tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81418455270245538102024-03-14T10:27:04.115-07:00KentFeministaA blog written by members of the Kent Feminista groupKent Feministahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04153671520043794730noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-67309196934676093502011-04-02T12:35:00.000-07:002011-04-03T15:23:42.305-07:00What women want. KF late March meet.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gjzQuDNy0BIKlEmUrHnruYt4lk7A9lymWrxFfRg7e4W-OlqynAcsISOmlNltffY0Xio8NSnGzVjFHTkS62n5hzLASPadUOd8TtGMnQKdwquu7IzPdR8O1H0fYXoDYqF9T-DpVCO44Ld_/s1600/fem+image+6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591485699748665330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gjzQuDNy0BIKlEmUrHnruYt4lk7A9lymWrxFfRg7e4W-OlqynAcsISOmlNltffY0Xio8NSnGzVjFHTkS62n5hzLASPadUOd8TtGMnQKdwquu7IzPdR8O1H0fYXoDYqF9T-DpVCO44Ld_/s320/fem+image+6.jpg" /></a> <br /><div></div><br /><div>Last Wednesday was the second of our 'new style' meetings and the most memorable thing about the event, writing almost a week after it happened, was how <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wonderfully</span> honest and open our discussions were and how our free flow of ideas helped us give birth to a plan that we're really proud of and really excited about!<br /><br><br />To deal with the ideas and issues raised at the last meeting first, it appears that <a href="http://www.spuc.org.uk/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">SPUC</span> </a>haven't hit any of our local <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">GPs</span> with their abortion leaflets, so no fight to have there! We'd looked into the possibility of meeting with some of the Nepalese women in our community for conversation classes but their community groups appear to already have tutors in place after the death of a husband whose wife couldn't communicate with emergency services after his <a href="http://http//www.kentnews.co.uk/default.aspx?page=138&terms=32947&domain=http://www.yourashford.co.uk">collapse</a>. We talked again about becoming a community group for <a href="http://www.stopthetraffik.org/default.aspx">Stop the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Traffik</span></a>. Several attempts to locate the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ashford</span> group who are already working against trafficking have failed after some serious detective work so now we're going to go ahead with our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">application</span> and see how we get on.<br /><br><br />The last 'hanging over' issue we talked about was the issue of the 11-18 night at Liquid but this came out of our long discussion about young women and the particular issues that they are facing in our society and local communities at the moment. I'm not going to try and sum up the conversation but will just say that the wonderful work that Sara does at <a href="http://www.platform51.org/">'Platform 51' </a>gave Hannah and I some really interesting and worrying insights to the experiences of young women, while Hannah's experiences with children and mums at her primary school helped us discuss both the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">orgins</span> of low self esteem amongst women and the experiences of young mums today. Our conversation ranged through topics including women's health and well being, the dangerous effect of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">maistream</span> pornography on young women, the possible antidote of feminist pornography, the financial <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">difficuties</span> being faced by many lone mums and the effectiveness of sex education in schools of dealing with the issues we felt were important for girls today. It was a wonderful discussion in which I felt I learned so much and was able to think through new ideas with women who both challenged and confirmed my own ideas in equal amounts!<br /><br><br />Out of our discussion came a more practical idea for an event that we hope to start organising for a weekend late in July. Having looked about at some wonderful websites for a variety of charities supporting women, I'd noticed that what was mostly requested was consciousness and fund raising. As our chosen charity and forum for action is going to be Stop the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Traffik</span> we discussed events that might help us support them. The first idea floated was a clothes exchange event. However, having heard Sara talk about a girls' health and well being festival that she recently arranged in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tunbridge</span> Wells for the launch of a magazine she has just edited, aimed at the young women 'Project 51' works with, we started to 'grow' the idea. We're thinking about extending the clothes exchange/fashion idea into an event aimed, at least in part, at women who are trying to return to work but are perhaps lacking confidence in the application procedure. We had lots of ideas about the different skills of women we know who might be able to get involved in offering style advice for interviews, CV writing workshops, interview skills etc - if it sounds like we're talking about you, we probably are so get in touch before we send the girls round! A lot of the ideas we had were inspired by the wonderful women at <a href="http://www.working-wardrobe.com/">Working Wardrobe </a>who we're definitely going to sound out for advice. We're hoping to use the event to raise consciousness and money for Stop the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Traffik</span> and to raise confidence in as many women as we can get to come along! Let us know what you think!<br /><br><br />Finally, we discussed our questions for <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qgvj">Any Questions </a>and tabled what we thought were three really stonking questions, predictably none of them got picked on the night! However, Hannah and I really enjoyed attending, especially as the panel consisted entirely of women. The highlight for us was listening to the brilliant <a href="http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/laurie-penny">Laurie Penny </a>finally giving voice to the experiences, concerns and legitimate anger of the young people who were viciously attacked by the riot squads of the metropolitan police in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Trafalgar</span> Square on 26<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> March, but that's a whole other blog post...<br /><br><br />We ended by deciding that we'd have another low key meeting in a month's time and then poster another meeting for the month after. We've been so pleased by the amount of interest being shown by members of our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> group and hope that eventually all our diaries will coincide and we'll get to meet you all. Here's to our next meeting! </div>abihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01991766017404957461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-3373632818763662372011-03-27T13:11:00.000-07:002011-03-27T14:06:07.836-07:00Kent Feminista March Against the Cuts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2YKn7ZTAysZXNmEp2-fVOND0fYTeFW7BkfYfVdiz-vNMA0ODvobhs6znHf9OMIsMMi6NlXVa8UN0tIUjfvX3aAHiw5GH4KuFBjC_yFLqx0FYqWzIkZvUpB3ZDC88ZqYrU7gqU2kDrb0B/s1600/IMG_2051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588856131891284594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2YKn7ZTAysZXNmEp2-fVOND0fYTeFW7BkfYfVdiz-vNMA0ODvobhs6znHf9OMIsMMi6NlXVa8UN0tIUjfvX3aAHiw5GH4KuFBjC_yFLqx0FYqWzIkZvUpB3ZDC88ZqYrU7gqU2kDrb0B/s320/IMG_2051.JPG" /></a> We may not have been the biggest group there but last Saturday three of us were really proud to go and represent for those of you who weren't able to make the march but whose sentiments we know were completely with us. We dressed in the suffragette colours, picked up our placards and joined the other hundreds of thousands of marchers who wanted to send a clear message to the government that they are not acting in our name.<br /><br><br />I'm totally with <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/pollytoynbee">Polly Toynbee</a>, every pair of feet counted, even if the BBC and police were reluctant to 'fess up to the true magnitude of the event, preferring to focus on the vocal minority they were relying on to give them the headlines and story that they really want to be heard. But it's too late - we were all there, we know we're not alone in believing that this government are morally bankrupt, self interested and without a genuine popular mandate for their draconian and ideologically driven cuts. The cat is out of the bag and this is just the beginning. <br /><br><br />I've already <a href="http://kentfeminista.blogspot.com/2010/11/why-cuts-suck-for-women.html">ranted </a>on this blog about what the cuts will mean for women and the <a href="http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/">Fawcett society</a> are doing a brilliant job at getting the story out there, even though George Osborne is doing a splendid job at ignoring their claims. As the weeks and months go on and the effects of the cuts on women, not just in our fairly well insulated corner of the country but further afield as well, becomes evident, I hope that we will be able to play our part in monitoring where the axe is falling and standing with and for those people who will be worst affected. Just as women came together in the suffragette movement because they saw the rights and needs of women being trampled on, so it is time for us to come together and say that we will not stand for what the government are trying to do to us. <br /><br><br />Although I want all comment on the march to be overwhelmingly positive, I just want to take a moment to say how maddened and infuriated I've been by the amount of lazy journalism there has been around the March and the serious arguments being put forward by its organisers. Of course, the media