Use this thread to discuss issues of gender discrimination. Limit it to male / female issues only for now. You could look at the issues in India or the Middle East, there is lots of material out there. Education, Employment, Freedom of Mobility, arranged marriages, etc.
Next week I'll put in a thread for GLBTQ so don't discuss any of those issues for now.
This is my weekly post...
ReplyDeleteEducation is more often than not taken for granted by those whom are lucky enough to have it. Here in Canada, education is considered a necessity for ALL children. Education is encouraged and provided in Canada for everyone, regardless of race,sex or nationality. (Source 1) Most countries in the world are not so fortunate. Gender discrimination has forever been an issue in the world. Women, since the beginning of time, have always been given a distinct role in society, "Stay at home with the children, cook for the husband as it is the husbands job to go out and hunt or work". It was not until the year 1920 in the United States that women were granted the right to vote, the 19th amendment stated "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." (Source 2) Not even 100 years ago, the road to gender equality only STARTED, however, that is an amendment only in the United States, not every nation has the same open mind to the beginning of gender equality.
More specifically, in Pakistan 2009, the Taliban (an Islamic extremist group) put a ban on women's right to education. All girls attending school were ordered to be pulled out by January 15th 2009, or else they would bomb the schools and kill any violators of the new so called 'law'. (Source 3) What logic can somebody possibly have to make such a ban. Man nor woman should ever be denied the right of an education. October 9th 2012. The date is unfamiliar to most, but an unforgettable day to 16 year old Malala Yousafzai. October 9th is the day Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban in Mingora Pakistan. Malala was an advocate for womans education as she made speeches critizing the Talibans actions, blogged for BCC about what was happening in Pakistan through an alias as well as attending school regardless of the death threat she was faced with. The day the Taliban attempted to kill Malala, she was on the bus returning home after a day at school, when the man shot her on the left side of her skull, she survived. After the attack, in 2013 she continued her fight for womens education. She did not back down, or scare away from her beliefs. She spoke for the United Nations, and even wrote an autobiography to share her story with the world. (Source 4) Her bravery should be idolized amongst women, as the only way gender equality can be achieved is through challenging society itself, as Malala did. Another example of such heroism is Rosa Parks, she sparked a city-wide boycott which eventually lifted the law that blacks had to give up their seats on buses for the whites. Simply by challenging the law, she made a difference.
I strongly belive Brigham Young's statement "You educate a man, you educate a man. You educate a woman, you educate a generation." Women who have been deprived the chance of an education, tend to fight for it, and once granted, use it. Malala is one example of the dedication women have towards learning. She was given a taste of education, and shared her experinces with the world. Nobody should deny a woman the right to an education, simply because she is a woman. Currently, women are showing higher educational success rates than men (those whom are given the opportunity that is) The average women who have been granted the right to an education have been showing greater success rates since the early 1990's. (Source 5) A woman is nothing less of a human, a man is nothing more than a human, therefore gender equality should thrive, as we are all the same, a basic human being with lots to offer the world.
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DeleteSource1: http://integration-net.ca/coa-oce/english/pdf/13education.pdf
DeleteSource 2: http://www.archives.gov/global-pages/larger-image.html?i=/historical-docs/doc-content/images/19th-amendment-l.jpg&c=/historical-docs/doc-content/images/19th-amendment.caption.html
Source 3: http://www.irinnews.org/report/82161/pakistan-militants-announce-ban-on-girls-education-in-swat
Source 4: http://integration-net.ca/coa-oce/english/pdf/13education.pdf
Source 5: http://www.prb.org/Publications/Articles/2011/gender-gap-in-education.aspx
Every damn person in the world has the right to go to school and have an education. The fact that some countries can't give children there an education is truly sad. Most of us dread waking up and going to school everyday while others in countries wish they had what we had, we are lucky and should not take education for granted. Skipping class and getting bad marks when you could do alot better if you tried is a stab in the face to the kids who wish they could go to school everyday. The old stereotype of the housewife has been forever demolished, it does not and should not exist anywhere in the world today. In this day in age, there are more househusbands than housewives and that is a lot better world. Women can do anything men can and more. The phrase you used "You educate a man, you educate a man. You educate a women, you educate a generation." I really like that phrase and it's true. In foreign countries the idea of males being more dominant and women not being allowed to go out or express themselves by wearing whatever they want disgusts me. Men and Women should be allowed to wear whatever they want, obviously there should be some restrictions but that is just on inappropriateness of an outfit. Men and women should be equals, everywhere, not in certain countries but everywhere in the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of what you are saying. We have really come far from the world of male dominance and submissive women. And that is fantastic! Education is something that I think everyone should have regardless of gender and that equality is something that needs to be happening. But what I would disagree is on the topic of 'housewives'. It is more than amazing that we, women, now can have so many other job opportunities available and the husband can be at home. But I think that we have come so far that we have lost the value of the 'maternal role'. I'm not saying the mother has to be the one at home with the kids, but it has now become almost frowned upon if you are a women and you want to stay at home and let the husband work. I have seen the pressure on multiple accounts of new mothers struggling with the pressure to get back to work when they want to stay at home. I think we need to remind ourselves that there is nothing wrong with being a 'stay at home mom', it's only when it becomes the only thing women can do that I think it is wrong. That might not make much sense but that is something I have noticed with our growing equality in Canada.
