In search of balance

Since kingdom come there have been many attempts to characterize the essential difference between man and woman. Some of these attempts have been absurd male chauvinist inventions; others have sounded more acceptable and meaningful. Contemporary society is just beginning to delve into the true distinctions between the sexes. Most people would argue that after thousands of years of male dominance we now stand on the threshold of a feminine era, when women are rising to their appropriate prominence. One cannot deny that this is partially true, as it becomes increasingly evident that more and more advances are being made by women in all sectors of our society: in the workplace, within the family, on an educational level, etc.

However, the real answer is not for man and woman to try to be alike, or for that matter, equal. True female liberation does not mean merely seeking equality within a masculine world, but liberating the divine feminine aspects of a woman's personality and using those for the benefit of humankind. It is a matter of recognizing that God has given each of us unique abilities with which to pursue our goals, and that our primary responsibility is to take full advantage of those abilities. Both man and woman must realize their respective equal roles and strive to complement each other in their shared struggle to improve life.

In order to correct the abuse of male dominance, man must concentrate on using his dominant qualities for the good. He must use his strength to protect and preserve the feminine character, helping woman to realize her true potential, to lead a productive and meaningful life. Woman for her part, must not neglect her own feminine resources in an attempt to adopt masculine characteristics, because this is destructive of the authentic nature, dignity and freedom of the female sex.

This is the message that the late Pope John Paul II wished to convey when he wrote the Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignitatem - On the Dignity and Vocation of Woman, in 1988.

In his many references to the feminine "genius", he was alluding to those qualities that are unique to woman, which rather than being female weaknesses (as they may be viewed by modern society) are definitely strengths. Of course, males possess different qualities: ones which are equally strong and valuable. Unfortunately, the notion of "strong" may have some misinterpretations in this day and age and at times, the current understanding is that the advancement of woman must be based on money, power and control. However, as the Pope rightly pointed out, the strength of woman lies in that God has entrusted the human being to her in a special way, precisely by reason of her femininity.

So, let us learn what it really means to be a man or a woman, about the characteristics that are proper to each gender, according to which both sexes have a specific vocation to fulfill. Let us learn to live up to our true potential, to balance our energies in order to lead a productive and meaningful life. And finally, let us learn to sincerely appreciate our male and female counterparts, as together, we endeavour to promote a culture that recognizes the essential dignity of the human person. Only in this way will we be able recognise the elusive balance between the sexes and achieve a level of harmony between so many tugging influences that are pervasive today.

Christine Galea is a 4^th Year BA (Hons) Theology student and a Member of an ad-hoc committee appointed by Archbishop Paul Cremona OP, in order to commemorate the 20^th Anniversary of the Apostolic Letter, Mulieris Dignitatem. She is a guest writer for the Students' View Blog which is produced by InSite, the student media organization on Campus www.insite.org.mt .