Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1021/28382
From The Socialist newspaper, 5 December 2018
Midlands Socialist Party women's meeting: our role in changing society
Jade Jenkins, Birmingham Socialist Party
Following our regional conference earlier in the year an initiative aimed at developing the role of women members in the party culminated in a Midlands Socialist Party women's meeting, open to all genders, on 24 November in Birmingham.
We had members attending from Coventry, Stafford, Worcester and Leicester. Socialist Party national organiser Sarah Sachs-Eldridge opened the event by initiating a discussion on 'women, socialism and identity politics'.
With a multitude of issues to discuss in such a short time, everyone was engaged and participated in the discussion. Members felt comfortable to raise questions on terminology and add extra historical context to the debate. A new 12-year-old member felt confident to ask questions and get involved in such a meaty topic.
Marxism
Commissions were held on revolutionary socialist Rosa Luxemburg and on Marxist economics - with an interactive session, allowing a complex subject to be accessible to all levels and abilities.
A commission on the history of women in workers' struggles showed that the root of women's oppression lies in class society.
This class oppression can only be overcome through a fight for socialism, and working-class women must be part of this struggle to change society.
The event closed with a session on 'the role of women in a revolutionary party'. It brought together everything learned over the course of the day. It helped cement our central role as a driving force for change.
With the energy in the room fit to burst, it was clear to see how positive the day had been. The more people understand socialism, the greater the prospect of real change. That is when the revolution will truly begin.
Women's Lives Matter national meeting
Saturday 8 December, 10.30am to 4pm, St George's Centre, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3DL
Crèche places available - search 'Women's Lives Matter national meeting' on Facebook
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In The Socialist 5 December 2018:
What we think
Corbyn and trade union movement urgently need to fight for a general election to kick out the Tories
International socialist news and analysis
France: mass demonstrations force president to back down
Midwives go on strike in New Zealand
Socialist Party feature
The growth of artificial intelligence technology
Workplace news and analysis
PCS AGS election: Where now after the PCS Left Unity conference?
Blairite Birmingham steps up union-busting and two workforces plan strikes
Victory! Grimethorpe dinner ladies' strike beats job cuts
Victory for left in RMT union president election
WHSmith: hands off our Post Offices!
Bradford College joins #FEfightback strike for decent pay
Socialist Party news and analysis
Austerity: not one more day - Tories out now
Health bosses move goalposts on A&E waiting times: more funds for our NHS now!
Northamptonshire council crisis continues
Arrogant landlords can be beaten
Fatal bus crash - an avoidable tragedy
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Fight Cardiff Council's school cuts
Join the march through Woking against austerity
Fighting NHS and fire services cuts and closures in Merseyside
Socialist Party argues against fire service cuts at Tyne and Wear consultation
Leeds TUC conference to organise fight against austerity
West Midlands Socialist Party women's meeting: our role in changing society
Socialist Students conference date set
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