Making Room…For Us All
The Shift Within: How We End Oppression and Divisiveness to Create Liberation and Indivisibility for All
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Making Room…For Us All
Patriarchy remains deeply ingrained in society in many ways, however we are continuing to see several examples of the dismantling of conventional power structures as society shifts toward gender pluralism. One significant area of progress is in women's political representation. Women are increasingly being elected to political office around the world, with many countries achieving gender parity or close to it in their national legislatures. For example, in 2023, women accounted for 27.4% of the members of the U.S. Congress, up from just 3.8% in 1971.
The #MeToo movement that went viral in 2017 has also sparked a global conversation about sexual harassment and assault, bringing attention to the pervasive nature of patriarchal power structures in many industries and workplaces. The movement has led to changes in laws, policies, and workplace culture, and has increased awareness of the need for gender equality.
Organizations and institutions are adopting gender-neutral language in their communications and policies, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and respect for diverse gender identities. For example, many universities are moving away from gendered terms like "freshman" and "chairman" in favor of more gender-neutral terms like "first-year" and "chairperson." Women are also increasingly entering and succeeding in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as science, technology, engineering, and math. This is challenging traditional gender roles and expectations around women's capabilities and roles in society.
There are also several examples of a shift within households and communities away from oppressive and divisive patriarchal norms, beliefs, and behaviors. For example, In many families, traditional gender roles regarding household chores and childcare are being re-evaluated. Men are increasingly taking on a more active role in domestic duties, and couples are dividing responsibilities more equitably, leading to a more balanced distribution of labor within households.
Many parents are adopting more gender-neutral parenting practices, encouraging children to explore interests and hobbies that may not align with traditional gender norms. They are also teaching their children about the importance of consent, respect, and healthy relationships, fostering a new generation of individuals who value gender pluralism.
In communities, grassroots organizations and local initiatives are working to promote gender pluralism and challenge patriarchal norms. This includes educational workshops, support groups, and community events that raise awareness about gender-based violence, mental health, and other issues.
We are also increasingly beginning to see men recognizing the importance of their role in dismantling patriarchy and becoming allies in the fight for gender equality. Men's groups and initiatives are focusing on redefining masculinity, addressing toxic masculinity, and promoting healthy, supportive male relationships. There’s a men's group in Atlanta that I am a part of that hosts “Undugu Chop It Up” meetings where we do just that. Undugu stands for brotherhood in Swahili.
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