Women’s week: why both women and men should care.

With the dust settling on the union’s Women’s Week, should we be wiping away the cobwebs of women’s issues, and actually give a damn about sexism?

Let’s iron out that sexism ladies and gents

Shockingly, figures have been released showing that half of women in the UK are victims of sexual assault. This is not just something you read about; it’s something that is directly affecting a quarter of the population, not to mention the knock-on effects it has on the rest. This is  why we need to raise awareness, and move away from the taboo that is feminism.

For those of you who think feminists are crazy, hair-ridden lesbians who spend their lives loathing the male race, you’ve probably passed one today without even noticing. Feminism isn’t anti-men, it’s pro-equality, which is what everybody needs to realise.

We need to look at how sexism can seriously harm men, not just women. For example, how many of you guys have experienced rejection when simply trying to have a nice conversation with a girl on a night out?

You’re probably made to feel like a creepy, sex-craving lunatic, when your motives were nothing of the sort. If a girl were to approach you in a club and start chatting, would you respond in the same way? No. So why can’t you get the same treatment? That’s where sexism comes into play.

How many feminists does it take to change a lightbulb? …It’s not the lightbulb that needs changing.

Sexism is harmful, degrading and destructive. How many of us girls can say, that on a night out, we’re far too willing to turn a blind eye and be ok with our arse getting touched in a club? This needs to change.

Gender stereotypes are hard to shake off. For example, research has shown that men are more likely to be depressed if their significant female others earn more than them, or if they are less successful than women around them.

Men should not be assigned the role of the ‘breadwinner’, just as women shouldn’t be assigned the role of a ‘housewife’.

Jimmy felt depressed after hearing the news of his girlfriend’s promotion.

Women’s Week may not have been at the top of your agenda – but equality is something that Women’s Week promotes, which is definitely something that should be high on your list of priorities.

Whether you agree with us or not, sexism affects everyone negatively; so we all need to collectively give a shit.

If you’re now feeling sufficiently guilty for not getting involved, there’s still time to engage your inner raging feminist…

EconSoc have organised their very first series of women-only events, focusing on employability, skills and future prospects for women. Check out this link for more information and see what you think.

https://www.facebook.com/events/489863117802557/