Education as a solution
CELEBRATING International Women’s Day the other day brought home a lot of issues still facing women and girls of this world. It’s a sad indictment on the male species that the numbers have become staggeringly scary.
While I’m not one to diminish the responsibility we as a collective, male species have to look after our women and girls, it’s also our collective responsibility as human beings to search for answers and solutions to the worldwide problems associated with domestic and family violence.
One of the solutions I believe is education, both at school and at religious institutions. But more importantly, the education at the primary and secondary school level needs careful consideration.
If children are taught from an early age about the benefits of learning how to connect with the opposite sex and how to engage and handle differences and disagreements, there’s a better chance of lowering the statistics. However, our world is going through a massive metamorphosis of change we never saw coming.
The pressures that have been brought to bear on so many families is beyond belief. We need to seriously consider reviewing our education system to help stem the tide of violence and abuse. The other issue is — many young people, and boys too, suffer emotional wounds from their childhood and adolescent years. While their issues remain unresolved and the hurts remain unreconciled there’s a possibility that these young boys will grow up carrying deep-seated anger and aggression issues.
While I may be generalising, I hope the message I’m endeavouring to share is not lost in a barrage of stereotypical misunderstandings.
COLIN DEOKI
Australia
All in all, let’s appreciate the unique contributions of women and men in our societies and families. To ensure a safe space conducive to advancing development, we must work hand in hand and allow our women and men opportunities to participate.
Likewise, let’s hope our decision makers commit to ensuring our national women’s rugby teams receive as much support as our men.
FLOYD ROBINSON
Federated States of Mirconesia