7 Ways to Address Gender Violence in Activist Groups

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Sexism can exist anywhere, and where there is sexism violence against women is more likely.  We cannot assume that just because people agree about some political issues they will agree about all issues, or that people’s behaviour is always consistent with their beliefs.  Examples of sexism in political groups have been reported in the SWP, Occupy and Peta.  This is a summary of suggestions I made to improve women’s safety in activist groups. 

Value victims

If an adult discloses a personal issue, treat them with respect, and follow their wishes.  Let them speak at their own pace, but you may need clarification.  The person is  telling you because they want someone to understand or help.  So do not ignore them.  You could help a surviver to find a sexual assault referral centre or refuge, but it is their decision to take things further.

Recognise individuals

Ask people how they would like to be included.  See the whole person, not just what they can offer you.  Appreciate behind the scenes work which keeps campaigns going, such as cooking in a camp kitchen.  Equally, do not stereotype people, and let them decide what they want to do.  This is just as important as getting in the news.  Ask group members what meeting times fit around their other responsibilities, such as caring.  Camps can provide a women’s and other marginalised people’s safe space.  Promote women’s decision making.

Take responsibility collectively

Community Accountability is a concept which suggests that everyone in a group should act on problems within that group.  Patterns of behaviour found in wider society are played out by individuals.  If an incident occurs in a group, it can be seen as an opportunity to discuss equality issues, and ways to prevent further problems.  

Have an enabling structure

Where groups are organised according to a clear structure, people know how and who to talk to about issues they face.  Organising around a considered structure helps you to avoid falling into the unequal power patterns of wider society.  Where people fall into a position of power, this position could be abused.  Having a structure doesn't have to mean having hierarchy, it just means being transparent.  Examples of gender aware structures have been documented at Trident Ploughshare and Occupy Wall Street.    

Have a code of conduct

Normalise gender equality by creating a shared code of conduct for behaviour, including humour and language, culture and media.  Think about how everyone’s behaviour might encourage anxiety among some people, or give others a sense of entitlement. 

Have a plan

You can use ready- made policies for safeguarding, anti-bullying, equality and diversity, and dealing with complaints.  Let people know your policies when they get involved.  Appoint ‘gender advocates’, write ‘gender impact assessments’, to check if gender awareness is promoted across your group.   

Work out your values

You don’t have to work with everyone if your values are not aligned.  Create a vision statement to clarify for yourselves what you stand for.  Even if you just have a funny feeling about someone, you can turn them away, and talk about concerns with your friends.