Editorial
By Arjan Arenas
In February this year, Britain marked the centenary of the Representation of the People Act. Passed in 1918, it gave all women over the age of 30 who owned property the right to vote. The Act also granted the vote to all men over the age of 21, regardless of whether or not they owned property, and all men in the armed forces over the age of 18. So while the number of women allowed to vote went from zero to 8.5 million, the number of men allowed to vote went from 8 million to 21 million. The playing field was far from level. A hundred years later there have been plenty of advances for women’s emancipation. Women are out performing men in Britain; last year more women than
men were offered places at Cambridge University. But you still see a very small percentage of women in politics, business, the military and the church. With the recent gender pay disputes at the BBC, and the problems that the #MeToo generation is highlighting – there’s still so much more to be done before we can claim to have reached full gender equality worldwide. In this edition, we’ll be addressing a number of the barriers that women still have to face, from women’s rights in sport to everyday sexism. I’ll be discussing that momentous act of 1918 and its lasting impact today. We hope you enjoy!
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Contributors
Featured work by: Arjan Arenas
Aleksandra Borkowska
Emma de Duve
Ben Teeny
Abiona Boja
Ellen Mortimer
020 8883 0260 07715 642 918 info@exposure.org.uk www.exposure.org.uk
Roisin Tambitmuttu
Additional contributions: Teo Canmetin Ashlee Chisakuwana Chyna Denton Sara Dixon-Bourenane Eddie Isherwood
Hannah Rot
Tia-Mai Laine Hamza Modhafer Katy Newman Michael Nicola Zion Panglose Mia Raymond-Cole Yohjan Salamanca
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Special thanks to John Lyon’s Charity for providing the grant to make this project possible. Thank you to students at The Compton School, Barnet & Southgate College, East Barnet School and Woodhouse College.
THE FIGHT GOES ON Arjan Arenas reflects on the significance of the suffragette movement My neighbour Joan celebrated her 105th birthday this March. One of her earliest memories, aged four, is of having her photo taken in a studio. One thing she doesn’t remember from around that time is an event that has almost disappeared from living memory – but which is being commemorated this year, one hundred years later: women’s suffrage. On 6 February 1918, the British government passed the Representation of the People Act, which gave the vote to all women over the age of 30 and women over 21 who owned property (or were married to those who did). This came about after over two decades of campaigning for a right that was already available to women in some other countries, including New Zealand, Australia and Finland. Needless to say, their aim was not achieved easily. The struggle for women’s suffrage had seen promises of change repeatedly broken by the government and hundreds of protesters physically assaulted by the police and imprisoned, often then facing violent force-feeding during hunger strikes.
“Equality is some way off - For a start, we’ve yet to close the pay gap” In 2018, the struggle rages on, if on a different battlefield. There have been many great advances for women: the right to practice professions like medicine or the law; the legalisation of contraception; the rise of many female political leaders. Yet equality is some way off. For a start, we’ve yet to close the pay gap between men and women. And plenty more needs to be done to stop violence towards women and girls worldwide. But just because 1918 was only a partial victory, it
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was a victory nonetheless, and I believe it should be celebrated as such. Being a 17 year-old male, I can’t truly relate to the adversity that women have faced throughout history and continue to face. But I understand the relevance of the suffragettes today and believe all young people – boys and girls – can be inspired by their example of persevering against the odds. Indeed, as the centenary is marked this year, the suffragettes are considered by most a heroic example. However, in this age almost no one is above reproach and even historical figures come under scrutiny. Several critics suggest that the activists’ more aggressive tactics, including wilful destruction of public property, hindered rather than helped their cause. But perhaps some extreme action was necessary. As suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst said, “We are here not because we are law-breakers; we are here in our efforts to become law-makers.” Even the 2015 film Suffragette came under fire at the time of its release when photos appeared of its stars wearing T-shirts bearing another quote from Pankhurst: “I would rather be a rebel than a slave”. This was criticised by some for racial insensitivity by carrying connotations of the history of AfricanAmerican slavery. I think that takes things too far while I recognise the horrors of that era, I don’t believe that only one group in society can “own” a term like “slave”. The lasting legacy of the suffragettes was to achieve a major step towards female equality in Britain. While my neighbour Joan may not remember the day the vote was granted, she has always appreciated its significance. “I’ve voted in every election since I’ve been able to”, she told me recently. “When the time comes, you’ve got to take your vote and use it.” I’ll be thinking of her when I cast my vote for the first time.
