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From The Socialist newspaper, 17 January 2018
Socialist Party women's meeting brings together members to share experiences
Following the election of Donald Trump millions of women marched around the world in protest, photo Paul Mattsson, photo Paul Mattsson (Click to enlarge)
Mia Hollsing, Caerphilly Socialist Party
The Socialist Party held its annual national women's meeting on 6 January. This was a great opportunity for women members from all over the country to get together to share views and experiences, to build political confidence and to explore issues of particular relevance to women.
The first discussion was on 'Greece and the lessons for fighting austerity in Britain', introduced by Socialist Party executive member Judy Beishon.
Given that it's estimated that women bear 86% of the austerity burden this is an important discussion.
The lessons from the Greek workers' experience can help us work out a programme and strategy to fightback.
After lunch we then had a discussion on '#MeToo, austerity and the fightback against sexism and women's oppression today', introduced by editor of the Socialist Sarah Wrack.
This was a wide ranging discussion which covered, among other things, the #MeToo campaign on social media and how this can be translated into the 'real world', sexual harassment in the workplace and how this can be addressed, domestic violence and the lessons from the Campaign Against Domestic Violence the Socialist Party launched in the 1990s.
We emphasised the need to consider the issues faced by working class women, instead of focusing on only celebrities and their experiences.
We then finished the day by discussing how we can take our work forward among women in the workplace and trade unions, on university campuses and in community campaigns.
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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.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 17 January 2018:
Socialist Party news and analysis
Carillion crisis: demand action to save jobs and services
NHS crisis: under pressure from all angles - end cuts and sell-offs!
Victory! Trump's UK visit cancelled by fear of protests
What we think
Corbyn's Labour needs 100% anti-cuts strategy and fight for democracy
International socialist news and analysis
Tunisia: explosion of protests against government austerity
Stop repression in Hong Kong and China
Workplace news and analysis
RMT strikes against driver-only operation continue
Mini-strike wave continues and intensifies
Hackney school cleaners strike
PCS union 2018 elections - nominate the left slate for a continued fighting leadership
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
We must fight all council cuts!
No to the Woolwich monster block
Undercover policing legal challenge
Heating scandal on east London estate
Lobby pushes Liverpool council to oppose privatisation
Packed Newham meeting against academies
Socialist Party women's meeting brings together members to share experiences
Southern Socialist Party conference
Opinion
Opinion: foster care is work - carers deserve workers' rights
Opinion: British imperialism can take no credit in fight against Isis
Theatre: 'Young Marx' shows growth in great platform for his ideas
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