tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19749402279521784782024-03-13T21:16:04.753-07:00Mind the Gap: London Student Feministslondonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-77091872523654482902009-11-12T03:27:00.000-08:002009-11-12T03:47:46.031-08:00Students and Reclaim the Night<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g4X1V1adg2qBqxSo5Msmq6vpGo6VaFzsANjdFKKVuZ_A7hJ1SiG3LSWmIYDrYHjSCr0G_Fpw7-844YkfCh8KoGKzs3Nc_3nE5lVCEx7S1wwksJPE0RP-t9kWsQgCONXRKZWvZY6EJEE/s1600-h/nusviolence.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g4X1V1adg2qBqxSo5Msmq6vpGo6VaFzsANjdFKKVuZ_A7hJ1SiG3LSWmIYDrYHjSCr0G_Fpw7-844YkfCh8KoGKzs3Nc_3nE5lVCEx7S1wwksJPE0RP-t9kWsQgCONXRKZWvZY6EJEE/s320/nusviolence.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403181875580213970" /></a><br /><br /><br />A message from Liv Bailey, NUS Women's Officer......<br /><br /><br />As we get closer to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which is on the 25 November, I just wanted to email with a couple of ways you can get involved in our priority campaign over the next few weeks.<br /> <br /><strong>Reclaim the Night London</strong><br /> <br />The National Reclaim the Night march will be held in London on the 21st November. This is a great chance for students to unite and stand against violence against women.<br /> <br />Students from all over the country are descending on London for the march - let’s mobilise and get more students at the march and rally than ever before.<br /> <br />Join the facebook group for more info - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167788109169. <br /> <br /><strong>**Gather for mass action during the day - 2pm, Trafalgar Square**</strong> <br /><br />On the day of the march, the women's campaign is organising a mass action for students ahead of the march that evening. We will be gathering images, statements and signatures against violence, as well as leafleting for the march that evening.<br /> <br />Meet at 1.30pm, by the fountain in Trafalgar Square. Will finish by about 4 - leaving plenty of time to get to the start of the march.<br /> <br />Coming? Email me - olivia.bailey@nus.org.uk - so I can get an idea of numbers of people to expect.<br /> <br /><strong>**Getting to London**</strong> <br />There are a few coaches travelling down to London for the march (and in time for the mass action). If you are interested in getting on a coach, or want to organise a group for a coach, get in touch with the contacts set out below.<br /> <br />· WALES: NUS Wales Women's Officer Estelle Hart will be organising a coach from Wales to London. Email her on estelle.hart@nus-wales.org.uk for more info and to reserve a place on the coach<br />· NORTH: Sheffield Uni Women's Officer Amy Sutherland will be co-ordinating a coach from various points in the North of England. The coach will likely be stopping in Sheffield, Bradford and Manchester. Drop me an email to find out more and to reserve a place - olivia.bailey@nus.org.uk <br />· SOUTH WEST: I'm looking in to the possibility of a coach from the South West, if this would be useful for you, let me know - olivia.bailey@nus.org.uk <br />· NOTTINGHAM: The Nottingham Women's Officer is organising a coach from Nottingham to London, and she has some spare places. Contact me if you are interested in getting on the coach, and I'll put you in touch - olivia.bailey@nus.org.uk <br /><br /><br /><strong>Your images against violence</strong><br /><br />As part of our campaign, I'd like you to send me images against violence, and images of women in your Union. I'm after: <br />· Images of women doing normal things around campus - eg in lectures, in the library, playing sport etc<br />· Images of students taking action against violence - eg, at reclaim the night marches, doing stunts, or even just your women's group holding up placards or signs against violence<br />· More creative images that make a statement against violence - eg, designed images, artwork or even short films<br />This could be an activity to get your women's committee of wider student union involved with, or you might just be keen to get a camera and get thinking yourself. Maybe you already have images you can send in. The images received will be used in different ways in the Stop Violence Against Women Priority Campaign - so please make sure you have the permission of people you are photographing before you send me the image. Any questions, get in touch - olivia.bailey@nus.org.uk. <br /><br />Please send me your images by the 23 November.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Violence Against Women Survey </strong><br /><br />As part of the campaign, we are launching a research project in to the Violence Against Women Students. This will be the first time anyone has specifically looked at the ways in which violence impacts on women students.<br /> <br />The first stage of our research is an online survey, which will be launched in the next couple of weeks. I'll send the link out as soon as it is ready to go, but please get ready to send this survey to as many women as possible - we want to ensure we get as many women as possible to fill it out.<br /> <br /><br /><strong>Violence Against Women Posters</strong> <br /><br />We will be launching in the next couple of days a range of posters against violence and objectification. Watch the website for the designs going live at the end of this week - http://www.officeronline.co.uk/women/. If you want to pre-order your posters, email me - olivia.bailey@nus.org.uk. <br /> <br /><strong>Reclaim the Night Leeds</strong><br /> <br />LUU and Leeds Met are running a Reclaim the Night march on Saturday 28 October.<br /> <br />March - 6pm @ Leeds Art Gallery (first half - women only, second half - open)<br />Rally and clubnight - 8.00pm onwards @ Faversham<br /> <br />Contact - s.a.james@luu.leeds.ac.uk<br />or - V.Baars@leedsmet.ac.u<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiox5yBBvf-8Myo2fQEpw_RCwbrO9DbUkdWnjxINTRk8LhU3jR3FB_ZqN2bd21udt_cEFp17yGKbY2wla8OWXjQKIuvr22Wzu7k5Go9HezNtyvpfrhBlB25uS5JDYl4aGVfJmGg1PJqaAM/s1600-h/reclaimcartoon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiox5yBBvf-8Myo2fQEpw_RCwbrO9DbUkdWnjxINTRk8LhU3jR3FB_ZqN2bd21udt_cEFp17yGKbY2wla8OWXjQKIuvr22Wzu7k5Go9HezNtyvpfrhBlB25uS5JDYl4aGVfJmGg1PJqaAM/s320/reclaimcartoon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403181264497850754" /></a>londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-29935496919792305042009-11-07T03:04:00.000-08:002009-11-07T03:07:43.206-08:00Victory for Demand Change!From Object....<br /><br />BREAKING NEWS: Victory as Peers vote for women, not pimps and punters!<br /> <br /><br />Victory as Peers vote for women, not pimps and punters!<br /> <br /><br /> The Demand Change! Campaign is delighted to announce a major victory for women exploited by the sex industry, as last night the House of Lords voted in favour of Clause 14 (formerly 13) of the Policing & Crime Bill[i], putting the rights of exploited women over those of pimps and punters.<br /> <br />In focusing on the demand for sexual services, Clause 14 shifts criminal liability away from people exploited through prostitution and places responsibility firmly on the shoulders of those who contribute to commercial sexual exploitation by choosing to purchase girls, boys, women and men for sexual use.<br /> <br />This is a huge achievement for the 67 women's and human rights organisations[ii] which supported this bill, and which campaigned tirelessly to obtain justice for the women, children and men who have for so long been exploited by the sex industry. Many of these organisations attended the successful Demand Change! mass support rally in Parliament Square just before the vote[iii], calling on Peers to `Vote for Women, not Pimps and Punters!' (see photos of the protest here<br /> <br />Comments from Eaves chief executive Denise Marshall:<br />"This is fantastic news. Legislation to make it an offence to pay for sex with someone subject to force, who has been exploited, is a no-brainer. It should clearly be illegal. I am delighted for the women whom we support, who have a right to live without fear of force, violence or exploitation, and for whom this law is crucial.<br /> <br />"The vital next step in the process is for those exploited in prostitution to be fully decriminalised and provided with high quality support to exit the sex industry safely, and the Demand Change! campaign will continue to press for this."<br /> <br />Comments from Anna van Heeswijk, OBJECT:<br />"Clause 14 brings the buyer out of the shadows and says that as a society we put the rights of vulnerable women, children and men above the right of punters to buy sex. This is a major victory for all those who have been exploited – many of whom shared their stories in a film screened in front of a packed audience in the House of Commons on the eve of the debate – and it is also a victory for all those who have joined the campaign to end commercial sexual exploitation by tackling demand. Thank you Peers for listening to our protest chants and for deciding to `vote for women, not pimps and punters!'"<br /> <br />Testimony from "Angel", a survivor of prostitution:<br />"I had to say I enjoyed it and that I chose it – it's what the johns want to hear, and as a prostitute I existed for their pleasure, my body and words were there for their pleasure. The real me was effectively mute.<br /> <br />It makes sense to target the johns and criminalise them, because they hold the money and they have all the power."<br /><br />http://www.object.org.uk/index.php/component/content/article/3-news/78-victory-as-peers-vote-for-women-not-pimps-and-punterslondonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-70935567871160804532009-11-02T11:23:00.000-08:002009-11-02T11:24:49.354-08:00Demand Change Rally TOMORROW (apologies for getting the day wrong!) still not too late to write to peers....BIG thanks to all of those who are currently attending the Demand Change film screening and debate, I had the day of the rally wrong- it is in fact tomorrow and I hope that LOTS of you are able to come along to show your support and lend your voices...<br /> <br /> <br />The Demand Change! campaign is lobbying for Peers to support Clause 14 (formerly 13) of the Policing and crime Bill to criminalise the purchase of sexual services from an individual who has been exploited.<br /> <br />This is a crucial first step towards tackling the demand for prostitution and trafficking for sexual exploitation and timing is critical as the House of Lords decides on Nov 3rd whether or not to support these proposals.