army of women behind them: the formation of a women's cooperative constellation in contemporary Scotland

[ArabellaScott]

A study by Sarah Pederson on recent women's activism in Scotland - looks interesting.

Abstract:

'This study argues that a new women's cooperative constellation has been established in Scotland around the issue of the Scottish Government's proposed reforms of the Gender Recognition Act. This constellation includes women politicians, researchers, journalists, writers, and activists from all sides of mainstream political opinion in Scotland. The constellation works together to support its politician members, share information and form a supportive community. The constellation acts together to show support for those in the public eye, such as politicians or members being publicly attacked, to make them aware they have 'an army of women behind them'. The role social media plays has been an important one for the formation and continuance of the constellation, particularly during the pandemic. It has been game-changing in allowing women to identify each other, communicate, arrange to work together and show public support for others. It has also been important in raising awareness of the issues, both with politicians and the general public because, unlike previously identified constellations, this network has needed to generate broad public awareness and support because they have not been working as Government insiders. However, all interviewees were aware that it was not enough to engage in online activism and that they needed to be 'in the room' with politicians in order to make any impact.'

rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1375349?fbclid=IwAR30i5DFIACXngrhJrzkZBLE2sN_xIQNEja-ByHh7wFOu_6pB1lbB5xDVWQ

It has been game-changing in allowing women to identify each other, communicate, arrange to work together and show public support for others.

Sisters, arise.

Don't wheesht.

Sarah has said in quite a few places that she's a regular here. If you're reading, Sarah, congratulations!

Sisters, arise.

Don't wheesht.

I will arise in about 8 hours, and read the full thing then.

I think it's always been assumed that most women are not radical, however, women have been making progress albeit slowly for many years. Women are now being bombarded from all sides and the evidence is leaping out at us about how discriminated against we are. Social media is both our friend and our enemy but the friend bit is looking good.

I think all of those who have taken us for granted and assumed our compliance may well be starting to get a bit of a shock. What's more, when women stand up, they can often push back so hard, everyone gets a bit scared. Watch out those who think we can be bullied into submission. The more solid the foundations of this, the longer it will last and the stronger women will become

The bit that I read last night was talking about how women organise in loose collectives (a constellation). It's interesting.

Women are kept so very bloody busy, though, it's hard to be radical when you've got four loads of laundry a job and caring responsibilities to fulfill.

Women are kept so very bloody busy, though, it's hard to be radical when you've got four loads of laundry a job and caring responsibilities to fulfill.

And yet, women still find ways to help in whatever way they can - filling out consultations, tying ribbons and placing stickers, donating their hard earned money, or speaking to family and friends. It's bloody impressive.