AIBU to think women should collectively down tools to demand change?

[ZoeHS]

Reflecting on current news such as the Epstein files and wars which are started by men in which women (and children) are adversely affected. We live in a time where women’s rights are being eroded even more and misogyny is increasing. It feels like being a female means we’re in constant danger despite being the reason for the human race existing. We’re exploited in so many ways. I know it isn’t just men who are the perpetrators, but the vast majority of those doing the exploiting are men.

Do those of us who can strike and down tools collectively?

By downing tools I mean not working, not having sex, not looking after children (or perhaps we take the children with us), not producing, not buying anything. We just sit down and say no. I know on one level that it’s bonkers but I also feel like we need a real disruptive movement to challenge the status quo.

But the thing is by suggesting this idea (which I know is bonkers) we get in the discussion of why many women (globally) couldn’t:

Withhold sex because they’re being trafficked, sexually exploited, would be raped if they said no.

Not look after their children because who else would do it and do it responsibly? Who would run the schools and nurseries? Who would childmind?

Freely protest without fear because they would be imprisoned, attached or killed.

Not work because they are living hand to mouth.

"despite being the reason for the human race existing"

Interesting debate really.

I can produce generally one child a year. Sometimes 2 - 6 but unusually so and over a relatively limited time. At 44 my time is definitely coming to and end.

My husband on the other hand could go out and copulate with numerous women every day and thousands of babies a year across virtually his entire lifespan.

We only need a few men therefore to populate the world. One individual man is arguably a more powerful procreator than an individual woman.
Yes women could refuse sex and bring population growth to a standstill, but so could men. Until very recently (and the science is still very new) you need an egg AND a sperm. Neither sex gets to claim responsibility for populating the world. The over population is a joint responsibility not just women's fault.

Also because I do think the vast majority of men are despicable and would happily exploit women if they could. I think it’s so engrained in society most men don’t even realise they’re doing it
Go and say that to your surgeon next time you or someone you love need emergency surgery... because the vast majority of surgeons are male despite a 50/50 ratio admission to medical school. I'm sure hell be happy to let your surgery be done by a female surgeon... If there is one in the hospital who can do it...

Lol at not having sex.

How very transactional.

This thread has so many themes and it’s meant to be provoking
😂

Do you have examples of what you mean?

What table?

And "downing tools" is not going to change that, surely. Quite the opposite.

Table?

It all sounds a bit vague and unfocused, OP. Stamping your feet without really being specific about what changes you are expecting to see, and in what timescales.

If you are seeking changes within your own household, that is something that you need to negotiate and agree with the other members of that household. It's up to you to decide whether you want to stop doing certain tasks to make your point, but I'm not going to stop pulling my weight in my own home simply to support you, because my husband already does his fair share.

If you're looking for change in the wider world, then I think you need to be a bit more specific about exactly what change you want to see and how you think a "strike" along the lines that you propose is going to achieve that. I can't see how it would make any lasting difference personally.

Ok, I'm a teacher. When do I stop working?

It really isn't. It is how large scale change has always happened. People strike and become disruptive. Your post is embarrassing for attempting to humiliate someone else for sharing an idea you disagree with.

Go look up the figures about how time poor some women with families are. The ones who work part or full time and then do the majority of unpaid labour in the home. Caring duties as well at times (There are exceptions obviously).

Interesting editing change OP.

This initial post simply said “the problem is I don’t think women are at the table” FYI

Why do you think more surgeons are male then?

I’m on board for the not working part. Not so much for the withholding sex, why should I spite myself 😂

I’d accidentally removed the quote from another poster who said women needed to be at the table/discussing around the table.

And the reasons if the edited post are proof women aren’t at the table.

By downing tools I mean not working, not having sex, not looking after children (or perhaps we take the children with us), not producing, not buying anything. We just sit down and say no.

But I like working, having sex, looking after my daughter and shopping - how is 'downing tools' going to hurt anyone except me?

By downing tools I mean not working, not having sex, not looking after children (or perhaps we take the children with us), not producing, not buying anything.

But you're basically claiming that women have no choice in doing any of these things and that we are forced into doing them because "we're women" which just isn't true (obviously apart from giving birth).

I WANT to have sex with my husband. If I withhold then I'm punishing myself as much as him?! I want to work, I want to buy things with the money I have earned...

Because they have a higher prevalence of autistic traits, which levels of obsession are needed to be a surgeon. They also biologically have higher strength and stamina, and their levels of testosterone mean they are much more willing to do thinks with inherently high risk/reward ratios.

Yes, Icelandic women did this 50 years ago, protesting gender inequality. And after the country came to a halt, legislation was passed and a women president was voted into power and remained in power for 15 years.

However, whereas OP seems to envisage women stop having sex and looking after children - and not going shopping ("By downing tools I mean not working, not having sex, not looking after children (or perhaps we take the children with us), not producing, not buying anything.") - Icelandic women stopped working, not just changing nappies etc, and the country came to a halt.

Honestly, OP. As a woman who has been a feminist my whole life, you are insulting me and other women.

And don’t say that women aren’t at the table, realise it was a crap thing to say and then edit your post. You know we can see your edits.

Lots of women have a choice to do these things but many don’t have a choice in having sex, having children, working, having their own money.

Quite!

hot news flash....men can wear earrings!