Digital Voices

By Jennifer

Listen to Jennifer’s speech

I am a woman.

I can go to school, have a career, own property, testify in court, get married or divorced as I please, vote, run for office.

But not all women can. Many are robbed of these basic rights, simply because of their sex. This isn’t an exclusively “woman’s issue” just because it has to do with women. It’s a human issue. I have been blessed with a voice, and I plan to use it to speak out for all women not given these rights, for all humans who are not treated with justice. I believe that the fight for women’s rights is not over.

I believe that the fight for women’s rights is not over, because arranged marriages are still forcing young women to marry strangers whom they do not love worldwide. The girls do no get a say in these arrangements and they are often made out of convenience of their family, for wealth, or to extend their family connections.

I believe that the fight for women’s rights is not over, because women are punished for not adhering to strict cultural laws outlining their religion, dress, behavior, and activities. Women who refuse to cover all but their eyes are brutally beaten or murdered, and made an “example” for any other women who find the courage to rebel.

I believe that the fight for women’s rights is not over because “honor killings” are still practiced. These murders occur when the family feels their daughter has dishonored their family name by not following religious laws, having “inappropriate relations” with men including hand holding or hugs, or even for being a victim of rape! They have done nothing except be victimized, and yet they are allowed no voice. Instead, their lives are ended for them.

I believe that the fight for women’s rights is not over, because Women are stilled denied an education. Women are still expected to stay in the home, and raise children, cook, clean. There is nothing wrong with being a mother, or with society expecting you to raise your own children. But how are they supposed to raise smart children if they themselves do not have an education? How can they manage the household affairs if no one ever bothered to teach them math? Author Greg Mortenson said, “Educate a man, and he will go out and get a good job, and take his family away from home. Educate a woman, and she will stay to make a difference, to educate her children.”

I believe the fight for women’s right’s is not over because women and children are trafficked for sex. They are sold, abducted, or traded for the personal pleasure of rich men. From this forced slavery, women experience pains both emotional and physical, and their health is compromised. Most never have a choice, being used until no one wants them any longer.

I believe the fight for women’s right’s is not over because these women are people too; people entitled to the same life, liberty and pursuit of happiness that we all are. These women are our sisters, and they need our voices.

Your voice.
My voice.

I believe that the fight for women’s rights is not over.