ISSUE X I V. I V
LETTER FROM T H E
EDITOR
Kelley Humber Editor-in-Chief Political Studies ‘18
Nicole Toole Online Editor-in-Chief Political and Global Development Studies ‘18
2
Dear Readers, It is a sincere pleasure to welcome you to the fourth and final issue of Volume XIV. I would like to personally thank everyone who has dedicated so much time and effort into this publication over the past year. It has been an honour to serve in the position of Print Editor-in-Chief and to watch the quality and quantity of these pages grow. Additionally, I would like to thank Charlotte Smith for her artistic talents featured on our cover, and Art Vijayaratnam for her thoughtful layout design seen in the following pages. Here at The Observer we hope to leave you on a high note, so we think it is fitting to end the year with an issue theme of “It’s Not All Bad.” This issue is meant as a journalistic reflection on the news industry itself. This theme allows writers to explore and present stories which celebrate and emphasize the positive changes and events going on in the world, and therefore counters the tendency of news media to present the world in exclusively ‘grim reality’ terms. In this way, writers contribute to a journalistic paradigm shift away from the classical overrepresentation of ‘bad news,’ which in many ways contributes to a societal tendency towards fatalistic thinking. It is hoped that, by providing an issue that is focused on presenting exclusively ‘good news,’ readers and writers alike will be able to be more analytical consumers of news media and will create a greater demand for balanced media coverage. This thematic focus is designed to stimulate greater conversation on the tensions between perception and reality, and how this influences society more broadly. Sinead O’Hara begins our issue with a look at Canada’s ban on fishing cetaceans, Sean Stead-Fecser looks at the interesting initiative of traffic zebras in Bolivia, Rebecca Frost considers the recent success in environmental conservation, and Jacob Ahearn looks at the strides in being made mental health awareness. Other writers such as Mae-Lin DeLange looked at the clothing company Patagonia and its passion for fair trade, Alex Bernst discusses the expansion of rights for sexual minorities, Emily Robertson looks at how technology is helping to provide new educational opportunities for more, and Kayla Maria Rolland looks at the rising rates of youth literacy rates. Gillian Moir highlights efforts by the Chilean government to reduce the growing obesity epidemic among children, Harrison Giovannetti looks more in-depth at the new Republican tax plan, Kristen Johnson considers the success of China’s air control policies, and Xiyuan Chen discusses the end of the Saudi Arabian ban on women driving. All in all its been a wonderful year for The Observer and we are so glad that you have journeyed together with us. Hope you enjoy this small reminder that “It’s Not All Bad,” and that this issue sparks a wider reflection on how news media has the power to distort or conversely bring into better focus the discrepancies between perception and reality.
Sincerely,
ISSUE XIV.IV
TA B L E
4 8
OF
CONTENTS
SI N EA D O ’HA R A Canada’s Ban on Fishing Cetaceans: Animal Conservation and Captivity
6
SEAN ST EAD- F E CS E R Traffic Zebras in Bolivia
R EB EC CA F ROST A Whole Awful Lot of Conservation Success Stories
10 12
MAE-LIN D ELA NG E Patagonia: Passion for Fair Trade
14 16
K AY LA M AR IA RO L L A N D One Book and One Pen Can Change the World: Literacy Rising Amongst the World’s Youth
GI LLIA N M O IR Unpacking Obesity: the Chilean Government’s Approach to Reducing Childhood Obesity
22 24
A LEX B ER NST Expansion of Sexual Minority Rights
EMI LY RO B ERTSO N Bridging the Gap: How Technology Innovations Are Providing New Educational Solutions
18 20
JACO B A HEA RN Mental Health Awareness Has Taken Great Strides
HA R R ISO N G I OVA N N E T T I More Than Just Crumbs
KR I ST EN JO HNSO N ‘Airpocalypse’ Coming to an End? A Look at the Success of China’s Air Control Policies
26
X IY UAN C HEN Women in Saudi Arabia: Here’s to Driving Without Restrictions 3
Canada’s Ban of Fishing Cetaceans: Animal Conservation and Captivity By: Sinead O’Hara Bill C-68 was introduced by the Trudeau Government and had its first reading in the House of Commons on February 6th 2018. The bill rids of its predecessor which the Conservative Government reformed in 2012. The bill amends the Fisheries Act and redirects focus on the protection of all fish and fish habitat, as well as strengthening the role of Indigenous peoples in project reviews and policy development. One particularly intriguing aspect of the bill is the ban 4
on capturing cetaceans such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The ban will only apply if the intent of capture is to keep them in aquariums, not for the live capture of injured cetaceans. The ban is through amendments to the Criminal Code, with fines up to $200,000. The ban does not prohibit the import or export of these animals, but work is underway to accomplish this. The primary focus of Bill C-68 is to revitalize Canadian waters through these protections. The bill states that it will restore the sweeping protections against harming all fish and fish habitat, strengthen the role of Indigenous peoples in projects and policy, and foster better management of projects impacting fish habitat through new permits and codes of practice. It will create full transparency through a public registry, develop new fisheries management tools to enhance protection of marine ecosystems, and safeguard through regulations that the economic gains from fishing remain with the licence holders and their community. The bill was initially brought forward by the Green Party, and the Liberal Party is now at the forefront. The Conservative Party has responded with disappointment. The Harper Government was responsible for cutting $280 million in funding to Fisheries and Oceans Canada in 2012,
ISSUE XIV.IV
which the federal government now intends to restore. MP Ed Fast, the former trade minister in the Harper Government and the party’s environment critic stated, “This basically undoes all of the improvements and streamlining that our former Conservative Government introduced. It’s really a sad day.” The comments are directed towards the portion of the bill that addresses infrastructure such as pipelines and transportation. There are elements of the bill that make it controversial. Since its introduction, it has derailed many plans for development such as pipelines, transportation, and other corporate expansions. A specific example is the expansion of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline into the West Coast. It has been stated that the pipeline involves a crucial area for fisheries and will harm waterways. This means the plan of development for the pipeline is being interfered with under the new protections. The bill will create many new obstacles for energy companies seeking to build pipelines that go beneath rivers, streams, and lakes. This interruption is due to the resurrection of “HADD” prohibition, against “the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat.” In 2012, the Fisheries Act was Canada’s strongest environmental law. This was due to the HADD prohibition, which is headed for a comeback under the new bill. Bill C-68 inadvertently advances animal rights. Activists have been fighting for such a policy for many years now. While there are ethical reasons backing the ban on fishing such mammals, there are other reasons behind this. Repairing the aquatic ecosystem is crucial in revitalizing our waters. Captivity or conservation is a hot topic in Canada. This nation is fortunate to have such abundant wildlife, but this comes with a responsibility to protect. Canadian fish populations have declined by a staggering 52% from 1970-2006. Between 1970-2014, the wildlife population declined by an average of 83%. Research from 2017 indicates that as much as half of the wildlife in Canada is dying off at alarming rates. David Suzuki Foundation senior science and policy analyst Jeffery Young stated “Without healthy habitat, fish can’t survive. These changes are important tools to fight badly degraded habitat from resource development across Canada as well as prevent species extinction.” All ecosys-
tems are interconnected, and they have a particular balance. Banning the fishing of cetaceans in Canadian waters is a great way to jumpstart the return of ecological diversity. The change in policy was also inspired by the shift in Canadian public opinion. While conservation is a main aspect, the ethical reasoning is becoming increasingly popular within the Canadian public. “The public acceptance of keeping these majestic creatures in captivity has changed, and we think the law should also change to reflect that so we’re going to ban the taking of cetaceans,” Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc told reporters. The shift in Canada is typically marked by the actions of a former Marineland employee in 2012. Marineland is located in Niagara Falls, and is an ocean-themed amusement park. Employee Phil Demers and several others spoke out about conditions at the park which ignited the change in public opinion. Once Canadians were faced with the harsh reality for these creatures, most people have been welcoming of change. In 2013, the iconic American documentary Blackfish was released in Canada. The documentary followed the story of a killer whale, Tilikum, at SeaWorld. The orca had killed several people while in captivity, brought on by the whale’s treatment and isolation. By taking the audience through the psychology of whales the film exposed captivity as unethical, saying that whales like Tilikum are forced into a state of psychosis. The film and its social effect reflects the impact media can have. In Canada there are two facilities that currently hold such mammals, Marineland and the Vancouver Aquarium. Both have been protested against heavily. There is an annual protest against Marineland on May 20th, usually the opening day. There is much controversy regarding Bill C-68. It involves many parties, including animal activists, politicians, environmentalists, corporations, and Indigenous activists. The second reading of the bill in the Senate commenced on February 13th, and after the third reading the Senate may pass the bill. This means Bill C-68 will be in action. It is still in progress, but is on the right track to becoming Canadian policy.