machine's determination to focus on the anarchist action and the wonderfully inventive UK Uncut's non-violent direct action campaigns has been maddening but what I have found more poisonous and lazy has been the repeated claim that no alternatives have been offered. I have heard countless arguments over the last few months about the potential alternatives to the government's program of cuts and while, predictably, my favourite have been around increasing and tightening up taxation in order to pay for services or even the implementation of the Tobin tax, I think the argument that Osborne could have done something much more creative with the money raised from the North sea oil companies is the argument that makes it most apparent that there are alternatives, simply not ones that the government wishes to consider. <br /><br><br />Since the march, Vince Cable has confirmed that the fifty pence tax rate on incomes over a hundred and fifty thousand is to be <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/mar/27/cable-confirms-ending-50p-tax-rate">abolished</a>. With Cable saying that it was necessary in an emergency to create a sense of solidarity. Clearly for the government we are at the end rather than the beginning of an emergency, after all, how many of them are really going to be feeling the pain over the next five years and beyond? If this is their response to the march it only confirms why we were right to be there.abihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01991766017404957461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-66852844358933286332011-03-13T13:50:00.000-07:002011-03-13T15:35:09.675-07:00On the Bridge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeVsi_LwONqdk5mi4MhPk1_lAwgUauq80cYKtp3oXQBHIKZcGlg63YIY4zA9HOKR0BHhUF3OdBj7VnoTRh6FR-a-QvN2wM3aBroMYzk4r9yD6qDpwUImuaiSgaxuqs2rO7U6Zx66h0ZUt/s1600/101.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583695192433032370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeVsi_LwONqdk5mi4MhPk1_lAwgUauq80cYKtp3oXQBHIKZcGlg63YIY4zA9HOKR0BHhUF3OdBj7VnoTRh6FR-a-QvN2wM3aBroMYzk4r9yD6qDpwUImuaiSgaxuqs2rO7U6Zx66h0ZUt/s320/101.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>Earlier this week the girls and I managed to make it up to London for the Women for Women International 'Join us on the Bridge' event <a href="http://kentfeminista.blogspot.com/2011/02/join-us-on-bridge.html">that I blogged about </a>a couple of weeks ago.</div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583693963410618898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c68IyA88EEKaGAyRSaheHQd7JslZYzdq1u5zdNuNj_FqW2N1eSU_A2re9LNKJmaqOv0GI64PI6-PP_jLHTI3GQRJ1n_gW3kVr97ZDgY_h0tpx4RkVgPHeYBs_qwt0QXuYOMfhXgUtGbR/s320/088.JPG" /><br /><div>Apart from the obvious advantages of a high profile event that drew attention to the need to recognise the voices of women in Afghanistan and to formally include them in a meaningfully representative way in the peace process, what most impressed me about the event was the wonderful atmosphere that was created by the huge range of women's groups who came together to create a strongly united voice.</div><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583694554705772514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UXdnUACGaJoZm5g6cgqwefrmRy4hNbTDS92ZqY6dGLk-BK0k4WQIPk5sCetcaoNvrafnsC85uyobril8ojIn0YTwSYMg2kJz10XXsioBIgiVdWF7UhbPLt7zMxsleP22AvPAgcOoqPag/s320/105.JPG" /></div><br /><div>We had a wonderful time at the event, gathering in a festival atmosphere in Borough market, all taking white baloons and flags to carry alongside the patchwork of different banners and to release in a joyful moment on Millenium Bridge.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583694937980179314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5syAECeaLasyz9hGOhX3i_JebfKXTjBKi6b7_tLk6EYpFkw1gR9uElNCCpLevq_Gzr8ACS99qp2MN4kl0DqW2X2OsrBliDG1bRZV11hwAYhvI46aKykDfF-g93tIAAXKLU0kCEezHXfaz/s320/108.JPG" /></div><div>Next year we must find whoever it was that staged a Bridge Event in Canterbury (I only managed to find reference to this event after it was too late) and make sure that we represent this brilliant organisation at a more local level.</div></div></div></div>abihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01991766017404957461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-50993313657126743132011-03-06T11:48:00.000-08:002011-03-06T14:01:45.999-08:00Getting ActiveLast Wednesday's meeting was our first chance to sit down together and talk about our way ahead and what we wanted to focus on as a group after the end of our successful campaign over improved regulation of lapdancing clubs in Ashford. We met in the <a href="http://www.leaf-lounge.co.uk/">Leaf Lounge </a>in Ashford (in comic alignment with another group of ladies getting 'made up' for facebook shots) and were made really welcome by the lovely Cathy and her team. <div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 284px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581089752673121890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPytH1EtLk9WMvJGqIJIBz3SsTjTX4jrM2sN-xmlUYtagJSKoRUxT3O30NFhgJIlMLClzJme-XPnJ2M8Jnjdn54AzCe7qZ-iioaNNN2dFD-gnd9twqQPYzpsKa1BpUKwp0MPHq0Xd7kXLG/s320/photo.JPG" /></div><div>We talked at length around our own passions and concerns as feminists and ranged over a broad selection of issues. A decision seemed to emerge that rather than selecting a limited range of issues to concentrate on, we would all start our own research into a variety of different actions that we were individually passionate about and that we would report back to the group on whether there was work that could be done in each area by us as a collective.<br /><br />One of the first concerns raised came from a report from <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qskw">Radio 4s PM program</a> in which a representative from <a href="http://www.spuc.org.uk/">SPUC </a>(the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child) had recently appeared in debate about a controversial leaflet they have distributed to 1,500 doctors' surgeries. The leaflet is called 'Abortion: Your right to know' and is completely untraceable, beyond its front page, on-line. However, <a href="http://twitter.com/hannahpw">Hannah</a>, our resident webwizard, managed to find the notes provided by SPUC for doctors to accompany the leaflet which you can check out <a href="http://www.spuc.org.uk/documents/papers/pike20100525">here</a>. We spent some time discussing our own attitudes to abortion but were able to agree that an ideologically driven group, promoting risks about abortion that appear to have often very sketchy medical support, were not the best people to be advising women facing the difficult decision of whether an abortion is right for them. As a result Hannah and I are going to take the lead in contacting local surgeries, seeing if we can trace the leaflet there and opening debate with surgeries about whether this leaflet is appropriate for distribution.<br /><br />Mel talked passionately about her own interest in trying to provide some kind of practical support for women who have suffered abuse or rape and are trying to work their way through the courts. Laura, with her professional knowledge of the problems facing homeless women, was able to bring new understanding to the issue and is going to work with Mel to find out how they can investigate the needs of these women and how we might be able to offer support. Mel spoke about the importance for women facing the court experience to have other impartial women alongside them and hopes to be able to find ways to fill the gaps for support that might exist in the system.<br /><br />With the approach of the Olympics and the expectation that Ashford might become host to one of the teams we talked about the concerns around increased trafficking that can accompany the expanding demand for the sex industry during these kind of mega events. I'd found a group called <a href="http://www.stopthetraffik.org/default.aspx">Stop the Traffik</a> who are looking for community groups to sign up and work against traffiking in their area. Jo was very interested in the work that we might be able to do alongside Stop the Traffik and has started to look in to how we can affiliate. She has already investigated whether our <a href="http://soroptimist-gbi.org/ashford-kent/">local Soroptimist group</a> are already involved in this action and should be able to report back on this important issue at the next meeting. </div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 331px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 48px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581086893994815458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_5fS_uWDruHIHZIqtbJ_JCVKqAwxhiYGHE4L7APLs3xR0hkvDMdE4AoWNBZak_eZtBWgazbIRVATNBemdi79uxkm54hCAmws-pH36pUs_GGC1y_5YNROkxX_I_Q6CKQngeuRWxWYjJpn/s320/STTbanner2.gif" /> Hannah also raised the point that her school is soon to host an <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qgvj">'Any Questions' </a>program and asked whether anyone had any ideas for questions we'd like posed to the panel. Please <a href="mailto:kent.feminista@gmail.com">contact us</a> if you feel there are any questions you think we should be trying to put forward as a group.<br /><br />Laura also reminded us that within the community of Nepalese women who are making homes in Ashford there might be a group that we could look to support through offering conversation classes. I plan on contacting our local assosciation as most of us at the meeting felt we could offer time for conversation classes if this was a gap that might need filling. Please <a href="mailto:kent.feminista@gmail.com">contact us</a> if you are local and feel this is something you could offer support with.