{ Constructivism, Malala Yousafazi, Cultural or universal? Women’s basic rights through the constructivist lens

Research question: Looking through a constructivist lens, do we have an international code of basic human rights regarding women which we should abide by? Even if the international code has to surpass culture and tradition to enforce those rights?

 Nature vs. Nurture  Our interaction with each other shapes our reality  How do our interactions with each other influence our realities?  Construction of reality through language What is constructivism?

 Our societies are based on norms, traditions and rules which we abide by  These norms and rules govern the way we view our world  Our rules come into being through “acts of human creation.” How does constructivism shape our reality?

 Through our interactions with each other via technological, political, personal and other interactions we shape what we believe is right for ourselves and others. These ‘rights’ become acceptable ways to govern individual states. What does this mean for human rights?

Basic human rights are neglected People are segregated Rights and rules only applicable to certain classes of people When construction is corrupt

Malala Yousafazi

 Education activist from Pakistan’s Swat valley for years before her attack  Kept a blog for BBC revealing life under Taliban rule, her view on educational opportunities for girls  Shot in the head by a Taliban terrorist on October 9 th 2012 while returning home from school  Sent to England for rehabilitation, her attempted assassination sparked outrage and support worldwide Who is Malala?

 UN launched global movement “I am Malala” pushing education for all children by 2015  Influenced ratification of Pakistan’s first ‘Right to Educaiton’ bill  Has become an international figure and activist  Uses the method of peace and understanding rather than violence and hate  Named by TIME magazine as one of “the 100 most influential people in the world.” Malala Continued

 Pakistani women seen as subordinate to men  Low literacy and education rates among women  Dowry abuse, child marriage, honor killings, violence among women  Why are these inequalities allowed?  Tradition, culture, fear Malala Case linked to Constructivism

“ One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world.” –Malala Yousafazi

 Racism, cultural, political and economic effects viewed in a Western way toward non- western women  Traditional definition of feminism groups all women together based on gender, does not consider ‘race, sexual orientation or social class’  Postcolonial feminism considers a wide range of factors  Evaluates women in personal circumstances rather than Western Postcolonial feminism

Looking through a constructivist lens, do we have an international code of basic human rights regarding women which we should abide by? Even if the international code has to surpass culture and tradition to enforce those rights? How can the international code be shaped and changed? Class thoughts on research question?

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 Priliminary Bibliography:  Kristof, Nichloas D. and Sheryl WuDunn. Half the Sky. Little Brown Book Group,  Dunne, Tim, Milja Kurki and Steve Smith. International Relations Theories Dicipline and Diversity. Oxford University Press,  Yousafzai, Malala. Interview by Michel Martin. “Malala Yousfazi: A ‘Normal,’ Yet Powerful Girl.” NPR. 15, Oct Radio.  Yousafazi, Malala. Interview by Diane Sawyer. ABC News. 7, October Television.  Mohanty, Chandra T. Feminism without Borders: Decolonizing Theory, Practicing Solidarity  Holt, Suzanne S. Director of Women’s Studies, Kent State University. Interview. (Not yet conducted, but has been set up).  Reus-Smith, Christian and Duncan Snidal. The Oxford Handbook of International Relations. New York Oxford University Press, Sources