| Striking statements from Sheffield University
Dear All Why I support the Global Women’s Strike... ...Awareness of issues concerning women must be raised and these issues must be
brought to people’s attention. A global strike is an excellent idea because it unites
women from very different cultures and with very different problems. ...because I’m tired of alienation, I’m tired of others feeling dead
due to oppression, I’m tired of a society full of strife, I’m tired of the
patriarchal destruction of the earth and the environment, I want freedom, you want
freedom. Sing, dance, lift us all up!!! ...because I believe in EQUALITY. ...Population growth and ecological destruction threaten world stability. The
women’s strike is about questioning the status quo which has allowed this situation
to arise. The world and all things in it can only benefit from advances in cooperation,
empathy and respect. As a man, I value women’s contribution to forging the new world
which is necesary. Any inequality is conflict- which undermines everything. ...because women are grossly under appreciated for ALL that they do. they keep economies afloat but are not given the proper recognition for it! It’s time to start valuing what ½ the world’s population does. Helen Clarke- Brighton ...Women’s struggle is all people’s struggle. As women’s role in
the capitalist system is given greater promotion and visibility, through the GWS, the
contradictions of the system’s all-encompassing effect are easier to see. Without the
vital role of women in society, there is no society. Women’s work is too often unpaid
or low-paid - it is more than just opportunities, it is about getting the chance to use
those opportunities. As men we must show solidarity not only because women ARE our equals
but also because they are the mothers of our children. ...because i have always been aware of inequalities and differences between men
and women throughout my life but have been baffled at the apparent lack of interest in
them. No one seemed to notice the unfairness of the situation- or if they did it was with
a kind of resignation that ‘that’s life- nothing to be done but get on with
it’. this attitude, among men and women and the refusal to acknowledge wrong in the
way we live has led to the overwhelming dominance of men in society and the disregard and
disrespect for women, in everyt aspect of our lives- the media- science- industry- in the
home and in government. At last I have come across a movement- and a growing one that is
demanding that these injustices be firstly admitted and then immediately addressed. It is
an uplifting thing to be involved in and I am confident that the women and men involved
will see their goals realised due to the sheer power and inspiration felt by the people
involved. It is something that gives you a lot of hope and a great deal of encouragement
for the future, in terms of galvanising my ideals and in seeing those ideals succeed.
I’m already thinking about next year! ... because ANYTHING that raises awareness of the amazing job that women do,
with little recompense, ANYTHING that kicks complacent people who think that everything is
OK - that we’re all equal now - up the bum is absolutely fantastic. ...because I am a woman and I have seen women in Africa carry children and take
food to market while men sit and lounge around. ...the world is still plagued with injustice and TNC’s aren’t run by
women. Good Luck, solidarity. ...because I know that the majority of work in ‘third-world’
countries is done by women, and these are the countries being most disgustingly screwed by
such as the WTO. ...we are shattered and have too much responsibility—home- bills- kids-school- career?? -health -good????? good luck and keep up the fight to everyone!! Sheffield University |