‘Feminists need to push back’: how did the women’s movement become so divided – and how can it reunite?
Just a few years ago, women would fight for other women whatever their background or politics. Today, many loudly dismiss the struggles of those who
Just a few years ago, women would fight for other women whatever their background or politics. Today, many loudly dismiss the struggles of those who are not like them. But the solidarity is still there, if you look hard enough One June day in 2015, I stood outside Yarl’s Wood immigration removal centre near Bedford and heard the women inside singing.
“Set her free,” said the graffiti on the walls. “Shut it down.” I had often visited the centre and heard the desperate stories of women who were held inside it. But that day felt hopeful rather than despairing, as hundreds of women – refugees, campaigners, lawyers, members of parliament, actors, writers – gathered around the centre to demand freedom for the women locked up.
When I set up the organisation Women for Refugee Women, I was driven by my faith in solidarity among women. The organisation works with women seeking asylum in Britain to tell their stories and campaign for justice and safety. For years I felt that faith being proved in practice.
Women turned up for other women at events and demonstrations; they were volunteering and campaigning, marching and supporting. Continue reading...
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