danireneewood's review against another edition
5.0
"There is a similar system of discrimination, extending far beyond a small geographical region to the entire globe; it touches every nation, perpetuating and expanding the trafficking in human slaves, body mutilation, and even legitimized murder on a massive scale. This system is based on the presumption that men and boys are superior to women and girls, and it is supported by some male religious leaders who distort the Holy Bible, the Koran, and other sacred texts to perpetuate their claim that females are, in some basic ways, inferior to them, unqualified to serve God on equal terms. Many men disagree but remain quiet in order to enjoy the benefits of their dominant status. This false premise provides a justification for sexual discrimination in almost every realm of secular and religious life.
Jimmy. Carter.
What a guy.
Reading about the work of The Carter Center and what it has achieved for women worldwide gave me such a feeling of hope. However, reading about how far we still have to go to ensure equality for women worldwide reminded me how much women still need to speak out, and how much we need male allies in order to get the job done.
"When our mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters are considered both different and inferior in the eyes of the God we worship, this belief tends to permeate society and everyone suffers."
Carter writes about the assumption that men's service to God is more in-line with his image, rather than that of women. This is highlighted by the various churches, namely the Catholic church, who prevent women from serving in the higher-ranked ordained roles. With the majority of the world practicing one religion or the other, it's important that those seeking social justice reach out to those practicing members and discuss with them the important role of women in this world, and the continuing fight for equality.
Carter does just that, and throughout this entire read he warms my heart while doing it. The fight for the choice for women to do with their body what they see fit, the importance of various birth control methods, education... we've covered so much ground since all women were given the right to vote, but Carter reminds us that we've still got ground left to cover.
There is no religion that despises women. Hatred cannot come from the heart of God. If there is hatred, its source is not the Creator. Only humans have the capacity to see and treat others as less than they truly are. It is our minds and hearts that must change to release women, girls, men, and boys from the bondage of gender-based limitations or violence. That change is happening, right now in this very moment, in thousands of homes, schools, synagogues, chapels, mosques, and centers of power around the world. That change is coming. Have faith. It will be here soon. - Ritu Sharma
Jimmy. Carter.
What a guy.
Reading about the work of The Carter Center and what it has achieved for women worldwide gave me such a feeling of hope. However, reading about how far we still have to go to ensure equality for women worldwide reminded me how much women still need to speak out, and how much we need male allies in order to get the job done.
"When our mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters are considered both different and inferior in the eyes of the God we worship, this belief tends to permeate society and everyone suffers."
Carter writes about the assumption that men's service to God is more in-line with his image, rather than that of women. This is highlighted by the various churches, namely the Catholic church, who prevent women from serving in the higher-ranked ordained roles. With the majority of the world practicing one religion or the other, it's important that those seeking social justice reach out to those practicing members and discuss with them the important role of women in this world, and the continuing fight for equality.
Carter does just that, and throughout this entire read he warms my heart while doing it. The fight for the choice for women to do with their body what they see fit, the importance of various birth control methods, education... we've covered so much ground since all women were given the right to vote, but Carter reminds us that we've still got ground left to cover.
There is no religion that despises women. Hatred cannot come from the heart of God. If there is hatred, its source is not the Creator. Only humans have the capacity to see and treat others as less than they truly are. It is our minds and hearts that must change to release women, girls, men, and boys from the bondage of gender-based limitations or violence. That change is happening, right now in this very moment, in thousands of homes, schools, synagogues, chapels, mosques, and centers of power around the world. That change is coming. Have faith. It will be here soon. - Ritu Sharma
worldlibraries's review against another edition
4.0
Jimmy Carter is the American President who introduced me to the ideas of 'human rights' and 'solar energy.' As President, he appointed five times (FIVE TIMES!) as many women as all of his Presidential predecessors combined. As the years pass, I continue to learn from him and my respect continues to increase.
I admire that President Carter has used his power and his faith to help the poor, marginalized, and least powerful people on the planet. His campaign to eradicate guinea worm and other horrible afflictions suffered by poor people on the African continent is deeply impressive and inspiring. In this action, of helping the people who need it the most (as opposed to helping the people who are of most strategic import for America) he is 'the word made flesh,' an incredible walking advertisement for his faith.
I'm proud that this call to action to the world's religious leaders to not use spiritual texts as a pretext for religious discrimination against women has come from an American leader. I can't see, for example, President Putin or the leader of China issuing this call to action. President Carter is currently 90 years old. Yet the ideas in this book are fresh and of-the-moment. Indeed, they are leading edge. This builds faith in my own culture.
President Carter showed a deep understanding of the issues women face worldwide and how success at combating their problems is measured. I particularly appreciated his not shying away from stating how America is not delivering for women, especially black women, in childbirth health and safety. He referred readers to the best sources so that they too could measure their own country's performance on delivering equitable outcomes for women.
Another beautiful thing about President Carter is that he doesn't need to be the 'star' and get all the credit for his work. It is uplifting to read about his work with 'the Elders,' organized by Nelson Mandela, to tackle some of the issues of culture that impact national development. 'The Elders' are leaders from around the world, many of whom of which have held elected office but are no longer doing so, who are using their 1,000 years of collected experience to tackle big cultural problems. When the Elders came together, they decided to tackle the issue of child marriage as the one where they could make the most impact. Working with 150 different NGOs, they are making progress. The creation of 'The Elders' is an inspired idea from most probably, tribal thinking. It's exciting to have an American at the table making impact.
I'm deeply grateful for President Carter and how he chosen to use and express his power out-of-office.
