Gender Mainstreaming

[Magickman]

“Gender mainstreaming is the public policy concept of assessing the different implications for women and men of any planned policy action, including legislation and programs in all areas and levels.” (from Wikipedia)

This sounds quite innocent, but it is part of the feminist scheme to mandate elimination of all distinctions between men and women. This is done in the name of gender equality. The underlying values, though, are the dismantling of traditional roles for men and women, and the destruction of traditional family life.

Gender mainstreaming is favored by the United Nations, feminist organizations, and women’s rights groups. They wish to ban the “Patriarchal family model” and to remove gender roles from kindergardens and elementary schools.

The term, “Gender mainstreaming,” was new to me. Why haven’t we heard more about this scheme?

 

[4elise]

“Gender mainstreaming is the public policy concept of assessing the different implications for women and men of any planned policy action, including legislation and programs in all areas and levels.” (from Wikipedia)

This sounds quite innocent, but it is part of the feminist scheme to mandate elimination of all distinctions between men and women. This is done in the name of gender equality. The underlying values, though, are the dismantling of traditional roles for men and women, and the destruction of traditional family life.

Gender mainstreaming is favored by the United Nations, feminist organizations, and women’s rights groups. They wish to ban the “Patriarchal family model” and to remove gender roles from kindergardens and elementary schools.

The term, “Gender mainstreaming,” was new to me. Why haven’t we heard more about this scheme?

So, do I understand that you think there are some areas (outside of the Church) , legislation, programs, etc. that should only be available to women? or to men?

 

[mfj]

I hope no one is actually against women’s equality.

But in every situation a program that is meant for good will be abused.
And I’m sure this one will be. Like part of the program will provide for the pill, the morning after, and abortions.

It just seems to be the nature of the beast.

 

[flyingfish]

“Gender mainstreaming is the public policy concept of assessing the different implications for women and men of any planned policy action, including legislation and programs in all areas and levels.” (from Wikipedia)

This sounds quite innocent, but it is part of the feminist scheme to mandate elimination of all distinctions between men and women. This is done in the name of gender equality. The underlying values, though, are the dismantling of traditional roles for men and women, and the destruction of traditional family life.

Gender mainstreaming is favored by the United Nations, feminist organizations, and women’s rights groups. They wish to ban the “Patriarchal family model” and to remove gender roles from kindergardens and elementary schools.

The term, “Gender mainstreaming,” was new to me. Why haven’t we heard more about this scheme?

What specifically about this offends you? Would it bother you if some elementary school boys learned cooking and sewing and some girls learned woodworking?

What if some boys really like cooking and some girls really like woodworking? Are you going to stand there and tell them to know their place? This, and maybe creating sports teams for girls as well as promoting math and science education for girls is the only thing I can imagine this being used for.

And the patriarchal family model they’re looking to “ban” is the kind that exists in Muslim countries where women are married off often without their consent, perhaps to much older men, and are treated like domestic slaves. I doubt anyone considers a marriage in a Western country patriarchal.

 

[pumpkinbeast]

Maybe I’m missing something, but what’s the issue here? Why wouldn’t you look at how each policy will affect both men and women? Isn’t that a good thing? Isn’t that acknowledging the differences between the genders? If the feminists are spinning things to ‘dismantle traditional family values’, they’ll do that anyway regardless of whether they have a fancy term to back them up… so what’s the problem?

 

[StJudePray4Me]

What specifically about this offends you? Would it bother you if some elementary school boys learned cooking and sewing and some girls learned woodworking?

What if some boys really like cooking and some girls really like woodworking? Are you going to stand there and tell them to know their place? This, and maybe creating sports teams for girls as well as promoting math and science education for girls is the only thing I can imagine this being used for.

And the patriarchal family model they’re looking to “ban” is the kind that exists in Muslim countries where women are married off often without their consent, perhaps to much older men, and are treated like domestic slaves. I doubt anyone considers a marriage in a Western country patriarchal.

Well said.

 

[Havard]

I hope no one is actually against women’s equality.

You mean equal opportunity, right? 100% equality would mean no more opening doors by men for women, because doing so acknowledges that women are to be singled out for respect by men.

