craftivism

I hosted my first craftivism event yesterday at my home.  Eight people came and we discussed feminism.  It was a lively discussion which covered topics such as the responsibility/cost of childcare, maternity provision, Page 3, workplace discrimination, single mothers, wolf whistles from builders and whether we wnted the door held open for us by men.

We didn't agree about everything but we did agree that

•  'personism' would be a better way forward because it doesn't set up barriers
• education is the key to mutual understanding and solutions
• that feminism had changed the lives of women over the last three generations  - for the better
• that women in this country are fortunate
• the expectation and necessity for women to work while heavily pregnant and as mothers
• that both men and women suffered under gender expectations of society.

Everyone found the event relaxing, friendly and thought provoking.  Comments included 'soothed by the sewing', 'conversation became more gentle when we started sewing', 'worried that people might be offended by opinions'.

However, we were all women of a similar age (I had invited men but they declined both by the topic and the sewing) and  I found that some women had embroidered words or sayings that didn't relate to the topic so I'm not sure they grasped the concept.

Consequently, I am going to offer two more events.  One in a public place (I have approached the Forum) and another in my home.  I will emphasise the concept of stitching something as a reminder of the conversation.

Also I am going to email a thank you and a summary of the event to those who attended and ask them to send it to their younger female relative (eg daughters, neices etc) to ask if they had anything to add.