OURSTORY: ONCE UNHEARD, NOW HEARD
MISSING: SELECTIVE COVERAGE SHE VANISHED BUT NO ONE SEARCHED
WHERE IS SHE NOW
WHETHER HE, SHE, THEY, TOO MANY VANISH WITHOUT A VOICE SOME VANISH. SOME ARE VANISHED
WHEN MISSING WOMEN ARE JUST ANOTHER STATISTIC
Seoha Han
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to work with a wonderful team deeply passionate about gender equality. Our goal for this magazine is to help eradicate the following common misconceptions:
Gender equality is an issue only women and girls are meant to fight for. 1. The fight for gender equality is a pointless battle between men and women. 2. Progress towards gender equality will disadvantage boys and men 3
The evolution over many years of our school’s gender equality society from HerStory, to TheirStory, to OurStory symbolises our belief that gender equality is a human issue our issue Not just hers, his, or theirs However, feminism, the belief that all genders should have equal rights and opportunities, is currently a taboo subject whose discussion leads to hate, arguments, and division. We need to change this. Feminism should be a subject all of us must openly discuss to achieve gender equality for all, as the fight for gender equality is a battle not between men and women but between humans and prejudice. Admittedly, the goal for a 100% gender-equal world is highly unrealistic However, our progress towards this goal will create a better world for not only women, but also men, as it will allow men to break free from the burdens of traditional masculine norms, leading to improved mental health and richer interpersonal relationships, and also ensure that the human rights of their female loved ones are respected, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and fulfilling life for all
The 4th Edition of La Musawah, through the true stories told by our wonderful team of female and male students, aims to take another baby step towards gender equality
We hope you enjoy our fourth edition.
Writers
Jianna Lee
Minjae Kang
Lily Kim
Wooyoung Chung
Teddy Shin
Seoha Han
Designers
Chloris Kim
Minjae Kang
Editors
Teddy Shin
Seoha Han
Editor-in-Chief
Seoha Han
SpecialthankstoMrMckeoghforsupportingourpublication
The two most classical dance genres fromhumanhistory,ballet,and contemporary dance have maintained a persistent interest over years, attracting a growing audience Its elegance, sophistication, vivid expression through delicate movements were perceived as attractive and caused a vast public to show their passion towards dance regardless of race, age, and social status. However, a deeply hidden sensitive topic arises when researching or analysing classical dances such as ballet and contemporary dance. Is dance sexist? Depending on the researcher’s perspective, a variety of answers emerge, showing how gender equality is neither actively discussed nor clarified in the academic fields of dance. While every dancer should not be excluded based on gender, the writer shares their views on the sexist history of ballet and contemporary dance, examining its foundations and development while also commenting onitsinclusivityforsexualminorities.
Mostdancechoreographiesaresexist.This is not an offensive statement but a natural resultofachievingtheultimateobjectiveof delivering the dance which is communication through choreographic intention Most choreographies aim to emphasize the characters’ image, and how the external features of the dancer support the choreographic intention Commonly, the idea of men and women’s different strengths in their dancing affects the dancing roles. Research on gender roles in dance shows that women have been required to reflect grace, flexibility, and soft dynamics, while men are expected to execute movements that highlight strength such as lifts and jumps This contrast is especiallyapparentinclassicaldancestyles such as ballet and ballroom, where women are portrayed as gentle and supportive and men as the powerful, leading partner, creating a stereotypical movement relationship of lead and follow in their partnering work. In their training and performances, 78% of professional dancers reported encountering genderbased role expectations, according to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. These conventions influence the industry, limiting the opportunities available to dancers who do not fit into traditional genderroles
Most people think of dance as a very progressive field with a welcoming mood toward sexual minorities. However, statistics suggest otherwise. As most classical dances intend to secure the traditional ballroom culture, new trends of queer theory and unfamiliar genders may clash directly with traditional dancing habits. This links to the fact that only 14 3% of dancing professionals are reported tobeasexualminority.
