Making a stand for rights of women around the world

By Alycia Kinns - Year 13, Waitaki Girls' High School

Social issues, cultural values and political philosophies objectify women, and restrict the freedom human rights provide.

But we already knew that, didn't we?

We know women struggle to nurture and nourish children.

We know women are forced to marry, and sell their bodies.

We know women face injustice, but what are we doing about it?

Women's empowerment is a successful tool to fight against these detrimental subjections, and I wish to demonstrate why.

In Romania, a decree was issued to increase the birthrate.

Abortion and contraceptives were outlawed, influencing women's fertility to become an instrument of state control.

Despite it being illegal, due to poverty, women resorted to homemade concoctions to rid them of pregnancies.

This resulted in permanent damage to women's health, with increased deaths.

The quote: ''... of 13 children, four die, the rest were put into care'', suggests that families and children become vulnerable when women are not allowed to make their own decisions.

By contrast, in China, a total of 324million women were recorded as being fitted with IUDs, and 108million were sterilised by tubal ligation through a scheme to limit the population.

These statistics combined, suggest how easily women can be objectified in relation to their body.

Families rely on women for nurturing and nourishing children, and societies rely on women to maintain a healthy population. However, these cannot be achieved without basic human rights being respected.

Another illustration of women being defined by their fertility is in Hillary Clinton's United Nations speech.

She says women are being forced to have abortions or sterilised against their will.

This demonstrates to me how common the abuse of women is.

Clearly, gender has an impact on your human rights.

Although this abuse seems overwhelming, campaigns are commencing to provide support for women.

For instance, New Zealand's White Ribbon Riders annually travel to tackle the domestic violence record, and empower women to stand against violence.

Another public campaign is the #MeToo movement.

This movement, against sexual harassment and assault, wishes to increase the global discussion of sexual violence and strengthen its victims.

Advocating for women's rights today is significant, as society has not completely destroyed the traditional attitude of women being inferior.

I want to challenge your perspectives on women's lives internationally, and encourage you all to explore your freedom of speech.

As a young and educated female, I have the opportunity to speak out for women who are unable to be heard - for women who are silenced by societal expectations.

Throughout history, women have been objectified for their fertility, domestic value and bodies.

But here at Waitaki Girls', we know women are strong.

We know women are determined.

And we know women can overcome challenges with resilience.

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