But I wonder do we closely look at 'power & control' in our lives and see who has power & control over us?
We women need at ask that question. and we need to vote everyday to have our own power & control over our lives.
Here are some challenging questions.
Do I have full power & control in my own life as a woman? Yes No
Do I have full power & control in my own life as a disabled woman?
Yes No
Do I have full power & control in my own life as an older woman?
Yes No
Do I have full power & control in my own life as an ill woman?
Yes No
Do I have full power & control in my own life as an ethnic minority woman?
Yes No
Do I have full power & control in my own life as a Lesbian, transgender woman?
Yes No
Do I allow others make decisions for me? Yes No
Do I take responsibility to ensure my own power & control Yes No
Do I feel powerless to own my own power and control Yes No
Am I forced, coerced, made, to do what someone else directs Yes No
Has someone used violence to subdue your power and control Yes No
Has any medical doctor reduced, coerced, forced you to relinquish your medical understanding, knowledge of your own disability or illness
Yes No
Has any HSE official taken away your power and control in how you want your life to be supported as a sick, disabled, older woman Yes No
Has any family member taken away your power and control simply because you are ill, disabled, elderly Yes No
Do men take away my power and control Yes No
Do women take away my power and control Yes No
Do churches/religions/organisations take away my power and control
Yes No
I'm sure I could go on. Perhaps you can add more challenging questions. I am hoping women who read this are going to be able to say "I am a powerful, in control of my own life woman"
We, as women, need to own power and control,
we need to take back power and control.
however a warning. if in a violent relationship - seek advice and support - you cannot do it alone.
Some will not want you to have Power and Control and will seek to harm you. this includes, partners who are violent, HSE officials, doctors, family members others!
Reclaim yourself - if necessary with help and support.
Its worth it.