Coming out with a queer theme dance is also an existing challenge. In other words, there is a lack of initiatives to develop a queer based dance piece due to external societal reasons. A number of dancers and choreographers experience multiple limitations: budget cuts and excluded opportunities, which exist as a typical form of homophobia also found in similar industries. Even today, most mainstream dance organizations emphasize traditional stories and appearances, leading to queeroriented performances receiving limited exposure and interest Social expectations are a key component since audiences and sponsors are unlikely to be supportive of alternative presentations in dance. As a result, the dominance of heterosexual traditions in the field is accentuated by the continued lack of institutional support for queer dances, combined with traditional homophobic expectationsinhumanhistory
Classical dance has reflected the traditional gender stereotypes and homophobia in human history, emphasizing the usage of gender roles, which limit inclusivity. While ballet and contemporary dance continue to develop together with society, innovative experiments that ensure inclusive participation should be conducted. Furthermore, the industry must challenge outdated sexist conventions in order to construct a fairer field for all dancers, breaking those obstacles stated in the article may help embrace all identities and experiences while developing a richer dance form with greater artistic valuesandcreativity.
Ms Hwang in Mapo-gu, Ms Kim in Ulsan, and Ms Choi in Nam-gu were interviewed by three different journalists at 3 different places. Yet, they share a common experience as a street vendor in South Korea Ms Hwang is “tired of playing hide-andseek with the patrol” and cannot straighten her back without medications Despite the sizzling humidity, Ms Park cannot leave her “seat” empty in fear of losing her spot. No matter what the conditions are, they steer their trucks and carts out tothebusystreets.
In Asia, 67% of women's employment is non-agricultural and informal. Among them, street vendors struggle with a unique dilemma as they face distinct ironies in their lives While street vendors embody independence and empowerment by claiming presence in the public space, they are simultaneously exposed to the most precarity and danger due to their publicnature
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair”, said Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the US Congress Although in very different spheres of work, street vendors have positioned themselves at the table of “patriarchy” and brought their fully loadedcartsalongwiththemtoclaimaseat
“Run to the fire, don’t hide from it ” , said Meg Whitman, a United States ambassador for Kenya. Women street vendors have refused to be confined to the private spheres and created their own markets. Claiming their presence in a maledominated public space, the economy encapsulates the fight for equal participation and financialindependence.
Like how Ms Hwang played hide-and-seek with the patrol, women in informal economies face not only physical dangers, but also dangers of being stigmatised as illegal workers Their main source of living is far too often policed and patrolled by legal authorities, claiming their act of survival to be illegal and disruptive. Women vendors are also frequently exposed to dangerous situations, being verbally abused, physically threatened, and aggressively confronted by other male vendorsorpedestrians
Never has society recognised the cultural importance and contributions of women street vendorsinourdailylives.
A crucial step to protecting the autonomy of women vendors is to apply gender mainstreamingincityplanning.
City planners must acknowledge the street vendors and recognise the streets as their main workplace From public transportation plans to mapping out sidewalks and streetlights, detail-oriented city planning makes a significant difference in fostering a protective environment. As initiated by UN Women, facilitating communication between the City Planning Department and women streetvendorsisalsoacrucialsteppingstone.
The street food we eat, the loud conversations that are shared, and the vibrancy of the streets are only maintained through the invisible work of women streetvendors
The irony is, despite the cultural significance of street vendors in Asia, women street vendors are under constant precarity Without the appropriate protection, and appreciation, not only are we depriving women of their financial independence, butalsotherichnessofourculturalheritage
Thomas Recognizing the Role of Gender in
Informal
Economy:
4 Dec 2018, thecityfix com/blog/gender-informal-economy-vendors-inclusive-women-thomas-abbot-lizzette-sotelo/ “Women in Informal Economy ” UN Women – Headquarters www unwomen org/en/news/in-focus/csw61/women-in-informaleconomy Accessed21Feb 2024 Kawarazuka “Building a Resilient City for Whom? Exporing the Gendered Processes of Adaptation to Change: A Case Study of Street VendorsinHanoi ”CGIARGenderPlatform gender cgiar org/publications/building-resilient-city-whom-exploring-gendered-processesadaptation-change-case-study Accessed21Feb 2024 “Easing or strengthening the crackdown on street vendors ” GyeongsangIlbo,
