From the desk of Crystal Andrus:
It was less than a hundred years ago that women world-wide were just beginning to persuade men, (and perhaps even themselves), that they were more than merely a domestic commodity, a piece of property, and a birthing machine. But rather that they should have rights over their own bodies, that they should be able to vote, hold office, and own property.
Seriously . . . No woman anywhere in the world had any rights.
In fact, did you know that it was only in 1917 that women in Canada (where I am from) were first even considered “a person”?
Prior to that The British North America Act of 1867, which created the Dominion of Canada and provided many of its governing principles, used the word “person” to refer to both “more than one man” and “he” . . . but not “she”. It emphasized that “women are not persons in matters of rights and privileges.”
That’s right! Until 1917, women had no rights or privileges. Paradoxically, Canada was the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote.
Canada led the way for many other countries around the world, including the United States in 1920, to grant suffrage to women—the opportunity to vote and run for office.
Many countries did not follow suit until the 1940’s and 50’s, with many still keeping women in oppression today.
During the early history of North America, a man owned his wife and children. She couldn’t keep her name or possess any assets—even an inherited family home became the property of her husband. If a man chose to send his children to an orphanage, the mother had no defense. She also had no rights over her own body, although he had full rights over his wife’s body.
Crimes against women weren’t considered serious. A woman’s “purity” was expected, but rape was almost impossible to prove, and unless it was a black man who faced charges against raping a white woman, the punishment was negligible. Women simply weren’t deemed valuable—at least not in the eyes of the law.
You can imagine the rage women must have felt.
For the last 6,000 years (since organized religion was created—Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam), women were either a drudge or a doll, and were in fierce yet veiled competition with each other, as their lives and those of their off-spring were literally on the line.
The better catch could mean the difference between poverty and illness with that of prosperity and health. Rosy cheeks signaled vitality, an hour-glass figure and full lips exuded fertility, and a woman’s hair was her crowning glory. How she looked really mattered!
And then throughout the initial half of this century, we experienced two world wars. For the first time in history, women went to work in factories and realized they could “nail it!” . . . both figuratively and literally. They could bring home the bacon.
By the second wave of feminism which spanned the 1960’s – 80’s and focused on sexual, cultural, and political inequalities, the full fight was on. Betty Friedan’s 1963 book The Feminine Mystique became a surprising blockbuster success.
Women and men had engaged in a cold war and the repercussion left love, relationships, and family as dying soldiers. Many marriages were destroyed and many children, left wandering the streets, wondered who was going to take care of them.
Society as we had known it was changed forever.
But as sad as this may have appeared to many (especially men) . . . it had to happen.
Women had to fight for their rights and freedom.
(And there are still many countries where women still have absolutely no rights.
Not even to show their ankles!)
Men have always had the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Men are born a Mr. and die a Mr.
Women today are still born a Miss and then become identified by their marital status: Mrs. or Ms.
We woman simply haven’t been empowered. Many of us are still trying to find our voice, our purpose, and our passion. We still aren’t exactly sure what to do and how to do it. (In fact, we still aren’t paid the same amount for the same job that a man does!)
We—you and me—are literally the first or second generation, in the entire legacy of women who came before us, who’ve had real rights!
The SWAT Institute is the next era in the movement for women’s equality and liberation. We are not anti-man!
We are women empowering women; teaching others how to step into their greatness and to catch up with men.
We aren’t looking to run the show, be the boss, or force anyone’s hand. We merely want to find our own place, use our own talents, and make the world a better place, one special valuable worthy woman at a time.
Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey (1875-1927), one of this century’s greatest educators said that “If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a nation.”
And “that” is why The SWAT Institute is for Women ONLY!
Warmly,
.
I absolutely 100% agree with this – the terms feminism and pro-women are exactly what they say – they are FOR women NOT against men. There is a huge difference. We have only ever been fighting for our independence and empowerment, and never to berate or put down men. You make me proud to be a woman Crystal, thank you!!!
I would for us to live in the present…the past is the past and we must not dwell on the past, without letting the past be forgotten. There are still inequalities in today’s modern society affecting both genders. For example, a girl is allowed to be a boy’s football team and a boy isn’t allowed to join the girl’s volleyball team.
after reading further shouldn’t the following statement “We are women empowering women; teaching others”…read more “We are women empowering women; teaching women”?. I believe men and women have both done their parts to get us to where we are today…..not one role is better than the other…and yet we both have a much long ways to go. I find groups that only allow one gender into their membership tend to miss other perspectives.
Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey (1875-1927), one of this century’s greatest educators said that “If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a nation.” I believe this statement isn’t very accurate….there are many ways to educate….parent to child….friend to friend….colleague to colleague…teacher to student. Perhaps, Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey was referring to the teacher and student…in this case the statement is accurate because during those times women were teachers. However, from a big picture standpoint, Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey the statement isn’t accurate because there are so many ways to educate. Sometimes we place such a value on people’s education simply because they have a doctorate…however with a bit of common sense and willingness to listen and embracing the truth, you’ll find we don’t need to have a doctorate to have wisdom.
