My teacher told me that it has been said that Canadian women are freest in the world, even among the countries that are wealthy and democratic. The reason for this should be quite obvious if one stops and thinks about it for a moment. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was enacted in 1982, therefore women's rights were included. Canada's charter was developed later than most countries so women were provided for. In earliest times as it is known, women were not valued. As a woman myself I find this troubling to know that had I been born even mere generations ago I would be expected to take a backseat to my husband and care for children. I would have no further tasks other than those related to the household domain, for I would be dressed in an apron rather than a school uniform on a daily basis. And yet, today women have careers. Women have the opportunity to acquire an extensive education and make choices in their lives aside from male influence. Women are taking on careers in traditionally male-dominated fields such as medicine and law - and they are EXCELLING.
However, women are still paid 25 cents less in Canada for every dollar a man makes performing the same job and work load - simply because they are women. Women still face harassment and discrimination in the work force. And of course, let us not forget the situation of Canada's Aboriginal peoples let alone Aboriginal women. We cannot ignore the issues. Women's rights will continue to be a concern, yet it seems that women of today find it easier to accept.
How can we throw away all the hard work and determination women before us fought so bravely to attain? Women were imprisoned for petty crimes such as protesting and waving banners simply because they wanted equality! Women participated in hunger strikes fighting for their voices to be heard when many of us can't seem to go one school period without chowing down on a snack. Think about it. The facts are everywhere.
Our rights were established, but it is still important that they be protected. There is still much work to be done. I believe education is important and if nothing else, take that from our presentation and our articles. If you do not remember that Pankhurst was arrested 12 times alone in 1913, remember that she educated. Remember that women's rights are still as important today as they were before. We need to realize that history is not simply a montage of facts; history is about those who lived and the legacy they left for us to continue.
No comments:
Post a Comment