A Suggestion for the President

Last week, President Obama addressed an audience in Cairo to speak about Islam. (See bottom of this post)
He covered several issues, but tended to concentrate on those of more political “value” such as war, Israel/Palestine and economics.

There was a small a glance at women’s rights, but much much more should be said.
“I reject the view that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality.”
This sentence contains issues that are hot button issues with some activists. The head covering is something to examine, because the key word in this statement is chooses. Does coercions create that choice or is it done completely at free will? This is indeed an important distinction.

However, the hajib (head covering) and even the more obtrusive burqa are among the less concerning issues for women in some Islamic communities. As is quoted, women’s access to education in some areas is nonexistent, which leads to illiteracy and lack of economic opportunity. Both make women more dependent and less likely to attain equality.

Although President Obama talked extensively about violence, it was not raised in the paragraphs about women. I find this to be a significant fault in this nearly hour long speech. Extensive violence against women in Islamic countries continues to be a tragic routine. Acid being thrown on women seeking an education, women being beat for showing too much skin or killed for looking at a man the “wrong” way. These dangerous events occur everywhere, but desperately need to be addressed in Muslim communities where the culture sometimes lends itself to oppressive patriarchal control of justice.

This is evident in the new film, The Stoning of Soraya M. I encourage the President to watch this film and perhaps next time he addresses leaders in the Middle East violence against women will be a more central topic.

To quote President Obama, violent oppression of women “is a stain on our collective conscience.”

I look forward to exploring the idea of “collective conscience” with the release of this film and the conversations that follow.

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A Fallen Hero of Human Rights

It is hard to believe in 2009 that we still face such oppressive acts. Sunday morning the news reported that Dr. George Tiller was shot and killed by an anti-choice gunman. Dr. Tiller ran a women’s clinic which provided abortion to women in needed.
He understood that reproductive and healthcare freedom is essential to human rights. Thousands of women worldwide die due to lack of access to safe abortions. Girls live in further terror after being raped because of parental notification laws. Couples make heart wrenching medical decisions after finding out there are problem with the pregnancy.
At the vigil I attended last night, stories of women facing these situations and being helped by Dr. Tiller restored our commitment to protecting reproductive rights. It was a pleasant surprise to see so many men at the vigil. It will take all genders working together to insure victory in this fight for reproductive justice.
If you would like to learn more and contribute your voice to the pro-choice movement here are some resources:

Center for Reproductive Rights: reproductiverights.org
Planned Parenthood: www.plannedparenthood.org
NARAL: www.naral.org
UN Population Fund: www.unfpa.org
National Network of Abortion Funds: www.nnaf.org

Michelle Obama: The People’s First Lady continues the legacy of the People’s Princess.

