WHY GIRLS SHOULD SHOUT

This post contains pictures of inspiring women. Click on the pictures to read more about them. Really, you should.

Some arms has to beat a path to get forward, some legs has to walk extra far to come forth. Some thoughts never become words, and some words has to be said numerous of times to be taken seriously. Some voices has to shout extra loud to be heard.

Girls has to shout because we are not expected to. History tells ut that the ideal woman is described as a diligent, obedient, quiet and calm figure who needs to be taken care of by a man. Still, in the 21st century, we are raised to become something very much like this ideal female, in the same way as men are raised to be tough and strong. Toy stores have separate sections for girl toys and boy toys. It is not necessary to mention what is considered a boy toy and a girl toy, we all know who would normally get a toy tractor for their birthday.

Girls should shout because that would annoy people. Unfortunately women gets a lot more comments on their voice and appearance than what men do, especially in social debates. Often the commentators are men, but there are a lot of women as well. Women who gets annoyed by women who are not 'behaving like a woman should'. Girls should shout extra loud because other girls don't know why they should even bother talking about these things. We are not only shouting for men to hear, we are also shouting for women to hear. Let them get annoyed by our harsh and loud voices.

Girls should shout because so many believes we are living in an equal society even though it's not true. Even women from developing countries can see that the equality is not achieved, even in the 'best countries of the world'. Am I the only one who gets a little embarrassed on behalf of these countries?

Girls should shout because 22% of today's state leaders are women, even though the number has doubled the last twenty years. Did you know that there are more women in the British Parliament today than it has ever been? If the United States of America gets a female president it will become historical. In Norway (where I'm from) we have only had two female prime ministers. Well, at least that is better than none. But come on, after so many years we have barely started!

Girls should shout because we live in such a ridiculous world that Malalai Joya had to write a book about being "an Afghan woman who dares to speak out". Afghanistan is not the only country where women has to be brave to speak out. We have to shout really loud because women all over the would are risking their lives doing things men can do without consequences. We have to stand up; for ourselves and for women everywhere.

Girls should shout because most women who are murdered are murdered by men they have close relations with. Check out Karen Ingala Smith's homepage "Counting Dead Women".

Girls should shout because it is not fair to be labeled as a man hater because you fight for women's rights. Fighting for women's rights is not a fight against men, it is a fight for women, and men are very welcome to join.

Girls should shout because we are being sexualized before we are taken seriously. I've heard too many people say that someone is "very pretty for being a feminist". To show skin, often with a seductive gaze into a camera, is unfortunately a more effective way for a women to get attention than anything else. The french women's football team posed naked in a photoshoot in 2011 saying "Is this how we should show up before you come to our games?". Women should shout because men's sports gets a lot more attention than women's sports.

Girls should shout because many girls believes it's their own fault if they get raped. The victim is never to blame. No one should be feeling guilty because someone else crosses their boundaries. We should also have in mind  that men can also be raped. Don't tell someone not to get raped; tell people how not to rape someone. Not everyone knows what the word "no" means.

Girls should shout because there are women devoting their lives to help women all over the world to get better lives. Lets support these women like they are supporting us. Spreading their words and the knowledge about their work is an effective and easy way to help.

Girls should shout because witch hunting is still going on in some countries. This is a method of oppression of women most of us thought was extinct. But we were wrong. 

Girls should shout because we are stronger than we think. There are plenty of awesome and inspiring women out there. We have to stop underestimating our selves just because society does. Why shouldn't women accomplish the same things as men? The stereotypes are a fantasy if you look past the facade. Oh, so you don't believe me? Click here and read about the Kurdish women fighting ISIS.

Girls should shout because we come in many varieties. No one should come here and tell us that some varieties are better than others.

"We are the daughters of the witches you couldn't burn."

Girls should shout because it is starting to get better. We shouldn't settle down knowing that things are going in the right direction. Things are only moving forward because someone is shouting. If we don't join the shouting choirs the curve will stop moving upwards. It is now that we are moving forward that we really should stand up. Don't step back and let others take up the fight for you. You can join the uprising; you can write history.
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We should shout because we can.