living islam _ Islamic tradition

A Woman's Journey: Group Power To Her Power
By Komal Patel
DRAFT THESIS:

The "old" definition for feminism was defined as working towards an overall goal as a group, to achieve economic and political power. Today, this new definition no longer holds true, because many women are misrepresented and confused by many new definitions of feminism. This confusion has created women's ability to take matters into her own hands, and follow her own goals and inspirations-whatever they may be.

The first wave of the women's movement started when Abigail Adams wrote her husband, John, to ask him to "remember the ladies" when writing the Declaration of Independence.

A.. . new wave of women's movements emerged during the 1960's. Women's rebellion against the middle-class housewife's role contributed to this second wave of women's movements. It began with women's examination of their personal lives and developed into a program for economic and political change. Women's groups discovered discrimination in the workplace, where women received less pay and fewer promotions than men did. They also uncovered barriers to women seeking political office and to female students striving for high academic achievement. So, the women of America banned together to achieve their political and economic rights. ...

Even now (in the United States), women's power has continued to increase in wages, politics, education, and labor force... In the United States, the percentage of employed women rose from 28 percent in 1940 to 57 percent in 1989. Women have obviously taken note that their efforts are achieving higher and better things for the female species. By being more involved in matters of power, women have proven to be a positive asset in the world. [sic!] ... women keep proving that it is not just "a man's world" anymore.

[Today] we have reached the third wave, the radical one. Feminism, as one concept, has slowly diminished as women have received very diverse definitions for feminism and its goals.
We can't even agree on what a 'Feminist' is...
For, the various labels associated with feminism range from "N.O.W Feminists," which fight for gender equality, to "Separatists," which are known to be anti-male and pro-gay.

The confusion with what definition to believe of feminism is another fighting battle for women today.... McEneany makes a point that women are not sure how to define what feminism is, so they do not call themselves a feminist. ... Since women no longer want to be labeled wrongly, or depicted as a type of feminist, women have been venturing out on their own. Instead of banning with other women to achieve a unanimous goal, many women have been inspired to accomplish desires on their own. [?]
[F ex] Tylo was appalled that a woman had to choose between her family and a career. She wanted to prove to women that they should not fear losing one to the other.
Many women around the world believe more every day that they have the power to make their aspirations reality.

Oprah ... in 1993:

"Be a queen. Dare to be different. Be a pioneer. Be a leader. Be the kind of woman who in the face of adversity [?!!] will continue to embrace life and walk fearlessly toward the challenge. Take it on! Be a truth seeker and rule your domain, whatever it is [!!] - your home, your office, your family-with a loving heart!

"It doesn't matter what you've been through [?], where you come from, who your parents are-nor your social or economic status. None of that matters. What matters is how you choose [??] to love, how you choose to express that love through work, through your family, through what you have to give to the world!

"Be a queen. Own your power and your glory!

Copyright 2000 Komal Patel