Security - Introduction

Since 9/11, "security" has become a national buzzword. WomenMatter presents the Security Life Issue in all its complexity – it is a fabric woven from many strands.

Security is a women’s issue because it is part of our daily lives and part of our primary responsibilities. We are dealing with security when we consider the physical safety of our children and elderly parents, and when we think about the police, fire protection and medical emergency services in our neighborhoods. We are enmeshed in security when we fight for clean air and water by shutting down dangerous sites near us.

Women are expected to protect our families and our communities in ways that are up close and personal, in addition to our professional lives. We organize the block, show up at schools and local town councils to demand better protection for our tax dollars, and tell everybody to buckle up.

Women are in charge of worrying and - of course - contingency planning in case Plan A goes awry. We even think ahead about how to make ends meet when our jobs are at risk. So - WomenMatter analyzes Security’s many components - each of which may contribute to or detract from the stability in our chosen lifestyles.