Core 3
January 14, 2013
Women’s Rights
Every day, American girls go to school. Every day, American women make decisions. Every day we have the right to choose our doctors, marry whom we choose and work where we please for an equal salary to that of men. These things are often taken for granted, though it usually does not occur to us that these rights are not provided to all women globally.
Why is it that in Pakistan, girls are scorned for wanting an education after the age of eight? Why is it that in Afghanistan, women are allowed to be beaten in the streets? Certain discriminative groups such as the Taliban still exist, even though they are being diminished, and continue to abuse and exclude women young and old. Take for example a young Afghan woman in her twenties named Aesha Mohammadzai. As punishment for running away from her right-deprived life with her uncle, where she was forced to marry someone to make amends with a family her uncle had wronged, her in-laws, who were members of the Taliban, brutally hacked off her nose and ears, then left her to die. Luckily, she was rescued and brought to the U.S.A. for reconstructive surgery. As for those who are not so lucky, improved women’s rights may be the only option.
Women’s rights and equality is clearlyan issue, but what can we do to make a difference?
If America continues on her successful path, third world countries will learn about our system of government and change their ways of society, as well as social class. We can foster this change by encouraging the governmental leaders of these countries to come overseas to learn about democracy. We can help provide education and other services to victims of inequality bysupporting organizations such as the Peace Corps. In our own country, we can be an example to others by increasing the hiring of women in male dominated occupations, as well as ending sexual harassment towards women in work places and schools.
I can imagine a world where everyone is free of fear and judgment without regard to gender differences. This world is not far off. In this world,everyone will be accepted as equal and appreciated for their strengths. In this world, gender bias low income labor will be annihilated and the economy and job markets will be strong.
This world is within our reach, though hard work, determination, and collaboration is required to obtain it.Now is the time to join with Malala Yousafzai, who was shot for wanting an education, in her rally for equal rights. Now is the time to sympathize and side with the young women who was abused for being opposed to her arranged marriage. Now is the time to find a utopia of equality and burn the bridge which leads to gender injustice.