<br /><br />We spoke again about the importance of standing in solidarity with the women who will be worst affected by the programs of cuts that we are still watching develop. Hannah and I are planning on attending the TUC organised <a href="http://marchforthealternative.org.uk/">mammoth protest against the cuts on the 26th March</a>; any feministas who would like to accompany us on this one please get in touch. With the higher proportion of women who are pensioners, Jo reminded us that cuts to services to pensioners such as meals on wheels will be important issues for feminists that we should be watching carefully in our local communities. We are waiting to hear more about ho the cuts will affect us locally... watch this space. </div><div><br /><a href="http://marchforthealternative.org.uk/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 102px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581087670069228578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlL8VKXeUkEDWxHEWgKsk_8Eef-2U79cLHK6H1famhicGqKubujVG6dEUuB-qqZ1eEICGkPqZXv5cmoxW2Q6ZyhbPimJNQoCURvOdME6MXiG3eEI0oEcd0UgngU9Ju46OdO8ZAkWvSp8W/s320/m4tatitleb.gif" /></a> Finally, we had a discussion about the increased pornification of society and discussed our concerns about the particular pressures on young women to adopt dress styles and cultural poses that are commensurate with the desires of the men they wish to attract. We talked about the <a href="http://www.liquidclubs.com/ashford">'Liquid' </a>night club in Ashford and the 11-18 'club nights' they hold. While we all understood the exciting and important 'frisson' of these events we were concerned about whether this broad age categorising was potentially dangerous and whether it would be exposing younger girls to the potentially predatory advances of older boys. Hannah and I are going to look into how widespread they are and what controls, if any, are in place to protect young women at these events. We all felt that such events should be split into two age groups and want to look at how we can open discussion about whether this would be more appropriate and a possible alternative.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581088297131950082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNLTcC5H7WfoHsUtHpQ-hZhUPzb_ws8rnKL0P5jmz0mBr9Mwz3M90dci1XINPFAMMWgh8T10J2c52VsD9NKV-YqHt7VjwxOsO8rUoHlXbXKJG7zF43QhMJkauHPtEFqQGVD5Itt85sdZy/s320/fem+image+3.jpg" /><br />The meeting was invigorating and stimulating and provided a wonderful space in which a broad range of issues and perspectives were considered. We plan to meet again on Wed 30th March to feed back on any progress we've made in investigating these issues and, hopefully, to meet even more feministas. We really hope we might see you there!</div></div>abihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01991766017404957461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-55286587795633735832011-02-24T14:03:00.000-08:002011-02-24T14:03:11.183-08:00Join us on The Bridge<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;">This year Women for Women International are asking women to join together in high profile and home made bridge events to draw attention to the problems faced by Afghan women in their own country<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and to show solidarity<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with Afghan women’s </span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;">demand for greater involvement in their country’s peace protests.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.womenforwomen.org/bridge/"><img border="0" height="49" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSge8P7wtFYCBHq3IeWhY-mSGt9NyMTCwOn6JbckweVeM_fLkc94cFsauUAFyeC6ZG_AkmTQlyjcv54anMAnyl02VNLg0Cp2K4mLg-gQrzmIk7tAS7-uCVEUhVH4JOijjT5YobsJByuRE/s400/Bridge_728x90.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go to http://www.womenforwomen.org/bridge/our-mission-on-bridge.php<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to find out more.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the early days of asking myself whether I was a feminist and of answering other people, mostly my sixth formers , who told me that feminism was outmoded and no longer relevant, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember thinking and saying that even if<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>feminism’s fight in this country is drawing nearer an end point, that it was dangerous to think that feminism wasn’t desperately needed internationally. I have since been led to understand quite how far from the truth<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>I was about how much feminism was needed in the UK, but I still believe that one of the most important jobs that we can do as feminists is to raise awareness of the particular problems facing women internationally and to stand in solidarity with these women whenever we can.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;">Women for Women International, with their Bridge Events, are providing an opportunity for us to do exactly that. WWI are an organisation who work to support women who are survivors of war and conflict by helping them in practical ways to move towards self sufficiency through</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span lang="EN">year-long programs of direct aid, rights education, job skills training, and small business development. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year WWI want to use the media attention harnessed by the International Women’s Day on the 8<sup>th</sup> March to draw attention to the situation faced by women living in Afghanistan. They have asked us to stand in solidarity with these women in their demand for greater involvement in the peace process that will determine their future and within which they are currently being marginalised.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><div class="fn" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The focus of this year’s 100<sup>th</sup> International Women’s Day is the demand to end violence against women so it seems a particularly appropriate time to remind ourselves of the violence being faced by women in Afghanistan. Whether this is to recall the personal and tragic case in which Bibi Aisha, an 18-year-old woman, who was, at the pronouncement of a Taliban commander, held down by her brother in law while her husband sliced off her ears and then cut off her nose ; or the more public tragedy of the murder of </span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">Lt-Col Malalai Kakar , Afghanistan’s most prominent policewoman and the Head of the Department of Crimes against Women , by Taliban gunmen in 2008.</span></div><div class="fn" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="fn" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">Despite the fact that the brutal suppression of women’s rights were cited as part of the reason for military intervention in Afghanistan, it is feared that violence against women is actually on the increase there. Research by Global Rights Afghanistan in 2008 concluded that 87 percent of Afghan women and girls are faced with at least one form of sexual, physical, economic or psychological abuse. Womankind Worldwide have produced disturbing figures showing that 80% of women experience domestic violence,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>60% of marriages are forced and 50% of girls marry before they are 16. According to the 2008 Violence Against Women Primary Database Report (UNIFEM) 92% of reported cases of abuse of women and girls is by close family members and other relatives. When they seek recourse from the government they are further molested by the government representatives.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal;"></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is unfortunate that women’s day falls on a week day when I know that many of us will need to be in work. In my lucky position as part time teacher, I’m hoping to travel up to the London event with my girls on the 8th. If anyone is able to join us it would be great to travel together and show Kent Feminista’s support for the women of Afghanistan at this important and lively event!</span></span>Kent Feministahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04153671520043794730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-83221309500878550242011-01-23T13:18:00.000-08:002011-01-23T13:23:55.664-08:00New Year Feminista<div>Last Wednesday was the first kentfeminista meeting of the year and I wanted to send a mail out about what was discussed and suggested as there were quite a few people who were unable to make the meeting but who I know are keen that we don’t lose momentum after our pretty impressive first few months together.</div><div> </div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565494732287054066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr5q_7FHdmfywwXTilIMlFB3Lhe1YlHnRb3IIoiGe0aejXtuIQ-w-OGJTwRIca_x9_vn787iXEEpTT7Q3hWdqGds-ns2PKoXDOjE2cMPiyKGEex4CnXriZigkGO09DbuecYGgcT2XqdAv/s320/fem+image+2.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Before the meeting it was suggested that we needed to capitalise on our successful campaign around the regulation of lapdancing clubs in Ashford and the great local media coverage that the campaign brought us. However, it was also felt that we needed to talk a little more about how we wanted to define ourself and our aims so that we could be clearer in choosing our next actions. I think that this need for a clearer self definition is becoming more apparent as we have had at least four women, who are hopefully reading this mail, who have contacted us to ask about getting more involved with us. </div><br /><div><br />At the meeting we discussed two main ideas that we would really like some feedback on.