Gender inequality is maintained by centuries of social norms which have shaped our workplaces, home life, and public institutions. Deep-seated social and behavioral practices do not change overnight, but they do change. We need to do our part, however large or small, to accelerate these social changes.
We perpetuate gender inequality through our actions (and inactions,) our words, the ways we raise our children, and how we communicate with our friends, colleagues, and family members. Often we don’t even realize we are part of the problem; we harbor unconscious biases and have been raised in a cultural milieu rife with misogyny and discrimination. It’s hard to avoid!
But without changing the words and actions that perpetuate inequality, we will not change society. The good thing: we can do this! We can help make people aware of the changes they can make, and the ways they can help others change – we can all be part of the solution. Remember – big changes matter, but the small stuff matters too.
We bring together like-minded people at regular lunches or casual evening get-togethers where we share suggestions for changes and invite others to incorporate them into their lives. In recent years we have discussed both global topics, like why women world-wide are poorer, and practical topics, like what to do when you’re at a social event and overhear that errant misogynistic – or sexist, racist, homophobic – remark. (What DO you say? What do you do? We have ideas!) And we get our members to the marches, caucuses, and public events that make a difference.
Our Curious Feminist Social Club offers an informal drop-in beginning at 6:00 pm on the second Wednesday of every month in downtown Sarasota. Come together to meet other like-minded people, inspire and mentor each other, and have fun. All are welcome.
