The following excerpt from a much longer article in the Christian Science Monitor is a well-formulated description of the the crucial role of human rights defenders. The author, Courtney Martin, comes to the passage quoted below after analyzing how engrained the tradition of ‘child brides’ is and comparing it to her own (feminist) opposition to the the institution of marriage as such. In the process she makes a number of valid points about other big social changes (foot binding; female circumcision).
“Those who study how traditions shift have found that, rather than a tipping point, there is often a “tipping person” who makes all the difference. In other words, those with clout in the community can be pivotal influencers in shifting whole communities’ perspectives and practices. According to a 2009 report by The International Center for Research for Women that looked closely at such examples, “Mobilizing the support of influential males in the innovation system was a powerful, commonly employed strategy that enabled more dramatic results in women’s empowerment.”
We look at social change with a macro lens so often, but rarely do we zoom in on this micro truth – large-scale change requires individuals who are willing to take a chance on a new idea or practice. It requires individual discomfort and courage and flexibility. This is what maturity – in an individual or in a society – is really about. We must deeply consider the radical power of abandoning some traditions and re-imagining others.“
For those who are interested in the full article:
Feminist and child-marriage proponents have something in common | Alaska Dispatch.
Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards 