Beginning at an alarmingly young age, girls are sexualized and forced to conform to society’s ideals. Far too early on in our lives, women become painfully aware of their bodies as objects for male consumption and pleasure, not as a medium for self expression and empowerment. The suppression of female expression and constant objectification is the greatest challenge facing girls and women. Furthermore, belief that women's voices are meant to be silenced sets the societal norm that teaches girls from a very young age that they are not valued as individuals and must be submissive in order to be respected. What makes this such a destructive standard is that it seeps its way into all aspects of the growth of girls, to young women, and into adulthood.
Read MoreZülfinaz? Only Zülfinaz, again? Fine, you can come and solve this question as well.” Zülfinaz, 15, best in her class of 60 (mostly filled with boys), their levels varying from 1st Grade to 8th Grade. She was going to the only school she could. A little, village school, with a faculty to student ratio of 1 to 60. Yet her teacher, saw something in her.
Read MoreIn 1911, the penalty for adultery was made equal for men and women; in1917, forced and underage marriages were declared illegitimate; and, in 1926, with the new Turkish Civil Code, a monogamous marriage in which women have a right to divorce, custody, and property was made compulsory (Türkiye’de Kadın); yet a century has passed and the headline still reads: "15-year-old girl killed by family after being raped by cousins"
Read MoreNever have I ever been so fundamentally shocked by a statement from a human than when a well-educated Ghanaian man who is currently pursuing his Ph.D. told me during a discussion on gender roles that “women are nothing but birth – giving machines”.
Read MoreAmong the plethora of problems which deter Pakistan from setting sail on the path of development and prosperity, perhaps the most unfortunate and regrettable one is the lack of education for women. While Pakistan has produced Malala Yousafzais and Arfa Karims, millions of Pakistani girls are deprived of the chance to go to school and tap into their potential. They are deprived of the opportunity to stand on their feet and be aware of their own rights and responsibilities…
Read MoreIn 1911, the penalty for adultery was made equal for men and women; in 1917, forced and underage marriages were declared illegitimate; and, in 1926, with the new Turkish Civil Code, a monogamous marriage in which women have a right to divorce, custody, and property was made compulsory (Türkiye’de Kadın); yet a century has passed and the headline still reads: "15-year-old girl killed by family after being raped by cousins" (15-year-old Girl)…
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