Socialist Party national women's meeting: Russian revolution and the fightback today

Some of the Socialist Party members who attended the national women's meeting, 7.1.17, photo by Sarah Wrack (Click to enlarge)

Lucy Nuttall, South and West Lancashire Socialist Party

Heather Rawling speaking on the Russian revolution at the Socialist Party national women's meeting, 7.1.17, photo by Sarah Wrack (Click to enlarge)

Beginning with an important talk on the pivotal role of women in the Russian revolution and the lessons we can learn from this 100 years on, 50 Socialist Party members from around the country attended a national women's meeting in London on 7 January.

The revolution was triggered by a demonstration of women textile workers, and it transformed women's lives - freeing them from the drudgery of endless domestic work with communal restaurants, laundrettes and accessible childcare. Abortion and divorce rights allowed women to participate fully in society.

One of the workshops at the Socialist Party national women's meeting, 7.1.17, photo by Sarah Wrack (Click to enlarge)

This was only made possible by a feminist movement that unified women in struggle on a class basis, recognising the fundamental cause of their oppression as the divisive capitalist system. Unfortunately most of these gains were undone under Stalinism.

There were also discussions on how we can encourage women to take leading roles within trade unions, in the student movement and in community campaigns.

The final session of the day, on abortion rights under attack and the fightback across the world, highlighted the growing radicalisation of women by movements for reproductive freedom.

Becci Heagney speaking at the Socialist Party national women's meeting, 7.1.17, photo by Sarah Wrack (Click to enlarge)

Abortion

In Poland up to 140,000 marched in response to restrictive abortion laws, and in Ireland the campaign demanding the repeal of the Eighth Amendment - which the Socialist Party's sister organisation is playing an important role in - continues to grow.

Even in the UK, 50 years after the Abortion Act, NHS cuts seriously undermine abortion access. It is essential to continue the struggle for these basic rights and link up struggles internationally.

In the current political turmoil capitalism has shown it is increasingly incapable of providing even the most basic rights for women across the globe. Fundamentally, socialism is the only way forward for women's emancipation.

A plenary session at the Socialist Party national women's meeting, 7.1.17, photo by Sarah Wrack (Click to enlarge)

All Socialist Party branches should aim to have reports from this excellent meeting.

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Finance appeal

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.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
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.