Abortion
In an age where the country of freedom is regressing back into the history books, the desire to control a women's body has yet again become popular. Numerous countries, running on reasons of religion and misogyny aim to constict a women's right to abort her child. Why is it wrong to abort when it risks both mother and child's life? Why is it wrong when they can not provide a good life for the child? Would they rather them live in a miserable world? My body, my choice.
Abortion
What is abortion?
Abortion is a medical procedure that involves the termination of a pregnancy. There are two types of induced (intentional) abortions: medication and procedural. Often performed for medical reasons, such as when the pregnant person's life is at risk or there is a high risk of stillbirth, the death of a fetus. However abortions can also unfortunately not be intentional, in which results in miscarriages.
Why is abortion a controversial issue?
In today's day and age, the topic of abortion coincides with multiple other issues, such as ethical beliefs, religious beliefs, as well as social and legal factors. One of the most apparent ethical dilemmas is when life begins; a scientific standpoint, heartbeats around five weeks old; a religious standing, life beginning at conception; a social decision, when a baby has consciousness. Personal beliefs begin to intertwine with this extremely controversial medical procedure. At the end of this discussion who gets the last word, the mother or the fetus? A discussion that fuels protests around the world; opponents of abortion typically believe that the fetus has a right to life that should be protected, while proponents argue that a woman’s right to bodily autonomy should take priority.
In recent times, abortion has taken a major role in political debate and policies. Landmark rulings like Roe v. Wade (1973) in the U.S. protected a woman's right to abortion, but recent shifts in legal interpretations (e.g., the overturning of Roe v. Wade by Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization in 2022) have made abortion rights more volatile and politically contentious.
How do abortion rights affect YOU?
Access to safe and legal abortion is essential for protecting women's health, particularly in cases where the pregnancy poses a danger to the mother or when the fetus has severe abnormalities. Denying abortion access can result in dangerous illegal procedures or force women to carry pregnancies to term against their will, leading to adverse physical, emotional, and psychological consequences.
Abortion is also tied to evolving views about women's roles in society. Access to abortion is fundamental aspect of gender equality, women should have control over their reproductive choices, which can directly affect their social and economic opportunities. Denying abortion access disproportionately affects low-income women and women of color, who may have fewer resources to seek safe abortions or bear the financial burden of an unwanted pregnancy.
Women's Justice
Regardless of the modern era, equality is not yet spread throughout the world for women. Restrictions in reproductive rights, underpay biases, occupational segregation, condoned violence and assault, and the allowance of parental consent to marriage of young girls. Know what your rights are, do not be ignorant to save yourself.
Women's Justice
Don't women have rights? What's the issue?
While women's rights have advanced in many places, progress is uneven and significant disparities remain. Achieving gender equality requires both legal reforms and cultural changes. The challenges women face today are diverse and interlinked with broader societal issues, including economic inequality, political representation, and social norms. Continuing to push for reforms, amplify marginalized voices, and address systemic discrimination are crucial steps toward true gender equality in the 21st century.
What is the patriarchy?
The patriarchy evolved as a social system that gives men authority and power over women, and excludes women from power and responsibility. It's an ideology that justifies male superiority and rejects equal structures in society. It started in the early stages of human civilization and has persisted through the centuries, adapting to new economic, political, and cultural contexts. While progress has been made toward gender equality, patriarchy is still evident today in economic disparities, political underrepresentation, cultural norms, and ongoing violence against women. In order to do something about the patriarchy requires an collective strength and initiative to change societal attitudes and norms.
Patriarchy in the Modern World: How It's Still Apparent Today
Patriarchy is not a concept in history—it is deeply embedded in contemporary social, political, and economic systems. Women continue to face economical gaps and significantly more gender-based financial burdens. In many industries, women are concentrated in lower-paying jobs and face barriers to advancement due to systemic biases and a "glass ceiling," which is working the same position as a man yet getting paid disporportionally less. Women may also find the "pink tax", which is the practice of charging women more for products and services than men for same quality items.
Traditional Cultures' Effect On Gender Roles
On top of unfair economic practices, women still bear the majority of unpaid domestic labor (e.g., child-rearing, elderly care, household chores), which is often undervalued and invisible in economic calculations. This unequal division of labor constrains women's economic freedom and opportunities. This also has to do with the fact that many cultures still hold traditional views about "appropriate" male and female behavior. Women are often expected to fulfill roles as wives, mothers, and caregivers, while men are viewed as the primary breadwinners and public figures.
Global Disparities
The past few paragraphs speaks about mostly the experiences of women living in the United States and first-world countries, there continues to be severe systematic issues revolving around gender equality all around the world. Despite advances, women remain underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making roles. Globally, women occupy only about 25% of parliamentary seats. In many countries, patriarchal norms still limit women's access to political power, with gendered expectations about leadership and authority roles.