</div><div><br />Firstly, that part of the vision in starting the group was to emulate earlier consciousness raising groups that aimed to bring women together to share stories, ideas and experiences. We felt that ideally this group should aim to be as broad and as representative as possible of Kentish women. We felt that an evening week day meeting might not be the best way to encourage busy women along to this group and that we should think about the prospect of also having a bi-monthly Sunday social, aiming to create a laid back, friendly atmosphere with maybe cake, music, books, crafts, kids activities and maybe a bit of a ‘talk’ that could link the event to our current campaigns. </div><div><br />Secondly, we talked about how important it was to have a constant campaigning front and that maybe an additional evening meeting on the month when we don’t have a social, could provide a space for planning the campaign and working out how we can best provide opportunities for women who come to the socials to be engaged with these campaigns. It was felt that the biggest current threat to women in the UK at the moment were the cuts. We discussed joining with women against the cuts (check them out on Facebook) and joining together for the TUC organised march against the cuts on the 26th of March, maybe with our own Kentfeminista banner. </div><br /><div><br />If people like these ideas, then we might want to think about a planning meeting in the second week of February, a Sunday social in the second week of March with a guest speaker on the cuts (Hannah is going to contact Melissa Benn) and the aim to encourage women to march with us at the end of March. </div><br /><div><br />We’d love to hear back from any of you who couldn’t make the meeting about what you think of these plans and whether you could make a meeting on the 9th Febuary for a bit of self definition and planning work. </div>abihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01991766017404957461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-76372639893016709372011-01-08T17:17:00.000-08:002011-01-08T17:42:02.202-08:00A Few Thoughts on Representation of the Female in ArtI've been thinking a lot about the structural ideologies that underpin gender stereotyping. <br /><br />A good representation of this is through art. <br /><br />When designing posters for KentFeminista, I was taking images that perceive "femininity" to fade and incorporate into the image. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKIT2I9om-jGmeA6EALJ67Drx2WlHGOcNRxl35AI99aNwGvETwuCM9HP-Qy1Epcxp06C_ZxDKya_XUvstinOhT5n11xQZ2nUO9fOmSTU3-M4qe7JRkgoWg1ZUUBK76QotoLWPP5QV8Uk/s1600/Poster+faded+images.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKIT2I9om-jGmeA6EALJ67Drx2WlHGOcNRxl35AI99aNwGvETwuCM9HP-Qy1Epcxp06C_ZxDKya_XUvstinOhT5n11xQZ2nUO9fOmSTU3-M4qe7JRkgoWg1ZUUBK76QotoLWPP5QV8Uk/s320/Poster+faded+images.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559990997167539874" /></a><br /><br />These were nice graphics that can be incorporated into a hegemonic image, both modern and historic concepts. <br /><br />However, there are several artists I feel really incorporate ubiquitous femininity in their work. <br /><br />The first is Salvador Dali. <br /><br />In particular, I am a big fan of his women-with-drawers concepts. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOa6-l7LPaIZOjDXoMYHjLb1tvca7DJOckeBz7-zbF0FibIFf5jd_QG_dbRDMIjquk-ATTpcGirKsl5l3IrddcHkVxplwmrCDJZfPJPbA1B3OfpuKy8ly9Z1HmK2pJz1mdsqgeUFu044/s1600/Dali_Salvador-The_City_of_Drawers._Study_for_The_Anthropomorphic_Cabinet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOa6-l7LPaIZOjDXoMYHjLb1tvca7DJOckeBz7-zbF0FibIFf5jd_QG_dbRDMIjquk-ATTpcGirKsl5l3IrddcHkVxplwmrCDJZfPJPbA1B3OfpuKy8ly9Z1HmK2pJz1mdsqgeUFu044/s320/Dali_Salvador-The_City_of_Drawers._Study_for_The_Anthropomorphic_Cabinet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559991758870887298" /></a><br /><br />Not only do they provide a stunning metaphor, but there is the delightful concept of hidden secrets, depths, function and asthetics that comprise within a woman's role. <br /><br />There are some delightful plays on this concept which combine the metaphors with more traditional images; <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcEVsGcrzYkJ7eHu0ETPlaGc7mXDWsNejiXaa9e16eXutxvT3DQXt_kiEM1WczPO02uG0zAzIobZIjE4VftpNgTzDK551O4uK8Bx3vpKjgrVE18uLthVT_Y4OWb_FbOqqv0rh0ZZEU_k/s1600/CGCC-Exhibit201-225x300.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcEVsGcrzYkJ7eHu0ETPlaGc7mXDWsNejiXaa9e16eXutxvT3DQXt_kiEM1WczPO02uG0zAzIobZIjE4VftpNgTzDK551O4uK8Bx3vpKjgrVE18uLthVT_Y4OWb_FbOqqv0rh0ZZEU_k/s320/CGCC-Exhibit201-225x300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559992182618001154" /></a><br /><br />This helps to explore and challenge the physical and metaphorical concepts of the female form, and of the gender identity within society. <br /><br />However, to take this one step further, I think that the metaphorical concepts of gender stereotyping can be explored even more through art. <br /><br />Marcus Harvey, well known for Britpack Art in the 1990s, manages to truly encompass the one dimensional woman that feminity has become in the 21st century. His work, which borders on pornographic, is of gradiose size and created with great handsweeps of paint, that symbolise the pawing and attention given to the female figure which control and coerce the woman to become a physical object, a commodity and valuable only for image. I would suggest reviewing <a href="http://www.artnet.com/magazine_pre2000/news/warrobinson/warrobinson9-23-3.asp" target="blank">"Like What You See? Call Me" at the Saatchi Gallery</a>, but it is not work safe and I won't post it on here. <br /><br />It was probably reviewing modern art in the 1996 Sensations exhibition that really made me question the perceptions of the female form in my teenage years. Suddenly the images of Georgia O Keiffe and Picasso took on a new interpretation in my mind and I began to question these representations of male and female. <br /><br />Lastly, I would like to refer to another Dali. This sculpture, for me, underpins the true structural ideologies of not only feminism, but the repression of patriarchy and hegemonic relationships established in modern society. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3k-5pyg_JKib6-MlGojFm5IAOP4ju07FwkX82JvMWdvmKKf67py3QsqThZepeVKoqTSlP1CS7VfiGSmYTU4G0dOc0GLFtJzZ7c-9Vm9yvw_V9aMDr6skfQd0LN_HJE5SgS3MYP1GgJc/s1600/artwork_images_425132173_616041_salvador-dali.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3k-5pyg_JKib6-MlGojFm5IAOP4ju07FwkX82JvMWdvmKKf67py3QsqThZepeVKoqTSlP1CS7VfiGSmYTU4G0dOc0GLFtJzZ7c-9Vm9yvw_V9aMDr6skfQd0LN_HJE5SgS3MYP1GgJc/s320/artwork_images_425132173_616041_salvador-dali.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559994871152370898" /></a><br /><br />The concept of the maiden, the vulnerable virgin, the commodity of the gold tinted phallus on the unicorn and the truely empowering penetration of time are as symbolic a representation as can be found of the true nature of the relations between the sexes and the embedded nature of gender identity that feminists have fought for years and still not won.Curious?http://www.blogger.com/profile/14220141774833587152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-84465049881722222592011-01-03T13:15:00.001-08:002011-01-03T13:31:41.655-08:00Kent Feminista's Response to Ashford Borough Council's Consultation on Licencing and Regulation of Lap-Dancing Premises<u><b>Kent Feminista Response to Private Consultation on Licensing of Lap-dancing Premises in Ashford Borough</u></b> <br /><br />Kent Feminista would like to thank Ashford Borough Council for inviting them to be part of the private consultation process on introducing licensing regulations under the Police and Crime Act 1999 for the regulation of lap-dancing premises within the borough. <br /><br />Section 1<br /><br />Q1 Are there any other comments you would like to make about the location of sex establishments?<br /><br />1.1 The list of premises impacted should be a singular list, whereby if any one establishment listed is affected, the application should be rejected.<br /><br />1.2 We seek further clarification of “affected”. The proximity of premises to Schools would contravene Child Protection regulations, for example. <br /><br />1.3 A clear definition of “proximity” is needed. We do not believe that the definition should be read as meaning “neighbouring”, but as with other areas of planning “within the same ward”. <br /><br />1.4 Kent Feminista note that Haringey Council has determined that in that urban area, proximity is 400m with a direct line of sight, 200m without(?).<br /><br />1.5 In addition to the criteria set out in the consultation document, we note that Brighton and Hove Council sets a clear criteria that:<br /><br />1.5.1 “In order to discourage a proliferation of sex establishments and to ensure a concentration of sex establishments does not change the character of a neighbourhood to its detriment, licences will not normally be granted:<br />(a) in a shopping centre or parade with an existing licensed sex establishment,<br />(b) in an area of historic importance, or<br />(c) in any street with two or more licensed sex establishments”.<br /><br />1.5.2 It is the opinion of Kent Feminista that similar regulations should be adopted within Ashford. Current premises are concentrated within the South West of the town centre, which will have subsequent and detrimental effect on residents, tourists and visitors as well as indicating potential for discrimination towards women in these areas. <br /><br />Q2 Are there any areas that you consider more suitable than others?<br /><br />2.1Kent Feminista does not consider any of the locations listed would be suitable .<br /><br /><br />Q3 Are there any areas that you consider are not suitable?<br /><br />3.1 It would not be appropriate to have any further sex establishments in the town centre of Ashford. Given the empty premises in the lower high street, it would not aid potential business investment in the town from outside the sex industry if licences were granted in close proximity to other sex industry premises.<br /><br />3.2 Current locations are concentrated within the south east corner of the town centre which will have a pejorative affect on those coming in to the town on public transport as well as residents, schools, religious and faith organisations and tourist and visiting trade within this area. This will also dissuade other businesses from moving to or investing in the area and create an area of ghettoization as well as gender discrimination and child protection issues. <br /><br />Q4 Do you agree or disagree with not setting localities and numbers of premises?