I think it’s important for us to take ownership of our thoughts, feelings and actions. Yes it’s been a very very rocky road for women, and we have been doing some absolutely amazing things, as a species! We must remember that Sojourner Truth (1797-1883), a slave, a social reformer was not to be denied. If she were able to fight and make a difference, despite her handicaps, think how much we can do!
Thanks for keeping the importance of the work we have to do in the limelight! We have much to teach our daughters, and for real change to occur, our sons as well!
Crystal…YOU could not have said it any better, Kudos to YOU! God Bless You for taking this opportunity to encourage women today how important and loved they really are. So many are in need to be recognized and not taken advantage of.
I hope to become a coach, and join your team of professionals for this wonderful journey…
I believe that women are here to spiritualize and humanize the world.
Our greatest gifts are compassion and generosity. We are here to teach that
loving yourself is loving our Creator, and loving the Creator is loving everyone.
When women raise their consciouness for common good, mankind will evolve.
I agree and applaud your article, Crystal. However, I stopped to read it because the title intrigued me. Why a women-only organization – I didn’t really get a satisfying answer. I am in leadership of a national-US women’s organization located in the Pacific Northwest called Women of Wisdom. We are holding our 20th anniversary conference in 2012 and we have been grappling with the question about making parts of the 5-day event open to men. Traditionally, a women-only conference, we opened our key-no te presentation to men for the last 2 years. We put the question about adding
I love this new forum and the spirit of us women building on the courageous work done by the women and men who drove the fight for the freedom, power, and benefits we women enjoy today.
As Sarah noted, we’ve been fighting for our independence and empowerment and not to berate or put down men. I remind myself that all of us over thousands of years — men and women alike — were told the same stories and sold the same wrong ideas about womankind’s character, significance, and worth. I’d be lying if I said I’m not angry, but I’m angry at a concept and not at mankind (distinguished from humankind). And I’m working to use that anger to fuel positive growth and change.
I agree that we as women need to step into our power and true qualities and embrace our strength and fullness. But i think saying ” catch up with man” is
Not at all expressing that. More it makes it sound like we are trying to copy or go where man has gone and compete. Or gives a sense like something we must “do to match them’ When really we just need to embrace who we are and already we are equal. We are the equal half of the human race like batteries we have different ends but both batteries, different aspects yet equal. We are two sides of same coin. I feel we it is good that we have spoken up to be heard but it can easily go to a angry place where we try to conform to be a man and copy and imitate to get our recognition or take back freedom, but we lose the whole grace and beauty of what we are, what is our unique nature and strength. Don’t get me wrong its not that we can’t drive a truck too or have positions of power, but it need not be done from a place of proving, from a place of focusing on meeting up with what a man is, that concepts keeps us disempowered. We are already empowered we have no “catching up” to do we just need to release idea of us and them or taking anything back or trying to match anything and look within heal tune into the source that we are and shine!
Amen to your post. I agree that empowering women has nothing to do with men but everything to do with women. We can love them and still be equal.
When I began working in the ’50′s which wasn’t all that long ago, once you were married you had to leave your job in some corporations, and once you were pregnant it was compulsory to leave. This began to change just before my oldest daughter was born in 1961, but we all lied about our due dates as once you were obviously pregnant, you were on leave.
As late as the early 1970′s we weren’t allowed to wear pants to work. Some of these rules seem ridiculous today but it was only 40 to 50 years ago. We have come a long way in some areas but there is still so far left to go.
Thank you, thank you Crystal for creating SWAT and the forums where we women can share and brain storm together. If my memories and experiences can ever be of help to you don’t hesitate to ask.
Warm wishes, Yvonne Hall
This sounds huge and want to be included in this awesome venture. Count me in.
I feel empowered to have Crystal and the work she does to guide and support me on this journey of revealing and growing into the woman I am meant to be not society norms and such. Taking a Women and Gender studies class at University while learning on a personal level who I am as a woman. Empowerment at its finest! I feel blessed to be with like-minded women I am looking forward to what will come shining through for us all!
I truley believe that WOMEN are the Healers of this {EARTH} MOTHER EARTH !!!!!She needs Light Workers and Healing Light ,,Sent to her,and prayers !!!! We need to encourage and listen to each other.Thank You.
Amen Crystal!
Thank you so much for sharing this…so many women forget how it was only a short time ago that women had no rights!
Thank you for remembering and taking a stand to strengthen women with the work that you do.
Well said, Crystal. It’s so helpful to have a reminder of our legacy, as it validates why some things are still so challenging for us as women AND gives us so much to celebrate for how far we’ve come, as individuals and as a gender. Also, that quote at the end is so moving.
