Katherine Gottsegen

9/15/2011

‘Libya’s War-Tested Women Hope to Keep New Power’

Since revolution and war have reached Tripoli, women from all over are starting to take a part in the fight for their freedom. Whether it be smuggling money in their child’s diaper, hiding rebels, or spying and spreading messages, they are more involved than people realize. The uprising has propelled women into positions they have never experienced before, and to make it better, they’re enjoying it. The article outlines the accomplishments of several women who managed an underground charity, raising $5,000 for poor families, and in turn became a streamline for rebel arms. The women are eager to be involved in fighting, protesting, and helping anywhere they can. Even men, who were once against their wives working late or going to protests, are now supporting their efforts and encourage it.

This article yet is another example of how women across the world are getting involved and are no longer letting social traditions become barriers. I think this is a great example of social problem because it has mostly become the habit of men doing the ‘dirty’ work. A good model of this would be the military. Usually you see men, and occasionally a few women, but not many. As our society’s norms continue changing, more women have been taking stands for what they believe in. In Tripoli, this would be their freedom. The article even mentions some women have learned to use guns. The search for liberty and their future play a huge role in the motivation of these women. Once again, a society where women are mostly repressed is beginning to change it's ways and I think this is a cue for other countries to follow.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/13/world/africa/13women.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1