Global Equality

Equality for Women



Egyptian women in protest.



In 1776, the United States of America won its independence from Great Brittan and the US Constitution was ratified and became the law of the land; however, it was not until 1920 (a 144 years later) that the 19^th Amendment was ratified, giving all citizens the right to vote regardless of sex. I find it curiously odd how it took America that long to finally do the right thing.   

Now, we move around the world, beating our chests, wanting other countries to be like “us” not wanting them to take 144 years, like we did, to make that happen.  And, while many of these countries have been struggling with this issue for thousands of years, we (America) want them to see the light immediately because we saw the light 92 years ago.   

While this is not the thrust of this article, I am still not sure if equality is what we practice, even though is it definitely what we preach (one of our behavioral traits that is not exclusively belonging to equality).

Be that as it may be, we now have another opportunity to not just force our beliefs on others but force how quickly they respond.  This opportunity lies in the Middle East with Egypt.



Egyptian image of Anubis

 (CBS News) CAIRO -- The fledgling Egyptian democracy just got its first draft constitution, but a lot of Egyptians aren't happy about it. It is the work of religiously conservative supporters of President Mohammed Morsi. Protesters had already filled the streets of Cairo, angry because Morsi had granted himself near absolute powers last week. They fear that the new constitution will take away many of their rights.

The assembly that wrote the draft constitution is dominated by President Mubarak's Islamist allies. So on the one hand, it gives Islamic law a bigger role in government. But on the other hand, a clause that specifically guaranteed equality for women was removed.

Egypt protesters erupt upon constitution's passage

Egypt assembly rushes to vote on constitution

Recently, CBS News spoke with an Egyptian blogger who said she's worried that this draft constitution could be used to violate her rights.  "You take your salary from my taxes," said the blogger. "You have no right to tell me to live my life, how to dress, how to talk. You have no right to put me in jail because I'm expressing my opinion on the Internet or in the streets. And this is what they did in the constitution."

Clinton & Morsi

Morsi is making a political gamble. He is betting that a majority of Egyptians will vote for this draft constitution. If he is right, then Morsi will tighten his grip on power. But If he's wrong -- if Egyptians reject this proposed constitution -- then they're also rejecting Morsi's Islamist vision for Egypt.

So, why do we even bother trying to convince the rest of the world that they should be like us? 

Because, when one peels away the onion skin, one finds more of a male vision for this country than is symbolized by our Constitution and its Amendments.  

In point of fact that is about to change and I wonder if women will treat us like we treated them?