Ten pieces of advice for women activists

Guest post by Laura McKeon, a student soon to graduate from Glasgow University and a non-aligned revolutionary socialist. 

It is hard to believe how much has happened in the last couple of years. The crisis, the cuts and the wave of student protests have brought thousands of new people to our cause. There has been a massive resurgence in youth activity; groups forming, coming together, falling apart. A variety of tactics and a rich diversity of ideologies and priorities have converged uneasily to combat austerity. For many, this sea-change is a long-awaited opportunity to put forward their vision for an alternative. For the younger generation, it is their first contact with resistance. The emergent radical communities have provided fertile ground for new ideas and new hope. In such a vast and multifaceted movement, the experience of each individual is different. Some women joined the Occupy movement and found themselves surrounded by new comrades and new ideas, while others encountered cruelty and sexual assaults. Some long-standing activists have found themselves embraced by wider networks while others have found themselves embroiled in bitter feuds with old friends.

Happiness is the struggle. And the struggle brings us together. Collaboration in a democratic and vibrant environment builds confidence and enables you to take initiative. The more we work together, the more we break down social barriers and develop a consciousness beyond the confines of our own lives. We feel ourselves becoming part of something bigger, we reclaim value for ourselves and our endeavours.

Being inclusive

…Of everyone. A third of people suffer from depression or other mental illnesses. Many initiatives, like the Black Triangle campaign, have emerged which seek to give a voice to those who might not otherwise engage. Occupy London took on the responsibility of ensuring wheelchair access to the camp. Safer Spaces policies are now circulated and discussed widely.

Male activists hold a position of privilege over their female comrades and have dominated the discussion of women’s issues. Many women’s groups have now emerged in which people are discussing these issues. These groups will in turn develop structures of their own, but they represent an important, and hitherto missing, element of the discussion.

The ‘burn-out’ rate

A well-known phenomenon in lefty circles, it is taken to mean a process of becoming less involved or not involved at all – experienced by many activists who find that the responsibilities of their political work have taken their toll. I think it is mistakenly spoken about in reference to feeling overworked but I think it is far more likely that people lose interest when they feel they are no longer effective within the group, that they have lost their voice. Many have given up the struggle because of frustration at their efforts, and some become bitter about their experiences.

Here is my advice to the young woman getting involved in (revolutionary party) politics for the first time:

1: Don’t sleep with that gorgeous revolutionary (unless you’re sure you can trust them).

I know, who am I to tell you who to have sex with? What bothers me is not the incestuous nature of these groups, or the promiscuity. It is the tendency of people’s personal lives to spill over into the political sphere. Self-respect is vital: you have the right to be upset if you think you have been treated badly. His/her ideas about sexual liberation may sound appealing but won’t necessarily be reflected in their treatment of you.  There is always a chance that you could acquire a reputation, or that it will affect your relationship with the group. Unfortunately I believe that this is still the case for women more so than men, although I have seen it happen to both. Personal relationships are more likely to interfere if meetings are often held in informal locations, like a member’s flat.

2: You determine whether someone’s behaviour towards you is inappropriate.

It doesn’t matter how much you idolise someone, and it is difficult not to idolise someone who appears at all times more intelligent than you. If they behave inappropriately towards you, you do not need to take it, regardless of their relationship to you or to the group. Be mindful of inappropriate behaviour towards others, they may be afraid to speak out. Everyone is equally deserving of respect, and everyone is equally responsible for seeing that respect is maintained.

3: Be critical (at the opportune moment).

Some of the most successful women manage to be outspoken while pandering to the egos of their male colleagues. Maybe you’re the self-critical type, and that is not a flaw. Applying a critical attitude to your work and to the group’s will enable it to develop. But pick your moments. However much we enjoy arguing, we have a basic social instinct to respond well to people who agree with us. If you apply too critical an attitude to every project, you will appear unenthusiastic and eventually be excluded.

4: Share your experiences with other women

Women tend to speak quite candidly among themselves about the problems they face but if you do so too often in mixed company, you may become pin-holed as a feminist and thus listened to less. Remember that everyone is moulded by social forces and a different audience requires a different style of persuasion. You may find this is too bitter a pill to swallow. The relationship of the Patriarchy to Capitalism is the subject of an unresolved debate on the left, which has been heavily weighted against patriarchy theory. You are entitled to disagree but it may make you less popular.

5: You are not an idiot.

This isn’t advice exactly but I feel it’s important to remember. You took the step to join a revolutionary party; you are not an idiot. Don’t worry if you haven’t read all the books everyone else seems to have read, and don’t feel that you have to be interested in all the same books as them. Your interests may be different from theirs, but given that everything we do is infused with politics, there is no reason to think yours are less valid.

6: It is a social club.

Don’t listen to people who tell you about the need for professionalism and revolutionary discipline within the group. They are usually the ones whose social circles are made up entirely of other socialists. If you want to be included in the discussions, the surest way is to socialise with the rest of the group. It doesn’t mean you have to get along with everyone but activist communities are both political and social arenas. Having a good relationship with the people you work with is key to being kept up to speed with what’s going on. It’s also no fun attending meetings with a bunch of strangers.

7. Speak up.

Radical politics is a theatre and confidence is key. Not everyone is a charismatic orator but you shouldn’t let that stop you from making your contribution. Don’t be dismayed if people are unresponsive to the things you say: they may just not have been listening. Just think of other ways to express yourself. If it isn’t working, speak louder. And gesticulate wildly!

8: Do your own research.

Don’t let anyone tell you what to think. People will try to tell you what books to read, what websites to visit and how to use social media. Make up your own mind. Don’t worry if your research leads you to disagree with other members of the group: whether you’re right or wrong, open discussions can only move the group forward.

9: Know your rights.

You may find yourself regularly in confrontational situations with the police. Make sure that you know the risks before you take part in actions or demonstrations. Set your own boundaries for what you are prepared to do or not to do. In the heat of the moment, people can do strange things. You will find yourself cast in the role of masked warrior, and at other times, damsel in distress. But don’t let anyone tell you what to do. Look out for others, and don’t put them in danger. If you decide that it is worthwhile to put yourself in danger of arrest, be prepared for what happens next. The police will always harass protesters and we shouldn’t fear them but knowing what to expect will make it less frightening when they come knocking on your door. Remember that the police are bullies and they will treat you worse if you are female, non-white, disabled…

10: Take it easy.

Unless you have an obsessive character or fantastic organisational skills, you cannot sustain the level of manic enthusiasm necessary for whole-scale involvement. Identify what you want to achieve in the group and the key skills you want to develop. If you feel that your involvement has started to make your life harder, don’t be afraid to take time out. You may find people listen to you less when you return but it’s the price you pay for looking after yourself first.