For centuries women have constantly been targeted and attacked. Whether that being an attack on our body image or the right to vote. That control has been inflicted upon us since the beginning of time. Significant historical movements such as the Women’s March and the Women’s Rights Movement came about in the 1960s to help protect our basic human rights. They have proven that when we unite and stand up for something long enough, we will win. Today, we still have to fight to maintain fundamental rights like access to reproductive health care, equal pay and equality. Taking an even closer look at these issues, what is ‘day to day life’ as a woman like?
Everyday women are continuously being harassed or worse. Society has built up a misogynistic image that objectifies women and it’s not just about being mistreated but making it acceptable to let them be used. Many have personally encountered something that’s made them feel less and it doesn’t stop there. There’s roughly 3.9 billion females in the world, who are affected in some specific way. Take body image for example. What does that mean to you? For many this involves the perception the media has on women. Over the last 20 years, more and more young women are being subjected to the false ideas the media has created. And as a result, it has caused a lot of mental health issues and insecurities. Studies have shown that today, at least one – in – eight young teenagers and adults suffer from undiagnosed mental illness. A further 50% of young people deal with clinically diagnosed mental health problems. Anxiety or depression being just a few examples most of us are familiar with. However, what a lot fail to realise is that everybody is different. Every-body is different. Society needs to change certain misconceptions and improve in many ways.
Looking at it from a political point of view, it’s politicians who think they are obligated to make decisions and tell women what to do with their body. And yet, there are no laws that are currently governing men’s bodies. An excellent example of misogyny, don’t you think? We as women are constantly being undervalued and underestimated. Day to day life can prove to be extremely challenging. As a result, the majority of highly paid jobs are vacated by men. It stands to reason that society thinks a lot more highly of men than women. We are judged by the way we dress, our job occupation, interests, dreams and so much more. It has created this imagery that men can do more than women. But if we are being realistic, women are more than capable of doing the same day to day tasks as men. “Women can do it all, in a pair of heels” as Katy Perry would say. Women are more powerful than many are made to believe.
Many women have risen above the expectations such as Vice President Kamala Harris. She’s one of the many who has revolutionised history and has paved the way for future generations. It’s time we stand up and fight together. The message is this: Let’s stop fighting amongst ourselves and start fighting for real causes. Let’s fight for our mothers, sisters, friends and future daughters. We are not alone. We are the future.
ROARA Magazine 