5
Traffic Zebras in Bolivia By: Sean Stead-Fecser
The South American Country Bolivia has come up with a crafty solution to their traffic problems. The city of La Paz has seen a sudden population increase as more people from rural areas move into the cities. This has led to a high rate of traffic and fatal accidents along their older, narrow colonial era streets. Their solution was to implement Cebritas or Zebras, inspired by the striped crosswalk Paso de Cebra, or Zebra crossing. The Zebra program involves at-risk youth dressing up in head-to-toe zebra costumes to help people along the crosswalk and deal with traffic issues. While this may sound like an odd solution, it has helped alleviate traffic issues and helped at-risk youth at the same time. The Zebra program is based off a similar program in Colombia in the 1990’s. The mayor of Bogota at the time, Antanas Mockus, decided to release mimes into the streets of Bogota to tease and shame the drivers who broke traffic rules and regulations. The idea behind this was that drivers are more afraid of ridicule rather than of punishment. This program was successful in Colombia; it brought traffic fatalities down 50 percent during the mayor’s time in office. After the mayor of La Paz, Pablo Groux, met with Mockus, he used the same idea for the Zebras. The Zebras dance, make comical gestures towards drivers and help pedestrians cross the street safely. Patricia Grossman, who use to lead the program, said the Zebras used to carry whistles and flags and act like “civilian police” which they eventually realised defeated their purpose. La Paz already has police in busy intersections directing traffic and handing out tickets - the Zebras’ method would be to dance in front of the car and perhaps even lay across the hood. There are also rules to being a Zebra, some of which include, “1. Honour the costume 2. Don’t eat when you work 3. Never ever take your head off”. The Zebra program is meant to encourage good behaviour. In addition to monitoring traffic, they visit schools and hospitals, and appear in parades and TV to spread cheer and humility. They’ve led educational programs in schools and public spaces on themes such as recycling, water conservation and bullying. The Zebra program is formed with at-risk youth across La Paz. Some are recovering drug
abusers or alcoholics; of which many say this program gives them a purpose. All Zebras receive a stipend, have access to a range of classes and workshops from computing to nutrition, and have to pass through several weeks of training until they are ready to don the Zebra costume. A new member of The Zebras, Angel Quispe, 18, says of the Zebra program “I used to be very timid and now I’m much more friendly. This helps a lot of young people, if we were going down a bad road, we become aware.” To enroll in the program one must be a high school or college student. The program is designed as a first job experience for many. They have to show up on time for rush hour a few hours of the day for a few days a week. The Zebra program offers a sense of camaraderie and has a small team of psychologists for the youth to engage with about current issues or their troubled past. While this program is beneficial to many, it can be dangerous for the Zebras. A citizen of La Paz, Waldo Degaldo, explains that “There aren’t many traffic lights, people risk their lives to cross the streets”. The Zebra program suffered their first loss of a 17-year old girl in the city of Tarija when she was hit by a truck. The driver was arrested and suspected of drunk driving. There are changes being made to Bolivian streets, however. Cities are slowly building more traffic lights, as there is a limit to how much the Zebras can enforce citizen education and humility. That being said, the Zebra program has done great things for the citizens of Bolivia. The program started in 2001 with just 24 Zebras. Currently, La Paz has over 264 Zebras, with dozens more in the cities of El Alto, Tarija and Sucre. Despite a jump in vehicles owned in La Paz from 130, 000 to 400, 000, the number of traffic accidents has stayed the same, showing the impact the Zebras have on the streets. Overall, the Zebras dancing, hugging, and spreading cheer in the bustling roads of Bolivia have had a beneficial impact to the city. The program won the 2016 Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation. Zebras have become the unofficial mascot for the country of Bolivia, and other countries should consider adopting similar programs to help improve their citizens’ wellbeing. 7
A Whole Awful Lot of Conservation Success Stories By: Rebecca Frost Human activities have created an existential threat to thousands of species on Earth. Human-caused phenomena such as climate change, habitat loss, and pollution have contributed to the drastic decline in the numbers of many species. This phenomenon has been called the sixth mass extinction on Earth. It is the most recent mass extinction to occur on Earth, and it is being caused by human activity. For example, over half of mammal species have seen their habitat range decline by over 80%. Despite the threat to biodiversity posed 8
by human activity, some efforts by policy makers, conservation workers, and researchers have resulted in phenomenal success stories of species rebounding from the verge of extinction. The manatee is an example of an endangered species that has managed to rebound. In the 1970s, the species was on the verge of extinction. Only a few hundred animals remained off the coast of Florida. In 2017, there we over 6600 Florida manatees. The increase resulted in the manatees being moved from the “endangered” category to the “threatened” under the US Endangered Species Act. The recovery of the manatee can be credited to credited to the introduction of speed limits in areas where manatees are active and the redesign of harbours and levies to be more manatee friendly. These steps were crucial in the manatee’s recovery as many manatees die from being struck by boats. A lot of these changes happened because
ISSUE XIV.IV
non-profit organizations took the time and spent the energy to collect information on the manatee numbers and the threats they were under. These groups invested countless hours into lobbying their governments to take action to protect manatees with speed limits. The Hooded Grebe of Argentina is a lesser-known example of an ongoing recovery effort. Grebes are a type of water fowl. They are especially well known for their spectacular courtship dances on the water. Grebes spend the winters on the coast and returns to the rugged plateaus to raise their young in the shallow lakes that form from melt waters. Their numbers have declined roughly 80% in the last three decades. There are currently only about 800 birds left in existence. This is partially because climate change is causing many of the lakes they breed in to dry up, and partially because they are threatened by invasive species such as lake trout and American minks that have been brought into their habitats. Recently, a group of dedicated workers from Bird Life International have been working to start a breeding program and protect the birds from invasive species by catching the lake trout and keeping the minks away from the Grebe’s breeding areas. These volunteers camp out in harsh terrain for months on end to ensure that the Grebe chicks have a safe start in life. They work tirelessly to
monitor and protect this species. Their efforts may not be in vain. The decline in the Grebe population has halted and the group is optimistic that they may be able to help the population grow. The Giant Panda is one of the most recognizable symbols of conservation. In the decade leading up to 2014, Panda numbers increased 17%. Habitat loss has been one of the major threats to the Panda. The Chinese government has played an instrumental role in creating conservation areas and supporting efforts to increase the Panda population both in the wild and in captivity. Although the progress made on saving these species is incremental and is only the start of a much larger process, and the threat of a mass extinction looms large, these stories represent how dedicated human effort can help remedy the damage done to animals by human activity. As the wise Dr. Seuss once said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not”. These stories demonstrate what can happen when someone cares a whole awful lot. Although the state of biodiversity on Earth is dire, stories like this can offer us some hope and show us that something can be done to fix the problems we have created.
