Investigating Oppression

Throughout history, women have had fewer opportunities and rights than men (this is also known as oppression). Although this has changed and women, for example now have the right to vote, the oppression of women can  be seen in society today. This article will discuss women in history and today. Although 85% Of Americans believe in Women’s equality, only 18% identify as feminist. There is a negative connotation with being feminist, but this may simply come from a misunderstanding or low cultural capital. Perhaps prejudice comes when we think of feminism but overall, I believe this is just because a large part of the population is unaware of the social injustices that women around the world still experience on a daily basis. 

Today, women are powerful in society. They are leaders in politics, medicine, education and all aspects of the world that we live in. For example, in 2017, women hold 105, or 19.6%, of the 535 seats in the 114th U.S. Congress - 21, or 21.0%, of the 100 seats in the Senate and 84, or 19.3%, of the 435 seats in the House of Representatives. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who was the first woman Speaker of the House, is now minority leader. Feminism has become a prominent topic in discussion, resulting in aspects of the every day life of women being improved and supported by society. For example, famous actresses and female world leaders are voicing their opinion through speeches and campaigns (Emma Watson spoke out about the true beauty of feminism in this speech).

In history, women were strongly oppressed and did not have the right to vote and were not (and sometimes today) seen equal to men. Men were hegemonic in regards to ruling society and had created a culture of power for men. Although the first women's rights convention took place in 1848 declaring that "all men and women are equal", women were given the right to vote in ca.1920, with strong and courageous women standing up for these rights. These women were collectively known as the women suffrage. Another example of women suffrage can be seen in this commercial for a film depicting suffragettes in the United Kingdom.

Additionally, women have fought for the right to employment. In history from the beginning of time, we see a pattern that women were treated as having to stay at home, tend to the housework and raise the children while men were expected to work. For example, in 1890 in the USA only 5 percent of medical doctors were women whereas today we see almost an equal amount of men and women working in hospital and medical facilities across the nation. 

As I researched for this article, I found many memes and articles written most likely by men complaining about feminism and women's rights. I was amazed that this is still a problem today! Here is an example: 

I believe that this attitude comes from the misunderstanding of women. Because men can never be women and women can never be men, we will never truly understand each other and the problems that we face in society today. For example, the 'tampon tax' campaign has caused debate in politics and society in general due to misunderstanding. Throughout history, this misunderstanding has caused a gap between men and women in society. Today, we have inspirational leaders and women of all ages who are standing up and speaking out against the oppression that they face today such as the right to abortion. 

This is a photo taken at a protest from earlier this year at women's march.

As a member of this group (as a female), I have seen many negative consequences come from the oppression of women. The consequences include low self-esteem, unequal pay for work and confusion in society. It seems that feminism has become a moral dilemma in our world today as according to this article. 

In regards to the positive way in which women have changed their rights and the future for all women I think of the groups of women simply standing up for change. Because of social media and globalization, we have a greater opportunity to make a difference and change the future generations because we can easily share information and come together to be a force for good. Many of the changes made to the oppression of women have come about because of brave women, getting together in groups and acting to make a change. One great example is Malaa Yousafzai, a young girl who simply stood up for the fact that she thought young girls deserved an education and was injured in doing so. Her impact caused the world to re-think the rights of women's education around the world. 

This is Malala. 

Because of the knowledge I have gained from studying about feminism and women's rights I am now more aware of the honor we have to be identified as women or men or whoever we may be. I know that I am privileged to have the rights and freedoms that I have now, such as the right to vote, the right to do what I want with my own body and the right to education. I want to make sure that as a teacher, I show my students through the way in which I speak, act and honor that I am proud to be a woman and desire all to have the same opportunities that I have. We must continue to fight for social justice.