Finalist in WLP’s Youth Essay Contest Group 1: 14-18 Years
Lara H, USA
My grandmother once told me that God always grants a mother the first thing she wishes for her newborn, so when my mother was born, my grandmother wished for her to finish her education before she got married. Only after visiting the Middle East and Syria and beginning to study gender, sexuality, and women’s issues did the moral of this story dawn on me. I am lucky and privileged enough to live in the United States of America, a land where equality is promised to all, and to be raised in a family where women’s rights and equality with men is also granted to me. My family has not always had this privilege.
Afternoon Storms in the Midwest (cc) SenzEnina
My great-grandmother, living in Syria in the 1920’s, was pulled out of school to care for her siblings. She was married at age 15. My grandmother lived a relatively better life; she was only forced into an arranged marriage at 18, after finishing high school, even though she excelled at her studies. It wasn’t until her children grew up that she forced her way back into school and obtained her masters’ degree. Still, she was not allowed to work. My grandmother learned the hard way that women’s rights and equality are products of an early and solid education. She wanted for her daughters what was not given to her.
Now my mother, a practicing professional, has instilled in me the same values given to her by her mother and has given me the gift of education. Education is the force that drives the “women’s equality engine”. It is what motivates women to become professionals, which in turn grants them financial stability. Financial power is the first step towards an equal partnership between man and woman. Only when women become educated and financially independent will they be able to take control of their lives and negotiate with their partners. An empowered woman can compromise with their partner over issues like maternity rights and the upbringing of her children. But this empowerment cannot be one sided; an equally educated and open-minded partner is essential in order for women’s empowerment to translate into action. I believe this is the biggest obstacle facing women in the developed world.
The truth is men continue to form the majority of the legislative body in the governments around the world, and if men are not educated and willing to accept women as equal partners, the legislation required by CEDAW to “ensure the full development and advancement of women” will not be granted. Men in developed countries need better education about women’s rights. They need to change their views about women. Instead of thinking that women only compete with them to try and chip away from their self-given privileges, they must understand that women have equal power that they use to help to better the world for everyone. Men should seize the opportunity to teach their children how to work side by side with their female partners instead of adhering to the stereotype of the “working man” and “domestic wife”. Men have daughters, and many probably wish for them to become educated and to be seen as equals to other men; however, not all men permit such development in our society. This hurdle persists even in the most developed countries. Bettering our educational systems can help women achieve their full and equal rights.
This goal is not an easy one; it will take many generations of educated men and women to achieve. Men and women who want equality for their children need to start focusing their efforts towards women’s education and empowerment.
This is my pledge: to share my privileges with the young women around the globe. My name is Lara H and I am seventeen years old. Even though I do not qualify for this contest, I want the world to hear my voice, because this voice will continue to speak loudly for the rest of my life.
Finalist in WLP’s Youth Essay Contest Group 1: 14-18 Years
Lara H, USA
February 19th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
This is very well-stated, Lara. We owe so much to women like your grandmother who recognized the need and followed through on pursuing her education to its fullest in spite of social obstacles. And you’ve raised an important issue that women continue to face regardless of the legal status granted to us, irrespective of country: women’s full education and empowerment, and even equality under the law, still won’t lead to a truly equitable society without educated and open-minded men who are also willing to make equality a daily social reality. Keep speaking loudly and sharing this message!
February 21st, 2010 at 11:03 am
This is the kind of work that will change the ongoing prejudice towards women. People seem to forget that this country is in reality far less equal than it seems and Lara you really shed light on this and offer a viable solution. excellent work.
February 21st, 2010 at 11:50 am
This insightful piece demonstrates not only a conscious through three generations of women to understand and come to terms with their sexuality in the professional and personal environment, but also a depth of thought that is stimulating and provides lessons for us all. You have identified an issue Lara that is at the heart of our most fundamental relationships; those between men and women. We all need to be aware of and come to terms with our appreciation of what holds us together and how it is through giving to others that we actually give to ourselves. I hope that the private family lessons that you have learnt from your family and which you have generously shared with us, can serve to remind and inspire us that this is something we all take responsibility for and need to demonstrate in our own lives. Thanks and well done!
