On Thursday, April 20, The Week in partnership with New Left Review sponsored a public forum "Woman, the Most Exploited Class". The forum discussed two aspects of the woman question; the dissolution of the bourgeois family and woman in today's society. During the discussion it became evident that there was a great interest in the general topic and, more imprtant, a sentiment that the left as a whole had done little or nothing in the way of education on this subject and therefore itself was subject to the prejudices and erroneous ideas that bourgeois society fosters. It was felt by a number of women that not only should more discussion take place, but also that there was definately a need for militant action. The emancipation of women has not been attained and for many of us it is not enough to be told "Wait until the socialist society comes". Not only are we exploited as workers (average woman's wage per week £9 compared to £20 for men) but are also the victims of prejudice at every level of society, from our personal relations to the lack of equal education to the lack of control over our own bodies. A job needs to be done within the radical movement itself, a propaganda job. Specifically woman-oriented demands must be part of evéry political program, i.e. equal pay for equal work, more day-care centres, legal abortion, trade union organisation among the service industries, contraceptive ddvice and availability to all women regardtess of marital status. These are just a few of the demands that must be made, Possibly some of us may be hesitant, remembering the disparaging remarks about the suffragettes or indifferent, considering the problem to be one and the same as the many other questions that confront the socialist movement. in analogy might be drawn with the advanced black pecple in America. What if they had been self-conscious and shy or what if they had said that their problems were the same as the white worker? and since the socialist movement had their interests at heart they would wait for socialism when their problems would be solved, We can see how their struggle raises the. consciousness of the entire working cless and advances the struggle for socialism. So what do we do now? Do we wait or act? This letter is designed to initiate discussion and to rally women who feel the need for action. Suggestions of seminars on the History of British Women, public meetings, a "Second Declaration of the Rights of Women" have already been made. Projected is the formation of a committee of socialist women. If you are interested in discussir> your participation and/or projects please contact (Mrs.) Toni Gorton at the above address.
THE Wik TO PUBLISH WOMAN PAMPHLET The Week will soon be publishing a pamphlet on the woman question. It will be based on. articles that have appeared in The Week plus some new additions. If. any of our readers have a contribution on this topic please sent it along.