PlonitbatPlonit - not sure if you have read what I said originally.
I was pointing out - as a statement of fact - that the promoted the conference as being about women's liberation couldn't be true. I then described (which others appreciated) how it was not a women's liberation conference in terms of how content was being decided, but also that the conditions dont probably dont exist for this to happen.
Somebody else claimed I was over thinking it. No I was (foolishly as it turns out) contributing a political perspective of autonomous women's organising.
I've already stated I think the progress WPUK have made as campaign is great and what a shame they aren't carrying it forward.
And I appreciate that some want to attend events as a learning experience.
I dont have the detail you have about the workshops so not sure what point is being made.
However a workshop is not usually something where an appointed group, not made public by the organiser, are then in charge of it. (which I have seen is going to happen as groups have posted on their facebook page to say so) The whole point of workshops is to allow those present to equally contribute. Facilitating is different to being led.
And again as i said earlier, it is clear that at this time, feminism has been so dumbed down that most women now thing that conferences and even demonstrations are consumer events.
ie women got on MWR have a nice time on the march but never stick around for the speeches.
There was nothing to stop WPUK having the conference they are having but why say it is "Women's Liberation" when it is obvious there is an agenda they want, but even more curiously somehow dont think others should be told about. ie its a bit like booking tickets for your favourite pop group's latest concernt and you get there and find they have arranged for performances by people they think you should listen to.
Why so embarrased to say we are socialist feminists and want to explore how to take this forward. The partner groups eg National Assbemly of Women is a long established TU affliated group and as far as know never taken part in Women's Liberation.
There are so many inherent contradicions in terms of the organising the the lack of transparencey , but as I said before, part of the reason why it cant be a Women's Liberation conference is because it is not based on the practice of grassroots activism coming together to be shared.
And obviously as there isn't much of that around it would be harder to based a conference on it.
But equally if women dont want to be at a conference where it is natural to be seen as active and equal participants then having something laid on for them will appeal.
All I am talking about is the whole secretive nature of what is being presented is what is so odd. (and the misadvertising!) Clearly there is a political agenda the WPUK thinking is a priority indicated not only by the structure, ie the amount of time given the plennaries and panel events, but the content.
Why wouldn't WPUK want to be open about this? They aren't normally shy about having an opinion.