<br /><br />4.1 Kent Feminista disagrees on the basis other towns in the county are restricting applications, this sends a signal that Ashford is particularly open to the sex business. There should be a ceiling set, following the example of other Councils that “nil” is the appropriate limit.<br /><br />4.2 It may be considered that one licence could be provided per district ward for the current council, which would limit detrimental effect and ghettoization within specific areas. Where this is a two-member ward, two premises may be permissible but any larger should have a condition of residential consultation built in to the agreement. <br /><br />Section 2 – Considering Applications<br /><br />Q5 Do you agree with this approach to considering applications?<br /><br />5.1 Kent Feminista would suggest they agree with the proposed consideration. <br /><br />5.2 Kent Feminista would like to draw the Council's attention to issues surrounding retrospective applications . Current Licensing law does not permit autonomy on retrospective alcohol licences and this should apply to licensing regulations for sex industry premises. There should be no agreement to grandfather existing establishments.<br /><br />5.3 Additional reasons for denying retrospective licensing: <br /> 5.3.1 The concentration of current establishments which would be counted under the definitions provided in the consultation, which creates an atmosphere of ghettoization and detrimental effect on the neighbourhood.<br /> 5.3.2 The current detriment from existing sex industry locations on premises listed as significantly affected within Question 1.<br /> 5.3.3 The presumption of authorising licences when no public or residential consultation has taken place within the relevant neighbourhoods. <br /><br />Section 3 – Controlling Sex Establishments by conditions and applications process<br /><br />Q6 Do you agree with this approach to advertising?<br /><br />6.1Kent Feminista consider this approach is not robust enough – it should not be necessary for images to be displayed.<br /><br />6.2Establishments should not breach regulations on pornographic images, nor should they offend members of the public on any basis. <br />6.3Kent Feminista would consider to approve a thorough form of public consultation for images that a venue which obtained licensing through the proposed scheme to ensure that businesses are not adversely affected by this decision. <br /><br />Q7 Do you agree to this approach to protection of performers and the public?<br /><br />7.1 Kent Feminista support the consultation adoption of protection of performers and the public. <br /><br />Q8 Do you agree with this approach to management of premises?<br /><br />8.1 Kent Feminista support the consultation adoption of management of premises. <br /><br />Section 4 – crime and disorder<br /><br />Q9 Do you think the Council has addressed your concerns regarding the potential for crime and disorder in the future?<br /><br />9.1 There is evidence of a cumulative effect in terms of crime and disorder with the customers of lap-dancing clubs who tend to arrive having drunk elsewhere and then drink in the clubs. Men will leave, often in groups, sexually stimulated and likely to engage in behaviour that causes women to feel threatened and may increase the likelihood of sexual offences, antisocial behaviour and offences against the person.<br /><br />9.2 Owners of businesses tend to regard lap-dancing clubs as detrimental to the reputation of the area. Women report feeling intimidated in the vicinity of lap-dancing clubs – there are reports of women being propositioned and insulted (evidence from Oxford). <br /><br />9.3 Residents and owners of residential properties realise less value and see a detriment in the prices of properties within areas where lap-dancing premises are based. This will have a subsequent affect on the likelihood of investment in both property and retail industries which will harm the borough as a whole. <br /><br />Q10 Do you have evidence to the contrary that there is a problem with sex establishments in the area?<br /><br />10.1 Kent Feminista acknowledges that while crime statistics do not reflect a rise in crime around Sex Industries in Ashford, that these studies were published for April 2008-2009 and current statistics are not yet available. <br /><br />10.1.1 Kent Feminista observes that crime statistics for Kent Police and the UK as a whole are based on reported and classified crimes and that this information does not include crimes that have not been reported to the police or that the police decide not to record. <br /><br />10.1.2 Kent Feminista also identifies reasons for not reporting crimes relating to antisocial behaviour are significantly influenced by levels of intoxication, perceptions of sexual offences towards women and identifiable perpetrators and witnesses. <br /><br />10.3 Kent Feminista would also draw attention to the matter of rising levels of antisocial behaviour and related offences around alcohol licensed premises which are also in the vicinity of lap-dancing venues and that the records may not necessarily reflect this influence, but it cannot be removed from consideration. <br /><br />Section 5 Any other comments<br /><br />Q11 Do you consider that the proposals to licence sex establishments will have an impact on equality issues? If so, please explain?<br /><br />11.1Kent Feminista recognise that Parliament has made it lawful to operate sex establishments and that such businesses are a legitimate part of the retails and leisure industries <br /><br />11.2 However, Kent Feminista believe that in order to upholding the gender duty of the 2006 Equality Act, which requires public authorities to take into account the effect on gender equality of policies undertaken, Ashford Borough Council should not only introduce the licensing that other towns and cities in the region have introduced, but that they should also set the appropriate level of licences at nil per district ward. <br /><br />11.3 Kent Feminista recognises that many neighbouring boroughs have introduced or are consulting on the introduction of licensing Lap Dancing Premises. Therefore, to ignore the trend of a nil limit that other boroughs would further endorse the ghettoization of lap-dancing and sex industry premises in Ashford. As previously demonstrated, this would have a detrimental effect on residents and investment in the borough as a whole and risk making Ashford by default a sex visitor capital for Kent.<br /> <br />11.4 There is clear and demonstrable risk to gender equality in relation to Lap Dancing premises and sex industry premises. The risks of rising levels of crime and antisocial behaviour associated with alcohol establishments is significantly increased when the premises also endorse sex industry practices, and runs in parallel to increased risk of sexual and offences against the person. <br /><br />11.5 Such a rise in risk of and actual offences would have a subsequent affect on the behaviour and freedom of women and is therefore gender specific and damaging to equality. <br /><br />Q12 Do you have any further comments in relation to the policy<br /><br />12.1Under the Equality Act 2006 and in line with Local Government regulations, Ashford Borough Council has a duty to promote gender equality, consider crime and disorder and ensure fair and rational determination of applications for sex industry licences.<br /><br />12.2Kent Feminista seeks to draw the Council's attention to the model proposed by Haringey Council <br />http://www.haringey.gov.uk /draft_sex_establishment_licensing_policy.pdf <br /> <br /><i>“The Council has considered the character of its wards and determined that the appropriate number of sex establishments for each ward is nil. I The Council’s vision is to achieve greener, cleaner, sustainable communities and neighbourhoods to enable a good quality of life for all."</i> <br /><br />12.2 That Council’s “nil per ward policy” responds to this concern and in addition to the above is based on the following factors which justify this safeguarding step: It will not allow licences to be granted where the appropriate number is exceeded. <br /><br />12.3 Further to Ashford Borough Council's decision to formally and privately consult on the regulation of Lap-dancing premises, Kent Feminista would like clarification as to why this was not held as a public consultation. <br /><br />12.4 To demonstrate what Kent Feminista perceives as genuine public interest in the issue, Kent Feminista has sought information from members of the public in Ashford and acquired 186 signatures from residents within the Borough who consider that regulation ought to be introduced. <br /><br />12.5 Kent Feminista seeks to inform the council that this is an issue of public concern outside of specialist interest groups and the signatures, acquired on a single day, represent that issue and further endorse the desire to have the regulations introduced.Curious?http://www.blogger.com/profile/14220141774833587152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-36299849532588039492010-12-29T12:41:00.000-08:002010-12-29T12:43:12.278-08:00The Internet and Feminist Acheivement RantSecond "I loathe" article of the week: Why I loathe articles based around ideological structures of gender identity. <br /><br />Following a lot of Feminist News on Twitter, one gets a vast array of rubbish. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-why-women-will-drive-the-future-of-the-internet-2010-12" target="blank">This article</a> proclaiming women to be the future of the internet is no exception. <br /><br />First and foremost, it is <u>not</u> an article about the future of the Internet nor women's role in it. It is an article about women who currently exist in the Internet and do quite well for themselves.<br /><br />It is also about women being the greatest users of the Internet rather than creators.