Can human rights organizations protect multiple groups without asking women and girls to disappear? It truly bothered me that Amnesty took aim at a
Can human rights organizations protect multiple groups without asking women and girls to disappear?
It truly bothered me that Amnesty took aim at a woman’s shelter and services that were started by a Survivor of violence and abuse, and labeled them “anti-rights” because the shelter’s mission is along the lines of “women healing women.” ‘Exclusively.
The flashpoint with Amnesty UK involved a report that critics said characterized some gender-critical feminist organizations and women’s services as part of an “anti-rights” movement. Amnesty later removed a listing involving a women-only sexual violence support organization and acknowledged problems with its review process. The controversy led to complaints and public backlash.
Amnesty chief urged to quit over second ‘anti-rights’ report
Advocates for women are not new to this. When women try to heal ourselves in our own spaces, we often run into criticism. “Why do they “get” to have that? “(As if the work you have to do too heal and protect yourself from other people’s man-made mess is a vacation.)
” I want ‘free housing toooooo.” (Meanwhile, it is a shelter.)
Women have always built sacred places from what the world tried to break. A conversation becomes medicine. A hand becomes shelter. A sister becomes a reminder that survival was never meant to be carried alone.
Same thing happens among Black people. Funding and resources that are earmarked to address disparities and biases are often criticized. Sometimes people don’t want you to solve the problems that others created for you.
Women’s rights developed around sex-based realities.
Female-specific protections exist because male violence, pregnancy, sexual exploitation, and biological differences are real. (People aren’t mutilating little girls with no anesthesia in the interest of their ‘future wives.’ That number of women who have endured that is an estimated 200 million, by the way. It is something many women never speak about. But can you imagine someone legislating, persuading, or pressuring these women to speak and be vulnerable before men….”just to prove that she isn’t hateful or anything.”)
Women should not have to surrender language, spaces, or analysis in order for another group to be recognized.
And they aren’t the only human rights organizations engaging in this behavior. Accusing women and girls who courageously stand up for their rights as “hateful.”
Hard to make the argument that you aren’t “erasing women and girls” when you didn’t even mention us in your angry statements about the Supreme Court ruling. Title IX is for women and girls, but nary one statement said the words “women” or “girls.” That ruling had just as much to do with women and girls as the Supreme Court rulings around abortion. Abortion is not the only “women’s choice” issue impacting average everyday women.
We’ve been in conflict over this framing for over a decade, so I’m having a problem with some assertions that it was a “misstep.” Organizations have been intentionally walking in this direction for a long time now. Longer than a decade.
The issues impacting and impeding the progress of women and girls, are complicated…but that is not our fault. Address the harm-doers. Like we have to.
Amnesty ‘regret’ over JK Rowling sex assault centre criticism
Until the world begins to see women as human beings and not sources of exploitation, opportunity, and extraction…women will ALWAYS need other women.
A healed woman does not become smaller to make others comfortable. She becomes whole enough to help create spaces where others can become whole too.
Affirmations for Women Healing Among Women
I honor the sacred circle of women who remind me that healing does not have to happen alone. My restoration is strengthened by the love, wisdom, and tenderness we share.
I am surrounded by the prayers, stories, laughter, and resilience of women who came before me and women walking beside me. I carry a legacy of healing.
My softness is not weakness. My joy is not a denial of what I have survived. My joy is a sacred return to myself.
I welcome spaces where women can breathe, speak truth, rest deeply, and be fully human without performing strength for the world.
The hands of women have always carried wisdom, comfort, and creation. I honor the healing power of women caring for one another.
I do not have to compete with another woman’s light. Her blossoming reminds me that abundance lives within us all.
I release the belief that I must endure everything alone. My ancestors survived through community, and I am allowed to receive love too.
I cherish the women who see my humanity beyond my usefulness. I deserve relationships where I am valued, protected, and celebrated.
My healing is a garden. The women who water it with honesty, compassion, and wisdom are part of my sacred journey.
I honor the divine beauty of women gathering in truth. Where women are safe to love, laugh, grieve, and grow, healing begins to bloom.
Why Title IX Matters for Black and Brown Girls (And Who is Undermining It) – Rosa’s Children
Human Rights Organizations Should NEVER Tell Women and Girls to “Move”
The World Has Studied Women’s Reactions More Than Men’s Actions