The labour movement must be a safe space for women

[steve colborn]

If the document was not amended, as you state you believe it would not be, then I could not, in good conscience, sign or support it. As I do not accept religion, because it relies on faith, not fact, I could not support a document, unamended, that asks for blind belief, rather than being supportive, whilst at the same time seeking the truth. This does not, however, still my revulsion at rape, nor the actions of the SWP. Steve.

[jondwhite]

http://womeninthelabourmovement.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/our-movement-must-be-a-safe-space-for-women/ 

[steve colborn]

I have read the above link and wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment of, understanding and supporting women who are, "placed in this invidious situation". What I cannot and will not agree with, is the part of this document that states, "we must believe women", just because the claim is made and with no resolution, or evidence, as to the same.I try to place myself in their place, vulnerable, even more so than male members of the "working class" within Capitalism but cannot, because of my caveat and fairmindedness, agree to give carte-blanche acceptance and agreement to their accusations. Each case must be placed and judged by, it's contextual and evidential criterion.This may seem to "fudge" the issue but is, to my mind, the only right and proper way to proceed!In solidarity to my sisters in the struggle, Steve.

[Socialist Party Head Office]

Communication received at Head Office by email:

Quote:

19 year old Tunisian Amina who posted a topless photo of herself bearing the slogan “my body belongs to me, and is not the source of anyone’s honour” has been threatened with death.Islamist cleric Adel Almi, president of Al-Jamia Al-Li-Wassatia Tawia Wal-Islah, has called for Amina’s flogging and stoning to death saying Amina’s actions will bring misfortune by causing “epidemics and disasters” and “could be contagious and give ideas to other women…”We, the undersigned, unequivocally defend Amina, and demand that her life and liberty be protected and that those who have threatened her be immediately prosecuted.On 4 April 2013, we call for an International Day to Defend Amina.Amina represents us all.On the day and beyond, groups and individuals can join in by highlighting her case, posting topless photos of themselves and their activism on social media sites, signing a petition, Tweeting #Amina, writing letters in her defence, and more.On 4 April, we will remind the Islamists and the world that the real epidemic and disaster that must be challenged is misogyny – Islamic or otherwise.SignedAliaa Magda Elmahdy, Egyptian Nude Photo Revolutionary Alina Isabel Pérez, Filmmaker Amanda Brown, We are Atheism Founder Annie Sugier, President of Ligue du Droit International des Femmes Arash T. Riahi, Film Director Caroline Fourest, Writer and Journalist; most recent film: “Our Breasts; Our Arms” Darina Al-Joundi, Lebanese Actress and Author of “The Day Nina Simone Stopped Singing” Deeyah, Music Composer and Filmmaker; most recent film “Banaz: A Love Story” about an honour killing Elia Tabesh, Iranian Women in Support of Nude Photo Revolutionary Calendar Equal Rights Now – Organisation against Women’s Discrimination in Iran Fariborz Pooya, Iranian Secular Society Farzana Hassan, Writer Fatou Sow, President of the Groupe de recherche sur les femmes et les lois au Sénégal FEMEN Fiammetta Venner, Filmmaker and Writer Greta Christina, Writer and Blogger Houzan Mahmoud, Spokesperson of Organisation for Women’s Freedom in Iraq Inna Shevchenko, FEMEN Spokesperson International Committee against Execution International Committee against Stoning Jacek Tabisz, President of Polish Rationalist Society Joseph Paris, Radical Cinema Kareem Amer, Egyptian Blogger Kian Azar, Communist Youth Organisation Marian Tudor, President of Romanian Association for Workers’ Emancipation Marieme Helie Lucas, Algerian Sociologist and founder of Secularism is a Women’s Issue Maryam Namazie, Campaigner and Spokesperson for Equal Rights Now – Organisation against Women’s Discrimination in Iran and initiator of Nude Photo Revolutionary Calendar Mina Ahadi, Spokesperson of International Committee against Stoning  and International Committee against Execution Nadia El-Fani, Tunisian Filmmaker; most recent films “Neither Allah nor Master” and “Our Breasts; Our Arms” Nahla Mahmoud, Sudanese Researcher and Human Rights Activist Nina Sankari, President of European Feminist Initiative Poland and Secularist Richard Dawkins, Scientist Rumy Hassan, Writer Safia Lebdi, Co-founder of Neither Whores nor Submissives Secularism is a Women’s Issue Soad Baba Aïssa, Women’s Rights Campaigner Sohaila Sharifi, Iranian Women’s Rights Campaigner Sundas Hoorain, Pakistani Human Rights Lawyer Tarek Fatah, Writer Taslima Nasrin, Bangladeshi Writer

[ALB]

It seems that the ex-Muslims have got things well in hand on their front. Good luck to them.

[SocialistPunk]

ALB wrote:

It seems that the ex-Muslims have got things well in hand on their front. Good luck to them.

So much for solidarity.I expect rejecting any religion that you were born into is a big life changing commitment, and may see such individuals more open to real socialist ideas. If contact showing solidarity and support is not attempted how can the WSM expect to make any inroads with sections of the working class that may be more immediately open to an alternative to the misery that is thrown up by a controlling minority, of religious, political or economic minded control freaks.Good luck to the WSM.

