Fiction Writers and Feminist Feminism

Women are taking on roles in the workplace as well as in their homes with a lot of tenacity. They’re doing this while juggling many responsibilities including being mother, daughter, sister, wife and professional. The fight they are waging to break the inequalities they face is called feminism. This fight for women’s rights has been going on for centuries and continues today.

In June, right-wing political commentator Matt Walsh released a documentary titled “What is a woman?” In this film, Walsh interviews person after person, expert after expert, and activist after activist asking them to define what it means to be a woman. Walsh then goes on to explain how trans women are not real women because they don’t fit his narrow definition of the word.

The problem with this is that no one can give a concrete answer to the question of what it means to be a woman. This is because the concept of womanhood and gender is constantly evolving.

For example, just last year it was discovered that a fetus that has only one set of chromosomes can still be considered to be female by scientists. This new discovery has completely changed the way we understand sex and gender in humans. But the underlying point is that these changes are happening at an unprecedented rate and that they’re challenging our traditional understandings of what it means to be a woman.

This has important implications for fiction writers who are working to create strong, female characters. As writers, we need to be aware of the complexities of these issues and how they play out in everyday life. We also need to be careful not to write stereotypes that are offensive to women and people of all gender identities.

When writing a character, think about what motivates the woman and how she responds to situations. A good place to start is by interviewing women who have had similar experiences or are in the same industry. Ask them about what they’ve gone through and how it’s shaped them. This will help you craft a more realistic character.

Another thing to keep in mind is the power of a woman’s voice and how it impacts the story. When writing a female character, remember to use a feminine voice and avoid overly masculine speech patterns. This will make the character more believable and will create a more relatable female character.

Finally, remember that women are motivated by their desire to be of service. Women are mothers, teachers, doctors, activists and storytellers because they want to help other people. Unlike men, who are often driven by ego, women are motivated by their concern for others. This is not to say that women can’t be successful in jobs that require a high level of skill or intensity, but they must be prepared to put their egos aside. If they’re not, they’ll quickly find themselves on the wrong side of a controversy or in trouble with the law.

Women’s Rights in America

Gender equality is a basic human right. Women are half the world’s population, and they deserve to realize their full potential. Empowered women contribute to healthier, more productive households and economies, which in turn spur global development. Yet women still face barriers that prevent them from fully achieving their rights, including a lack of access to education, employment opportunities, and legal protection.

The year 2015 marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, a milestone in the long journey to ensuring women’s rights. This landmark piece of international law has 122 states parties and is one of the most important instruments to advance gender equality around the world.

While significant progress has been made in the fight for women’s rights, more work needs to be done. According to the United Nations, the gender gap persists in economic participation, access to health services and education, political representation, and violence against women.

The first step in addressing these challenges is to understand the roots of inequality. Many of the most fundamental barriers to women’s rights stem from the ways we think about and value women.

This issue is especially critical in the developing world, where social and cultural norms are often outdated, and women and girls face a unique set of obstacles to their full human rights. For example, in countries where Islam is the dominant religion, women are unable to vote because of patriarchal local customs that require men to physically present their wives or daughters to vote.

Despite these challenges, the vast majority of Americans across demographic and partisan lines support women’s rights. Nine-in-ten Americans say it is very or somewhat important that women have equal rights with men, and Democrats are more likely than Republicans to feel this way.

When asked to describe what it would be like in a society where women have equal rights with men, more than half of those who responded cited equality in the workplace: 47% said equal pay; 19% said no discrimination in hiring and promotion; and 5% mentioned better paid leave.

Other common responses included equality in the home and in family life, such as being treated fairly by their spouses; and more broadly, an emphasis on valuing women’s contributions and accomplishments. These are the enduring goals of the women’s movement, and a key reason why so many Americans are supportive of it. It’s time to put our commitment to women’s rights into action. This is a matter of urgency for the whole world, and it’s an opportunity to make a difference for future generations. We need your help! Please join us in the fight for equality for all.

Gender Inequality and Sexism

Gender inequality has a huge impact on our lives. Every person is affected differently depending on their gender, but in general, women and girls suffer more than men. They are more likely to be denied their rights, kept from going to school, forced to marry or subjected to violence – and when this happens, nations are robbed of the energy and talent they need to progress. This is why it is crucial that we address gender discrimination, including sexism, with a renewed sense of urgency and commitment.

