2012 marks the 101st anniversary of International Women's Week (IWW), and the occasion is marked worldwide with events, seminars, and peaceful demonstrations, all in support of gender equality. Although much has been achieved in the past 101 years, there are still many inequities in society, and females are subjected to ongoing sexual oppression -- the problems vary in degree and context from country to country, but that these type of issues are endemic and global cannot be refuted. North American women often think that women are only exploited and marginalized in other countries -- in fact, we are constantly coached about how fortunate we are to live in the western world. The problem with this disillusionment is that by comparing our issues to others that may seem more dire/extreme, we under-value the life impact of our own gender equity issues.
For example, North American medical research is most often based on male population groups, with complete disregard for feminine biology and experience. Did you know that Aboriginal women in Canada do not have the same property rights as non-aboriginal women? When living in reserve communities, they can be ousted from their homes when a marital relationship dissolves. And consider that women continue to be relegated to lower paying jobs with less decision-making power, and despite having equal education and experience, women do not receive equal pay for the same work. And what about the all-too-common mini-skirted server we see in popular restaurants today, being sexually harassed by men old enough to be her grandfather, and having to "smile and bear it" to get her tip money.
Yes, we've heard about honour killings in India, female castration in Muslim countries and sexual slavery in Thailand, but these are rare in North America, right? That's what we would like to believe, but like many forms of oppression, the victims are afraid to speak out for fear of further violence against them or their loved ones. This makes it even more important for men and women who are aware of gender equality issues to take action, and to offer support however they are able. What is a particular concern is the lack of activism among North American women. If we as women are complacent about our rights and freedoms, and if we turn a blind eye to sexual oppression of our gender, haven't we given up our power to evoke positive change?
The math is very simple -- complacent behaviour in the face of oppression gives the aggressor power. So, why don't we see more women involved in governing bodies, and why aren't women equally represented in decisions affecting the status of women? Why aren't the streets full of women, girls and their families during International Women's Week? Why doesn't Canada have a federal IWW holiday? (btw, many other countries do!)
Part of the problem is that feminism often gets a bad rap -- it is wrongly stereotyped as man-hating or as a niche area of concern, relevant only to lesbians. This erroneous view is simply "bad press" to diffuse, downgrade and mask the real issues. Feminism benefits both genders, as it focuses on equal opportunity and fair treatment for both genders. All of humanity has to co-exist; if not, we would be in a state of gender apartheid, leading to our eventual extinction. No matter what your gender is, your culture, your education, your age, your interests, or your personality -- the female experience is interwoven to your own. In fact, many characteristics that have traditionally been categorized as feminine or masculine are not actually based on gender, but on cultural norms. These include things like a love of athletics, colour preferences, and clothing styles.
Gender equality progress has been very slow, and some academics have theorized that it will take another 200 years for gender equality to be achieved on a worldwide basis. However, the global gender equality movement persists, working diligently to achieve a state of true harmony and balance. It is interesting that newer feminist scholars are establishing connections between militarism and globalization and gender oppression.
American author, actor and activist, Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back." The ball is in our hands; we just need to know that we can hold it, or we can take careful aim and throw it - throw it anywhere, at any time, and to an unlimited distance.
Looking for a way to participate in IWW 2012?
Check out: http://sarasvati.ca/season/iww-monologues/
