T/W: this post touches on violence, murder and sexual assault/rape
As International Women’s Week 2021 comes to a close, I think it is safe to say this is not how we had planned for this week to go.
On Monday, we celebrated women of all backgrounds globally and pride and vibrancy radiated the day, allowing us to take time to mention and think of ourselves and women who paved the way for us today, to hear each other’s voices and lift each other up. We ignored the ‘when’s men’s day?’ remarks.
On Tuesday, we woke up to the Press’ response to Meghan Markle and Harry’s interview. We woke up to disbelief in a woman speaking of her mental health issues. We woke up to more comparisons of Royal female figures, despite it being criticised the previous evening. We woke up to a critical analysis on how a woman has led her life and protected her family.
On Wednesday, The Guardian released statistics of a UN Women UK survey, which revealed 97% of women aged 18-24 have been subjected to sexual harassment. Whilst being described as ‘shocking’ in the press, many of us were not surprised at all as we held tightly onto our own numerous stories.
On Wednesday evening, it was released that human remains had been found in a Kent Woodland, suspected to be in relation to the harrowing disappearance of Sarah Everard last week.
Simultaneously, these events catalysed a huge outpour of overdue discussions regarding the safety of women in society and the huge systemic issue of patriarchy. Whilst women have spoken honestly of personal experiences and voiced the viewpoint of those who are victims of our patriarchal society, discussions have been exhausting whilst repeatedly attempting to teach men the true experience of being a victim and the reality behind the beginning of sexual harassment. We have had to teach what schools and households have not, we have discussed petrifying stories of violence and taken on the task of educating men on how they can change and help. We have had to accept that the disappearance and murder of a woman has allowed these discussions to happen.
On Friday, we grieved the confirmation that the remains found were those of Sarah Everard. We soaked the reality of another deeply tragic murder committed by a man against a woman who did ‘all the right things’. We absorb the fact that although Sarah rang her partner, walked a well-lit route and wore bright clothing, she was still a victim of murder, committed by a previously highly respected male Met police officer.
On Saturday evening, we attended peaceful vigils in solidarity with our sisters who crimes of men have been committed against. We remembered Sarah Everard and paid respect across the country. Still, at peaceful vigils mourning the loss of a woman at the hands of a police officer, we were victims of hard man-handling and assault from more forceful police officers.
Today, we celebrate Mother's Day, with the weight of the week on our shoulders. Today, we are heavy with the truth of being victims due to our gender and identification. Every day, we are heavy with this, yet continue, oppressed. Surely today could bring it home for some of you? It is your mothers who make up the 97%, it is your mothers who are heavy from holding themselves up in this patriarchal world.
‘can’t sleep club’ will always stand in solidarity with women globally. We will always try and create a safe platform to educate and push for change. And we want the 97% to know that they are heard and seen always.
Organisations That Support Women (click on names for websites):
Organisations For Men and Boy's Education:
Comments