#BreakTheBias ..........
Welcome back to my Blog lovelies, I’ve got a few more posts in progress but decided that this was something I wanted to write about. As usual, I’ll probably veer off track in some bits, especially where things are relevant to me as a transwoman. That said, this is my take on IWD for 2022, I’ll give a bit of the history and what it’s all about, why we need it and what we can all do to promote and join in. I appreciate fully that some may not get everything I say, and some will say why does someone who previously experienced the benefits of male advantage want to comment about women’s rights. Well, when it comes to rights and equality, transwomen suffer even more than everyone else, we are one of the most discriminated against groups on the planet, I’ll write about that specifically in another post, but for now, leave that with for most of us, every possible benefit we may have ever had through consequence of birth is wiped out the minute we try to live a true life. First the history bit. Way back in the olden days, well around 1909, women had just about had enough of being treated with less value than men. Women’s suffrage movements had already popped up around the world and the fight to gain equality had begun. From votes to work, pay to opportunity, the women of the day decided to make a stand. And stand they did, they stood soundly and made their voices heard, and in the same year, it’s claimed that the first Women’s Day celebration was held in New York. It was organised by the Socialist Party of America, and by 1910 delegates at the International Socialist Women’s Conference proposed that a special women’s day should be organised annually. The following year saw mass protests and demonstrations across Europe as more and more women demanded to be treated as equals to men. Eventually the date became set as 8 March, but for the next 50 years it was mainly associated with the far-left political group. In the late 60’s the demand for change was also adopted by the Global Feminist Movement and eventually in 1977 it was recognised by the UN and was no longer something to be ignored. The problem is, that even now, 113 years after that first event, a disparity between genders still exists. Women are still treated with lower regard in many parts of the world and even here in the so called ‘Civilised West’, equality is still a hard pill to swallow for so many, and they struggle to get on board with the concept of it. These days things here in the UK, (I’ll specify that because that’s where I live and work and It’s where I’m from), are better for most women, but not all. Even amongst women, not all women are equal. Just take a moment to consider that, then think about Lesbian and Bi Women, and then think again about Trans Women. Those of us who do fall under the LBT+ categories of women are still today at odds with the general expectations of a male dominated society. Women should be feminine, have a male partner, be loyal and in a monogamous relationship, raise children and I loathe to put this on paper but as the Terfs will tell you all, have a Uterus. So, and again I am using terms that I wouldn’t normally use, but describe what I need to get across, and again they are stereotypes that are still so widely and descriptively used by so many. Are any of the following any less of women than a straight, married with 2 kids, working mum and home maker ?? A butch or lipstick lesbian, the single gym bunny with a boyfriend and a girlfriend, the trans woman assigned male at birth, the 1 in 5000 women born with no uterus ?? to be honest I added the last one on that list to prove a point, as there will no doubt be plenty of vocal protest at any trans woman speaking up to represent women on this day. The anti-trans groups do like to use the lack of uterus to define that trans women aren’t women, I’m guessing that the 1 in 5000 wouldn’t be happy to have their female status removed under this theory. As far as I’m concerned, all women are women, all women are valid, and all women deserve to be treated with respect and as equals, not only to each other, but with men as well. Anyway, when it comes to equality, women still get a worse deal than men in many areas. L and B women, get an even worse deal, and trans women, well, you all know the score by now. So as always, there will be events taking place globally which aim to demonstrate and celebrate women’s achievements, their value and they aim to unite women of every generation by inspiring us all to achieve the best we can, to strive for equality without bias for every woman everywhere. The last year has seen a step back in the global fight for rights. The Taliban taking back Afghanistan changed the lives of millions of women and girls overnight, with their governments Department for Women’s Affairs immediately disbanded. The Murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer has uncovered so many questions over women’s safety here in the UK. Sexist and misogynistic behaviour revealed as a systemic problem and just a lack of regard for women in general through our male dominated police forces and throughout the establishment to the top levels of government. During the Coronavirus Pandemic a study by UN Women showed that almost 1 in 2, 45% of women said either they or a friend had been on the receiving end of domestic or sexual abuse and violence, verbal abuse and denial of basic resources. And, for the first time in many years, the gender gap has opened up again and a report from the World Economic Forum has now increased this by 36 years, they now say that gap won’t close up for 136 years !! By the time that happens, it will have taken 250 years, near enough, since the first women stood up to level the game, just to place women as equal to men !! none of us, or even our daughters will get to see this if they are right. So, what can we all do ?? How can we make a difference ?? Well, the truth is everything can help, just sharing a photo in support can help, step up and report or act on inequality when you’ve seen it, speak up and tell your story, somewhere someone else will be struggling and just maybe you can help them improve their life. This year the IWD 22 theme is Gender Equality for Today, for a Sustainable Tomorrow, they are asking us all to talk about and imagine a Gender Equal World. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable and inclusive, A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality and collectively we can #BreakTheBias. On Wednesday the 8th March 2022 Wear something purple, spam social media with your equality solidarity pics with crossed arms in an X shape and use the #BreakTheBias. Download some resources from the IWD Website, Girlguiding and Girl Scouts have contributed to creating packs for kids of all age groups, shout out to your daughter’s schools and clubs and encourage them to do something. We all have Mums who had less rights than we do, we have Sisters, Daughters and some of you Granddaughters. Do what we can now to try and level their game, give them even more rights and help improve the world for all women. There has never been a better time to do this. And that lovelies is that. All that’s left for me is to say thanks so much for taking the time to read this and I would be happy to receive any comments, feedback or questions that you may have. There are lots more posts on here as well. Just check out the archives and, if you would like to follow me, that would make me very happy. Just click on the social media links below to add, follow and like my feeds and pages. Thanks again, love and hugs to all. Sophie xxxx Facebook www.facebook.com/beingsophie Twitter www.twitter.com/sophietgirl Bloglovin www.bloglovin.com/blogs/being-sophie-17676297 Instagram www.instagram.com/sophie.smallman TikTok www.tiktok.com/@sophies045
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AuthorHi, I'm Sophie. I hope you enjoy reading my blog. Please leave some comments on what you think of my blog x Archives
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