Some Men Condemn the Misogyny as the Religion of Male Supremacists

Apparently, I haven't been paying enough attention to President Carter. Some men do get better with age. Last week I posted some of former President Jimmy Carter's words condemning the misogyny of religion as practiced by the deplorably male-supremacist Southern Baptists.

Now I learn that President Carter is a member of "a group of retired statesmen formed by Nelson Mandela" that is actually speaking out against the misogyny that harms women and girls all over this dominant-male infested planet. Actually there are women (!) in the club of "statesmen," but never mind that. Men speaking out against the patriarchy! What a novel concept!

The following is an excerpt from a treatise entitled Equality for Women and Girls, found on the website of The Elders:

"Religion and tradition are a great force for peace and progress around the world.

However, as Elders, we believe that the justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a higher authority, is unacceptable.

We believe that women and girls share equal rights with men and boys in all aspects of life.

We call upon all leaders to promote and protect equal rights for women and girls.

We especially call on religious and traditional leaders to set an example and change all discriminatory practices within their own religions and traditions.

. . .Over the next pages, we chart how this deep-rooted belief that women are worth less than men has infected every aspect of our societies.

It has led to women suffering brutal violence and mistreatment. It has denied girls and women fair access to education, health, employment, property and influence within their own communities. . .

It is up to all our leaders, particularly male political, religious and civil leaders, to challenge and change those practices and attitudes, however long-established, which allow and foster discrimination and unfair treatment.

We also call on all men and boys to throw their weight behind the campaign for equality and to challenge those who oppose women's rights and equality. .

This will not be easy. Men and boys will have to change their behaviour and thinking. . .

Equality for Women and Girls, The Elders, 2 July 2009.

Male Domination Feminist Politics Gender Misogyny Patriarchy Jimmy Carter News