On November 30th, I represented BOCAIP at the 50th Anniversary of a well-known international women's organization in Botswana. The anniversary date happened to fall within the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence. The event organizers and keynote speakers were careful to note the links between gender-based violence, women's development, and the spread of HIV -- topics I could expand on, but will reserve for discussions with those willing to so engage.
So, I was a little surprised, in this enlightened environment, to see some text in the inside of the event folder that seemed a little...shall I say...out of step with the times.
The word WOMAN was written out as an acronym.
W - Wise
O - Ornament
M - Multiskilled
A - Advisor
N - Noble
"Ornament" ? Really ? Need I say more ??
I am not even sure how the word "Advisor" is meant, in this context.
Advisors to whom ? -- Decision-makers who are not women ?
I've struggled with blogging about this sooner, as I don't want to come across as judgemental or culturally insensitive -- afterall, women continue to be objectified as 'ornaments' in our Western society -- but I like to think that my Batswana friends are pretty progressive, and I welcome insights from those who wish to comment.
And, I welcome suggestions for an alternative "O".
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