Patricia L Valenton

Magalln

October 10, 2011

English 1A

Paper # 2: THE COUNTRY UNDER MY SKIN

Women Who Seek Equality

Gioconda Belli is a daughter, mother, citizen, poet and a woman who believed in the impossible. Who wouldve thought that someone who lived in the upper class would want to help her country and its people for change? Women, including Belli are expected to do less because of being a woman. Belli was given light loads which made her wanting to prove her capabilities more by being more achieving and active within the movement. Many disapprove that Belli should take part in the decision making and activities in the Sandinista. People believe that women are not supposed to be engaging in rebellious movements. Some of Bellis experiences included women not being allowed in combat, and Sandinista women not given leadership positions. This causes women to be easily judged, noticed and belittled. What is good about this is that there are people like Belli and the people involved in Mujeres Creando who believe that women deserve better. They are continuously fighting for womens rights, opinions on gender equality and also the goodness and beauty of being a woman. In spite of the limitations that women have, there are these women who have made changes and successfully accomplished them. There is still inequality between genders but this did not hinder women to achieve and succeed. There are now presidents, politicians, doctors and other white collar jobs that women are now participating in. Some are already well known and recognized, and this helps inspire other women to do and achieve more.

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As a woman of Nicaragua, Belli was limited to many things. As a daughter she remained respectful of her fathers wants. According to Belli in the book, The Country Under My Skin, she mentioned that she wasnt able to pursue her dream. She mentioned what her father said that, Medicine is not for women. (15). Clearly, it shows that women are already limited even at a very young age. As a poet and a wife, she was limited to do things. Belli mentioned, My husband then announced to me that he didnt want me publishing anymore poems unless he read and edited them first. (38). Bellis husband clearly misunderstood the poems she wrote. Bellis husband wanted to control Bellis actions. Also, she was limited to small tasks in the Sandinista movement. Belli mentioned her experience of Sergio Ramirez asking for help when she least expected it. Belli said, I was upset. I didnt understand why only at the last minute they had decided to use me. It seemed like a lack of foresight, a troubling symptom of their tendency to improvise. (165). It seemed like the men only thought of Belli when they had nothing else to do. It is like using women as last options, or when theres no more choice. This limits women in showing what they are really capable of doing.

A woman has a sacred body that is to be adored, appreciated and respected. According to Gioconda Bellis book, The Country Under My Skin, She described how disappointed her family was when she wrote poems about the beauty of being a woman. My aunt looked at me, horrifiedShameless pornography (37-38). Women shouldnt be uncomfortable when talking about their bodies. Instead, it should be given respect and appreciation. This shows a limitation to Belli being a poet and a woman. It is like her family stopping her from speaking about herself. Well in fact her poems were never vulgar or explicit. She was just being honest about how she feels about women and their bodies. Also, the poems she wrote were viewed by men in different perspectives. Belli wrote, Men leered at me with hungry, knowing looks
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(38). It is very disappointing that poems written by Belli made men view women more as sexual objects. It clearly states women are treated as mens sex drive. Belli wrote the poems to share her honor for a womans body; unfortunately it was misunderstood and disrespected by the people. Belli mentioned her experience being harassed by the owners of the agency she worked in. Belli states, Both of them harassed me constantly, the first with sexual innuendos and the second by keeping constant tabs of my movements. (137). It is very unfair that women are being viewed as primarily sexual objects, or people that are only supposed to care about their looks. This limits women to act and hinders them to achieve in life.

There are many limitations and double standards that still exist and are sometimes not dealt with. This causes women not being able to completely achieve gender equality. In Mujeres Creando, the people behind it have experienced many violent acts caused by men. Stated in Benjamin Dangls book, Price of Fire, an incident including a woman was beaten up, and was abused. An account stated, 3 women refused to dance, and rejected an offer for group sex, they were attacked by 15-20 people. They were beaten up and dragged in the streetsthe act was dismissed by the pressthey were feminists and lesbians. I cant seem to understand why it matter if they are feminists or lesbians, they are still human beings. It seems unfair that the people involved in the act was not given punishment, but instead has gotten away. Another example of a double standard that is happening now is women who engage in sex with men are labeled as whores, and men doing the same are called to be studs or very cool people. A woman was battered to death by her boyfriend while people at the bar just watched because she was just a prostitute. Narrow minded individuals judge what they see. The act is very violent and still no one even bothered to help or call the authorities. Much more disappointing is that this woman

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was not able to achieve justice after the incident. How can there be gender equality if there are people who cannot act equally to everyone?

Women like Belli and the women behind Mujeres Creando are very strong individuals who believe that changes can happen. Mujeres Creando is a feminist group in Bolivia that consisted of people from all walks of life. They basically address issues about sexuality, women rights and unjust treatment to women. According to the Price Of Fire, Mujeres Creando is a group who manifested change that they want to see in the world. Mujeres Creando participates in street activism and produces a lot of writing. (169). They clearly made their mark by creating a publication, making graffiti, doing exhibits and many more. The group was definitely aiming for change. They were very determined to communicate with everyone and to let themselves be heard. Like Mujeres Creando, Gioconda Belli has also been successful with the Sandinista movement. Belli was very determined to act for a change because of her children and country. According to Camilo Ortega in the book, The Country Under My Skin, he mentioned to Belli that contributing to the Sandinistas will help build a future for her children. Your daughter is precisely the reason you should do it, you should do it for her, so that she wont have to do the job you are not willing to do.(34). Being a Sandinista meant a lot of risks, but at the same time she will be able to fight for her children and the generations to come the life that she never had. She wanted to prove others that she is capable of doing small contributions that can be very beneficial to the community. Belli stated the amazing feeling of knowing that anything is possible. When you dream of things like changing the world, there is no power more beautiful than the feeling that you can make it happenthere was no dream that cannot be fulfilled. (250). She knew that believing and determination will lead to the change that she wanted.

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There are many limitations and double standards that still exist today. Violence, lack of justice and judgments has happened. Due to this, we can all agree that women have not completely achieved gender equality in the society. Belli and the women in Mujeres Creando are excellent examples of driven individuals who seek change and equality. They have been constantly making mark in the world as people who are eager to prove themselves in behalf of all the women in the world. These limitations and double standards were never hindrances for them to achieve. They are role models who inspire more women to fight for their rights, obtain respect, and seek success.

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