On Global Solidarity

After reading the article I was appalled. The lack of respect and basic human rights that women around the world have to face is not only horrific, but also quite barbaric.  Being a strong, independent twenty first century woman it is hard for me to understand why women in countries such as Afghanistan don't just stand up for themselves as for other women and just stop the cycle. But unlike them, when I feel the need to stand up for myself I do not face death or equally harsh punishments. Through catholic social teaching we learn to respect God's creation because everyone has a right to live, and we are called to help those who are less fortunate than us. The leaders in the countries that oppress women should take action and start protecting the rights of those citizens. But the responsibility is not exclusive to those countries, it is imperative that anyone who hears about situations like this tries to help in any way, even if it's just talking about it because normally these tragedies are not plastered on the front pages of news outlets. Just getting the word out about how women are treated world wide is helping. 

 When tragedies such as hurricanes or tsunamis take place, people all over the world feel the need to donate time or money or food and clothing or just a helping hand. Why isn't it the same when a woman is unjustly murdered or harmed? One of the reasons is that when a natural disaster takes place, it is common knowledge, but when a woman is in danger, the news story is lucky to make it on the bottom of the screen in the quick stories box. The difference in reaction is due somewhat to media outlets, but also on the people. Not all people in the world share the view that everyone is created equal and so everyone should be treated equally. Some may think it is okay to treat women unjustly. Some may have concerns but don't know how to help. I think the not knowing how to help situation is a very wide spread problem because I know sometimes I feel like I don't know how to help a situation. I have learned though that just talking about it and trying to get people to pay attention to stories like this is helping.