Redbrick Interview

Questions asked by Redbrick reporter Gabrielle John.

1. What is the role of the Birmingham Women's Association and your role as a women's officer?

The role of Birmingham Women's Association or the Women's Network, as we have renamed ourselves, is to be a supportive base for the women of the university. As an association we represent over 15,000 students and we try our best to understand the needs of all those students. We can only do what we are told the women of this university want. For example last year we were made aware that students wanted better toilets in the guild and when it came to designing them, the women's network had a say in that. As women's officer I help support the women's network as well as another women's group in the university, known as B WISTE (Birmingham Women in Technology and Engineering). I also attempt to run my own campaigns. Due to coursework commitments, last term was more successful then this term has been so far, but there are still plans in the works.

2. Why do you feel so passionately about the cause?

This cause is something that is close to my heart. The thing that probably makes me so passionate about this cause is most likely the fact that most people think it is unnecessary. When some women hear the term 'feminism' they think that it is a waste of time because at first glance, women do appear to have equal rights to men. The fact is, when you look deeper, we don't. And its not just about equal pay, its how women are portrayed everyday and in the media. If a man has had many relationships he's someone to be admired, if a woman has had a few relationships she's considered a slut. The double standard is doing well and everyone falls victim to it. The key to feminism is giving women the opportunity to choose what they want to do, be it a high powered job or being housewife and being confident in who you are. That is what I am passionate about.

3. Many people would argue we (in the west) do have relative equality in comparison to less developed countries, what is your argument against this?

Compared to less developed countries women do have more equality when it comes to opportunities. However we do not have the right attitude to feminism and that leaves us lacking. In the UK 1 in 4 women are the victims of domestic violence and our attitude is to sweep it under the rug. I can't remember the last time I saw an advert on tv (or if I ever have), telling people of the reality of domestic violence, either no one wants to address it or I don't watch enough tv. Either way the general attitude of feminism undermines all the progress we have made. In order to help those less developed countries be more equal in terms of women's rights, I truly believe we need to set an example and we can't do that if people continue to have misogynistic attitudes.

4. How do you feel women's rights have progressed over the past century and what do you feel was the catalyst?

I think it has been slow to an extent, but it has been there and that is the most important thing.That, and the fact the battle is still ongoing. There is always someone who is fighting and that gives me faith that we will achieve something great. We may not do it in a year, it might take ten but the point is that people have faith. In terms of the catalyst, I feel that over the years there has been many different instances of activity that have lead to significant change. Women gaining the right to vote or legalising abortion? I believe both of these events are catalysts in their own right because they were the first big steps, in their area, of change for the benefit and welfare of women.

5. What are the main issues facing women in this country today?

I think that the biggest issue facing women in this country today is other women. We are our own worst critics. If you ask a woman whether she's a feminist, some will say no but if you ask that same woman if she believes in equal pay, equal job opportunities or having the right to decide what she does with her body or who she marries then they are going to say yes and all those issues come under feminism. The biggest thing that is stopping women from achieving equality is the attitudes of other (not all) women. Sure there are other big issues today, such as legalising abortion in Ireland, expanding abortion rights (not needed two doctor's signatures etc.) as well as the pay gap. However in my mind, we can't overcome these issues and achieve equality until both men and women embrace the idea of equality.