16 days of action – Part 2
We completed the final 10 actions for the 16 days of activism, which included signing petitions, educating ourselves and donating money to women’s charities. Don’t forget, there are dozens if not hundreds of small things you can do throughout the year: from talking to your male friends about the issues, donating money, buying and reading feminist books, watching programmes etc. For some inspiration check out our 16 days of action here.
Talk at Soroptimist International event “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All“
Chris Green took part in an event organised by Soroptimist International, joining them for their their Human Rights Day event on Saturday 10 December. The first speaker of the day was Major Kathy Betteridge, Director for Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for the Salvation Army. She talked about the extent of modern slavery still remaining , and reminded us all that the extent of slavery is greater now than it was during the terrible times of African slavery “trade”.
There were reports from various soroptimist areas within the region which included a report on all the campaigning they are doing to end violence against women and girls. The UN Human Rights Charter was one of a number of readings as part of the event and the event also saw Marcharie’s song “Orange the World” being played.
One attendee at the presentation was the former Attorney General and Victims Commissioner Baroness Vera Baird, one of the most active campaigners to challenge violence against women and girls.
Chris spoke briefly about the need for men to be involved in violence prevention, the work of other organisations and what Male Allies Challenging Sexism (MACS) does. Chris also spoke about the need for equality in the home and there was a very lengthy and informed discussion around these issues.
For more coverage of the event, please visit the Soroptimist International GB & Ireland website.
Pro-feminist discussion group meeting: Julie Bindel – Feminism for WomenÂ
We discussed Julie Bindel‘s latest book, Feminism for Women, on 14 December. You can find a write-up of our discussion and our thoughts on the book here.
The next discussion group will take place on 18 January at 6.30pm. We will be reading Mary Beard – Women and Power. To join, please email allies@menchallengingsexism.org.uk.
