March 06, 2008
International Women's Day
Saturday, March 8 is International Women's Day, a day of global celebration for the political, social, and economic achievements of women. But women's achievements are constrained every day by violence, which is suffered daily by girls and women all over the world.
In fact, every day a war is being waged against women and girls, taking millions of lives and causing terrible suffering. Violence against women -- whether abuse by spouses or partners in the home, rape as a weapon during wartime, dowry deaths, or "honor killings" -- claims one of every three women or girls in the world as victims.
Their suffering is a leading contributor to poverty, preventing women from taking full advantage of economic and educational opportunities that would help create better lives for themselves and their families.
Now, the United States is poised to make a difference to end this epidemic of violence. Members of Congress from both parties have introduced legislation that will use the power of U.S. diplomacy and international aid to address physical and sexual violence against women and girls overseas.
The International Violence Against Women Act will provide $1 billion over five years in U.S. foreign assistance for long-term prevention, programs to change public attitudes and social norms and legal and health reforms, and economic development for women -- all intended to end violence against women worldwide.
On International Women's Day on Saturday, let's all contact our representative and senators to ask them to support this groundbreaking legislation. For more information visit the Family Violence Prevention Fund online, Amnesty International or Women Thrive Worldwide.
Posted by Daniel at 05:28 PM | Comments (0)
October 22, 2007
Men as Allies
by Zainab Salbi, President and CEO of Women for Women International, a non-profit that helps women in war torn regions rebuild their lives.
I will never forget the day that two turbaned, bearded strangers approached me as I stood in the midst of a camp for internally displaced people on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan. My mind instantly flooded with stereotypes of the Taliban -- whose misogynist interpretations of Islam resulted in the brutal oppression of Afghan women -- and I braced myself for the ways they could express their disapproval for the women that were gathering to enroll in Women for Women International's program. But, to my absolute surprise, the men had come to thank me for the opportunities that our organization had brought to the women, their families, and their community.
As evidenced by our name, Women for Women International is a women-led organization that serves to empower socially-excluded women in conflict-affected parts of the world. Thus, perhaps like so many other women-oriented organizations, we are constantly discussing the issue of reaching or not reaching out to men, involving or not involving men, and discussing or not discussing with men the work we do for women. During the last 14 years of working in conflict and post-conflict areas, I have come to realize that just as the images of women in war that are shown in the mainstream media overwhelmingly show downtrodden victims, the images of men in war are equally confined to that of the violent aggressors, rapists and warmongers. Neither stereotype is fair. ...
Posted by Daniel at 04:55 PM | Comments (0)
March 08, 2007
International Women's Day
Dear Friends,
On International Women's Day, give something meaningful to women all around the world: Help advance legislation that will reduce violence aimed at women.
Around the world, violence against women is at epidemic proportions. Every year, violence in the home and community devastates the lives of millions of women. Violence against women is a human rights violation - a grave one that includes rape, domestic violence, acid burning, dowry deaths, so-called honor killings, female genital cutting and other harmful traditional practices, and human trafficking. At least one out of every three women globally will be beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime.
New legislation soon to be introduced into the U.S. Senate and the House will address these frightening abuses. Working through the international assistance that the U.S. already provides to countries around the world, it will offer resources to support best practices against violence. The inspiring thing about this legislation is that it incorporates training, protection, and services for women across a range of situations, from the fight against HIV-AIDS, to school and health clinics, to court systems, to workplaces, to refugee camps.
This powerful new bill is the International Violence Against Women Act. Shouldn't your Senators and Representative support it?
Call your lawmakers in Congress today, and tell them that you want them to sign on as co-sponsors of this bill. It's simple:
• Call 202-224-3121 and ask for the office of your Senator or Representative. (If you don't know who they are, you can find out by clicking these links for Senators and Representatives.
• Tell their office that you are a constituent, and you care about the well-being of women around the world.
