THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 8, 1995 TAG: 9501100497
SECTION: HAMPTON ROADS WOMAN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
CARLOTTA BRYCE
Community activist
In the year of 1995, I envision women throughout the world throwing off the shackles of the historical script, written, imaged and etched in the male-dominated world order. I want to see women rising out of the entanglement of the ``shoulds,'' such as ``housewife,'' ``little women,'' ``cooks,'' ``maids,'' ``good mothers,'' ``homemakers,'' or any ``good'' role confined to women only. I wish to see the eradication of all ``good wives.''
In place of these age-old myths, assigned by males, I would like to see women look in the universal mirror and nurture, caress and cultivate that image as she thinks it was meant to be and let that image reign. I further think this is necessary to balance humanity.
The 1995 woman will never lift another ``well-manicured finger'' to play maiden to the destructive nature of the male ego.
EMILY G. MILLS
President
Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach
All women can thrive in '95. We are employers, employees, volunteers, homemakers, wives and mothers. We are of many different races and religions. We live in poverty and in great comfort. Our diversity is so great, yet in 1995 women can band together to create positive changes in our community. I predict that:
Corporate women will demand more time during their work day to volunteer or in some way contribute to their community (men have been doing this for years).
Women will create coalitions to effectively lobby on local, state and national levels for projects, programs and funds to benefit women, children and families.
More moms on public assistance will become discontent with their lives and will find the strength and determination to acquire the education and skills needed to turn their lives around.
There are many organizations as well as individuals who are committed to bringing projects, programs and services to our communities. Women must continue to speak up on issues that are important to them.
It is imperative for all women to band together, giving each other encouragement, opportunity and appreciation. If each woman will commit to making her own life better as well as the life of someone else, then all women will thrive in 1995.
This is a quote (from Margaret Mead) worthy of posting where you will see it each day: ``Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by CNB