<br /> <br /> Its still not too late to write to peers as urgent action...<br /> <br />Info on how to do this....<br /> <br />http://londonstudentfeminists.blogspot.com/2009/10/urgent-action-on-prostitution-and.html<br /> <br /> <br /><strong>TOMORROW: DEMAND CHANGE PUBLIC RALLY 12:30pm-2pm<br /> </strong>http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=164361066644&index=1<br /> <br /> <br />Prostitution is exploitation - end the demand!<br /> <br />Public rally calling for peers in the House of Lords to "vote for women, not pimps or punters"<br /> <br />Bring a placard or banner from your organisation to show your support and pass this onto 'supportive' friends and colleagues<br /> <br />For more info then email: anna@object.org.uk as venue is TBA- only pass this info to trusted people, or call Elly on 07595672964 for last minute queries.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Information again on urgent action writing to peers....<br /> <br />http://londonstudentfeminists.blogspot.com/2009/10/urgent-action-on-prostitution-and.htmllondonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-85977992776869703622009-11-01T10:31:00.000-08:002009-11-01T11:44:43.859-08:00Demand Change public rally and film screening- TOMORROW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3Bg3z61TR4aFpjIO3y0CAMpLGvcohi2YPjp_oxeP2B1nr81f4WShdrMz2_stxursLTlGr4-6PSWAQP9gG3VxKWvdAS4f9yKMOPPTiwhLEYdqDQv_SShXfmxHU0p2LfR77brt-dzGo7o/s1600-h/buyers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3Bg3z61TR4aFpjIO3y0CAMpLGvcohi2YPjp_oxeP2B1nr81f4WShdrMz2_stxursLTlGr4-6PSWAQP9gG3VxKWvdAS4f9yKMOPPTiwhLEYdqDQv_SShXfmxHU0p2LfR77brt-dzGo7o/s320/buyers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399223473915806498" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Only two days to go until the House of Lords debate clause 13 as emailed last week. Its <strong>still not too late to write to peers as urgent action</strong>...<br /><br />Information again on how to do this....<br /> <br />http://londonstudentfeminists.blogspot.com/2009/10/urgent-action-on-prostitution-and.html<br /><br /><br /><br />Two major events both TOMORROW<br /><br /><strong>DEMAND CHANGE PUBLIC RALLY 12:30pm-2pm</strong><br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=164361066644&index=1<br /><br />Demand Change! Public Rally<br /><br />Prostitution is exploitation - end the demand!<br /><br />Public rally calling for peers in the House of Lords to "vote for women, not pimps or punters"<br /><br />Bring a placard or banner from your organisation to show your support and pass this onto 'supportive' friends and colleagues<br /><br />For more info then email: anna@object.org.uk as venue is TBA- only pass this info to trusted people, or call Elly on 07595672964 for last minute queries.<br /><br /><br /><strong>DEMAND CHANGE! SHORT FILM SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION ON PROSTITUTION AND CLAUSE 14 (FORMERLY 13)<br />TOMORROW 6pm-7:30pm House of Commons</strong><br />http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=168527628737&v=info#/event.php?eid=165804375887&index=1<br /><br />“I had to say I enjoyed it and that I chose it – it’s what the johns want to hear, and as a prostitute I existed for their pleasure, my body and words were there for their pleasure. The real me was effectively mute.”<br /><br />The Demand Change! Campaign has worked with women who have been exploited through prostitution to produce a short film of video testimony exposing the reality of prostitution and trafficking. This hard-hitting film gives a voice to the silent and silenced majority who do not see prostitution as just another job and who call for urgent action to be taken to stop commercial sexual exploitation.<br /><br />Speakers include:<br /><br />Julie Bindell (Journalist & Campaigner)<br />Fiona MacTaggart (MP)<br />Diane Martin (TRUST)<br />Cate Briddick (Rights of Women)<br />Denise Marshall (Eaves)<br />Anna Van Heeswijk (OBJECT)<br /><br />For more information visit www.demandchange.org<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Information again on urgent action writing to peers....</strong>http://londonstudentfeminists.blogspot.com/2009/10/urgent-action-on-prostitution-and.htmllondonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-9117829273263615622009-10-30T09:53:00.000-07:002009-10-30T09:54:47.226-07:00Workshop TOMORROW- 'Fighting the New Sexism and Homophobia on Campus'Beth Evans, co-founder of Mind the Gap: London Student Feminists and Trans Rep of Oxford LGBT will be facilitating a workshop<br /><br /><br /><strong>FIGHTING THE NEW SEXISM AND HOMOPHOBIA ON CAMPUS</strong><br /><br />In response to the spread of sexist culture on campuses – from Miss University contests to pole-dancing classes – and the recent wave of homophobic attacks in London and Liverpool, we have added a new workshop to the conference agenda.<br /><br />with Judith Orr – author of Sexism and the System<br />and Tami Peterson – from NUS LGBT campaign and Birkbeck SU<br /><br /><em><strong>2.45-3.45pm at the Conference 'ANOTHER EDUCATION IS POSSIBLE' tomorrow, at SOAS</strong></em><br /><br />Another Education is Possible Conference <br />Saturday 31st Oct, 11am-5.30pm, SOAS <br />www.anothereducation.com <br /> <br />Education is under attack. As the recession bites and the bankers make off with their <br />billions, it is universities and colleges that are at the sharp end of the cuts. Across the country, departments are being closed, courses cut and lecturers sacked. As funding is slashed, 100,000 students who applied for university were left without a place<br />this year. Youth unemployment has hit a million—and one in five young people<br />have no job or education. And the government could soon try to lift the ‘cap’ on top-up fees,<br />creating a free-for all where the cost of education could double, triple or worse. But when we fight, we can win—the wave of student occupations proved that. We need to<br />come together to build.<br /> <br />Our conference will be hosting workshops on the battle for education, fighting fascism, challenging the new sexism and homophobia on campus, how to organise an occupation, plus more. Speakers include Terry Eagleton, Judith Orr, Lowkey, Joe Glenton, Vestas worker- see the full timetable below!<br /> <br />Lunch will be provided by the SOAS detainee support group.<br /> <br />Entrance is £5<br /> <br /><br />Opening 11am-12noon <br /> <br />The battle for education<br />Terry Eagleton<br />Lynda Nwike Stop the Cuts at Kings campaign<br />Alison Lord Tower Hamlets college, Branch Chair UCU, Poplar Site <br />Phemie Mattheson NUS NEC <br /> <br />Workshops Round 1 12noon-1pm <br />1. After Question time –how do we fight the BNP? Lowkey musician/LMHR<br />Anindya Bhattacharyya Unite Against Fascism<br />Assed Baig President Staffordshire SU<br /> <br />2. From Palestine to Afghanistan - resisting imperialism and war <br />Lance Corporal Joe Glenton war resister Carol Turner Stop the War Coalition <br /> <br />3. Using the media: <br />Hilary Aitken London Student <br />Tom Walker Socialist Worker journalist<br /> <br />4. Building solidarity with workers struggles <br />Juan Carlos Piedra Justice for Cleaners <br />Mark Campbell London Met UCU Branch Secretary<br /> <br />1pm-1.30 LUNCH provided by SOAS Detainee Support Group <br /> <br />Debate –What kind of education do we want? 1.30-2.30pm<br />Wes Streeting NUS president<br />James Haywood NUS NEC<br /> <br />Workshops Round 2: 2.45-3.45pm5. How to organise an occupationClare Solomon SOAS occupation<br />Estelle Cooch LSE occupation<br /> <br />6. How we use our student unions: <br />Tom Wills President Sussex SU<br />Jenny Jones Campaigns Officer Goldsmiths SU<br /> <br />7. How do we stop climate change? <br />Ian Terry Save Vestas Campaign <br />Julie Filer Campaign Against Climate Change <br /> <br />8. Fighting the new sexism and homophobia on campus<br />Judith Orr author of Sexism and the System – a rebels guide to women’s liberation<br />Tami Peterson NUS LGBT campaign Bisexual Rep & Birkbeck SU <br /> <br />Plenary: Building a democratic, campaigning student movement 4-5.30 pm<br />Report backs from workshop and main motion. Plus closing remarks from <br />Mark Bergfeld Essex Uni <br />Gerry Lecointe Postal worker and CWU member<br />Jane Hardy UCU NEC <br />All speakers in personal capacitylondonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-43526916866324491672009-10-28T12:03:00.000-07:002009-10-28T12:17:21.929-07:00Urgent Action on Prostitution and Lapdancing before 3rd November- please forward to all lists<span style="font-weight:bold;">TAKE ACTION on Policing and Crime Bill to be debated in the House of Lords- 3rd November</span><br /> <br /> <br />Demand Change! is a joint campaign by Eaves and OBJECT which aims to promote an increased understanding of the myths and realities surrounding prostitution and calls for prostitution to be seen and widely understood as a form of violence against women.<br /><br />Demand Change! calls on the Government to fulfil its multiple international and domestic obligations to tackle demand for prostitution. Current government proposals are a welcome step in this direction, and we fully support Clause 13 as a crucial step towards ending the exploitation of women and men through prostitution.<br /><br />To see an end to exploitation through prostitution, we further urge the Government to adopt the ‘Nordic model’ which tackles demand for prostitution by decriminalising those who sell sexual acts whilst criminalising those who purchase them (as adopted by Sweden, Norway and Iceland) – as well as providing adequate resources to help people exit prostitution.<br /><br />This will be a crucial step towards ending the exploitation and abuse experienced by many women and girls in prostitution.<br /><br />For more info visit www.demandchange.org or email londonstudentfeminists@googlemail.com for PDF packs<br /><br /><br />This is a busy time for supporters as we are campaigning for reform on prostitution and lap dancing, both contained within the same Bill.<br /><br />We are asking you to email peers and urge them to support Clause 13 of the Policing and Crime Bill, which will be debated in the House of Lords on 3rd November. Clause 13 criminalises the purchase of sexual services 'from those controlled for gain'. We ask you to act now as this Clause is in danger of being diluted or removed altogether.