We all need to be feminists because…

Working for an organisation trying to end violence against women, you come across a lot of inspirational stories of survival, but also some pretty depressing information as well, and this week has been no exception. In one day I had two documents land on my desk: the first, an article on the ‘I’m not a feminist’ Twitter campaign and the second the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) ‘Violence against women and girls’ crime report for 2014. Both horrifying in different ways, but also inextricably linked. Reading these two reports together put the ‘anti-feminist’ campaign into startling context.

‘I don’t need feminism because men in my life care about me and respect me.’

‘I don’t need feminism because I don’t think it’s necessary to belittle an entire gender in the name of equality.’

‘I don’t need feminism because I am not a victim.’

These statements rung in my mind as I read about the 103,569 domestic abuse referrals the Police made last year, a rise of 15,459 from the previous year (84% of these victims being women). In this same period rape referrals hit their highest ever volume of 5,890. Alarm bells ring when you read that over 30% of the victims of violence against women and girls were younger than 24, and some younger than 10 years of age. Remember, this is only the number of cases that reached Police recording mechanisms and does not include those whose cases couldn’t be brought to court for various reasons, or who continue to suffer undetected and unsupported, living in fear.

I know it is sometimes hard to understand the scale and impact of society’s inequality when you don’t feel affected.

I myself have grown up in a happy and encouraging family. I have a wonderfully supportive boyfriend. I have a group of incredible friends including men who consider me their equal. I was not aware that being female would limit certain things in my life, or make me a more likely victim of abuse. Despite this, I still cannot shift the personal responsibility to stand up and fight for equality, not only as a woman, but as a person.

Two women a week are murdered by a partner or former partner in the UK.

One in three women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. Domestic abuse is the largest cause of death worldwide in women aged between 19 and 44, more than war, cancer or car accidents combined. If not affected ourselves at some point, it is almost guaranteed that someone we know and love will be. So why is being a feminist – someone who wants to make life fear free and equal for women– wrong?

Only this morning on my walk to work a man leaned out of his van window to give me a little whistle on my way. Why is this seen by some as acceptable? It isn’t a sociable or friendly gesture. I mention this particularly because it is seen to many as ‘harmless’ and ‘banter’ – but where does harmless end and victimising begin? We can see from the CPS report how behaviour can escalate into abuse. This is something we all need to take a moment to think about, and consider how our ‘harmless’ actions can affect others.

As a feminist, I know that not all men are misogynists or abusers, and it is not anybody’s intention to alienate anyone. This is why it is so important that everyone understands and embraces feminism and we challenge those who misunderstand or undermine its aims. For all women and men who disagree with violence against women and truly believe in equality, say so loud and proud. Men can be feminists too, it’s an open club where everyone is welcome. As we can see from the shocking numbers provided by the CPS, we need all the recruits we can get to end violence against women and the inequalities that have created it.

Feminism is tried and tested, and it works.

Women wouldn’t have had the vote without feminism. We wouldn’t have the right to contraception, or equal access to education. Women wouldn’t be able to own their own property, or have the right to choose their own husband without feminism. I wouldn’t have the freedom to write this article (or tweet) without it.

Becky Jones is the Policy Officer at Welsh Women’s Aid. 

@beckyjones1985

All Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline 08088010800