#genderequality

"What were you wearing?"

That is the question people always ask to those who suffer from sexual harassment, assault, and rape. Why does clothing have something to do with people forcing themselves onto others? Why does society still look for something the victim did instead of focusing on the person who chose to harm them? This question has been repeated for years in many cultures, and yet it often leads us away from the real issue: respect, accountability, and how we understand human behavior. Many people believe that the way a woman dresses can influence whether she becomes a victim of harassment or assault. This belief is often supported by misunderstandings of religious teachings, cultural expectations, or long-standing social norms.

One Bible passage often mentioned in these discussions is found in 1 Timothy 2:9–10, which encourages women to dress modestly with decency and propriety and to focus more on good deeds than outward appearance. Over time, some people interpreted this verse as meaning that women should dress in a certain way so that men will not be tempted to sin. Because of this interpretation, many people began associating modest clothing with safety and morality.

However, when we look deeper into both real-life situations and the broader message of the Bible, this idea becomes difficult to support. Around the world, victims of sexual violence include children, elderly individuals, and even infants—people who were clearly not dressed in ways that society would label as “provocative.” These realities show that sexual violence cannot simply be explained by clothing. If clothing were truly the cause, then such cases would not exist. The truth is that the issue goes far deeper than appearance. It involves power, control, and a lack of respect for another person’s dignity.

Interestingly, the teachings of Jesus present a different perspective that many people overlook. In the Gospel of Matthew 5:28, Jesus says that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart. This teaching shifts responsibility away from the woman being looked at and places it directly on the person who is choosing to objectify someone. Jesus was emphasizing that wrongdoing begins in a person’s thoughts and intentions, not in someone else’s clothing. In other words, people are responsible for their own actions and attitudes.

The verse in 1 Timothy speaks about modesty and humility, encouraging people to value character and good deeds over outward display. Meanwhile, Jesus’ teaching in Matthew addresses personal responsibility and self-control. Together, they highlight something important: the focus of moral teaching is on how individuals behave and treat others, not on blaming victims for the actions of someone else. This idea is also reflected in real-life discussions about sexual violence.

For example, there is a Filipino documentary called 'Walang Rape sa Bontok' it explores a community where cultural values emphasized respect for women and accountability among members of society. The documentary suggests that when a community strongly values respect and dignity, incidents of sexual violence can become much less common. This challenges the assumption that controlling women’s behavior or clothing is the solution. Instead, it shows that the real solution lies in shaping attitudes, values, and how people are taught to treat one another.

Unfortunately, many societies still struggle with victim-blaming. Asking “What were you wearing?” may seem like a simple question, but it often carries a deeper implication—that the victim might somehow be responsible for what happened. This can make survivors feel ashamed or afraid to speak out. Instead of helping, this mindset protects harmful behavior and allows it to continue. When society focuses too much on clothing, it ignores the real problem: individuals who choose to disrespect boundaries and harm others. Sexual harassment, assault, and rape are serious issues that affect millions of people worldwide. Studies and advocacy movements have repeatedly shown that these crimes occur regardless of what someone is wearing. People wearing uniforms, school clothes, modest clothing, or even casual everyday outfits have experienced the same violence.

This reality proves that clothing is not the determining factor. The real factors are attitudes toward power, gender, and respect.This is why conversations about gender equality and respect are so important today. Instead of teaching people to constantly adjust their clothing to avoid danger, society must focus on teaching respect, empathy, and accountability. People must learn that every individual deserves dignity and safety, regardless of how they dress. When responsibility is placed where it truly belongs—on those who commit harmful acts—society can begin to move toward real change.Faith, culture, and social values all play a role in shaping how people think about these issues. However, when interpreted thoughtfully, many teachings—including those found in the Bible—actually support the idea of personal responsibility and respect for others. Jesus’ message reminds us that the problem begins in the heart and mind of a person who chooses to objectify or harm someone else. That message challenges victim-blaming and calls for a deeper level of accountability.