<br /><br />What is utterly abhorrent about this supposition, and indeed the entire gist of the article, is that women are nothing more than <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/farmville-daytime-tv-2010-8" target="_blank">"bored housewives"</a>. <br /><br />Farmville is apparently the Future of Women. And these women have reached their ultimate height in the existential setting of boredom and consumerism. <br /><br />At what point, to paraphrase <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Dimensional-Woman-Zero-Books/dp/1846942411" target="_blank">Nina Powers</a>, did the peak of equality battles consists of doing nothing?<br /><br />I am not criticising the role of the traditional housewife, a.k.a. a role that should be given as much value as full-time employment (Germaine Greer). I am criticising a structural ideology that implies firstly; housewifery involves sitting around playing on computers and watching television and secondly; people that sustain that belief by behaving in that way. <br /><br />At some point in the 21st century, and feminist ideal is translated into being a lady who lunches, who owns design a good and has some form of small pet that can be dressed up in equally ludicrous designer goods, and the husband earns a fortune in order to supplement these activities.<br /><br />And articles that presumed that targeting such clientele and endorsing such clientele's behaviour is an achievement of feminist kind, should be exposed immediately.Curious?http://www.blogger.com/profile/14220141774833587152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-22119976387787806812010-11-09T09:50:00.000-08:002010-11-09T11:23:07.005-08:00Why the cuts suck for women<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDGH3abLE8k8f-FUiXQtqeP1CKybNBSvMJiW6BXu3ukA5i-HyMC27fypx9c5Ajc8wT8PLetK7JfNhrzsA1ViPBz6WzKHfoZHpwpscBoLc6Jb9rZnrZpp0G7JJR9JPytzhW6RKeMztAoTJ/s1600/osborne+cuts.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537624699311958946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDGH3abLE8k8f-FUiXQtqeP1CKybNBSvMJiW6BXu3ukA5i-HyMC27fypx9c5Ajc8wT8PLetK7JfNhrzsA1ViPBz6WzKHfoZHpwpscBoLc6Jb9rZnrZpp0G7JJR9JPytzhW6RKeMztAoTJ/s320/osborne+cuts.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">I am posting in response to <a href="http://kentfeminista.blogspot.com/2010/10/why-fawsett-society-challenge-actually.html">Kelly’s post ‘Why the Fawcett Society’s challenge actually discriminates against women further’</a>. KentFeminista aims to create a space that brings together women from a variety of different political perspectives and as such we are not always going to agree. Kelly has spoken about the cuts from her perspective as a respected political activist within the Liberal Democrats and a Feminist. I would like to respond to her as a Marxist Feminist who can find no place for herself within mainstream politics.<br /><br /></span><br /><div><br /><span style="color:#000000;">It is broadly acknowledged by </span><a href="http://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c6053.full"><span style="color:#000099;">political</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> and </span><a href="http://www.ifs.org.uk/projects/346"><span style="color:#000099;">economic</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000099;"> </span>commentators that the cuts are going to hit the most vulnerable and the worst off in society, in particular the women from these groups. It is these women who I think we should be standing with as feminists as much as, or perhaps more than, hypothetical, educated, mobile, middle income women who might be made redundant from the public sector as a result of the cuts. The shambolic claim from the tories that ‘we are all in this together’ was made stylishly evident in its irony when the Camerons appeared together to announce the cuts in child benefits with </span><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/oct/06/samantha-cameron-conference-dress"><span style="color:#000099;">Mrs C wearing a dress that would have cost me 36.8 weeks worth of first child benefits payments</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537610197206820562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5w4MIq-1gIpSbuoumY6UWRgrBlmq87yVIrK-7-0hfSdya8LdpVpLPiX3uibNzKgW2tHAYOHd4YgBkqldyFPPLnxesxkEauY8B3mATE5f5WMISeCY7f1xMNUuvTTpINC6UDWHvgVmXeOi/s320/Slide1.JPG" /> This fashion faux pas made it evident how little knowledge of or empathy the Camerons and the majority of the coalition have for ‘normal, hard working families’, let alone those who are on lower incomes and are already struggling to make ends meet. The TUC and UNISON have reported that the poorest 10% of households will lose 20.5% of their income as a result of the cuts, whereas the richest will lose only 1.6% of theirs. There is a clear Conservative, ideological drive to this poor-punishing budget and it is to the shame of the Liberal Democrats that they have had any part in supporting it.<br /><br /></span><br /><p><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The argument that the cuts in public sector employees might be a positive thing because it will flood the private sector job market with women who will demand equal pay and flexible working hours does not ring true for me. When I made a noise about the gap between maternity and paternity rights in my private school and those in the state sector, I was roundly ignored by my employers who dared me to take them to a tribunal rather than recognise the inequality of their provision. I, as an articulate, educated and determined women, backed by the majority of my staffroom colleagues, could do nothing to force a change in their provision and I suspect that this will be the case with many other private sector employers. Rather than some radical change in private sector employment culture, basic labour market economics suggests that a market flooded with ex-public sector workers will lead to the private sector entrenching their position and selecting only workers who will not demand such flexibility and equal opportunity provision. That is, <em>if</em> these mythical employers can be found in the first place... </span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">The argument about the existence of legislation that will help these women in their fight to be granted equal opportunities in terms of work hours and culture as well as pay is also hard for me to accept. </span><a href="http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=23"><span style="color:#000099;">The Equal Pay Day campaigners </span></a><span style="color:#000000;">drew our attention to the fact recently that just because women can now demand to find out if they are receiving equivalent pay to their male colleagues, this has not in fact led to a closing of the pay gap; it has made us angrier but the gap is still there. Similarly, women have the right to demand consideration of flexible working arrangements from their employers and their employers have the duty to show they have considered such requests but beyond this there is little pressure on employers to change their employment practices or to make life easier for women who want to contribute to society as a carer as well as a tax payer. Legislation, as it stands, is not strong enough; it is whitewash that is emphatically not fit for purpose. </span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">Beyond the issue of the effect of the cuts on public sector workers, many of whom are women, we must also, as feminists, be concerned about the effect of a budget that privileges cuts to public services over rises in taxation. The great trick of the coalition has been their success in making people forget that the deficit we face is not the fault of overspending on the public sector under the Labour party but a result of their decision to bail out the banks during the credit crunch. Their success here has given them enough grace from the public to convince many of us that reigning in public spending is a moral as well as economic necessity. The Fawcett Society’s report eloquently demonstrates the falsity of this argument of necessity and puts forward some serious alternatives that could prevent the terrible cuts that are already being made.<br /></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">In contradiction to the view that Kelly’s post puts forward, that the Fawcett society are entrenching backward stereotypes, their report actually demonstrates how it is the coalition budget which aims to restore ‘the ‘breadwinner/dependent female carer’ model of relations rather than an egalitarian ‘dual earner/dual carer model’ and I would encourage readers to </span><a href="http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk//index.asp?PageID=1198"><span style="color:#000099;">digest it in full </span></a><span style="color:#000000;">before they make up their mind on its credibility. </span></p><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">The coalition budget will punish the poor and will punish poor women in particular; as such we should back the Fawcett Society and stand in total opposition to it. </span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 151px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537611334927336210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAS0Q66Ryi6P2o3k-yKS_E4fGtWb7bVXCHbt4zakkfCdtRE-n5UvjqBhG5_CvJBku6xq3OgIYAmSaEq6pIaswI22gYPz4HE8FDyTFw3vqbnJlzLQSlUIEdYlsFMtlboKLuoOnz-IVwoPB/s320/Fawcett--small-Logo-.gif" /></span></div>abihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01991766017404957461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-7781323525135602222010-10-25T12:17:00.000-07:002010-10-25T12:19:30.220-07:00Protecting the Stakeholders of the Sex IndustryI have a significant issue with the way women are represented in mainstream media as sexualised objects. Not only does it condone the sex industry, significantly harm gender relations and provide poor role models for young girls, but is also increases the risk of dehumanising women and increases the risk of sexual crimes and violence against women.