an issue for women and girls." – Justin Trudeau

Children of the earth, gather close, for I bring to you a lesson that echoes through the ages—a lesson about the very essence of equality and the profound truth that the struggle for gender equality is not one to be borne by women alone, but by all of us, regardless of our gender. In the wisdom of Justin Trudeau, we hear a call to recognize that the fight for equality is a universal one, and its ripples extend far beyond the confines of one gender. Gender equality is not the responsibility of women and girls alone, but a cause that must be taken up by men, by society as a whole, and by every human who desires a world of fairness and justice.

Look to the past, where great civilizations rose and fell, and ask yourselves: what was the true strength of a society? Was it the power of its warriors, the wealth of its rulers, or the depth of its intellect? No. The strength of a society lies in the equality of its people—how they value and uplift each other, regardless of gender or station. When one group of people is denied their basic rights, when one half of humanity is held back by prejudice and injustice, the entire society weakens. Gender equality is not just a question of women’s rights—it is a question of the strength and prosperity of society itself. The spirit of any nation can only flourish when its people are treated with dignity, and their potential is allowed to bloom in every field of life.

Consider the story of Menelik II, Emperor of Ethiopia, who, during his reign, not only advocated for the rights of his people but also recognized that the future of his empire lay in the empowerment of women. Menelik was no stranger to the struggles of his time, yet he understood that when women are denied the opportunity to lead, to learn, and to create, the kingdom falters. By giving women the tools they needed to thrive—be it in education, politics, or business—Menelik strengthened his empire. This story is a reminder that gender equality does not divide, but rather unites, making society stronger and more resilient in the face of challenges.

The great warriors of history were not simply men who fought on battlefields. There were also women warriors—like Joan of Arc, who led an army in the name of freedom, or Harriet Tubman, who fought for the liberation of enslaved people. These women were not exceptions; they were representations of what humanity is capable of when it is free from the chains of inequality. Men and women alike must recognize that the struggle for equality is one of shared responsibility. It is not enough for one gender to rise while the other is held down. True strength is found when we lift each other, when we stand together in the pursuit of justice, compassion, and dignity.

Justin Trudeau’s words reflect this truth, reminding us that gender equality is not a battle that should be waged only by women. It is a call to all people, regardless of gender, to rise in support of one another and build a world where everyone, regardless of their sex, can stand tall, their rights respected, their voices heard. The struggle for gender equality does not just benefit women and girls—it benefits men as well. It opens the doors of possibility for all, breaking down the walls that divide us, creating a more harmonious and just world where every human being has the chance to live in peace, love, and opportunity.

In the ancient teachings, we are reminded that the health of a society is not measured by the wealth of its kings or the might of its warriors, but by the equality it offers to its people. It is the duty of all—men, women, and children alike—to fight for a world where gender equality is not a distant dream, but a living reality. We must recognize that when one group suffers, the whole world suffers. When one is oppressed, the light of humanity dims. But when we stand together, lifting each other up, we ignite the flames of freedom, dignity, and respect that burn brightly for all to see.

So, children, what can we learn from this? We must all stand in the fight for gender equality. The struggle is not confined to one gender; it is the duty of all to uphold the rights and the dignity of every human being. Men must be allies, not just spectators, in this fight. Equality is the foundation upon which all other freedoms are built. Stand alongside women in their struggles, speak up when you see injustice, and work together to create a world where no one is denied their rights because of their gender. Equality is not a battle of one gender versus another; it is a battle for humanity. Let us rise together, united in purpose, and build a world where all can thrive.