Erased, flogged, and restricted are words that most American women will never hear or experience; but for women in Aghanistan, Pakistan, Israel, and Africa, this is commonplace in their lives.
As we focus on our FLOTUS (First Lady of The United States of America) as she moves effortlessly around the globe, there are women who must get permission to leave their homes and fear punishment for simply being born the lesser gender. Some Muslim women are being flogged or whipped in public , prohibited from gaining an education, or legally raped by their husbands.
Even at high levels of Israeli leadership, female cabinet ministers were erased from an official photograph, which would have sent the wrong message and image that women can hold positions of authority.
The Muslim message is clear, “don’t get any ideas ladies.” This is one of the reasons why “western” ways, aka democracy, is seen as an ideology contrary to the “status quo” and in most cases can be detrimentaI to women’s health and a threat to their longevity.
I have traveled the world, and have always respected diversity, however to infringe upon the basic human rights of women around the globe, regardless of culture, religion, or government, gives me pause. Our new President can make a difference.
Could the image and freedoms given to ‘Mighty Michelle,’ as our First Lady is affectionately addressed, help or hinder the lives and future of women and girls, living in societies where they are powerless? Can we fully understand the complexity of their existence or would we rather stay within the lines and focus on the fashion of the day instead or fight against the brutality at play?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. enlightened and warned us from the Birmingham jail, when he wrote, ”Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These issues, as in Dr. King’s time, are inescapable yet we are culpable as global citizens. Is the world ready to lock arms to protect the rights and humanity of women everywhere?
