It is impossible to realize our goals while discriminating against
half the human race. As study after study has taught us, there
is no tool for development more effective than
the empowerment of women.
-Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General
Working in a library, one is bound to come across amazing pieces of literature that one never knew existed. Such was the circumstance of my happening upon Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's book 'Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide.' Published in 2010, this well-written volume of investigative journalism documents the stories and plights of women in rural communities and patriarchal societies worldwide. It delves deep into such issues as sex trafficking, genital mutilation, honor killings, and education deprivation. It serves as a whistleblower on patriarchy; but it also acts as a harbinger of hope -for the future.
Before this book landed in my lap, I had been aware that there were such places in the world where young women were barred from school and even sold as slaves -for both sex and domestic purposes. On NPR, I have read a number of articles over the past year about the girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram, and the young women who have become enslaved by ISIS. However, it was not until I read 'Half the Sky' that I attained greater enlightenment on the conditions and circumstances concerning gender oppression across the globe.
The problem of gender oppression is a large one. Ginormous, even. Whittle away the stories and statistics featured within the pages of the book and an answer is revealed: education and healthcare. The latter may prove to be the key elements that will bring about change in oppressive communities.
An educated girl is more likely to earn an income, to learn a trade or to start a business -which will aid the dilemma of poverty in many African and Asian countries.
A healthy girl is more likely to stay in school, and to survive childbearing -which will increase the mortality rate in certain parts of the world.
What isn't exactly made (entirely) clear, however, is how an everyday Joe or Jane can go about aiding the young women of the world.
The book does indeed take a look at the effect of Western aid groups, both the good and the bad. And while it points out that funding and supplies to grassroots organizations are welcomed by most impoverished communities, documented occasions do illustrate that the wrong action made by foreign volunteers can be interpreted as imperialistic. (Recommendation: Please read 'Half the Sky' before volunteering for such organizations as the Peace Corps.)
For now, supporting grassroots organization and furthering our own education on gender oppression may be a good start in uprooting worldwide patriarchy.
Read more books. Watch more documentaries.
Two years after the release of the book, in 2012, the PBS channel featured a documentary of the same title -'Half the Sky.' It focused on the issues Kristof and WuDunn discussed in their book, whilst also including interviews with some of the women whose stories were featured in original work.
The trailer for the documentary can be found below:
Following the release of the book, Sheryl WuDunn was presented in a TED talk that focused primarily on the economic advantages of educating girls -how such action benefits impoverished, rural communities and third-world countries. The title of her presentation was "Our Century's Greatest Injustice."
Please click on the video below to view her talk:
For more information regarding the movement, please visit www.halfthesky.org.
