Angelina Jolie on Violence Against Women
After my recent stint in jail, which you can read about here, I’ve become more sensitized to violence and how it manifests in society. Angelina Jolie recently gave a moving speech about what is needed to end violence against women. The Special Envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees stated, “We need policies for long-term security that are designed by women, focused on women, executed by women. Not at the expense of men, or instead of men, but alongside and with men.”
I couldn’t agree more. According to research by the UN, 35% of women globally face violence. Many of the incarcerated men I spoke with in the San Francisco County Jail had been involved in domestic violence, and were reflecting on their anger issues and how they might behave differently. Violence against women is an issue that has the potential to bring out the best of both men and women, if we can understand our roles better and fulfill them. This video speaks to one of the universal aspects of all religions: men’s role is to be protector of women. What are some other appropriate roles for men? For women?
Says Jolie, “There is no greater pillar of stability than a strong, free and educated woman. And there is no more inspiring role model than a man who respects and cherishes women and champions their leadership.” Ditto!