After reading and re-reading the Beijing Platform, I am not sure where my topic will fit in. I was told that anything under women in the military falls under Women in Conflict. However after perusing the Platform for a third time, it does not say anything specifically about active duty, veteran status women or women in combat.
Other countries require a two year minimum obligatory service commitment from both males and females, yet their healthcare and post service healthcare for women veterans is handled differently. Several countries to include Israel, Norway, France and Australia all have a heavy presence of women in their militaries. There is little mentioned about their lack of support for motherhood, women’s related health issues and women in combat (compared to the United States). Particularly in Israel, women who become pregnant and desire to have families, are no longer obligated to serve as they are permitted to focus more on their family.
Another crucial point is women in leadership positions. Many women cannot ascend the ranks of the military without combat experience. The branches and services who have more women in combat or combat related situations tend to have more women in stronger, more influential leadership positions. Having women in leadership positions in the military could prove to be helpful for both active duty women and veteran women in their struggle for better health care and family rights.
As for the particular point of the platform, I am not sure where these topics fit. They appear to be more health care related, and are definitely related to women in leadership, but how do they relate to women in conflict?
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I am really fascinated by your topic. I hope that you will find a way to align with Beijing platform. It is certainly timely and perhaps expedient to consider this issue given global issues and potential presidential and congressional candidates in the coming elections. Persist!
ReplyDeleteLiv, I hope our convo last week has helped you to focus your topic a bit. Seems like you can go in 2 different directions--equity in health care or discrimination in training/work environment (Women & Economy)--and that both areas have implications for Women in Power and Decision Making.
ReplyDeleteI think your choice may largely depend upon what 'local' agency you find that is supporting change in one or more of these areas.
The spouse of one of my colleagues is a licensed psychologist who does work for the VA in Durham. I can give you his contact info if you like.
Carry on!
PS Congratulations on your new home!!