February 21st, 2010 at 12:20 pm
This issue impacts all women in every country, and you are contributing to changing these views. Keep up the great work Lara!
February 21st, 2010 at 1:35 pm
This is an inspiring piece of work Lara! You’re standing up for what you believe in and cherish, and your argument is well structured and constructed. Keep it up!
February 21st, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Lara I was so touched and proud to know that you appreciate the education and the chances you were given in life and that you are eager to share this with other women around the world.It s fundamental for all girls to push all boundaries and better their lives and the live of next generations to come.Keep your energy and your good work,and we will provide you with all the support you may need in this endevour.
February 21st, 2010 at 3:38 pm
I think that many times living in the US causes us to forget that the opportunities we are given are not shared by all women across the world. This essay reminds us to be grateful for the education we many times take for granted. Lara the way you used your family’s history to highlight these struggles helped demonstrate that this is not simply a distant issue but one that is prominent and must be addressed. It was very powerful!
February 21st, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Lara H comes from a long line of Women of Syrian heritage who fought for women’s wrights. Women in Syria were amongst the pioneers in the Arab world to break barriers in education and employment. In the U.S. these women also joined the ranks of other women fighting for equality with men. Marlo Thomas (An Arab America) in1966 Starred and produced the hit TV sitcom That Girl. That Girl was the first sitcom to focus on a single woman who was not a domestic or living at home. Some consider this show an early indication of the changing roles of American women in Feminist-era America. Bravo Lara, Keep up the fight and never give up!
February 21st, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Lara, thank you so much for sharing this. Sometimes I fear that your generation takes privileges like education for granted and so won’t keep fighting for equality. It is honestly heartening to be reminded that young women like you are the future. Lara for President (or Secretary General or Presidente).
February 21st, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Lara, it is definitely challenging for any women to achieve higher education and financial independence while maintaining the balance for being a wife and a mother in a male dominated society. It is very refreshing for a young girl like you to keep your family traditions and take up the cause of women empowerment around the globe. Keep it up and all the best.
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:02 am
Lara, I found your essay to be incredibly refreshing…it is written with lots of insight. Reading it made me see a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s young women such as yourself who will make our future a better place.
Ironically, in the Middle East, a popular phrase is “Women are half of the society.” Yet, when you visit you’ll meet many women who have outstanding, unfulfilled dreams because of the heavily male-dominated structure. It’s more like they are simply “half”. In fact, no country will advance when its women are suppressed.
Coming from a Syrian background and being raised in an open-minded family, and now living in the US where I can insist on my rights, made me see a dramatic contrast which you have identified.
These countries need young, powerful women such as yourself to help liberate them and give them a hand to pull them out of the swamp that they are in. You can take this message and show women how to be leaders and carry their countries forward.
Like Oprah did with her leadership schools for girls….Lara, you could use that kind of inspiration and carry your mission forward as an activist.
You go girl!
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:10 am
This is a great essay; it took me on a journey that spanned generations and crossed continents. The fact that Syrian women were fighting for their emancipation before their American sisters is unknown to many. Syria had a female minister ten years before the first woman joined the US cabinet. But there’s still more to be done for women all over the globe. Lara has outlined a path for that goal that is both simple and direct. Lara has something else going for her here; passion. It shines through her essay and inspires anyone who reads it to do what is needed to achieve equality between the genders, here and abroad. Keep up the good work and God bless.
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:20 am
Lara, you bring up some excellent points – I enjoyed your perspective and the topic is incredibly critical for achieving equality opportunity for women. Bravo for opening my eyes to this topic.
February 22nd, 2010 at 3:10 am
Lara,
Great work! Keep it up and spread the knowledge.
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:23 pm
I enjoyed reading your essay very much. You have brought up a very important component to the long road women had to endure in the name of “women’s right”. Your essay brings out how important educations plays in the pursuit for a better tomorrow for all women. We as women take from granted our rights to an education and forget the long hard road women like your great-grandmother and grandmother endured for those rights. I agree with you that we very much need to educate the men of tomorrow of our God given rights.
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Lara, i really liked your essay and the points you insisted on. Women and men should have equal rights and should be treated equally and in the same manner.
