is feminism still relevant in the 21st century?

...was the topic of our Warwick Labour debate today.

It was an interesting one.

The crux of the matter is that the 'f word' still has bad connotations, amongst both men and women, and this should change.

In the summer, I was working at Greenbelt Festival, and there was a fair bit of lugging heavy sound equipment around. I fully accept that I may be less capable than the average man when it comes to this sort of thing, but I was fairly appalled when I was told to 'just stand there and look pretty'.

Female politicians are criticised not for their policies, but for the suits they wear. Female newsreaders are told off when they dress provocatively, and scolded when they look frumpy. Women who walk home alone at night in heels and a mini skirt are asking for trouble.

Men and women are equal in the eyes of the law, but there are so many ways in which the problems go deeper than legislation. I'll cut this post off here because I could go on forever, but if you ever want to talk to me about any of this, please do.

The photo was taken in the pub after the event. I really like it!