The language of sexism and how it damages society

By Hannah Beeching

Why should it be a problem if men are catcalling women in the street?  Why can’t women just see it as a compliment?  And surely we should have all understood the joke in the show Dapper Laughs?  But, for many women this was no laughing matter.  Catcalling can feel like street harassment, and the video 100 Cat Calls in 10 hours that depicts men catcalling a woman as she walks around town demonstrates why. This video has gone viral at the same time as the controversial show Dapper Laughs  by Daniel O’Reilly was axed due to his character displaying overtly sexist behavior.  This post considers the problems for society when sexist language is accepted.

Is our society encouraging the abuse of women?

By Lucette Davies

The abuse of women is rife in this country.  The media portrayal of women, the fashions designed for both women and girls, the use of seductive performances by female singers and much of the advertising that many companies choose to employ sends a clear message that women are there for the pleasure of men.

Unless we challenge this objectification of women in every aspect of our society the abuse of women and girls cannot be challenged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

South London Fawcett Society commemorate the work of Milicent Fawcett

By Lucette Davies

On the 2nd July a small group of women gathered at the Suffragette Fellowship Memorial to mark the 86th anniversary of the day when parliament voted in favour of giving women the vote.

They were commemorating the work of Milicent Fawcett, who had had the honour of being able to attend parliament on that day and is the founder of the Fawcett Society that exists today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why are so many women desperate for the perfect body?

By Lucette Davies

So much in our society over exaggerates the importance of appearance, particularly for women.

The beauty industry continues to tell women that there is more they can do to improve their looks and more they should do.  Many women feel not quite good enough because they don’t conform to what they are being told they should look like.

As the fashion industry booms, women’s dissatisfaction with their looks also booms and for some this can lead to illness.

 

 

Women, employment and gender inequality

By Lucette Davies

It is unlikely that many people will have missed David Cameron’s statement on how we now have more women in employment than ever before.  This post will examine just where we actually are regarding women and employment.

 

 

 

 

Prostitution, what can we and what are we doing about it

By Lucette Davies

As the laws that govern prostitution were debated once again, this time in the European Parliament; many people have expressed strong views concerning the sex trade industry.  Are we getting nearer to ending the practice of prostitution?  What are the reasons for wanting to end this practice or should it be allowed, to give people the right to make their own minds up?