Dying to be Equal

An essay on women aping the lifestyles of men to the detriment of their health.

Less than 100 years ago many young women found themselves locked in Pentonville prison cells, listening to the ominous approach of the food trolley clattering along the steel landings. Once the cell door had been unlocked, the prison wardens would force a long tube down their throats, and pour soup down them in order to ensure they survived their hunger strikes.

This demonstrates the conviction of these women, the Suffragettes, to starve themselves in protest against the inequality of their society! This feminist battle against a male dominated society has been fought over the last century. But now that women are legally equal to their male counterparts we find a typical young woman of the 21^st century often slumped in the corner of a bar, an ash tray full of stubbed out cigarettes in front of her; she has passed out from excessive alcohol consumption.

Is this what the Suffragettes fought for? No. They fought for political and social equality with men. Now that equality has been obtained, women unfortunately are abusing it, by aping the lifestyle of men. The shocking truth of our new “ladette” culture is that women are, quite literally, dying to be equal.

Let me enlighten you further. The gap between male and female life expectancies is closing. A 65 year- old woman in 1974 could expect to live four years longer than a man of the same age; by 2003 this gap had narrowed to just 2.9 years. Compare this to 1842, when the life expectancy gap was also two years. Why are the business- suited women of 2005 apparently no better off than the women of 1842 in their poke bonnets and crinolines?

Let me begin by explaining that women in the past century were typically associated with less well paid “caring” jobs such as nursing and teaching, where as today, they are aiming for positions in the business and financial world, positions traditionally occupied by men. Employment rates for women have risen from 59% to 70% as equality legislation prevents discrimination. Now 78% of able women are in paid employment; so, women are working in two environments; women who go out to work also do most at home in terms of child rearing and domestic work. Therefore, working women today are under considerable stress when juggling professional matters and domestic issues.

This has led to heart problems, with an increase in the numbers of women developing heart disease in their prime. Professor Cooper of Lancashire University, a leading expert in stress, said research shows stress at work is just as bad for our health as smoking and failing to exercise. He added: “When women reach top positions they tend to work harder and for longer hours than men.” Ladies, can this be linked to a female desire for perfection? Are we still feeling the need to prove our worth? Professor Cooper adds:” The gap in life expectancy is bound to close still further.” By putting extra pressure on themselves, by being perfectionists, women are increasing the risk of heart problems.

The number of women taking up smoking has increased three fold in the last decade; it is one way to alleviate the stress they suffer at work and in the home. As a result, the number of deaths amongst women from lung cancer has increased by 45% since the 1970’s. And, there are the potential risks of a heart attack or stroke; the number of women suffering strokes has increased by 13% since 1997.

Binge- drinking has become a major habit amongst young working women. According to Dr. Chris Record, a liver expert; “Women have got this attitude now, that they’re equal to men in every respect, and that includes drink. When they go out drinking they feel they’ve got to keep up with men and drink just as much, but unfortunately, they can’t.” The way the female body is built means we cannot tolerate the same amount of alcohol as men can. Women are substantially lighter than men and as a consequence simply cannot drink as much as men without suffering a terrible price. Binge- drinking increases the risk of developing liver disease, breast cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and ultimately, premature death! Dr. Record goes on to say “The youngest patient I’ve had who died of alcoholic liver disease was a girl of 19.” A girl of 19!

This “ladette” culture has lead to a massive increase in female promiscuity. Sexually transmitted diseases experts say the rates of infection are increasing. According to a clinical physician at UNCCH, infections are” increasing because women are [becoming] more sexually promiscuous.” The influence of alcohol from binge- drinking encourages this behaviour. And it’s not just foolish young women on an 18- 30 holiday in Faliraki. It has been recognised that college women are most at risk. Girls, jut like you. A recent study has shown that 60% of female undergraduates had developed an HPV infection during their three- year study. Furthermore, such STDs as Chlamydia have trebled amongst the female population. Do we really appreciate what that means as far as a future family ladies?

So, the typical young working woman of 2005, a hard working lady by day, returns home to more domestic chores, and then heads out for a puff on a f*g and a pint of Guinness; the man’s drink. Is this how we women have chosen to live, now that political equality has been won? Must social gatherings of the sexes result in a competition between the genders to see who can down their pint faster? If so, the Suffragettes’ struggles and sufferings were in vain.

Yet, there is hope; women have achieved so much in the last century. Margaret Thatcher, Mary McAleese, Cherie Blair, Erin Brocovich �" I’m not asking you to love them all Ladies, but they all demonstrate this.

Many women are successful in their careers; more men are working around the home and sharing the burden with their partners. It is possible to have it all, and your health! Therefore, each young girl present here, think. Think where you see yourself in 5 years time. Barrister? Teacher? Nurse? Whatever? I’m sure, with the equality we are so fortunate to have, you see yourself in a high ranking job. However, do you really wish to emulate men in bad health behaviour? By doing so, you run such risks as becoming infected with an STD or suffering a hangover in lectures the next day. Further down the line, you may suffer the consequences of these habits as your health deteriorates. Cancers are a dangerous result of such a lifestyle, furthermore, smoking increases the likelihood of cancer developing in your unborn children. Mothers who smoke are six times more likely to have children who develop kidney or bladder cancer in later life. Your choices now, may affect more than we realise.

Equality can be interpreted in a variety of ways. What I believe is, there can be equality, but it can be accomplished in different ways. Women can remain “feminine”, and not have to adopt “masculine” habits to keep pace with the lads, in the very same way that men do not have to dust on blusher to feel at one with the ladies.

We do not have to copy men; we can be “differently equal”. So, what to do ladies? Let’s keep the high ranking job- but deal with the inevitable stress by taking regular exercise. Even a brisk walk at lunchtime will lower your blood pressure. Let’s keep the choice of family and job- but encourage partners to play their part in child- care.  Let’s keep the balance between work and socialising- after all, networking with other professional women is a major source of help and inspiration- above all ladies let’s socialise on our terms, as it suits our bodies.

So, girls, put yourselves first. Put your health first. Masculine habits risk your health. Never forget that the Suffragettes sacrificed so much to help you into that once male dominated job, never devalue that sacrifice by devaluing your most precious asset, your health.

Author's Note

This is not intended to negatively portray men in anyway. This was a speech I delivered years ago for a competition. I feel the topic is still relevant in terms of women who try to ape some stereotypical male attitudes and behaviors to the detriment of their health, as women's bodies are different from men's.
Any critical advice for either language or content is welcome.