Have you ever thought twice about wearing that outfit…afraid of any type of abuse or judgements? Have you felt insecure walking at night with no company? Have anyone made a cat call at you on public spaces? Have you ever felt like this? … If any woman is reading this, I’m almost sure that more than a 90% would answer “yes”.
In times where technology is increasing and making a high speed progress according to the client needs, with new developments or inventions that in any other moment would’ve been unthinkable, products that even today are surprising and overcoming assumed limits. In times like this, who would’ve thought that the problems are as simple as asking for a dignified and decent treatment, fighting for gender equity, trying not to live with fear, hoping that our rights could be respected and valid… who would’ve thought that these were the conflicts… in 2017.
Who would’ve thought that we still listen to comments like these:
She was drunk, right?… She was asking for it… You’re overreacting… She could’ve said “no”… Then, don’t dress like that… Not everything’s about you… You’re offended by anything… Why was she out so late… etc. etc. etc.
We need a change… and just as a reminder… one more, or one less, just… even one, it matters. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, always, it matters. As simples as that.
To create and generate an impact we need to be noticed, we need to be that critical mass. And that potential group, that’s us, women. United, not apart, not criticizing the fight of others, not their appearance neither their orientation, nothing. We are one, we should be. It is almost our responsibility, an obligation to protect ourselves mutually, take care and support each other. Be that critical mass, that audience that cannot be ignored neither silenced in any possible way.
Every change is disruptive, people complains, they’re angry, there are victims, prejudice or resistance. But this time is different, we’re another generation, we’ve changed. Like it or not, this is it.
The response and collaboration cannot be one-sided, society isn’t, not even human interaction is it. There are different cultures, thoughts and expressions that were or still are well deep-seated and with a lot of resistance, I understand, though it doesn’t mean it’s right.
Education is the base of everything, a valid knowledge of our surroundings and environment gives us the tools to grow, think, speak, act with fundamentals and strong arguments. But if during that way, if through that path there still are victims of abuse, insecurity, harassment, repression, discrimination… with all that, who could continue?
This time, I write and share my thoughts and this brief reflection, joining the battle and looking for gender equity, for dignity, for a fair life and treatment. Because there cannot be any other victim. Every woman needs and should feel protected, secure, included, respected and accepted, as everyone else.
No more victims, no more abuse, no more prejudices, no more excuses… because one more, or one less, just one, it matters.