Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/985/26987
From The Socialist newspaper, 7 March 2018
Women's oppression: the struggle goes on
Women's oppression is far from beaten. The headlines can often seem grim. But, following in the footsteps of generations of women and workers before, the struggle for women's liberation is alive and well. See our International Women's Day statement, 'Capitalism oppresses women - fight for socialism'.
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Nine in ten firms in Britain pay women less than men
Women's income inequality is worst in construction, followed by finance, according to figures reported to the government's pay gap website.
Over 85% of companies pay women less than men, Financial Times analysis has found.
Budget airline EasyJet has a pay gap of 46%. The worst offender is market research firm Research Now, which reports paying men 94% more than women.
Even in industries which employ more women than men, such as the public sector, women earn less. The majority of women work for companies with a pay gap of more than 10%.
As well as campaigning against sexist attitudes in society, the Socialist Party fights for free childcare and education, genuinely affordable housing, and a real living wage for all workers.
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Nine in ten murdered women killed by domestic violence
There were 95 women murdered in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2016 according to Women's Aid. Of these, 86 died at the hands of a current or former partner or male family member, says its 2017 Femicide Census.
Figures collected by Counting Dead Women suggest a woman was killed by a man every 2.6 days between January and September in the UK. In the year to March 2017, 1.2 million women and 713,000 men were victims of domestic violence says the ONS.
Socialist Party members are playing leading roles in ongoing campaigns to rescue life-saving women's and children's services from Tory and Blairite austerity. We have a proud record of combating domestic violence, including launching the Campaign Against Domestic Violence in 1991.
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One in ten working women currently harassed in Australia
One in ten women under 40 in Australia are experiencing ongoing sexual harassment in their present job.
A University of Sydney study found highest rates among workers with disabilities, ethnic or cultural minorities, and students.
Less than a third of the women believe they get equal treatment at work. A third also feel their boss treats them without respect.
Comments in the survey include one woman who, following a meeting with a doctor, found herself labelled a "tasty little bitch." And a legal worker describes a magistrate instructing her to "prove to me you're more than blonde hair and blue eyes."
The study comes after sexual harassment and exploitation scandals unfolded at the United Nations, Oxfam and Save the Children. 'Non-governmental organisations' are just as unaccountable as private companies and the capitalist state.
Solid trade union organisation can push back management bullying and help tackle sexual harassment. Socialist Party members have shown that collective action can win improvements.
Supporters of Militant, forerunner of the Socialist Party, led a landmark strike against sexual harassment at the 'Lady at Lord John' store in Liverpool in 1983. And just last year, Woolwich Ferry workers in south London struck and got a sexist manager suspended.
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In The Socialist 7 March 2018:
What we think
May's EU speech kicks the can down the road
Socialist Party news and analysis
NHS: public health - not private profit
Snow chaos showed the bosses' coldness - but also workers' grit
Toys R Us, Maplin: worsening retail crisis claims more jobs
International Women's Day 2018
Capitalism oppresses women - fight for socialism!
Women's oppression: the struggle goes on
The Socialist inbox: International Women's Day
Socialist Party workplace news
National lecturers' pension strike continues
Whole lotta shakin' goin' on in Merseyside DOO dispute
PCS: Re-elect the left and fight for decent pay
Hull workers united against bosses
International socialist news and analysis
Syria: No ceasefire for 'hell on earth' eastern Goutha
Japan - toxic legacy of the Fukushima disaster
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Salford nurseries consultation delayed
Donate to the Socialist Party building fund
Hands Off HRI campaign group meets Corbyn and Ashworth
TUSC plans to stand on Waltham Forest anti-monster block platform
Derbyshire says: No fracking way!
Coventry shows solidarity with the Syrian people
Socialist Party comments and reviews
Fighting sexual harassment in entertainment
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