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LEVELLING
Emma De Duve on how women are still competing for equal rights in sport Women across the sporting industry have been fighting for equality for many years. Will there ever be full gender equality in sport? Why is it taking certain sports so long to recognise women for what they do? Although there are still some problems, there have been significant developments across a range of sports, which show the progress made. According to a study commissioned for Women’s Sport Week, 83% of sports now give men and women equal pay. This is best shown through the Tennis prize money becoming equal in 2001, amongst other sports. The ‘She Believes’ Women’s Football Cup took place in the US this year with four countries competing. Although it is on a much smaller scale to that of the World Cup, it proves that women are getting more equal opportunities. Sports women are also starting to get the recognition they deserve. As part of International Woman’s Day 2018, has been trending, its aim is to get gender parity for women in sport.
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The so-called ‘Walk-on Girls’ have been used as ‘ decoration’ in darts, motor racing, boxing and other sports. It has recently been banned from darts and as the Women’s Trust says, “sporting viewers are expected to admire the successful, talented, strong men taking part in the competition, with the role of women purely based on their physical appearance.” In March 2018, Manchester United “finally dragged themselves into the 21st century” (according to Sports Minister Tracey Crouch) by starting a women’s football team. There are questions as to why it has taken football’s richest club so long to create a women’s team. It comes after the FA announced an extra £50m worth of investment into women’s and girls’ football in January 2018.. Former Manchester United player Phil Neville said the development was “great news for the women’s game.” The creation of this female team may draw some well-earned attention to the women’s game and hopefully encourage more funding for the women who work just as hard as the men. A key factor for the popularity and prosperity of men’s football is the sponsorship they get from betting companies, banks, airlines, insurance companies and
THE PLAYING FIELD “Manchester United ‘finally dragged themselves into the 21st century’ by starting a women’s football team” many more. If female football was sponsored by recognised companies, this would promote the women’s football industry further, creating a larger audience. The key to gaining sponsorship is being noticed which is probably one reason that women’s football is being widely encouraged. At the moment, Nike are the biggest commercial sponsors of women’s football whilst SSE (energy suppliers) are another big sponsor for the game – but it’s not enough. Women’s football could consider attracting more luxury brands which are targeted at females to get on board. Brands like Tiffany and Jimmy Choo could surely elevate their brand greatly by being associated with women’s football as well as bringing financial investment to develop the women’s game.
In football, women have expressed their pride for the recognition they are starting to get. On International Women’s Day, Fay White, England’s longest serving captain said, “Being a role model and inspiring others to work hard to achieve whatever their dreams are is so rewarding.” It’s great to see women who are already in the football industry being viewed as role models and encouraging other young girls to get involved. This is especially inspiring for me as a girl who has played football for a number of years. The fact I have had the opportunity to be a part of a girls football team from a young age shows that the opportunity for girls is there. But it is not encouraged as much as it could be. Although equality has come a long way for women, in football, there is evidence it is still developing. One example of this is the reason I had to give up football. My team stopped playing due to there not being enough players. This makes me frustrated. There are so many boys playing, there is never a risk of boys having to stop playing for a team they have been involved with for many years.
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EVERYDAY SEXISM Abiona Boja speaks to activist Laura Bates about why feminism doesn’t always have to be angry
though, is the ‘Everyday Sexism Project’. This online forum allows women of all ages and backgrounds to share their experiences of sexism and, when launched in 2012, it quickly became a global sensation. It’s a sobering testimony of the sexist attitudes around, but also a reminder that our experiences of womanhood are not all the same.
People often assume that we achieved equality for all women when we won the right to vote. But it’s not so simple.
I spoke to Laura Bates, the project’s founder, to find out more.
Women are still regularly treated differently to men, especially queer, trans and ethnic minority women. Yet the most frequently ignored and oppressed individuals in society are often the ones with the most to say. One place that is capturing these diverse voices,
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Abiona Boja (AB): In 2012, you set up the Everyday Sexism Project. What prompted you to do this? Laura Bates:(LB) In a single week, I experienced several different types of harassment and abuse, including being sexually assaulted on a bus. If these events hadn’t happened so close together I never
AB: I know you’ve worked hard to include all types of women in your activism. How important was it for you to ensure lesser-known voices were heard? LB: We can’t move forward while some of us are still held back. I have always felt strongly that it is paramount to include trans women and other marginalised groups within feminist activism. AB: In your book Girl Up, you discuss sensitive issues in a very warm, funny way. Do you feel that activism is more palatable when it’s served with humour? LB: I feel that there is room for all different types of approach within feminism. There is certainly good reason for anger, and I respect women who are angry and choose to express that. But I feel really emboldened by the positive types of activism and feminism that are flourishing on social media. I think we can be angry and serious, and argue — and also laugh and approach things with positivity. I don’t understand why people sometimes suggest it has to be one or the other. AB: Lastly, can you describe feminism in the 21st century in three words? LB: Equality for everybody!