<br /><br />A number of Feminist not-for-profit organisations have conducted reviews into the objectification of women as sex objects which identify rising levels of pornographic poses, vacant expressions and harmful messages to society. In turn this also provides “hypermasculine” role models for men and advocates strong gender divide relationships which damaged society as a whole.<br /><br />There is a significant rise in aspirations among young girls and young teams to be Glamour models with media stars endorsing sexualisation of women by posing in “lads mags” or simply being <a href="http://www.jordanfanclub.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jordan</a>.<br /><br />The presentation of the <a href="http://www.o-books.com/obookssite/book/detail/354" target="_blank">One Dimensional Woman</a> has a cascade effect to younger generations, <a href="http://www.object.org.uk/index.php/the-facts/the-facts" target="_blank">As OBJECT identifies</a> with WH Smith selling pink Playboy pencil cases and Amazon sell pole dancing kits with paper money as toys. Alongside more negative gender stereotypes such as the<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Domestic-Goddess-Comfort-Cooking/dp/0701168889" target="_blank"> Domestic Goddess</a> and few female role models in Parliament and big business, Society is effectively rolling back decades in gender equality.<br /><br />There is a significant separation between content and advertising and it is the portrayal of the content of advertising that is the issue. Advertising will continue to increase all the time there is a demand and nobody steps up to say the representation of women in this respect is wrong.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.object.org.uk/" target="_blank">OBJECT</a> runs a <a href="http://www.object.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=70" target="_blank">Feminists Friday</a> campaign to promote the covering up of “lads mags” with anti-sexist slogans. The more attention that can be created through this, the more likely it is that the presentation of women as sexual objects in mainstream media will stop.<br /><br />However, there is still a requirement for a socially responsible media in relation to the sexualisation of women. I would encourage you to lobby your Councillors, lobby your MP and lobby the national government to prevent further damage to gender relations.<br /><br /><b><u>The Sex Industry</b></u><br /><br />The discreet patriarchal argument that working in the sex industry is the “choice” and the misrepresentation of careers from the globally successful <a href="http://belledejour-uk.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Belle De Jour</a> and <a href="http://www.playboy.co.uk/" target="_blank">Playboy</a> Simply allow corroboration with the idea of “choice” and further degrade and dehumanise women. If you attempt to argue against it you are generally questioned as to whether you work in the sex industry and if not then your argument is not valid.<br /><br />However, an independent study conducted by <a href="http://www.object.org.uk/index.php/the-facts/the-facts" target="_blank">OBJECT reports</a> that 75% of women working in the sex industry were drawn into it as children and the other Life events have a significant impact on on the so-called choice of sex industry workers. <br /><br />There is a growing rise in violence against women at work in the sex industry where it is implicit that the right to buy sex also allows the right to perpetrate sexual crime.<br /><br />And while the studies reported are not peer-reviewed, they identify serious concerns with the promotion of women sexualised objects within society. <br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution_in_the_Netherlands" target="_blank">The Netherlands</a> provides what they call a failed legislative experiment whereby legislating on the sex industry has failed to ensure safety and actually promoted higher levels of sexual crime of violence towards women. It ultimately provides a market where the desire for the market grows with legitimisation and therefore the trafficking and abuse of women who work in this industry increases.<br /><br />The issues in the sex industry are not limited to sexual crimes, but there are also issues around <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_trafficking" target="_blank">trafficking</a>. <br /><br />In order to prevent trafficking in the UK section 14 of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Policing_and_Crime_Act_2009" target="_blank">Police and Crime Act 2009</a> states that men who purchase sexual services where they are aware that the woman is traffic are liable to be charged. This is a strict liability offence. However, since the implementation of the section in April 2010 only <u>three</u> men have received cautions for such a crime. Men have telephoned crime reporting lines to report within being trafficked, but when questioned, in the majority of instances they have already slept with a woman who was trafficked and are simply reporting it as a consciousness issue afterwards. This further legitimises the market of trafficking in the work of women in the sex industry.<br /><br />Local authorities are currently taking the lead and challenging qualification in their area. <a href="http://www.object.org.uk/index.php/campaigns/about-the-campaign" target="_blank">OBJECT</a> is running a campaign to ensure that people can lobby their local councils to license sex industry venues appropriately, i.e. by going through a magistrates court to ensure the welfare of women and the crease the risks of harm, trafficking and destruction to gender balance relationships.<br /><br /><b>However, this essentially absolves central government of any responsibility to preventing a growing mainstream media concept of sexualisation of women.</b><br /><br />It is up to people to act and stop the objectification of women in the media, in the sex industry and in society as a whole to prevent the cascading damage to young people.<br /><br />---<br />This post was orihinally posted on www.disconcertediscursives.blogspot.comCurious?http://www.blogger.com/profile/14220141774833587152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-54465973724269804672010-10-25T11:36:00.000-07:002010-10-25T11:39:17.832-07:00Why the Fawsett Society Challenge Actually Discriminates Against Women Further<a href="http://fawcettsociety.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=1198" target="_blank">The Fawcett Society</a> has launched a major, high press challenge against the government's spending cuts to child benefit and benefit cuts in general. <br /><br />Controversially, as a feminist, I disagree with this action. <br /><br />Ultimately, I feel this hinders the gender equality debate, is a poor use of legislation and does not represent a true equality impact assessment of the spending cuts in line with other legislation. <br /><br /><u><b>Do the Spending Cuts Disproportionally Discriminate against Women?</u></b><br /><br /><b>Flexible Working and the Public Sector</b><br /><br />The Fawcett Society states that "65% of public sector employees are women". It then goes on to illustrate why two thirds of civil servant employees are in fact female. Firstly, it is because the public sector has far more stringent flexible working schemes, equal opportunities governance and care related policies than the private sector.<br /><br />By campaigning against the spending cuts to the public sector, all the Fawcett Society appears to be achieving, to me, is preserving the public sector as the best equal opportunities employer in the country. This immediately implies that these women would be unlikely to seek employment opportunities outside the public sector because practices are not as adequate.<br /><br /><b>Therefore, the debate is not about the cuts to the public sector, but in fact about how inadequate private corporations in the UK are at providing equal opportunities in employment for women, caregivers and those who seek flexible working schemes.</b><br /><br />By enforcing major budget cuts on the public sector, this would significantly increase job seekers into the market who do not just seek flexible working, but <u>insist</u> upon flexible working. This would force companies into applying more suitable flexible working policies, and seek better ways of functioning with a level playing field of diversity strands.<br /><br />The Fawcett Society may succeed in their legal challenge, but all this would do with secure a narrow field in which women can work and allow private companies to continue to discriminate against women and diversity strands. <br /><br /><b>Child Rearing</b><br /><br />The Fawcett Society is responding to the sociological issue that women are, in the majority of cases, the main child rearers. <br /><br />This is not a response to the amount of money these women receive, whether from benefits or employment, but in fact a response to the entrenched notion of discrimination within the family unit that the society has failed to address since the onset of second wave feminism in the 1960s.<br /><br />Gender discrimination and patriarchy remain truly embedded within society through a variety of means. All the time we allow women to be considered as the "caring, mother figure" stereotype, we persist in the notion that women nest and men build.<br /><br />Sexual liberation in the 1960s allowed women to have sex with a much lower risk of pregnancy thereby allowing them a far greater choice of partner prior to embracing family life.<br /><br />However, the barriers still exist post commencing that relationship. Once she selected her partner, she is still expected to undertake certain roles within that relationship. This includes being the one to take leave for nine months to two years when a child enters the relationship. While a leave of absence is reasonable for women that have given birth, the assumptions of "biological destiny", "bonding" and the interdependent relationships indicated within society between mother and child ensure that the woman feels guilty for not taking for maternity leave, feels guilty when she is struggling with a variety of related child rearing issues, feels secondary to her child and is obligated by the sociopolitical landscape to fulfil these roles.