9
Mental Health Awareness Has Taken Great Strides By: Jacob Ahearn
Global mental health as a field has evolved significantly over the past 25 years. Public attitudes towards mental health have become increasingly positive, and in recent years organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have recognized mental health as a key component in overall health and wellbeing. As a result, efforts have been made globally to increase mental health awareness and increase access to necessary services. There are indications that the number of those suffering from mental health issues has increased, however the silver lining in this is that mental health is becoming destigmatized and more people are being diagnosed, thus having their mental health issues addressed. Mental health is a major issue globally in the 21st Century, yet auspicious strides are being taken to im10
prove the outcomes for those suffering, both in developed and developing countries. In Canada, after years of promoting mental health advocacy and awareness, 85% of Canadians “consider mental health to be as important as physical health” according to IPSOS polling from April 2017. The importance of mental health is thus being recognized as key in conjunction with physical health. Moreover, almost half of Canadians state that they are more comfortable discussing their mental health now as opposed to two years ago. Although poll results show “41 per cent of Canadians as being at “high risk” for mental illness,” in the past year 42% of Canadians had discussed their mental health with someone. This is largely due to anti-stigmatization and countrywide movements such as Bell Lets Talk, which opens up mental health discourse and fosters
ISSUE XIV.IV
positive attitudes towards mental health in Canadian society. Similar trends in mental health advocacy and awareness have been occuring in the United Kingdom. Similarly to Canada, 84% of respondents in a YouGov poll in the UK stated that mental health was as important as physical health. This indicates that likewise to Canada, mental health is perceived as being key to overall well being. Furthermore, according to the National Health Service in the UK, one in four people were affected by mental health in 2016, however “in 2006 slightly more than 31 million antidepressant prescriptions were dispensed, compared to 64.7 million in 2016.” This is a salient indicator that while many people are affected by mental health, more people are seeking help. In the UK, this is due to a reduction in stigma and advocacy by campaigns such as Time to Change. While the rate of people suffering from mental health issues is high, the silver lining is that more people are willing to seek help. This is indicative of a transformation in public opinion. Efforts toward reducing stigma has become pervasive in both the UK and Canada in recent times as social movements, advocacy, and increased awareness are ensuring that mental health is placed on an equal level of importance with physical health. While mental health issues are still far from being completely normalized in these societies, this is definitely a step in the right direction. This trend has continued, albeit to a lesser extent, in less developed regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa. This is largely due to the key role that organizations such as the UN and the WHO have played. In low-income African countries, 75% of those suffering do not have access to the mental health care they require. Very little funding is directed towards mental health and this takes a large toll on worker productivity. A large part of this can be attributed to stigma. However, there has been a new focus on mental health initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa by the WHO and the UN. The WHO, in its Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan from 2013-2020, outlines targets for member countries, which “include updating existing mental health policies and laws, integrating mental health care into community-based
settings, and strengthening evidence-based research.” An especial focus is being placed on the Sub-Saharan region, which is severely lacking research in the field of mental health care. Furthermore, the UN has begun to recognize mental health as a priority in their sustainable development goals. Sub-Saharan African countries constitute a large number of low-income countries and would definitely be a focus point in these goals. Regional organizations and initiatives are also being created. For example, the Ethiopian National Mental Health Strategy has laid out directives to decentralize the country’s mental health services. The Africa Focus on Intervention Research for Mental Health (AFIRM), is partnering with many countries such as Ethiopia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe and focuses on “capacity building and conducting randomized controlled trials of low-cost, task-sharing interventions for severe mental disorders.” In 2011, a number of African nations teamed up with the WHO in the establishment of research institutions and health ministries. Efforts toward creating stronger support structures for people suffering from mental illnesses is evidently being done in the Sub-Saharan region. As demonstrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, mental health stigma remains high in many low-income countries, however many organizations, initiatives and movements are opening up discourse pertaining to mental health and therefore working to reduce stigma. The momentum in mental health awareness has significantly increased in recent years and mental health awareness continues to be at the forefront of global discussion. Policy objectives should continue to be developed and directed towards increasing access to resources, continuing to fight stigma, and funding even stronger support systems, especially in low-income countries. This might begin by training more mental health professionals in these disadvantaged countries. Moreover, international organizations should continue to build off the momentum in increased mental health awareness and target areas such as China and India, where mental health issues are ubiquitous within society, yet receive very little attention. 11
Patagonia: Passion for Fair Trade What social benefits are these high prices paying for? By: Mae-Lin DeLange
12
Patagonia is known for its sustainable initiatives and environmentally friendly corporate values. They have been known to provide great support for their employees, such as in-house childcare and the freedom to decide their own working hours. The company places their corporate values over their drive to generate profits and consumerism, as is evident from their desire to create high-quality products that last for many years and can be repaired. A key part of their corporate mission involves asking people to purchase less and think before buying - a message materialized on advertisements titled ‘Don’t Buy This Jacket’. The idea that a corporation would be encouraging customers to only buy what they need in this ‘fast fashion’ world, supported by tangible initiatives is remarkable. Through Patagonia’s success, it is suggested that a corporation’s ethical values can justify a high price tag for their products. As part of their corporate mission dedicated to recycling their products, Patagonia has a Worn Wear program. This program provides product care and repair support, opportunities to sell items second hand, and recycling options for when reuse is not an option. However, the brand Patagonia is also referred to colloquially as ‘Patagucci’, referencing the company’s high prices for their garments. Is it really worth spending upwards of $150 on a simple, if colourful, fleece pullover? Surely there are better ways to spend countless dollars or to find cheaper alternatives for quality outdoor gear and cozy sweaters. Similarly to Blundstone Footwear, boots which sell for around $200 a pair, the brand boasts comfort, longevity, and trendiness. Regardless of the reason, enough individuals feels that this splurge is worthwhile - as evident from Patagonia’s popularity and rampant sales. The brand’s premise of ‘limiting growth’ is focused on convincing consumers that their mission towards the greater good is genuine and requires that consumers not only purchase less Patagonia, but buy less products in general. They state that their priority is not profit, rather they wish to make products less disposable and consumers more responsible when they do choose to make a purchase. This strategy of ‘anti-growth’ is risky; it is contingent on consumers placing the importance of the greater good above their own
