Breaking Barriers: A History Of the Status Of Women And the Role Of The

In 1946, speaking before the United Nations, Eleanor Roosevelt observed that "women throughout the world are in different stages of participation" in human affairs. Four decades later, the remark is still sadly true. Yet, as Breaking Barriers makes clear, there has also been some real progress made. Using archival footage from the creation of the United Nations in 1945, clips of women in various cultures throughout the world, and interviews with women from many countries who are actively working to advance women's rights, the video examines historical and cultural barriers which have hampered women along the uneven road toward equality. Religion (Orthodox Jews still give thanks to God for not making them women), marriage traditions (J.S. Mill called marriage "a school of despotism"), and rituals (such as the mutilation of female genitals practiced in some areas in Africa) have all contributed to the predominantly patriarchal paradigm that has held sway for most of written history. But as long as the injustices continue, so too will the battle be enjoined. That is the inspiring message that the women interviewed in the program bring to viewers. Recommended. (R. Pitman)