Invisible Woman

The latest U.S. election has brought some discrepancies to light in North American society and is what inspired me to reach out to other women about raising their voices wherever and whenever possible. Women are acutely aware of how much has changed over the last one hundred years, and North American and Western European women are more aware of the change than most in large part, but not wholly, due to media and education.

All around us tradition is being set aside in the name of progress, causing some women to feel confused about their roles at work and at home. It has also given many women a great deal of hope for their future and their daughters’ futures. This hope has manifested itself in the increasing visibility of women in Western society. From an unprecedented television, media, and screen presence to politics, business, and beyond, women are finally coming into their own as strong and powerful forces outside of the home.

Talk programs such as Oprah, Ellen, and The View in the U.S. are bringing women’s voices to the forefront and giving women permission to speak out and be more comfortable with expressing their opinions and ideas. The hosts of these shows have also established themselves as leaders of discussion for issues such as racism, prejudice, sexism, health and wellness, and philanthropy. Websites like DivineCaroline and Blogher are also ensuring that women have a voice by giving them opportunities to write about their lives and ideas and to share their talent and intelligence with the outside world.

Ironically, there are no less than twenty-three female heads of state across the globe, only one of which is in North America! The United States currently has sixteen women in Senate, more than ever before, but still only 16 percent of the House of Representatives. Canada has sixty-five MPs, an improvement of 5 percent over the U.S., and has even had a female Prime Minister, though short-lived. Most people are aware of the success of Margaret Thatcher, the female Prime Minister who ran Britain for eleven years during a very volatile time in world politics. The U.S. has had many women attempt to run for the Presidency, Hilary being the most recent and most visible, but none has yet made it past the nomination process to become a viable candidate for election.

As young girls, we are led to believe that women are a minority, but the truth is that there are actually more women than men in the U.S. and Canada! Although women have made great strides in the last one hundred years toward independence and leadership, we are still struggling to find support and balance in our lives. In the U.S where women are more visible, more powerful and have a greater voice than ever before a “glass ceiling” remains in place in many areas such as business and politics begging the question, “Who is really keeping us down?” With a larger population of women, how can we continue to blame the “old boys club?”

As an increasing number of women play important roles on the world stage, our voices will become stronger and as opportunities become more accessible, our ideas will continue to grow and flourish. The question is, do we want to wait, or are we ready to make it happen today?