“In a single week I experienced several different types of harassment and abuse, including being sexually assaulted on a bus” would have thought twice about any of them. It shocked me into realising how normalised and acceptable sexism was. AB: Everyday Sexism gathered 50,000 entries within less than two years and by now has contributions from over 20 countries. Did you expect that kind of response?
Speaking to Laura makes me feel that equality isn’t such a hopeless case. As well as gathering testimonies, she has also recommended ways we can take action on sexism, including compulsory sex and relationships education. With thoughtful activists like Laura on our side, I believe it will only be a matter of time before the shackles of patriarchy fall away. And in its place we’ll see a unified, powerful force to be reckoned with. No equality? No problem, we’ll just take care of it ourselves!
For help and support see: everydaysexism.com/help-support And you can watch video about the project: thefemalelead.com/profile/laura-bates
LB: No. I was really taken aback! I thought that perhaps 50 women would share their stories and instead we’ve received hundreds of thousands. I think it is a real testament to the power of collective voice and reveals the true scale of the problem. 9
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Inspired by the legacy of the suffragettes, Roisin Tambimuttu picks up where they left off This year marks the centenary since the greatest electoral reform in British history. Over 8 million women were given the vote for the very first time. Women’s rights have undoubtedly come a long way since then, but in some areas, progress has been painfully slow. History has shown the wide gap between legal progress and real social change. The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919, for example, allowed women to enter the legal and accountancy professions. Yet for decades, many employers continued to favour men, believing they were ‘better suited’ to these roles. Then, in 1970, the Equal Pay Act was introduced. However, today, the average full time female worker still earns 14.1% less than men (85.9p for every £1 a man receives). Because of this gender pay gap, women effectively work for free for a staggering 51 days of the year. Clearly, there’s still a lot to be done. The incredible legacy of the suffragettes inspires me, though. In the words of suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst: “Never surrender. Never give up the fight.”
“When it comes to the rights of pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace, we are still living in the dark ages” How do we change things? Firstly, I believe businesses should publish their pay rates for male and female employees. If there is transparency, gender discrimination will be easier to spot. The new law on this is a positive step: since last year, organisations with 250 or more workers have to publish figures on their gender pay. The issue is becoming more and more talked about, with recent reports revealing unequal pay among BBC staff. One employee, the BBC’s China editor Carrie Gracie, resigned because two men working at the same level were earning 50% more than her.
The second vital aspect is childcare. Working women face the so-called “motherhood trap” - childcare is so expensive that sometimes they have no choice but to quit their job or reduce working hours to look after young children. As the Equality and Human Rights Commission chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath put it: “When it comes to the rights of pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace, we are still living in the dark ages.” And despite having the right to vote and stand for election for 100 years now, we are still fighting hard for the right to not be harassed. I’ve noticed this personally: my friends and I have sometimes received inappropriate comments, stares and beeps, all of which made us feel very uneasy. In fact, according to a YouGov survey, 79% of women aged 18-24 said they expected inappropriate comments, touching or behaviour on a night out. This is not just irritating. Such experiences can actually lead to negative consequences on health and wellbeing, affecting our self-esteem and leading to feelings of shame. Yet too often the blame falls on girls themselves. Even some people my age, 17, believe that if a woman wearing provocative clothing is sexually assaulted, then she was “asking for it”. Some people just think harassment is to be expected, which prevents victims from reporting cases. More than 2,000 reports of sexual harassment on London’s public transport were made in 2015/2016, but an estimated 90% of cases go unreported. It is so important that schools tackle this problem within the curriculum, teaching young people to respect others – regardless of gender, ethnicity, class or any other background – and to not place the blame on the victim. All schools and colleges should have clear and fair policies for dealing with sexual harassment and violence. Ideally, there should also be self-defence classes, so that, as young women (and men), we would be able to protect ourselves from violence. We’ve come a long way since the suffragettes’ incredible achievements, but the struggle is not over. Rather than feeling gloomy, though, we should adopt their attitude. As Emmeline Pankhurst’s daughter, Christabel said: “Take courage, join hands, stand beside us, fight with us.”
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