<br /><br />The Fawcett Society challenge to spending cuts perpetuates the concept of the woman of the child rearer, thereby inadvertently preventing the positions of women within society from changing to a more equal stance within the workplace.<br /><br />The limiting of child benefit may in fact assist to reposition the role of the female as a potential to be an equal or main earner within the family; dependent on meritocracy and not upon negative and perceived social roles. <br /><br /><b>Legislative Tools</b><br /><br />There is an entire range of <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=gender+equality+legislation&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a" target="_blank">gender equality legislation</a> now available for use within the UK. But all the time that negative sociopolitical concepts of the roles of women within the home, the workplace, or career style, persists, all challengers are effectively moot.<br /><br />Legislation from the EU indicates that you cannot discriminate against gender on the basis of goods and services. However, we still see gender stereotyping in marketing, advertising and merchandise as well as in the services surrounding capitalism in the UK.<br /><br />The legislation should be strategic and proactive, enforcing companies and service providers to take into account equality impact on gender. <br /><br />However, persistent messages such as "men are from Mars, women are from Venus" in advertising, education, and social media seem to be so entrenched, that no one even considered challenging them.<br /><br />I recently submitted a complaint to the <a href="http://www.asa.org.uk/" target="_blank">Advertising Standards Authority</a> with regards to an advert for <a href="http://www.dovemencare.co.uk/uk/en/media_gallery.html" target="_blank">Dove on the television</a>. This is particularly targeted at men with a voice over detailing how fantastic it was to be male, including lifting the entitlements of the man within society and the role and gender rise masculinity that he should fulfil. I was informed by the Advertising Standard Authority that my complaint was not valid as I was the only person to complain.<br /><br /><b>What is the point of legislation if it does not exist to combat discrimination in these areas?</b><br /><br />Instead, the Fawcett Society are using it as a reactive tool to discrimination. To combat discrimination against women based on these entrenched rules without both advising, consulting and instigating steps to erase such embedded notions from society, is what I consider to be a misuse of the legislation.<br /><br />I'll go further, saying that it helps perpetuate negative connotations of "feminists" as angry, reactive, aggressive groups that do not put steps in place to rectify mistakes but simply battle against them when the impulse takes them.<br /><br />---<br /><br />This post originally appeared on www.disconcertediscursives.blogspot.comCurious?http://www.blogger.com/profile/14220141774833587152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-85653027514869910202010-10-10T00:10:00.000-07:002010-10-10T00:10:11.790-07:00Some ideas for discussion in our first meeting on 14th OctoberIn preparation for <a href="http://kentfeminista.blogspot.com/2010/09/discovery-meeting-14th-october.html">Thursday's first Kentfeminista meeting</a> we've started a couple of discussions on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=131889186854991&ref=ts">facebook group</a> that we can carry on in our meeting and I've posted them up on here so that anyone can comment.<br />
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It would be great if those of you from far flung places who can't make it could let us know what you're thinking about the big issues, and the slightly sillier ones, we're facing together!<br />
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Even better, if there's something you'd like to get other women's views on, you could start a discussion too - I decided to stop at two but there's so much to talk about...<br />
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In Sisterhood, Abi x <br />
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<strong>Feminista101</strong><br />
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So, if we did have a feminista room 101 what would you be putting in it? Could be an item of clothing, a person, a movement, a writer, an institution, whatever makes your blood boil!<br />
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Bring ideas to the meeting but if you can't make it, let us know here what you think.<br />
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Personally, I think <a href="http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/">London Fashion week</a> should go and sit on the naughty step until they've taken a class in what real women's bodies look like. I'd also like to see the back of <a href="http://twitter.com/davessidekick">George Osborne</a> and his women hating budget cuts. I'd also like to make the case for heels, although I suspect I'm going to have a fight on my hands with that one...<br />
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<strong>Stop the Cuts</strong><br />
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So, the cuts are going to hurt us much more than they are the men. <a href="http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=1164">Fawcett have put the difference at 72 to 28 per cent</a> which I didn't want to believe until I read their report. Even Theresa May has complained to Osborne about the total lack of analysis of the gender impact of the cuts. What I thought we could start discussing is where we're already seeing evidence of cuts and the worries that we have about who they're going to affect.<br />
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One of my big personal worries is about the effect on the provision for new mums. When I had Lyra, I had daily visits from my midwife for 3 or 4 days after being discharged, followed by the arrival of a health visitor who came to my house at least half a dozen times and offered to come more. Now I know that new mums are lucky to get a single home visit after the birth. With the mounting pressures on young mums, this means that critical support is being removed from women at one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Post natal depression is on the rise and this lack of support is putting mothers at an even greater risk of suffering from this horrible and alienating illness.Kent Feministahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04153671520043794730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-22299071227679976612010-10-02T12:46:00.001-07:002010-10-02T12:46:48.678-07:00Reclaiming the F-Word 19th October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQb1WwQCZWR46KqTgW5RIIXAmUhyphenhyphenSdAMnuLHNxcqc2e01lp3OvJ7XVTDO1P0oJojBumT5xXcywtqnwPe7zzxUS2NWIeFhPCvDhHkCA-a8DFBX3nf55UseHZIV-JhgKe7ckxITWj_VN2R0/s1600/f-word.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQb1WwQCZWR46KqTgW5RIIXAmUhyphenhyphenSdAMnuLHNxcqc2e01lp3OvJ7XVTDO1P0oJojBumT5xXcywtqnwPe7zzxUS2NWIeFhPCvDhHkCA-a8DFBX3nf55UseHZIV-JhgKe7ckxITWj_VN2R0/s320/f-word.png" width="247" /></a></div>Kent Feministahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04153671520043794730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-25203434562902691352010-09-26T05:30:00.000-07:002010-09-26T05:30:01.493-07:00Feminist Reading Group 5th OctoberCanterbury's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?sk=events#!/group.php?gid=150366798321866">Feminist Reading Group</a> are having a get together on 5th October from 6pm at <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?cid=1227738597364103749&q=bramleys+bar+canterbury&hl=en&gl=uk">Bramley's Bar, 15 Orange Street in Canterbury</a>. You can read more about them here. They will be talking about the fantastic graphic novel <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Persepolis-Marjane-Satrapi/dp/009952399X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1285504127&sr=8-1">'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Persepolis-Marjane-Satrapi/dp/009952399X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1285504127&sr=8-1"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDB25qwpYgAQ7RSdwPGI27DXRjDFW2DxYPG_MZno1N3IIC1VV124PlP8pExVELGZtmHu3QR21dCck8A7KRKqQNf5eagNzjYRs9yaNoO4cdDygtkJp_fBhHGR29l9b7-hGSyfHQXm334c/s1600/persepolis.jpg" /></a></div>Kent Feministahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04153671520043794730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-33896528124182324292010-09-12T01:45:00.001-07:002010-09-12T01:45:30.127-07:00Discovery meeting 14th October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EslKbGXyWneVYvLuADdWidVDP3nwA5pc6QWjL2pns7BTA3D6yxB86oFT6Rnzrc7AQZixW0OaTmv0jBkInRLnHj2pYfTF7uK3uOqrRC-damQ4hikQFczIyhZrXQjurUA832HsHprHRGo/s1600/kentfeministadiscoveryposter-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EslKbGXyWneVYvLuADdWidVDP3nwA5pc6QWjL2pns7BTA3D6yxB86oFT6Rnzrc7AQZixW0OaTmv0jBkInRLnHj2pYfTF7uK3uOqrRC-damQ4hikQFczIyhZrXQjurUA832HsHprHRGo/s640/kentfeministadiscoveryposter-001.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>Kent Feministahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04153671520043794730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8141845527024553810.post-66291979248520321702010-09-12T01:33:00.000-07:002010-09-12T01:33:01.991-07:00Coming soon!This site is under construction. You can find out more about Kent Feminista by going to our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=131889186854991&ref=ts">facebook page</a> or read about us on the <a href="http://www.ukfeminista.org.uk/organisations.html?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=12&sobi2Id=89">UK Feminista website</a>.Kent Feministahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04153671520043794730noreply@blogger.com0