I recently read an article this past week claiming that Doritos was coming out with a "Lady-friendly" chip - whatever that means. I did a little research and found that this was in fact actually happening. PepsiCo is going to make a chip that doesn't crunch as loudly because "women don't like to crunch in public."
Whether or not this is true (it's likely that it's not - what's the point in eating a chip if it doesn't crunch?), I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to write out a list of things women ACTUALLY need.
1. Better birth control
Ever since the pill became legal, there have not been many strives to improve its current standing. Birth control has several undesirable side effects such as weight gain, nausea, migraines, etc. I guarantee you if men were responsible for taking the pill this problem would have been solved decades ago.
2. Better maternity leave
A woman pushes a LIVING, BREATHING being out of her hoo-ha and is expected to return to work within 6 weeks if you're lucky enough to even get paid maternity leave. I understand that a business is not obligated to pay you for the time that you are not working, but it seems odd to me that out of all of the developed nations in this world, the United States has one of the worst maternity leave programs. We don't even require a mandated paid maternity leave - the only country in the developed world to do so.
3. An end to sexual violence
It's the 21st century. Consent should be taught over and over again from a young age until a child graduates college. No means no. You can agree to one sexual act, but not another. Just because you said yes before doesn't mean you can't say no. Your sexual history does not discount you from being raped. This goes for both women and men.
4. An opportunity for education
I'm talking about all the little girls around the world who must risk their lives to receive an education. I know that living in America, where education is so readily available at a young age, that other little girls across the globe don't have that same right.
5. An end to slut shaming
If a woman takes charge of her sexuality and indulges in sexual gratification, she's a slut. If a woman chooses to wait until marriage, she's a prude. Whatever her choice regarding sex, it's her choice. Let's put an end to slut shaming.
6. Roe V. Wade to continue being upheld
Abortion is tricky. I don't want to change your opinion on it. You could be completely opposed to it, but it doesn't pertain to you - it's not your choice (No, you are NOT paying for abortions - check the Hyde Amendment). Women need access to abortion in the event of an unwanted pregnancy (granted it's terminated within a timely matter).
7. Sex trafficking to stop
Women and young girls make up the biggest part of the sex trafficking market. It's slavery. Only 1-2% of trafficking victims are ever rescued. I feel like as a nation we can make ourselves aware of the signs of sex trafficking and know how to notice them. It's likely that this underground, black market may never fully stop, but we can at least do our part to ensure that we are educated about the topic.
8. For you to know the signs of domestic violence
1 in 3 women have been victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives. Some never live to tell the tale. Regardless of sex, age, or status you can familiarize yourself with the signs of domestic abuse. Help those who can't help themselves.
