In a society which claims to have progressed from centuries of patriarchal domination, political misogyny and interpersonal violence, modern institutions of thought pride themselves on their condemnation of histories mistakes. We frequently perceive ourselves and our era as better for women than those which are written in the archives.
I implore you to read the following facts with this in mind. Recently:
In Afghanistan, the Taliban have banned women from speaking in the presence of other women, even if this occurs in their own home. In Sudan, mass-suicides are occurring as women are choosing to take their own lives due to threat and instance of rape by paramilitary violence. In Palestine, in the Gaza strip, over 150,000 pregnant and lactating women are restricted access to essential services. In Britain, over a recent four-year period, over 2000 police officers have been accused of sexual misconduct, including rape.
In 13 US states, abortion has been totally banned. In another 28, bans are in place based on gestational duration. And, as you all will know, the majority of US citizens have voted to re-elect Donald Trump over Kamala Harris.
Over 76 million people have penned the box of a twice impeached, convicted felon, who openly advocates the deportation of minority ethnic groups, has declared his stance against gay marriage, and who faces over 20 sexual assault allegations.
This, of course, as a preferred alternative to having a female president. Even for 44% of female voters.
Has misogyny and sexual violence in America truly become so normalised that even women are content to accept and endorse a sexual predator? Those travesties mentioned are incredibly limited in their display of all the current humanitarian, social, and political antagonisms raging toward the female population in modern society. This is not a world in which we can call sexism a thing of the past.
Globally and drastically, women’s rights are being stripped, women’s voices are being silenced, and women’s autonomy is being taken. At this very minute, millions of women are living in fear for their lives in every single country, including yours and mine. This we know, it is a recurrent truth of our modern existence. Nothing I have previously stated will be new information to anyone with an iPhone.
The overwhelming influx of media circulating this global tragedy is terrifying. It has become normalised to read and watch condensed coverage of humanitarian crimes, political restrictions and personal violence. Despite technological advances increasing connectivity, events like the US election produce the perception that collectively our voices and protests aren’t being heard, and that society is more divided than ever. Many of us, today, feel that we can only look upon our world with anxiety and helplessness.
But that is not a reason for silence, or to stop fighting. That is not a reason to accept the state of the world as out of our hands. A heartbreaking tone of sadness and female defeat has emerged from the results of this US election, but disappointment and outrage cannot quiet feminism’s objectives and arguments. The necessity of feminism is as heightened as it has ever been, despite a social progression many modern narratives attempt to relay.
The painful day for women of America adds to the multiplicity of painful days for the women of the modern world. But hope must prevail above hatred. Women and men, now as much as ever, must keep fighting for the female population as loudly as they can.
