 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
bamba
Sweden
401 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Feb 2006 : 07:59:10
|
The powerful and uncontrollable forces of hurricane winds have now blown Swedish feminism into the political arena in Sweden. A real threat to male Swedish politicians is now on tract. The male Swedish politicians that have failed to deliver the goods that the female Swedes ordered from their “political order catalogue”. Very soon some Swedish male politicians will be kicked out of job, declared redundant, and forced to join the job-seekers cue at the employment agencies (Arbetsförmedlingen). A brilliant opportunity for unemployed Swedes to feel the ordeal and taste the bitter medicine unemployed immigrants feel and taste.
Feminism in Sweden has now taken a permanent place in the Swedish political landscape, for better or for worse. Ironically, Sweden, one of the world’s most egalitarian societies, only second to Norway, is now the first country with a new brand of political party called Feminist Initiative (FI). Sweden, with such a ripe gender equality that is both harvestable and marketable to the rest of the world, produces a clique of disgruntle feminists who have taken the political initiative to level up with men in the already levelled up political climate in Sweden. Discontented feminists out to see a more 50/50 Sweden on top of the already 50/50 Sweden. Equality between men and women in Sweden is an exemplification of an egalitarian society known to every corner of the globe. Apparently, egalitarian Sweden with its renowned gender equilateral model is now beginning to take another facial expression.
On both the American and European plains feminism is now fortressed in almost all aspects of respective societies after a very long struggle, by women, for equality. Feminism, in all forms, is a power factor to reckon with in both American and European societies. Whatever one feels about Swedish feminism, Sweden with its exceptional gender equality should have been the last country to express the need for a feminist party. Apart from Norway, Sweden leads in gender equality. Gender equality in Sweden is so blatant that half-baked immigrants wrongly perceive Sweden as a country where women rule over men. A wrong perception that may seem right in many aspects of the Swedish society.
The Swedish judiciary system is known to have a soft spot for women criminals irrespective of the crimes they may commit. Prostitution in Sweden is a crime that allows sex sellers, women, to go free. Men, sex buyers, are usually apprehended and convicted. In the Swedish society today women seem to have the upper hand in many aspects over their men counterparts. Women in Sweden constitute over 51% of the voters. A majority, women utilize to gain a rightful place in a society like Sweden where democracy functions almost perfectly. Women in both America and Europe have matured into full-fledged feminism in the course of time. So should women of developing counties be allowed to do, mature into feminism, rather than being recipients of imported feminism from American and European women counterparts? Exported feminism can potentially destabilize recipient countries in the third world. Proper education of women in third world countries should be a priority. In all equalities, equal education to both parts is a prerequisite.
Feminism in Africa should follow African cultural values and not be a stereotype of western feminism. In Africa, feminism should be allowed to reach its pinnacle after the education of girls has been given equal priority. On the political level, civic education should be equally accessible to both men and women.
Lastly, if feminism is exported to black Africa without the necessary prerequisites in place, all black Africans should see it as another device to further destabilize the already destabilized black Africa. Black Africa should develop on her own pace and not along the line of what is imposed upon her. Bamba.
|
Bamba |
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2006 : 09:02:56
|
I have seen the starting points for feminism in Gambia....womens groups discussing issues, Action aid does alot of work about empowering women. WOmen need to be included in decision making.
To talk in socialist terms , women need to be allowed to own the means of production. For most women in Gambia this translates as being allowed to own their own land.
I have posted before about skills centres...this is another area of empowering women.
FGM and womens education are 2 BIG issues for femninists in Gambia.
This is not just a battle for women, men can be Femnisists too!
|
 |
|
|
bamba
Sweden
401 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2006 : 09:53:12
|
Of course men can be feminist, I am a feminist. I adore women equipped well enough to level up with men. There are lots of adorable women in his forum. I don’t fancy women reduced only to reproduction and raring of kids----an archaic African tradition dying out.
