Ghislaine Sathoud (Congo Brazzaville)

Together: women unite to build another world

Women have always struggled for their rights. Of course, women's situation is not the same everywhere in the world; in some regions women have made a lot of progress, while in other regions much remains to be done. Nevertheless, all women suffer similar problems and inequality.

African women and women's rights

In July 2002, in Durban, South Africa, 43 leaders gathered to form a new organization with the important objective of bringing the 43 member States into political, social and economic unity. A women's rights protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights was adopted. With this protocol African women won the right to abortion in situations of rape or incest. Furthermore, the minimum age for marriage was set at 18, and excision and sexual mutilation were made illegal. The African Union has incorporated gender relationships into its program. Finally, it has provided African women with new instruments with which to fight for inclusion in decision-making processes. It is a genuine tool for fighting the discrimination and violence of which women are victims. It is also a mechanism for facilitating and accelerating women's emancipation.

Immigrant women

What do African women who have emigrated think about the situation of the sisters they left behind in Africa? Are their problems similar to those experienced by women still living on the African continent, or is it a matter of degree, based on where they happen to live?

This question evokes my own memories. I'll never forget that winter in 1996, when I was newly married and the mother of a two-year-old and I blithely entered a world that was the opposite of my warm, sun-filled Africa. Québec was truly a sharp contrast, with its winters famous for their severity and its original mentality: like the crossroads of America and Europe. I wanted to explore this world—so different from my culture,yet so close to my aspirations—and make it my own. When I was in the political science program at Université de Québec à Montréal and writing my master's thesis, it was this space between secret expectations and everyday reality that I wanted to examine with my African compatriots. Indeed, immigrant women must deal with many problems.

It is not easy for African women to integrate into the host society. There are set rules in every society, and here, more than elsewhere, we find  ourselves in a world of contrasts, between Québec, where women enjoy great freedom, and Africa, where women still must submit to age-old  set rules.

The immigrant's lot is often a hard one. The laws of the host society, while they can benefit women, are sometimes used against them. They are torn between the laws and values of the host society and African habits and customs. Women are often confronted with numerous problems. Child rearing, relationship difficulties and the ensuing violence—which quick becomes a very complicated issue in the host country—and a multitude of frustrations associated with having immigrant status are just a few examples.

Also, the lifestyle in the host society differs so radically from that of the home society that social isolation becomes a painful part of the lives of immigrant women: they are not only far from their parents and friends, but are also faced with the difficult task of reconstructing a social network.

To this are added the other forms of discrimination and insults to which women across the planet are subjected. I believe women must unite and speak in one voice to stop the violence. In this respect, the Women's Global Charter for Humanity is most needed.

Regarding the Women's Global Charter for Humanity

Can I, as an African woman, relate to this Charter? Yes, in one sense, because the innovative thing about the Charter is that it draws on universal feminist values to change the world. It takes into account the world's diversity in the construction of another world, a world of hope.  For me, diversity is at once a source of richness and strength. The appreciation of diversity is a sign of solidarity and unity that will strengthen all women.  The Charter also decries unbridled capitalism, with its accompanying consequences: "racism, sexism, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, colonialism, imperialism, and slavery." The Charter counters by advocating for equality freedom, solidarity, justice, peace—all the elements of a peaceful world.

As an African woman and immigrant, I know only too well about the prejudices that represent the biggest obstacles at every level. I feel particularly concerned by the Charter, because I would indeed like to live in this ideal world where diversity is considered as an enriching, rather than divisive, factor. A world where people will live together despite their differences.

But I also know that immigration brings changes that may develop into ugly situations. I worked for the Alliance des Communautés culturelles pour l'égalité et l'accessibilité aux services sociaux (ACCÉSSS) on a domestic violence program. I wrote a text called "Here, it's not the same dear!" The text was interpreted by a theatre troupe and recorded on DVD and cassette. It is used as an awareness-raising tool about domestic violence in different ethnic/cultural communities.

I will conclude with this: in the Charter it says, "Women are free to make decisions about their body, fertility and sexuality. They have the choice about whether they will have children" (Freedom: Affirmation 4). I am particularly struck by this affirmation because of my African origins. Unfortunately, however, in Africa, maternity is not a concern of the couple alone. What I mean is the woman is not the only who has a say; the in-laws often impatiently await children and wield influence—not necessarily desirable—over the couple. Sterility also seems to be a source of shame for women: they are the ones who are blamed when there are no children. Regarding women's health, maternal mortality remains high.  Women's rights organizations in African and elsewhere in the world should draw inspiration from this marvellous tool, the Charter, and use it to denounce injustice. This is what I hope for with all my heart.

Ghislaine Sathoud

Originally from Congo-Brazzavile, Ghislaine Sathoud holds a master's degree in international relations and a master's in political science. She is a feminist activist and author of poetry, short stories and plays. She has lived in Québec since 1996. Ms. Sathoud is a member of several literary associations: the Association des écrivains de Langue Française, the Conseil International d'études francophones and the Union des Auteurs et Artistes Africains au Canada.