<br /><br /><br />The more personalised you can make your email the better. If you work for an organisation and can also send an organisational briefing this would be extremely persuasive.<br /> <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">MODEL LETTER ONE: Prostitution</span><br /><br /><br /> <br />Your Address<br /><br /><br /> <br />DATE<br /> <br /><br />Support Clause 13 of the Policing and Crime Bill to tackle demand for sexual exploitation<br /> <br /><br />I am writing to you in your capacity as a Member of the House of Lords who has previously shown an interest in the issue of exploitation through prostitution and trafficking. I am deeply concerned that measures aimed at tackling the demand for prostitution risk being weakened or removed altogether as they pass through the House of Lords. I ask that you support crucial measures to tackle the demand for exploitation through prostitution, as contained in Clause 13 (Part 2) of the Policing and Crime Bill which will have its Report Stage debate in the Lords late October/early November.<br /> <br />Prostitution is a human rights violation – which, whilst affecting some men and boys – is profoundly gendered and is defined by the United Nations as an act of violence against women. Whilst some women state prostitution is their choice and describe their experiences as empowering, such women are a small and privileged minority. There is a silent and silenced majority of women who feel unable to speak out about their experiences – which have far more in common with violence, abuse and despair than ‘empowerment’. Their voices must be heard and considered by any person overseeing policy in this area.<br /> <br />Moreover treating women merely as sexual objects through commercial sexual exploitation rather than as individuals contributes to attitudes underpinning gender-based discrimination and violence.<br /> <br />Yet the UK has historically failed to deal with the far-reaching human rights implications of prostitution. Despite the intrinsic harm of prostitution and the vulnerabilities of the women exploited through it, current legislation effectively gives men the right to buy sexual acts and exploit this vulnerability. Logically, there is no viability to supply without demand, and it is undoubtedly the demand for sexual acts from the empowered buyer (punter) that fuels sexual exploitation and the proliferation of the sex industry.<br /> <br />The UK has multiple international and domestic obligations to tackle demand for prostitution. However the law currently places the burden on those involved in prostitution – and not on those whose demand fuels the industry. I believe that a progressive society should put the interests of the most vulnerable first – and not continue to support a legal framework which facilitates the exploitation of vulnerability.<br /> <br />For all these reasons I urge you to support Clause 13 of the Policing and Crime Bill. This seeks to criminalise the purchase of sexual acts from a person ‘subject to force’. The measure is an important first step towards policies undertaken by Nordic countries which have criminalised the purchase of sex acts, whilst decriminalising those who sell them and assisting them to leave prostitution. This model has been proven to reduce demand for prostitution and trafficking – and has given women and girls the choice not to be exploited as commodities. In this context it is unsurprising that Nordic countries consistently top global gender equality and human rights polls.<br /> <br />Please help to shift the burden away from women and girls in prostitution to the punters whose demand drives a highly gendered form of sexual exploitation. I look forward to hearing from you on this important issue.<br /> <br />Yours Sincerely Your Name<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Peers</span><br /><br /><br />Please email as a BCC (blind carbon copy), if possible, to the following peers:<br />(to do this you simply put your own email address in the Send box and paste the following emails into the BCC box)<br /><br />linklaterv@parliament.uk, v.linklater@blueyonder.co.uk, susan@masham1935.fsnet.co.uk, masseyd@parliament.uk, molly.meacher@eastlondon.nhs.uk, nicholsone@parliament.uk, morrispa@parliament.uk , prosserm@parliament.uk, thorntong@parliament.uk, walmsleyj@parliament.uk, williamss@parliament.uk, bishop.edmonton@london.anglican.org , cnewlands@chelmsord.anglican.org, bishopslodge@liverpool.anglican.org, bishop@bishopofnorwich.org, bishops.house@southwark.anglican.org, michael.scott-joynt@dsl.pipex.com , desaim@parliament.uk, dholakian@parliament.uk, dubsa@parliament.uk, eltonr@parliament.uk, harriesr@parliament.uk, lhaharrison@aol.com, lestera@parliament.uk , lucasr@parliament.uk, macdonaldaj@parliament.uk, moyw@parliament.uk, pestonmh@parliament.uk , andrew_w_phillips@yahoo.com, a.phillips@bateswells.co.uk, ramsbothamd@parliament.uk, skelmersdaler@parliament.uk, dick@taverne.me.uk, triesmand@parliament.uk, privateoffice.external@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk , stevensonmm@parliament.uk, bridgemanr@parliament.uk<br /> <br /><br />If you receive a reply please tell our partner's, EAVES, the nature of the response at: Nisan.Kesete@eaveshousing.co.uk or Nisan Kesete, Eaves , Unit 2.03 Canterbury Court, Kennington Park , 1- 3 Brixton Road, London SW9 6DE<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thank you for taking action at this crucial stage.<br /><br /><br />Like to do more? :<br />Find out more about the DEMAND CHANGE campaign here<br />Support OBJECT with a donation here<br />Continue to receive OBJECT newsletters (not usually so frequently!), join OBJECT today<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">LETTER TWO: LAPDANCING</span><br /><br />Reforms to license lap dancing clubs in the same way as sex shops is about to be debated in the Lords. We have until 3rd November to make sure the Lords adopt our proposals to make licensing compulsory, not voluntary, for local authorities and to make sure venues are not exempt if they hold lap dancing less than once a month! <br /> <br />Get Lobbying ! Send our model letter to one, or more (!), of the key peers we have targetted below.<br /> <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Model Letter</span><br /><br /><br />Use our online model letter here or below.<br />Add any personal experiences of lap dancing venues and send to any of the peers listed below:<br /> <br /><br /> <br />Your Address<br /> <br />Insert Peers Name Here<br />The House of Lords<br />London<br />SW1A 0PW<br /> <br />DATE <br /> <br /><br /> <br />Dear Peers Name <br /><br /><br /><br />RE: Please take action to strengthen reforms to lap dancing club licencing<br /><br /> <br />I write to you as a member of the House of Lords who has previously shown an interest in the poor licensing of lap dancing to ask you to take action in the Policing and Crime Bill Report Stage debate (Clause 26, Part 2) - on 3rd and 5th November - in order to improve proposed reforms.<br /><br /> <br />As you know, the Government has proposed to allow lap dancing clubs to be licensed in the same way as sex shops and sex cinemas. This will give local communities greater control in the licensing of lap dancing clubs and place clubs under greater scrutiny – thus better protecting women in the industry and stemming the normalising of a branch of the sex industry.<br /><br /> <br />However the Policing and Crime Bill proposals are seriously flawed on two counts:<br /> <br />1. The new licensing regime will be optional for local councils – leading to a patchwork licensing system which the industry which will be quick to exploit. Local communities will face a postcode lottery over whether they actually get a say in licensing and performers will continue to face poor working conditions as clubs migrate to areas of weaker regulation.<br /> <br />2. The proposals also exempt venues holding lap dancing less than once a month. Thus pubs and bars which hold ‘lap dancing nights’, catered for by lap dancing agencies, will be excluded. This already significant sub-market of the lap dancing industry is likely to further expand.<br /> <br /> <br />I therefore strongly urge you to speak in favour of amendments to ensure reforms are applied universally and contain no frequency-based exemption. These amendments will be be tabled by Baroness Joyce Gould, during Report Stage of the Policing and Crime Bill - on 3rd and 5th of November.<br /> <br /> <br />Without these amendments, Clause 26 of the Policing and Crime Bill will contain significant loopholes and represent a crucial missed opportunity to tackle commercial sexual exploitation.<br /> <br /> <br />I look forward to hearing from you on this important matter.<br /> <br />Yours sincerely<br /> <br /> <br />Your NAME<br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Peers</span><br /> <br /> Please write to one, or more (!) of the key peers we have targeted:<br /><br /><br />o Lord Bilmoria<br />o Baroness Neuberger<br />o Baroness Northover<br />o Lord Norton<br />o Baroness Uddin<br />o Baroness Wilkins<br />o Baroness Grundy<br />o Baroness Flathers<br />o Baroness Goudie<br />o Lord Hylton<br />o Baroness Jay<br />o Lord Listowel<br />o Baroness Ludford<br /> <br />If you receive a reply please send a copy to our partners at the FAWCETT Society:<br />kat.banyard@fawcettsociety.org.uk<br />or Kat Banyard, Fawcett Society, 1-3 Berry Street, London EC1V 0AAlondonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-41524003882798958562009-10-20T05:06:00.000-07:002009-10-20T05:46:37.952-07:00Thursday- protest against the BNP Platform on Question Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_B0P-95YNeIXtcOO8J4IcZuVdHnf4Ge41N3t69nq6Qdo_QO1NbUJ1bIDrVVeDs4xfzzICvxX0WBALyKWQfeUBVR-uMic4i-g6n317Hw6BmCg_98nc-ugRvPq8sy0dauL8wjPzaLMhDNM/s1600-h/Supporters-protest-as-Nic-001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_B0P-95YNeIXtcOO8J4IcZuVdHnf4Ge41N3t69nq6Qdo_QO1NbUJ1bIDrVVeDs4xfzzICvxX0WBALyKWQfeUBVR-uMic4i-g6n317Hw6BmCg_98nc-ugRvPq8sy0dauL8wjPzaLMhDNM/s320/Supporters-protest-as-Nic-001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394657333423310322" /></a><br /><br /><br />The erosion of democratic rights and incitement of racial hatred has began with a screening of Question Time audience applicants for antifascists, and with the BNP launching attacks on other panellists on grounds of race.