I doubt anyone considers a marriage in a Western country patriarchal.

Don’t be so sure!

If the feminists are spinning things to ‘dismantle traditional family values’, they’ll do that anyway regardless of whether they have a fancy term to back them up… so what’s the problem?

The problem is that when fancy words get tossed in, people get confused and don’t see things for what they might be.

 

[Jay82]

What specifically about this offends you? Would it bother you if some elementary school boys learned cooking and sewing and some girls learned woodworking?

What if some boys really like cooking and some girls really like woodworking? Are you going to stand there and tell them to know their place? This, and maybe creating sports teams for girls as well as promoting math and science education for girls is the only thing I can imagine this being used for.

And the patriarchal family model they’re looking to “ban” is the kind that exists in Muslim countries where women are married off often without their consent, perhaps to much older men, and are treated like domestic slaves. I doubt anyone considers a marriage in a Western country patriarchal.

Seconded.

 

[sanctamaria17]

I’ll admit, I wouldn’t want a guy opening doors for me just because I’m a girl. Do it for everyone, regardless of gender, just because it’s nice. But if he does it for me because I’m a girl, I don’t like it. I don’t like being singled out for my sex.

Seriously, I don’t see a problem with this. I like science, math, and hard work just as much as I like cooking. While I get that I’d have more responsibility over child care, just because men can’t breastfeed, I don’t want opportunities closed for me just because I’m a girl. Nor do I want people treating me differently because I’m a girl. I’m strong, smart, and I can deal with just about anything. I don’t need a guy protecting me. If my vocation is marriage (and I pray that it is), I imagine us being a team, working together. If that’s not possible, then I hope God doesn’t will for me to marry.

By the way, there are some of us who do identify as feminist, but we’re pro-life And pro-NFP To me, being a feminist means I don’t want to be treated differently, in the eyes of the law or within my education, just because of my gender. I don’t expect to be ordained, but I do expect to have my rights: to vote, to an education, to work in a position for which I am qualified, to be politically active, and to express myself. And, if I break the law, I expect them to convict me as they would a man.

Geez, not everything’s a conspiracy.

 

[Randi]

“Gender mainstreaming is the public policy concept of assessing the different implications for women and men of any planned policy action, including legislation and programs in all areas and levels.” (from Wikipedia)

This sounds quite innocent, but it is part of the feminist scheme to mandate elimination of all distinctions between men and women. This is done in the name of gender equality. The underlying values, though, are the dismantling of traditional roles for men and women, and the destruction of traditional family life.

I must admit that the feminist agenda is really beginning to concern me, too. As a woman, I once believed it was my duty to be feminist, until I really started researching the aims of the national feminist organizations and also became aware of their methods. Equality does not, nor should it ever, imply ‘sameness’. Men and women are NOT the same, but both have equal dignity as members of the human race, but most especially in the eyes of God. But men and women are different, physically, mentally and emotionally, and according to the Catholic teachings, men and women are different at the soul level. This is according to God’s wisdom, so that male and female see each other’s value and they can appreciate the special talents and abilities that each contribute. Traditional family life must be preserved, and the Catholic church is sounding the alarm on that front. Traditional roles may not necessarily be preserved, however, because those were more important during times when families were more focused upon survival. Of course, certain things will always be feminine roles and other things will always be masculine roles. But we need to focus more upon what the Church and sacred scripture can teach us not about roles, but about purpose and design. As Catholics, we must believe that God created with a design in mind and that His purpose is meant to be lived out in the lives of each of His children, for their good and for His glory.
Yes, notions such as gender mainstreaming can be disturbing, but I believe the most important thing for us to do is to stop looking to society to tell us what our value or purpose is. Only the Creator can reveal the purpose of His creation. We must look to the authority that Jesus has established here on earth to shepherd us, in order to not lose sight of the amazing purpose and meaning of our lives and the sexes.

 

[Havard]

I’ll admit, I wouldn’t want a guy opening doors for me just because I’m a girl. Do it for everyone, regardless of gender, just because it’s nice. But if he does it for me because I’m a girl, I don’t like it. I don’t like being singled out for my sex.

That may be true, but I won’t stop opening the door for you. For men, I hold the door open behind me and smile, and say ‘hi’ and/or nod, which still shows kindness.

