Why the Story of Dagenham’s Women Should Inspire Us all to Take Action

This month the West End musical adaptation of Made in Dagenham made it’s debut on the global theatre scene – its themes of equality and women’s rights right on trend. As well as being a toe-tapping show-time delight – it really got me pondering sexism in 2014….

The true story of Dagenham’s working class women, who took their protests to parliament in 1968 leading to the Equal Pay Act of 1970, is a landmark on the road to female empowerment.

Today it also serves as a powerful testimony to how ordinary people have the capacity to incite change.  

After all, when it comes to women’s rights – the battle ain’t over yet!

In her foreword to Laura Bates’ Everyday Sexism… Sarah Brown talks about the power of speaking out:

‘I have always believed that speaking up, and gathering together like-minded voices to amplify the message – that this reaches decision-makers and government leaders and holds them to account.’

This isn’t just a battle for the brave. If we want a better world for ourselves AND our children we each need to find the courage to face sexism in our world. 

What do I mean? In a talk I attended last week, Laura Bates explained to the audience that we need to be #ShoutingBack that sexist behaviour ISN’T COOL and calling people on it. 

What does she mean? When you see a person violated or humiliated because of their sex in public we have to channel our inner Olivia Pope and shut down that bad behaviour. Give out the message that we have a zero tolerance for this shit. And make it known the public have had enough. SHUT. IT. DOWN.

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Why is speaking up important?

Without each and every single one of us standing up to inequality in our work and homes, there is no chance of advancement on a larger scale. Virtual discussion helps in presenting a case but we also need to go beyond this, taking the discussion into our homes and social circles.

We need to be not just joining the conversation but starting the conversation. 

Women – we need to explain to our brothers, sons and boyfriends what feminism actually is today, and why it’s important they support us.

Men – we NEED you to understand that the problem is real.

Are we lacking leadership in the fight for justice?

We must all be leaders in this fight against sexism. This doesn’t just fall on the shoulders of people in the public eye.

Whether you are a sales assistant, CEO, writer, movie star or toilet attendant, we can not neglect the fact that each of us exist within our own sphere of influence in our personal and professional lives, and it is from here we must each feel empowered to act and raise our voices.

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Jackson Katz talks about how failure for men to speak up for women demonstrates a lack of leadership, and I agree. But regardless of gender, leadership is an integral quality ALL of us must exercise if we are to initiate long-term change.

Tanya Barron CEO of Plan UK explains:

‘Across the world we are often ‘talking the talk’ of gender equality but we’re too seldom ‘walking the walk.’

Our actions are our activism. 

It’s a personal battle too. It takes emotional strength to stand up to sexism and it’s not without doubt, fear and uncertainty – will this make a difference in the long-term? But the truth is, what other choice do we have?

‘The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.’
Martin Luther King Jr.

Why is it important we ALL we take action? 

Sexism isn’t a woman problem, it’s a PEOPLE problem.

While the widespread problems that women face seem impossibly complex, our only choice is to step out in commitment and solidarity from whatever sector of society we might find ourselves.

Whether we are a parent educating our children or a team leader in the workplace, a friend, colleague or teacher: we do not all need a microphone to send out the message that we won’t settle for less than 100% equality. 

‘Those who love peace must learn to organize as effectively as those who love war,’
Martin Luther King.

Dr. King’s words express a sentiment that is often neglected in the pursuit of justice. To achieve freedom, peace and equal rights we must strategize well and each play our part, men and women, all of us – participants in the movement.

Dagenham’s women taught us a lesson: we all have a voice.  Everyday women can make history. 

Have a great week peeps!

x

If you enjoyed this article, why not check out ‘Why I need feminism…’?

Tags: Everyday Sexism Feminism Joy justice leadership Made in Dagenham

Categories: Empowerment: Man! I feel Like a Woman! London's Hidden Gems Yazmin Joy