Picture a meme: a male auto-rickshaw driver, a common sight on the roads, is depicted asserting that ‘they’, presumably women, believe in gender equality, yet are reluctant to sit next to the driver. At first glance, it seems like harmless humor, a witty observation of the contradictions of modern society. But peel back the layers, and you’ll find a deeper conversation lurking beneath the surface.

It’s easy to share a laugh over a cleverly crafted meme, but let’s not forget the important questions it raises. What does true gender equality look like in our society? How do the actions, even in seemingly insignificant moments like choosing a seat in an auto-rickshaw, reflect the beliefs about equality?

The meme in question is a perpetuation of the stereotype that women are timid or apprehensive when it comes to interacting with men, particularly in traditionally male-dominated spaces like driving or transportation. Moreover, it suggests that women who advocate for gender equality are somehow hypocritical in their beliefs. This perception, while perhaps held by the creator of the meme, sheds light on a broader contradiction deeply rooted within societal norms and beliefs surrounding gender and gender roles.

In the legal framework of Bangladesh, Articles 27, 28, and 29 of the Constitution stand as pillars, promising equal treatment under the law, advocating for women’s rights across various spheres of society, and mandating measures to address inequalities. However, as discussions around women’s equality flourish, a contentious argument surfaces: if women seek equality with men, they must mirror their efforts, from enduring night duties to enduring unfavorable working conditions, relinquishing reserved seats in public transport, or sitting next to the driver in this given case. Some even push the boundary further, suggesting that if men can urinate in public, women’s equality should be construed as requiring women to do the same.

But these arguments rest on a fundamentally flawed understanding. Consider the claim that women should tolerate the same adverse working conditions as men if they seek equal pay. This argument overlooks the fact that both genders endure such conditions, and the solution lies not in asking the women to endure the same but in demanding better conditions from authorities and governments. Another assertion that women’s equality should be measured by their ability to pee in public equates gender equality with engaging in socially inappropriate behavior typically associated with men. Drawing parallels between disparate situations only serves to obscure the true essence of equality and perpetuate misguided stereotypes.

Similarly, the creator of the given meme overlooks the reasons behind women’s reluctance to sit next to the driver, ignoring the potential repercussions and failing to investigate the underlying causes. A 2018 BRAC study found that 94 percent of women in Bangladesh face sexual harassment when commuting by public transport. The reality of sexual and verbal harassment on roads, coupled with unsafe and inaccessible transport systems, imposes significant constraints on women’s mobility.

Hence, when a woman opts to sit next to the driver, she’s not merely choosing a seat; she’s potentially opening herself up to harassment in most cases. Even if a woman sits next to the driver, the same critics are quick to condemn her, attributing her choice as an invitation to unwanted outcomes. But gender equality isn’t just about women’s safety as passengers; it’s about providing opportunities for women in all roles, including as drivers. This begs the question: how would society react if a woman were behind the wheel? Would the same male critics be willing to sit next to a female driver, and obviously, for what reasons?

Gender equality, in its true sense, means that women and men have equal rights, opportunities, and freedoms, without expecting women to mirror men’s actions. It’s about granting women the same opportunities to pursue their goals without being held back by gender-based discrimination. This meme highlights how flawed comparisons reinforce gender biases and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

This meme, like many others, brings a moment of comic relief to our screens, but it’s not all fun and games. As we scroll through our screens, laughing at the wit and humor of memes, let us not forget to pause and reflect on the messages they convey. Because sometimes, amidst the laughter and shares, lies the potential to redefine our understanding through meaningful discourse. Only then can we truly move towards a society where gender equality isn’t just a buzzword but a lived reality for all individuals regardless of gender.