In the end, the question should not be “What were you wearing?” Instead, the question should be, “Why do some people think it is acceptable to harm others?” When society shifts the focus from the victim to the behavior of the offender, we begin to understand the real issue. Clothing has never been the cause of sexual violence. Respect, self-control, and the way we treat one another are what truly matter. Only when these values become stronger in our communities can we begin to reduce the violence and injustice that so many people continue to face today.

𝕮𝖔𝖕𝖞𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙

The Man © elet-archives 2026

All Rights Reserved.

Women have always occupied a unique place in the art world. Feminist art, a contemporary artistic movement that emerged during the 1960s and 1970s, seeks to challenge and expose the way women have been viewed in society. When we think about art history, relatively few female artists come to mind, not because they did not exist, but because many of them were forced to create in the shadows.

Denied access to the same training opportunities as men and often excluded from prestigious academies, women did not enjoy the same privileges or visibility within the art world. In response to this inequality, art historian Linda Nochlin published her essay Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?, a text that would become essential to the feminist art movement.

As a result of their exclusion, many women artists began exploring subjects rooted in their own lived experiences, topics that had long been silenced within a patriarchal society. They addressed taboo issues such as menstruation, childbirth, sexual violence, and reproductive rights, while reclaiming ownership of their bodies and sexuality.

Feminist art acts as a mirror of women's lived realities, bringing attention to the injustices and challenges they continue to face. In the art market, for example, women remain underrepresented, accounting for less than a quarter of artists represented in major collections and sales. Their works are often undervalued and sold for significantly less than those created by men.

At the same time, the objectification of women's bodies remains deeply implanted in society. A woman who simply chooses to show some skin is often subjected to judgment, reinforcing restrictive and sexist gender norms. The term "vulgar," for instance, is disproportionately applied to women. It is frequently assumed that a woman who embraces her appearance does so solely to attract male attention, as though she could not possibly dress, create, or express herself for her own satisfaction.

Too often, women are confronted with the idea that their existence is defined through the male gaze. Whether going out with friends, choosing an outfit for the day, or putting on makeup simply to feel confident, there remains a persistent assumption that these actions are performed for men's approval. Yet the reality is far more complex. At its core, this is a struggle to be recognized as autonomous individuals rather than objects of desire. Women should be free to act according to their own wishes without constantly considering how men might perceive or interpret them. They have the right to express themselves through style, appearance, and creativity without it being viewed as an invitation or a search for male validation. Ultimately, this is a fight for freedom and for the fundamental right to exist fully as independent human beings.

In response to these social issues, feminist artists have multiplied across all artistic disciplines, using their work to challenge gender inequality and make their voices heard. Among the most influential are the Guerrilla Girls, an activist collective known for preserving their anonymity by wearing gorilla masks. Through provocative posters, public interventions, and educational campaigns, they protest the underrepresentation of women in the art world.

Their goal is clear : to shock audiences, expose institutional discrimination, and encourage viewers to question the established norms of the art industry. Their work demonstrates that art can be a powerful tool for social change and a vital weapon in the fight for gender equality.

Another influential figure is Barbara Kruger, a politically engaged artist known for her critique of mass media, consumer culture, and the role of women in society. Through her collages, which combine striking text with images drawn from advertisements, magazines, and other forms of popular media, she challenges the social construction of femininity and the messages constantly imposed on women.

By exposing the contradictions and hypocrisies implanted within media culture, Barbara Kruger encourages viewers to think critically about the images they consume and to question the social norms often presented as unquestionable truths.

Among the most influential figures of feminist art, Niki de Saint Phalle holds a particularly significant place, since she dedicated much of her career to advocating for women's rights and challenging patriarchal norms. Through her series the Nanas, she portrayed powerful, liberated female figures that stood in stark contrast to traditional stereotypes of femininity.

Her work explores a wide range of female experiences, depicting pregnant women, brides, sex workers, and scenes of childbirth, offering a more diverse and inclusive vision of womanhood. By rejecting the reductive portrayal of women as mere objects of desire, Niki de Saint Phalle celebrated their strength, resilience, and beauty in all their complexity.