[Ed]

SocialistPunk wrote:

ALB wrote:

It seems that the ex-Muslims have got things well in hand on their front. Good luck to them.

So much for solidarity.I expect rejecting any religion that you were born into is a big life changing commitment, and may see such individuals more open to real socialist ideas. If contact showing solidarity and support is not attempted how can the WSM expect to make any inroads with sections of the working class that may be more immediately open to an alternative to the misery that is thrown up by a controlling minority, of religious, political or economic minded control freaks.Good luck to the WSM.

So we should sign it in solidarity? Or to try to take advantage of their desperate situation in the hope of converting a few people?Insubstantial gestures or cynical opportunism.

[Anonymous]

Ed, are you suggesting the SPGB should not take advantage of the horrors of capitalism in order to bring about a socialist majority? :)I do understand where you are coming from.  Perhaps the party could simply give our sisters the same conditional support it gives the TU movementAnyway, here is an update:  http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/03/25/topless-tunisian-femen-protester-amina-psychiatric-ward–femen-_n_2949465.html

[Ed]

TheOldGreyWhistle wrote:

Ed, are you suggesting the SPGB should not take advantage of the horrors of capitalism in order to bring about a socialist majority?

haha good point

TheOldGreyWhistle wrote:

I do understand where you are coming from.  Perhaps the party could simply give our sisters the same conditional support it gives the TU movement

But we don't give support to trade unions in the form of signing petitions to the authorities. Especially not asking for prosecutions, no matter how vile the crime. If the petition was for the abolition of capitalism and class society with this incident as the focal point, then yeah, it might be worth consideration. But really all this is, is a plea to further liberalization.I think an article for the standard and a blog post voicing our concern with the treatment of women at the hands of ideologues would be more appropriate.

[steve colborn]

I can understand your point of view Ed and empathise with it. However, SP also has a point! It is irrelevant whether the SPGB issues full and unequivocal support for anyone, in fact, they cannot. But as SP states, in order to build a class conscious movement, we must reach out to those that are, or seem to be at odds with the Capitalist system!It's not exactly a case of, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend", but anyone who has grievances with aspects of Capitalism, or Capitalism in it's entirety, is surely more fertile ground for Socialists to put their case to, than those who accept Capitalism, unequivocally.We are not a sect, we Socialists, we are fighters for a better, saner world. Bridges are what we should be building, not "intellectual and exclusive walls".Steve.

[SocialistPunk]

Ed wrote:

SocialistPunk wrote:

ALB wrote:

It seems that the ex-Muslims have got things well in hand on their front. Good luck to them.

So much for solidarity.I expect rejecting any religion that you were born into is a big life changing commitment, and may see such individuals more open to real socialist ideas. If contact showing solidarity and support is not attempted how can the WSM expect to make any inroads with sections of the working class that may be more immediately open to an alternative to the misery that is thrown up by a controlling minority, of religious, political or economic minded control freaks.Good luck to the WSM.

So we should sign it in solidarity? Or to try to take advantage of their desperate situation in the hope of converting a few people?Insubstantial gestures or cynical opportunism.

Hi EdI had already considered the fact such gestures could be seen as opportunist. The link for this threads original invitation regarding women in the labour movement, shows potential evidence of left wing opportunism. But post 19 on this thread says the statement regarding Amina was sent to the SPGB.

Socialist Party… wrote:

Communication received at Head Office by email:

That means the SPGB are being invited to show solidarity for Amina. She is a member of our class is she not, her problem is our problem?I am merely suggesting the SPGB show a gesture of support, when asked. If the party is willing to show it is listening to others then perhaps those others may at some point start listening to what the SPGB are saying. It won't happen overnight, but it will not happen at all if the party remain intellectually aloof all the time.You may not like it, but  the cliche of winning hearts and minds is vital if the WSM wish to connect with people. Over a hundred years have passed and the SPGB is probably the smallest it has ever been. There is so much anger and frustration out there, yet the party is failing to tap into it. I suggest that no stone is left unturned in that attempt.If the attempt to connect with others, when an invitation is offered, is ignored and labelled as "Insubstantial gestures" and "cynical opportunism", then it is a sorry day indeed for the WSM. I wish it all the luck for the next 100 years. It will need it!

[steve colborn]

Age has brought reflection. Reflection has brought insight. Insight has brought a broader recognition. A broader recognition has brought acceptance. Acceptance that not all issues and incidences are black and white but must be judged on their individual merits, with critical analysis a must. Steve.

[steve colborn]

I realise this is off topic but have a productive conference comrades! Be well. Steve.

[Anonymous]

Why have posts from SP and myself been removed?

[ALB]

SocialistPunk wrote:

Socialist Party… wrote:

Communication received at Head Office by email:

That means the SPGB are being invited to show solidarity for Amina.

I think they were just asking us to publicise the case and their protests against it. Which we've done. i would have thought that it goes without saying that everybody on this forum wants her to emetge from this unharmed.  Some might sign their petition, others mention the case on their facebook page or tweet about it. That's their individual choice but if we had not posted the communication here a few less people would have heard about it. We've done our bit to publicise the case as requested.

[Author]

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