A Declaration of Human Rights for Girls of the Church by Mary Sue Barnett ARCWP

Mary Sue Barnett ARCWP


You have the right to be educated about gender issues

You have the right to be educated about gender-based violence

You have the right to be free of gender-stereotyping that would constrict your growth and potential

You have the right to express your femaleness on your own terms

You have the right to be treated like a human being:

-to be free of catcalls and lewd gestures from men and boys

-to be free of gazes and gawks from men and boys

You have the right to anger and resistance if you are treated like an object

You have the right to speak your voice free of ridicule and retaliation by boys and men

You have the right to be free of sexual harassment and sexual abuse in your home, school, playground, sidewalk, church, doctor’s office, sports teams, and EVERYWHERE.

You have the right to your own bodily boundaries

You have the right to be believed

You have the right to be listened to and understood deeply

You have the right to be protected from sexism by caring adults everywhere you go

You have the right to tell a trusted adult if someone has hurt you

You have the right to healing and justice if someone has hurt you

You have the right to tell a trusted adult if your dad mistreats your mom

You have the right to be respected in mind and spirit

You have the right to feel safe and be safe as a girl

You have the right to contribute to your community on an equal basis with boys

You have the right to have your femaleness equally and respectfully represented in text and symbol

You have the right to be free and happy in your own body

You have the right to evolve and pursue your dreams

You have the right to be in environments where women are safe, strong, visible, vocal, and free of male-domination

You have the right to be celebrated as a girl human being

And God? . . . SHE agrees. 

by Rev. Mary Sue Barnett