I had a flash of inspiration last night just before I fell asleep. Taking a chance that I’d still remember it in the morning, I didn’t write it down. O risk-taker that I am! Turns out that I did remember!
My idea was the establishment of a Women’s Bill of Rights. A manifesto that would hopefully catch on all over the world, including the West, where, one would think, surely it’s not necessary in this day and age… or is it?
I thought it could include items such as:
- Equal pay for equal work
- Safety in the workplace and elsewhere
- Access to power positions such as those in government, board rooms, etc.
But then suddenly the thought struck me (ow!) that maybe this has already been thought of. I’ve had similar brainwaves in the past for titles of articles or books, which usually turn out not to be original after all. Darn that Google, it always unearths prior use of my ideas!
So that is, of course, what happened in this case. Google helped me find an already-existing beautiful Women’s Bill of Rights (which pretty much encompasses the three items I thought of), and I’m sharing it with you here, including the link in the title.
Women’s Bill of Rights
I have the right to:
- Live a life of peace free from abuse and fear.
- Feel valued, respected and appreciated for who I am.
- Express my thoughts and opinions without judgment or criticism.
- Share equally in all decisions related to relationship, children, home and finances.
- Grow as a person, have my own goals, and develop my own talents and abilities.
- Have friendships outside my relationship that are sustaining and satisfying.
- Have control over my body – to be able to refuse sex, to engage in safe practices, to choose my birth control method, and whether or when to have children or become pregnant.
- Have freedom of movement without fear of repercussion.
- Feel safe wherever I am.
- Seek help from police or others if I’m not feeling safe.
- Believe that I am an important, powerful and beautiful human being.
This extraordinary declaration was put together by The London Coordinating Committee to End Woman Abuse. It is, as stated on their website, “a network of more than 35 community organizations, dedicated to a compassionate and integrated response to supporting abused women, their children, and their abusive partners through prevention, advocacy, direct supports, justice, policy and research.”
Brava!
Crossed Eyes and Dotted Tees 
Brava, Ellie.
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Thanks Gerri! Oops, will change “Bravo” to “Brava” at end of the piece! ❤
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Reblogging this to my sister site Success Inspirers World 🏆
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Thank you so much!! ❤
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Excellent! Brava, Ellie! ❤
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Thanks John! ❤️👍🏻❤️
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I pray and wish us all well. I’m a humanist and less a feminist but I don’t know if a Women’s Bill of Rights supports the latter. Maybe it just sounds feminist. I feel that anything that’s humanly possible is possible in us all, regardless of gender. It’s unfortunate men in power have abused their positions. Women are no less capable. In the states, particularly in the south, we have women have lagged behind, in the past at least, so I see such a document necessary on some level.
Unfortunately, most of my problematic interactions have been with women. I never thought that way until they showed me otherwise. I’ve had friendships with women and I honestly felt like the dude. One minute, they’re chit chatty with me and the next, cold as ice. I’ve even had a family relative to lash out and bring up stuff from years ago and I hadn’t a clue this was an issue. Didn’t remember some of it, apologized profusely but the rant went on. It’s baffling and well, I’ve climbed a rather tall soap box I need to descend…
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From your first paragraph, Tosh, it sounds like you ARE a feminist, which after all is part of being a humanist. Being a feminist just means, I think, that we recognize the fact that we have some lost time to make up. Kind of like affirmative action. For instance, if two people, a male and a female, are up for the job of CEO, and they have equal qualifications, then I believe the woman should get it. Because right now women are way underrepresented in positions of power. That’s been a big part of the problem of why harassers and abusers have gotten away with their s**t for way too long, because *they* had all the power. This has to change. I believe we’re now seeing the beginnings of a BIG change, and all for the better.
As to your second paragraph, that’s trickier, harder to pinpoint where the problem is. I’d say every case is different, but I don’t know. Ever try to hash it out with these people, try to discuss?
My bill will be in the mail. 😀 😀 😀 ❤ ❤ ❤
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Well, I don’t know who should get the job, honestly. I suppose it would boil down to likeability and whether that person is a good fit for the team and goal of the company.
Now, of course, I’ve tried hashing it out but my style is nonconfrontational. Even if there is still disagreement in the end, at least both parties can part ways civilly and know they’ve dealt with the issue with mutual respect. If the tone elevates into an argument, no one is listening or at least one isn’t. I’m not of the mindset of being right. But at this stage of life, in such cases, I won’t explain. You know, when dealing with immature people, it’s virtually a useless conversation, if you can even call it that.
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You’re right, Tosh. Sometimes it’s smart and less annoying to just let things be. As you imply, some people just are who they are, and won’t listen or change.
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