The War On Women
The Latest Development in the War On Women
The war against women's autonomy is as old as civilization itself. From the moment women began to assert their intellect, opinions, and emotions, patriarchal systems have fostered a division, creating an adversarial 'us versus them' dynamic, attempting to keep women in submissive societal roles.
Women have not stayed silent in the fight for equality, as generations of strong women have stepped out against the norm to push civilization into the future toward gender equity.
Yet, instead of acknowledging this inherent equality, society perpetuates a relentless war on women. This ongoing struggle for equality isn't an abstract concept; it's a daily reality where women's voices are silenced, their bodies policed, and their potential diminished. It's a battle fought against ingrained biases, systemic discrimination, and the persistent refusal to see women as fully human, deserving of the same rights and respect as men.
The latest attack on women comes from the Trump administration's recent attempt to ban hundreds of words in government documents they deem too "woke."
You may ask: What words does this administration consider too woke?
Women
Female
Pregnant People/Person(s)
Gender(s)
Pronoun(s)
And many, many more...
This is only a tiny sample of the words this administration will exclude from everything from governmental memos to official health policies and research.
I think that it is shorter to address whom these word bans will NOT affect, and that is cis-gendered, straight, white men.
This administration has been clear with whom they do not care about, and that is the majority of Americans, especially marginalized communities (oh right, I forgot, that is also banned).
The Battles Won Before
The path to equality we walk today was paved by the unwavering courage of women who defied the constraints of their times. They fought tirelessly for fundamental rights: the right to education, to vote, to own property, and to exist as full members of society.
Especially significant are the contributions of women of color, who faced the compounded burdens of racism and sexism. Through their resilience and determination, these women challenged deeply entrenched societal norms, bearing the brunt of cultural judgment while demanding their rightful place in the world. Their struggles and victories have created the foundation upon which future generations continue to build.
Having inherited this hard-won path, we must acknowledge the sacrifices made and actively build upon them. We must continue dismantling systemic barriers that persist, ensuring that the rights fought for are truly accessible to all, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
This means amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, supporting policies that promote equity, and challenging the subtle and overt forms of discrimination that still exist. It requires a commitment to continuous learning, a willingness to confront our biases, and a dedication to creating a world where the promise of equality is fully realized for everyone.
Therefore, we must resolutely stand against this administration's attempt to further marginalize communities. The Trump administration's attempt to diminish the rights of its citizens is unconstitutional and is a direct affront to the legacy of those who fought for equality.
We must be vigilant in identifying and challenging these attempts, amplifying the voices of those affected, and actively working to dismantle the structures that perpetuate marginalization, ensuring that the path forged by our predecessors leads to a more just and equitable future for all.
An Overwhelming Sense of Hope(lessness)
These attempts to marginalize communities are often calculated to instill a sense of hopelessness. By erecting barriers, spreading misinformation, and fostering division, this administration aims to erode the belief that change is possible and discourage collective action.
This manufactured despair seeks to paralyze those struggling, making them feel powerless against overwhelming forces. It's a tactic designed to extinguish the very flame of resistance, to convince those targeted that their voices don't matter and that their struggles are futile. We must recognize this strategy for what it is and refuse to succumb to its intended effect.
Hope, far from being a passive sentiment, is our greatest weapon.
It fuels our resilience, ignites our determination, and empowers us to envision and strive for a better future. The antidote to manufactured hopelessness is the spark that ignites collective action. We must seize this hope, nurture it, and transform it into tangible action for an equal tomorrow. This means translating our aspirations into concrete steps: organizing, advocating, educating, and challenging injustice wherever it arises. We must channel our hope into the relentless pursuit of systemic change, ensuring that the promise of equality is not just a dream but a lived reality for all.
Let us rise, then, with the fierce hope of those who came before us!
Let us channel their unwavering spirit into action, dismantling the barriers that still divide us. Educate yourselves, amplify marginalized voices, and hold those in power accountable. Vote with intention, protest with purpose, and organize with unwavering dedication. Challenge injustice wherever you see it, and refuse to be silenced by fear or despair. Let us build bridges of understanding, forge alliances of solidarity, and create a future where equality is not just a promise but a reality.
The time for complacency is over. The time for action is now. Let us, together, create the equal tomorrow we deserve.
The war on women is far from over, but we must meet the battles of today with unwavering resolve, fighting for the rights and freedoms that continue to be challenged.
Thank you for reading,
Jennie Riad, Ed.D.
CEO, The Beehive Company & Editor-in-chief, The Beehive