The global economy can’t flourish without addressing the disproportionately negative effects of gender inequalities. The world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030, and it may take more than 300 years at the current rate of progress if we don’t act now. And tackling gender inequality will not only benefit women and girls, but will benefit men and boys too.

In order to address the gender gap, all countries need to change the laws and policies that govern their societies. But more importantly, people must change their mindsets. This requires a fundamental shift in the way we view gender.

For decades, the prevailing narrative has been that gender inequality mainly impacts women and girls. However, we now know that it negatively affects all genders, and society as a whole. Advancing gender equality will improve the health and wellbeing of everyone, boost economic growth and create more stable societies. This is why gender equality is a cornerstone of Save the Children’s work.

While sexism is often thought of as the root cause of gender inequality, there are a wide range of factors that contribute to the imbalance between men and women in all aspects of life. These include economic, cultural and social norms and beliefs. Inequality also arises because of differences in men and women’s abilities, as well as the impact of adversity and hardship during childhood.

Economically, gender inequality is most pronounced in the labour market. In nearly all countries that have data, women earn less than men and are less likely to own assets such as land. These gaps can have a knock-on effect on other aspects of economic development, such as agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Socially, gender inequality is exacerbated by cultural norms and beliefs that prioritize masculinity over other traits. This is reflected in the prevalence of sexism and violence against women and girls and the lack of support for those who speak out against it. In addition, gender inequality in countries where religious freedom is limited tends to be higher than in those where it is more widely accepted.

A new study by researchers at Brigham Young University and Georgetown University shows that a society’s progress in reducing gender inequality is closely linked to its level of religious freedom. The authors of the study suggest that this link is partly explained by the fact that societies with more religious freedom have a lower prevalence of gender inequality and a higher degree of social equality overall.

Preventing Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is a global crisis. According to RAINN, a person is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. It costs our society in the form of lost productivity, medical and mental health care, law enforcement and police services. It also impacts a victim’s quality of life and relationships. We all have a role to play in preventing sexual assault. We can support survivors and stop sexual abuse before it happens by promoting healthy relationships, safe behaviors and thoughtful policies. We can also educate ourselves and others about the risk factors that lead to sexual violence, such as alcohol and drug use, gender bias, cultural norms, and subtle victim blaming.

Sexual assault can be anything from unwanted touching to full-on rape. It can be committed by strangers or people in intimate relationships. It can be coercive, meaning the attacker manipulates the victim into doing sexual acts she doesn’t consent to. It can be done while a victim is drunk, asleep or otherwise incapacitated. It can be a result of harassment or discrimination based on race, gender, or class. It can even be a part of a mass-attack, such as the gang rapes that have occurred in New Delhi and other places around the world.

All kinds of people can become victims of sexual violence, including women, men and children. It can affect anyone who identifies as transgender or non-binary. It can be gender-based or a result of sexual orientation, and it can include attacks on groups of people such as sex offenders.

It’s important to remember that a lot of sexual violence is fueled by feelings of powerlessness and shame. Victims are often blamed for the assault, which can fuel more aggression and violence in the future. This is called bystander effect, and it’s something we can address by being aware of what causes sexual violence and by speaking out when we see it happening.

Research has shown that sexual violence is preventable. However, it takes a collective effort to change the culture of sexual assault. We can do our part by teaching everyone we know about consent and boundaries, challenging images of sexism in advertising, pornography and professional wrestling, and by supporting people who work to end sexual violence. We can advocate for laws that support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.

We can also show up for people who are victims by making sure they know we believe them, that we understand how much this hurts and that we want to help them in any way we can. We can provide a safe space for them to talk about what happened and offer a judgement-free, compassionate presence. We can also help them find resources, like hotlines and counseling services. And we can support them as they report to the police and seek justice for what has happened to them. You can learn more about how to support someone who has been assaulted by downloading our Don’t Miss the Signs flyer in English or Spanish.

