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From The Socialist newspaper, 11 January 2017
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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In The Socialist 11 January 2017:
NHS in meltdown
NHS in meltdown from spending cuts - demonstrate on 4 March!
Sustainability and Transformation plans - a repackaging of cuts
Worcestershire hospital deaths expose NHS crisis
Socialist Party comments and reviews
Football abuse scandal: Reclaim the game for justice and accountability
Book review: Spy drama gives insight into capitalist coup plot
What we think
Socialist Party news and analysis
'Cash for ash' scandal set to bring down Northern Ireland government
May slams 'economic inequalities' Tory policies created
Blair's multimillion plans to fight 'populism'
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Them & Us: £500k house party... 50p for rent
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Haringey: pressure grows as Labour council cuts
Sick of sham consultations - give us a real fightback
Khan should attack bosses, not workers
Socialist Party workplace news
Tube strike solid in fight for jobs and safety
Support BA cabin crews' strike for fair pay
Sham Royal Mail pensions consultation - action needed
Unison legal battle looks into allegations 'Team Dave' broke rules during general secretary election
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Build the resistance against Trump
Socialist Party national women's meeting
2016: A record-breaking fighting fund year!
Closing of the children's centres could cost lives
International socialist news and analysis
Palestine/Israel: Everyday life under occupation
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