"And so to those who suggest that we are somehow 'harming' young women by encouraging them to take charge of their health we say this: We are not harming young women by educating them. We are arming them with information that they will carry with them throughout their lives"
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In this quote, Debbie Wasserman Schultz attends to a criticism often levied at health education programs focused on young women, particularly the notion that encouraging young women to take control of their health may be hazardous. Schultz's response to this assertion is both a defense of and an advocacy for empowering girls through education.
She begins by acknowledging the claim that some people think promoting health awareness to girls might in some way be destructive. It's possible that the criticism originates from concerns about putting excessive duty on young women or possibly exposing them to sensitive information before they are ready. Critics may also worry that going over topics such as reproductive health, psychological health, or self-care might lead to unintended effects.
However, Schultz counters these concerns by stressing the distinction between "damaging" and "equipping". To "hurt" recommends causing damage or drawback, whereas to "arm" indicates equipping or preparing somebody with the tools they require for defense and success. Here, education is portrayed as a vital tool-- an armor that can empower girls, using them understanding that is crucial not just in their developmental years but throughout their lives.
By focusing on education, Schultz underscores its long-lasting advantages. Armed with accurate information, young women are much better able to make informed decisions about their health, supporter on their own in medical settings, and develop a foundation for long-lasting well-being. In essence, she argues that understanding is a powerful property, providing young women with the ability to challenge and navigate the intricacies of health with confidence and clearness.
Schultz's declaration is a call to embrace efforts that cultivate notified, proactive mindsets toward health amongst girls. She promotes for a forward-thinking method that not only addresses immediate health concerns but likewise gears up young women with the lifelong ability to care for themselves. Through this empowerment, girls are much better placed to lead much healthier, more educated lives.
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