12 cartoons that show men, women aren't as equal as we think

Updated on: Aug 19, 2015, 16:08:30 IST

Hindustan Times | By Sanya Panwar, New Delhi

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What do you get when you ask art students from all around the world to depict what they think about gender equality in a cartoon? Greatness, that's what. You also get cartoons, not two, five or eight, 12 comic sketches and cartoons that aptly describe different faces of 'everyday' gender inequality.

What do you get when you ask art students from all around the world to depict what they think about gender equality in a cartoon? Greatness, that's what. You also get cartoons, not two, five or eight, 12 comic sketches and cartoons that aptly describe different faces of 'everyday' gender inequality.

The UN (United Nations) Women along with European Commission, the Belgian Development Cooperation and UNRIC did just that. The groups organised a competition to find the best comics around the world with a simple rule: Depict what gender equality means to them. In the process, they also managed to show that gender inequality effects everyone – men and women alike.

That said, there's still a long way to go for equality, when it comes to everyday life — be it education, fair pay or violence — and these illustrations (some serious, some humorous) show those struggles perfectly. Someof these will actually make you think (a lot!).

The competition invited young European comic and cartoon artists and art students, aged 18 to 28 years, to picture their understanding of women's rights and gender equality through cartoons and comics. The comics and cartoons had to be without words. Finalists were then selected by a jury, composed of professional comic artists, gender equality experts and communication experts.

While the winner, Emilio Morales Ruiz from Spain, saw "gender equality as an undeniable right, a reality that we need to end immediately," third place winner, Agata Hop, from Poland, feels "gender equality means that men and women are able to achieve the same degree of success through an equal effort."

What do you think?

But before you checkout the winners and semi-finalists, here's something to think about: How come we didn't think of something like this before?

First place: Emilio Morales Ruiz, Spain

(All photos: UN Women)

Second place: David Ibáñez Bordallo, Spain

Third place winners

And finally, the semi-finalists...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sanya Panwar
With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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