Women in the Movement

I have been politically active for nearly a decade. Over the course of the years, I’ve been a member of several leftist organizations-ranging from Leninist parties to groups structured around anarchist principles. Despite some fundamental differences in political ideology and strategy, the roles of women in these organizations remain eerily similar: women are reduced to tokenism. Women are largely underrepresented in leftist organizations-a problem seldom addressed by male comrades. Even more problematic is that women who choose to participate in leftist groups often find themselves channeled into designated roles as “caretakers” or “poster girls.”

Despite progressive rhetoric, the hierarchical nature of the relationships between men and women in most organizations mirror those found in broader society. Specific campaigns to recruit women are seldom employed. Issues pertaining to women are almost never discussed, and the sexist attitudes and behaviors of male comrades are frequently dismissed as nonproblematic. These practices, intentional or not, send a message to women: you are not wanted in our “gentlemen’s club.”

Women in leftist organizations often find themselves reduced to specific roles with little or no influence. We are either “caretakers” or “poster girls.” As caretakers, women manage the “chores” of the organization. By default, women routinely take on secretarial duties, including making food and buying supplies for group functions. If childcare is offered at an event, it is the women who are expected to provide the care.

As “poster girls,” women are assigned the role of representing the group in public and at internal meetings. This practice serves to elude; it presents the false appearance that women are respected leaders within an organization. Yet despite its immediate appearance, the role of a “poster girl” is not one of influence. Women in these roles are frequently asked to recite scripts handed down to them by male comrades in authority. If a woman is requested to participate in a discussion at a conference or public forum, she is asked to speak about her “experience;” whereas male comrades are assigned the role of educators-teaching others about theory and the historical struggles of the working class.

Female comrades routinely find themselves at odds with male members in the group. Suggestions by women are taken less seriously than those from males, and it requires more persuasion to have their ideas accepted. On several occasions I have witnessed male comrades dismiss the opinions of females in the group. Furthermore, female comrades fail to receive recognition for their organizing skills and strategic planning. Since men are perceived as the visionaries, innovators, and leaders, women seldom get credit for their achievements and contributions.

Where does this leave female activists? It leaves us feeling angry and resentful. We join leftist organizations because we understand inequity and want systemic change-not just for women, but for all people. How can the radical left challenge the state and its repressive forces when there is disunity among comrades in the struggle? How can we expect egalitarian, cooperative relationships to form when the radical left is merely a reflection of the current bourgeois system? We can not. Let us not delude ourselves into thinking that we can be a revolutionary force without first addressing the inequity in our own community.