Whispers had its next discussion on the Whispers telegram groupchat (https://t.me/WhisperToHumanity) on the 17th April, 2020, titled IDENTIFYING PATRIARCHY. A lot of feminists had quite a lot to say.
Question
What does Patriarchy mean to you?
Answers
M M
I believe the patriarchy is the present day societal structure that puts men above women.
It’s a system that also shames women for being their authentic selves, teaching them that all they are is wives.
I T
It is a society that sees men at the seat of governance. Where the women are relegated to menial roles in the society. In lay man world, it is a term used to put man first above the opposite sex.
C O
The patriarchy also withholds opportunities for women.
A system that supresses women and sees them as being good for household duties and makes men feel like lords over them.
My mom reminds me everyday of how I'm a woman and how she is preparing me for husband's house.
So sad😢 each time my brothers are being reminded of the need to get a job everybody looks at me and are like. "This one now one man will just come and marry her and go".
Onyinye prepared a write-up on IDENTIFYING PATRIARCHY for the discussion:
Patriarchy is defined by Wikipedia as a system in which males have primary power, predominate in roles, of political leadership and moral authority, social privilege and control of property, and in the domain of the family, the father figure holds authority over women and children. Patriarchal system gives privileges to men just cause they are men. They inherit properties from family lineage, enlist into the army, take on political positions, even assume position of leadership in group works at schools and offices just cause they are male.
How does patriarchal system affect the woman?
Women have taken on subservient roles, attitude on behaviours expected of them from this society. (A society where moral standards are dictated by men). Now this society draws a moral code deigned to befit it. This moral codes, dictates, dressings, manner of speech, manner of carriage e.t.c thereby putting women in a particular "box". In present day society, Patriarchy, has been seen to label all actions that denies it privileges as an anomaly that should not be accepted.
We weren't feminist in our past life, I can assure you of that. Past times didn't have allowance for feminism, we're all learning as we are going. So we are making mistakes and correcting them. We're all here to push out that the patriarchal system can no longer work. Our most useful tool, social media. Our most effective tool, our minds. Now, a significant number of people women included, subscribe to patriarchy, they are grateful for the crumbs, they are fed, and that's okay. Feminism allows women to do whatever they want, we are here for people who dont want it, but dont know how to get out of it.
By being examples marching men stride for stride, in every area we find ourselves, is important. By demanding our dues, when offered the same service as men, we let them know, that we can't take nonsense from them. By speaking up against gender based violence around us, we are stripping patriarchy of it's privileges. We will work as hard and rest as comfortably. We demand privileges, without carrying entitlement. We educate our closest people around us, and everyother person we can reach.
Women, have never been at the benefiting end of the present system, but we would change that and create a niche where everyone benefits and preach this movement till everyone, sees that gender based privileges and gender based slavery is wrong. While doing this, let's bear in mind that, women who want the exact opposite are allowed to. Let's not turn to dictators, let's not shame women. Encourage women every where. Speak up on feminism, we aren't fighting a losing battle.❤️❤️