Global Economic Crisis •Bank Failures •Currencies on Verge of Collapse •Skyrocketing Unemployment •Women, People of Color, Most Impacted 3 Economic Inequality of Underclass Poverty and unemployment feed racism, sexism, and anger toward immigrants. Women, people of color, the young and the old suffer lower wages and more joblessness. A wage gap persists with American women making 77 cents on the dollar compared with male counterparts; African-American women make 62 cents; Hispanic women make only 53 cents for every dollar (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010.) Women on the Margins Women, at the center of economic fallout, need assistance to overcome discrimination in: education employment the housing market in our own families. Degradation by Mass Media The status and self esteem of women is attacked by advertising that uses women’s bodies to sell products. Underlying Stereotypes •The Sex Object •Happy Housewife •Barbie Doll •The Romantic •The Clinger •Dumb Blonde •Hysterical Woman •Nymphomanic •Madonna •The Princess Unpacking the Stereotypes Increase positive female role models in media, textbooks, and in all institutions. Eliminate discrimination in the workplace, schools and in access to appropriate housing. Provide day care for all families so women and men can work and take care of their children. Decrease the wage gap between women and men. Encourage women in leadership positions in companies, government and educational institutions Alternative to Capitalism Needed Capitalism is based on profit, selfishness and greed. The tragic result is that over half of the world’s population lives, suffers and dies in abject poverty. Prout, Progressive Utilization Theory, is a new socio-economic model based on: Economic self-reliance Cooperatives Environmental stewardship Social and economic justice Universal spiritual values. Economic Democracy Everyone guaranteed minimum necessities of life. Quality of life will be enhanced for all. Local people make their own economic decisions. No outside control of local economies. In a peoplecentered paradigm, women are key stakeholders. “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. A bird cannot fly on one wing.” –P. R. Sarkar Women’s Empowerment Economic Independence Quality Education to Girls and Women Consciousness Raising Spirituality Women Proutists Empowerment for Women: •Education •Spirituality •Economics •Consciousness Raising “Let womanhood be the vanguard of a new revolution which humanity must achieve for a glorious new tomorrow.”—P. R. Sarkar Embrace a New Day! For more information: www.proutwomen.org womenproutists@gmail.com 828-274-1683