Miss Maudie's Speech

Friends and fellow citizens of Maycomb, nowadays there are many social problems existing in the world. But today, I would like to discuss one of the biggest problems in my opinion, which is women’s rights. I am standing here before all of you to discuss about the right for women to serve on juries.

For centuries, men have always been regarded as stronger and smarter than women. In ancient times, while men went out in the wilderness to hunt, women have always stayed behind at home. However, times have changed and women are no longer cooped up at home. Girls go to school and are given an education. Women are able to go out to work. But still, we women are looked down upon. There is this assumption that women are weak and frail, that we cannot achieve what men can.

Women are humans, just like how men are humans too. Are we not allowed the same rights then? The basic duty of a jury is to provide a rational and impartial verdict to a case. Is it then that only men are capable of this and women are unable to? I have seen women displaying greater courage than some men have. A mother’s love for her child can drive her to achieve the impossible. Women may be physically weaker than men, but some of us have a stronger will and character.

Little has been done for women’s rights and there are still plenty of issues that society needs to improve. Women who do not conform to society’s stereotypes, who try to be different are regarded as odd and unfeminine. Equality in Maycomb may still be a far away dream. But no longer will we women dwell in the dark, dank and dreary corner of servitude and submission. We will make our voices heard and await the day when we can stand beside men and be considered as equals. I do not believe that society has the right or the authorization to impose any limitations on women.

This will be a step towards the day that there will be no sexism and no discrimination against women, no more stereotypes and prejudices of women which we face. The day when we are no longer all thought of as feeble or incapable. The day that women will have equal opportunities as the men and it will no longer be an issue for a woman to serve on a jury.

I look towards a better future for women, where we will not be judged with prejudiced eyes. Where men and women alike can work together without discrimination of gender. Where women are treated fairly and justly. Where we will no longer be denied our privileges right here in Maycomb.

Let us change the social view that a woman’s place is at home and she is confined to it. We are entitled to equal rights and opportunities. When this happens, women shall no longer have to suffer the injustice we face. When this happens, women shall no longer be enslaved to men. When this happens, women shall be allowed to be members of the jury. When this happens, women will no longer be restrained from doing what they want to do. Let us change for the better.