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- Who is watching The Watchtower?
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- Coalition is increasing female inequality
| Who is watching The Watchtower? Posted: 20 May 2013 07:17 AM PDT This is not the first time The Watchtower has printed a dangerous message for DV victims. When I wrote about the dangerous message being given to domestic violence (DV) victims by the Jehovah’s Witnesses a couple of weeks ago, I had no idea the response I would get, and just how bad the problem was. I had written my article in response to a piece in an edition of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Awake! magazine, which I had unwittingly received through the letterbox. The overriding message in Awake! was that perpetrators of domestic violence can be rehabilitated with the help of the bible, other Jehovah’s Witnesses and prayer. My original article explained why I think this is such a dangerous message, and why I think it is irresponsible of the Jehovah’s Witnesses to propagate this message, with no reference to any domestic violence helplines or organisations that can help victims. Since my article was published on the Women’s Views on News website it has received 29 separate comments. Comments left mainly by women who are ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses and themselves victims of domestic violence. The horror unveiled in the comments these women have left is shocking. It seems that what I saw in an evangelist magazine is but the small tip of an enormous iceberg. And it seems that this is not the first time The Watchtower has printed a dangerous message for DV victims. Two commentators directed us towards a piece from The Watchtower study guide from 2012 entitled "Happiness Is Possible in a Divided Household". In this article Selma told her story. It included the following: ‘Selma recalls a lesson she learned from the Witness who studied with her. "On one particular day," says Selma, "I didn't want to have a Bible study. The night before, Steve had hit me as I had tried to prove a point, and I was feeling sad and sorry for myself. After I told the sister what had happened and how I felt, she asked me to read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. As I did, I began to reason, 'Steve never does any of these loving things for me.' But the sister made me think differently by asking, 'How many of those acts of love do you show toward your husband?' My answer was, 'None, for he is so difficult to live with.' The sister softly said, 'Selma, who is trying to be a Christian here? You or Steve?' Realizing that I needed to adjust my thinking, I prayed to Jehovah to help me be more loving toward Steve. Slowly, things started to change. After 17 years, Steve accepted the truth.’ Here, the responsibility for her husband’s violent behaviour is placed squarely on Selma’s shoulders, and again the potentially dangerous message to ‘pray and stay’ is given. Many of the comments sent in after my article include accounts from women who have been victims of domestic violence. Practicing Jehovah’s Witnesses at the time, they described the way that domestic violence is dealt with by ‘The Elders’. One commenter explained that church members are discouraged from reporting anything to secular authorities, instead they must go to the church elders for their council and instruction. Another wrote: “My husband was a Witness too, and still is. I spoke to elders several times about his violent behavior. Their excuse was that I wasn't doing enough. I wasn't a good wife. I didn't pray enough.” And another: “I was raised a Jehovah's Witness and I can tell you from personal experience that Witness women are taught that if they have an issue (violence or otherwise) they are to approach the Body of Elders and it will be handled internally. Is it handled internally? I guess that depends on what you consider handled; in my case I was read a variety of scriptures on how to be a better Christian wife and told if I fulfilled my responsibilities as Jehovah had outlined, all would be okay.” Or “Reprehensible. Support from the congregation Elders consists of: ‘You're a spiritually weak wife. If you were stronger, spiritually, he wouldn't have to beat you.’, ‘You're too headstrong and don't respect your husband's authority.’, ‘That's what you get for marrying into a Spiritually Weak(tm) family!’ And my favorite — ‘You probably deserved it.’ Gratefully, I left the husband and the religion in 1982.” Yet another: “Fourteen years ago I was a young (19 years old) Jehovah's Witness that unfortunately married a man that physically and emotionally abused me. He was also a Jehovah's Witness.It went on for about a year and the elders (the congregations clergymen) were aware that it was happening. They met with him privately and decided that he was repentant, so they publicly reprimanded him at a congregation meeting and had him promise not to do it again. They told him the next time he felt like abusing me, he should pray to God instead. You can guess how well that advice worked.” The women who have bravely shared their stories on our comments thread also described the practice of shunning, where family and congregation members cut off ex-members, including women who have attempted to leave because of domestic violence. One woman described how, after she was finally able to leave her abusive husband, her children were kidnapped by her ex-partner and hidden in the homes of her ex-congregation. As I pointed out in my initial article, the Jehovah’s Witnesses were keen to point out that they believe the only justification for divorce is adultery, and not domestic violence. This was reiterated by the comments. One woman wrote: “Despite how seriously the authorities took the situation, the Jehovah's Witness elders tried to force me to go back to that man. I spent almost two years separated from him and the elders would purposely try to put us in situations together. Finally, I chose to move on and got a divorce. But