<br /><br />http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bnp-attacks-fellow-question-time-panellists-1804757.html<br /><br />http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23756472-question-time-audience-vetted-for-anti-fascists.do<br /><br />Nick Griffin has stated that<br /><br /><strong>"Once we're in a position where we control the British broadcasting media, then perhaps one day the British people might change their mind and say, 'yes, every last one must go'. But if you hold that out as your sole aim to start ...with, you're not going to get anywhere. So instead of talking about racial purity, we talk about identity."</strong><br />http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/oct/18/nick-griffin-question-time-bbc<br /><br />In the BBC granting a platform to the BNP, the BBC sets a dangerous precedence; legitimising the BNP as a political party. In doing so they legitimise their views. This is anti democratic as the BNP wish to disenfranchise a huge cross section of British society. They are giving the ‘right’ to a platform to a party that seeks to take away the rights of others. <br /><br />http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/oct/15/bnp-question-time-bbc-griffin<br /><br />FEMINIST REASONS TO NO PLATFORM THE BNP<br /><br />As feminist activists I propose we must unite with anti fascist protests to no platform the BNP and expose them as a party of hate, division and social exclusion. This is in the name of cross liberation campaigning, but also because the BNP seek to impinge on women’s rights directly, and their brand of ‘women’s rights’ tarnish the name of feminism which is an obstacle to all women’s rights advocacy. This has been recognised by a motion passed at the last NUS Women's Committee meeting.<br /><br />• BNP members have publically glorified and ridiculed rape.<br />• Further policy to clamp down on reproductive and LGBT rights, banning mixed marriages, and banning religious dress and food from public arenas, disproportionately affects women.<br />http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article3716550.ece<br />http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7326987.stm<br /><br />• The BNP use women’s rights as a tool to incite racial hatred, for example saying that all of the sexual assaults in Norway this year have been committed by ‘third world immigrants’.<br />• This false claim that sees feminism as a repository of white western supremacism can lead to an antifeminist backlash in the defence of multiculturalism.<br />http://barnsley-nationalists2.blogspot.com/2008/02/womens-rights-third-world-style.html<br />http://bnp.org.uk/2009/09/third-world-rape-nightmare-grips-oslo/<br /><br />• In BNP strongholds aggression and harassment on the basis of race and religion rises. <br />• Many students have been directly affected by encounters with fascist groups in the last few months, such as the BNP’s presence at pride, and recent riots in Birmingham and Doncaster.<br />• The affects of this are not restricted to the targeted social groups, but affect the welfare and unity of the entire student body.<br />http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/sep/06/rightwing-rally-arrests-birmingham<br />http://www.uaf.org.uk/news.asp?choice=90808<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkck3vUDo_qSgPBZSxJyPhUKbQGuXlbSIiK2AEN1fLHEVGybh-iEubTwNOwreLBf53ysF7yqFU1uPeflJOSDa1MLTmpQcWCaQaaCzWGZ0kEvHS7UZfDY7LJXU88jgxHA9o2ns-7WQ880/s1600-h/image-2-for-nick-griffin-gets-pelted-with-eggs-gallery-260699986.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkck3vUDo_qSgPBZSxJyPhUKbQGuXlbSIiK2AEN1fLHEVGybh-iEubTwNOwreLBf53ysF7yqFU1uPeflJOSDa1MLTmpQcWCaQaaCzWGZ0kEvHS7UZfDY7LJXU88jgxHA9o2ns-7WQ880/s320/image-2-for-nick-griffin-gets-pelted-with-eggs-gallery-260699986.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394658598197400338" /></a><br /><br /><br />WHAT YOU CAN DO <br /><br /><br />PROTEST against the BNP platform on Question Time <strong>this Thursday</strong>- 9am-7pm<br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=166170547914&index=1<br /><br />To join our delegation, meet up <strong>SOAS Steps 2pm </strong>or 5pm to travel to White City BBC Hq<br /><br />Or see the Unite Against Fascism website for local demos at regional BBC studios, which are taking place at 5pm across the country- www.uaf.org.uk<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Also....<br /><br />• Sign this statement by sending an email marked "Question Time" tounite@ucu.org.uk<br />• Complain to the BBC by phoning 03700 100 222 or online athttp://bit.ly/bbccomplaints<br />• Join the Facebook group protesting at the BBC decision athttp://bit.ly/0909uaffb<br />• Take the UAF petition round your workplace or community: http://bit.ly/0909uafqt<br />• Make a donation to Unite Against Fascism at http://bit.ly/uafdonate<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLwVhsijtwpP4_kwOOSziidZ0KbVyTP95qzry-fiHIqsp3_zol-0Pyj7lC8cPT1-ap8UwzBnJE8hzSJsnOKl7qMIXqHR_CSPodUekY2npWNxEZweMEvXLCdqmJFA5zS7CIkzMiHTH0ws/s1600-h/matt+and+nick.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLwVhsijtwpP4_kwOOSziidZ0KbVyTP95qzry-fiHIqsp3_zol-0Pyj7lC8cPT1-ap8UwzBnJE8hzSJsnOKl7qMIXqHR_CSPodUekY2npWNxEZweMEvXLCdqmJFA5zS7CIkzMiHTH0ws/s320/matt+and+nick.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394658144133066658" /></a>londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-13860753449861092232009-09-30T08:28:00.000-07:002009-09-30T08:38:30.417-07:00Reporting on the Polanski Case- 'Rape-lite' as caviarThe reporting surrounding Roman Polanski’s arrest is making me angry. Finally I have discovered a voice of reason in the Guardian’s Joan Smith, who criticises Whoopi Goldberg for declaring that this case is not ‘rape rape’, and rendering such cases ‘rape lite’. Polanski admits to ‘unlawful sexual conduct’ with a minor, and was found guilty of grooming a thirteen year old girl with drugs and alcohol, giving her oral sex against her will and forcibly sodomising her, in the home of Jack Nicholson, who wasn’t home at the time. For this to now be considered ‘rape lite’ is quite frankly an outrage, but is it indicative of our times?<br /><br />The number of women coming forward to report rape is scandalously low, and no wonder given the public perception of rape, that supports the Polanski case. The xenophobic media are horrified by ‘honour violence’ perpetrated against rape victims to erase the ‘blackened vessel’ (karokari) of the fallen woman, yet the very same media propagates the myth that women are ‘asking for it’ if they have been drinking, flirting, wearing provocative clothes, or have consented to sexual acts in the past. Sexual violence routinely sensationalised and glamorised in rap videos, pornography, horror films, even in ‘Hollyoaks Late’ watched by every British teenager.<br /><br />What really concerns me is how this affects the spectrum of what is consider sexual violence. The media has us perversely fascinated with sexual violence, but does that mean we want it committed upon our bodies? ‘The Truth Seeker’, a website for submissive women, ‘reacting’ against feminism, publishes an article written by a MAN about how all women secretly want to be raped. In a society where we see sex everywhere and women are routinely objectified, I think this must affects how consent itself is conceived- do we desire sex or an affirmation of our own desirability? Given the normalisation of sexual violence, the notion of reciprocity itself must be affected- have men become conditioned to be aroused by forced sex, and are women conditioned to feel they must desire a ‘rape lite’ of their own?<br /><br />‘Rape lite’ with a rich and powerful director is of course an entirely different matter. Mr Polanski is almost as famous for this sexual offence as for his films, on which an article in itself could be devoted to the glorification of sexual violence. Polanski’s cult following has descended to the tradition of accepting this sex offence as part of his torrid past that colour the air of his artistic mystique, as much as his mother who died in Auschwitz, his time as a rent boy, and his wife’s gruelsome death at the hands of gang violence. Sex offences have become normalised artistic behaviour, most Parisian artist models being from the brothels of Montmartre. Polanski, has been adopted as a French citizen into a canon of sex pests: Manets dubious relationship with his most famous model Victorine Meuret, Degas unseemly years as an ageing voyer in ballet school for young girls, and Gauguin’s love of Tahitian prepubescent girls. <br /><br />Some journalists are already brought up the class issue- if Polanski was still a tea boy on set, or even a Catholic priest, would the media, actors, the French state be jumping to his defence? Of course not. Polanski’s hope lies in his trappings of power. The same money, authority and blind adoration of the public that allows football managers to buy silence from the women used and abused at the hands of their players. Polanski had expensive lawyers and the money to fund his exile on a first class ticket to Paris, box office hits, and now has the academy awards and status of his ‘Life time achievement award’. This turns him from a paedophilic villain into a lovable rogue, and sexual violence becomes a politically incorrect artistic preference… rather like caviar from an endangered fish.<br /><br />Only a couple of weeks ago Jordon was in the press making rape allegations against an anonymous celebrity. Her ex husband Peter Andre was mocking her, calling her insane and advising her to keep it quiet. I was pleasantly surprised to see an article in the Sun encouraging her to come forward despite this, to give her fans the confidence to also report sexual assault. In contrast to this, my own paper of choice (the Guardian’s Duncan Campbell) ran an article on the Polanski saying that the case shouldn’t be reopened out of SENSITIVITY to the victim, who would be awfully upset to have the whole dirty matter dragged up again. <br /><br />I ask Mr Campbell- what about the other victims? Over two thirds of victims never come forward because they fear that they will not be believed in a society that measures a woman’s worth according to her utility as a sexual object, that sees women as ornamental property at the hands of a man that has ‘earned’ as ‘right’. A society that then has the audacity to tell us that it is our fault when we speak out against this. Women will never find justice in a society that protects and hero worships rapists such as Polanski as a chauvinist elite, and sees rape as a legitimate sexual or artistic preference.