Finally, there is Orlan, whose work The Artist's Kiss (Le Baiser de l’Artiste) challenged deeply rooted stereotypes that confine women to predetermined roles. Through this performance, she confronted the traditional opposition between the saint, symbolized by the Virgin Mary, and the prostitute, represented by Mary Magdalene, exposing the limiting ways in which women have historically been categorized and judged.

The work provoked considerable controversy at the time, with many critics viewing Orlan's artistic approach as too radical. Yet beyond the scandal, The Artist's Kiss stands as a powerful statement on women's freedom and self-determination. By challenging conventional representations of femininity, Orlan transformed her art into a form of activism, demonstrating how artistic practice can become a vehicle for both social critique and emancipation. Her work remains a compelling example of the intersection between artistic innovation and feminist resistance.

In conclusion, feminist art plays a vital role in challenging the way women are perceived in society. While significant progress has been made toward gender equality, social reality remains shaped by prejudices and stereotypes that continue to position women as inferior to men. These biases persist in many aspects of everyday life, from the excessive sexualization of women's bodies to the dismissal of their lived experiences.

Some may argue that feminism is no longer necessary, claiming that legal equality has already been achieved. Yet women continue to face expectations, judgments, and social pressures that limit their autonomy and shape how they are perceived. Too often, they are reduced to objects rather than recognized as individuals capable of defining themselves on their own terms.

Women also continue to navigate fears and vulnerabilities that many take for granted. Something as ordinary as taking public transportation alone at night can be accompanied by concerns about harassment, violence, or unwanted attention. These realities remind us that equality extends beyond laws and institutions, it must also be reflected in everyday experiences.

In response to these challenges, feminist art serves as a powerful form of resistance. By questioning established norms, confronting injustice, and giving voice to underrepresented experiences, it creates space for women to express their identities freely and authentically. More than an artistic movement, feminist art is a call for visibility, empowerment, and social change, encouraging us to imagine a more inclusive and equitable future.

International Youth Day 2025: Why Young Voices Matter More Than Ever

"The youth are the hope of our future, and they hold the power to bring about change."

Every August 12th, the world hits pause — not to stop progress, but to turn up the volume on the generation driving it. It’s International Youth Day, and it’s more than a date. It’s a reminder that the most powerful catalyst for change is already here.

💡 Celebrating a Generation of Global Change

Across the globe, we can feel it — a pulse of energy. It’s the sound of old problems meeting new ideas, hashtags turning into real movements, and a generation that refuses to wait for “someday” to start shaping the future.

This year’s theme — "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond" — is a call to action for the world’s most unstoppable force: One Generation of motivated young people. They’re not just tomorrow’s leaders. They are today’s architects of a more just, sustainable, and connected world.

🚀 The Power of One Generation

At 1GEN, our very name reflects this truth — that young people across the world share a common purpose: to create lasting, positive change.

From climate action to gender equality to equitable education, youth are taking the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and turning them into real, local impact. They’re making global goals relevant for their communities — bridging the gap between policy and practice with creativity, urgency, and heart.

🌱 The Unstoppable Drive for a Better World

Youth-led change is everywhere:

Students turning campus sustainability drives into city-wide plastic bans

Young entrepreneurs launching apps to reduce food waste

Artists, coders, and activists building global communities for peace & justice

Even in the face of challenges, this generation’s blend of pragmatism and passion is igniting a powerful wave of social innovation.

🔧 How We Empower Their Impact

At 1GEN, we believe youth need more than inspiration — they need platforms, tools, and partnerships to turn ideas into impact.

That’s why we run initiatives like the Futures Design Hackathon — where young changemakers build, collaborate, and innovate for climate action (SDG 13). We also champion:

Cross-generational partnerships where youth & experience work as equals

Digital tools that amplify their voices globally

Access to funding so projects don’t just start — they grow

Our mission is simple: create an ecosystem where youth-led change can thrive.

🌟 The Future is in Their Hands, Now

On this International Youth Day, let’s celebrate the courage, creativity, and resilience of young people everywhere.

They’re proving that the future isn’t a distant horizon — it’s something we’re building together, right now. And when passion meets purpose? Anything is possible.

