To think that a Rape Crisis centre should not have a transwoman CEO?

[ArabellaScott]

Mridhul Wadhwa has just been appointed CEO of Edinburgh Rape Crisis. The job was advertised as for women only. Mridhul is a transwoman (born male) without a Gender Recognition Certificate.

AIBU to think that women survivors of rape and sexual violence should be able to have a female only space?

theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2021/05/new-boss-for-edinburgh-rape-crisis-centre/

BetterKateThanNever

When you say "woman", what concept do you intend to convey?

When you say "male" and "female", what concepts do you intend to convey?

If you can’t fathom why a single SEX service is necessary for female victims of rape, you have no business being involved with that service in any way.

Political virtue signalling being placed above the real needs of women and girls. It’s disgraceful. I hope Scottish women cast their votes on Thursday with this issue in mind.

It is acknowledged by anyone who has worked in this field that many women who have experienced abuse feel uncomfortable, retraumatised and unsafe with the idea of non natal females in the place where they have sought refuge. So the fact that Mridhul Wadhwa is either unaware of this, or is aware of it but has decided to push ahead, is the reason Mridhul Wadhwa should not be in this post.

Please remember that we are talking about a rape crisis centre. Saying "what is this gender critical feminism obsession with what is in someone’s knickers" sounds incredibly crass.

Hear, hear.

@ChaToilLeam

If you can’t fathom why a single SEX service is necessary for female victims of rape, you have no business being involved with that service in any way.

Political virtue signalling being placed above the real needs of women and girls. It’s disgraceful. I hope Scottish women cast their votes on Thursday with this issue in mind.

I certainly shall.

@everybodysang

It's not an issue. She'll be an excellent CEO. YABU, however, for bringing your trans-bashing out of the Feminism boards. And I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks so. MN isn't just for transphobes.

This isn't an issue that needs to be tucked away in the feminism boards and OP should feel free to post wherever she likes. This isn't trans bashing and it isn't just a feminist discussion, this erosion of female only spaces is going to have an effect on many many women, whether they peruse the Mumsnet feminist boards or not so it's important to have an open discussion with a widespread audience. If it had been left on the feminist boards I would probably not have been aware, and I am personally very likely to be affected should female only spaces be lost.

Thank you OP for sharing this.

@OwlBeThere

Do you have to be a woman to be a good ceo? No Does it matter then? No

Simple as that.

Well it isn't simple at all is it - if the role is fine to be done by either sex then what about all the potentially better male candidates who were denied the opportunity to apply as they don't self identify as a woman?

I'd be interested to know if all those people who think it's fine for a transwomen to take a job role that was advertised for women, would be happy if a job role that was advertised as for transwomen was taken by a woman. As in, a biological female. I mean, transwomen are women right? So there would be no problem?

More likely the TRAS would be up in arms avout appropriation, privilege and there would be swift backtracking and a grovelling apology.

There's another thread on here today with quotes from Nichola Sturgeon saying the GRA won't impact on women's sex based rights. So clearly nothing to see here, everything is hunky dory.

How is it transphobic to point out - at the least - that this person is not legally a woman. The job was specified as being one for a woman, which could technically be a woman/GRC holder - of which they are neither. So how is pointing this out transphobia?

I am Scottish - I was aware of this person. They certainly don’t come across as sweetness and light.

@MaxNormal

What a silly comment. Do some research before commenting on such a sensitive topic

Could you clarify? The legal definition of rape involves a penis, what further research is needed?

I’d like clarification as well please and thankyou

@toconclude

Because trans women never get raped?

FFS

But this isn't about TW, this is about a male taking a female only position. I've not fully delved into this subject but I'm really confused why people aren't bothered about female empowerment anymore, and why it's suddenly ok for males to steal female jobs/invade female only provisions? TW still have male privilege and are a part of the oppressive class.

YANBU. It’s such a kick in the teeth for women.

People like that are going for these jobs to validate themselves. How were they even hired without a GRC?!

@JoodyBlue

It is acknowledged by anyone who has worked in this field that many women who have experienced abuse feel uncomfortable, retraumatised and unsafe with the idea of non natal females in the place where they have sought refuge. So the fact that Mridhul Wadhwa is either unaware of this, or is aware of it but has decided to push ahead, is the reason Mridhul Wadhwa should not be in this post.

I agree with you wholeheartedly.

Anyone who doesn’t centre the victims wants and needs for what they want is not fit for the position.

@chocolateorangeinhaler I've had embarrassing examinations by both men and women. I never at any point thought the men were getting off on it wow. Are you seriously suggesting that this proves all medics are safe??? You’re fucking lucky.

So @MaxNormal, and @RufustheBadgeringReindeer, you really think only men, or those with a penis can rape? What a silly concept.

@BetterKateThanNever

So *@MaxNormal, and @RufustheBadgeringReindeer*, you really think only men, or those with a penis can rape? What a silly concept.

that is literally the law.

1Rape. (1)A person (A) commits an offence if— (a)he intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person (B) with his penis, (b)B does not consent to the penetration, and. (c)A does not reasonably believe that B consents.

Sexual Offences Act 2003.

@BetterKateThanNever

So *@MaxNormal, and @RufustheBadgeringReindeer*, you really think only men, or those with a penis can rape? What a silly concept.

Its British law

Silly concept or otherwise...it is what it is

Actually, I’d like betterkate to tell us what a female is from a few pages into this thread, please.

Are you aware that a 'transwoman' means someone born male, BetterKate?

Oh and she’s a well known for her advocacy in this field,

Yes, Mridul Wadhwa is well known for their dismissal of the wish for female survivors for female only rape services to help their recovery.

@Helleofabore

Actually, I’d like betterkate to tell us what a female is from a few pages into this thread, please.

Ooooo yes, please and thank you to this one as well kate

Ta muchly

Does anyone with more knowledge and connections than me know if this is briny considered for legal challenge?

If I were a woman who applied for this job, and someone who is not legally a woman go it then I'd be keen to challenge this as unfair.

Happy to contribute to a crowdfunder

Aw don't I feel special.

A woman is someone who identifies as a woman. A female is the same!

A trans woman is born a woman.

Those without penises can rape anyone- if you don't consent to sex before or during, then it is rape. A very plain concept that we surely can all understand.