Why don’t you dress more girly? You shouldn’t be playing with your brother’s toys. Here take this teddy bear instead. Do not sit with your legs open. You shouldn’t be dressing like that. Is it that time of the month again? No, let him do it, he’s a man and he’s stronger. A girl like you shouldn’t be out until so late. Boys will be boys, sometimes.
Nowadays, being a woman is not an easy task for any of us. From periods, weird flow of feelings and hormones to having to deal with all types of, sometimes weird, questions during our lifetime, we still have to deal with salary gaps, catcalling in public spaces, stalkers and in extreme cases, even homicides, usually caused by someone that swore “to protect” us.
Furthermore, a survey done by CNN, along with the Association of American Universities (AAU), with more than 25 universities involving more than 150,000 students showed that among all female college students, 23% said they suffered a type of violence or unwanted sexual contact that went from kissing to rape using force.
According to the UN Women Committee, it is predicted that 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual type of harassment by a non-partner, while 70% affirm they have suffered the same type of violence caused by an intimate partner.
Many colleges and universities are taking different actions toward violence against women. Dartmouth College is including educational programs, where they teach men and women how to act if they see suspicious behavior.
It is extremely necessary to show and educate men and women how to act toward violence against anyone. Additionally, it is also important to show support for organizations, and clubs like the ones in our school such as the Women Moving Forward at North Campus and the Women Empowerment Club at Wolfson Campus.
Nevertheless, it is important to take into consideration every type of crime against women. It is also important to teach young girl how to be confident and love themselves. As for boys, it is extremely important to not teach them that “boys will be boys,” but to respect every girl in the way they would want their mom to be treated.