Thanks for clarifying all of this, and for your wonderful work.
This is what we need as woman. We need to empower each other to do what is right. Our role is as much to empower man than other woman. I am so happy to find a group of women that is not using its time to put down the other party. Our both cooperation is important for the forthcoming of the time. Woman need group like this to be encouraged to take the right steps and to begin to believe in their own abilities and their possibilities. Thank you Crystal for showing us the way! I am looking forward to read more about your work and to be part and active in this network to build the future of womanhood.
This is amazing, Crystal! Thank you!!! I have 5 daughters and it is really challenging to talk about the history of the women’s movement with them–they just don’t get it! They have grown up thinking they could be or do anything they want! I’m 47 and I very clearly remember as a little girl that the jobs available to chose from “when I grow up” were mother, teacher, or nurse. If you were old and/or ugly you could be a librarian. And if you were REALLY beautiful and REALLY adventurous you could be a stewardess (Ohhhhhhhhh!!). So much has changed! But it’s hard to talk about. It’s hard to talk about without sounding anti-man. My husband gets really aggitated whenever I bring up the subject of equality and women’s rights. He feels bad, I think, that women have been treated this way and dislikes being lumped into the MAN category, so he gets defensive and angry. It is time for us all to have an open dialog about this without judgement and name calling–from either side! Women (and men) will never really be able to understand what we are dealing with now, all the emotion and tension, if we can’t/don’t talk about what women have historically been through.
Every woman carries that emotion within their energy body–what does that do to us? 6,000 years of fear and hatred embedded in our genetic code…makes ya wonder….
Wow! so easy to forget how at the forefront we all still are. Not even a century where women have had their rights! No wonder we’re still struggling to find our way. Thank you for sharing this. Knowing this also somehow makes me more patient towards the men in my life. The women who belong to the generation that didn’t have the benefits i have ( one that is standing 1 metre away from me and has been driving me crazy today! Going to now give her a hug and a kiss and a break
) and to also refocus on how important it is to have courage and stand up so that the next generation gets the benefits of OUR efforts. Not just their grandmother’s.
Women have come a long way and things are much easier and obtainable. The good news is, is that men are recognizing this, as well. Once and a while, I see girls giving away their power in order to please their boyfriends and it pains me to see this, but then I step back and realize just how far we have come. The single Moms out there who have raised their sons and daughters to see the need to not settle for second rate treatment, while still being able to have a solid relationship between a man and a woman. I also see men taking initiatives that support each other, something that was only accomplished with “boys night out”, and often at the price of remaining civil.
Now is the re-arrival of women having an opinion and it being respected and listened to. The balance is coming back and it is long overdue. Yes, it is important for women to have their own groups where they can feel the confidence to be able to step out in front of the general public and make their opinions known, and not just for sewing groups(while these are good, they are not exactly empowering). We have already had a Prime Minister who was a woman, albeit, for a short period, but Kim Campbell broke through the barrier. More and more women are breaking through the barriers and it is through all women groups that we are able to accomplish these achievements.
So, yes, the “all women groups” are very important because it is so easy for women to step aside and just let men talk without having their voices heard and to be able to gain the strength they need to step further with their viewpoint.
I’m in mauritius and believe me i’m still going through all this..
i want to change it ..
Great blog and I am sure a lot of women out there would agree with all that you say. However, it is just so sad that so many men are insecure with themselves that they would take great offence to this article and no doubt that some would be critical and judgmental for us being empowered. I think the real challenge is educating men to understand more fully what it is we women are striving for and not to feel so inferior just because we are standing up for ourselves.
I think we are looking at decades before we feel real equality between men and women, but what you are doing is making great strides towards that goal. Whey Hey!!!! Go girl Go!!!
Your words are so true and something I feel I have been fighting my whole life, as you say we don’t want to be the boss take over but give us a chance as well. I live in South Africa and believe me sometimes I think here we still in the middle ages,some men think a woman is just there for his beck and call…you don’t have a brain so do not even think of opening your mouth. There are days when I just feel like screaming, to get rid of my frustration, the worst part is most women here accept the situation…man you wanna shake them.
I am blessed to have a husband who accepts me for who I am, luckily, if I listen to some of the other men I must just shake my head. Whenever I hear of a woman murdering her husband, I always wonder what was really behind it .
My late mom always used to say ” My mother carried me for 9months just as did his so what makes him better than me”, True.
Okay now with all that off my chest, I feel better its great to have such an organisation where one can come and discuss these matters.
I have been writing letters to everyone I see collecting money for children, all these associations are I feel addressing the “RESULT”, not the cause or problem.
There are millions of children today in dire need of assistance…WHY because we have mothers who are …not equiped to cope…financially or mentally.