Asinglemotherisdefinedasa“motherwhohas a dependent child or dependent children and who is widowed, divorced, or unmarried”, according to the Collins English Dictionary Single mothers face challenges including financial pressures, a lack of emotional and practical support, and most importantly harsh stigma and judgement from society. Unfortunately, single mothers are often targeted by a multitude of toxic, baseless, misogynistic stereotypes made evident by countless misleading statements that circulate on online forums like Reddit. The screenshots featured in this article are taken from real Reddit posts, each reflecting opinions that individuals not only held but chose to share publicly, thereby highlighting the prevalence of negativestereotypesagainstsinglemothers
“SingleMothersMakeBadChoices”
“Yourlifeisbadbecauseofyourpoorchoices”
“It’salsoyourresponsibilityasa womantonotgetpregnant”
he two statements above imply that single mothers chose to get pregnant and are thus solely responsible for their “poor choices”. However, the authors of these statements fail to consider that not all children in single-mother homesareunintended Forexample,LizaCarver whobecameasinglemotheratage30
states that “she was married at the time” and that her “two children were planned ” Still, her husband soon became “mentally and physically abusive”, which caused her to divorce her husband, “barely escap[ing] more physical abuse in the process.” Statistically speaking, only half of single mothers were never married at all. Of the other half, 17% are separated, 4% are widowed, and 29% are divorced. Moreover, even if a young, unmarried woman gets pregnant unexpectedly, it is wrong to argue that it was solely her “responsibility” to “not get pregnant” the father of the child is equally responsible for the pregnancy It is important to recognise that many single mothers find themselves in their position due to an absent father In cases where the father is alive and well but chooses not to take responsibility for the child, he should be held accountable for his actions We must stop blaming single mothers for their decision to stay with, care for, and raise their children alone to the best of theirability
“Singlemothershavenorighttobeproudof themselves”
“Singlemotherscanbesomeofthemost entitled,annoyingpeople”
I don’t understand why you’d want to base your entire identity and personality around being a single mother, but a lot of them do this anyways They feel the need to let absolutely everyone know that they’re a single mother, believing it will earn them sympathyorpraisewherevertheygo.
Why are single mothers labelled as 'entitled' or 'annoying' for acknowledging their reality, raising children on their own, and discussing their experiences? Single mothers do not define their identity solely by their status as single parents; rather, society imposes this label through workplace discrimination and societal stigma. Moreover, when single fathers express their struggles, they are often hailed as heroes. In two studies, researchers explored the gendered perceptions of single parents and revealed significant bias against single mothers. In the first study, Haire and McGeorge found that people viewed single fathers as admirably choosing to parent alone by choice, while they perceived single mothers as parenting alone out of necessity due to poor decisions or failed relationships The study also underscored that single mothers were unfairly labelled as neglectful, immature, and emotionally unstable, while single fathers were applauded for handling the logistical challenges of solo parenting. The second study by DeJean and colleagues disclosed that when participants were shown identical narratives about single parents, with the only difference being the parent’s gender, they judged mothers more harshly than fathers and rated them as less secure, responsible, and moral. These findings shed light on the pervasive and gendered prejudice faced by single mothers. Hence, the misogynistic notion that single mothers are "entitled" to discuss their experiences reflects a societal tendency to dismiss them as sympathy-seekers, ignoring the magnitude of the financial and emotional challenges they endure. Single mothers deserve acknowledgement and have every right to take prideintheirstrengthandresilience
The term “broken home”, commonly used to describe single-parent families created by divorce, implies that a single parent cannot make a home alone and thus reinforces the belief that the only healthy home for a child is a two-parent one. The claim of the post above that “I have known others who grew up with both parents and… there is no better way of raising a child” is a hasty generalisation Indeed, some single parents are irresponsible, but the same can be said for some parents of two-parent households Being raised by a single parent does not inherently disadvantage a child, just as having two parents does not guarantee a healthyupbringing.
The claim that "single mothers raise children who statistically become problems in society" is misleading and disregards key factors While children in single-parent households may face challenges, research shows that outcomes are largely influenced by socioeconomic factors, not family structure alone.
Studies indicate that children of single mothers with sufficient financial support thrive just as well as those from two-parent homes. Successful programs providing direct aid to single mothers have improved children's education and well-being, which proves that with the right resources, family structureisnotadeterminantofsuccess
Whatcanwedo?
It’s time to rethink the way we see single mothers. Instead of viewing them through the lens of stereotypes, we should recognize their strength, resilience, and dedication A mother raising a child alone is not a failure, as she is someone who chooses love over abandonment and responsibility over convenience.