A Different Perspective on Free Will, Equality, and Universal Rights

Iblis is often seen as the ultimate rebel, a figure who refused to submit. But what if his rebellion can be reinterpreted as a symbol of free thought, resistance against blind obedience, and the struggle for equality among all beings? While traditional Islamic teachings present Iblis as arrogant and misguided, alternative perspectives—especially those found in philosophy, literature, and mystical traditions—offer a different way to understand his defiance.---1. The Rebellion of Iblis: A Stand for Individualism and Free WillThe Qur’anic Story: A Different ReadingWhen God commanded the angels and Iblis to bow to Adam, Iblis refused, saying:> "I am better than him; You created me from fire, while You created him from clay." (Qur'an 7:12)This is traditionally seen as an act of arrogance, but another way to view it is:

✔ Iblis exercised his free will—the very thing that makes consciousness unique.

✔ He challenged divine authority, questioning hierarchy and favoritism.

✔ He refused to submit to an order he saw as unjust.

What Does This Mean for Free Thought?Iblis chooses rather than follows blindly.His defiance symbolizes the right to question, to think for oneself, and to seek personal truth.His story teaches that not all commands must be obeyed without thought—a concept central to human progress, social justice, and scientific discovery.Is Obedience Always Good?

Throughout history, societies have often demanded absolute obedience, sometimes at great cost:Slavery and oppression were justified through obedience to rulers.Women’s rights were denied in the name of obedience to cultural traditions.Animals and nature were exploited because obedience to human dominance was unquestioned.What if questioning authority, tradition, and even divine commands is necessary for true justice?

2. Iblis as a Symbol of Equality: Defying HierarchiesThe Problem with Divine HierarchiesThe command to bow to Adam suggests a hierarchy—that some beings are naturally superior to others. Iblis’ refusal can be seen as a statement against imposed superiority.

✔ He rejected the idea that Adam was better simply because he was created differently.

✔ He refused to bow simply because he was told to, demanding to understand why.

✔ This parallels human struggles for equality—whether based on race, gender, species, or social class.What If Iblis Fought for All Beings?

If we extend his defiance to a universal perspective, it could mean:All creatures—humans, animals, and spirits—should be treated equally.Life should not be ranked based on creation, origin, or material.

Opposing unfair hierarchies is not evil—it is necessary for justice.In this sense, Iblis becomes a symbol for the right of all beings to exist freely and equally rather than being forced into submission.---3. Iblis and the Fight for the Rights of All BeingsJustice Beyond Just HumansIn most religious traditions, humans are seen as the “superior” species, with dominion over the Earth. But what if Iblis’ rebellion suggests a different perspective—one that values all life equally?

✔ Animals, plants, and even supernatural beings have intrinsic rights.

✔ The Earth is not just for human use—it belongs to all living things.

✔ Defying human superiority could lead to a more balanced, just world.

A World Where No One BowsIf we imagine a world where no being is forced to bow to another, we envision: True gender equality, where no one is submissive by default.

Animal rights, where creatures are not owned or exploited.

A balance between humans and nature, rather than domination.Would such a world be evil? Or would it be a world of fairness, harmony, and dignity for all?

4. Iblis and the Power of Personal ChoiceUnlike angels, who have no free will, Iblis chooses his path. Whether we see this as a mistake or an act of courage, one fact remains: he thought for himself.

✔ He represents personal agency—the ability to choose one’s beliefs and actions.

✔ He is not a blind follower, but a seeker of his own truth.

✔ His defiance, though costly, makes him a being of free will and self-awareness.What Can We Learn from This?

Question everything—even authority, tradition, and power.Think for yourself—because blind obedience can lead to injustice.

Fight for equality—so that no being is forced into submission.---Conclusion: Iblis as a Symbol of a More Just WorldIf we step beyond the traditional view of Iblis as a villain, we find a symbol of free will, equality, and defiance against unfair power structures.

✔ He represents the courage to challenge the status quo.

✔ He symbolizes the fight against oppressive hierarchies.