ISSUE XIV.IV
materialistic desires. This responsibility is not that of corporations, but of individuals. Patagonia seeks to challenge consumers to take more responsibility for their purchases. This is contrary to how the purchase of a cheap pair of shoes or shirt may last only one season of wear. The company sells used Patagonia nationwide, has an investment fund to assist environmental activism startups, and in 2017 donated all of its Black Friday proceeds to organizations focused on conserving the environment. Over the years, Patagonia has donated more than $55 million to small grassroots conservation organizations since 1985. With that said, how can a company whose corporate message is based on environmentalism and recycling improve? In the fall of 2014, Patagonia started to make ten fair trade clothing styles in one of their factories. As of 2017, 480 of Patagonia’s most popular fleece styles are being made in fourteen different fair trade certified factories. This movement is not just restricted to winter and fall clothing; Patagonia launched the world’s first full line of fair trade certified board shorts and bikinis. 38% of their product line is now certified fair trade and this directly benefits the workers in charge of making these products. Patagonia claims this increased participation in fair trade is part of its midterm strategy to achieve fair wages, given that they pay a premium for Fair Trade products. With each fair trade certified product, Patagonia sends money back to the apparel workers. Currently, over 26,000 workers have benefitted from premiums paid via Patagonia’s fair trade program. These premiums have been used to pay for a daycare center, health programs, cash bonuses, market vouchers, baskets, water filters, and other necessities. As a consumer, it is comforting to hear of companies such Patagonia, especially in the face of news of tragedies such as clothing factories collapsing due to unregulated building standards. As potential customers, we must stop prioritizing the latest fashion trends and take the initiative to not get consumed by consumption.
13
Expansion of Sexual Minority Rights By: Alex Bernst
2017 saw a further increase in countries expanding rights for sexual minorities. Australia, Austria, Germany, and Malta added their names to the ever-growing list of nations legalizing same-sex marriage, bringing the total to 26. The new legislation passed in these countries made equal rights for heterosexual and homosexual couples, although not without controversy. AUSTRALIA The Australian Parliament voted to legalize same-sex marriage on December 7th 2017. This has come after years of conservative opposition to the change. The vote came after a nationwide referendum, where the public overwhelmingly voted in support for marriage equality. 12.7 million citizens voted, with 61.6% voting yes and only 38.4% voting no. The new law expands on 14
previous legislation, changing the definition of marriage from “the union of a man and a woman” to “the union of two people.” It also ensures equality for things like government benefits and taxes. The vote is perceived as long overdue as the Australian Parliament has seen 22 attempts to legalize same-sex marriage since 2004. The bill is still controversial, as amendments put forward that were intended to safeguard freedoms of speech and religion for homosexual marriage opponents were all rejected. Although the bill allows churches and religious organizations to boycott same-sex weddings without fear of violating anti-discrimination laws, one rejected amendment would have ensured Australians could speak freely about their traditional views of marriage without legal repercussions.
ISSUE XIV.IV
GERMANY German lawmakers passed a bill legalising same-sex marriage at the end of June, and was signed into to law on July 20th 2017. The bill gives homosexual couples in Germany the same rights as heterosexual couples. Only five days prior to the decision, Chancellor Angela Merkel softened her party’s stance on the issue, allowing lawmakers to vote. The motion passed easily with 393 votes in favour and 226 against, with Merkel being one of the 226. Merkel explained that while she supported the right for same-sex couples to adopt, she believed that marriage should remain a union between a man and a woman. Same-sex couples had been allowed to form civil unions since 2001, but conservatives had consistently barred the topic from receiving a vote. Until June, that is. Two major political parties stipulated that they would make legislation a condition of any potential coalition agreement with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The CDU did not believe they would be able to win enough seats in the September federal election to govern alone. AUSTRIA On December 5th 2017, Austria’s Constitutional Court ruled that preventing same-sex couples from marrying was discriminatory. Since 2010, same-sex couples have been legally allowed to enter into registered partnerships, but were not allowed to marry. That same legislation granted same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual married couples, leaving sexual orientation as the primary difference between those allowed to legally marry and those only allowed to enter into civil partnerships. The court found that distinction discriminatory. It recommended that marriage be legal for all couples starting in 2019, unless lawmakers edit legislation to specify otherwise. Of course, not everyone was happy with the decision. The Freedom Party, a far-right political party who formed a coalition government with the Austrian People’s Party, criticised the court shortly after the ruling saying the decision disrespected the tradition of marriage as a partnership between a man and a woman that is intended for procreation. Even the Austrian People’s Party was opposed to the decision, though
it said it would accept it. M A LTA On July 12th 2017, lawmakers in Malta voted to legalise same-sex marriage, replacing the traditional “you are now husband and wife” declaration with “you are now spouses.” The vote passed with an overwhelming majority with 66 voting in favour of the motion and only 1 voting against. The decision is a significant shift for the heavily Catholic nation, where divorce was illegal until 2011. The law not only replaces the terms “husband and wife” with the gender-neutral “spouse,” but also terms “father and mother” with “parents.” These nations took big steps forward in the equal rights movement. Germany’s decision likely had an effect on the surrounding region, encouraging Austria to review its laws. Additionally, it may energize other European countries, such as Bulgaria, Poland, and Slovakia, who currently deny homosexuals the right to enter into any legalized union, to follow suit.
