Recently I came across a message that I wrote more than two decades ago to a group of advocates who were working to improve services to battered women. The message bears repeating today in relation to our work to end sexist remarks, promote gender equality, and create a safer world for women and girls. During October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are printing an adapted version of the original text; it appears below.
Cynthia
It is difficult not to become frustrated with the apparently insurmountable tasks that lie ahead. The ideal world that we envision—where equality prevails and women and men live in partnership and mutual respect—seems so far away. The desire to bring about gender equality in our lifetime can be overwhelming, and despite all the changes we have seen, they are not enough. There is so much work to be done, and the need to continually challenge the entrenched attitudes and values that hold women back can sap our strength. In the final analysis, however, achieving our goals is both possible and profoundly necessary, and it is our idealism and hope that keep us going.
It is important therefore to remember that historically we have made significant strides. Women vote, go to college, and play vital roles in government, business, and industry, and men have become more involved in parenting and family life. Young girls are active in sports, watch their mothers achieve success in myriad arenas, and are taught that they have choices, many of which simply were not available to their grandmothers. Life will be easier for the young women of tomorrow because some of the toughest battles lie behind us.
This is not to say that we should become complacent, but during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we need to celebrate our achievements. We make a difference every time that we educate another person about how sexist remarks negatively affect women and girls. We change the status quo every time that we stand up for women who are the targets of sexist actions. We save lives when we encourage women to get the help they need to leave abusive partners and when we insist that the criminal justice system address domestic violence responsibly.
So this month, as Domestic Violence Awareness activities draw to a close for another year, take pride in what you do to stop sexist remarks, support gender equality, and end woman abuse—because remembering our accomplishments will give us the strength to tackle the challenges that remain.