<br /><br />Only 1 in 20 rapes brought to court reach conviction. I hope that Miss Gailey find justice after thirty long years and this will serve as inspiration for other victims to come forward, and act as a lesson to all the other Polanskis out there that money and artistic acclaim will not buy them exemption. <br /><br />Let no man ‘earn’ this privilege. <br /><br />One reporter jokes about protests the next time Sarkozy visits London demanding Polanskis extradition... personally I think this is a great idea...<br /><br /><br />Joan Smith- http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/sep/29/roman-polanski-arrest-whoopi-goldberg<br /><br />Duncan Campbell- http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/sep/28/roman-polanski-arrested-ignores-victimlondonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-24617142971091773472009-09-27T17:56:00.000-07:002009-09-27T18:26:11.896-07:00Protest today 1pm march from LSE to the Indian High CommissionProtest TODAY 1pm LSE march to Indian High Commission- Justice for sexual assault victim<br /> <br />Facebook event- http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=137993192631&ref=mf<br />Facebook support group- http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=137925156988&ref=ts<br /> <br />We're holding a demonstration in support of Kaya Eldridge an LSE graduate who was sexually assaulted whilst on an internship in India; and subsequently humiliated by the courts.<br /><br />We will meet at the LSE at 1.00pm outside the tuns (the LSE SU bar on Houghton street) and march down to the Indian high commission.<br /><br />Please come along even if its just for 10mins. It's really important that we put pressure on the Indian government to ensure that when Kaya goes back to court on wednesday she is treated fairly.<br /><br />This is not simply a demonstration for Kaya Eldridge it is also an important protest to highlight a problem faced by thousands of women across the world.<br /><br /><br />WHAT HAS HAPPENED?<br /><br />The below is from an article in the Independent:<br /><br />http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/british-woman-tells-of-humiliation-by-indian-court-1790194.html<br /><br />'....Ms Eldridge, from south London, came to India at the end of July for a three-month internship with Mahila Swaraj Abhiyan, an NGO in the western state where she is working on a project designed to help empower women. She says she was assaulted by a plumber employed by the organisation who had been called to repair her shower when she was alone in her apartment.<br /><br />After making a complaint to the police, a case was heard earlier this week where charges of molestation were put against the plumber. Ms Eldridge said the government appointed her a lawyer but no translator. She said she considered the questioning she underwent by defence lawyer Sanjay Prajapati to have been a “second assault”.<br /><br />“People have some sort of idea that sexual assaults only happen to certain sort of women; it can happen to anyone, regardless of who you are or how many sexual partners you’ve had,” she continued. “To question my character in court was not only entirely irrelevant but totally humiliating.”......'<br /><br />LINK TO WIDER ACTION<br /><br />In the fight to bring Kaya justice we must seek to highlight the rights of Indian women; linking this case to social movements such as the Pink Chaddi campaign in India. We must see this as an opportunity for international feminist solidarity uniting with wider struggles across the globe, which demand the recognition that no woman is to blame for sexual assault and harassment; challenging the view that alcohol, promiscuity, and provocative clothing legitimise rape. This is a view promoted not only by the Indian legal system, but by courts in the UK, the US and by our very community. According to a London Student survey, 1/3 students still think a woman is to blame for rape if she has been drinking. <br /><br />Rape is rape, no means no, and victims must be brought justice and support rather than receiving the criminalisation and humiliation that Kaya has experienced. The true criminals, the perpetrators of rape must be prosecuted, and condemned in every society. We must see this case as a warning and challenge the systematic subordination of women, control of female sexuality and objectification of the female body, that enshrines, normalises and normalises violence against women as acceptable social interaction.londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-70214379372565502512009-09-23T05:27:00.000-07:002009-09-23T05:35:38.697-07:00Vice Chancellor advises to 'enjoy' female students as 'Perks'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEf0vMd4ZD6fbk_vi7AjsTVU9zH0KsXiGu4TthlBPEv4qHfEyF37y8cDsr2fl7jQkn5sUsYSbOU6EWzvZni_GeBTyAlYRrvZM8jGAa1LlyF314Ja5szW8FAr69qozGHczkJHd4TH-qSE/s1600-h/Terence-Kealey_1487210c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEf0vMd4ZD6fbk_vi7AjsTVU9zH0KsXiGu4TthlBPEv4qHfEyF37y8cDsr2fl7jQkn5sUsYSbOU6EWzvZni_GeBTyAlYRrvZM8jGAa1LlyF314Ja5szW8FAr69qozGHczkJHd4TH-qSE/s320/Terence-Kealey_1487210c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384640502949698434" /></a><br /><br />***CALL FOR ACTION***<br /> <br />There has been some appalling sexism in the last few days from the VC of Buckingham University. The story is also being run on the BBC and is likely to be reported more widely over the course of the day. It is worth reading the fword’s take on it as well.<br /><br />http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/6219449/Vice-chancellor-female-students-are-a-perk.html<br /><br />http://www.thefword.org.uk/blog/2009/09/university_of_b<br /> <br /><br />WHAT CAN WE DO?<br /><br /> ***Write to the Chair of the Governing Council demanding Kealey’s full and comprehensive apology – Mark your email ‘FAO Chair of Governing Council’ and send here: qualityassurance@buckingham.ac.uk<br /><br />***Send NUS Women's Campaign your stories – Have you experienced sexism from leering professors? What do you think about Kealey’s comments? What is it like to be a woman in education? NUS will publish them anonymously in the next few days. Send here: olivia.bailey@nus.org.uk<br /><br />***Get online and on message boards and kick up a huge fuss about this. Forward to all your friends and make sure the story stays in the news until there is a full apology from Kealey. <br /><br /><br />Forwarded from NUS Women's Officer- statement here: http://www.nus.org.uk/en/News/News/University-boss-has-shown-astounding-lack-of-respect-for-women-says-NUS/londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-42107245135113443902009-09-19T04:16:00.000-07:002009-09-19T04:21:05.316-07:00Feminist Sunday Lunch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Kiu4Z1aVPmfW_ghw5gmFoVLuZwO-C34_5Omx5DGL-KU9e_Y-ddx8P7GkrLcu1kdmREsPXIFBvTJ0xTaILft_g1ifks1-KNlYiblImCmiRAeEjUYXTp2oHm4ekGqo0zsMLRUUaztqwWc/s1600-h/feminist+roast.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Kiu4Z1aVPmfW_ghw5gmFoVLuZwO-C34_5Omx5DGL-KU9e_Y-ddx8P7GkrLcu1kdmREsPXIFBvTJ0xTaILft_g1ifks1-KNlYiblImCmiRAeEjUYXTp2oHm4ekGqo0zsMLRUUaztqwWc/s320/feminist+roast.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383136674428646818" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sunday 11th October 1pm Marquis of Cornwallis on Marchmont Street nr Russell Square<br /><br />Facebook event http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=223200860&ref=profile#/event.php?eid=136148074094&ref=mf<br /><br />'Feminism in London' is on Saturday 10th of October<br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=72797187687&ref=ts<br /><br />As many of us will be around we thought Sunday lunch the next day would be a great opportunity to catch up and discuss how the feminism situation in our unions are looking...<br /><br />By then we will know exactly what events have been planned for the autumn term that ignite the feminist furor including what the national pageant brigade- Miss University GB and Miss Student UK- are rolling out as a challenge for us to face which we need to coordinate our endeavours for.<br /><br />Please RSVP as I will book a table<br /><br />Venue website http://www.fancyapint.com/pubs/pub948.html<br /><br />(and if you can think of a better venue that is also easy to get to, other suggestions welcome)londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-2869448291663944272009-09-18T09:08:00.001-07:002009-09-18T09:18:08.775-07:00Model Letter to BAM student marketing- Send todayModel letter to BAM drafted by NUS Women's Officer Liv Bailey – feel free to adapt to include your own views and send to tb@bamuk.com<br /><br />Dear Sir/Madam<br /><br />I am writing to express my concern about two of your recent activities. First, I understand that you have written to all students’ unions on your books suggesting they advertise Miss University GB at their institution. Second, I understand that you have facilitated the free distribution of FHM magazine at the fresher’s fairs of the unions you are contracted to work for.<br /><br />I believe that Beauty Pageants like Miss University GB, and ‘lads’ mags like FHM, send the dangerous message that it is OK to value women purely on a narrow conception of beauty that bears little relation to the majority of women. <br /><br />I believe that my institution should be free of the sexism and objectification that women face every day in wider society. I am disappointed that you did not more seriously consider the equal opportunities implications of the products that you have chosen to advertise.<br /><br />I ask that you retract both promotions, and apologise for the negative impact that your action has had on campuses across the country.<br /><br />Yours Sincerely,<br /><br />Name<br />Institution<br /><br /><br />For more info see article http://www.officeronline.co.uk//women/276618.aspx<br /><br />Don't forget to sign the NUS statement at<br />http://www.officeronline.co.uk/women/276619.aspx<br /><br />****NEXT OBJECT FEMINIST FRIDAY- 25th SEPTEMBER****<br /><br />Info on objectification and home of Feminist Fridays- www.object.org<br />Background on objectification campaigning in Students' Unions- http://londonstudentfeminists.blogspot.com/londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-80127345383921776272009-09-18T08:34:00.000-07:002009-09-18T08:40:25.716-07:00Sign the NUS Statement on Objectification"We, the undersigned, oppose the objectification and commodification of women at education institutions. We believe that all students should feel safe and free to be themselves, and we stand against trying to force students in to narrow and unrealistic conceptions of what beauty should be. We stand by our commitment to equal opportunities and we will reject events and materials that trot out tired, negative and dangerous stereotypes about how women should look and behave.