Thursday 24 March 2016

When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression

Over the last two weeks, trade unionists and other civil society actors interfaced with governments and UN agencies at the Commission on the Status of Women. The 60th session focused on the achievements of women's empowerment in the context of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).


2016 trade union delegation to the UN Commission on the Status of Women
Certainly those who attended the CSW proclaimed their feminist sides and shouted the importance of gender equality and equity. The SDGs cannot be achieved without them.ingly though we still have those - many of them men - who react with loud voices and anger when anyone even suggests that we must continue to provide access to and the opportunities to empower women and ensure that they take their place as equals.

In his article, Chris Boeskool says when people have become accustomed to privilege, whether in the workplace or society generally, a sudden shift to equality can make them feel like their rights are being taken away.

Have a read. The article may give some insight into some of the reasons for the reaction.