Gender power struggle
published: Sunday | August 15, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

TWO INTERESTING and controversial comments have surfaced to national attention; comments made by Bishop Herro Blair and Dr. Leachim Semaj; the bishop suggesting that women's attire can stimulate a man to rape and Dr. Semaj pronouncing women are more volunteers than victims in the case of domestic violence.

Both comments have probably been misunderstood, and both gentlemen probably made them with basic good intentions, despite reasonable suggestions of these comments being a bit reckless. Both comments and the national reaction to them have highlighted the nature of gender relations in our country. Rape, abuse and domestic violence are all evil extremes of the unequal distribution of the gender power struggle favoured towards men. Women fall victim, no question, and the men who initiate acts of rape or domestic violence need to be held responsible in every instance.

EMPOWER

However, I think we should take some value from what I feel these two gentlemen are trying to highlight: that women must begin to do what is necessary to empower themselves so that they do not have to be objects of a man's lustful intent or put up with domestic violence and any other abuse simply because they are women. I therefore challenge the men of Jamaica to collectively and individually reflect and take a look at how we view and treat the women around us. They are not toys or tools of our desires, neither are they objects to stroke our pride and to indulge in fantasies of power. I simultaneously challenge our women to highlight and gather a new sense of empowerment and confidence and take responsibility where you can to make known your value to us and to the country.

I am, etc.,

MARK B.F. PIKE

Countrystyle International

62 Ward Avenue

Mandeville, Manchester

PO Box 60

xtraboy2001@hotmail.com