Very good essay, really appreciate it.
February 22nd, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Lara, it is clear from your essay that you truly have absorbed copious amounts of information about the oppression of women and the need for them to be educated and to be treated as equals. Your visit to Syria, as well as tracing back your ancestry who personally experienced this oppression in Syria, allows you to have a more personal connection to the issue and this seems evident in your essay. I think the personal aspect of it is truly touching and it causes me to reflect on what my own female family members may have gone. This is a beautifully written essay about a topic that tends to get less attention than it deserves.
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Excellent work! Your commitment to the cause shines through. Lincoln said ““To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men.” Today’s generation should protest and never remain silent on issues important to them.
February 22nd, 2010 at 6:21 pm
I think your argument is very sound, Lara, and brings up an issue that is too often ignored by societies all over the world. I believe education is the basis for the development of every kind of equality; not just equal rights for women but equal rights for every marginalized group in the world. The better educated we are, the more progressive, accepting and caring our communities will be. Great essay!
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:27 am
“I want the world to hear my voice, because this voice will continue to speak loudly for the rest of my life.”
After reading your essay, i am certainly ready continue to hear your voice and your perspective on this and many other pertinent issues.
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:31 am
Lara what a great essay….It is amazing how you correlated the subjects of solid education, financial independence, and women empowerment all together. And to see the gradual achievements from generation to generation should motivate you and keep carrying the torch and hand it off to the next generation ….I am sure that one day you will sit with your kids and tell them what once your great-grandmother told your grandmother how important education was (in the 1920’s back in Syria) …Best of luck to you , and hope you achieve all your dreams……
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:48 am
nice work
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Great essay and very thought provoking. It is astonishing how women’s rights are denied, even basic things such as education. I enjoyed reading your work and I hope future generations will understand how gender equality is necessary.
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Sometimes it’s easy to forget how women in other parts of the world face struggles that I’ve never personally had to deal with. Thanks for sharing your story.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
great essay with a really nice introduction. Good luck.
February 24th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Lara,
Great essay! I was very impressed with your work, but not surprised.Since you were a little girl you’ve always stood up for what you believe in, never shying to give your opinion. Lara, your social prespective and charismatic nature are shining through in this essay. you should be proud that the legacy instilled by your great grand mother lives on through your words.
February 25th, 2010 at 3:11 am
This is one of the most insightful and though provoking essays that I have ever read. You have truly shed light on a whole new perspective concerning woman’s right. You serve as a great inspiration to all women out there, and I feel that anyone who has read this article appreciates you for it. Keep up the great work, Lars!
February 25th, 2010 at 3:20 am
This is an incredibly well-written essay, Lara, and I whole-heartedly agree with your views concerning equal education rights and opportunities for women in today’s society. It seems to me that even though we do live in the 21st century, a lot of the views held about women and “our place” in the real world are extremely and embarassingly outdated. By standing up for what is rightfully (and equally) ours, we can ensure that future generations of women will have what we, perhaps, will not in our lifetime: complete and inarguable equality.
I really wish you would’ve been eligible for the essay contest!! I feel that you would’ve won. =}
March 1st, 2010 at 11:12 am
It did not surprise me to see Lara so insighftully tackle such an important issue as women’s rights having her origins in a country where during the 20th century women were pioneers in promoting women’s education and their participation in a largely patriarchal society. Modern day Syria has allowed for greater participation of women in the country’s political, cultural and economic landscape- having women ministers, parlimentarians, professors , doctors (like your mom Lara ) and more- and that is largely due to the emphasis on education for both men and women alike. I totally agree with Lara that men’s emancipation is a prerequiste for women’s emancipation and their greater role in determing their society’s future. As Ancient Syrian history gave rise to one of the most powerful Arab queens, Zenoubia, perhaps with more women activists as Lara we shall see the rise of more women leaders and many Zenoubia’s in the Arab World and worldwide!
Great job Lara ! Continue the good work.
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:48 am
Wow… what a wonderful essay and comments!!! I see that not only me who appreciates your essay!
congratulations for you… I wish if I can live in America just like you… the land of opportunities and dreams to come true!