Mass Debate 1: Exclusive spaces? How to work with men, or not?
NOTES:
• Assumption that it is inclusive and you have shared experiences if
it is women only
BUT there are race, class, sexuality, disability etc. differences.
• Women only spaces are not the ONLY format – can also have mixed groups!
• Assumption that you can only do certain things in certain groups.
• If there are women only groups gender issues may not be integrated into the main group.
• In anti-capitalist groups women’s issues are not addressed – have to fight against capitalism, patriarchy AND mixed anti-capitalist group.
• Choose women’s only groups because choose to (proactive) OR because need to because of what happens in other groups (reactive).
• Feminist politics not taken seriously by larger group
- gender issues forgotten
- gender relations not challenged because separated
BUT without women only groups issues are just ignored
• Need to work with men to resolve problems BUT women only spaces are important.
• Men lobby for mixed spaces but only as a way to control rather than because they are interested in the issues and want to participate.
• Can make assumptions about what all men think – working with men can reveal other beliefs.
• Women’s spaces allow women to become empowered then we can use
these tools in all mixed spaces
- It’s the only women only space in society!
• Have to explain and make excuses about women only spaces etc.
- should not have to say why you want to do it
- men should understand that women’s struggles are their own!
• Feminism is not just about women – men should also meet in men
only spaces to talk about issues then exchange with women’s groups, but
this does not happen!
• Men have found men’s only spaces positive too!
- although they are reluctant to have them and find it hard to organise them
- if you have the power you see no need to organise!
- Men find it hard to find anything to talk about!
• Women’s groups are more open to admitting/talking about problems and discussing them.
• Spaces between equals ARE important – women need to create their own reality BUT men have already created reality.
• All female spaces are seen as ‘safe’
- safe from oppression, suppression etc.
- safe because equals
BUT ‘safe’ spaces may be different for different people/groups –
may take different forms
• ‘Safety’ in identification and understanding circumstances
BUT will still be particular to white European women with radical/anti-capitalist
focus!
• History has shown that women only groups are necessary in the struggle against capitalism BUT theory of socialism and anarchism written by men.
• Needs to be new form of revolution which is egalitarian – competitiveness between struggles reproduces prejudices.
• There is internalised opposition in women’s groups too
- need to map out different identities and how those are organised
- need to understand different issues when they come up and address them AND
move beyond them.
• Need to separate political programme from feelings of frustration.