Click here (ADN) to read about a newly released report detailing various societal hurdles confronted by women in the 49th State... What's to be done, in your opinion?
4 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I don't know what it would be like in any of these situations, so I don't know what would be craved during one, but I would think that there isn't much that the legislature could do about this more than they're already doing. I think education is the most important thing and more for the people not effected, so they know how to be of better support.
Senator Lisa Murkowski recently posted that we were the "rape capital of the nation" which is horrifying. I think that domestic and sexual abuse often is the root cause for other social issues like alcohol and drug dependance, depression, homelessness and crime.
More programs that engage young women to set and reach goals while building their self worth are vital. Programs, activities, or sports that promote an awareness of physical self, self respect and team building or sense of a supportive community can make a difference in the choices people make.
Also if they become a victim of domestic or sexual abuse they should feel that it is their right to report this abuse. I know this is difficult in smaller, rural communities as one does not want to feel ostracized, ashamed or even guilty for getting another individual in trouble. There are public ads that run addressing some of these concerns so there is at least open dialogue among families, communities and our political representatives about these issues. Admitting there is a problem is the first step to solving the problem...
"McGuire told The Associated Press she plans to introduce a bill yet this session to re-establish the Alaska Women's Commission to delve into the report and find solutions. The original commission disbanded in 1988."
So to answer Mylinda's comment, I think the legislature could pass a bill re-establishing the Women's Commission. Although I applaud Governor Parnell's "Choose Respect" campaign to highlight the ongoing problems, perhaps even more resources are needed for these very big, systemic problems. -Julie
Um the article will no longer show up for the link. But from reading the comments above and have a small amount of knowledge of the native alaskan women from my time here in Alaska...I'd have to say that their culture greatly hinders their individuality. The state is big and can usually take weeks for officers to reach rural parts and address laws broken against women (usually consisting of rape, abuse, ext.). This is a sad truth but over this waiting time I have heard of women being pressured into dropping any possible charges. The areas in which they live are small....all of them almost. Everyone knows everyone. Speaking out and voicing opinions which work against the communities lasting beliefs and traditions is near to impossible. Honestly I can think of nothing to be done as long as these small communities shun outside influence. The only thing to do is integrate. - Angela R.
4 comments:
I don't know what it would be like in any of these situations, so I don't know what would be craved during one, but I would think that there isn't much that the legislature could do about this more than they're already doing. I think education is the most important thing and more for the people not effected, so they know how to be of better support.
Mylinda
Senator Lisa Murkowski recently posted that we were the "rape capital of the nation" which is horrifying. I think that domestic and sexual abuse often is the root cause for other social issues like alcohol and drug dependance, depression, homelessness and crime.
More programs that engage young women to set and reach goals while building their self worth are vital. Programs, activities, or sports that promote an awareness of physical self, self respect and team building or sense of a supportive community can make a difference in the choices people make.
Also if they become a victim of domestic or sexual abuse they should feel that it is their right to report this abuse. I know this is difficult in smaller, rural communities as one does not want to feel ostracized, ashamed or even guilty for getting another individual in trouble. There are public ads that run addressing some of these concerns so there is at least open dialogue among families, communities and our political representatives about these issues. Admitting there is a problem is the first step to solving the problem...
---Stephanie
"McGuire told The Associated Press she plans to introduce a bill yet this session to re-establish the Alaska Women's Commission to delve into the report and find solutions. The original commission disbanded in 1988."
So to answer Mylinda's comment, I think the legislature could pass a bill re-establishing the Women's Commission. Although I applaud Governor Parnell's "Choose Respect" campaign to highlight the ongoing problems, perhaps even more resources are needed for these very big, systemic problems.
-Julie
Um the article will no longer show up for the link. But from reading the comments above and have a small amount of knowledge of the native alaskan women from my time here in Alaska...I'd have to say that their culture greatly hinders their individuality. The state is big and can usually take weeks for officers to reach rural parts and address laws broken against women (usually consisting of rape, abuse, ext.). This is a sad truth but over this waiting time I have heard of women being pressured into dropping any possible charges. The areas in which they live are small....all of them almost. Everyone knows everyone. Speaking out and voicing opinions which work against the communities lasting beliefs and traditions is near to impossible. Honestly I can think of nothing to be done as long as these small communities shun outside influence. The only thing to do is integrate.
- Angela R.
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