Women and Globalization

On Saturday, August 22, Mary Terzian was one of two speakers who addressed a capacity audience at a discussion of globalization and the challenges it presents to Armenian women. The event was hosted by the Armenian General Benevolent Union Hye Geen in Pasadena. 

Mary Terzian addresses AGBU Hye Geen in Pasadena 8/22/2015 - Photo by Hong-My Basrai.

Although Armenian, Mary grew up Egypt and then traveled extensively while employed by the World Health Organization before finally settling in the United States. She is the author of two books, The Immigrant's Daughter (2005) and Politically Homeless, just published in June.

WCW's Hong-My Basrai, who is Vietnamese, attended the event and wrote about the experience in a post titled, Globalization and Women. She felt somewhat out of place, but not for the first time: "I had been among Vietnamese and felt totally lost... I had taken meal in a group of Indians and was left invisible because I did not look and talk the same way as the majority. I had been to writers' conference and struggled to participate because I was definitely an odd sample among Caucasians and veteran writers. ... Globalization. It will be a steep climb uphill. But it is here to stay."

Here is a summary of Mary's speech...

The Case for Globalization and the Role of Armenian Women
by Mary Terzian

Globalization is the process of extending the existing national trade system to an international borderless arena. It involves the removal of trade barriers, tariffs and other obstacles toward a smoother flow of international business exchanges. In reality it is a new word for an old trade that has existed since the Phoenicians started exploring the world. With today’s increased telecommunications and easier access to wider horizons, countries could use their best trading resources, and have a larger international market to buy the goods and services of their choice.
 
Globalization has its advantages and drawbacks. It certainly imposes change in attitudes, shifts in thinking and overhaul in management style. Proper training in diplomacy and knowledge of languages is required to handle world negotiations. Today news and information reach the remotest villages in the world at lightning speed. Are the results all positive? Have these venues benefitted from the changes or are there complaints about the lost charm of a quiet village? Perspectives differ by age, the older generation sticking to their traditions and the younger generation eager to experiment with wider opportunities.  We could learn a lot by keeping an open attitude instead of sneering at children outrunning our knowledge.
 
Globalization is not an imposition but an opportunity. We can be selective in our approach to accept the “benefits of globalization” and we can reserve the right to exclude influences deemed harmful. We are already globalized through the internet, and exciting innovations are coming down the line daily, changing the world of our childhood. It is probable that globalization will eventually impose one universal language to facilitate interaction between nations and force us to neglect our own or it may impose attitudes that are alien o us. Some changes are voluntary, others call for improvements, like being forced into learning a new language, familiarity with trade exchanges, resources in case of disputes, facing the digitalization of an enterprise, and flexibility with handling equipment inexistent a decade ago. Adjustment to new conditions may be uncomfortable at first, very much like visiting a different country. Living in a multicultural environment changes “normal”  life somewhat, includes compromise with the situation and tolerance for the different conditions. To assume that we do not need improvement is a gross misconception. There is always room for growth. Should we avoid change and stay isolated within our comfort zone, “because we have always done it this way,” or should we jump on the bandwagon in a world that is technologically racing to the moon and beyond?

As for mutually profitable operations, an ideal exchange would be beneficial to both participating parties, if it fulfills each other's needs. For example, if a country has excessive production of silver but not enough use for it, and another country is desperate for the metal for use in manufacturing parts, or has designers to turn silver into marvelous ornaments but does not have the alloy, the exchange would be a success story. No country is completely self-sufficient. We may buy foreign goods and cheaper services, resulting in lower cost to the benefit of all, but such a policy does not always end successfully. During the last decade the massive transfer of American manufacturing companies abroad where labor is cheaper, created a counter crisis in the United States, shrinking job opportunities locally.  So Globalization is a double edged sword, one that increases opportunities but one that may also negatively affect another sphere of operation.
   
Whether globalization will be a threat to national sovereignty, or a blessing that will lead us to emancipation, we need to face the wave, and tame it to our benefit. Avoiding untrodden territoryand living in the past does not improve our future. We need to keep pace with the world. We cannot fight new wars with rusty weapons. Nature rejuvenates itself every spring. We could do the same by updating our outdated attitudes and by looking forward to greener pastures. 
                    
If the fear of globalization stems from lack of self-confidence to measure up to more powerful nations, we The Armenians, have solid proof that despite our small number our successes on the world stage have been impressive. We have produced world champions in chess games, considered to be the acme of intellect. We have snatched prizes at film festivals, won medals in the Olympics, have participated in musical competitions with Duduk and Kanon and have earned recognition in several other areas in Armenia or in the Diaspora. Mikoyan, Saroyan, Khachaturian, Aznavour and many other personalities have become household names. The fact that these exploits were realized less than two generations after the brutal massacres that left a nation in shambles is very significant. Yes we are a small nation compared to China, India and the United States of America, but our creative ability is unfathomable, our will is made of iron and our stubborn determination is confirmed by the familiar adage: “he extracts bread from stone.

Being open to change does not mean selling one's soul to the devil. It means adding to the qualifications we possess already, and to the refinement of others that we direly need in a civilized world: discipline, organization, transparency in transactions and avoidance of bribes, fraud, waste and abuse. Can we live up to  gender equality, respect for human rights, to due and timely completion of contractual obligations and to a modus operandi that is devoid of greed, self-edification, and usurpation of rights?  In life's dynamic flow even if the environment does not change we do. With maturity come wisdom, experience and clearer judgement through the magnified lens of experience. By keeping the communication lines and our minds open, we can compete in an international world. What would the alternative be if we didn’t fight harder? With proper management of resources and, with the placement of reasonable barriers against the onslaught of heavy foreign influences that undermine our core values, we can prosper in globalization without sacrificing our autonomy or individuality.

It is a pleasure to note that Armenian women have faced the challenges to keep pace with a progressive world. Outgrowing their secondary role as housewife and mother, they have become equal partners with their husbands, challenged administrative roles  and have reached a platform where they are recognized for their own achievements rather than on borrowed fame like Dr. X‘s wife or the senator’s daughter. As for the future, “stay tuned.”

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