Female genital mutilation (FGM), or rather the circumcision of women in the Gambia varnishes in the course of time with proper education in place. I belong to a Gambian tribe that doesn’t circumcise its women. By the way, Gambian tribes involved in female circumcision don’t genitally mutilate their women, there is a difference. Somalian women are genitally mutilated.
Action Aid in the Gambia is a non governmental organisation. NGOs world wide need some overhauling to diminish the suspicions that hunt them.
|
Bamba |
|
|
|
twinkly
United Kingdom
190 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2006 : 10:30:37
|
quote:
Originally posted by bamba
Feminism in Africa should follow African cultural values and not be a stereotype of western feminism. In Africa, feminism should be allowed to reach its pinnacle after the education of girls has been given equal priority. On the political level, civic education should be equally accessible to both men and women.
Lastly, if feminism is exported to black Africa without the necessary prerequisites in place, all black Africans should see it as another device to further destabilize the already destabilized black Africa. Black Africa should develop on her own pace and not along the line of what is imposed upon her. Bamba.
I really like your words Bamba.
One thing that worries me is the fact that we are losing control (over life?)
Things are getting worse and worse.I remember in the early 80's when my parents split up, it was an embarassment for my mother and she had a tough time.Nowadays, it is so easy to divorce and not many people take it serious anymore.
We should observe our progress and compare with the past.Do we really always have to move forward?A few generations ago, things were much much better. Now, children grow up in a single parent household, have no stable family environment, and get no discipline.
This should not be seen as an accusation, I used to be a single mum myself for more than 2 years, and I know that every mother will try her best.
We have statistics that prove, a child profits more if he/she grows up in a stable relationship.Unfortunately,I draw this all back to feminism and their wish for independence.
Things are getting out of hand here in London.It is terrible to see the rudeness, the lack of discipline that many young people carry round with them.We lost touch with reality, forgot what is really important in life:our next generation.What's the use of spoiling them, letting them run riot?Oh yes, I forgot, we might not be here then, so who cares.
It is frightening to see what feminism has done to our society.The woman is too busy working, CAN ANYBODY BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE SOOOOOOOO MANY WOMEN HERE WHO DON'T HAVE A CLUE HOW TO COOK????I have a friend, she can just about make some toast.Pasta?How on earth do you cook pasta??? Microwave meals and restaurants. That's how many people here survive.
This is why I like your statement, Bamba.
You are absolutely right in saying that Africa will have to follow its own path.
""Feminism in Africa should follow African cultural values and not be a stereotype of western feminism."""
I hope that will be the case.And i hope that family values won't be lost like here.
|
|
|
|
Babylon
Sweden
691 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2006 : 15:17:45
|
I am so proud of our strong women here in Sweden and the rest of the Nordic countries, and all other women who demand their rights in this world.
But there is still much more to be done here, for example: we need the same salary as men!
I can´t understand why we still in 2006 should earn less money for the same job, just because men are still seen as family providers... redicilous and so off date! Give us the cash we deserve!
And why do some women think feminism is something bad when it only makes things better for them I don´t get it. What y´all want, go back to the kitchen "where we belong"? Redicilous too.
I do not agree with the militant feminists who blame men for everything. But there has to be equality on all stages between the sexes.
|
|
|
|
Formby
United Kingdom
246 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2006 : 15:48:33
|
Hang on, there still isn't equal pay for women and men doing the same job in Sweden? That became illegal in the UK in the 1960 or 70s! No wonder there's a feminist uprising.
No, millitancy is never the way forward, but equality makes for a psychologically healthy society. Men who live in a society that undervalues women undervalue themselves. It's a lose-lose situation. |
|
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2006 : 16:16:57
|
AND daughters are under valued...with all the problems that causes around the world. |
|
|
|
serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2006 : 17:06:41
|
Bamba, I agree with your words "Feminism in Africa should follow African cultural values and not be a stereotype of western feminism", and I see the problematic role of so-called feminism in our everyday life. Mainstream feminism means nothing than imitating men. Nobody seems to see the paradox in trying to upgrade the position of women by devaluating female traits and skills. Doing this or allowing this to happen, 'emancipated' women just kowtow another time to men...
