Feminism and the Pursuit of Gender Equality: Beyond Representation Towards Structural Justice
Introduction Feminism remains one of the most debated and consequential social movements of the twenty-first century. Discussions surrounding gender parity in corporate leadership, public institutions, political representation, and economic participation have become increasingly prominent. Yet, the persistence of these debates itself reveals an uncomfortable reality: gender equality remains an unfinished project. The question is no longer whether gender discrimination exists; rather, it is how deeply embedded it remains within social, economic, and institutional structures. Despite legislative reforms, affirmative action measures, and growing representation of women in decision-making spaces, women continue to encounter barriers that challenge their equal participation and recognition. The aspiration for equality remains constrained by societal attitudes that continue to perceive women through a lens of limitation rather than capability. The Historical Burden of Gendered Perceptions Wo...