Why Speak Up If I Won't be Heard

The Presence of Silence

So why do women choose to be silent? Is silence a statement in its own self? Ayers-Nelson (2018) in reference to (Ciulei, 2014) 'silence', like many conversational structure, can be indicated as a pause between words in classical text. With other indications that would suggest that is nothing that is being said at all. Silence is presented in various meanings such as noun and verb, to which there is the act of refrained speaking, and silencing someone or something. Cultural norms seemingly depict woman to uphold a certain standard, while also being subjected to lesser equal opportunity to man. Cultural norm would suggest that is preferred that a man speak boldly and loud rather than a women express and speak out on her concerns. As women, we amplify our voices as one, standing strong with our voices heard for the equality and rights of any and all feminist matters. So how do we as women, continue to approach feminist right that are still not fully being met? According to McDiarmid, Pineda & Scothern (2021) the use of feminist approach is the choice in questioning one's self along with others of the assumptions of methodologies that constitute processes and quality data (Salinas  et al. 2014). Establishing an evaluative approach towards power and gender awareness that can be sought throughout and among all participants.  

What are the Intentions of This Blog?

This blog is intended for women of all ages and race who stand in silence, unsure how to communicate in confidents for justice to their own rights. Let this blog be a platform for women of shy intellect to speak anonymously within a community of other women who no longer want to stand on the side, but to advocate for all. Addressing the common issue of femineity that of the hindering take away of 'My body, my choice', or " I can do anything just as good as he can'.  I can do anything just as Social change is inevitable if there is no stance to make change for one's community and population, as it pertains to social justice. Human rights, as a women, according to Canetto (2018) speaking with regards to the human rights of women, refers to it as necessary and meaningful. A at declaration to all and what women are entitled to as humans to their right (Holmaat & Naber, 2011). The Women's rights movement, defined is a social movement that is diverse with its group of participants and has been largely based in the United States, which lead to the social issue the sought out equal rights and opportunities for women's personal freedom beginning 1960's to the 70's (Burkette, 2023). Societal changes have left women with voices unheard, as the equality and choice for women's rights is forever being stripped away and disregarded, placed into the decision of those in governed status and men.   

Importance of a Voice

Why is it important for women's voice to be heard and break silence? It is important for women to speak up when we are visible and mentally being treated unfairly. Not allowing the voice of women's opinions, views to be disregarded, ignored all because we are women living in prominently male dominated society. So who will choose to break their silence and stand up for how women should rightfully be treated? What do women gain by speaking out and expressing everyday challenges that are being faced with unfairness? We as women gain freedom of voice, a community of other likeminded persons, a sense of purpose, and a voice for other women who still choose or are stuck in silence.  

I chose to focus on the topic of Women who stand silent during women's movement of human rights, for the purpose of knowing we have nothing to fear but that, that is our own fear of speaking out. Many of us women stay hidden behind closed doors in utter silence because we are always fearful of the unexpected outcome, little do we know, that sometimes it is more than one, two, or three times more of voices needing to be heard and spread across the nation. It is the courage and empowerment of many women young and old that will and shall inspire us as women, and men, to work equally together to break out silence and bring social change that is benefiting and right for all women.  

 

 References

Ayers-Nelson, R. (2018). Rebel Voices: The Rise of Votes for Women. School Librarian, 66(2), 129.

Burkett, E. (2023). women’s rights movement. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/womens-movement

Canetto, S. S. (2018). Women and human rights: Concepts, debates, progress, and implications. In APA handbook of the psychology of women: Perspectives on women’s private and public lives., Vol. 2. (pp. 521–543). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000060-028

Mcdiarmid, T., Pineda, A., & Scothern, A. (2021). We are women! We are ready! Amplifying women’s voices through feminist participatory action research. Evaluation Journal of Australasia, 21(2), 85–100. https://doi.org/10.1177/1035719X21998479