Jenn Quader

Communication

When Women Shrink, Society Shrinks

Written in October 2022, after the death of Mahsa Amini. Not American politics, and not activism. What happens to all of us when half the world loses the ability to speak.

Jenn Quader 2 min read

An archival photograph of a woman in a costume balanced on the head of an elephant, one arm thrown up, laughing.
As published, October 2022

I’m not an activist. And I’m not talking American politics. Nor do I condone violence.

But you guys - women are losing their most basic freedom: the ability to communicate and express themselves.

Today in #Iran, we are seeing the widespread impact of a regime that snuffs out human expression.

After Mahsa Amini’s death, women are stepping up to show solidarity.

Yet still, MORE women’s voices are being lost.

An ideology has crept back into the world – one that keeps a female-born soul silent, small, and “in their place.”

Back in March of this year I read this Wall Street Journal article about women in Afghanistan, and I hope you will, too.

It explains how the Taliban imposed a new rule requiring women to be accompanied by a male relative everywhere. they. go.

Let’s break that down: This means, for example, women can’t go to work.

i.e.: “I’m sorry, Doctor. You’re not allowed in your operating room without your father.”

How many lives are being lost because educated, driven, accomplished women can no longer serve their communities?

This Reuters article talks about the journalist who first reported the situation in Iran – she is now sitting in prison in solitary confinement. No more voice.

How does this model serve modern society?

The answer is: it does not.

Why?

Because: When Women Shrink, Society Shrinks

This is the honest tragedy of it all. When women are prevented from becoming and communicating who they are meant to be, a generation of stories, traditions, creations, and observations are erased.

The result? Humankind loses.

The effect of this ideology reverberates far beyond Iran and Afghanistan. It’s something we as Americans must educate ourselves on, and stand against vehemently.

I personally choose to stand with these women by sharing my own voice. But there are so many ways we can help others – even simple daily encouragement and sharing of honest thoughts with a friend can put more #confidentcommunication for women in motion.

How do you see Americans of all genders, and specifically those supporting #WomenInBusiness, joining the fight to keep female self-expression alive?

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