2018 may see several other countries legalize same-sex marriage or civil unions. In August 2017, Chilean president Michelle Bachelet submitted a marriage equality bill, and a poll found that over 60% of Chileans supported same-sex marriage. Civil unions have been legal in Chile since 2015, but Bachelet said she would legalise same-sex marriage during her presidency. In Venezuela, proposals for legalised civil unions or same-sex marriage remain under debate, and its Supreme Court announced in 2016 that it would hear a lawsuit that declares Article 44 of its civil code, which bans same-sex marriage, unconstitutional. Lastly, Switzerland’s Parliament has given a legal affairs committee until 2019 to draw a bill implementing its “marriage for everyone” initiative, which would allow homosexual couples to marry.
15
Bridging the Gap: How technological innovations are providing new educational solutions By: Emily Robertson 16
Technology has received a bad rap in recent years with accusations that it is creating overly-dependent robots instead of autonomous individuals who can think for themselves. However, the vices of the technological era are of our own creation. Despite the critiques of technology, new innovations have placed information at our fingertips. Many non-governmental organizations have recognized the benefits Silicon Valley has to offer. They have decided to use the technological age to their advantage by using technological innovations to educate underprivileged youths across the globe. The United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) included as part of its 8 ambitious goals universal primary education for all children. This goal represents the general understanding that education is necessary for human development. Education provides individuals with the opportunity to reach their full potential. Educated societies have a greater likelihood of having an engaged citizenry and an increase in economic capital. In 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Irina Bokova reported that “the world has made tremendous progress towards Education for All…millions more children are in school than would have been had the trends of the 1990s persisted.” While the success of the MDG’s have been contested, they have also proven to be a starting point for global change. For example, although achieving universal primary education was undoubtedly an ambitious goal, the policies implemented at the local, national, and global levels have shown that proactive solutions are effective. However, more change is needed. There has been a significant increase in the number of children attending primary and secondary schools worldwide. But, there still exists a shortage of teachers and a lack of quality education in the world’s poorest countries. This gap in quality education requires a solution. In the technological era, educational technology has become a new and more accessible way to train children and improve their learning outcomes. Seymour Papert, a former computer scientist from MIT, was a famous advocate for bringing technology into the classroom. Papert advocated for technology in the classroom beISSUE XIV.IV
cause of the theory called constructionist learning. Constructionist learning is the idea that students learn through participation in self-directed projects that help to advance their own learning. Based off of this theory and his work as a computer scientist, Papert spent his career examining the effects of computer technology on childhood education and development. He is now remembered as being the theorist behind the “One Laptop per Child” initiative which provides low-cost, low power, and connected laptops to disadvantaged students around the world. The purpose of this technological initiative was to mitigate the effects of poverty. The “One Laptop per Child” program has been successful so far. At schools where it has been adopted there has been a positive correlation among students involved and their test scores in science, math and English. Since the One Laptop per Child initiative began in 2005, several other non-profit initiatives have followed. Non-governmental organizations such as Rumie and 60 Million Girls have followed Papert’s lead and have raised money to offer programmed laptops and tablets to impoverished youth worldwide. For example, the Rumie Initiative is a non-profit that offers free digital education to underserved communities through the creation of the “LearnCloud” which is a crowd-sharing source for educational content. This content is then able to work offline in remote and underprivileged communities. In addition, other organizations such as 60 Million Girls have raised money to bring tablets to communities, free of charge, which can operate offline and are solar powered. This allows children in developing countries, especially in remote areas, to have access to resources such as educational games, videos, and tutorials. Resources such as tablets and computers are an innovative solution that helps to solve a serious global problem. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Organizations that are providing innovative solutions to this problem through tablets and computers are increasing access to quality, free, and open educational resources that can operate both online and offline. Non-profits and non-governmental organizations are helping to bridge the gap by using technology to bring education to the world. 17
“One book and one pen can change the world:” Literacy Rising Amongst the World’s Youth By: Kayla Maria Rolland
50 years ago, 22% of the world’s youth were likely to be illiterate. On International Literacy Day in 2017, UNESCO declared this number had dropped to 9%. Literacy has a profound impact on the life outcomes of individuals. It empowers individuals to fully participate in society, earn a livelihood, reduces poverty, and leads to better nutrition and overall health. While 750 million adults remain illiterate, a global increase in youth literacy deserves to be highlighted. Literacy rates vary in different regions of the world. Countries including Finland and Norway rank amongst the highest, at close to 100%. Literacy rates in Canada hover at around 97%. Southern Asia is home to 49% of the world’s illiterate population, with Sub-saharan African accounting for 27%. Niger and Mali have the world’s lowest literacy rates. What makes the rise in literacy so significant is that illiteracy can have profound impacts an individual’s daily life. Those who struggle with literacy skills often struggle with basic tasks, such as reading warning labels on products or completing everyday monetary transactions. Those with poor literacy skills may avoid seeking services such as medical treatment due to anxiety over having to complete paperwork. Individuals who are illiterate are more vulnerable to human rights abuses and exploitation. Literacy skills lead to better employment outcomes and higher incomes. Illiteracy can also lead to significant impacts on an individual’s overall health. A study of adults older than 65 found that those without the literacy skills to understand necessary health care information, such as the ability to read prescriptions or instructions on how to prepare for an X-Ray, were more likely to die within 6 years of the study than those who could. The rise in youth literacy levels is significant as formal schooling at a young age produces more positive outcomes than literacy efforts in later stages of life. Adult literacy programs, for example, often report low enrollment and high dropout rates. Multiple factors can be credited with increasing the number of the world’s literate youth, beginning with a global increase in the number of children attending primary school. This increase has been enabled in part by policies designed to encourage families to keep their children in school. For example, the Right to
Education Act passed in India in 2009 made education compulsory and free for children aged 6 to 14. In China, the central government began a free lunch program in 2011 that now provides 20 million students with lunch. Other measures include increased investment in staff and facilities, removing school fees, and providing students with scholarships. The country of Burundi experienced a rise in enrolment following the removal of an enrolment fee in its elementary schools. In countries including Bolivia, instruction has been expanded in multiple languages to further include children who are part of linguistic minorities. NGO’s may also play a role, with Morocco substantially increasing its youth literacy rate in part due to the training of tens of thousands of primary school teachers in partnership with NGO’s. More recently, increasing research demonstrating the immense impact of a child’s first five years on later cognitive development has led to programs that seek to encourage face to face interaction between caregivers and children during those crucial years. Unfortunately, barriers to improving youth literacy rates do still persist. Students may be forced to leave school in regions experiencing conflict as infrastructure suffers and families are displaced. The education of a generation of Syria’s youth has been one casualty of the conflict in Syria, with an estimated 1.75 million children out of school and years behind in reading skills. In other cases, children may leave school in order to work to help support their families. The cost of school fees or cultural preferences to educate sons over daughters may also dissuade students from attending school. For female students, practical barriers such as a lack of toilet facilities or access to menstrual products can lower attendance. In countries like Canada and the United States, socioeconomic, linguistic, and cultural barriers can impede literacy. Shame can be also be a powerful barrier, as those with poor literacy skills are often adept at hiding their poor skills from both loved ones and professionals. While barriers remain, the rise of the world’s most literate generation should not be minimized. As Malala Yousafzai, the courageous activist for female education said, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”’ 19