Not only that, but in some countries, women still lack legal rights equal to men, such as inheritance rights, access to divorce, or the ability to make decisions regarding their own bodies and reproduction. Laws may restrict women's ability to work, own property, or participate in public life.
Movements And Advocacy
Many of these topics only skim the ever-evolving problems surrounding the rights of women. There continues systems that significantly affect more minority women, as well as stereotypes in visual medias, and continued gender-based violence. While patriarchy remains pervasive, movements like feminism, gender equality advocacy, and progressive social policies have been challenging societal systems, and YOU the reader can help too.
Menstrual Health
"You must be on your period!" "You're being so dramatic, it can't hurt that much". Uneducated people don't know that this is a very normal cycle within all women, heavily affecting their mood, their mental and physical health, their sensitivity, and their whole being. This is all to prepare for reproduction. The process of bringing fresh life on this earth. It's crucial to understand this cycle and the steps to lessen the pain and struggle.
Menstrual Health
How well do you really know a woman's anatomy? How about menstrual health?
Statistics reveal significant gaps in knowledge about women’s health and menstrual health, not only among men but also among women themselves. A global survey by Plan International found that one in five girls in low- and middle-income countries does not have access to proper menstrual education. Similarly, a study by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists revealed that 40% of men are unaware that women experience menstrual cycles, and around 60% of men report having little to no knowledge about the specific health conditions related to menstruation, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Meanwhile, research from the UK’s Wellcome Trust indicated that 44% of women felt they were not adequately informed about their menstrual health, with 47% of women reporting discomfort in discussing menstruation with their peers or healthcare providers.
The Common Misconceptions About Menstruation
Menstruation is surrounded by significant stigma and misconceptions that can impact both physical and mental health. Common myths include beliefs that menstruation is "dirty" or "unclean," that only women menstruate (which exclude transgender men and non-binary folks), and that it should be kept hidden or not talked about publicly. Many also wrongly assume that menstrual pain is universal or that menstruation always signals fertility. These misconceptions contribute to feelings of shame and embarrassment for those who menstruate, especially when it comes to discussing issues like menstrual health or accessing necessary products. The stigma can lead to negative consequences such as missed school or work, inadequate healthcare, and exclusion from social or religious activities.
The Impact Of Period Poverty
Period poverty is the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and safe sanitation facilities to manage menstruation. It affects millions of people around the world, and has a negative impact on their lives, rights, and freedoms. In the United States, period poverty affects up to two in five people. It can be particularly difficult for vulnerable populations, such as, people of color, low-income individuals, school-aged individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and incarcerated individuals. There isn't enough initiative to help individuals handle something that is naturally unavoidble, and can be harmful to many.
Change Needed For Periods
To address the issues surrounding menstruation, various things need to be done. This includes providing more education about menstrual health in schools and communities to break myths and stop stigma. Access to affordable menstrual products should be improved, particularly in low-income areas, and sustainable alternatives like menstrual cups and reusable pads should be more accessible. Healthcare services must be expanded to address menstrual health conditions, ensuring early diagnosis and effective management of issues like endometriosis and PCOS. Workplaces and schools should implement policies that accommodate menstrual health needs, including flexible leave and access to products. Additionally, it’s crucial to make menstruation discussions inclusive of all genders, particularly transgender and non-binary individuals, to ensure their needs are recognized. By normalizing conversations about menstruation and providing the necessary resources and support, society can eliminate stigma, improve health outcomes, and ensure that menstruation is no longer a source of shame or exclusion.
Sexual Intimacy
Sex today is a stigmatized topic that many people, feel uncomfortable discussing, despite the many issues surrounding it. Whether it's dating, marriage, or having children, sexual intimacy is a complex subject that often goes unaddressed. Key issues like consent, contraception, education, reproductive rights, and life-changing decisions remain overlooked. How do we begin the conversation?
Sexual Intimacy
What are the societal issues? What are local issues?
In many cultures, educational systems still fail to provide comprehensive and unbiased education on topics like sexual health, gender equality, and diverse identities. This lack of education can contribute to misinformation, discrimination, and a lack of understanding about gender issues. For instance, girls may be taught to conform to traditional gender roles, while boys are often encouraged to adhere to norms of aggression and dominance. Additionally, issues like period stigma, harassment, and gender-based violence are seldom discussed openly, leaving students without the tools to navigate these challenges. In the broader societal context, education remains a powerful tool for social mobility, but barriers such as gender discrimination, limited access to education, and societal expectations still affect women and marginalized groups disproportionately.
Issues Around Gender And Sex
Double standards around gender and sexuality often lead to the shaming of women who express sexual autonomy, while male sexuality is more readily accepted. This imbalance can make it difficult for individuals, especially women, to openly explore their sexual identity and desires. Issues like consent and coercion also play a significant role—women may feel pressured to engage in sexual activity against their will, or they may prioritize their partner’s pleasure over their own needs.
