The word "rebellion" is commonly associated with something unpleasant, something to be avoided at all costs. And, yes how can it be pleasant when challenging authority or authoritative systems has never been welcomed or applauded? However, there are instances which call for rebellion_ when rights, freedom and dignity, are threatened.
If you are silent about your suffering, they will kill you and claim you enjoyed it- Zora Neale Hurston
Rebellion has been recognized throughout history as a potent instrument for challenging damaging preconceptions, leadership, practices, and laws. Women, who are a historically marginalized group in society, consistently have to rebel and fight for the most basic fundamental human rights and liberties. Women from all over the world have been carrying out rebellious acts since time immemorial, here are some of their stories.
The"Gyaru," coined from the English word "girl," refers to a Korean subculture pioneered by a group of women in the 1990s, in Tokyo, Japan. This was done as an act of rebellion towards the conventional Korean beauty standards—which favor pale skin, black hair, and a subdued, quiet demeanor—. The Gyaru, who stood for everything repulsive for a Korean lady, were known for being flamboyant, gregarious, wearing dramatic makeup, and being extremely tanned. Though it has become less common over time and has changed slightly, it still serves as a reminder that women are free to be bold, wear whatever they like, and are not constrained by absurd beauty standards.
A crisis in North Korea: Women say no to having children; North Korea is currently experiencing a low birth rate crisis since women have refused to have children until circumstances change. Korea is currently among nations with a high ageing population, and for three consecutive years, the country has recorded the lowest fertility rates in the world (reported at 1.79 in 2022), with figures indicating that its population will shrink by 2,000,000 by 2070. The situation is so bad that Day Cares are now being converted into care homes.
For years, Korean women have complained about Korea’s patriarchal society which imposes conventional and unrealistic expectations of women. High levels of violence against women, sexism, objectification, male-centered business culture that makes it impossible for women to balance having a career and family all led to women declaring that enough is enough- they are done being viewed as nothing more than just baby-making machines.
The Korean government has used several strategies and incentives to encourage women to have children again. (Recently, its leader Kim Jung Un publicly pleaded with the women), but to no avail.
Rebellious women,may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them !!
What constitutes acts of rebellion by women in Malawi? Please leave a comment below.
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