Unpacking Obesity: the Chilean Government’s Approach to Reducing Childhood Obesity By: Gillian Moir
As of 2016, obesity has overtaken hunger as one of the world’s largest and costliest health crises. The development has happened troublingly fast, leaving policymakers and medical professionals to struggle to keep up with the implications. In the last two decades alone, global obesity rates have swollen 82%. The health-complications obesity creates, like strokes or heart disease, are today’s leading cause of disabilities. And every year, the number affected increases-even in countries trying to legislate a solution. This is particularly true of Chile, a country where the UN’s Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean found that three quarters of adults are overweight or obese. The Chilean government had spent more than a decade trying to introduce legislation to remedy their skyrocketing obesity rates. For years, they were blocked by corporate firms, who on multiple occasions sent enough lobbyists to shutdown congressional hearings. However, in 2016, the country finally managed to overcome powerful corporate interests and introduce a globally-unprecedented slate of bills to tackle the problem. The legislation aims to protect children from targeted advertising, stall the sale of junk food, and inform consumers 20
about the health risks of what they buy. While the food industry won some concessions from the government, the legislation on advertising remains stringent. Advertisements for unhealthy treats aimed specifically at children have been entirely prohibited. Additionally, beginning in 2019, commercials for these foods will be barred from TVs, radios, and movie theatres between 6am and 10pm, while gimmicks aimed at kids, like trinkets in candy or packaging with cartoon characters, have been banned completely. Particularly unpopular with the industry were the government’s multiple methods of reducing sales. These policies were cited often when the companies cried government overreach. And while some parts of the legislation were relatively common globally, like the prohibition of junk food sales in schools, the industry still fought teeth and nail to prevent them. Others were more severe versions of legislations seen elsewhere, like Chile’s 18% tax on sugary beverage purchases. Some moves, however, were entirely unprecedented. The signature and most globally unparalleled part of the legislation was a labelling system on packaged foods that indicated
ISSUE XIV.IV
unhealthiness. Black warning symbols are now displayed prominently on processed foods that are overly sugary, salty, caloric, or fatty. Any food deemed unhealthy in a category must carry a stop sign-shaped black label on its packaging, with foods that carry all four in excess requiring four labels. This section of the legislation aimed specifically to simplify complex nutrition labels, making it easier for consumers to assess their food choices and improve their habits. However, it also had the unexpected benefit of creating healthier products in Chile. Before the legislation was implemented, 83% of randomly surveyed packaged foods were to require a label for at least one category of unhealthiness. Since implementation, 20% of all food products sold in Chile have been reformulated, found a New York Times Report. Nutrition experts, including those employed by the UN and the US Food and Drug Administration, applaud the Chilean government, calling them the most ambitious counter-obesity force in the world. As such, they suggest the legislation should serve as a model for other countries - with some nations like Ecuador and Brazil already beginning to formulate parallel initiatives. In confronting its obesity problem so resolutely, Chile has put itself at the head of the worldwide battle against the phenomenon. Perhaps the reason that this is finally happening now is the rising costs of obesity. In Chile, the percentage of all health care spending directed towards the epidemic is expected to rise from 2.4% to 4% in less than two decades. This is also true across the planet, where a McKinsey report found that today 2.8% of the global GDP is spent on obesity’s fallouts and the number is expected to continue growing. While obesity rates in Chile have not declined since the legislation was implemented, the initial goal was to educate the next generation and teach them healthy habits. It seems to be working as focus groups show that Chilean children are aware of the labels and feel peer pressure to avoid consuming foods with them. This has manifested outside the lab too, as parents have reported kids avoiding the products while grocery shopping.
Moreover, the stringent advertisement restrictions have made fattening foods less glamorous to kids, with no characters or toys that could create positive associations with junk foods permitted. Prior to the legislation’s implementation, a study showed that two thirds of food ads had strategies to attract children, even if not specifically directed at them. This is particularly damaging given that many food habits are developed during childhood, as researchers at Newcastle University in England determined. As such, it is particularly pertinent to creating a healthier generation. By limiting the gimmicks that make fattening foods attractive, Chile is progressing towards its goal. The food industry is undeniably unhappy with the Chilean government. Companies, like PepsiCo or Kinder, have berated policymakers for overreach, suggesting that the advertisement regulations limit their free speech. They have mounted massive legal campaigns to challenge the policies. Moreover, many have launched smear campaigns of the government. One particularly notable advertisement got Chilean celebrities to attack the legislation. However, there was fierce online backlash by the general Chilean public that eventually convinced the offending companies to take down the ad. The ability of the Chilean government to overcome fierce obstacles created by food conglomerates is unprecedented. Chilean policymakers have created a better future for their children, despite corporate resistance. They recognized an obvious problem in that ultra-processed foods create obesity, and, instead of succumbing to the food giants, politicians have put the health of their people first. They have managed to accomplish this, even when these industries had previously funded their campaigns and the ability to defer action was the global norm. Seeing that other countries are rapidly following in Chile’s footsteps is demonstrative of a positive development in global politics; governments are increasingly willing to counter mega-industries, regardless of the political risks. Perhaps such a phenomenon will be extended to other global issues, like climate change. Chile and the battle over obesity suggests we should be hopeful. 21
More than Just Crumbs By: Harrison Giovannetti
Hailed by its proponents as a historic bill set to accelerate economic growth and make life easier for working Americans, the Republican Party’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was met with admonition by opposition politicians, media outlets, academics, and the general public alike. The bill’s passage was referred to as “a win for know-nothing anti-intellectualism” by the Washington Post’s editorial board, while Senator Bernie Sanders referred to it as “one of the worst, most unfair pieces of legislation ever passed”. The Act, while deeply flawed, is undeserving of this criticism; lost in the hysteria of opposition lies the fact that the bill has made a material difference in the lives of many ordinary Americans. To be clear, this was a poor piece of legislation. The Act was hurried through Congress, with fewer than five months between the release of its initial framework and the signing of the final bill into law by President Donald Trump. (This stands in stark contrast to the nearly two year-long process the Party underwent when it enacted comprehensive tax reform in 1986.). The Act’s passage, too, was ill-timed, with many 22
