Your Story is a series by WonderfulWomen where you will read inspiring Guest Posts from women around the world. Here they share their experiences, stories and things that matter most to all women.
Today’s Guest Post is by Gaithri from gaithrilife.com. Gaithri is 26 and lives in Stockholm. She works in social media, and besides, that is very passionate about issues like women’s rights. She also loves to travel, sing, compose music and is working on her first release.
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We, Women, Are Not Sex Objects
I’m a woman who likes wearing anything that makes me feel confident, pretty and sexy. Whether that’s jeans and a t-shirt, or a tight, revealing dress. Why is it that this automatically puts women at risk to be harassed? Why are we automatically viewed as a sex symbol, whose only job is to satisfy the male gaze? Of course, we must point out that not ALL men subject women to this treatment, but there are way too many of them that do.
I don’t know about you, but I am SICK AND TIRED of this treatment and I refuse to alter myself to avoid being touched inappropriately, catcalled, getting comments etc. We as women CAN’T let these perpetrators win, we have to stick up for ourselves and each other, we have to make a statement, make our voices heard. Because if we don’t, how will this stop?!
If you are from Sweden I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “kärlek börjar alltid med bråk”, directly translated this means “love always starts with a fight or violence”. It is exactly this kind of statement that enables and encourages this kind of behavior later on, which is terrible and so, so wrong!
So what can we do to counteract this infuriating problem? Like I said we need to encourage and support our fellow sisters! Fortunately, there are a lot of movements that are taking a stance against this, like the women’s march, etc. There are so many cool empowering women that we can support like Beyoncé, Emma Watson, Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Michele Obama etc. Besides having several powerful, influential pop stars and actresses, I’m hoping we’ll have many more female directors/producers. Women aren’t sex objects placed on earth for men’s satisfaction, we are individuals with feelings, emotions, thoughts, opinions etc, and those need and deserve to be lifted too.
Imagine what we could accomplish if we all came together! It’s quite exciting to think about, and I feel honored to be a woman in my mid-20s for this reason.
It does scare me though, to raise my potential future daughter in a society that is so dangerous, but we can’t live our lives in fear. It’s also nice to know that a lot of men are rallying behind us and taking this fight with us.
I hope we fathers, brothers, uncles etc will start to be role models for their sons. Unfortunately, media gives a very twisted image of women, but we can all decide what we choose to believe. That’s why us girls need to stick together. It may seem unfair that it’s our responsibility to change the view of women in the world, but unfortunately, it’s true. Imagine how much power we have, so why not utilize it and spread love, empowerment, and positivity?
I love how X-tina words this issue:
So what am I not supposed to have an opinion
Should I keep quiet just because I’m a women
Call me a bitch cause I speak what’s on my mind
Guess it’s easier for you to swallow if I sat and smiled
Connect with Gaithri
Her Blog gaithrislife.com
Facebook facebook.com/gaithrislife
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Strong words on a sensitive topic! All good points!
Great read!
so true
very topical and engaging read! nice work
Lovely post!
The perception of women as sex objects is unfortunately a basic survival instinct for many men, they are still using their caveman psychology. The media’s bombardment of the ‘perfect’ woman means that whenever a confident, beautiful woman walks past they go back to basic needs. On the other hand men are also harassed by women and the media is constantly pushing buff men with perfect looks. I think as a society we need to focus on mutual respect and kindness. This is the only way we can hope to change a a society.
yes I totally agree!
Wow very inspiring. Agree that if we all stand together we can achieve everything!
These fears are true and although they are getting somewhat better, we have a lot to go! Thanks for sharing!
I totally agree with u…It is very much important that we raise our voice against female harrassment. Thanks for sharing.
I am fortunate to be surrounded by men who respect me.
wow, that’s such a crazy expression…love starts from violence or a fight. That’s pretty messed up. With more and more women getting fed up and speaking up, hopefully things are starting to change!
Thank you for sharing this! So much truth ?
Honestly, I totally get what you said about feeling a bit scared about raising a future daughter in today’s society. But I definitely don’t want to be the reason as to why my future daughter wouldn’t be living her best life. My fears on society shouldn’t limit her.
No, I totally agree with this statement too! Have a nice day 🙂
So very true and well written too. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading! 🙂 Have a great day!
I agree. It is sad that this continues to be an issue. Great read. We could do a lot if we did see each other as equals.
Thanks for all your love!! 🙂
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! Feel free to check out my blog!
Have a great day!
Great read!!!