There is also a lack of education on contraception, leading to unwanted pregnancies or unsafe sexual practices. For LGBTQ+ individuals, societal norms can create additional barriers to exploring relationships freely and without fear of judgment. In many cases, these challenges can result in negative outcomes, such as unsafe sex or unhealthy dynamics in relationships. To address these issues, it is essential to promote comprehensive education around consent, contraception, and safe sexual practices, while also fostering a more inclusive, non-judgmental environment where people can explore their sexuality responsibly and without fear of shame.
Importance of Sexual Intimacy
Sex is a vital aspect of human health and well-being, as it plays a significant role in emotional connection, intimacy, and physical health. However, societal stigma around sex often prevents open conversations, leading to misinformation and neglect of crucial aspects like consent, contraception, and sexual health. Destigmatizing sex is essential, as it is a natural and normal part of many straight and LGBTQ+ relationships, contributing to emotional fulfillment and bonding. Healthy sexual expression fosters mutual respect and trust, while a lack of education can lead to risks such as unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and abusive dynamics. It is crucial to promote comprehensive sex education that empowers individuals with knowledge of sexual safety, communication, and consent, ensuring that people are equipped to make informed decisions.
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Women's Safety
Just because women are biologically weaker than men, does it mean we have to stand for it? 81% of women, worldwide, has experienced or still experiences sexual assualt. Be strong and know how to defend yourself from being vulnerable to arrogant beings who believe they have the right to harm you. It's not a joke.
Women's Safety
Isn't the world a scary place?
Women’s safety is a fundamental human right, yet across the world, women face numerous challenges that put their physical, emotional, and mental well-being at risk. From gender-based violence to barriers in accessing healthcare and legal protection, women's safety is an issue deeply intertwined with cultural, social, and economic factors. Unfortunately, the statistics are alarming. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence, primarily by an intimate partner. Sexual harassment is also pervasive, with 81% of women in the United States reporting experiencing some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime, according to a report by the National Women’s Law Center. Women are also disproportionately affected by human trafficking, with 71% of trafficking victims globally being female, often trafficked for sexual exploitation.
Beyond violence, women’s safety also involves issues of reproductive health and economic security. In many regions, access to reproductive health services remains limited. For example, 214 million women in developing countries lack access to modern contraception, leading to unplanned pregnancies and increased maternal mortality rates. Moreover, the gender pay gap continues to leave women economically vulnerable, contributing to their exposure to unsafe working conditions or exploitation. In fact, the global gender pay gap stands at 16%, and women in low-wage industries face increased risks of sexual harassment and labor exploitation.
Women's Sexual Violence
Gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, sexual violence, femicide, and trafficking for sexual exploitation, is a widespread issue that affects women globally, often rooted in patriarchal power dynamics. Sexual harassment, whether in the workplace, on the streets, or online, further compromises women’s safety, dignity, and freedom. Additionally, women face significant physical and mental health challenges, with a lack of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and the psychological toll of violence, harassment, and gender discrimination. Cultural and societal norms also play a critical role, with harmful practices like honor-based violence, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM) still prevalent in some cultures. The sexualization of women in media and popular culture perpetuates harmful stereotypes and unsafe environments. Addressing these interconnected issues requires a comprehensive approach to legal reform, education, and cultural change.
Public Safety
Workplace safety and economic security for women are vital, with equal opportunities in employment, fair pay, and career advancement essential for empowerment. However, many women in industries like domestic labor, hospitality, and agriculture face exploitation and unsafe working conditions. Legal protections are crucial, including stronger domestic violence and sexual assault laws that hold perpetrators accountable and provide survivors with justice and support. Access to legal aid is necessary to help women navigate cases of abuse and discrimination. Additionally, safety in public spaces, such as transportation and public restrooms, remains a concern, with women often facing harassment and violence. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive legal reforms, improved workplace protections, and a commitment to ensuring women’s safety in all environments.
Danger Everywhere
Global safety issues for women are exacerbated in conflict zones, where war-related sexual violence, forced displacement, and trafficking pose severe risks. Refugee and migrant women face heightened vulnerabilities, including sexual violence, exploitation, and limited access to healthcare and legal protection. In the digital age, women’s safety is further threatened by data privacy concerns and digital gender-based violence, including cyberstalking, doxxing, and revenge porn. Addressing these challenges requires strong community and support systems, such as shelters, legal aid, and health services for survivors. Additionally, engaging men and boys in promoting women’s safety, challenging toxic masculinity, and fostering healthy relationships is crucial in creating a safer environment for all.
Hope
While the challenges women face regarding safety are significant, there is a growing movement toward change. From legal reforms and increased awareness to stronger support networks and educational programs, progress is being made. For young women today, there are more resources, platforms, and communities dedicated to advocating for your rights and well-being. While the journey to equality and safety is ongoing, know that your voice matters, and the future holds the potential for a world where women can live freely, confidently, and without fear. Stay informed, stay resilient, and remember that you are part of a larger movement for change.
