La femme fatale

The fact that women, besides disabled or elderly persons, children, Roma people or national minorities etc, are being considered a vulnerable group has always intrigued me. 

To some extent, I can understand the explanation behind it – a simple search on the internet, on this issue, leads you to several human rights organizations, which state that “these are particular groups who, for various reasons, are weak and vulnerable or have traditionally been victims of violations and consequently require special protection for the equal and effective enjoyment of their human rights.” (Icelandic Human Rights Centre)

Briefly said, these groups are especially vulnerable to abuse of human rights.

It just seems unfair to put it this way as we all are human beings. After all, it’s not all about the physical strength if it’s up to be said what would be the main characteristic that differentiate men from women which offers them the supreme advantage of not being categorized as such.

We've all seen women in leading roles in politics or achieving excellent results in science for example. What about femme fatale? Does that kind of woman look vulnerable to you?

Rene Lalique Art Nouveau Dragonfly Brooch

GOLD, PEARL AND ENAMEL BROOCH/PENDANT, PLISSON ET HARTZ, CIRCA 1900

An art nouveau enamel, diamond and gem-set pendant brooch, via Bonhams

Erté ‘Adventurine State II’ Necklace

DIAMOND BROOCH/ PENDANT, HENRIE-AUGUSTE SOLIÉ, CIRCA 1900

Art Nouveau Pendant circa 1905