the Watchtower does not recognize spousal abuse or threats as valid grounds for divorce. So, I was kicked out of the congregation and I have been shunned by the entire JW community.” Another: “Within the first week of separation the elders sought me out to tell me that while they sympathized with my situation, they needed to remind me that I was still a married woman and would eventually have to go back to my abusive husband.” The JWfacts website, which seeks to illuminate the dangerous advice given by The Watchtower society, has quotes from Watchtower publications showing their advice pertaining to a range of areas. You can see what they have to say about divorce here. They are quite clear that although a victim of domestic violence may separate from a violent spouse, they should not divorce, and they tell believers that, “Through prayer and by displaying the fruitage of Jehovah’s spirit, the believer may be able to prevent such outbursts and make the situation endurable.” They also tell them that “After thoughtful and prayerful consideration of the circumstances, the Christian may feel that there is no recourse but to separate from the abusive mate. “On the other hand, the Christian may find that there are things she can do to avoid outbursts of anger on the part of her mate, thus making the situation endurable.” It gets worse. One woman, who was raped, explained her ordeal. “I was a victim of rape and I had to have what is called a "judicial committee" where 3 of the congregation elders (only men are allowed to be elders) are to determine your heart condition. In reality it is 3 untrained men asking you if you screamed, what exactly happened and judging you if, in their opinion, you were complicit in any manner whatsoever. If you are found complicit then you are disfellowshipped or publicly reproved for immorality.” The way The Watchtower treats reported cases of rape deserves a whole article in itself, and perhaps I will write one next time. However, if you wish to read a collection of quotes from Watchtower publications about what constitutes rape you can find some on the JWfacts website. Read with caution, it will make you upset and angry. The stories shared in this article are but a few of many. The Battered Lambs Project was set up to provide a place where women can share their stories. It should be viewed with a trigger warning; the website contains pages of similar stories of physical and emotional abuse, facilitated by male elders who tell the victims they should stay with their abusive partners, that they are not allowed a divorce, that it is their responsibility for not being a good enough wife, and so on. Many of the stories shared on the Battered Lambs Project website begin with a tangible sigh of relief; relief that these women have found somewhere they can share their story, and relief at the knowledge that they are not alone. Another – recently established – group is Advocates for Awareness of Watchtower Abuses (AAWA), an organisation representing an international group campaigning against the Watch Tower Society. Most of its associates are either current or former Jehovah's Witnesses. The group launched earlier this year with a video created by members around the world, who speak out about the dangers of The Watchtower. The group cites 5 key areas that they challenge The Watchtower Society on, which include ‘The mishandling of cases of domestic abuse’. It is encouraging to see that there are groups out there waving a red flag to alert those within the organisation to the dangers they may be facing. But it is frightening to imagine how many more women in the world are being put in danger by these dangerous edicts and such advice. I decided to write this follow up piece to give a voice to some of the victims who have been brave enough to share their stories. The need to raise awareness is imperative, as is pointed out in several of the comments left by ex-victims. One says: “Thank you for bringing light to this issue – the more 'outsiders' who are able to dissect this organization for its dangerous faults and practices.” A second says: “Thank you for your attention to this irresponsible doctrine. The more media attention that can come to spotlight the crimes and doctrines enforced by the leaders the sooner those stuck inside can find the help and happiness they deserve.” If you are affected by domestic violence, there are lots of people who can help you. The freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, for example, is run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge. The number is 0808 2000 247.  |
| Posted: 20 May 2013 04:12 AM PDT
Activism: 21 May: Hollaback Sheffield Chalk Walk Starting at Sheffield University Student’s Union at 6.00pm Join us as we chalk our way around the streets of Sheffield on an adventure to show whose streets these are… all of ours! Let's reclaim the streets where we’ve been followed, insulted, harassed or assaulted. Go with your chalk and the messages you want to spread! For inspiration take a look at the last Chalk Walk. 24 May: Reclaim the Night Northampton 2013 Starting from Abington Park, Park Avenue, Northampton, NN1 5LW The first ever Reclaim the Night Northampton, a march to demonstrate the belief that it is a community-wide responsibility to make Northamptonshire a safe place, free from risk of rape or any form of violence. Please bring a torch, a glowstick or whatever you fancy to light up the night! Don't forget your placard! For further details call NRICC on 01604 250721. Entertainment: 21 May: Girl Rising t the Harris Lecture Theatre, Oriel College, Oxford University at 7.15pm A groundbreaking film, directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins, which tells the stories of 9 extraordinary girls from 9 countries, written by 9 celebrated writers and narrated by 9 renowned actresses. Girl Rising showcases the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world. Tickets are £3 with online ticket booking. Watch the trailer. Or email Suzanne for more