Concluding Thoughts on Essay Series 2

Women aren’t naturally subordinate to men, and they are capable of being leaders, hunters, warriors, equal partners with men, and matriarchs. Yet, throughout much of recorded history, men have controlled women and sometimes terrorized them. This hurts everyone.

After women free themselves from men’s control, they often experience a backlash designed to put them in their place. This happened in Mesopotamia, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance, and it is happening now.

These essays show that societies’ laws, religions, and violence across centuries have enforced women’s subordination to men. Recognizing women’s equality and human rights can help us create a better world where everyone can flourish.

What can we do to promote this vision?

1. Everyone can learn about women’s role in history; it isn’t just about men’s accomplishments. Women’s achievements should receive the same attention as men’s. If we don’t understand our past, we are going to continue to miss out on the contributions that free, talented women can make to society.

1. Everyone can speak up when it is safe to do so as people disparage women or mock their abilities.

1. Everyone can get politically involved to make sure that our educational institutions correctly portray women’s accomplishments so that we all understand the value that women bring to their societies.