WHY HAVE WOMEN BEEN OPPRESSED?
1. To withhold male authority
In patriarchal societies, the social order was structured around male authority and dominance. Women, particularly those who held knowledge about healing, spirituality, or community practices, posed a challenge to this authority. Their ability to care for and heal others could undermine the traditional roles of men as protectors and providers. When women gained influence or autonomy, it threatened the established hierarchy, prompting fears of social upheaval.
2. Knowledge and Control
Women’s roles as healers and herbalists often positioned them as keepers of knowledge that was essential to community health and well-being. This knowledge could be seen as a form of power that challenged the control men sought to maintain over both women and societal structures. As women began to assert their expertise in these areas, the potential for them to influence community decisions or challenge male authority increased, which was met with hostility from the male-dominated power structures.
3. Crisis and Scapegoating
Periods of social, economic, or political crisis often led communities to seek scapegoats for their problems. Women, particularly those who defied societal norms or held alternative beliefs, were frequently targeted during these times. The witch hunts of the late medieval and early modern periods exemplify this phenomenon, where the fear of the unknown and the desire to maintain order led to the persecution of women as witches. Blaming women for societal ills allowed communities to rally around a common enemy, reinforcing existing gender hierarchies.
4. Cultural Norms and Socialization
Cultural norms often dictated that women should remain in submissive roles, focused on domestic responsibilities. When women stepped outside these boundaries—by gaining education, expressing independence, or challenging traditional roles—they threatened the very fabric of society as defined by patriarchal standards. This disruption of expectations led to fear and resistance from those who benefited from maintaining the status quo.
5. Collective Memory and Historical Precedents
Throughout history, there are numerous examples of powerful women who led movements, held positions of influence, or resisted oppressive systems. The collective memory of these figures contributed to a societal narrative that viewed strong women as dangerous. Historical precedents showed that empowered women could catalyze change, prompting those in power to suppress similar movements to avoid upheaval.
And fast forward to our present time, although we might not see the obvious oppression, as did the many women who came before us and suffered, we are still hugely oppressed, but in a more subtle, scheming way..
All you need to do is scroll on social media. Most of what you see are other women glamourising beauty in some way, whether it be influencers with the best clothes, best bodies, best hair.. or different aesthetic treatments, lashes, nails, makeup, all of it. And just to make it clear, I’m not saying that any of this is wrong, but as with anything, there’s a line between healthy habit or NEEDING something to be portrayed in a certain way.
We’ve been put in an invisible competition, to always need to feel worthy, in order to be accepted. We get caught in comparison mode, but if we’re comparing ourselves against a photoshopped image, let alone a real person, then where is the hope of ever feeling good enough?! It’s impossible. And so the constant seeking outside of ourselves continues, and who benefits? The beauty industry, and ultimately, the Government.
No wonder girls under the age of 10 are now wearing makeup. Its all being conditioned into us! And in the long run it’s destroying our mental health & wellbeing. So then comes the need for antidepressants, stimulants and all the rest of the cover ups which ultimately lead to even poorer mental health, and again.. who benefits??
When we don’t feel good enough, our whole view of the world and life is skewed. We live from a place of lack, of scarcity, always comparing, and never fully being at peace within ourselves.
We represent the feminine energy of the whole Universe, of every single thing that has been birthed within creation. We are connected to this energy – it is within us.
As does the Earth birth new life forms of species and plants, women also birth not only life itself, but creation in all forms.
It is through the feminine energy that all ideas are materialised from thought to thing.
Women are truly magical beings, and now it’s time for us to remember.
~ Jaqui Rungay