By: Janice Formichella and Andrea Hance

The Obama’s trip to England last week was a significant highlight in the first hundred days of the President. What the trip truly served as, however, was a red carpet introducing Michelle Obama to the world. The headlines soon shifted from the G20 summit to Michelle Obama’s performance as First Lady and the fact that she overshadowed her husband during the trip. This became front-page news after Michelle made a memorable visit to a local girls school after a historic and even eyebrow-raising audience with the Queen. As images of the visit were flashed over news programs and evening papers, many started to sense the presence of the late Princess Diana in the behavior, grace, individuality, and public awe that Michelle commanded. By the end of the day some reporters had modified the comparison between Michelle and Jackie O to perhaps the more appropriate comparison of Michelle and Princess Diana.
Some of us also felt Diana’s absence. Having grown up watching Princess Diana we found the comparison between her and our new First Lady intriguing. Ever since her untimely and tragic death in 1997, no one woman has emerged to take Diana’s place as an inspiring, intelligent, courageous, graceful woman the entire world can to look up to. Given the significance of both women it is worth taking a look at the similarities between Princess Diana and her heir apparent.
One aspect of Diana’s legacy that Michelle has already started to embody is her willingness and ability to raise awareness for issues that, while critical, gather little mainstream attention. Consider the issue of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s. In 1987 not only was Diana one of the first high profile celebrities to be photographed with someone afflicted with HIV, she was the first member of the royal family to do so. Diana sat with AIDS victims at their beds, held their hands, and helped to educate the public about the disease—which was very misunderstood at the time. While much of the world (not to mention the U.S. President), and definitely the rest of the royal family, was turning away, Princess Diana was giving a human face to the devastation of HIV.
Our First Lady seems determined to use her notoriety in the same way. It is encouraging to see that Michelle is selecting issues that impact women and girls directly. Prior to becoming the first African American First Lady, Michelle championed for pay equity in the workplace and spoke about the importance of work/life balance; two issues that while important, rarely gain celebrity attention. In addition, Michelle has publically discussed the importance of women owning their professional achievements while still being proud, responsible mothers. In a society were mothers face exorbitant expectations and pressures, the importance of someone such as Michelle Obama talking openly about this dilemma women face cannot be understated as it impacts so many families.
Another striking similarity between Princess Diana and the First Lady is their ready, open arms. This is something about Diana that we will never forget and something about Michelle that is seducing the entire world. After addressing the students last week, Michelle ignored the secret service and launched, arms open, into the crowd of ecstatic girls at Elizabeth Garret Language School. This impulsive response invoked images of Diana emotionally clinging to babies stricken with HIV or children disfigured by landmines. This readiness to act on impulse and challenge the status quo allows these women to appear human to the world and will endure them to the public for a hundred years to come.
Michelle embodies the same valuable legacy of loving and responsible motherhood that Diana was so well known for. Both mothers have instilled a sense of personal responsibility in their children and managed to keep a sense of normal childhood for them while growing up in the public eye. It is important for young women that Michelle is making active motherhood such a strong focus while also promoting progressive ideas about women, careers, and families.
Princess Diana and Michelle Obama both gained notoriety through their marriages to powerful men. Both women also quickly transcended the label of “wife” and became influential in their own right. This similarity also represents a large difference between the women, and one of our greatest hopes. While addressing the school girls last week, Michelle told the girls that the men in her life taught her “what a respectful relationship should look like between men and women” and “what a strong marriage looks like.” It was these remarks about men and relationships that were possibly the most significant yet the most under reported. In an era of wide spread degradation of women, and visible, even tolerated domestic violence, hearing the most iconic woman in the world address healthy relationships is astounding and shows remarkable foresight on her part. Besides the fact that Michelle is willing to bring attention to a subject that most would rather treat as a non-issue, the Obama’s portray a relationship that is respectful and equitable. When the President makes comments about his marriage such as “as you build a life of mutual support, you retain some sense of surprise or wonder about the other person”[1] the couple is setting a wonderful example for young men and women all over the world.
Perhaps this is one issue that Diana wished she could have addressed or portrayed differently. Unfortunately Diana’s marriage was tabloid news for its lack of honesty and mutual support. She rocked the royal family by divorcing the Prince to regain her independence and self-respect. Now, we see Michelle demanding and enjoying these things within a solid relationship.
As young progressive women we are hopeful that Michelle will continue to use her influence to bring awareness and action to causes that impact women disproportionally and continue to demonstrate courage in doing so. It was revealed last week that Afghanistan is in the process of passing laws that will strip women of several fundamental rights. Surprisingly, this shocking turn of events has prompted little outrage from the world community. Given her growing influence, we ask Michelle to publically condemn these actions and press for U.S. intervention. If Michelle has the courage to take the lead on some of these sticky issues, she will not be alone. An army of women, equipped with a leader, will gather around her to sound the alarm—yes we can, and yes we will!
It is truly a tragedy that the world was not able to witness the meeting of Princess Diana and Michelle Obama. It certainly would have been the beginning of a dynamic friendship. Instead we will remember the example that Diana set for all young women of the world and will watch with anticipation as Michelle continues to dazzle and impress us.

Read more of our thoughts at feministfriendly.com and progressiveplaid.blogspot.com


[1] http://www.newsweek.com/id/184773

Battle in Brazil

Earlier this month Brazil had reason talk about reproductive rights. A nine year old girl was given access to a healthy abortion following alleged sexual violence by her stepfather. Shortly after, a local Catholic Archbishop, Jose Cardoso Sobrinho, excommunicated the doctors and mother involved in this tragic circumstance.
The Catholic Church seems to be divided on the issue. Some Vatican officials stating the excommunication was justified, while their biotech officials stated it was unmerited because the doctors acted in the interest of the girls’ health.
The medical realities were that this pregnancy would have put the young girl’s health at risk and although abortion is almost always illegal in Brazil there are exception for rape and health.
A majority of Brazilians agree with the criminality of abortion, but there is a movement of to promote reproductive health in the country. Abortion causes thousands of maternal deaths and even more hospitalizations each year in Brazil. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s president, has slowly been trying to increase the dialogue on the issue of reproductive rights although he has met much resistance to the conversation. The government also works to provide options so abortion is not necessary, such as dispenses contraceptives during Carnival. Again, the Catholic Church did not approve. However, not all Catholics are so closed minded. Catholics for Choice are one group that is actively fighting for the women of Brazil to have freedom in their sexual and reproductive decisions.

Brazil is a beautiful country and with passion oozing out of its people and environment. If any country can handle this debate and fight for women’s right, it is Brazil. It will be fascinating to see what happens next.

Women Here There Everywhere!

This Sunday will commemorate International Women’s Day [IWD]. Although, this may not be a mainstream holiday it gives people many opportunities to learn, celebrate and take action regarding women’s issues across the globe.
IWD grew out of an idea introduced by Clara Zetkin at an international working women’s conference in 1910. Women unionists, activists, politicians, and other leaders come together at this conference and planted the seeds for the first IWD. They ran a successful awareness campaign for the events of the first IWD, March 15th, 1911. Women and men in many different countries participated in parties, lectures, and social action to advance women’s issues. Since 1913, it has been celebrated on March 8th and still today provides excellent event opportunities.
The roots of IWD come from working women and today with the recession women are becoming an even stronger part of the American workforce. Hilda Solis was just names secretary of Labor. She has fought for workers, women, and the environment and is now in a position to continue this fight.
In addition, March marks Women’s History Month so I encourage taking advantage of the many opportunities to celebrate women’s struggles and accomplishments.