Seriously, I don’t see a problem with this. I like science, math, and hard work just as much as I like cooking. While I get that I’d have more responsibility over child care, just because men can’t breastfeed, I don’t want opportunities closed for me just because I’m a girl. Nor do I want people treating me differently because I’m a girl. I’m strong, smart, and I can deal with just about anything. I don’t need a guy protecting me. If my vocation is marriage (and I pray that it is), I imagine us being a team, working together. If that’s not possible, then I hope God doesn’t will for me to marry.

However you feel, I have plenty of female friends who feel a lot safer with a male companion walking home at night, including one who’s a captain in the USMC.

By the way, there are some of us who do identify as feminist, but we’re pro-life And pro-NFP To me, being a feminist means I don’t want to be treated differently, in the eyes of the law or within my education, just because of my gender. I don’t expect to be ordained, but I do expect to have my rights: to vote, to an education, to work in a position for which I am qualified, to be politically active, and to express myself. And, if I break the law, I expect them to convict me as they would a man.

Sounds like equal opportunity - I agree.

Geez, not everything’s a conspiracy.

You’re right, they’re doing it out in the open. But that doesn’t mean they won’t play with words to their advantage. I never hear the term ‘pro-life’ in my progressive city of SF, the status quo here says I’m ‘anti-choice’.

 

[sanctamaria17]

Yes, but I don’t want to be treated like a woman. I hold the door open for other women and for men, not due to gender but because it’s nice. I’d rather people did it for each other.

You may have a lot of friends who feel this way. I do as well. But I’d rather a guy ask me than just do it. I like walking alone, simply because I don’t get much alone time anymore. I am not afraid to walk at night. I don’t think I should be afraid of the night. If someone attacks me, I attack him right back and I call the cops. I keep aware of my surroundings. I have my phone. I know places I can go if I find myself in trouble.

I’ve had to evolve into a tough lady in the last couple years. And I’m going to have to become even tougher, for the field I’m going into and the work I intend to do.

I always joke that, if I had a fairy-tale love story, I wouldn’t want to be the damsel being saved. I’d want to be a warrior companion, saving the world with my guy by my side. We may have different bodies and a few other differences, but we’re equal in the eyes of God. There is no Gentile nor Jew, no slave or free, no woman or man, there’s only Christ.

 

[Havard]

If you’ve taken a self-defense class, you know that the first thing they always focus on is prevention. Prevention is so much more important than fighting back. And the best way to do that is to not looking like a victim as much as possible. Unfortunately, there are just some things you can’t help when it comes to that. Unless you become a body-builder and wear combat boots 24/7, you are going to present a more vulnerable target to a would-be attacker.

I believe we are trying to make this world safer, but violent crimes are still a reality. So whatever right you may have to feeling safe doesn’t protect you from that reality.

Additionally, I know that men are not invulnerable to being attacked, but research has proven that muggers and rapists largely prey on people who are visibly weaker than them.

 

[whatevergirl]

*Oh no…not another ‘‘women should be doing this or that with their lives’’ thread. Sigh.

I admit, something new I have never read in such conversations is that there is actually a thought process that a man goes through to open a door for a woman? She is somehow not equal in his eyes, THEN? Huh? I don’t know if I want an explanation…lol Maybe I need more caffeine.

Jesus said…love your neighbor as yourself. Male or female. I do like old fashioned qualities in a man, which is why I married somewhat of an old fashioned guy. But, a woman pursuing work, educational opportunities, political office, etc…this does not somehow make her ‘‘less than’’ a woman in God’s eyes. We have to be careful of our opinions, and not insinuate that a women is only an ‘‘authentic’’ female if she is living her life ‘‘this or that’’ way.

As a Catholic woman, I’m obliged to follow the Church’s teachings, and to submit to my husband, but he is also to love and respect me, as well. We submit mutually, albeit in different ways. That said…I want my daughter to have the same opportunities afforded to her as my son. She isn’t ‘less than’ him…she is equal. She wants to be a dentist, I don’t tell her…Oh, don’t be a dentist or this or that–that is for men only. I want her to pursue the things she chooses in life, as well as my son. The caveat being that she should never place a career before her husband or family someday, as I have not…but I tell my son the VERY SAME THING. We are different as God has made us to be…but, we are equal in dignity. We are equal as children of God, and to be treated equally in the public square. And in the home. I’m not ‘less than’’ in my dh’s eyes, because I’m a woman. *

 

[sanctamaria17]

That still doesn’t bother me.