DeleteWell said Jack! I don't think it would be exaggerating to say that 99.9% of our generation in North America take for granted all of the great things we have access to. Much like fresh water and a roof over our heads, education is something that not everyone has the privilege of having and I think that a trip to the places where women are not allowed to go to school would be a huge eye-opener. I can't help but think of Mr. Forsyth's story of his friend that went to a middle-eastern country (can't remember where), and she felt uncomfortable leaving her house. I couldn't imagine living in an environment like that.
DeleteI am currently reading the book "I am Malala" and it is about this topic. The author, Malala, was actually shot in the head because she was attending school. Miraculously she lived to tell her story and she's become a wonderful human and women's rights activist. I 100% would recommend the book to you if you're interested in this sort of thing!
This is my weekly post.
ReplyDeleteIn light of the recent scandal that involved various female celebrities’ personal photographs being leaked on to the internet after their phones had been hacked, I thought it would be fitting to discuss the sex crimes which are perpetuated against both men and women, but where women tend to bear the brunt of the criticism, despite it not being their fault.
The sex crime I wish to discuss is the illegal stealing and publishing of nude photos. This happened to a few female celebrities this year. Some of the victims include Jennifer Lawrence, Gabrielle Union, Kate Upton, Kim Kardashian and Vanessa Hudgens(1) (2). In addition to these victims, two male victims have also had their private pictures leaked this year, although their incidents are unrelated. The male victims are Calum Hood, and Dylan Sprouse.(3) (4). These crimes are identical in nature; the only difference being which gender was victimized.
While the women – particularly Jennifer Lawrence – are chastised and bullied by some of their “fans” over Twitter, the men – mainly Dylan Sprouse - seem to be gaining positive feedback from this unfortunate incident, and it even seems to have escalated their fame.
Many people Tweeted Dylan Sprouse stating that “Dylan Sprouse’s nudes leaking is probably the best thing that’s happened in 2013.”(5) and referring to him as a “True Hero”(5). Dylan also reportedly gained 200,000 new followers on Twitter, 40,000 on Tumblr, and 20,000 on Instagram(4).
While Dylan was receiving positive attention from his fans, Jennifer Lawrence was receiving hate messages from people she thought were her fans. Some of the Tweets read “Jennifer Lawrence’s nudes are so ugly man, she didn’t even bother to do her hair.”(6) and “Jennifer Lawrence’s nudes make me so angry they’re so childish and ugly.”(6).
In the issue of sex crimes, gender discrimination is definitely prevalent. Both Dylan and Jennifer had their private pictures published illegally for the world to see, and yet one is chastised and the other is praised.
Source 1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2763924/Leaked-vultures-Gabrielle-Union-SLAMS-hackers-admits-latest-victim-new-wave-nude-celebrity-photos-posted-online.html
Source 2. http://metro.co.uk/2014/09/20/kim-kardashian-among-targets-as-new-batch-of-nude-photos-allegedly-leak-online-4876444/
Source 3. http://popcrush.com/5-seconds-of-summer-calum-hood-naked-photo-leak/
Source 4. http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/dylan-sprouse-naked-selfie-t-shirt-2939132
Source 5. http://hollywoodlife.com/2013/12/16/dylan-sprouse-nude-pics-fans-react/
Source 6. http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/09/01/jennifer-lawrence-nude-photos-fan-reactions-naked-photo-leak/
I definitely agree with you on the fact that men and women are treated completely differently when it comes to sex crimes. I think this relates to the fact that women are highly sexualized on media and even though men are as well, it is nowhere near the extent that women are. While a lot of celebrities chose to use this to their advantage, it's a shame when it is used illegally against them. However I have to point out that men are treated unfairly in a lot of situations as well. For example, if two female celebrities were in a physical fight, its obvious that most people would joke about it and laugh it off. But if two men were in a fight would it not be viewed completely differently? I think a lot of people would be outraged at the public violence of two male celebrities brawling, whereas a female fight attracts a lot of viewers and a lot of men who wouldn't want to even break it up. Gender discrimination does affect both sexes, even though it is in very different ways and usually different situations.
