All My Ladies

Our program in Rwanda is centered around working with women and gender based violence prevention. To be honest when I (Asst 1) picked this as my preferred program it was a bit arbitrary. I didn't see myself in any of the teacher or medical programs. I must say though, my thoughts around this decision have changed quite significantly. A lot has happened in the interim to push that change along: my best friend decided to pursue a degree in women's studies, I started paying a lot more attention to women's issues, my new roommate was a women's studies major and we have some epic convos, I participated in a discussion about the "state of women in America," a friend launched a book "You've Come a Long Way, Maybe" about women's role in the 2008 election and, of course, the date for Africa was drawing ever close.

Last night I went to a book party for the release of "You've Come a Long Way, Maybe" and it was so inspiring to see these women together - no matter their political stripe - really examining what it means to be a woman in the public eye in the 21st Century. I was lucky enough to participate in an intimate "pre-discussion" that was turned in to this amazing video. After talking to a friend, we decided that our goal for the book was to see that it could prove a Republican could be a feminist at the same time!

Don't get me wrong - I think conversation and dialogue is truly the only way to solve problems, and some of my very best friends are staunch conservatives. They make my arguments better and stronger and therefore we have an even better conversation. But, the fundamental difference I've continued to find is that many of my conservative counterparts believe that our country is an even playing field and that everyone here has an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams. Maybe they should check out my college student loan account before they believe that to their core!

However, this gives me hope, that conservatives have begun to realize that the level playing field they've imagined all these years doesn't truly exist. If it has to start with realizing that women and men don't exist on a level playing field I'm okay with that because I think it will lead them to realize that the level playing field doesn't exist anywhere. It doesn't exist in healthcare, in education access or in pursuit of happiness. Sure, we live in a democracy - an awesome one, but not the best. I do believe that a democracy is the best system in the world, but it assumes that all have a level playing field of choice. I think in America, we've turned in to the democracy that demands that you purchase choice - and that, is the truly sad fact.