economists questioning the need for fiscal stimulus with the economy already at or near full employment. Also concerning is the Act’s projected impact on the national debt, with the federal government expected to borrow an additional $1 trillion over the next decade, exacerbating its already-unsustainable fiscal outlook. Finally, the cuts disproportionately benefit the wealthy: taxpayers in the top income quintile will see their after-tax incomes rise an average of 2.9% this year whereas those in the middle quintile will see an increase of only 1.6%. Taxpayers in the bottom two quintiles will realize even smaller relative gains of 1.2% and 0.4%, respectively. Again, this stands in contrast to the Party’s previous tax reforms; under the changes passed in 2001 and 2003, for example, individuals in the middle and lower quintiles saw their after-tax incomes rise by roughly double these amounts. To make matters worse, as some argue, the personal income tax cuts will expire in 2027, leading to an effective tax increase at that time for these workers. All of this certainly seems to lend credence
ISSUE XIV.IV
to the oft-repeated claim that the Act was nothing more than a giveaway for the rich that left little for ordinary citizens. While more or less true, this narrative oversimplifies the impact of the tax changes and overlooks the fact that millions of middle- and lower-class workers stand to benefit from them in meaningful ways. For example, taxpayers in the middle-income quintile (earning from $49 000 to $86 000 USD) will save $930 per year on average. That is not insubstantial – for reference, the average US household spends approximately $750, $600, and $400 per month on transportation, food, and healthcare, respectively. Though some have derided the middle class’s gains as mere “crumbs” relative to the savings experienced by the wealthy, this ignores the fact that, on an individual level, the former do realize a greater marginal benefit. In addition, though many lament the fact that the personal income tax cuts were made temporary, it is difficult to imagine any future government – regardless of political stripe – declining to make them (or at least the portions affecting middle- and lower-income earners) permanent when they expire. Failure to do so would be political suicide; indeed, when the time came to decide whether to make the income tax cuts of the early 2000s permanent, both parties agreed that the provisions benefitting the middle and lower classes should remain. Even the cuts for corporations have been advantageous to many workers. Walmart, the country’s largest employer, made headlines when it announced that it was raising its minimum starting wage from $10 to $11 as a result of its tax savings. In addition, it announced that it would pay each of its 1.2 million employees bonuses ranging from $200 to $1000 and expand maternity and parental leave benefits. In total, over 200 companies employing nearly three million people have announced pay increases, bonuses, or expanded benefits for their employees in light of the bill’s passage. Critics downplay the significance of these announcements, noting that the Act is expected to have only a modest overall impact on wage and GDP growth. That much is true. Yet many have been unduly dismissive of the positive impacts of the bill, seemingly incapable of giving Presi-
dent Trump and the Republican Party credit for any good their policies bring about As the President was preparing to sign the Act into law, only 17% of Americans believed that they would see their tax bills decrease – a remarkable statistic considering about 80% actually will. Clearly, then, the public was not given a balanced picture of what the changes really entailed. Given this, it is no surprise that public perception of the bill (as well as the President and the Republican Party) has been trending upwards ever since as voters have come to realize that they stand to gain more than they previously thought they would. To reiterate: I believe that this bill should not have passed. It would have been more prudent for the federal government to pursue tax reform along the lines of what was implemented in 1986, which included across-the-board reductions in tax rates, made revenue-neutral through the elimination of unnecessary deductions and loopholes. Such a plan would have won acclaim from economists (many of whom argue in favour of a simpler, more efficient tax structure) while satisfying the conservative ideal of reducing the government’s influence on individuals’ behavior through tax incentives. Alternatively, were the government insistent on implementing tax cuts, it should have done so contingent on meaningful reductions in the size of the federal government being made (in addition to providing greater tax relief for middle- and lower-income earners). The main architects of the Act sold the bill to supporters using hyperbole, deception, and flat-out falsehoods. It is unfortunate, then, that many opponents of the bill have done the same. Thoughtful analysis of legislation of this magnitude requires acknowledging the positive and negative ramifications it will have, not focusing solely on the latter and refusing to concede that any good has been done. If the American public is to be presented with a credible alternative to the current administration over the next several years – from either side of the political spectrum – such a candidate should refrain from partaking in the hyperbolic rhetoric that has defined much of the opposition to its agenda. Refusing to do so may score political wins, but it will be the United States who loses. 23
“Airpocalypse” Coming to an End? A Look at the Success of China’s Air Control Policies By: Kristen Johnson
For the first time in a decade Beijing has experienced more days filled with blue-skies and sunshine than days with the typical dreary smog grey cloud cover. For residents of the Chinese capital this is a sign that the environmental regulations targeting extreme air pollution enacted by the federal 24
government in 2013 may be achieving their desired effect. Despite the success, these measures were initially met with controversy, however. They received considerable global attention from various stakeholders, from cheering environmentalists to skeptical government officials and energy producers. The topic of Chinese air quality gained prominence in the lead up to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, with international observers commenting on the elevated smog levels in Beijing compared to other major cities. Athletes and state officials from across the globe were wary of their hosts, as information on the intensity of their air pollution was released. With pressure to improve the country’s air quality before the games intensifying, the Chinese government invoked policies mandating the periodical closing of factories. In one year the government was able to reduce the particulate matter in the air between 20-40 percent- with the change even being noticed and appreciated
ISSUE XIV.IV
by athletes. While the decrease was only temporary, what became known was that China could control its air pollution levels with restrictions on industry. This policy and its resulting success was not sustained after the Olympics, though, and between 2008 and 2013 Chinese industry, and its associated air pollution, increased substantially. In 2013, the Chinese government introduced its Ten Measures of the State Council aimed at curbing the entire country’s air pollution. It specifically focused on the country’s Northern region, where smog densifies and envelopes the cities during the winter months. The controls particularly targeted the emissions of energy intensive and polluting industries, such as coal, steel and iron production, and set a goal of decreasing the total air pollution by thirty percent by 2017. Cities were also recommended to establish traffic restraints and emission limits on industries within their limits. Many cities, mostly in the north, did enact additional policies, but these initiatives were entirely optional. Environmentalists within and outside China were impressed by the State Council’s declarations, saying they were “in the right direction” of combating climate change. Some economists and regional officials voiced their concerns over the affect these mandates may have on China’s development and growth, but the State Council held firm that economic growth would not be impacted in the long run by these policies. 2017 has now passed and the visual consequences of the policies can be seen in China’s northern cities, but has the overall level of air pollution in China decreased at all? According to research completed by GreenPeace, the level of the PM2.5 toxins (particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 micrometres, and which causes respiratory problems) have decreased in Beijing by fifty-four percent since the 2013 air quality policies were enacted. This surpassed the initial goal made by the State Council of thirty percent. Other pollutants also decreased within this time period, such as NO2, but not at to the same the level of PM2.5. While the statistics may prove the success of the air controls, there is still much work left for