• Urge them to cosponsor the International Violence Against Women Act.
• If you feel so moved, share one reason why this issue matters so much to you.
That easy phone call, on or around International Women's Day, can help bring safety, security, and new options in life to women worldwide. You'd be hard-pressed to offer them a better gift.
Sincerely,
Barb Gottlieb
Director of Outreach & Membership
Women's Edge Coalition
P.S. If you prefer to email, you can do that from the links above. Use the same easy steps outlined above. A short letter is fine.
Posted by Daniel at 03:23 PM | Comments (0)
November 24, 2006
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
via Family Violence Prevention Fund
Thanksgiving weekend marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, which since 1991 has sent a powerful worldwide message that gender-based violence violates basic human rights. This year, events begin on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and continue through December 10, International Human Rights Day.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence calls for eliminating all forms of violence against women by establishing a link between local and international anti-violence work, providing a forum for organizers to develop and share strategies, demonstrating the solidarity of women around the world who are organizing against gender-based violence, and creating tools to pressure governments to implement promises to eliminate violence against women.
In 15 years, some 1,700 organizations in 130 countries have participated. This year, in just one example of the activities around the world, the One Man Can Campaign in South Africa will use the Family Violence Prevention Fund’s Coaching Boys Into Men materials to encourage stakeholders – coaches, teachers, parents and others – to take action to stop domestic and sexual violence. Organized by the Sonke Gender Justice Network, One Man Can includes a toolkit with stickers, posters, fact sheets and more to help men support survivors of violence, use the law to demand justice, educate children, and challenge other men to take action.
Link to HIV/AIDS
“For the Health of Women, For the Health of the World: No More Violence,” is the theme of the 16 Days campaign this year, chosen to put a focus on connections between violence against women and HIV/AIDS. Addressing violence is essential both to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS and to address the epidemic’s disproportionate impact on women and children. Violence or fear of violence can prevent women and girls from protecting themselves from infection, negotiating safer sex, seeking counseling, getting tested or returning for test results, or getting treatment if they are HIV positive.
The Global AIDS Alliance has developed a new resource to help activists highlight the intersection of HIV/AIDS and violence against women and children. Its Activist Toolkit provides an overview of the 16 Days campaign, the intersection of violence and HIV/AIDS, and a list of action ideas. It is available at www.globalaidsalliance.org/docs/WAD_16_Days_Activist_Toolkit.pdf.
UN Support
“Violence against women causes untold misery, harms families across generations, and impoverishes communities,” United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a statement for International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. “It stops women from fulfilling their potential, restricts economic growth, and undermines development…”
“We in the United Nations must play a stronger, better coordinated and more visible leadership role,” Annan added. “Member States must do more to implement the international legal and policy framework to which they have committed themselves. And all of us must form strong and effective partnerships with civil society.”
The 16 Days Campaign is organized by the Center for Women's Global Leadership at Rutgers University. For more information on activities, to request an action kit or join an electronic conversation, visit www.cwgl.rutgers.edu/16days/about.html. The Secretary-General’s message for International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is available at www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sgsm10738.doc.htm.
Posted by Daniel at 05:29 PM | Comments (0)
July 27, 2006
Reproductive Labor - more than just giving birth
I recently heard a very insightful letter read on WAMC Northeast Public Radio. The letter was submitted by a woman named Wendy in response to The Roundtable Show’s poll question of the day concerning women, work and health.
The Roundtable’s producer and co-host, Susan Arbetter, was kind enough to forward the letter to me. Here it is:
Hi Susan & Joe,
In response to the poll question today on women, overwork and health: I, along with countless other women, resonate with this issue. I would like to move the conversation along in response to the agreement expressed between Susan and today's last caller that women are just worriers. I'd like to replace the concept of "worrying" (which sounds belittle-ish to me) and introduce a term used by historians of women: "reproductive labor." By that I mean more than just giving birth. I mean the work of reproducing families and societies. Setting aside the work of cleaning & maintaining homes for now, reproductive labor entails feeding people, maintaining their health (which includes caring for children and the sick and one's elders, making dental and hair care appointments for others and making sure they get to them), maintaining social networks (which includes remembering birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, going to weddings and funerals.)
