Women’s rights are still an important issue. Even though a big progress has been made in this regard, full gender equality hasn’t been achieved yet. Women are still experiencing discrimination in different aspects of their lives.
The discrimination often comes from the representatives of the opposite gender who fail to understand that gender equality is beneficial for everyone.
Even in such famous places like Hollywood inequality is constantly present. Many female movie stars often speak up about the topic of women’s rights in hoping to improve working conditions and secure equal pay for women all around the world.
In order to give women confidence and help them fight for their rights many campaigns were organized by big companies.
The fight for women’s rights has been portrayed by different media. News channels focused on protests and demonstrations, whereas artists have long striven to help achieve greater gender equality.
Several movies made in the 20th century raised awareness and spread the word about women’s rights and the problem of inequality in modern world.
While movies are a often used to spread knowledge and awareness, the fight for women’s rights is also present in music.
Some artists opt for creating whole exhibitions dedicated to gender inequality.
Exercise 1
Read the article Our weapon is public opinion, paying attention to the posters presented there and choose the correct items to complete the sentences below.
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1. One of the posters depicts a woman in a gown and mortarboard caged up with a ……… and a ………. .
a) book, sewing machine b) convict, lunatic c) child, monkey
2. What are the characteristics of “yellow press” technique?
a) yellow font b) black and white photos c) big headlines
3. The suffrage movement was at one point divided when it comes to the use of two tactics. What was one of those tactics?
a) law-abiding b) fighting with weapons c) there were no tactics
Exercise 2
Listen to a part of the song by Christina Aguilera Can’t hold us down’and fill in the blanks with correct words or phrases.
So what am I not supposed to have an opinion
Should I …………….. just because I’m a women
Call me a bitch cause I ……………………….
Guess it’s easier for you to swallow if I sat and smiled
When a female ……………. suddenly ……………. don’t know how to act
So he does what every little boy would do
Makin’ up a few false ……………… or two
That for sure is not a man for me, ……………… names for popularity
It’s sad you only get your fame through controversy
But now it’s …………. for me to come and give you more to say
This is for my girls all around the world
Who have come across a man that don’t …………….. your worth
Thinkin’ all women should be ………… and not ……………
So what do we do girls, shout out loud
Lettin ’em know were gonna …………………………
So lift your hands high and wave ’em proud
Take a deep breath and say it loud
Never can, never will
Can’t …………………
Nobody can hold us down
Never can, never will
Maja Anuszewska
Magda Przybylska