China to eliminate the damages caused by air pollution. In 2016, the nation experienced the most deaths worldwide from air pollution- more than one million. This is far greater than the next two most impacted countries, India and Russia, and amounts to one third of the global three million deaths from air pollution. Were China to maintain its current progress on decreasing air pollution, these statistics could potentially decrease at an accelerated rate. According to the GreenPeace’s report through, China’s pollutant level stagnated in 2017 due to the creation of economic stimulants, that led to a rise in the production of steel, coal and iron. This lead to a rise in PM2.5, varying from four to ten percent in regions across the country. As 2018 begins China’s successful policy relies on the country’s commitment to decreasing its industry output, a commitment that may not be feasible with the increased military production undergone by China in response to nuclear tensions from North Korea and the United States. As well, many economists and spectators do not believe that China can maintain its air quality controls and its position as a global manufacturer, having to sacrifice one in order to achieve the other. If this claim is true the Chinese government will have a difficult choice ahead of them. The results of China’s air control policies once again prove that government policies can play a role in combating climate change. In reducing their emissions, China, the world’s second largest economy and largest polluter, can set a precedent for other developed countries. While certain government officials may disagree on the existence of climate change, (including U.S. President Donald Trump, who has historically voiced his disbelief of climate change) all political leaders publicly express concern for healthy air quality (with Trump tweeting “Give me clean, beautiful and healthy air”). Thus, should the international community follow China’s lead and enact pollutant controls, the global air quality would almost certainly improve. For this to occur global cooperation between states and environmentalists would be required, potentially further improving international relations as well. 25
Women in Saudi Arabia: Here’s to Driving without Restrictions By: Xiyuan Chen Last September, Saudi Arabia lifted the driving ban for women that used to reject women’s rights to legally drive a car. Previously, any woman who was seen steering a vehicle would be exposed to the risks of being arrested or of paying fines. The only option for these women was to hire live-in drivers who are, most of the time, too expensive for the household to afford. Therefore, the abolition of the driving ban grants greater freedom to females who want to enjoy the same privilege of driving as males in Saudi Arabia. According to BBC news, Prince Salman confirmed that women now possessed the freedom to take driving lessons without their male “guardians’” permission, and the ability to drive anywhere they liked. A ministerial body will be established to give advice within 30 days, and the royal order will be enforced by June 24, 2018. The driving ban activists argue that the an26
nulment might distract women from their basic daily tasks, such as working and housekeeping. The ambiguous nature of the Kingdom’s ban on women driving is being questioned since the law is not specifically consecrated in either Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Law or its traffic code. On the other hand, the majority praises for this decision made by Prince Salman of Gulf Kingdom, while others think it is just too much. Popular opinions suggest that rescinding driving ban resulted in a positive influence on feminist movement in the country, making Saudi laws less discriminatory towards women. The Women2Drive campaigner Manal al-Sharif, who was once arrested due to her act of driving, exclaimed that ‘Saudi Arabia would never be that same again’ and was thrilled for the so-called ‘victory’ of Saudi women. This exciting piece of news drew a large amount of international attention, especially with countries
ISSUE XIV.IV
that call for protection of women rights in Saudi laws. There are also some who contend that if women’s rights were to be protected in Saudi Arabia, the act of simply lifting the driving ban is not enough. The issue of gender inequality is deeply embedded in the Muslim religion as well as their traditions, accordingly, Muslim women ought to realize that numerous motivations are behind this change and that they should not be easily satisfied by it. The journey of the feminist campaign had just begun in this country, and women have the innate power to persevere the confrontation with unfair treatment. Women’s rights have always been an issue for Saudi Arabia. The ‘patriarchal power relations’ and ‘attitudes’ towards women resulted in their low social status, adding the religious and cultural factors, had enhanced the despise for Saudi women not only from men, but also from women themselves. Before women were permitted to drive freely, it was fairly difficult for them to get to work, hence resulting in harming women’s incapacity to access leadership or to make major decisions. The misinterpretation of the authority towards the Quran comprised an Islamic law that is neither protective of nor respectful to women, such as the idea that ‘Islam acknowledged the legal personality of the woman in marriage as well as her financial independence’ had been distorted, and that ‘Islamic law, however, differentiates between the financial rights and obligations of the two genders. The male, while also financially independent has additional financial responsibilities’. Despite the counterarguments, Saudi women should look at the lifting of the driving ban as an achievement and celebrate before they are ready to strive for the next step to gain greater gender equality. The cancellation of the driving ban is the consequence of women’s long term struggling with the local authority, not just a strategic resolution that is used to distract the majority from deeper and more disturbing gender inequality issues. Saudi women had been fighting for their rights over the last twenty years. In 2011, Saudi women launched bid to confront the driving ban while posting images or videos of themselves driving on the Internet, using the social media to bolster the feminist campaign. Hence, being able to drive is their first reward
for all the sacrifices they’ve been putting into this hard work. In addition, it’s a symbol, representing Saudi women’s success in the course of arguing against the authority, and this encourages the posterity to resist males’ dominance even harder. Therefore, the lifting of the driving ban presents itself as hope for women in the Kingdom, indicating future progress. Also, as the academia suggests, the ‘important institutional and policy changes’ that ‘are creating new educational and employment opportunities’ cannot be ignored. The Saudi government has been urging to prioritize the education and training of women since the demands of domestic workers outweigh the supply by a large amount, which would lead to ‘significant economic and social costs’. Although their main principle was not to promote gender equality, these changes would ultimately transform the way of people looking at women’s role in the society and aid women in boosting their social and political powers. In order to enhance Saudi women’s this rights-concerning improvement, the international institutions ought to pay more attention on this issue. If it’s possible, the help from other countries would be important because if world hegemonic powers put pressure on Prince Salman by supporting women’s campaign in Saudi Arabia, it would further increase Saudi women’s power. The lifting of the ban sparks controversies, however, one cannot deny the eventual effect of this act is for women to obtain their rights to drive and part of their rights to freedom. They can take the liberty to celebrate as of the moment the government alters their policy, even the change is small. At the very least, the improvement still opens the door for more possibilities to come, and Saudi women would acknowledge that they have the capability to make a difference for their lives. Thus, the optimism generated is reasonable and foreseeable for the future.
27
er M
The Ob se rv
ic r et
265 “zebras” volunteering in La Paz alone $32,000- $250,000 USD is what dolphin hunters can sell a captured live specimen for.
2,000 km- the distance 17 European bison from Sweden traveled on their way to Russia in a repopulation and genetic diversity initiative. 20% of people aged 13-18 have a mental health issue/ condition 20.5% is the current rate of female unemployment in Saudi Arabia, with male unemployment being 2.8%. 100% of Patagonia bathing suits and bikinis are fair trade certified.
54% decrease in PM2.5 polluting air particles in Beijing between 2016 and 2017 $400 million USD in fair trade premiums made by farmers and factory workers 60.7% increase in the number of Canadian same-sex couples between 2006 and 2016 40-50%: Average increase in literacy of within Latin America during the latter half of the 20th century.
81% of teachers on a survey believed that tablets “enriched classroom learning” 85%: Total world literacy rate