Submitted by Christine Zarzicki on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 13:58.
I believe that in order for women to ultimately contribute as a significant part of the public/economic sector in these countries, they should strive not to perpetuate a modified sheltered existence and simply live in a state of heightened security. These safety precautions are simply not "reality" and thus create a faux scenario in which women are adapting. The entire notion of women entering the work force and achieving proper gender equality implies that any sort of “advantage" given to them will destroy their credibility. Men will eventually grow resentful of the provisions made for women and this will intensify the animosity and harassment. I truly believe that in any situation where the oppressed are given special rights or privileges, the oppressor eventually becomes indignant with the situation and will even claim that any success achieved by the oppressed was simply the result of pampering and crutches.
However, because the gender discrimination situation in such countries is truly dire, it seems that SOME variation of safety measures MUST be used in order to instigate change and give women the confidence to pursue their aspirations. Because women are essentially paralyzed by this constant harassment (whether from fear or their families) it appears to be crucial that something be done. Separate trains will give these women and their families the feeling of security they need to take the first step toward success and equality. It is imperative, however, that once progress is made and equality seems more probable that such support systems be removed so that we are not constantly reminded of the gender discrepancies.
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I believe that in order for
I believe that in order for women to ultimately contribute as a significant part of the public/economic sector in these countries, they should strive not to perpetuate a modified sheltered existence and simply live in a state of heightened security. These safety precautions are simply not "reality" and thus create a faux scenario in which women are adapting. The entire notion of women entering the work force and achieving proper gender equality implies that any sort of “advantage" given to them will destroy their credibility. Men will eventually grow resentful of the provisions made for women and this will intensify the animosity and harassment. I truly believe that in any situation where the oppressed are given special rights or privileges, the oppressor eventually becomes indignant with the situation and will even claim that any success achieved by the oppressed was simply the result of pampering and crutches.
However, because the gender discrimination situation in such countries is truly dire, it seems that SOME variation of safety measures MUST be used in order to instigate change and give women the confidence to pursue their aspirations. Because women are essentially paralyzed by this constant harassment (whether from fear or their families) it appears to be crucial that something be done. Separate trains will give these women and their families the feeling of security they need to take the first step toward success and equality. It is imperative, however, that once progress is made and equality seems more probable that such support systems be removed so that we are not constantly reminded of the gender discrepancies.