Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/476/2124
From The Socialist newspaper, 1 March 2007
Fighting for women's rights
The pressures of life under capitalism, double standards which still leave women doing the vast majority of childcare and housework, and a lack of confidence are all barriers which women can face to joining the Socialist Party and getting actively involved in meetings and campaigns.
Eleanor Donne
Yet, when working-class women overcome these barriers they are often the most determined fighters for their rights and they definitely belong in our party! One important way to encourage women to get fully involved is through our women's meetings, which include discussions of particular interest to women. Discussions at our next meeting include:
Maternity crisis:
Women in labour are turned away from maternity units because of a shortage of midwives, yet newly qualified midwives are unemployed because NHS Trusts have frozen recruitment. Now a government report called 'Making it Better for Mother and Baby' could result in dozens of maternity units closing. We will be looking at how we build a campaign against the cuts but also at the wider issues, such as the increase in caesarean births, and ask what we really need for pregnant women and healthcare staff.
Rape:
Conviction rates for rape are so low that it is now considered a 'low-risk crime'. There have been some changes in the law to try to address this but the legal profession are now saying that it is because juries won't convict. Have attitudes to this crime changed amongst both women and men? What are the root causes of rape and what should our programme be to reduce risk and get justice for rape victims?
Session on organising our work:
How do we ensure that more women join the Socialist Party and become politically active? Reports on campaigns in different regions/branches.
Socialist Party Women's day school:
Saturday 17 March, 10am-6pm, Charterhouse in Southwark, 40 Tabard Street (off Long Lane), London SE1.
Nearest tube Borough or London Bridge on the Northern Line
£8 waged £4 unwaged
For more details contact: Eleanor Donne 01268 546438, email: marx@blueyonder.co.uk or Jane James 0208 9888762 email: janejames@socialistparty.co.uk
If you need childcare please contact us urgently.
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In The Socialist 1 March 2007:
NHS crisis: clean out the profiteers
NHS: No more delays - for a mass demo!
Socialist Party news and analysis
Cumbria rail crash: Safety not profit
South London shootings: The bitter effect of poverty and alienation
Socialist Students
War and terrorism
Make anti-war movement an unstoppable force
Socialist Party congress
Congress to build the forces of socialism
Socialist Party congress appeal
Support the socialist with a May Day greeting
International socialist news and analysis
Italy: Political crisis grips Prodi government
Latin America: A continent in revolt
Workplace news and analysis
Visteon victory for shop floor
Protests make council back off
Jobs and services, not cuts and excuses!
Unison: Build genuine opposition on the left
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