As I can see, the average Gambian woman is hard working, competent and responsible. She is excellent not only in the household, as a farmer or trader - I found the best management jobs done by women.
In the body language of European women, I noticed much more submissive signals than I noticed on Gambian women. As an example, just listen to the voices: Gambian women, in contrast to many European, very seldom turn to a high, squeaky, child-like tone when they talk to men. So I think all what is needed is the recognition of Gambian women's qualities and their access to education. I doubt that the 'Big Feminist Crusade' is needed in Gambia - the girls are fit, they are strong, and they will make their way  |
|
|
|
Babylon
Sweden
691 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2006 : 18:14:26
|
Like I said before, I don´t understand why some women are so negative to feminism... Why is it that some women always tend to work against other women?
The mainstrem feminist is not the butch lesbian who wants to be like a man, as the stereotype says.
But ordinary women at your workplace who think its unfair that they earn 92% out of their male colleagues salary or that they get sexually harassed on a daily basis by them or the male boss, and then gets the blame because of wearing too short skirts or whatever.
Even rape victims often get the blame in courts.
The question often asked is: "Were you drunk?" "Why didn´t you say no?" "What were you wearing?" and so on.
I would think Most women are sick of and don´t wanna be treated like second class citizens, and just because women demand the same rights with men does not make them someone who imitate men. Or in what way did you mean Serenata?
There are women who are scared to demand anything, they do not want to go to their boss and ask for a promotion or higher salary themselves.
That is one reason why I think the political party called Feminist Initiative are needed in our society, they can help to try and change some of the laws and bad attitudes against women. |
|
|
|
bamba
Sweden
401 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2006 : 18:35:27
|
Women’s power is surely on the march. Frankly, I am overjoyed. African women given quality education and forefront roles in nation building will, without doubt, free Africa from its endless miseries. Women, as creatures of emotions, are more genuine about their feelings, men are hypocritical about theirs. Half a century of men’s rule in black Africa has pushed the black continent in the abysmal pit. Such a retrogression of the black continent, currently ruled virtually by men, provides the evidence that without African women side by side with men the black continent will sink. But here too, one needs competent African men rulers to realize this. Maybe traditions impede African men to realize the boundless powers of quality African women.
TV footages of African women being interviewed in world forums are sights to behold. There are certainly many Wangari Maathais and Ayaan Hirsi Alis suppressed by men’s chauvinistic fears.
|
Bamba |
|
|
|
serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2006 : 19:05:04
|
Babylon, I am not at all negative to feminism as a whole. Read my words carefully: I was speaking about the mainstream feminism that became cheap prey to dubious institutions and the (mostly male owned) media.
I am grateful for everything feminism did for me, and proud of having been a tiny part of the movement in its grand old days in the 80ies. But there is nothing without errors and mistakes, and I doubt it makes sense to export European or US feminism 1:1 to Africa.
Coming from a family where women are predominant, I think I know many facetes in the relationships among women. Maybe this is the reason why I cannot mystify them |
|
|
|
Babylon
Sweden
691 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2006 : 00:03:47
|
Another thing Serenata, I really don´t see your point when you describe European womens body language as submissive. Even if someone acts feminine or don´t talk too loud that has nothing to do with being submissive to men. This is not a specific European or African style because we all are individuals, I think that is a prejudiced point of view. I believe there can be found both loud and quiet women of all races.
And I also belive that "It´s not how you say it but What you say" that counts.
(Not the opposite that seems to be popular among... politicians and such, who tend to use a language to seem intelligent but really just talks alot of crap. Concealed B_S in a nice wrapping...or a suit..lol )
(The one who have failed to conceal his stupidity is Bush Jr. however, no fine words in the world can hide his lack of brains.)
|
|
|
|
kassma
334 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2006 : 03:15:10
|
quote:
Originally posted by serenata
Bamba, I agree with your words "Feminism in Africa should follow African cultural values and not be a stereotype of western feminism", and I see the problematic role of so-called feminism in our everyday life. Mainstream feminism means nothing than imitating men. Nobody seems to see the paradox in trying to upgrade the position of women by devaluating female traits and skills. Doing this or allowing this to happen, 'emancipated' women just kowtow another time to men...
