The definition of feminism is ‘the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes’, therefore a feminist is someone who believes in equal rights regardless of gender. This is no war against men, but the belief that women and men should have exactly the same opportunities. If you believe in equal rights for men and women, you are a feminist!
Laura Bates is founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, which is a website that catalogues sexism, allowing both women and men the chance to speak about and share with others their experiences, how small and seemingly trivial. Having met Laura, and heard her speak passionately and powerfully about her beliefs, it is clear that the chance to speak out is one step on the very long road to gender equality. The website shows that sexism does exist: so often we are told that men and women are equal in today’s society, and although it is obvious that it is not true, the stories on the website prove that.
As The Telegraph reports that the ‘No More Page Three’ campaign, supported by
Miss Bates, continues to have a limited impact on the attitudes of the national
newspaper editors, it is clear that equality is as far off as it was in the 19th
century, when the suffragette movement began. What has changed in the time
between Emmeline Pankhurst and Laura Bates? Legally a woman’s place in society
has improved – our right to vote, for example. However, it is common knowledge
that women continued to be persecuted.
Laura Bates, whilst an undergraduate, was so struck by the lack of any real
respect for women that she set up the Everyday Sexism Project. Although predominantly used by women,
the project is open to men as well, and the aim is to get people talking about
sexism – it does exist, and although its prevalence is worrying, it also
provides a platform for other victims to recognise that they are not alone. The
website is full of contained, sensible, but passionate anger. Shocking
statistics are rife, to reinforce the point that women are still subordinate to
men, and this so-called ‘advanced age’. Only 22% of MPs in the House of Commons
are women, and although women are told to have their cake and eat it, only
around 13% of FTSE 100 corporate board members are female. Women: don’t take
this abuse lying down! Why do women still allow men to subjugate them? Ever
been labelled ‘uptight’, ‘prudish’, a ‘bra-burner’, or maybe even worse? Ever
been told to stop whining and get on with it? Ever been told – this one is my
personal pet hate – to ‘get back in the kitchen, love’? Well, enough is enough!
Share your story on the Everyday Sexism Project website.
This is just what Sam did, and I have shared her story here
to highlight the nature of the problem Laura is tackling:
“I'm
14 and just finished my first year of high school. All
year I've had guys feeling me up, grabbing my boobs, unbuttoning my
blouse buttons, and coming into the girls locker room and unhooking my bra. One
guy even put my hand on him and told me to suck him off. I told my most trusted
teacher about it, and she went with me to talk to the headmaster. He stated
that "if my physical appearance was provoking them, it was my job to
change it" and "not their fault they were provoked." He suggested
a breast reduction to a 14 year old girl. My teacher and I were both disgusted,
and I shouldn't have to change myself in order to feel safe. I'm shouting back
because I have no more options left.”
Horrific, no?
Furthermore, this is not just a problem for women. Sexism
can also be directed at, and seriously affect, men, and men can be the victims
of sexual harassment and even rape. It may not be as ‘normal’ for a working
woman to make unwanted remarks of a sexual nature at a male colleague or
passer-by, but Laura is keen to stress that men can be the victims of
sexism too.
So what is the Everyday Sexism Project doing to prevent
sexism in 2013? Laura believes that the very existence of her website has
helped break down stereotypes and allow the targets of sexism a voice to shout
back. An unwanted comment from a stranger in the street might make someone feel
ashamed, embarrassed or angry, and the website is the perfect place for these
people to ‘air their dirty laundry’, and find comfort in sharing their problem and
reading the saddening but often inspiring stories that others have posted.
It’s time to all stand up together, time for change. It’s
not ok to be sexist anymore. I am proud to be a feminist. I don’t think that
women are better than men, but I don’t think that men are better than women
either. I believe that everyone deserves to be equal. What is so controversial
about that?
