Across the world, there are countless acts against women.

Though we may complain about equal pay in the United States, the world at large sees greater transgressions against females.

In the United States, we even see petty arguments about girls being bossy and saying they’re sorry too much.  This type of white feminism exists with purpose.  Even celebrities like Emma Watson have been questioned on their stance.

Then there are the attacks against Planned Parenthood and arguments about the rights to women’s sexual health.

These are valid arguments in our first-world society, but admittedly, they are petty arguments when considering the world at large.

Some may scoff at taking feminism seriously, but what happens in extreme circumstances when women don’t have a voice?

Child brides like Nujood Ali and Gabriella Gillespie have published memoirs depicting the plight of underage girls forced into arranged marriages against their will.  With no voice and no value, their own families sold them into unfortunate circumstances.  The GirlsNotBrides movement states that over 30% of today’s women are married before their 18th birthday and many against their will.

Though these arranged marriages seem to take place in foreign locations, we don’t have to look far to see extreme transgressions against females.

In New Jersey, we’ve seen evidence of sex trafficking.  In Birmingham, Alabama, we’ve seen evidence of sex trafficking.  These were probably normal girls who grew up watching Disney, Nickelodeon, and playing video games, and they ended up in unimaginable circumstances.

When considering one’s stance on feminist issues, we need to look at the world at large as we tackle the problems we face at home.  Though we’ve come a long way in our first-world society, we can do more to raise awareness about what’s happening to women around the world.  We should also be able to prioritize our efforts at home.

Should women have the right to equal pay?  Yes.

Should women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, marriage arrangements, education, legal rights, and basic safety?  Most definitely.

If you’re interested in raising awareness about feminism, consider joining Mrs. Worley’s club that attempts to broach feminist issues or even better… join the club AND give a voice to women who have no voice.  Consider getting involved with international and national organizations like the following:

Women for Women International

Global Fund for Women

The Center for Women and Families

National Organization for Women

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