As I can see, the average Gambian woman is hard working, competent and responsible. She is excellent not only in the household, as a farmer or trader - I found the best management jobs done by women.
In the body language of European women, I noticed much more submissive signals than I noticed on Gambian women. As an example, just listen to the voices: Gambian women, in contrast to many European, very seldom turn to a high, squeaky, child-like tone when they talk to men. So I think all what is needed is the recognition of Gambian women's qualities and their access to education. I doubt that the 'Big Feminist Crusade' is needed in Gambia - the girls are fit, they are strong, and they will make their way
Serenata, i agree with you, as a Gambian, i think Gambian society is more close to equality than western society. the only parts that we need to improve are definitely education and in my opinion the general belief that men have certain previledges that we women don't have, ex: not doing house chores, cooking, not helping out with the children. after those things, i don't know about you but i'm satisfied. i'm not a fan of western feminism cause i think it has too many caps. i think they focused too much on the external effects of repression instead of the internal. most american women, especially girls around my age and younger are definitely submissive towards their men. the things that they tell me and the things they do are so ridiculous and they're supposed to be independent women??? i decided to take women studies here but we only talked about the right to make your own living, that's hardly the only issue after a thousands of years of oppresion. either way, i don't think western feminism or maybe american feminism would be good in Gambia. |
|
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2006 : 08:35:16
|
Financially independence and the right to make your own decisions are important aspects of feminism....... ownership of land, would be a big issue for feminists in Gambia for example. Women should be included on decision making committees etc.....
Then there are the 'womens issues'...FGM,contraception, abortion, family size, child mortality rates, mortality rates giving birth etc....
Finally there is that age old domestic problem........how do you get 'him indoors' to do more of the chores??????!!!!! That is the same the world over and probably is the most important issue in most womens lives......why do I do EVERYTHING???????
I saw a brilliant poster in a credit union place in Banjul...it had a women in the middle who had about 20 arms all doing different jobs at the same time.......including massaging her mans ego!!!!
So I think there is PLENTY of scope for Feminism in Gambia. That being said, on the whole the Gambian women I have met seem to be alot happier and less neurotic than their western counterparts.
|
|
|
|
Babylon
Sweden
691 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2006 : 08:50:18
|
| I must mention that I know many Gambian men here in Sweden who are very good at taking care of the household, cleaning and excellent cooks. Why couldn´t they do the same in the Gambia..? |
|
|
|
serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2006 : 14:04:33
|
Thanks, kassma, this is just what I experienced!
To Babylon: Of course a lot is individual, but there are general tendencies. An example everyone can check is the Gamcel lady announcing "The number you dialed can not be reached at the moment; please try again later". A melodious, adult, strong but feminine voice. Now the European telephone companies (TV stations do the same): You always hear these squeaky, girlish voices I mentioned. "I am small, I am helpless, I am in your hands" is the message. I heard NO Gambian woman, but MANY Europeans giving equal signals.
A little anecdote: As a woman of some education, I never rose my voice when I talked to my husband. On my first visit to his family (which was my first time in Gambia), the way the women in this family talked to their husbands surprised me: Back straight, head up, they stood in front of them and what they said in clear, not at the least humble voices almost sounded like orders. Wow!! What was this here - matriarchy??
One day we wanted to go out. I was ready to go, but my husband ran around on the compound, checking this and that, and didn't come to an end. Finally, I grew impatient and shouted his name angrily. When my mother-in-law and some other women heard this, they smiled and twinkled at me approvingly. Get me right: This is not a family were the women are nags. But it is a proud family, and every family member has to show strength. |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