Why Victim Blaming Is Not Okay

Survivors of sexual violence often feel like they have to carry the weight of their trauma and its aftermath on their own. They may be blaming themselves, or the people who hurt them, for what happened to them. But this is not the case—victim blaming is not okay, and it’s important to understand why it happens so that we can fight it.

Whenever an incident of victimisation makes the news, there’s always someone who is quick to put blame on the victim for what happened to them. It might be a journalist asking what the victims were wearing, or it could be a friend or relative who asks why they were out so late at night, or whether they knew the attacker well enough to avoid them. These are just a few of the many examples of victim blaming that we’re constantly exposed to through the media and in real life.

While it might seem obvious that some of those who victim blame have a vested interest in doing so (such as the perpetrators themselves, or their lawyers), what’s less clear is why and how so many other people do this. Some are unwitting, but others appear to actively enjoy victim blaming and use it as an emotional outlet. This type of person is called a “psychopathic victim blamer” and there’s evidence that they actually derive satisfaction from victimising others.

Even if a friend or loved one does not have a vested interest in victim blaming, they may still fall into the trap of it due to the fundamental attribution error. This psychological bias is a tendency to attribute other people’s behaviour to internal, personal characteristics and overlook any external factors that may have contributed to the situation.

This can be dangerous for victims who are trying to get help and support from their friends and family. For instance, if they are being victim-blamed and do not receive the support that they need, it may discourage them from reporting what happened to the police. It could also lead to feelings of post-traumatic stress, depression and health issues.

It’s therefore crucial that we try to prevent victim blaming at all times, not just in the wake of high profile incidents. To do this, we need to be aware of the signs that someone is blaming a victim and challenge their language and behaviour.

To make this easier, we’ve created a series of scenarios that can be used in a training session to identify the language and behaviours of victim blaming. By identifying these, professionals can learn how to respond in a more positive and supportive way and ensure that survivors are believed and understood. These are not to be used as a judgement on colleagues, but as a tool to encourage reflection and discussion about what they might need to change in their practice going forward. You can find our full list of victim blaming scenarios here. We hope that you find them useful, and if you have any questions about how to use them, please do not hesitate to contact us.

5 Reasons to Celebrate Being a Woman

A simple question has prompted a surprising debate: What is a woman?

Throughout much of human history, the term “woman” has been defined not in terms of herself but rather in relation to man. Women have been considered property, treated with consideration varying from that given to an ox to that of a treasured grand piano.

In the past, most women were expected to stay at home and raise children, while men went out into the world to work and provide for the family. But today, women are increasingly outnumbering men in college, in graduate school, and even in professional jobs. In fact, some countries are now led by women.

But despite the many advances women have made, it’s not always easy being a woman. The expectations of society, societal stereotypes, monthly menstrual highlights, and hormonal mood swings can make being female challenging to say the least. But there are plenty of reasons to celebrate being a woman:

1. Women have a double X chromosome, which gives them extra genetic material—a backup if you will—that compensates (at least partially) for bad mutations. Men, on the other hand, have one X chromosome and a Y chromosome, leaving them without any kind of backup if a bad mutation appears.

2. Women are more likely to fight for equal rights and be leaders in their communities, workplaces, and societies.

Studies show that when women are involved in decision-making, the policies they design and apply have a positive impact on people’s lives. This is particularly true for women’s health and economic security. For example, one study found that poverty rates drop by an average of 14 percentage points when women are involved in a country’s government.

3. Women have more power than ever before to change the world for the better.

Women’s leadership is critical to solving many of the world’s most pressing problems, including poverty, hunger, child mortality, and climate change. Women are able to bring unique perspectives to these issues because of their experience, knowledge, and relationships with the people who matter most. In addition, women’s leadership is backed by evidence: research shows that when women are involved in government and public decision-making, they promote legislation that benefits both women and their families.

Women’s Rights Are Human Rights

Across the world, women face discrimination and violence. They earn less than men for doing the same work, are more likely to experience violence at home or in the workplace, and have fewer rights to make their own choices about health, education, employment, and family size. Getting more people on board with the idea that women’s rights are human rights improves progress on all those fronts.

When the term “women’s rights” first entered popular use in the mid-90s, it was controversial. Even in countries that had ratified the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, it was still rare for people to see women’s rights as intrinsically connected to other human rights. Now, the concept is almost universally accepted.