<br /><br />We condemn BAM student marketing for advertising Miss University GB, and for facilitating the free distribution of FHM magazine at freshers’ fairs across the country. We ask that BAM retract both promotions, and that they more seriously consider the equal opportunities implications of their actions in future."<br /><br />http://www.officeronline.co.uk/women/276617.aspx<br /><br />***Email the women's campaign to add YOUR name to the list of OVER 93 signatories!!<br /><br />http://www.officeronline.co.uk/women/276619.aspx<br /><br />*** Download a model letter to send to BAM medialondonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-68001903336987484112009-09-18T08:17:00.000-07:002009-09-18T08:33:22.812-07:00Mind the Gap on Woman's Hour: 'The Lolita Effect'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-ZUSboTF_5mkTtCP5JR4NWVFASoj2tmiGMw99GO36hTKDSYm8D02xV9XkW3hUp__fArZCtOti9WaiEOPz_iHhM5niCecEhTKaHf28P2hR3d0_APpegaXBVAGZ8c6xE1yBhxhL1QtbHU/s1600-h/lolitaEffect.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-ZUSboTF_5mkTtCP5JR4NWVFASoj2tmiGMw99GO36hTKDSYm8D02xV9XkW3hUp__fArZCtOti9WaiEOPz_iHhM5niCecEhTKaHf28P2hR3d0_APpegaXBVAGZ8c6xE1yBhxhL1QtbHU/s320/lolitaEffect.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382830632086871746" /></a><br />The sexualisation of young girls<br /><br />http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/02/2009_37_thu.shtml<br /><br /><br />It’s being called a media "juggernaut": the mainstream marketing and representation of young girls as sexually desirable objects. A new book 'The Lolita Effect' argues that not only does this create a difficult climate within which to give girls a healthy introduction to sexuality, it also goes some way to normalising the global child pornography industry. So what evidence is there for such a troubling connection? What should we be doing about it, and are all young girls equally vulnerable to the lure of pole-dancing kits and sexy lingerie? Jenni puts these questions to Gigi Durham, author of 'The Lolita Effect', Valerie Walkerdine, Professor in the School of Social Science at Cardiff University and Eleanor James of the campaign group 'Mind the Gap'.<br /> <br />The Lolita Effect by MG Durham is published by Duckworth Overlook ISBN 9780715638040<br /><br /><br />See also Guardian article <br /><br />http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/sep/18/lost-youth-young-girls<br /><br />Gigi Durham's blog<br /><br />http://thelolitaeffect.blogspot.com/londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-86494795360693417522009-09-10T13:27:00.000-07:002009-09-19T04:21:27.157-07:00SATURDAY- Feminist Activist Day at SOASTHE BIG DAY IS ALMOST UPON US!<br /><br />Please arrive at SOAS between 10 and 10:30am to register at the desk in the foyer and sign up for your workshops- get there EARLY as for some of them there is limited places due to the nature of the work you will be doing.<br /><br />LUNCHTIME GIG- In the JCR between 1 and 2 enjoy the musical talents of Bini, Louisa and Surianne and eat cake, pakora and Ugandan food provided by the Detainee support group. The food is £4 for everything, but DO feel free to empty your pockets as all proceeds go to the women who will be doing the cooking, and being asylum seekers it is their only source of income :)<br /><br />Looking forward to meeting you all and hearing your ideas, lets plan some inspiring actions to get the year off to a energised vibrant start!<br /><br /><br />Call Elly on 07595672964 with any last minute queries<br /><br /><br />See you all on Saturday! xxx<br /><br /><br /><br />Schedule (again)....<br /><br /><br /><br />London Student Feminists and NUS Women's Committee invite you to a year of London Student Feminist-ing with a<br /><br />FEMINIST ACTIVIST DAY-<br /><br />12th September 10- 5:00pm at SOAS followed by music and food into the wee hours.<br /><br />There will be talks and lectures on how to build vibrant, diverse and effective feminist campaigns in your unions, and a mini feminist freshers fair of stalls in the jcr where you can pick up the materials to do it.<br /><br />Please forward to all feminist activists, students and non students far and wide, come along, get involved and get fem-inspired!<br /><br />Facebook invitation: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=118834994502&ref=mf<br /><br />The morning includes two panel discussions on...<br /><br />10.45- 11.05 KLT<br />Elly James- welcome<br />Judith Orr- the challenge for feminism today<br /><br />How to Build a Feminist Campaign- 11.05-12 KLT<br />Liv Bailey- using your union<br />Elane Hefferman and Elly Badcock- direct action<br />Clare Solomon- Engaging the media and e-activism<br /><br />Cross Liberation Campaigns- 12-1 KLT<br />Deb Viney- Casework and equal opportunities<br />Rukayah and Hana- black student feminism<br />Ruth Pearson- Trans and feminism<br />Dalia and Nattie- LGBT and feminism<br /> <br />LUNCHTIME GIG- JCR- Ugandan food, cake, music and DANCING from Bini, Louisa, and Surianne<br /><br />WORKSHOPS<br /><br />FG08<br />2- 2.45 Objectification in Student Unions- Anna Van Heeswick and Elly James<br />2.50- 3.30 Abortion Rights- Kate Smurthwaite<br /><br />FG01<br />2-2.45 Reclaim the Night- Finn Mackay<br />2.50- 330 Rape Crisis in Crisis- Matty and Beth<br /><br />FG05<br />2-2.45 Working with the NUS Women's Campaign- Liv Bailey<br />2.50- 3.30 Black students and feminism- Rukayah and Hana<br /><br />2 -3.30pm G51<br />Feminist Self Defense- Evy Samuelson and Rheem Al-Adhami (women only)<br /><br /><br />FEEDBACK- KLT<br /><br />3:35- 5pm Come together for another session to feedback and plan an exciting calender of feminist freshers events throughout London to inspire an exciting and united year of feminist activism- hurrah!<br /><br />6pm-11pm Food and Music in the i o e bar.<br /><br />Please email londonstudentfeminists@googlemail.com for registration with your name, institution and any access needs or childcare requirements.<br /><br />http://londonstudentfeminists.blogspot.com/londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-79869569679987367982009-09-08T10:39:00.000-07:002009-09-08T10:47:41.346-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWce7kyfRunnlune-wBewVKgV6WKe9fH5r13G6EnyV2wUIeWnYLxIJ1BKQHYX9OVPWH12L9PvpCOYF4xwkWShNTF5EvUA7QOeukjPfaftp8aX1l4v1gQFedLfofhoVlqFuiiE1KbUCsU/s1600-h/activist+day.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWce7kyfRunnlune-wBewVKgV6WKe9fH5r13G6EnyV2wUIeWnYLxIJ1BKQHYX9OVPWH12L9PvpCOYF4xwkWShNTF5EvUA7QOeukjPfaftp8aX1l4v1gQFedLfofhoVlqFuiiE1KbUCsU/s320/activist+day.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379152980905778386" /></a>londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-3530710426697169652009-09-08T06:52:00.000-07:002009-09-08T06:55:17.405-07:00Pornography: Sex vs SexinessIn response to Tami Petersons comment…<br /><br />http://www.counterfire.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1744:sexy-at-six&catid=38:opinion&Itemid=54#comment-4<br /><br />http://unknownconscience.blogspot.com/2009/09/sex-positive-feminism-what-it-really.html<br /><br />It is the commodified ‘sexiness’ that I find abhorrent, not sex itself. I am not criticising teenagers for having sex, I am criticising sex education. 66% of children are first exposed to sex through the media, which means that their primary education is through the commodified ‘sexiness’. The practices which are depicted in commercial pornography are not in themselves oppressive; what is oppressive is the power balance under which these images are created and the implication of what is left unsaid.<br /><br />A sex education solely through the market is resulting in a skewed image of what the human body looks like, a limited knowledge of sexual practices (foreplay is severely neglected), a distorted perception of sexual orientation, and of how consent and reciprocity in sexual acts is conceived (most women do not call forced sex arousing, they call it rape).<br /><br />I am not advocating a control over sexual behaviour, I am advocating for our society to take responsibility for sex and relationship education that will allow young people to make informed choices over their own sexuality. If we leave sex education to the market, they will not be educated in sex; they will be educated in ‘sexiness’.<br />I don’t want my children to be educated through ‘cum shot’ commercial ciphers of sexuality, I want for them to see sexuality as something to explore, reinvent and self define. Pornography is a consumer product that serves a function. This function is not sex education; we all know what its true function is…londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-41742281399001978122009-09-08T05:50:00.000-07:002009-09-08T05:53:06.958-07:00The BNP on Question Time- Feminist Reasons to No Platform the BNPIn the BBC Question Time has granted a platform to the BNP, the BBC sets a dangerous precedence; legitimising the BNP as a political party. In doing so they legitimise their views. This is anti democratic as the BNP wish to disenfranchise a huge cross section of British society. They are giving the ‘right’ to a platform to a party that seeks to take away the rights of others.<br />http://m.guardian.co.uk/ms/p/gmg/op/sQM_rwtdvuF-uj41C1_S3Xg/view.m?id=170227&tid=120787&cat=UK_news<br /><br />As feminist activists I propose we must unite with anti fascist protests to no platform the BNP and expose them as a party of hate, division and social exclusion. This is in the name of cross liberation campaigning, but also because the BNP seek to impinge on women’s rights directly, and their brand of ‘women’s rights’ tarnish the name of feminism which is an obstacle to all women’s rights advocacy.<br /><br />• BNP members have publically glorified and ridiculed rape.<br />• Further policy to clamp down on reproductive and LGBT rights, banning mixed marriages, and banning religious dress and food from public arenas, disproportionately affects women.<br />http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article3716550.ece<br />http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7326987.stm<br /><br />• The BNP use women’s rights as a tool to incite racial hatred, for example saying that all of the sexual assaults in Norway this year have been committed by ‘third world immigrants’.<br />• This false claim that sees feminism as a repository of white western supremacism can lead to an antifeminist backlash in the defence of multiculturalism.