information. Ends 25 May: The Gut Girls at The Space, 269 West Ferry Road, London, E14 3RS: from 7:30pm – 10:30pm This play is a fantastic representation of Victorian oppression and early feminism. Set at the turn of the 20th Century in Deptford, South East London, it centres around the lives of 5 young women working 13 hours per day in the gutting sheds, discussing their existence, deliberating their futures, recalling their past, all the while disemboweling live stock. Unmarried and ostracised by polite society for their vocation and unrefined manners, the girls compensate by earning adequate salaries, reveling in their independence and putting by a few bob for extravagant hats. Evidently, they yearn for finer circumstances, but The Gut Girls are aware their lives could be far more harrowing – dreading the likelihood of domestic toil embodied by working class marriage or domestic service. Fundraising: 22 May: The Stand – Comedy night fundraiser at 33 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6NG from 7.30pm To book, call The Stand – 0844 355 8879 or go to their website The Women’s Support Project works to raise awareness of the extent, causes and effects of violence against women, and for improved services for those affected by violence. Main areas of work are: support for women whose children have been sexually abused or exploited; raising awareness of the harmful impact of commercial sexual exploitation and highlighting demand as the root cause; improving service responses to violence against women including delivery of training; public education Lectures/Debates: 21 May: Feminar – London Feminist Network: Women and the City : how urban planning policy impacts on women Held at Future Leaders Assessment Centre, Unit 2 Bridge Wharf, 156 Caledonian Road, London N1 9UU from 7.00pm Clara Greed, Professor of Inclusive Urban Planning, University of the West of England, will examine how urban planning can impact on us as women in every aspect of our lives, both at the level of overall policy decisions and at the more detailed design level to show that urban spaces are still heavily gendered. Transport: nearest tube station King's Cross; buses 17, 91, 259 nearest stop Killick Street on the Caledonian Road. RSVP by email to Jennifer Milligan. Donations of £5, or whatever you can afford, to cover the cost of room hire are kindly requested. 21 May: Feminist Object(ive)s: Writing Art History at The Treehouse, Berrick Saul Building, York University, York from 12.00 noon – 7.00pm Feminist object(ive)s: Writing Art Histories will explore the aims, challenges and complications of writing art histories from a feminist standpoint, considering feminist methodologies, encounters with feminist art and culture, working with women artists as well as more broadly politically engaged art practices. 22 May: Transforming politics: how women activists can and should participate in electoral politics The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) - the only UK charity that connects, informs and supports campaigners – invites you to a special talk and networking event aimed at campaigners, lobbyists, policymakers and strategists alike who are trying to increase the participation of women in politics. At 356 Holloway Road, N7 6PA London: sliding scale tickets from £0.00 to £25.00  |
| Posted: 20 May 2013 03:00 AM PDT
Cricket: This year's Ashes will be contested over three formats of the game. Points will be accumulated and the team with the higher points aggregate will win the Ashes. The series will comprise one test match, three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches. Winning the test match will earn six points. The three one-days and Twenty20s will be worth two points each. “The women’s game has seen huge growth in interest and profile as a result of the limited overs formats in recent years,” said Clare Connor, head of women's cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). “The new women’s Ashes series looks to combine this reality with the prestige and tradition of test match cricket. “We believe that this new multi-format series will gain significantly more profile and context than can be generated by playing a one-off test match every couple of years.” Australia currently holds the Ashes, having won the one test match contested in 2011. Disability athletics: Paralympian Mel Nicholls took a surprise T34 1500m world record, beating the previous record by a massive four seconds. The previous record, set by Deborah Brennan, had stood for 10 years. Nicholls, usually a wheelchair sprinter, was shocked by the record as she only took part in the race as a training exercise. Football: The Continental Cup semi-final line-ups were decided last weekend. Everton booked their place with a 3-1 win over Doncaster Belles in their last group game on May 18. Doncaster took the lead through Beth England in the 35th minute but Everton equalised before half time with a strike from Nikita Parris. In the second half Vicky Jones gave Everton the lead, which was consolidated by Toni Duggan's penalty in stoppage time. Liverpool continued their good recent form with a 4-0 win over Chelsea on May 19. The Reds were three up by half time through two goals from Natasha Dowie and one from Nicole Rolser. The rout was completed in the second half with a goal from Fara Williams. Arsenal qualified for the semis in style with a comprehensive 4-2 win over the league leaders Bristol Academy. The goals for Arsenal came from Ellen White, Jordan Nobbs, Danielle Carter and Kim Little, with Nicola Watts and Ellen Curson scoring for the visitors. Lincoln took the last semi-final spot following a 1-1 draw with Birmingham on May 19. They will now face Liverpool for a spot in the final, while Everton face off with Arsenal. Bristol Academy went to the top of the Women’s Super League (WSL) table on May 16 after an impressive win over Chelsea 2-0. The goals came through defender Jemma Rose and Spanish striker Natalia Sanchon in the second half. Bristol now hold the only 100 