According to a 2023 Report published by UN Women, approximately 736 million women globally have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, often influenced by technology Technology-Facilitated GenderBased Violence (TFGBV) refers to genderbased violence carried out through digital means, such as cyberstalking, online harassment, and non-consensual image sharing.. Nevertheless, compared to other forms of GBV(Gender Based Violence), people often trivialise TFGBV and therefore do not consider it as deadly or detrimental due to a limited understanding of this form of violence. Management of online violence against women is largely dismissed, seeing that reporting mechanisms for TFGBV have limited effectiveness and reporting is often disadvantageous for survivors Specifically, fear of stigma and retribution deters people from taking legal action, and law enforcement and prosecutors often fail to take appropriate action. This lack of awareness makes women especially those in the public eye or who fightforwomen’srights vulnerabletoabuse
Technology, despite its numerous benefits in the modern world, acts as a double-edged sword, carrying significant challenges alongside its advancements. The problems are larger in highly technical populations who often prioritise technical developmentoveramorethoughtfulexaminationof its impact on human experience. One of the most prominent issues is bias in algorithms, which can perpetuate and amplify prejudiced ideas by their ubiquity. The biases disproportionately affect women and lead to TFGBV, aggravating social inequalities and undermining the rights of equalityseeking communities to self-determination, selfrepresentation,anddignity.Asalgorithmscontinue to gather information from users under the guise of protection, they risk compromising women’s privacy as well. Despite these serious concerns, developers often evade responsibility for the dangers posed by new technologies, placing the blame instead on the algorithms themselves. Legislative responses that focus on harm by marginalisedcommunitiesarefrequentlyrepealed
South Korean society, deeply rooted in its patriarchal culture and hyperconnectivity, has a predisposed environment to cyberbullying against women The pervasive internet use and the anonymity of online spaces exacerbate the issue Specifically, anti-feminist ideologies are becoming increasingly influential in South Korea. In the country, anti-feminist ideas are instilled from a young age, leading to a detrimental cycle of gender-based violence Among Korean teenagers, 76 8% of feminists and 69 2% ofyoungwomenhavebeenvictimsofcyberbullying.
In 2022, YouTuber and online streamer Cho jang-mi took her own life due to cyber harassment The issue started in mid 2019, when she used controversial words and gestures associated with extreme right-wingonlineforumsandradicalfeministsinhervideos.Realisingthecriticism,Choexplainedshe was unaware of their offensive meanings but was merely mimicking internet memes But attacks only became worse, especially when YouTuber PPKKA created malicious videos accusing Cho of being a radical feminist, gaining nearly 3 million views. The comment section became a gathering of thousands ofcyberbulliestoharassCho
Cho’s suicide by malicious comments on the internet proves the devastating impact cyber harassment can have on its victims. Cyber harassment, or any other form of TFGBV, should be taken as a serious matter as much as other forms of violence. The comment section on Cho’s videos shows that anyone can become an attacker when a large number of people are doing the same to a smaller number of victims. Malicious comments are a way of feeling like a part of a group and superior to the victim Despite the tragic events, the number of suicidesduetoTFGBVcontinuestoincrease
To prevent future victims of online-based violence against women like Cho, it is imperative to raise awareness against it The first step is to spread explicit knowledge about TFGBV through mediums such as campaigns and websites. A clear definition of TFGBV should be stated in a way that includes its diverse forms, gravity, and impact on the victims to emphasise its severity and frequency. This change in public perception will trigger and make prevention and response efforts more effective In addition to raising awareness against violence against women on a global scale, campaigns should also focus on empowering local communities with practical strategies For example, selfprotection campaigns can reinforce the risk of over-dependency on online services, promoting ‘digital hygiene’ practices of avoidingpostingpersonalinformationonlinetominimisetherisk of abuse. Response campaigns should focus on normalising selfreporting of any form of online-based violence and educating the publiconthewaysofself-reportingtopreventfurtherdamage.
Gender equality is often reduced to a series of visible milestones, framed as a "women's issue" or an "emotional concern." By adopting the status symbol of a ‘sensitive matter,’ this oversimplification deflects attention from the deeper issues that shape the distribution of power in society. In truth, genderequalityisaconstructrelevanttoall
At its most fundamental level, gender equality is a question of power, and a conversation of ‘how it is distributed?’ and ‘who remains excluded?’. While discussions typically centers on women gaining equal footing with men, the issue extends far beyond those borders. It concerns the right of all people, regardless of identity, to have autonomy over their lives whether in their homes, workplaces, or relationships Yet, the supposed “freedom” to make choices is oftenconstrained,limitingtrueautonomy.