DeleteI feel as though the anonymousness of the internet gives this sort of "safe-haven" for people and will comment just about anything. However, this is in no way justifiable for the people who have ruined the lives of many by leaking someone's nude picture on the internet for the world to see. The ignorant fail to realize that everything they post online is there forever, and charges can be pressed against them. This is a very concerning issue to not only celebrities, but potentially to anyone.
DeleteThis is my weekly post.
ReplyDeleteGender Inequality is a worldwide problem. There is extreme correlation with countries that have a low human development rate, and the amount of time women spend in school. In countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia men spend almost twice as much time in school than women [1]. In 2011 around 34 million girls secondary school age were not enrolled in school [2]. That’s 34 million girls whose potential is being wasted. Poverty, child marriage and child labour are all contributing forces to these alarming statistics. According to studies by UNICEF one third of girls in developing countries are married before the age of 18, getting girls educated would help decline child marriage by an estimated 64%. This would also help to stop the spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS and result in a 25% increase in wages [2]. Therefore it is in a countries best interest economically, and in the terms of Human growth rate to educate women and girls.
It’s not just in education where we see a gender gap; developing countries are still implementing outlandish laws that restrict the rights of Women. Last year that was much protest after a ban preventing women from receiving their driver’s license was released. Although there is no official law telling women they can not drive, if they are pulled over they have to sign a form pledging the will not drive again [3]. Women in Yemen also face extreme discrimination. Almost half of Yemen’s female population is married by 18, and they are often denied healthcare [4]. Women aren’t entirely seen as whole, in fact in court they only count as half a witness [5]. Recently though there have been some strides in the right direction for places like Yemen and Saudi Arabia. In Saudi women have now been granted the right to vote in the 2015 election. And human rights activists are working towards placing age limits on marriages in Yemen. [6]. Although these countries still have a long way to go it’s important we recognize and continue to work on the progress they have made.
The Gender inequality in other countries is something that is often on the news and that many of us are aware of. But we often fail to recognize the problems within our own nation. In the top 20% of Canada’s top earners there are around 3 times more men then women [7]. In 2008 women earned an average income of $30,100 in comparison to the $47,000 that men were earning [8]. There is a clear gender gap with ages, one that has seen some improvement over the years but it is estimated that it will take many more years before it is equal [9]. It is clear we have come a long way in terms of women’s rights and gender equality, but it is also clear that we have a very long way to go
[1] http://hdr.undp.org/en/content/table-5-gender-related-development-index-gdi
[2] http://www.unicef.org/education/bege_70640.html
[3] http://www.citylab.com/politics/2014/04/driving-saudi-arabia-woman/8771/
[4] http://borgenproject.org/yemen-worst-place-live-woman/
[5] http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/10/27/7-ridiculous-restrictions-on-womens-rights-around-the-world/
[6] http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.578635
[7] http://www.socialjustice.org/index.php?page=gender-inequality
[8] http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-503-x/2010001/article/11388-eng.htm#a8
[9] http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/04/25/canada-gender-gap-_n_3156904.html
You touched on the wage gap that women experience in Canada. According to Global Fund for Women, males earn more than their female counterparts in 99% of occupations (1). Race also has a part to play in wage gaps. In the United States, women make 77 cents to a man’s dollar on average, while women of colour are paid just 64 cents to a Caucasian man’s dollar (2). How is it possible that companies are getting away with discriminating against employees like this?
DeleteSource 1: http://www.globalfundforwomen.org/
Source 2 : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/29/wage-gap-african-american-women-infographic_n_2568838.html
Dear Kiera,
DeleteWow. Really loved this post! Keep it up!
It really angers me that there is such a stigma around the term "feminism" when so many women worldwide are facing such hardships. In many parts of the world, women are still nothing but child-bearing egg sacks, which is unfortunate because of, as you mentioned, all the benefits they could bring to each nation's economy and development. In your opinion, how did this negative image of women originate? Why is it that men have for so long been the dominant gender?
To both Lili and Kiera, do you think that the negative aura surrounding 'feminism' is inhibiting most women from taking action of the obvious mistreatment of their gender? (Lili, maybe this is why no one has felt forced to address the wage gap?)
Arranged marriages are a highly common occurrence in the Middle East, in fact 95% of all marriages in India alone are arranged. (1) Therefore, as Canada continually accepts the masses of immigrants into our nation, their cultures and religions are part of the baggage they bring with them when they enter our borders.
ReplyDeleteOver a three year term, 219 cases of arranged marriages were discovered in Canada due to a clinical study. (2) The majority gender that was forced against their will was (to no surprise) female. Not only was the parents found guilty for the arrangements but in some cases people from all aspects of their life were involved in making these arrangements. (ie siblings, extended family, ‘in-laws’, religious leaders, business partners etc). (2)
The difference between these arranged marriages in Canada and in India is that the reasoning behind arranged marriages in India can almost always be linked with their cultural or religious beliefs. In Canada only 66% of the arranged marriages were linked to cultural practices.(2) Money, immigration, business and debts were generally the reasoning for the rest of the forced marriages that occurred.
