The Rise of Women, #MeToo and Why It Matters

In light of current political events here in the United States and around the world, such as the #MeToo movement, discussions about toxic masculinity, the tumultuous appointment of Justice Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, and a worldwide surge of participation of women in politics, it is obvious that we are living in an important historical period where ideas about gender and power are being debated, reinforced, and challenged. While some political leaders blatantly dismiss gender discrimination and gender-based violence, the global community has recently acknowledged the significance of this issue by awarding the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize to two individuals whose work directly challenges gender oppression. Nadia Murad, a Yazidi rights activist who fights for dignity of trafficked women and children, and Denis Mukwege, a doctor who helps victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, both have highlighted the rights of individuals whose voices previously have been silenced. Worldwide, people are speaking out about discriminatory and violent practices. Historians will look back at this moment as one where traditional power structures were meaningfully challenged and marginalized voices spoke out about their experiences