Freerange #10, 'the womens issue'....

I read this the other day http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/15/sheryl-sandberg-domestic-duties and then the comments section, a bitchfest of distracting comments about Sheryl Sandberg’s wealth, having home help etc etc. I was disappointed; I’d actually hoped that this article would have lead more people to question and start constructive conversations about the division of labour between parents, encouraging men to better support their female partners in achieving their dreams, how society supports mothers and could better support mothers who also want to pursue careers etc instead of distracting conversations about her wealth, having home help etc.
I wondered why people were reacting like this. Is it purely their dislike for feeling dictated to by billionaires who they feel are not like them or are there other things going on including (but not limited to) actually wanting to maintain the status quo; sometimes being own worst enemies, envy, pressure, not striving to become a COO and so on. I think it would be something worth exploring further.

I think what we need to embrace is that experience of feminism and womens' rights vary hugely from person to person, couple to couple and community to community, even just in a very small sample of NZ let alone comparing NZ as a whole. Even in the same group of friends some women will have huge support from their partners and employers while others will be facing constant sexism, lack of trust and other barriers because of their gender. It is very hard to capture this and say 'this is what is happening in NZ' because there will be so many people that don't feel represented in a phrase like that.
What's alarming to me is that systemic sexism is still so pervasive. I notice it most in treatment I get at cycle stores, for example if I have a flat tyre. The treatment I get at one store will be extremely rude, dismissive and sometimes even literally involve sexist remarks being made. There is one store where I am treated with respect, thankfully.

http://everydaysexism.com/

THere is still a massive discrepancy between women being strong and forthright and being perceived as pushy and bitchy etc. What I can't believe is how much women turn on each other - we are our own biggest support networks and worst enemies.

Not such a fan of the writing in this magazine but I admire their ethos - Riposte is a smart magazine for women. We're a new magazine which offers intelligent content and inspirational women in a beautifully designed format. We profile bold and fascinating women whose achievements speak for themselves. Our interviews are honest rather than being full of media trained responses, as the women we feature candidly discuss their successes, failures, work and passions. - See more at: http://www.ripostemagazine.com/#sthash.R4sG8qik.dpuf

Hey Jessie,
I have a whole folder of interesting articles about women working in male dominated professions if thats any help at all. Currently writing a lecture about being a 'women in architecture'... Its such a fraught and fractured discussion I have no idea how to say something useful - like Eloise says the experience of feminism is so different from person to person.

I am a woman (a strong and forthright one) but I often feel slightly uncomfortable when international woman's day comes around and my workplace celebrates it with an afternoon tea and postcards with positive affirmations. In some ways I don't think the day is for me as I don't generally feel persecuted as a woman (possibly something to do with not letting people away with anything). So do I celebrate it on behalf of other women or avoid it, instead being plagued with that feeling of ungratefulness and entitlement? Eloise, Rozzy and Sally, you make excellent and interesting points. My feminism is truly personal; I think worthy but also plagued with contradictions and inconsistencies, my own sexism (male and female) , genetic and environmental influences, doubts in self worth and so on. In terms of saying something useful, Sally, perhaps your personal view at that given time, with your experiences at that time, is what is really useful? Maybe acknowledging your concerns about it being a fraught and fractured discussion?

Also, an article written by a man who identifies themselves as a feminist would be great. I have one person in mind who I might ask. By the way, for some cultural and geographic context, I am a Yugoslav-Scottish, Scot living in Melbourne coming from a lineage of strong and progressive female role models.

I'm considering contributing something, while being plagued by most of the same doubts that you articulate Greta... I'm (a male) based in Melbourne working in the University sector which is relatively progressive and active as an equitable employer (but certainly has its problems). In particular projects in Australia like www.archiparlour.org have made an impact to the architecture profession as one example (a similar group exists in NZ). An active international male voice in our profession has been Jeremy Till who refuses to accept invitations to any event/occassion without at least 30% female representation, he writes a bit about it here. http://www.archiparlour.org/architecture-is-too-important-to-be-left-to-men-alone/

Also there's Gordon Campbell's new piece which is quite interesting http://werewolf.co.nz/2014/04/trading-in-stereotypes/

A couple of bits in there that are a bit sour ("interior decorating"?!) but could be a worthwhile topic given our frequent musings on chch