For more information and events you can visit these sites:
http://www.feministfriendly.com/
http://www.internationalwomensday.com/
http://www.nwhp.org/

Congo, Coltan, Cash and Crisis!

Violence in Congo is something that I had heard about in connection with my interest in women’s rights. However, last night my eyes and ears really began to open wide to understand the complexity of the situation.

As with so many wars before and unfortunately I’m sure in the future, once you look below the layers you find money as one of the roots of violence. In the “African World War”, as the Congo conflict has been dubbed, is no exception.
The mineral Coltan (Colombo-tantalite) is used in cellphones, laptops and other technology. Corporations have a lack of resources ( and desire) to trace the origins of the coltan used in their product. It is likely that the computer you are reading this blog from contains Congolese coltan. Especially since 80% of the world’s reserves of coltan are found in the Congo region.
Coltan’s problems are far reaching.
Many warlords have been displacing farmers from their land to mine the stuff. This also destroys habitat for the already vulnerable mountain gorilla population.

Working conditions in the mines are dangerous and authoritative.

Not to mention the way the profits are being used to fuel the war and violence against women in the region.
This is an issue that I believe we should all investigate more. As an informed individual I was flabbergasted by this information and felt the urgency to tell others about it. As I learn more I will continue to post more about it!

Girls Golf too!

As a teen I began to enjoy watching golf tournament. My favorite is the Masters. It kicks of the major tournaments for the year and usually offers some sort of drama to enjoy all the way to the 18th green. For years, I watched blissfully unaware of the scope of drama that was taking place behind the beautiful flowers and plush fairways of Augusta National (the golf course where the Masters are played each year).
I was never naïve to the fact that golf is mainly a white, middle/upper class men’s sport. However, I didn’t fully comprehend how inaccessible prestigious golf clubs are to minorities, in particular women and the major consequences of this discrimination until I was an adult.
Augusta National does not have any women members. They are not the only golf club that has a lack of estrogen in its roster, but they are one of the most prominent golf clubs and therefore are (and should be) a target for protest. Minorities began to be invited into membership there in the early 1990s after the P.G.A. of America and the United States Golf Association, all adopted new guidelines effective in 1991 requiring private clubs that want to host tournaments to demonstrate that their membership policies are not discriminatory against minority members or women by policy or practice. (NY Times, 2002) Somehow women are still left out of the equation.
Some of you may be thinking, what is the big deal, so the boys want a club to themselves. It is just a grown-up version of The Little Rascals He-man Woman Hating Club and shouldn’t be taken so seriously.
First of all, you should see the problem with little boys having a misogynistic club in 2009. Second, society should insist that boys become men that respect women. Lastly, there are real world consequences to these kinds of exclusionary policies that affect the workplace and taxpayers.
Golf courses are used as a formal and informal business setting. If women aren’t in the golf club, they can’t contribute to these meetings. Beyond this, they won’t have the chance of running into a potential business partner in the clubhouse to make connections that are vital for career advancements. This hurt women AND it hurts business. Leaving women out of the decision making and creative brainstorming process means a business is forfeiting ½ of its potential staff and the ideas they bring with them.
People who bring clients and partners to these clubs can take a tax deduction for a portion of those expenses. This rewards both the discriminating club and thoughtless actions of executives that are patrons to these clubs. All the while, most of us of any gender would never be invited to play at one of these clubs and we have to pay more taxes. It is ridiculous. Rep. Maloney has a proposed suspending these discriminatory tax deductions. I encourage you to show your support for this bill.
Now, I still enjoy golf. I look forward to watching Phil, Sergio Ernie and Freddy as much as I did before. However, I won’t be watching blissfully unaware any longer. Instead, I’ll support the end of discrimination in a sport that I hope I will enjoy watching into my golden years.

Rosie is Riled!

In this economy, jobs have become a bit tricky to nab and it seems even if you have one it doesn't leave you with much in your account after rent is paid. Therefore many people are on the search for their next workplace. One of the most stressful parts of this process is the interview. Women have made incredible strides when it comes to breaking barriers in workplace leadership, but it certainly isn't far enough.

A new study exposes an old problem that is manifested in the job interview. For women the hot seat is truly burning. It is the old sentiment; a confident woman is really a bitch that just wants to destroy men and other competitive women. On the other hand, a gentle woman may be nice to work with, but would drop the ball on any important decisions that are better left up to men.

Wake up! It is nearly 2009, in the past 100 years women have won the right to vote, been Rosie the Riveter, marched on Washington, become US Supreme Court judges, ran viable campaigns for president and still managed to do well more than half of all the housework, child rearing and elder care in this world.

Women should go on strike. I’m not talking about a day at the spa! No job-related work, No dishes, No laundry, No grocery shopping, No writing, No teaching, No nursing, Nothing. It is understandable that women would be compelled to do most of this stuff for their children and it is essential they remain safe and healthy, but get those men to feed and bath the babies!

The world would fall apart. A capable woman is too much for patriarchal to handle so they must pigeon hole them into the category of bitch, frigid or outcast. So to this end I wish all the women who are job searching much luck and implore you to be yourself!