Ninety years ago, the final natural-born man took his last breath, marking the end of an era. This event was a poignant reminder of a profound transformation that had begun half a century earlier. In a world where an oppressive system increasingly tightened its grip on women, a collective awakening occurred. Women, united in their resolve, made the radical decision to cease bringing male children into existence, reshaping the very fabric of society and challenging the patriarchal norms that had long dominated their lives.
What happened?
Fifty years before that, the country that would become Lunaria elected a convicted felon—an openly racist, misogynistic figure who was also a known rapist.
Around this time, violence against women had been escalating worldwide.
In France, a woman was repeatedly assaulted by men of all ages, races, and backgrounds at the behest of her husband.
In India, a doctor was horrifically violated and murdered while on a break, her case echoing across the country.
Wars driven by male leaders claimed the lives of countless women and children.
Reports of rape and violence were widespread, and the simmering hatred some men harbored for women was glaringly apparent.
Women who had dedicated their lives to raising children—often at the expense of their own health and autonomy—began to be seen as a threat to society when they were finally recognized for more than just their ability to bear children.
The feminist movement had backfired.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade exemplified that in this society led by men, women are not the masters of their fate.
The catalyst was 2024, the year women finally realized they were on their own.
The years prior had seen a slow erosion of progress—chipping away at rights that had taken generations to win.
30 years before 2024
In 1994, women finally gained legal protection against domestic abuse
36 years before 2024
In 1988, women could own their own businesses without a man.
50 years before 2024
in 1974, women were allowed to buy a home without needing a male co-signer.
52 years before 2024
Birth control became widely available to women without male permission in 1972
55 years before 2024
in 1969, when women gained the right to initiate divorce from their husbands
59 years before 2024
Black women were finally granted the right to vote in the United States, decades after their white counterparts
104 years ago
White women gained the right to vote
When you look at it from a broader perspective, 104 years is not a long time in mankind's history. In the grand scheme of things, it has passed in the blink of an eye. However, this time frame has been significant for men's egos.
Women's progress over these 104 years has been fragile and constantly at risk of regression.
This is why the catalyst was 2024.
The world wasn't ready for women to hold any power. At that moment, women realized that they were on their own.
Narrator's notes:
Headline October 18, 2024- The Guardian
Russia seeks to ban 'propaganda' promoting childfree lifestyles
Headline September 17, 2024 - CBC News
What we know about the 51 men accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot
Headline September 5th, 2024 - BBC News
Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei dies after being set alight by ex-boyfriend
Throughout this story, you will come to understand through these headlines
How Lunaria came to be.
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The Donors
Science FictionNinety years ago, the last naturally-born man took his final breath, and a new world began. Now, Lunaria thrives-a society led by women, for women, untouched by war, scarcity, or oppression. But there's one secret kept in the shadows. The Donors... ...
