Our attitude to feminism is, of course, deeply ambivalent. Not surprising, given the diversity of ‘the movement’ and their attitude to shared parenting. A useful distinction, for us, is this (click on the title to read in full)
We have a lot in common with ‘equality feminists’. This writer, for example, has found little to disagree with in the writings of Gloria Steinem. Or going to a pioneer, Mary Wollstonecraft.
An early breakthrough in the development of our charity was an article written by Patricia Hewitt for our then journal. An avowed feminist and the serving Secretary of State for Health – then responsible for children’s policy. Entitled ‘Women moving over’ it welcomed more involvement of men in childrearing.
To be noted, in the early days, pregnancy and childrearing was seen as a barrier to the emancipation of women. Yes, care of children is a joy in moderation, but has major downsides for parents and children in excess.
The early novel, ‘Little Women’ by Louise Alcott, put female characters centre stage. Men did not feature much – but they were all nice!
On the other hand, there are Women’s Rights campaigners. With issues often outside the remit of our charity – namely the rights of children to both parents – but not ones we were against. But where women were in a dominant position, such as control of children, that needed to be defended. And for some of them – and the emphasis must be on some – men are essentially nasty. We cannot go along with that. Some men are – and some women – but most of us are decent loving people and parents!
Which leads us to Caitlin Moran. An avowed ‘feminist’ with a new book ‘What gone wrong for Men? and an article in the Guardian newspaper LINK
To quote
‘Being honest, breaking taboos…. supporting each other. These are the basic feminist tools women have used to improve their lives immeasurably…. Now those wives, mother, sisters, daughters and friends need to tell men: ‘Your problems are not boring. It’s OK to make a fuss...We love you and we worry about you...please use these tools we have invented to solve your problems now….
The fuss this charity makes a fuss about is ‘we want involvement in the lives of our daughters and sons. On our own terms, for the joy it brings them and use. And not under threat. ‘
We should reach out to her and her likes.
Comments to john.baker.trustee@fnf.org.uk
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