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Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwideby Nicholas Kristo & Sheryl WuDunn |
Judy Stanton: You don't read Half the Sky for enjoyment.
It's difficult to read about women being subjugated, mistreated, abused and raped around the
world. But that's only half the story. This Pullitzer-prize winning book uncovers amazing women
who have worked against all odds to fight for women's rights in their village, their country,
the world. I learned so much from this book -- how supporting women's rights and especially,
education, positively impacts families, population control, children's health, the economy,
and, yes, even fights terrorism. The book is a challenge to readers to do something about
sex trafficking, girls locked in brothels, genital mutilation and to promote education. The
authors gives concrete examples of positive actions and worthwhile causes, while explaining
the issues of cultural pride and tradition that must be taken into consideration to make
change from the grassroots level. The title "Half the Sky" comes, amazingly, from Mao
Tse-tung who actually brought women into the workforce, abolished child marriage,
prostitution and concubinage. Who knew? My favorite story is about the Saudi men
questioning Bill Gates at a seminar on whether their country could be a major
leader in technology. Gates responds....not as long as you're not using half
of your braintrust. Amen
Rating: *****
