From Progress to Peril: Why Women’s Rights Are Still Under Threat

Modernity is often regarded as an era of significant progress in human rights, marked by advancements in prosperity and equality, particularly for women. Over the years, women have achieved substantial milestones, from securing the right to vote to leading feminist movements and fostering global awareness through initiatives like the "Me Too" movement. However, despite these achievements, perhaps because of them, recent developments suggest a concerning shift, indicating that progress remains uneven and fragile for many.

Recent data highlights a troubling decline in women's rights and freedoms worldwide. Many women face daily threats of violence—physical, sexual, psychological, and economic. The indiscriminate killing of women and children in Gaza, the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, abortion bans, and the presence of rapists and sexual predators in positions of power starkly illustrate how far we still have to go. These realities serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of rights hard-fought and hard-won. The struggle for human rights is long, arduous, and fraught with danger, yet they can be stripped away in an instant.

When discussing women’s rights, it is essential to recognize that women’s issues are not isolated but systemic. Our social and political structures are deeply embedded with misogyny and sexism. To achieve meaningful change, we must not only dismantle the inherent misogyny within these systems but also confront and challenge the biases within our own minds.

Women in this land face constant threats, now more than ever. The policy introduced by Itamar Ben Gvir to expand firearm licensing poses a significant danger to women's safety. According to Israeli media, 31 women have been killed in acts of domestic violence this year in Israel/Palestine. Furthermore, Palestinian women, both within 

Israel’s recognized borders and in the occupied territories, face heightened risks due to the ongoing neglect and indifference of Israeli authorities.

Today, November 25th, is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women—a reminder that words alone are not enough without action. At TINAU, we are steadfast in our commitment to supporting all women. As a language school, we strive to challenge and dismantle the misogyny embedded in our languages and cultures. We will continue to demand a just and equitable future for all, doing our part to hopefully create lasting change.