Since arranged marriage is a cultural norm in India, there are unwritten rules surrounding the practice in most cases. (3) While under heavy criticism, a handful of Indians spoke up about arranged marriage. They claimed that it created a longer lasting love than the Western world due to the fact that when you accept the other as your partner you denounce the ideals of divorce completely. (4) Surveys were done in India with youth and adults both married and not, and 65% of the surveyed would rather their parents make the decision of whom they should marry.
As a westernized nation, we view arranged marriages as an example of lack of freedom. To Indians and other Middle Eastern countries it’s a practice of tradition and protecting their futures. In Western civilization, arranged marriages are more often than not forced, and pose more serious damage than the greater number of arranged marriages in the Middle East.
Source 1 - http://postcolonialstudies.emory.edu/marriage-in-india/
Source 2 - http://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/2013/09/20/forced_marriages_a_hidden_problem_in_canada.html
Source 3 - http://www.slideshare.net/manojksinghania/marriage-how-why-an-indian-perspective
Source 4 - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/31/arranged-marriage_n_1560049.html
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ReplyDeleteFemale Genital Mutilation
While sexism is a still a problem in Canada, it is clear that Canadian women face far fewer hurdles than women in less developed countries. One of the more prevalent challenges that specifically African and Middle-Eastern women face is female genital mutilation, or FGM. The procedure, also referred to as female genital cutting or female circumcision, is the practice of intentionally altering the female sex organs for non-medical reasons. This procedure can include partially or completely removing the clitoris and the labia minora, and in some even more horrific cases, completely closing the vaginal opening. The practice, generally performed on girls between infancy and age 15, has no medical benefit; on the contrary, the consequences of FGM are numerous. These include pain during intercourse, cysts, infertility, infections, childbirth complications, and sometimes death (references 3 and 4).
Although the procedure seems shockingly archaic, the tragic reality is that in some areas of the world, female genital mutilation is extremely common. According to UNICEF, more than 130 million African and Middle Eastern women have experienced female genital cutting (reference 1). 27.2 million of these women were circumcised in Egypt alone (reference 7). In Somalia, 98 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 49 have undergone the barbaric practice (reference 6). It is expected that 63 million more girls will be mutilated by 2050 (reference 1).
Those who perform this institutionalized mutilation often fallaciously claim that the practice is rooted in Islam. No religious text, including the Qur’an, actually prescribes FGM. The practice is meant to restrict premarital sexual acts and infidelity, and is considered to be a necessary part in raising a girl. It is also associated with femininity and beauty. In some countries where FGM is performed, a girl is considered undesirable if she has not undergone the procedure (reference 4).
Female cutting cannot be justified; it is not merely a part of culture or religion. It is sex-based violence, and more needs to be done to prevent young girls from experiencing it. The fact that children and grown women alike have no control over what happens to their own bodies is infuriating. The prevalence of this issue tells me that, in the countries where FGM is performed, a woman’s virginity is more important than her wellbeing. This, by extension, tells me that women are considered to be objects rather than actual people. While many countries have banned the practice (reference 4), the only real way female genital mutilation can be abolished is for there to be a great cultural change. Women need to be seen as individuals, not property that needs to be kept pure.
Source 1: http://time.com/3018044/unicef-child-brides-genital-mutilation-unicef/
Source 2 : http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/20/magazine/20circumcision-t.html?_r=0
Source 3 : http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/05/22/female-circumcision-led-to-the-death-of-this-egyptian-girl-today-her-doctor-stands-trial-in-landmark-case/
Source 4 : http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/
Source 5 : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/siddharth-chatterjee/female-genital-mutilation_6_b_5851806.html
Source 6 : http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jul/22/fgm-female-genital-mutilation-somalia-guinea-djibouti-egypt-sierra-leone
Source 7 : http://www.unicef.org/protection/files/00-FMGC_infographiclow-res.pdf
Interesting points lili. I think one way to implement these changes would be through education. Certainly part of the problem is gender inequality but lack of knowledge may also be a factor. With better sexual education the negative consequences of these procedures can be more widely known and accepted.
Deletehttp://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/77428/1/WHO_RHR_12.41_eng.pdf
Lili, I am truly disgusted that this is still happening worldwide. I strongly agree with your point that women, in many places, are still seen as objects. Do you think that these violent crimes derive from the notion that sex is a woman's job, not pleasure? What do you think could be done to raise awareness and make a difference for these women, and more importantly, how can we educate the men of these countries to not perpetuate these out-dated ideas?
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