Gender, in this context, is not just an individual’s personal identity, but one shaped by modern societal expectations. These pressures dictate what is considered acceptable behavior, often suppressing certain freedoms. To understand these influences, the concept of adaptive preferences becomes relevant: a theory suggesting thechoicesindividualsmakearenotalwaysdriven by personal desire but are shaped by societal constraints. For example, women may make decisions that appear autonomous, but these choices are frequently influenced by patriarchal systems that restrict their options. The question then arises: if choices are shaped by external forces,cantheytrulybeconsideredfree?
Susan Ferguson’s feminist critique argues that every decision a woman makes cannot be inherently beneficial or inherently feminine due to the societal pressures of white supremacy, religion, and the patriarchy Even in what is often considered a post-feminist era, these systems continue to shape women’s choices, even when they seem to bemadeautonomously
In essence, the theory posits that any decision made by women is shaped by forces beyond their control. It challenges autonomous volition, where the freedom of choice is automatically assumed to reflect individual desire
As Ferguson notes in Women and Work: Feminism, Labour, and Social Reproduction, “It’s not what she would inherently want, but what she is believed to have wanted by thesystemaroundher.
The critique here does not downplay the progress made for gender equality, but highlights that true equality goes beyond visible victories It lies not only in securing rights such as voting or employmentbutalsoincreatingsystemicchangesthatshapeindividualchoices.
The goal is not to erase differences but to build a society where every individual’s identity, experience, and aspirations are equally valued. Achieving this requires moving beyond viewing gender as a determinant of worth The fight for gender equality is parallel to the fundamental human right to make choices based on individual needs and desires a true march toward freedom.
Discussions about gender equality often focus on social and cultural factors, but biological differences have also played an important role in shaping gender roles throughout history To fully understand the evolution of gender disparities, it is essential to examine how biological distinctions contributed to the earliest divisionsinlaborandopportunity.
Biology influences physical traits and certain behavioral tendencies associated with gender. Forinstance,mengenerallyhavehigherlevelsof testosterone, which contributes to greater muscle mass and physical strength, while women typically have higher levels of estrogen, affecting body fat distribution and reproductive functions. These biological factors influenced traditional roles in early societies, with men engaging in physically demanding tasks such as hunting and defense, while women took on caregiving and domestic responsibilities However, these differences do not dictate capabilities,talents,orpotential
The ability to bear children and nurse has historically contributed to societal divisions of labor. In early civilizations, these biological realities often confined women to roles centered around child-rearing, reinforcing the perception that they were less suited for external work or leadership positions. Though society has evolved, remnants of these historical norms persist, shaping modern expectations of gender rolesinprofessionalanddomesticspheres.
Biological differences continue to influence perceptions in the workplace and education. Outdated stereotypes suggest that men are better suited for leadership roles in physically demanding industries, while women are naturallyinclinedtowardcaregivingprofessions Such assumptions limit opportunities for both genders and perpetuate systemic inequality. Despite legal strides toward gender equality, workplace structures often fail to accommodate biological realities. For example, maternity leave policies vary widely, and in many cases, women face challenges balancing career advancement with family responsibilities Meanwhile, the absence of mandatory paternity leave in many countries reinforces traditional caregiving roles, placing an unequal burden on women and hinderingtheirprofessionalgrowth.
Furthermore, biological differences are sometimes used to justify systemic inequalities. The notion that women are inherently less capable in math and science has no scientific basis and is instead rooted in cultural biases that discourage women from pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers. Research shows that when given equal opportunities and encouragement, women perform just as well as men in these fields. Therefore, the focus should shift from perceived biological limitations to structural changes in education and workplace environmentsthatsupportgenderinclusivity
Recognizing the impact of biological differences on gender equality does not mean reinforcing limitations it means fostering a more nuanced approach to equality. Gender-diverse teams have been shown to be more innovative and effective, benefiting from varied perspectives and strengths By embracing these differences while ensuring equal access to opportunities, societies can move toward a future where individuals are free to pursue their passions and talents without the constraints of outdatedstereotypes
True gender equality is not just about achieving parity between men and women but about dismantling societal norms that restrict potential By valuing contributions from all individuals and ensuring fair access to opportunities, we can create a more inclusive world. As awareness grows and conversations progress, policies and cultural attitudes must evolve to reflect these changing expectations, ensuring fairnessandinclusivityforfuturegenerations.
A timeline never drawn. A voice never aired. A poster never printed. They told us they left. But we know: They were erased.
