In the wake of the recent popularity of the new documentary, Vaniqa (The End of Patriarchy), which explores the growing influence of women in Brazilian society, it’s time for a reality check. While the film offers an entertaining glimpse into the life of Brazilian modern-day heroines, it also serves as a wake-up call to those who have been living in la-la-land about the true state of affairs in Brazil and other parts of the Western world.
The film explores the issue of gender equality in relation to the issue of abortion, and director Ana Chermont addresses the issue of men having abortions in a scene from Vaniqa.
As in many other Latin American countries, in Brazil women enjoy a higher socio-economic standing than men. According to the United Nations, in 2016 Brazil had the second-highest number of millionaire households out of the 34 countries that were included in the study, with 4.8% of the country’s population living in millionaire households. In relation to the other Latin American countries, this makes Brazil one of the most wealthy regions of the continent.
Not only are women more likely to be found in a higher social standing in society, but there are also more opportunities for them to succeed in life. The gender pay gap in Brazil is one of the lowest in the world, with women only having to work for 77% of what men earn. This makes Brazil one of the most attractive countries for prospective immigrants or employers.
However, this doesn’t mean that gender equality has been achieved in all areas of Brazil. While women make up the majority of university students in the country, men still outnumber women in some fields, particularly nursing and medicine. Moreover, the gender pay gap persists within both the public and private sectors. In addition, there is relatively little support for women who do decide to have children, with most private fertility clinics closing down and doctors refusing to treat women unless they are married or in a long-term relationship. Finally, the film questions why there is such a strong emphasis on material success in modern society, particularly in relation to women, when so much of human happiness is actually derived from non-material sources.
Why Did the Documentary Focus On Abortion?
While you may think that a documentary about abortion would be a taboo subject, especially in today’s climate, the truth is that it’s something that all societies have struggled with. As with many other issues, the position that the documentary takes is that while it’s desirable to eliminate inequalities between the sexes, this does not mean that all forms of equality should be achieved.
In modern society, there has been a trend towards viewing equality in a binary way, as either-or options. The position advocated by the film is that rather than choosing between men and women, we should be striving for an equal society that supports both men and women, and understands and respects their differences.
What Does The Film Reveal About The Future Of Gender Inequality In Brazil?
One of the main issues that the film raises is the question of whether or not gender equality is achievable given the position of women in Brazil today. While Brazil may be one of the most successful countries in terms of gender equality, that does not mean that it’s easy. Women are far from being given equal rights, with discrimination remaining a significant problem and under-representation still being the norm.
The film explores whether or not gender equality is something that can be achieved through education and encouragement, or if it will always be a question of social and legal change. To that end, it presents a strong case for the need to continue challenging the attitudes and behaviors of those who may still see women as being lesser beings, or as having fewer rights than men.
Where Can I Watch This Documentary?
As well as exploring gender equality, the film argues that the media and entertainment industries should be exploring issues such as abortion from a male perspective. However, while the documentary was made with an eye on modern day heroines, the main protagonist is actually a man named Felipe, who happens to be one of the world’s greatest fighters against gender-based oppression. The reason why the film focuses on so many female characters is because they are the ones who have the most experience in terms of gender equality. Felipe is played by Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone, who also happens to be one of the film’s executive producers. You may want to check it out if you’re a big fan of his movies, or if you’re just looking for something a little different to watch.
What Do You Think?
Overall, the documentary raises some interesting questions, not least of which is how far gender equality can actually be achieved in today’s world. While the film may not convince everyone that women are as capable as men, it presents a challenge to those who may still believe that women should be subservient to men.