Men can and often do many aspects of this work. But generally, in our society, women are in charge of this work. Often when men do any of the above-listed tasks, it is because it was delegated to them. But it is likely the woman who had it in her head (read: "worried about it") first.
Reproductive labor is vital to the reproduction of the labor force, of families, and of civil society. Much would collapse around us if this work were not done. It is not paid work, and it is done in, around and between the work women do for money. When you throw in a crisis, such as a lost job or other economic disaster, a divorce or a death, or a family member with an addiction, a deadly illness, mental illness, or a degenerative condition, the woman in charge of overseeing the health of everyone in that family takes on enormous stress.
In light of all this, it is really not a surprise that women who work not only for money but for extra hours are perhaps more driven than men are to overuse caffeine, over-eat, and find it extremely difficult to get exercise and other health-promoting practices done for themselves.
One of the things I have learned over the years of being a woman who takes her reproductive labor seriously, and who also works for money, is that although it is counter-intuitive, care of one's own health is necessary. Precisely when it seems like one can least afford the time for a bath, a walk, a healthy meal, or that dental appointment, is just the time when it is needed. I have learned to trust that I am not in charge of everything and that if I 'stop the world' and get off for a while to take care of myself, I am better able to do all the kinds of work that matter to me, both paid and unpaid. Easier said than done. But learning the hard way a few times has shown me the truth in this, and motivated me. I do take the walk, the bath, the time to talk to a friend, an early bedtime, or even a breakfast out so someone can bring me food for a change.
I really believe you should do an in-depth feature on this. It belongs outside the confines of a show like "51 per cent" (though I love that show). It belongs in the mainstream of conversation. What do you think?
Sincerely,
Wendy
Posted by Daniel at 10:45 AM | Comments (0)
July 07, 2006
Men on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Here is a selection from an astute essay on shifting gender roles. It’s actually from Interlitteraria, a Central and Eastern European Library, but I stumbled across it on man-o-pause (surely the most clever name for a blog ever created.)
To view the post on man-o-pause, click here.
"Although mental breakdowns have traditionally been associated with women, men are increasingly facing an identity crisis as norms prescribed to them are no longer in harmony with the contemporary world. It is time for men to come to an understanding that they, too, have gender. Up to now masculinity has largely been defined in negative terms, as something that is not feminine. Thus, changes in the roles of women should have been accompanied by changes in the roles of men.
That, however, has not happened. Suzanne Franks argues “that as women’s identities have broadened and encroached upon male territory, instead of swapping and merging of identities, men moved further into the traditional heartland of male identity — the drinking, shagging, sporty stereotype” (Franks 1999: 167).
The re-appearance of emphatically masculine superheroes and sexist stereotypes in recent popular culture indicates a frenzied attempt to quell the anxiety. The violent and often irrational counter-reaction to the women’s advancement and, especially, feminist movement eloquently speaks of male insecurity — men sure of their own identity would not have to fear women but welcome more equitable and harmonious co-operation with them.[...]"
Rail Poldsaar
Interlitteraria author
Posted by Daniel at 11:56 AM | Comments (0)
July 04, 2006
Washington Post Article on Black Men
Russell drew my attention to this provocative article from the Washington Post that begins:
Six in 10 black men said their collective problems owe more to what they have failed to do themselves rather than "what white people have done to blacks." At the same time, half reported they have been treated unfairly by the police, and a clear majority said the economic system is stacked against them.
Also interesting is this commentary from Rachel S. on ALAS (a blog).
I hope everyone has a safe and fun Independance Day.