Another title that would be of interest to people who read this book is "From Outrage to Courage: the Unjust and Unhealthy Situation of Women in Poorer Countries and What They are Doing About It" by the Stanford professor of International Women's Health and Human Rights, Anne Firth Murray, a Kiwi and a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize (she founded the Global Fund for Women). Now that I think about it, she would make an OUTSTANDING member of "the Elders!"
Do you know a person of faith who could use their own copy of Jimmy Carter's book? Why not give it as a gift?
I admire that President Carter has used his power and his faith to help the poor, marginalized, and least powerful people on the planet. His campaign to eradicate guinea worm and other horrible afflictions suffered by poor people on the African continent is deeply impressive and inspiring. In this action, of helping the people who need it the most (as opposed to helping the people who are of most strategic import for America) he is 'the word made flesh,' an incredible walking advertisement for his faith.
I'm proud that this call to action to the world's religious leaders to not use spiritual texts as a pretext for religious discrimination against women has come from an American leader. I can't see, for example, President Putin or the leader of China issuing this call to action. President Carter is currently 90 years old. Yet the ideas in this book are fresh and of-the-moment. Indeed, they are leading edge. This builds faith in my own culture.
President Carter showed a deep understanding of the issues women face worldwide and how success at combating their problems is measured. I particularly appreciated his not shying away from stating how America is not delivering for women, especially black women, in childbirth health and safety. He referred readers to the best sources so that they too could measure their own country's performance on delivering equitable outcomes for women.
Another beautiful thing about President Carter is that he doesn't need to be the 'star' and get all the credit for his work. It is uplifting to read about his work with 'the Elders,' organized by Nelson Mandela, to tackle some of the issues of culture that impact national development. 'The Elders' are leaders from around the world, many of whom of which have held elected office but are no longer doing so, who are using their 1,000 years of collected experience to tackle big cultural problems. When the Elders came together, they decided to tackle the issue of child marriage as the one where they could make the most impact. Working with 150 different NGOs, they are making progress. The creation of 'The Elders' is an inspired idea from most probably, tribal thinking. It's exciting to have an American at the table making impact.
I'm deeply grateful for President Carter and how he chosen to use and express his power out-of-office.
Another title that would be of interest to people who read this book is "From Outrage to Courage: the Unjust and Unhealthy Situation of Women in Poorer Countries and What They are Doing About It" by the Stanford professor of International Women's Health and Human Rights, Anne Firth Murray, a Kiwi and a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize (she founded the Global Fund for Women). Now that I think about it, she would make an OUTSTANDING member of "the Elders!"
Do you know a person of faith who could use their own copy of Jimmy Carter's book? Why not give it as a gift?
teriboop's review against another edition
4.0
Former President Jimmy Carter champions women's rights in A Call to Action. This is a global issue that affects all nations, all religions, all societies and all generations. Women across the globe are often treated and paid less than their male counterparts. Women, like men, are afforded the same rights and freedoms as men as detailed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, set forth by the United Nations. Carter details the current status of the treatment of women globally in a number of areas including religion, politics, marriage, genocide, rape, "honor" killings, etc. Since leaving office, Carter and his wife Roslyn have worked tirelessly toward educating both men and women in the area of women's rights, and helping medically and socially worldwide through their organization, The Carter Center.
I am very impressed with this book. It is a very candid look at many issues facing women today. It is more than women not being paid as much as a man with the same job. It is women treated and stripped of any rights, often in the name of religion (all religions) but in many other areas. The Carters have devoted their lives to helping all people, all nations and particularly women. I have a new respect for President Carter, a true humanitarian.
I am very impressed with this book. It is a very candid look at many issues facing women today. It is more than women not being paid as much as a man with the same job. It is women treated and stripped of any rights, often in the name of religion (all religions) but in many other areas. The Carters have devoted their lives to helping all people, all nations and particularly women. I have a new respect for President Carter, a true humanitarian.
redavisyoung's review against another edition
3.0
This book had a wonderful beginning and an extremely intriguing premise, but near the middle it dissolved into a list of the Carter Center's accomplishments. There are some great quotes included from other experts, but Jimmy Carter never expanded upon his ideas as much as he could have or should have. It was a pretty disappointing book overall, though I did learn a lot of valuable things.
dustcircle's review against another edition
3.0
Too religious. Uses the same book to defend his humanitarian views that exploits the very women and minorities he's trying to defend. But there is no mistaking his heart -- he is anti-exploitation and anti-disrespect.
mrsbarry's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book for a school so I didn't read it as in depth as usual, but I still loved it. Jimmy Carter is such an intelligent and culturally aware man. I did not expect it to be as good as it was, but it was such a delightful read. I agreed with practically everything he said in the book. I also enjoyed the quotes he added into each chapter by other leaders. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a book about these issues.
amanda57's review against another edition
3.0
An informative but disorganized account of the work former President Jimmy Carter has done to promote women's rights worldwide through his philanthropic organization The Carter Center. I enjoyed this book but felt that it jumped from topic to topic, never delving deep enough into the many issues it proclaims to discuss.
izzyruby's review against another edition
3.0
I feel torn about this book. On the one hand, it talks about a lot of interesting policy and initiatives that can both be culturally responsive while enhancing opportunities for women, such as developing public health work forces. On the other, I don't know if this is a book about women and religion so much as women and culture and systems of power. While religion is included in this, Carter's scope is larger. I also found some of his points to be superficial, there was a lot more that could be written about it. And the big bold quotes throughout didn't really add anything, I would have liked to have seen them more layered into the text.