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From The Socialist newspaper, 16 January 2013
Indian embassy protest: raging against rape
Claire Laker-Mansfield
Rage, disbelief and above all a deep sense of solidarity were on display at a protest outside the Indian embassy on 7 January. Socialist Party members joined 500 women and men to support India's growing anti-rape movement.
Disgust at the horrific gang rape which sparked the movement was matched by an understanding of the endemic nature of this crime in Indian society. Placard slogans included 'don't blame the victims'.
Protesters were clearly looking for answers as to how we can campaign to stop rape and violence against women. Socialist Party members were proud to be able to point out the work of our sister party in India, New Socialist Alternative (www.socialism.in).
We raised the need to view rape within the context of the widespread sexism within societies based on class oppression, and to link it to the struggle against austerity and capitalism.
We also raised the need to fight sexism in Britain. The Socialist Students campaign Rape is No Joke, which takes up the issue of 'rape jokes' in comedy, drew widespread support with many signing up to get involved.
As the movement continues in India, young women and men across the world are drawing inspiration from this struggle as well as gaining confidence to fight sexism and oppression in all its forms.
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The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
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- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
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In The Socialist 16 January 2013:
Fighting the cuts
PCS fighting the austerity agenda - 'Action gets results'
Teachers: fight for strike action is on
Beware: latest pensions changes
Sussex County hospital cleaning and catering: The brutal reality of privatisation
Brixton Hill: Opposing Labour's 'cuts cooperative'
Two TUSC candidates standing against cuts on the Wirral
Socialist Party news and analysis
We need an alternative to blind-alley capitalism... socialism!
Northern Ireland: Flag issue turmoil illustrates failure of the 'peace process'
Prison closures = more privatisation
Socialist Party feature
Renationalise the railways now!
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Tory minister lies about 'lategate'...
Sheffield fight back, or we'll have nothing left!
Swindon: 1,100 Honda job losses
Indian embassy protest: raging against rape
Reviews and readers' comments
Capitalism - Forever blowing bubbles
A day in the life... Young, low-paid, bullied and angry
Reject the wedge between generations
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