Look, I’ve been walking dark streets for well over two years now and not one person has attacked me. The one who’s tried was in my public school during daylight hours. I’ve been stalked, followed, and grabbed in daylight. No one bothers me at night. But it just so happens we’ve got cops patrolling the streets. I don’t need a guy if there are cops. Also, my area’s well lit. I’m not walking in the woods or in a very dark area. I’m also not flashing money or things that signify it. I walk fast, confident, and aware.

I’m sorry, but I’ll take freedom over security any day of the week. I have the right to walk alone. If the only time I get to say the rosary is on my evening walks, then fine. I’ll take it. I’m prudent about where I walk. I just need time away and that’s what I get.

 

[whatevergirl]

That still doesn’t bother me.

Look, I’ve been walking dark streets for well over two years now and not one person has attacked me. The one who’s tried was in my public school during daylight hours. I’ve been stalked, followed, and grabbed in daylight. No one bothers me at night. But it just so happens we’ve got cops patrolling the streets. I don’t need a guy if there are cops. Also, my area’s well lit. I’m not walking in the woods or in a very dark area. I’m also not flashing money or things that signify it. I walk fast, confident, and aware.

I’m sorry, but I’ll take freedom over security any day of the week. I have the right to walk alone. If the only time I get to say the rosary is on my evening walks, then fine. I’ll take it. I’m prudent about where I walk. I just need time away and that’s what I get.

*hey maria;

I agree with your posts here, but know this…men show their love in ways often different than how you might show your love to a man, someday. My husband ‘likes’ to be the protector of the home, of me, the kids, etc. I think many men are ‘designed’ to being protectors, although this doesn’t mean we can’t learn how to protect ourselves, obviously. I’m just cautioning you to not close your mind to someday meeting a chivarlous man who wishes to protect you, defend you, etc. This doesn’t mean in any way shape or form, that he believes you to be weak, or incapable. It is just something HE feels called to do (and it is a blessing to meet a strong, valiant man such as this, trust me ) God has a sense of humor…He might just send you a man to fall in love with, who is the opposite of all you have planned for. lol *

 

[Havard]

*Oh no…not another ‘‘women should be doing this or that with their lives’’ thread. Sigh.

I admit, something new I have never read in such conversations is that there is actually a thought process that a man goes through to open a door for a woman? She is somehow not equal in his eyes, THEN? Huh? I don’t know if I want an explanation…lol Maybe I need more caffeine.

Jesus said…love your neighbor as yourself. Male or female. I do like old fashioned qualities in a man, which is why I married somewhat of an old fashioned guy. But, a woman pursuing work, educational opportunities, political office, etc…this does not somehow make her ‘‘less than’’ a woman in God’s eyes. We have to be careful of our opinions, and not insinuate that a women is only an ‘‘authentic’’ female if she is living her life ‘‘this or that’’ way.

As a Catholic woman, I’m obliged to follow the Church’s teachings, and to submit to my husband, but he is also to love and respect me, as well. We submit mutually, albeit in different ways. That said…I want my daughter to have the same opportunities afforded to her as my son. She isn’t ‘less than’ him…she is equal. She wants to be a dentist, I don’t tell her…Oh, don’t be a dentist or this or that–that is for men only. I want her to pursue the things she chooses in life, as well as my son. The caveat being that she should never place a career before her husband or family someday, as I have not…but I tell my son the VERY SAME THING. We are different as God has made us to be…but, we are equal in dignity. We are equal as children of God, and to be treated equally in the public square. And in the home. I’m not ‘less than’’ in my dh’s eyes, because I’m a woman. *

I don’t think anyone’s argued that women don’t deserve the same opportunities as men in this thread Whatevergirl.