I agree with your quote about educating a woman, here I am not degrading a man his role as a father and co-educator but on the whole say 80% of a childs education he recieves from his mother. There is a saying “That if a mother passes away the family disintegrates.” I know many will differ from me.
My “Mission” is to empower as many women as possible…so build them up to give them selfconfidence, selfworth, selfrespect and teach them a trade or whatever so that they can become selfsustainable.
Women need to start standing on their “OWN two little feet” and this and only this will save our children.
On the other hand if we do not do something about lifting up our mothers, just think
how many children will need HELP by the year 2015!!!!
You know I am so passionate about this subject I could go on and on.
Have a great day and carry on the great work.
Wow! We definitely need to continue this conversation!!
In response to the different posts, I will say this:
To @Lyn Waring: The reason we still need “women’s only” organizations is that we haven’t possibly come to the place yet where we’re ready to bring our unique personal struggles into the same forum as men. Men have had “Men’s ONLY” organizations for thousands of years. That is why Men STICK TOGETHER so well. That is why Men are generally team players (better than women have historically been). That is why Men defend each other and have an unwritten “code” of understanding about what is the “right thing to do” when it comes to other men. Women have only recently even been able to PLAY SPORTS!!
We’re only finally learning that COLLABORATION will CATAPULT us collectively and personally. Not competition with each other.
BUT… so many women still need to learn how to feel their truth, speak their truth, identify their needs, use their empowered, courageous voice, etc. etc. and they need their “own forum” for that to happen, without worrying what the men think or who they may be offending, etc.
This is not to say there shouldn’t be OTHER forums where men and women can come together to learn how to better communicate, understand our differences, and celebrate our wonderful potential “together” …. but we can’t communicate this to them UNTIL WE FULLY UNDERSTAND IT OURSELVES!!
To the person who left the anonymous message that we don’t need to “Catch UP to men” — I think we do in many ways. Not because they are better than us, or because we want to be “manly” but because they’ve had (and in many many countries still have) unlimited amounts of rights and freedoms that we haven’t … and that we are just learning how to embrace. We’re newbies at being empowered!
At my daughters high school, for example, girls are still shamed and called “sluts” if they have sex with different boys. Whereas the boys are applauded if they have “notches” in their belt. Now, I’m not suggesting that girls or boys should be having sex with different partners, but the stigma is still there as prevalent as when I was in high school.
BUT…. for many women just being able to HAVE SEX IS considered freedom…. In fact, I remember the headline news in July 2010, when a woman in Iran, Sakineh Mohammadie Ashtiani, had been sentenced to death by stoning for committing adultery, although her “crime” hadn’t actually been proven by any evidence. Although Sakineh had already received 99 lashes on her bare back, the courts decided it was not enough punishment. She was buried in a pit from the waist down, while onlookers pummeled her to death. To DEATH for cheating on her husband (which she denied!!!).But regardless … death for cheating????
@Yvonne – THANK YOU for sharing your experiences in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. It is so important that we understand that we’ve had very little time adjusting to our new found freedoms. I was so moved by your post.
I also want to IMPRESS UPON YOU that Men have simply BEEN BORN into this … so being mad at them today is not fair either. This isn’t about being mad at men! Not at all!! I love my husband. I love my brother. They are both wonderful supportive loving men who put their wives and children above all else! But with that being said, IF WOMEN DON’T BECOME EMPOWERED they will continue to blame men (their husbands and fathers), never realizing we are responsible for our lives and choices!!
Most men WANT their wife and daughters to be strong, empowered, and RESPONSIBLE for their own lives, happiness, success and futures. Men don’t want to be blamed any more … BUT UNTIL we step out of being victims (which is what we teach at The SWAT Institute), we will struggle in our relationships with men.
This is a fabulous and important conversation and I hope we continue it….
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I co-founded Wake up Women a large Women’s organization and I often get ask the question; what about wake up men. And I always say we certainly invite men to come and join us, but in case they don’t we know that when we Wake up a Woman she will wake up the world around her. For centuries women have banded together in circles surrounding the family unit, women’s first instinct is not to be competitive, women are first and foremost emotional, it is in our nature to nurture men are physical. Men re-produce Women Re-create and for women to be up doesn’t mean we need to bring down the men. Women moving up just balances the energies that are turned into resources, that will bring forth a bounty as never witnessed in the history of the human race. Women need to wake up and step into their authentic self, because the woman’s world is different then a man’s world, always has been but as each woman steps into her brilliance by igniting her golden thread of sisterhood, another woman sheds light on the inequalities that have been passed on to women throughout history. When we wake up we step out of the cocoon of olden times and spread our wings and fly. Women only organizations are needed now more then ever, and while these organizations are not just limited to women, we search for women not men, we share what women need first and foremost, we come together in community, connect like a vine and spread like a virus. We do what women do best, come together in person or on purpose and help.