<br />http://barnsley-nationalists2.blogspot.com/2008/02/womens-rights-third-world-style.html<br />http://bnp.org.uk/2009/09/third-world-rape-nightmare-grips-oslo/<br /><br />• In BNP strongholds aggression and harassment on the basis of race and religion rises. <br />• Many students have been directly affected by encounters with fascist groups in the last few months, such as the BNP’s presence at pride, and recent riots in Birmingham and Doncaster.<br />• The affects of this are not restricted to the targeted social groups, but affect the welfare and unity of the entire student body.<br />http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/sep/06/rightwing-rally-arrests-birmingham<br />http://www.uaf.org.uk/news.asp?choice=90808<br /><br />WHAT YOU CAN DO <br /><br />• Sign this statement by sending an email marked "Question Time" tounite@ucu.org.uk<br />• Complain to the BBC by phoning 03700 100 222 or online athttp://bit.ly/bbccomplaints<br />• Join the Facebook group protesting at the BBC decision athttp://bit.ly/0909uaffb<br />• Take the UAF petition round your workplace or community: http://bit.ly/0909uafqt<br />• Make a donation to Unite Against Fascism at http://bit.ly/uafdonate<br /><br /><br />At the activist conference this Saturday, 12th of September we will have a workshop on cross liberation campaigning at 12am in SOAS KLT and there will be a workshop on black students and feminism in FG05 at 2:50pm. Email londonstudentfeminists@googlemail.com to register. <br />Facebook invite- http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=118834994502&ref=mflondonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-87882169693500363372009-09-07T04:25:00.001-07:002009-09-18T08:43:42.012-07:00Sexy at Six?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloT-J5x-yS4PFetDmUsUHSJ00X_L33BhRqdn-SaijUH3PBuA8KlfaOEDVodvV3yaB3YFUuAVgnW_YMLDiS8IjNZ1C-9b7hi2IAnnnOh9unkSU2axw9i5sXvuoCNXWVgTc5H-tX3ZNhIY/s1600-h/pole_dancer_doll_full.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloT-J5x-yS4PFetDmUsUHSJ00X_L33BhRqdn-SaijUH3PBuA8KlfaOEDVodvV3yaB3YFUuAVgnW_YMLDiS8IjNZ1C-9b7hi2IAnnnOh9unkSU2axw9i5sXvuoCNXWVgTc5H-tX3ZNhIY/s320/pole_dancer_doll_full.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382833614148928962" /></a><br /><br /><br />‘Holy Hell! A Pole Dancing Doll?!!’ On his gossip site ‘Perez Hilton’ joins the media furore inspired by pictures of a pole dancing doll made by an unnamed toy company. The doll is undisputedly marketed at young girls, and while it is not provocatively dressed, the concept of the doll itself, that looks like a six year old girl going ‘up and down’ ‘around and around’ a pole to music, sends out a message which is igniting the rage of parents and journalists alike. <br /><br />Perez Hilton quips that ‘if your kids ask for this doll this holiday season, we recommend reform school IMMEDIATELY!’ I would argue that it is not the children that the doll is marketed to that we must criticize, it is the capitalists that have created that market, and the consumers that stubbornly refuse to question market norms. We must recognize the responsibility that we each have in reproducing a culture that objectifies women; a culture that holds the stripper up as an aspirational model, as a plastic idol for our children to worship and (God forbid) emulate.<br /><br />It has been questioned whether the images are fake, but the debate that has been catalysed over the commercial sexualisation of children is proving valid enough. A living breathing icon was provided when sixteen year old Myley Cyrus pole danced at the Nickelodeon Teen Choice Awards this year. This was met with public outcry, but little surprise given the ubiquity of soft pornography in music videos, TV and film, which are now a dubiously cherished part of our cultural landscape. The scandal is that this is an underage girl, a teen icon, performing an X-rated act on children’s television. <br /><br />But is this anything new? Sex is directly marketed to children, with WH Smith selling a line of Playboy stationary, and Abercrombie and Fitch making thongs for ten year olds. Tesco’s ‘My First Pole Dancing Kit’ pole dancing kits can be added to a shopping basket that can contain a ‘cock ring’ and lubricant in some stores. It has become normal, acceptable and even encouraged for children to be dressed as sex workers, but a minor performing a pole dance on public children’s television is apparently a wee bit too much.<br /><br />80% of under 18s have viewed pornography, primarily on the internet, where it is prolific and becoming harder for parents to control. I am an extremely pro sex feminist, the more sex the better, but the problem is that the version of sex that we see in a pornography and the ‘raunch culture’ consumerism that follows it, is dictated by the primary market of pornography- the heterosexual white male. <br /><br />Without going into the politics of exploitation inherent in the porn industry itself, the ‘sex education’ that children get from pornography is delivered via a pornstar who is paid to imitate arousal for profit, not explore her own sexuality. She ‘gets off on’ being dominated, spanked, impaled in a variety of orifices, excreted upon, and group sex. Not to mention lesbianism, which is largely a show for the boys before the couple’s ‘conversion to cock’.<br /><br />Today, children cannot avoid having an early induction to the ins and the outs of sexuality. The problem is that it is the wrong education. Britain continues to have the highest levels of teenage pregnancy in Europe and STD levels in under 21s are rising. In a recent channel 4 show, groups of teenage boys said that they would dump a girl who did not have a ‘Brazilian bikini wax’ and the girls questioned thought this was painful but entirely reasonable. Both sexes thought that the average penis size was between 7-9 inches, and were shocked to hear it was actually a more modest 4-6. <br /><br />More worrying still, recent research by the NSPCC unveiled this week that 1/3 of girls between 13 and 19 have suffered abuse at the hands of their boyfriends. The campaigning organization ‘Object’ see the ‘dehumanisation’ of women’s bodies through a soft porn culture that objectifies women for profit as at the root of violence against women and their subjection in society. With pornography as our children’s introduction to sex, pole dancing dolls and Playboy stationary on the high street, and pole dancing teen idols on TV, is it a surprise that women are seen as objects for men to use and abuse at their will?<br /><br />In the age of the backlash against feminism, where objectification and pornification are rife in our culture, there is a hope in the burgeoning opposition vehemently challenging the world around them. ‘Object’ hold Feminist Fridays to take action lads mags in newsagents, and lobby the government on legislation surrounding lap dancing clubs and prostitution, and have been working with our organization, London Student Feminists, on the ‘Missogynist’ campaign against university beauty pageants. <br /><br />Campaigning works. Corporations rely on profit, and for that they need a consumer market. The ‘My First Pole Dancing Kit’ at Tesco, and the Playboy stationary at WH Smith had to be withdrawn after complaints. Object succeeded in changing licensing laws for lap dancing clubs. <br /><br />Let’s use the pole dancing doll, and pole dancing Nickelodeon awards as a wakeup call and show are daughters that they are worth more than this; that they can aspire to careers other than sex workers where they are valued for things beyond a market aesthetic value. This is our society and as women we must demand the real equality, the culture of mutual respect and celebration of diversity and freedom of self definition that will make ‘equal opportunity’ a reality and a guarantee rather than bureaucratic concession. <br /><br />Next Saturday, 12th of September we are holding a Feminist Activist training day at SOAS with workshops from groups including Object, Abortion Rights UK, Reclaim the Night and self defense classes to build a network of loud proud feminist advocates working together on strong, clear, creative campaigns. See the blog for a full timetable and email londonstudentfeminists@googlemail.com for more information, registration and access requirements. Come along, bring everyone you can and most of all, bring your daughter (especially if she has just asked you for a pole dancing doll).<br /><br />http://www.counterfire.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1744:sexy-at-six&catid=38:opinion&Itemid=54londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-23680625109322166672009-09-06T07:19:00.000-07:002009-09-06T07:20:18.349-07:00Solomons Mindfield articleCheck this out....<br /><br />http://www.solomonsmindfield.net/2009/09/london-feminist-network-activist-day-is.htmllondonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-54819189012499296362009-09-06T07:17:00.000-07:002009-09-19T04:21:54.962-07:00Time table for Feminist Activist Day 12th SeptemberLondon Student Feminists and NUS Women's Committee invite you to a year of London Student Feminist-ing with a<br /><br />FEMINIST ACTIVIST DAY-<br /><br />12th September 10- 5:00pm at SOAS followed by music and food into the wee hours.<br /><br />There will be talks and lectures on how to build vibrant, diverse and effective feminist campaigns in your unions, and a mini feminist freshers fair of stalls in the jcr where you can pick up the materials to do it.<br /><br />Please forward to all feminist activists, students and non students far and wide, come along, get involved and get fem-inspired!<br /><br />Facebook invitation: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=118834994502&ref=mf" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=118834994502&ref=mf</a><br /><br />The morning includes two panel discussions on...<br /><br />10.45- 11.05 KLT<br />Elly James- welcome<br />Judith Orr- the challenge for feminism today<br /><br />How to Build a Feminist Campaign- 11.05-12 KLT<br />Liv Bailey- using your union<br />Elane Hefferman and Elly Badcock- direct action<br />Clare Solomon- Engaging the media and e-activism<br /><br />Cross Liberation Campaigns- 12-1 KLT<br />Deb Viney- Casework and equal opportunities<br />Rukayah and Hana- black student feminism<br />Dalia and Nattie- LGBT and feminism<br /><br />1-2- Lunchtime gig in the SOAS JCR- Surianne http://www.myspace.com/surianne<br /><br />WORKSHOPS<br /><br />During the afternoon, after a lunch break there will be workshops, each ran twice on how to put these tools into practise through a few key campaigns.