Women’s Rights

Posted bywriterravenclawPosted inWeekly Word PromptsTags:

Written for https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/category/what-do-you-see/

As a young woman, growing up in the eighties, there were few role models to aspire to. Women in films were portrayed as victims. The prince would swoop in and save them. There were some such as Wonder Woman, The Bionic Woman, and Charlie’s Angels. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that they were presented in a manner to attract a male audience. It has changed in a positive way with our presence being the main protagonist, saving humanity, with no assistance.

Schools were different too. I remember the ban on wearing trousers. By coming to school in them instead of skirts, we campaigned and eventually overturned that rule. The classes were against girls too. They prohibited the students from learning physics or woodwork because they were declared male territory. Even the earliest texts I learnt from had Jane helping Mummy in the kitchen, while John helped Daddy with fixing the car.

The jobs available were things such as working in an office, teacher or customer service. In 2024, they have better choices. Although there is still a sizeable gap in pay. Especially when you go into the realms of directors of companies.

I have always read novels with strong female leads. My initial paperback was Katie and I loved reading The Famous Five and the Twin’s of St Claire’s. As I got older, I would choose literature where ladies could be their own hero. One of my favourite novels was written by ‘‘Anne Frank’’.

Her true story inspired me.

My granddaughter is four, and I hope that the changes will keep on happening. She should have the same advantages as her male counterparts. I love that her beloved show ‘‘Paw Patrol’’, has a strong female cast. For World Book Day, she is going in an Everest outfit. A girl Husky pup, who lives on a mountain, and rescues those in danger.

A great choice, and, in the words of Ryder; No pup is too small.

Published by writerravenclaw

I am a fifty something mother of two grown up children, and one beautiful grandchild. I have been married for nearly thirty-four years. My first book was published ten years ago. I wrote my book Sticks and Stones because of my experience of being bullied at school.

13 thoughts on “Women’s Rights”

      1. well it was changing before that too – compare Snow White with someone like Ariel the Little Mermaid, for example. Ariel was ’89… and she was a lot more proactive than older Disney princesses…

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  2. I’m glad the world is changing for our daughters and granddaughters. Now they can join any profession they like, army or air force are not for men only. Thank you Diana for going in with this post on awareness.

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