The only thing I’m against is a society where you’re not supposed to acknowledge any differences. I won’t do that. I insist on walking on the outside when on a sidewalk. I open doors. I offer women an escort home at night. I always stand in subways or buses if there are any women (or children, or elderly for that matter) who aren’t seated. Et cetera. If women want to take this kind of behavior as an insult to their independence, I’m sorry. It’s not intended as such.

 

[whatevergirl]

I don’t think anyone’s argued that women don’t deserve the same opportunities as men in this thread Whatevergirl.

The only thing I’m against is a society where you’re not supposed to acknowledge any differences. I won’t do that. I insist on walking on the outside when on a sidewalk. I open doors. I offer women an escort home at night. I always stand in subways or buses if there are any women (or children, or elderly for that matter) who aren’t seated. Et cetera. If women want to take this kind of behavior as an insult to their independence, I’m sorry. It’s not intended as such.

OOOO-kay…Thank you for clarifying…maybe I jumped the gun. Sorry.

I absolutely believe that in our society, there seems to be this blur of lines between the genders. The problem is…men and women can coexist in perfect harmony, but the feminist agenda would want us to believe that that is not so…that men have ‘‘won’’ all these years, now it is time for them to ‘‘lose’’ and women to ‘‘win.’’ No, men and women, in their glorious differences, can coexist and it be a win win situation. That is the problem with the feminist agenda, they want men to be losing somehow, and women winning…and it’s not helping women, that is the irony. It’s hurting them.

Jesus said it best (Mark 8:36)…’‘what profit is it for a man to gain the whole world, but forfeit his soul?’’ That is all the feminist agenda sells–this notion that women ‘‘can have it all, can become like men, etc…’’ but at what price does a woman lose her soul? Women don’t have to become men in order to have equal rights…it’s a rather hard slap in the face to the women of yesteryear, who fought hard to give women equal rights, etc…they didn’t want the agenda to turn into women turning on men. *

 

[StJudePray4Me]

OOOO-kay…Thank you for clarifying…maybe I jumped the gun. Sorry.

I absolutely believe that in our society, there seems to be this blur of lines between the genders. The problem is…men and women can* coexist in perfect harmony, but the feminist agenda would want us to believe that that is not so…that men have ‘‘won’’ all these years, now it is time for them to ‘‘lose’’ and women to '‘win.’’ No, men and women, in their glorious differences, can coexist and it be a win win situation. That is the problem with the feminist agenda, they want men to be losing somehow, and women winning…and it’s not helping women, that is the irony. It’s hurting them.

Jesus said it best (Mark 8:36)…’‘what profit is it for a man to gain the whole world, but forfeit his soul?’’ That is all the feminist agenda sells–this notion that women ‘‘can have it all, can become like men, etc…’’ but at what price does a woman lose her soul? Women don’t have to become men in order to have equal rights…it’s a rather hard slap in the face to the women of yesteryear, who fought hard to give women equal rights, etc…they didn’t want the agenda to turn into women turning on men.

This is an interesting observation. I think there’s just such a stereotype of the feminist being this angry, man-hating brute. It sort of casts a shadow over all the reasonable people who just want women to have the same employment opportunities as men, as well as things like sports, etc. We watched Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey last night, and at one point I thought “I wonder if my Grandmother would be proud, or horrified?”

 

[whatevergirl]

This is an interesting observation. I think there’s just such a stereotype of the feminist being this angry, man-hating brute. It sort of casts a shadow over all the reasonable people who just want women to have the same employment opportunities as men, as well as things like sports, etc. We watched Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey last night, and at one point I thought “I wonder if my Grandmother would be proud, or horrified?”

*lol–
I think girls playing ‘‘traditionally’’ male sports like hockey, being on an all girls team for example, is morally neutral. It’s when a girl wants to be on the boy’s hockey team, that is the problem…that is where the feminist agenda wants to go. It literally wants to destroy male-ness in our society…but the irony is…why do they suggest women should ‘be’ like men? They hate men, but want to be like men? :ehh:

I’d be very angry too if I were THAT confused in life.

I feel very sorry for many feminists who believe this though…because they truly believe that they are missing out on ‘‘something.’’ They are somehow losing, and the men are winning. It’s a shame to go through life, always wishing you were something or someone else. *