Discussion+Questions

1. What type of injustice do the women feel in your community's, and what actions are being taken to solve the problem? Are women treated as a minority in your country?

1) I feel that in our community the real injustice that women face is the stereotypes and labeling by certain groups. Women are pegged as “skanks” or “sluts”, simply if they do as they choose to. There is very often nothing done about this type of injustice. –Alex Mc 2) In our community, I don’t feel women are singled out as a group. We are faced with injustice, I agree with what Alex said, we are judged by our actions or what we’re perceived to be. Nothing is really happening to solve this problem. Women are protected under the federal law from discrimination and I don’t feel sexism is Canada’s biggest problem. –Jillian 3) The only injustice I can see that resides in the town of Woodstock with women is labeling. Just like Alex said, the Women here are called “skanks” and “sluts” by the way they dress or who they are hanging out with. There is nothing done about this when there should be. –Adam Ke 4) I am new in Woodstock so is hard for me to have an opinion like this, especially since I came from such a different country. I guess the only problem with women here is that they got fame or are called bad names for options of their on life and nobody else, -Stefano Brazilian boy 5) I really feel that women in Woodstock are for the most part treated as equals but as some of my class mates have mentioned, women sometimes face labeling here in our community. It is easy for girls to get judged here based on how we dress or talk. – Courtney S 6) In our community, I feel that women are singled out like in other places. I believe women here are treated more as equals then victims of sexism but there is still some situations of discrimination towards women. This includes being judged on how women dress, talk, and even the choices that they make. –Jocelyn C 7) I believe that in our community, women are judged quite harshly on our appearance, and actions. We are labeled as “sluts” or “bitches”, or as “stiffs” or “prudes”. There seems to be no middle ground. We can’t hang out with certain friends or dress the way we want to without fear of being labeled. We are continuously told to act this way or that way, and to look a certain way, yet when we do, we are labeled. – Emily J 8) I think that women as a whole are discriminated against, for example, they are less likely to be hired, or may be paid less money for the same job as a male. However, individually, on a day to day basis women are treated no different than men. Others in my class have commented that girls are more likely to be judged than guys. I don’t think that this is true. Males are judged about their physical personality and their actions are held against them in the same manner that women are.—Louis 9) I think there is double standard in women in today’s society as people still view women as sex objects instead of human beings like they should if a women is assertive they are called a bitch if a girl gets 6 guys they are called a slut but if it’s a guy there a man there is a double standard between man and women but hopefully that will changed they are judged on what they wear and act like if they were skimpy clothing some people do treat women with respect though. Peter 10) When it comes to most things, men and women are treated equal, except for when it comes to how girls can act, as opposed to how guys are allowed to act. If a girl has been with a lot of guys, then she can be called a slut or whore, but a guy can do the same thing and be considered normal, or cool. ~Dedreanna 11) I think a lot of girls in our community are labeled as whores and names like that. Some girls get that name and they have even slept with someone. It’s not fair to those girls to be labeled like that. But for the most part, women are treated the same as men.-Brittany.C. 12) The media is our biggest oppressor is Canada. We are free to work, dress, and act as we please, but we have become slaves to body image. And since men are primarily the ones who encourage certain images, we are still coveting to men and their desires. (Libby C) 13) I agree with many on their answers in that equality is an issue still in some situations. Also situations where they are perceived on their visual appearance and if they dress a certain way they are classed as dirt or, for lack of a better word, sluts. Aly T. 14) I don’t think there is really an oppression of women left in our country we are very accepting of females in any workplace. However there are still those women who do suffer at home many cases of domestic abuse are tossed aside. The women typically in these incidents choose to let their partners go unpunished for their abuse due to fear. We need to create a world where women do not have to consider physical strength as a set back. We all deserve to live peaceful lives where our status can be determined not by our sex, race, or religion but by our intellect as people. (Trevor K) 15) I think the women in this community are just about an equal to guys now a days. (I just mean that before they weren’t treated the same at all)They have all the same rights. I don’t think they are treated as a minority in my country too much, There are cases that I hear about but not so much now.(Jorden T) 16) I personally think that women and men have equal rights in Canada and, specifically, in Woodstock. I thin that sometimes women aren’t socially accepted for certain behaviors, such as a woman working in a place where normally men would only work, but I think that’s a change that society needs to make. Women are allowed to do anything that men are, and they are treated the same. (Emily D)

2. Are the rights of children, as dictated by the UN, enforced in your communities?

1)I do believe those rights are enforced in our communities completely. Children are seen as a very key part of our society because they are our future generation of people. We see very few counts of child prostitution and pornography. We put a lot of time and effort into making sure every child receives an education and social services try to ensure that every child lives in a safe home. Our community tries to instill awareness about safe sex, aids and other important issues. (courtney and jocelyn)

I agree that the rights of children, as dictated by the UN are enforced in our community. Our laws generally protect children but unfortunately there are individual violations. There are agencies to protect children; however, abuse still does occur. It is the responsibility of the community to report violations in order to protect children. in article 20 part 2 2. States Parties shall in accordance with their national laws ensure alternative care for such a child. in article 37 part b states b) No child shall be deprived of his or her liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily. The arrest, detention or imprisonment of a child shall be in conformity with the law and shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time; artilce 38 part 1 states 1. States Parties undertake to respect and to ensure respect for rules of international humanitarian law applicable to them in armed conflicts which are relevant to the child. (Peter C.)