The last half century has seen huge advances in women’s lives, but there is still much to do. Globally, women have three-quarters of the legal rights men enjoy; in sub-Saharan Africa, only 27% of countries treat women equally with men. Many harmful patriarchal traditions persist – including child marriage and female genital mutilation – which deprive girls of a good education, lead them into an early life of unrest and poverty, and place them at higher risk of death or injury during pregnancy and childbirth. Women are also more likely to live in poverty than men – especially in low and middle-income countries – because they don’t own land, are restricted by restrictive laws about how and where they can work, and are not protected from sexual harassment or assault.

When countries treat women unequally, it affects everyone. It’s a sign of autocracy and erodes democracy, whether the government tells women where they can or must go, whom they can marry, what they should wear, or when they can become pregnant. It’s also a sign of incompetence and neglect, because women have a strong connection to their communities, and they can offer critical insights on how to better their economy, protect their health, and build a better future.

In the United States, most people have a positive view of how far their country has come in giving women equal rights with men. But the question is how to move forward – about 40% of adults say they think America has not yet gone as far as it should.

Those who have a positive view are mostly Democratic men and women and Republicans. They want the federal government to do more on a range of issues, from providing more health care to families with children and boosting economic opportunities for women and girls, to curbing climate change and other environmental risks that disproportionately affect them. They’re also interested in improving equality between black and white women, as well as reducing the pay gap between women and men. These improvements are interconnected and have a profound impact on people’s lives. For example, advancing women’s economic equality will help all Americans by addressing problems like climate change, natural disasters, and financial crises. It’s up to each of us to ensure that happens.

How to Measure Gender Inequality

Gender inequality refers to the fact that different sexes are routinely treated differently in societies throughout the world – with one gender being given more opportunities or benefits than another. Gender inequality can also be seen in the ways that gender biases, stereotypes and beliefs affect individuals and society. This inequality can have a negative impact on individuals’ health, economic opportunities and life chances. Gender inequality is often caused by discrimination and sexism that stem from social norms, culture and biology. It is a global challenge that requires political leadership and comprehensive policy reforms across all sectors.

A common approach is to examine a range of indicators to measure progress towards equality. These typically include measures of attaining membership in the “club” – enrolling in school, entering the labor force, becoming a national legislator or member of parliament. These are important indicators for the overall well-being of a population but fail to capture some other forms of discrimination. They also tend to be highly volatile and are sensitive to changes in demographics.

In addition, these indicators do not tell us whether or not the gap is closing. This requires a comparison of the current state of a nation’s gender inequality with its past history. This can be done using the concept of relative deprivation (Milanovic 2005).

This compares the current state of a country with its historical average over time. Depending on the indicator, this can be either a negative or a positive number, reflecting how close a country is to its historic average.

For example, the indicator measuring women’s employment rate shows that the proportion of employed women is lower than it was historically. In this case, the trend is negative despite the fact that global gender inequality in employment has been declining since 1960.

In many countries, the underlying reason for this trend is demographic change. Over the last 40 years, sub-Saharan African and MENA nations have experienced faster population growth than developed countries. This can lead to a “rebound effect” whereby a rise in gender inequality is compounded by an increase in other forms of inequality (e.g., poverty, educational attainment, mortality).

In addition to the effect of demographics, gender inequality is also influenced by the way that governments and businesses allocate resources. This is why some advocates of gender equality argue that more attention should be paid to the need for policies that support women’s economic participation. In their view, this would promote a more gender-equal economy and reduce other forms of inequality. Another argument is that gender equality is a business imperative. Creating an environment where women can fully participate in the workplace can lead to higher productivity, which in turn leads to better economic performance. This is a compelling argument that can be supported by empirical evidence from various regions and countries. However, it should be noted that even if the economic gains from gender equality were to be achieved, the current global inequality gap in education, healthcare and poverty rates is large and will require substantial progress to close.

Preventing Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is a serious crime that is often hidden from view and has devastating effects on victims. Whether sexual assault is physical, emotional or psychological, the consequences for survivors can be lifelong and complex.

The statistics are startling: up to 94% of women who experience rape develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with 50% suffering long-term effects. Sexual abuse can also have devastating effects on children.

