Southall Black Sisters - Why they turned down DV reception invite

[antelopevalley]

An interesting article about the domestic violence reception and why SBS turned their invitation down.

"The arguments against included perceptions that it was a PR exercise for Camilla and it would make the Palace look good at our expense; there was no invitation to speak, only attend, which meant that we couldn’t even get our message across to the great and good; there was, no mention of funding attached to Camilla’s work on domestic violence (DV) on her official page.

There was also the fact that the Queen Consort’s last flurry of receptions for DV charities took place in 2016, including a visit to the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, not a country known for its record on women’s rights. SBS already had an enviable reputation among government funding departments and other grant-making bodies. We also had a tradition of anti-colonial and anti-imperial activism which would be undermined by this visit – and as such, we realised it would be unconscionable to be cavorting with the great and the good while people were drowning in the Channel as a direct result of this country’s immigration policies.

We decided not to go. It was a difficult decision. But we knew that the same double-edged embrace of the establishment poisons the success of SBS’s campaign against immigration rules that trap migrant women in violent marriages. Maria Miller MP is hosting an event in Parliament in December to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this campaign and its successes."

inews.co.uk/opinion/southall-black-sisters-invited-royal-event-ngozi-fulani-2004539?ito=twitter_share_article-top&

But we knew that the same double-edged embrace of the establishment poisons the success of SBS’s campaign against immigration rules that trap migrant women in violent marriages.
Maria Miller MP is hosting an event in Parliament in December to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this campaign and its successes."

Isn't Parliament the 'establishment'?

there was no invitation to speak, only attend

That's what a reception is. People attend and talk and network. It's not for making speeches. The very fact that they were invited to BP means their message is getting over. Their choice.

I'd have taken myself there under those circumstances to network and discuss my cause.

Formatting fail....

Same and I’m Asian and much admire the work SBS do with women from minority communities. I think talking about colonialism and imperialism has it’s place but when you take such a stand on principle you could be missing out on people who could aid you. I really think organisations should focus on what their key activity is. If they want to campaign on channel crossings or dissolution of the monarchy they are absolutely entitled to, but it can detract from your core mission if you place it above your job which is get money, use money to help women, get access, use access to push for changes in legislation that will help your vulnerable group.

Self indulgent posturing frankly and I donate to them so I’m a bit annoyed by that. I’d much prefer it if they went and hit up some rich people for some resources or have a chat about how and why minority female victims of domestic violence are extremely vulnerable.

Why would they need to go to network? There are already meetings and events for DV charities.

Who cares !? Yawn

If you're working for a purpose you need to put that at the forefront and work together with others who share the same mission, not sabotage the goal by creating further division.

Don't see why they were offended at not being offered to speak, either - networking would present the opportunity to get their message across.

This doesn't make sense to me and feels counterproductive.

@georgarina what networking would they do? Genuinely who do you think they would meet there that they do not already know? They are a well know charity, not a tiny group that few have heard of.

We also had a tradition of anti-colonial and anti-imperial activism which would be undermined by this visit

This alone would be reason enough for them to swerve it.

Quite. People seem to be ignoring that bit.

Good for them. Not everyone wants or has to kiss the arse of those heading up a colonial, racist institution, let alone be personally subjected to racism at an event like we saw last week. At least Phillip wasn't there to make any more "gaffs" (aka racist jokes) but still.

I wondered where they were and I'm really pleased to see them take a principled stand. I was impressed that CPB had taken up MVAW when she could have done something much less political - but I was at the 2016 thing and it was just a jolly - everyone already knew everyone, we drank wine and listened to her stiltedly read a speech.

These events are PR exercises for the royal concerned; they might draw attention to a given issue, but they also get something in return - the appearance of being more than just a parasite/at the head of a system of repulsive birth privilege which, if we could actually see it with our eyes open, should horrify us . They're just another prop-up for the monarchy.

And TBH the whole idea of 'networking' at a social event is in itself is pretty repulsive - those of us with privileged upbringings are much much better at schmoozing than those without, so it's really just another arena within which we can exercise our advantage.

Fair enough.

i have always admired SBS for standing up to the trans bullies and refusing to capitulate while the pathetic handmaidens running other women’s organisations did.

Do they know that Maria Miller MP is one of them ...

Just dropped by to say I started a similar thread on FWR not knowing this was here.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/4692725-why-southall-black-sisters-made-the-difficult-decision-not-to-attend-the-palaces-domestic-violence-event

@IwantToRetire Thanks for coming here and posting that link.

Haha glad to be of service! When I saw the reply notification I thought it would be someone wanting to barney with me so this was a nice surprise