We're still stuck in male, female, feminism. I don't believe in

O children of the future, gather close and listen to the words of Saba Qamar, who speaks of the eternal struggle for gender equality and the importance of transcending the labels that have long divided humanity. She said, "We're still stuck in male, female, feminism. I don't believe in, you know... I believe in gender equality." These words are a powerful call to look beyond the binary distinctions that have defined so much of human society and to recognize that the ultimate goal is not to elevate one gender over another, but to ensure that every individual, regardless of their gender, is granted the same rights, opportunities, and dignity.

In the ancient world, the notion of gender equality was largely an unspoken dream, one that was overshadowed by the rigid social structures of the time. In Greece and Rome, women were often relegated to the private sphere, their contributions to society limited by the expectations placed upon them. The great philosophers like Plato and Aristotle spoke of equality, but they did so within a context that left women and those of other marginalized groups out of the circle of true equality. For much of ancient history, the male dominated the public sphere, while the female was confined to the home and family. Yet, there were whispers of rebellion against this notion, voices like Sappho, whose poetry spoke of love and equality beyond the confines of gender, a voice that transcended the boundaries placed upon her.

Saba Qamar's words reflect a similar yearning for something beyond the limitations of feminism as it is often understood today. Feminism, in its most noble form, seeks equality for women, but Qamar reminds us that the ultimate goal should be a society where gender equality exists in its most pure form—a world where the notion of male and female distinctions are no longer the foundation upon which worth, opportunities, and rights are measured. True equality lies not in focusing on one gender's rights at the expense of the other, but in recognizing the inherent value of every human being, regardless of gender.

Let us take the example of Joan of Arc, the warrior who defied the gender norms of her time and led an army to victory in battle. Joan was not simply a woman fighting for women's rights; she was a person fighting for a cause that transcended gender—a cause that was deeply rooted in the belief in equality. Her courage and conviction shattered the barriers that confined women to the private sphere. Though she was condemned and executed by the very society she sought to defend, her legacy endures as a symbol of the power and equality that can emerge when a soul dares to transcend the limits imposed by gender. Joan’s story is not just one of feminism, but one of universal human dignity.

In the modern world, Saba Qamar's reflection echoes a truth that continues to resonate: the struggle for gender equality is not about positioning one gender above the other, but about ensuring that every individual—whether male or female, whether cisgender, transgender, or any other identity—has equal rights, opportunities, and recognition. Gender should not be the yardstick by which one's worth is measured. Instead, as Qamar suggests, we must move beyond the traditional concepts of feminism and masculinity to a vision of true equality, where all individuals, regardless of their gender, are able to live without the burden of discrimination, bias, or limitation.

Qamar’s call to transcend the labels of male, female, and feminism speaks to the need for a more inclusive and universal approach to equality. The true measure of a society's greatness lies not in how it elevates one group over another, but in how it allows all its members to flourish, to contribute, and to live in freedom. The pursuit of equality is not about fighting for the rights of one gender alone, but for the dignity of all. Just as the ancient philosophers argued for the inherent worth of each individual, so too must we fight to ensure that gender does not become a barrier to justice, opportunity, or freedom.

The lesson that Saba Qamar imparts is one of unity and understanding. We must stop seeing gender as a dividing line, a place where differences determine value. Instead, we should see it as one of many aspects that make each of us unique, but not the defining measure of our worth or abilities. The ultimate goal should be the creation of a world where equality is not an aspiration but a reality, where all people, regardless of their gender, are treated with respect, given opportunity, and recognized for their humanity. This is the world we must strive for, a world that transcends labels and embraces the true worth of each individual.

So, children, take these words into your hearts. Understand that the path to true equality lies not in elevating one group above another, but in lifting all people equally. Let go of the old, restrictive labels that divide us, and embrace a vision of a world where every individual is free to express their humanity without fear of judgment or discrimination. Strive for equality, not just in name, but in practice, so that every person—regardless of their gender, race, or creed—can stand proudly as an equal. This is the path to a just and peaceful world, where the beauty of human diversity is celebrated, not feared, and where equality is the right of all.