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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Half the Sky summary
Nicholas D. Kristof
Sheryl WuDunn
Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
15 mins
Brief summary
"Half the Sky" by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn is a powerful account of the challenges facing women around the world and the inspiring efforts of individuals and organizations working to promote gender equality and empower women.
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Half the Sky
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Key idea 1 of 6
Sex slavery exists because certain women are viewed as “discounted humans.”
Today, the number of enslaved women trafficked into brothels every year is greater than the number of African slaves who were sent to plantations in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many die from AIDS when they’re only in their twenties. How is this possible?
It’s important to understand the difference between prostitution and sex slavery. The former is mostly voluntary: women may be economically pressured into it, but they’re not physically forced to do it. China has the highest number of prostitutes of any country.
Sex slaves, on the other hand, are often locked in a room and forced to work around fifteen hours a day, seven days a week. They’re often unpaid, and frequently beaten and humiliated. India has the highest number of sex slaves.
Humiliation is key to keeping women trapped in these situations. Once you break someone’s spirit, you can coerce them into almost anything. Some women are even manipulated into going out into the street with a smile on their faces and bring men back to the brothel.
One 15-year-old Thai girl reported that she was forced to eat dog feces just to break her will.
The sex slave trade operates on an implicit contract: men satisfy themselves with lower-class girls so upper-class girls can maintain their virtuousness.
In fact, in India, border officers often allow traffickers and their slaves to get in. They’re tougher on terrorists, weapons and smuggled or pirated goods like copied DVDs. That’s because, like many, they believe that prostitution is inevitable: it’s the only outlet for men who don’t get married until they’re around 30. They also believe that it keeps good, middle-class Indian girls safe by sacrificing peasant girls (who are often Nepalese) instead.
People get away with this in the modern world for the same reasons people got away with enslaving Africans centuries ago: slaves are perceived as discounted humans.
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What is Half the Sky about?
Half the Sky is about unlocking the greatest untapped resource on Earth: women. It outlines some of the most serious problems facing women throughout the world, such as human trafficking and gender-based violence, and why it’s so difficult for the world to overcome them, and what we stand to gain if we do.
Half the Sky Review
Half the Sky (2009) sheds light on the oppression faced by women worldwide and highlights their bravery and resilience. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- By presenting compelling stories of women fighting for their rights, it offers a glimpse into the harsh realities they face, sparking empathy and understanding.
- Backed by extensive research and interviews, it provides a comprehensive analysis of gender inequality, equipping readers with knowledge to drive change.
- With its call to action and practical solutions, it empowers individuals to take steps towards creating a more equitable world, turning awareness into action.
Best quote from Half the Sky
Maternal mortality is an injustice that is tolerated only because its victims are poor, rural women.
—Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
Who should read Half the Sky?
- Women and men everywhere
- Anyone interested in feminism and gender equality
- Anyone who wants to make the world a better place
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Half the Sky FAQs
What is the main message of Half the Sky?
The main message of Half the Sky is that women's rights are crucial for global progress and that everyone has a role to play in the fight for gender equality.
How long does it take to read Half the Sky?
The reading time for Half the Sky varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Half the Sky a good book? Is it worth reading?
Half the Sky is an eye-opening and impactful book that sheds light on pressing global issues. It is definitely worth reading for its powerful insights and call to action.
Who is the author of Half the Sky?
Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn are the authors of Half the Sky.
What to read after Half the Sky?
If you're wondering what to read next after Half the Sky, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Limitless Mind by Jo Boaler
- Radical Candor by Kim Scott
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
- The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene
- Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
- Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
- What’s Going on in There? by Lise Eliot
- Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT by Larry Wheeler
- Manufacturing Consent by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky