Thread by @jowalters

It's #InternationalWomensDay so I'll just sit here and wait for a man to bring me cake. That's how it works right? (Hilarious) jokes aside I've been thinking about women-only spaces recently and how I've gone from a sceptic to a massive advocate. Here's why...

and before I go any further I totally mean ALL women #TransRightsAreHumanRights

I'm a raging feminist right but I have to admit I didn't really see the value in women-only discussions and events. Like I could see they're 'nice' but didn't really see the power in them.

I think a lot of this is because I often experience conversations and meetings like a white dude probably does. I talk a LOT (to the point that I dominate discussions - something I'm working on) and generally feel pretty confident and happy to share my opinions.

Some of this comes from my privilege as a white, cis, not visibly disabled, middle class woman. Some from my maybe-ADHD tendence to talk a lot and interrupt (again, I'm working on that). Some from me being me.

Plus I hadn't been part of formally women-only spaces as an adult. I'd done brownies/rainbows/guides as a kid but I didn't find endlessly tying reef knots all that empowering at the time (though I can still tie one with my eyes closed or behind my back so that's nice).

I worked in an organisation with lots of amazing women (though with a largely male leadership team who were great allies but) so I was often in women-only meetings and discussions without really noticing I guess.

Over the last few years I've been part of women-only events and groups and the different atmosphere, culture and general ✨vibes✨ are so noticeable and awesome so I'm a complete convert.

#WTSFest by @techseowomen (i.e. @areej_abuali) took place for the third time recently and I tell you, even me *zero emotions* Walters could almost physically feel the amazing atmosphere in a way that is totally different to mixed events.

I think it was most striking during the online #WTSFest event in 2021 where the chat box was CONSTANTLY full of supportive comments, enthusiasm and genuine friendly chat. No 'it's more of a comment than a question', no 'well actually I think it's this' and no awkward silence.

I've seen WhatsApp groups for women alongside mixed groups on the same topic and let me tell you those women are building each other up and helping each other in a way that I just don't see happening in the mixed groups.

Women build each other up and women-only spaces give them room to do that and it is BEAUTIFUL.

I'm mindful that these spaces can be dominated by white women and perpetuate other inequalities so they're not perfect and we should be always be working to ensure they're for ALL women.

Here endeth (for now?) this unexpectedly long Twitter ramble