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| Al Garthwaite |
Arriving at the Heart Café I
had no idea what to expect, but after entering the room of the Women’s Rights 50 Years On event I felt
excited for what was to come. The leader of the talk, Al Garthwaite had
exceptional achievements; having helped to draw up the 7 demands of the Women’s
Liberation Movement which fought for equal opportunities, free contraception,
protection from sexual and domestic violence, and many more things which I take
for granted and consider normal today.
The atmosphere inside the
room was amazing; it felt as though I was watching a few women reminiscing on
their past because many of the audience members had worked alongside Al in the
Women’s Liberation Movement or other marches! I was in awe of all these women
who had devoted their lives to improving rights for girls and women, rights
that I don’t even think about as they have always been normal to me. To know
that these women achieved such amazing things was truly inspiring! What is
more, they still felt, despite everything that they have done, that there is
more to do and will keep fighting for equality. Garthwaite ended her talk by
referring to the #MeToo campaign, declaring that we will not give up the fight
for equality. Her conviction and heartfelt determination gave me goose bumps.
Having learned about the
Women’s Liberation Movement in history lessons through school, it was
incredible to hear these accomplished women’s personal anecdotes which illuminated
the negative ways in which women used to be treated (some of which triggered a
laugh from the audience as the prejudice and misconceptions are almost
hysterical). A few of the most shocking stories came from the audience in the
ending discussion, with one woman declaring that it was more acceptable for her
to call in with a hangover than with period pains, or Garthwaite herself being
told that for the wage she wanted the boss could “hire a man for that”! These
stories were truly moving and highlighted how far we have come, although there
is still a long way to go.
Held on International
Women’s Day this talk truly inspired me to explore the rights of women and
realise that our small actions can make a massive impact. We will not give up
the fight for equality #MeToo!!
Eleanor Smith writes:
Al Garthwaite's talk provided me with an extensive yet personal overview of the history of the Women’s Liberation Movement and the progress of women’s rights. I was previously unaware of the demands set out by the movement and their motivations, when the movement was first established. Therefore, it was interesting to learn about what those demands were and how they are different to the priorities of modern women, as a result of the progress activists have achieved for us. It was inspiring to be able to sit and listen to the progress that Al, and indeed many of the other women in the room, had achieved in their lives. As a young woman in the twenty-first century, the struggles I experience are different, particularly because of the influence of social media and the internet. There are also a lot of rights that I take for granted, so the event allowed me to learn about how these were achieved and reflect on them.
Eleanor Smith writes:
Al Garthwaite's talk provided me with an extensive yet personal overview of the history of the Women’s Liberation Movement and the progress of women’s rights. I was previously unaware of the demands set out by the movement and their motivations, when the movement was first established. Therefore, it was interesting to learn about what those demands were and how they are different to the priorities of modern women, as a result of the progress activists have achieved for us. It was inspiring to be able to sit and listen to the progress that Al, and indeed many of the other women in the room, had achieved in their lives. As a young woman in the twenty-first century, the struggles I experience are different, particularly because of the influence of social media and the internet. There are also a lot of rights that I take for granted, so the event allowed me to learn about how these were achieved and reflect on them.
Sally Bavage adds:
Sally Bavage
adds that the old slogan 'At first you sink into his arms, then you end up with
… ' was completed gleefully by so many of the audience. How does it finish? 'Your arms in his sink.' Something I remembered holding on a poster
back in 1971. The catalogue of successes
was long but occasionally there was a painful reminder of what women – and men
– have had to confront in negotiating sexual politics and sexual relations. Same old, same old, Yes, we have come a long way, but #MeToo and
#TimesUp indicate the journey certainly isn't over.
Background
Al Garthwaite
is a feminist activist and campaigner.
She helped draw up the first four Demands of the Women's Liberation
Movement, performed street theatre at the first International Women's Day
march, and co-founded UK's Reclaim the Night.
Focussing especially on combatting sexual and physical violence against
women, she has also campaigned on women's health and reproductive rights, media
representation on screen and behind the camera, equal pay and education,
workplace opportunities and for nurseries and childcare. She initiated and with others set up a
holiday centre for women and children in the Yorkshire Dales. As a founder of the feminist-run production
company Vera Media she has made over 100 films, one of which was shown at the
event.
We were very
grateful for the support from Leeds University students Eleanor Smith and Chloe
Derbyshire.
Audience Comments
From the start I
was intrigued to hear from Al about progress for women since 1968 as I was
involved in an early Women's Li group in Bolton, Lancs. Al gave a fascinating account of her life as
a feminist and the progress of women over the last fifty years.
Very
interesting, informative and thought-provoking
Fascinating
stroll down memory lane to remember how bad things were, but also how far we
still have to go. Al's background is so
impressive and interesting!
Good to be
reminded of the list of Demands for Women and ponder the progress towards
meeting them. Maybe give a more subtle
exploration of power structures affecting both genders could be made at the
end.
An interesting
overview from a personal, involved, perspective.
Good. I would have preferred more time for
contributions from the audience but an interesting overview.
A very
interesting review of feminism over 50 years, giving lots of food for thought
and discussion. An excellent speaker,
extremely knowledgeable.
I left the pub
to come to this and glad I did. Things
have advanced and I think they need to advance further.
Good input
relevant and generated lots of discussion & participation. Interesting to raise all the issues on
women's rights & experiences – part of our lives.
Very inspiring
and encouraging. We have come a long way
but a long way to go.
Absolutely
amazing
Clear and
informed account of campaigns over last 30/40 years
Excellent
speaker in Al, quite moving. Perhaps
more time given to discussion would have been good.
I enjoyed this
Very interesting
personal and political talk – good to be reminded of many times and events of
the past 50 years
Really enjoyed
this session. A stimulating and
thought-provoking evening
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