A victim of sexual assault or abuse may feel a range of emotions including anger, fear, guilt, shame and apathy. Some women feel they have somehow provoked their attackers and many blame themselves. Victims might find it difficult to believe their experience, especially when friends or family members tell them they should “just get over it”. Survivors are also at risk of injuring themselves by attempting self-harm.

People can take steps to prevent sexual violence in their communities and in their personal lives. They can teach children about the difference between sex and love and the importance of respecting boundaries. They can support the efforts of community members and advocates to create safe spaces and educate others about consent, boundaries and sex safety. They can help by donating money, volunteering time or lobbying legislators to support laws that hold perpetrators accountable and provide resources for victims.

Preventing sexual violence takes place on three different levels: Individual level-behaviors that lead to the use of violence and a person’s capacity for changing those behaviors. Family or relationship level-relationships that are characterized by sexual abuse, including abusive relationships between parents and their children. Community or societal level-settings and characteristics that are associated with a greater incidence of sexual violence, including work culture, schools, churches and neighborhoods.

For example, patriarchal cultures are more likely to have higher rates of sexual assault and exploitation than matriarchal or egalitarian societies. A culture’s beliefs about gender roles and relationships are also related to the prevalence of sexual violence.

In addition, the ability of a society to support its victims is important. This includes the cultural and religious resources available to women who have experienced violence, as well as social support systems and policies that promote and protect victims’ rights.

Taking action to prevent sexual violence can be daunting, but anyone can do something to contribute. Even small acts can have a big impact, such as calling 911 when someone needs help or offering a ride home from a party where alcohol is being served.

It is important to remember that any sexual assault or rape is not the victim’s fault. Sexual violence can be triggered by many factors including alcohol and drugs. The majority of sexual violence is committed by men and is often motivated by an insatiable need for power and control over their partner or victim. People can combat these dynamics by challenging images of violence against women in advertising, pornography and professional wrestling and encouraging their peers to take responsibility for their sexuality instead of letting it be defined by their partners or the media.

Victim Blaming

The recent murder of backpacker Grace Millane reignited a national conversation about victim blaming, with people across the political spectrum weighing in on whether her death was ‘her fault’. While we all want to believe that the world is fair and that bad things don’t happen to us, this desire can often lead to a form of victim blaming where we blame victims for their own misfortune. Victim blaming can take many forms and be subtle, such as questioning why someone was targeted or asking what they could have done differently. This form of victim blaming is harmful and can silence survivors, which in turn perpetuates the cycle of abuse.

There are many reasons why people engage in victim blaming. One reason is the desire to believe that the world is a fair place and that people get what they deserve, a belief known as the just-world phenomenon. Another reason is the tendency to believe that other people aren’t capable of harming themselves, a belief called the attribution of insanity bias. It is also common for people to engage in victim blaming as a way of coping with their own feelings, such as guilt or shame. For example, if you feel uncomfortable hearing about an abusive relationship, it can be easy to project those feelings onto the victim and blame them for staying in the situation.

A third reason for victim blaming is a desire to avoid exposing our own vulnerabilities. This can make people more likely to assume that others are responsible for their own misfortune, and it can make people unwilling to admit when they have wrongly interpreted a situation or abused their power. In a society that is increasingly afraid to talk about victim blaming, we need to be mindful of the impact of our words and actions.

If you see a loved one engaging in victim blaming, let them know that they are not helping their trauma recovery by saying such things. Rather, tell them that you believe them and are there for them, and offer to help in any way you can. Supporting and believing survivors is crucial, as victim blaming can lead to increased suicidal thoughts for some.

The more relevant a person’s situation is to them, the less likely they are to engage in victim blaming. This is because people who have directly experienced a traumatic event are more likely to understand the context of a crime or accident, and they may therefore be less inclined to blame victims for their own misfortune.

It is also important to be aware that some people find comfort in victim blaming, and even appear to derive enjoyment from it. A study found that those who had a high score on a measure of “everyday sadism” were more likely to engage in victim blaming, and they seemed to enjoy thinking about how the victim brought their own misfortune upon themselves. Those who engage in this type of behavior are damaging to society and should be held accountable for their actions.