3.)Yes the rights of children are enforced in our community. No community is perfect, every once in awhile there are cases, but the public outcry always helps to correct any unjust laws. The community is all for the right to education, health awareness and other issues. For example a few years ago there was a change in the sex education curriculum. Many People thought that it was to graphic for the youth. In the end, it was decided that children should be able to learn about it. ~Lieneke~

4) The rights of children are inforced in my community. We have laws that protect children living in dangerous and unjust situations where their lives may be in danger. All children in our community have the right to an education and all are treated the same in our schools for the most part. All children in our community also are able to know about all health concerns and problems that they may or may not have. So, yes, our community does follows the laws regarding the rights of children as dictated by the UN. ~Ebony

5) The rights of children are most definitely inforced in our community. Our elders believe that we are the future and want us to be successful. In schools we are always told to get involved and there are always positive activities and groups to be a part of. And just like what Courtney and Jocelyn said, our community tries to install awareness about safe sex, aids, drugs and alcohol, and other important issues which help us to try to create a better future for ourselves. (Adam)

6).

7)I agree that the rights of children are enforced in our community. If children are abused or used wrongly in any way the Police will step in, (if they find out about it.) Unfortunately, some children still get abused in many ways. But as a community, if we know it’s happening, it is up to us to report it to the Police or Social Services. (Brittany C.)

8) I believe the rights of children are well protected in our community. Article 6.2 states “States Parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child.” Children are very well protected. I think Family and Community Services plays an active role in Woodstock and does whatever they can to ensure that all children are safe and healthy. In Article 14.1 it says “States Parties shall respect the right of the child to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.”. In our school, there are strong policies protecting our rights to express ourselves, from personal opinions to religion. Teachers are not allowed to teach religion in classes, giving us an opportunity to embrace our own beliefs. Article 28.1 (a) says “Make primary education compulsory and available free to all;”. In all of Canada, primary and secondary education are compulsory up to the age of 16. After 16, the student has the choice whether to continue or not. (Jillian)

(10) I do think that the rights of children are protected. There are situations where child abuse occurs, but the child is usually taken out of that situation. Every child in Canada has the right to protection and an education.Children are the future.(Dedreanna)

11). I believe the rights of children are protected in our community. Children are our future, so we try to ensure that they are well protected and that there rights are enforced in our communities. Article 13.1 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that “The child shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of the child's choice.” This right is usually enforced in the schools and at home. Sexual Education classes in school give the children information on sexuality and sex, so that the children are able to receive information. Children are also encouraged in our community to explore new ideas and come up with there own. Article 18.3 states that “States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that children of working parents have the right to benefit from child-care services and facilities for which they are eligible.” Our government gives parents with children between certain ages money to provide their children with child care. Child care is provided here for parents who work late hours so that their child or children are taken care of in a safe environment, and not left alone. Article 9.3 states that “States Parties shall respect the right of the child who is separated from one or both parents to maintain personal relations and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, except if it is contrary to the child's best interests.” Children who have been separated from their parents, are given visiting rights in our community. If parents divorce, the child, under the law is able to visit or contact the parent on either a regular basis or certain days unless it would be against their best interest (abusive parents, parent/ parents involved with child pornography…). We try our best to ensure that their rights are enforced. Some time we fail, but we do our best. (Emily J.)

12) The rights of children, as dictated by the UN, are enforced in our community. There have been instances where Article 6 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child was disturbed and action was taken. The Article states that: “1. States Parties recognize that every child has the inherent right to life. 2. States Parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child. “ There have been a few times when a child’s life was in danger and Social Services and the Police got involved and the child was taken from the parents and out into good care. They have a right to live and if the parents cannot provide the essentials of life, than the child has a right to be where they can get that. Article 39 states that: “States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to promote physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of a child victim of: any form of neglect, exploitation, or abuse; torture or any other form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; or armed conflicts. Such recovery and reintegration shall take place in an environment which fosters the health, self-respect and dignity of the child.” This is definitely a big one where the child would be taken from the home and put in a home where the essentials to life are provided. Foster homes are an example of a place a child would be taken in the case that the parent(s) could not provide a healthy or good life for the child. Principal 5 of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child states that: “The child who is physically, mentally or socially handicapped shall be given the special treatment, education and care required by his particular condition.” Here we definitely see this. Handicapped children are coming to school to learn and socialize and are also receiving the help and special treatment that they require to get along in life. (Aly T.)

3. What happens to the youth in your school systems who try to stand up for what is right? http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/k2crc.htm http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/25.htm

4. What kind of programs does your school offer for students with learning disabilities?

5. What group of people are bullied or discriminated against the most? What does your school do to prevent this discrimination?

6. What role does religion play in the school's of your country?