<br /><br />FG08<br />2- 2.45 Objectification in Student Unions- Anna Van Heeswick and Elly James<br />2.50- 3.30 Abortion Rights- Kate Smurthwaite<br /><br />FG01<br />2-2.45 Reclaim the Night- Finn Mackay<br />2.50- 330 Rape Crisis in Crisis- Matty and Beth<br /><br />FG05<br />2-2.45 Working with the NUS Women's Campaign- Liv Bailey<br />2.50- 3.30 Black students and feminism- Rukayah and Hana<br /><br />2 -3.30pm G51<br />Feminist Self Defense- Evy Samuelson and Rheem Al-Adhami (women only)<br /><br /><br />FEEDBACK<br /><br />3:35- 5pm Come together for another session to feedback and plan an exciting calender of feminist freshers events throughout London to inspire an exciting and united year of feminist activism- hurrah!<br /><br />6pm-11pm Food and Music in the i o e bar.<br /><br />Please email londonstudentfeminists@googlemail.com for registration with your name, institution and any access needs or childcare requirements.<br /><br /><a href="http://londonstudentfeminists.blogspot.com/" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://londonstudentfeminists.blogspot.com/</a>londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-85599482696733710712009-09-05T06:47:00.000-07:002009-09-19T04:22:18.843-07:00One Week to go!!<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">One week to go until the Feminist Activist Day, here at Mind the Gap we are whirling like a band of placard wielding dervishes in excitement!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Registration</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Please REGISTER if you haven't already done so by emailing londonstudentfeminists@googlemail.com with your name, union and any access of childcare requirements. Thank you if you have already done this. Please add your friends to the event...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1094500533960&f=1&e=-12#/event.php?eid=118834994502</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Help Needed</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Please also contact us if you can HELP ON THE DAY for an hour or two with things like helping set up stalls, rooms, fetching water for speakers, helping people find workshop rooms etc.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Update on event</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Judith Orr is now doing the opening speech on 'the challenges for feminism today and the backlash against feminism' and there will now be a stall from Refuge and a workshop on the RAPE CRISIS Campaign from our very own Beth Evans and Matty from Boris Keep your Promise, who have worked with us on the campaign this term (you may recognise the video below of Boris being ambushed)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">http://www.guardian.co.uk/global/2009/jul/21/campaigners-johnson-rape</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">and also be of interest....</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/sep/01/teenage-sexual-abuse-nspcc-report</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">"One in three teenage girls has suffered sexual abuse from a boyfriend and one in four has experienced violence in a relationship, according to an in-depth study published today"</span>londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-18101606683289322592009-08-26T07:22:00.001-07:002009-08-26T07:26:33.962-07:0016 Days until Feminist Activist Conference!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSwihQY0m8QDchYIdGcMpemN8Wty4Bb_ClG7GwGCQswi9pNHhL8XAUhdZ9L0XXOJDrsCE14PWNDiUQ8ZLQISD73pE_9y8z0o-ks7c_IL772iZLTcXaUCpHShhDs6ItEBI_NZoWruJuQo/s1600-h/flash_sushi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSwihQY0m8QDchYIdGcMpemN8Wty4Bb_ClG7GwGCQswi9pNHhL8XAUhdZ9L0XXOJDrsCE14PWNDiUQ8ZLQISD73pE_9y8z0o-ks7c_IL772iZLTcXaUCpHShhDs6ItEBI_NZoWruJuQo/s320/flash_sushi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374278436100104674" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks to all who are coming to the FEMINIST ACTIVIST DAY on the 12th of September- Very excited!<br /><br />Please REGISTER by emailing londonstudentfeminists@googlemail.com with your name, union, and any access needs or childcare requirements.<br /><br />Latest news is that we are delighted to announce a full workshop on black students and feminism and stalls at the mini feminist freshers fair from Feminist Fightback and Boris Keep Your Promise (Rape Crisis in Crisis) in addition to original list.<br /><br />Please let us know if you would also like a STALL to promote any campaigns. This is a great opportunity to share ideas and spread efforts across the movement with students and non students coming from all corners of the country- from Bristol to Birmingham, Middlesbrough to Mordor seeking inspiration and solidarity....ok Mordor is a clearly lie...<br /><br /><br />Get in touch with any questions- only 16 days to go!<br /><br /><br />londonstudentfeminists@googlemail.com<br /><br /><br /><br />PS Check out the article below and brainstorm some campaign ideas... the outrage, the hygiene issues *shudder*<br /><br /><br />http://www.counterfire.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=416:when-i-grow-up-i-want-to-be-a-plate&Itemid=54<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/6061325/Londoners-offered-chance-to-eat-sushi-off-naked-models.htmllondonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-19577680478279063552009-08-19T13:44:00.000-07:002009-09-19T04:22:44.226-07:00Feminist Activist Day 12th SeptemberLondon Student Feminists and NUS Women's Committee invite you to a year of London Student Feminist-ing with a<br /><br />FEMINIST ACTIVIST DAY<br /><br />12th September 10- 5:00pm at SOAS followed by music and food into the wee hours.<br /><br />There will be talks and lectures on how to build vibrant, diverse and effective feminist campaigns in your unions, and a mini feminist freshers fair of stalls in the jcr where you can pick up the materials to do it.<br /><br />Please forward to all feminist activists, students and non students far and wide, come along, get involved and get fem-inspired!<br /><br />Facebook invitation: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=118834994502&ref=mf" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=118834994502&ref=mf</a><br /><br />The morning includes two panel discussions on...<br /><br />How to Build a Feminist Campaign- 11-12<br />Liv Bailey- using your union<br />Elane Hefferman and Elly Badcock- direct action<br />Clare Solomon- Engaging the media and e-activism<br /><br />Cross Liberation Campaigns- 12-1<br />Deb Viney- Casework and equal opportunities<br />Rukayah and Hana- black student feminism<br />Dalia and Nattie- LGBT and feminism<br /><br />During the afternoon, after a lunch break there will be workshops, each ran twice on how to put these tools into practise through a few key campaigns<br />2- 3:30pm<br /><br />Abortion Rights- Kate Smurthwaite<br />Reclaim the Night- Finn Mackay<br />Working with the NUS Women's Campaign- Liv Bailey<br />Objectification in Student Unions- Anna Van Heeswick and Elly James<br />Feminist Self Defense- Evy Samuelson<br /><br />3:35- 5pm Come together for another session to feedback and plan an exciting calender of feminist freshers events throughout London to inspire an exciting and united year of feminist activism- hurrah!<br /><br />6pm-11pm Food and Music in the i o e bar.<br /><br />NB pro-feminist men- I've added you so you can add your friends and come to the after party<br /><br /><br />Please email londonstudentfeminists@googlemail.com for registration with your name, institution and any access needs or childcare requirements.<br /><br /><a href="http://londonstudentfeminists.blogspot.com/" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://londonstudentfeminists.blogspot.com/</a>londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974940227952178478.post-53628838835941455712009-08-19T12:39:00.000-07:002009-09-19T04:23:06.602-07:00Rainbow Tea Party this Friday- fundraiser for Reclaim the NightThis Friday 21st August please come along to the Oak Bar (79 Green Lanes, N16 9BU) for <a href="http://emailer.precise-minds.co.uk/lt/t_go.php?i=478&e=MTIzNDY1&l=-http--www.scarylittlegirls.co.uk/files/Flyer%20bright.jpg" target="_blank">The Rainbow Tea Party</a>, a sumptuous collection of new and emerging music talent for just £5 (doors at 9pm, first band on at 10pm, dancing until 3am).<br /><br />The night is a fundraiser for the London Feminist Network’s Reclaim The Night march, which is in desperate need of funds – and this year has seen yet further increase in the number of the rapes reported, combined with an all-too-predictable decline in funding for managing this violent crisis. March with us on 21st November to say no to violence against women: <a href="http://emailer.precise-minds.co.uk/lt/t_go.php?i=478&e=MTIzNDY1&l=-http--www.reclaimthenight.org/" target="_blank">www.reclaimthenight.org</a>.<br /><br />Helping us ensure a successful RTN we are very excited to welcome Rainbow Tea Party headliners The Brownies (take a listen at <a href="http://emailer.precise-minds.co.uk/lt/t_go.php?i=478&e=MTIzNDY1&l=-http--www.myspace.com/thebrownies" target="_blank">www.myspace.com/thebrownies</a>):<br /><br />“SUCH UMBRIDLED SENSUALITY IS GLUED TO HUGELY ENERGETIC, LETHALLY CATCHY PUNK-POP… COMING ON LIKE A RIOT GRRRL RAMONES. 4/5” Q MAGAZINE “THE BROWNIES ARE PRETTY GREAT...THEIR SONGS COO INTO YOUR EARS AS THEY CHEW THEM OFF...’CRY YOURSELF TO SLEEP’ SHOWS A KNACK FOR BRILLIANT RADIO CHORUSES. 7/10” NME “BRUTAL KNIFE SHARP ROCK. 4/5” SUBBACULTCHA “THE BROWNIES COULD BE XEROX GIRLS’ ATTITUDINAL, IMPERIOUSLY COOL NIECES AND NEPHEWS. BRILLIANTLY OUT OF STEP WITH CURRENT MODISH INDIE TRENDS, FULL OF HEART-IN-MOUTH MOMENTS AND A HATRED SO FINELY TUNED IT’S ALMOST SEXY.” THE GUARDIAN (SINGLE OF THE WEEK)“ALBUM OF THE YEAR SO FAR” PLAN B<br />“THE BROWNIES ARE MADE TO MAKE PERFECT DIY PUNK ROCK AND LONG THEY MAY CONTINUE.” ARTROCKER<br />“SEXED-UP FIGHT-POP” NME<br /><br />For more info visit <a href="http://emailer.precise-minds.co.uk/lt/t_go.php?i=478&e=MTIzNDY1&l=-http--www.ldnfeministnetwork.ik.com/" target="_blank">www.ldnfeministnetwork.ik.com</a> and <a href="http://emailer.precise-minds.co.uk/lt/t_go.php?i=478&e=MTIzNDY1&l=-http--www.scarylittlegirls.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.scarylittlegirls.co.uk</a>.londonstudentfeministhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13760743559558069509noreply@blogger.com0