Songsoptok
INTERVIEW
Feminism & The Cult of Silence
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that there is a ‘cult of silence’ in the country
and the society you live in, especially for issues involving women’s position
in society and their rights? If yes, then what are the specific issues? Is it
harmful? In whatway?
ANAHIT: Both
men and women have the same rights in my country. In all democratic countries
women and men are equally involved in all social and political activities. My
country is a democratic country too. There are women in the government and
parlament of the Republic of Armenia.
SONGSOPTOK: In case you think that there is no such cult, can you please
explain why you think so? With some examples, if possible
ANAHIT: It's obvious women and men have the same opportunities to
take part in social and political activities in their countries. The UK and
Germany which play a leading role in the world's politics are governed by
women.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that there has always been a cult of silence in
human societies regarding certain issues? If yes, then for what reasons? Do you
think that it is actually a good thing to perpetuate such a practice? Please
tell us know why.
ANAHIT: Centuries
ago women didn't have any rights for of making decisions even in their own
families. Men were dominant. In the modern world men don't dominate any longer.
SONGSOPTOK: Is
there a feminist movement in your country? If yes, then what are the specific
objectives? In your opinion, is it necessary? If not, then what are the main
reasons for its absence?
ANAHIT: A
feminist movement may exist only in those countries which don't protect women's
rights. There are a lot of women organizations all over the world to assist
women to promote themselves and achieve success. Such women organizations exist
in my country too.
SONGSOPTOK: What, in your opinion, is the position of women in the country
you live in? Do they have equal rights in every domain as men? If not, then
which are the main areas where they receive unequal treatment?
ANAHIT: Both
women and men have equal rights in my country.
SONGSOPTOK: A ‘glass ceiling’ is a metaphor used to represent an invisible
barrier that keeps women from rising beyond a certain level in a hierarchy. Do
you believe in this concept? What is your personal experience in your personal
and professional life? In the country you live in are there glass ceilings in
different professions?
ANAHIT: In
my country women have the same participation as men do.
SONGSOPTOK: What is your opinion about the feminist movement? Do you think
it is necessary, both at a global and a more local level? Why? In this context,
what do you think are the major achievements of the Feminist movement, if any?
ANAHIT: I think the
faminist movement is necessary if women's rights are not protected and men
still have a dominant role in the countries they live in.
SONGSOPTOK: A recent study (conducted by HuffPost/YouGov) concluded that
only 20% of Americans identify as feminists, even though a whopping 82% believe
that "men and women should be social, political, and economic equals.” Do
you find this contradictory, and if so, why? What, according to you, would be
the result of a similar study in the country you live in? For what reasons?
ANAHIT: I
think both women and men should be equal.
SONGSOPTOK: One of the main areas of the feminist movement is sexual
objectification of women almost all across the globe, especially on media. What
is the reality in the country you live in and / or your country of origin? What
is your opinion about this? Do you think that there is a cult of silence around
this issue? Why?
ANAHIT: All
the citizens are protected equally by the constitution of my country.
SONGSOPTOK: Finally, according to you, to what extent is feminism relevant
in today’s society?
ANAHIT: According to me
there will be the best life in the world if there is not any kind of
discrimination.
We
sincerely thank you for your time and hope to have your continued support.
Aparajita Sen
(EDITOR)
Songsoptok
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