Posted by Daniel at 12:21 PM | Comments (0)
June 09, 2006
Transfeminism
A call out, from Masculinities in Media, for feminists to connect to transgender issues - very important - as well as some good links:
via Masculinities in Media - Transfeminism
Posted by Russell at 06:59 AM | Comments (0)
May 25, 2006
Some Thoughts On "Self-Made Man"
In February, I did a post about a book called Self-Made Man. A book in which the author, Norah Vincent, dresses up as a man and engages with men in several different scenarios in order to see what men are "really like" with other men. Ampersand at Alas, A Blog, gives an interesting review that is worth a read, even if you haven't read the book.
via Alas, A Blog - Self-Made Man by Norah Vincent
Posted by Russell at 06:16 AM | Comments (0)
May 04, 2006
Entrenching the Binary Gender System
At Alas, A Blog is an interesting post regarding the idea of breaking the "binary gender system" - i.e. male and female. Is transitioning from male to female or female to male, breaking this system? Or is it enforcing it switching within the two? Read below:
via Alas, A Blog - On Transgender, Transsexuals, and Entrenching the Binary Gender System
Posted by Russell at 08:41 AM | Comments (0)
May 01, 2006
Army Suicides At High Level
Not surprisingly, the army has seen an increase in suicides recently. A news article about this is referenced in the post below from Real Men Are Not. Luke, in his post, correctly identifies this as a men's issue (linked to the concept of "real men don't cry or seek help"). The current rates of suicide are the highest since 1993 - which follows the first Gulf War. I am also reminded of the name of the song from the TV show M.A.S.H.(about doctors in the Korean War): "Suicide is Painless".
via Real Men Are Not - Army Suicides Hit Highest Level Since '93
Posted by Russell at 09:17 AM | Comments (0)
March 14, 2006
Men And Sharing
One of my favorite bloggers, Hugo Schwyzer, responds to a post he did on "men and apologies" by giving his thoughts (and clarifications) about men and sharing their emotional lives with other men.
via Hugo Schwyzer - More On Men And Sharing
Posted by Russell at 06:39 PM | Comments (0)
February 01, 2006
Self-Made Man
A recent book has been generating some thought-provoking discussion. Self-Made Man: One Woman's Journey Into Manhood and Back Again, by Norah Vincent follows the author as she becomes an undercover man to learn more about the world of men. Over at the weblog, Man-O-Pause there are a good set of links to some of the discussion happening in the "blogosphere":
via Man-O-Pause - "Self-Made Man" Strikes A Chord
Posted by Russell at 01:11 PM | Comments (0)
December 27, 2005
Follow-Up: Man-Next-To-Child Ban
About a month ago, I posted a link to a story about a New Zealand airline that would ask men to move to another seat instead of sitting next to an unaccompanied child. The reason: "60 to 90 percent" of sexual offenders are men. Well, it seems that this trend is growing:
via Hawkes Bay Today - Origin Pacific May Also Adopt Man-Next-To-Child Ban
Posted by Russell at 08:36 AM | Comments (1)
November 28, 2005
Raising a Child Gender-Free
There is an old entry over at This Woman's Work that I read recently. It is a entry that responds to the question: how would you handle your children if they grew up transgendered?. This piece and the comments that follow are a good "conversation" about transgenderism and also about bringing up a child "gender-less". After reading the entry and thinking about my 16 month-old son, I thought about the idea of countering the social-imposition of gender by forcing a child to be "gender-less". Watching my son develop - especially as he begins to adopt charactistics that could be considered a gendered behavior (plays with trucks - male, loves to read - female)- I realize that my preference is to let him traverse the world of gender as he sees fit. Thankfully, my wife also feels this way. The job for my wife and myself is to not judge his choices and support him in his journey. Of course, talk to me in 18 years and see how well I was able to complete this job.
via This Woman's Work - An Addition Worth Thinking About
Posted by Russell at 07:24 AM | Comments (0)
