Gender Equity

http://www.heifer.org/blog/2013/01/ending-violence-against-women-through-social-change.html

I found this article on Twitter and learned about an organization called “Heifer International.” This organization promoted gender equity and also holds different programs throughout the world to help teach men how women are equals and how they contribute to society. This article particularly focused on India, where rape is a very common crime. Rapes in India have risen 25% between the years of 2006 and 2011, and this rising issue is finally reaching worldwide attention due to such extreme issues such as the medical student who died from injuries received in a brutal rape attack. Heifer International not only holds information sessions for men, but for women as well, which serve as self-help groups and a way for women to group together and accomplish goals together. The project has already changed some men’s views of women, with one man who underwent the training saying “I used to be guilty as well in believing it was more important to educate or provide for my sons than for my daughters. But the trainings changed all that for me. Today, my daughter is in the army. She has made me realize and understand that girls are no less than boys.” 

Training like this should not only be used in countries where rape and crimes against women are common, but everywhere. For example, workshops like this could benefit men here in America and promote gender equity here in America. Gender equity here is not as serious of a problem, but is still present in the workplace especially, where men still earn more than women and are promoted quicker. It could even prevent extreme instances from happening such as domestic abuse, both physical and emotional. The organization clearly makes a difference in some men, and it’s a change in image and the way men see women that could benefit men, and women, in America. Society has changed and it is not as patriarchal as it used to be, and gender equity has become more popular in society. Organizations such as Heifer International could help bring gender equity to life, and not just something that some people talk about.