I am delighted to be joining the DIP in-and-out conversation with the awesome Lucy Wade on her Podcast

In today’s Guest Blog, I’m here as a critical friend to invoke action within the women’s liberation movement in order to reclaim feminism at the intersection of inequality.

What was my inspiration for writing this piece?

The spaces I have occupied as a feminist and the staunch feminist activists who have tenaciously handed me the proverbial baton to disrupt the status quo in the name of racial and gender equity.

As a Black feminist positionality is very important to me. But does this mean I am only concerned with the advancement of Black women? No, not at all.

For me, what makes Black feminism distinct is that it recognises oppression is not only rooted in gender inequality. Through the application of an intersectional lens, we can see how gender inequality is rooted in racism. Therefore understanding the nuanced narrative of the Black lived experience is crucial. Especially when it comes to dismantling Male Violence against Women and Girls (MVAWG).

 

“There can be no mass-based feminist movement to end sexist oppression without a united front” (Bell Hooks 1986)

 

For me, these words by Bell Hooks are foundational for the women’s rights movement. A trailblazer way ahead of her time. We have been called to form the coalition of the willing, through collective activism in order to champion the oppressions of all women. Now that’s what I call feminism!

Under my skin

No pun intended but my perpetrator really did get under my skin. After a year of laser tattoo removal, his name is now illegible. I will take that as a win. His torrent of abuse had me hung drawn and quartered especially when he butchered me with reference to my ethnicity.

I’m just going to leave that there for a minute.

My perpetrator loved the fact I was “mixed race” I was “nice” but “not as nice as Candy*” (not her real name) who was also mixed race. I had no idea the allure of my complexion would soon become the ammunition he used to annihilate me.

In his pubic interrogation room, he adjusted the spotlight angle and fired round after round of misogynoir racist abuse where my mixed heritage became the epitome of degradation.

The legacy of his abuse will last long after the ink has finally faded.

Not all feminism was created equally

 Kimberlee Crenshaw reminds us that not all inequality was created equally, now aint that the truth? But neither was feminism.

When it comes to feminism Audre Lorde reminds us “there is no hierarchy of oppression” meaning this isn’t about ranking who is more oppressed, nor is it about causing a racial divide or the advancement of one particular race.

It’s about being intentional, intentional about dismantling those systems and beliefs that drive oppression. Even if those systems or beliefs don’t affect you directly, they are impacting a woman somewhere. It’s about sharing your platform and leveraging your power, every act of feminism should be about mobilising for all women.

Solidarity Salute

Maya Angelou reminds us people do the best they can with what they know, and when they know better they do better. As a movement, I know we can do so much better.

A solidarity salute goes out to Imkaan the UK’s only umbrella women’s organisation dedicated to addressing violence against Black and minoritised women and girls. Culturally specific help and support can be accessed here.

Another shout-out goes to Project Tallawah an emerging Black feminist resourcing and community initiative based in the UK. Building a transformative movement to disrupt, liberate and thrive. You can connect with them here.

Shout out to Meena Kumari founder and director of H.O.P.E Training and Consultancy an unwavering champion and advocate of gender equality. Find out more here.

Lastly, shout out to Lucy Wade for extending a seat at the table and opening up a Discussion on Inclusion leading to Progression.

Call to Action

Will you respond to the call to action and help invoke a movement to reclaim feminism at the intersection of inequality?

Let’s continue the conversation!

Linkedin: Michaela Queensborough

Email: [email protected]