Thread by @Womans_Place_UK

Thread:

We are hopeful that the discussion on issues around sex and gender is opening up. Such discussion is essential if we are to find solutions that meet the needs, and uphold the rights, of everyone.

#moreincommon #SexMatters #FairPlay 1/n

https://twitter.com/Moreincommon_/status/1537373915504336898

Since November 2017, Woman’s Place UK has organised 30 public events and nearly every one has been hosted in the face of substantial obstacles including aggressive and intimidating protests. womansplaceuk.org/2021/10/27/rec…

The intimidation of women meeting to discuss their rights has gone largely unchallenged and so has been allowed to grow. The failure of civic and political society to facilitate this important debate demonstrates an abject failure to adhere to the Equality Act and the PSED. /3

As we said in our submission to the government consultation on the GRA:

“The failure to properly facilitate a respectful and evidence-based approach has created a toxic debate which has left people on all sides feeling victimised...
womansplaceuk.org/2020/03/30/wpu… /4

"It has meant that women and others wishing to discuss the issues have been left to organise themselves in what have been threatening and dangerous circumstances. This is completely unacceptable and government needs to reflect seriously on the way it has managed...

"...this consultation and take steps to improve the way future consultations are carried out. All political parties have a big job to rebuild the respect and engagement of women voters in our democracy.” /6

So concerned were we about the climate for women in public debate that we made this submission to the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
As part of our response, we said...
womansplaceuk.org/2020/01/14/wpu… /7

"WPUK contends that the civil and political rights enshrined in the ICCPR have been undermined in recent years, particularly in relation to women’s freedom of expression and freedom of assembly... /8

"The relevant government bodies, such as the @GEOgovuk & @EHRC have failed to take action to defend women’s civil and political rights. In some cases, the police have been overzealous in policing feminist and ‘gender critical’ users of online platforms such as Twitter." /9

Consultation process for GRA & ensuing debates has exposed flaws in our democratic structure & many ways in which women’s voices continue to be ignored, denigrated, silenced. WPUK will work to ensure that women’s voices are heard in public debate & all policy making decisions/10

Debate is not hate. Women won’t be silenced.
womansplaceuk.org/2020/07/16/deb… End