per cent record in the WSL this season. The spoils were shared between Lincoln and Arsenal on May 15. It seemed a no-score draw was on the cards until the 89th minute when Lincoln took a surprise lead through Emily Roberts. Arsenal were not beaten, though: just one minute later, England midfielder Steph Houghton equalised with a 20-yard strike. No-one was able to take the points in an entertaining match between Everton and Birmingham City on May 15. Both sides had plenty of chances, and it looked as if Toni Duggan was going to snatch the win in the last minute when put through with only the keeper to beat, but managed to put her shot wide. The match ended a nil-nil draw. Rugby Union: England Women Sevens finished second in the World Series behind New Zealand after coming fourth in the final leg in Amsterdam on 18 May. After their loss 7-12 to Canada, England had to settle for the third/fourth place play-off. But England failed to win this, losing 26-5 to a strong Russia side. Russia had raced into a 21-0 lead by half time, effectively sealing the match. Ruth Laybourn scored a try in the second, but Russia added fourth try through Marina Petrova. England coach Barry Maddocks was pleased with his side's performance, though, especially as his focus is on the World Cup in June. Tennis: Laura Robson played one of the best matches of her career to date to beat seven-time grand slam winner Venus Williams in the first round of the Italian Open in Rome on 13 May. She broke Williams' serve six times, taking the match 6-3, 6-2. However, in the second round she came up against Serena Williams, which was a whole different ball game. Although she broke Serena in the first game it was pretty much one-way traffic after that with the American taking the match 6-2, 6-2. The final was contested by Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka. Serena took her fourth consecutive tournament, – and in truth was not tested by Azarenka. The final score was 6-1, 6-3. Serena now goes to Roland Garros for the French Open as firm favourite to take the title.  |
| Coalition is increasing female inequality Posted: 20 May 2013 01:09 AM PDT
A report published for the UN shows that all but the wealthiest women in the UK are in a worse position now than they were in 2008. 'Women's Equality in the UK – A Health Check' has been produced by a coalition of 42 women's and human rights groups, including The Fawcett Society, Rape Crisis (England and Wales) and Women's Aid. The report, published by the Women's Resource Centre, will be submitted to the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) this summer. It has been produced with the aim of highlighting to the UN the true state of women's equality in the UK and 'support[ing] the Government to make positive change in the future'. Often referred to as the 'Women's International Bill of Rights', the CEDAW is committed to eradicating all forms of discrimination against women, and to ensure the protection of women and the promotion of equality in the public, political and private spheres. Once a state signs up to, and ratifies, the convention it is obligated to put the provisions into practice. That state must also submit reports at least every four years on how it is complying with its obligations. The UK ratified the convention in 1986 and the government is due to be examined by CEDAW in July. Vivien Hays, chief executive of the Women's Resource Centre, said that “evidence in our report raises serious questions about the UK government’s commitment to women’s equality.” “Austerity,” she pointed out, “is not an excuse for discrimination.” Highlighted within the report are the continued failures of the government to address such issues as increasing levels of violence against women and girls; reductions in legal support; inadequacies of healthcare provision; inequalities in welfare reform; unequal pay; under-representation in politics and incomplete support for refugee and asylum seeking women. Emily Thornberry MP, Kate Green MP and representatives from groups such as Imkaan, Coventry Women's Voices and the North East Women's Network were at the report's official launch on 13 May. Minister for Women and Equalities Jo Swinson also attended. She told the audience that the government is “always looking at ways to improve its work around gender equality” and stressed that it is trying to fill gaps in provision. Michele Hanson, writing in the Guardian, suggested the report was from the 'University of the Bleeding Obvious' and that 'it’s our government that needs to be told'. This seems to miss the point. Vivien Hays pointed out that diverse concerned groups have tried to tell the government, time and again. Speaking on Woman's Hour recently, she said that the government is “not listening to us” and that “this is our attempt to be heard”. The report will be given to the CEDAW committee in an attempt to 'shame' our government on an international stage into adhering to its rights and responsibilities under the convention. For, as the report acknowledges, the government has done little to promote public awareness of CEDAW and rarely cites the convention in any consultations, legislation or policy. It is hard to believe that in 2013 we find ourselves in a position where we have to shame our government into taking responsibility for discrimination against women. The government needs to take CEDAW, and the legal obligations within it, much more seriously. And women need to be more aware of CEDAW’s existence, and the fact that we have recourse to it. The Women's Resource Centre (WRC) website has a wealth of information on CEDAW and how organisations can use it for campaigning and for lobbying purposes. For, as the WRC says, "it is easy for a UN Convention to seem far away from the grassroots work of many women's frontline and campaigning organisations. “However, its status as a binding UN agreement is what gives it power as a platform for lobbying and holding the State to account".  |
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