Straight talk… (all quoted)

The 20th Century may well be viewed by historians as the ‘Women’s Hour’, the century that saw women progressively get their proverbial feet on the rungs on the ladder of opportunity. The notion was that women were human beings too, of equal value to men, and not mere chattels, and I for one am very grateful to the suffragettes for the ground breaking work they lived and in some cases died for.

The women’s movement continues today advocating for women on matters where it is clear that there are social barriers to participation in some aspect of life and achievement.

However as we launch into the 21st Century I confess to feeling more than a little uncomfortable about the lack of advocacy for men on the issues where they believe they are marginalised relative to women.

While huge amounts of money have been spent on helping women to gain entry into vocations that have been traditionally male dominated, little or no money is spent on the reverse. There is growing evidence that changes in the field of education have seen boys failing in greater numbers. Men’s health issues don’t seem to get the same money thrown at them as is spent on women’s. In the Family Court, men report feeling that their role as fathers is of lesser value, and that court rulings reflect this.

Have we progressed passed the days where gains for one gender have to be at the expense of the other? Do we want to live through another century characterised by the battle of the sexes? Is it possible that while continuing to work for improved opportunities for women, we could attend with equal sincerity to concerns men have?

I certainly hope so.

QUOTES:
“I myself have never been able to find out precisely what a feminist is. I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat”
Rebecca West 1913

“Looking for more time with your children, shared parenting, fair property settlements, reasonable child support payments, protection against domestic violence and equality in all areas of life? Check out what we can achieve together”
Quote from a “Men’s Right” website