Is Women's Issues about Feminism?

[MJ]

From what I can see, the discussion of Women's Issues is being identified with Feminism. Is it the understanding that there are no Women's Issues beyond those of Feminism?

 

Do you think the Women's Issues in Armenia or Armenian Society are different from those in the rest of the world?

[Gayane]

Martin, once again, thank you!! Thank you for pointing out the distinction between women's issues and feminism

 

In my view, the feminist stance is only ONE way of approaching women's issues. Feminism certainly does not equal women's issues. The two are unequivocally different. Let's keep this distinction in mind at all times when expressing opinions under this topic.

 

For me, the term "women's issues" encompasses anything that is, for one reason or another,specific to a woman's existence as just that--a woman. This definition is applicable (but not limited to) our understanding of both Woman as a female individual (i.e. reproductive rights, etc) as well as Woman as a societal unit (i.e. women in the workplace, gender roles in the family, etc.)

 

This is an overly simplified definition of "women's issues" (and we'll certainly be adding to it as we go along), but I wanted to clarify what was meant by the term and give everyone a feel for the kinds of issues that will most likely be included in our discussions.

 

Most importantly, I wanted to clarify that women's issues is NOT the same as feminism!

 

Now, with respect to Armenian women and women's issues in particular, I do think that Armenian women necessarily experience these issues differently from "american" or non-armenian women; not because they're Armenian per se, but simply because they come from a culture that treats these issues differently than the "western standard". I don't think these issues are different for Armenian women in their content. I do think they're different for Armenian women in their treatment and application. Personally, I'm very interested in the application of the discussion of women's issues to Armenian women in particular.

 

That's by way of background

Gayancho, the UN-feminist

[DoC]

I apologize for the confusion...but when I started the "fearing feminism" thread, I was merely exploring that one aspect of women's issues. That's all. By no means did I intend to say that womens issues=feminism.