News & Events

IFN & DUGES Debate & Discussion on 'Slutwalk'

22/1/2012

What: Debate and Dicussion on 'Slutwalk'
When: Thursday, 2 February 2012, 7pm
Where: Cassidys Hotel, Cavendish Row, O'Connell St, Dublin 1
Facebook Event: here.

Motion: Should there be a Dublin Slutwalk in 2012?

The first SlutWalk happened last year in Toronto in response to a Canadian police officer’s comment that women should avoid dressing like sluts in order to reduce the likelihood of being raped. Since then this movement has gone global, and with the marches set to become annual event, should we have a Dublin Slutwalk in 2012? The evening will kick off with a number of pro- and anti-Slutwalk speakers.

Pro-Slutwalk:
William O'Brien, Equality Officer, NUI Galway Students Union

Anti-Slutwalk:
Emma Regan, IFN Coordinator

Then we'll welcome contributions from everybody present.

Would you like to be involved?
Do you have a strong opinion about Slutwalk? We would love you to speak at this event! Please contact us at irishfeministnetwork@gmail.com

More about Slutwalk's origins:

On January 24th, 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight into the Force’s view of sexual assault by stating: “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized”.

As the city’s major protective service, the Toronto Police have perpetuated the myth and stereotype of ‘the slut’, and in doing so have failed us. With sexual assault already a significantly under-reported crime, survivors have now been given even less of a reason to go to the Police, for fear that they could be blamed. Being assaulted isn’t about what you wear; it’s not even about sex; but using a pejorative term to rationalize inexcusable behaviour creates an environment in which it’s okay to blame the victim.
Read more on main site here...

Check out this scariliy eloquent 13 year old's take on Slut Shaming

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February Book Club - 'The Purity Myth' by Jessica Valenti

22/1/2012

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When: Tuesday, Feb 7th at 7pm - 9pm
Where: Accent's Coffee Shop - Downstairs
How to find us: We'll have the book displayed upright on the table.
The Book: 'The Purity Myth' by Jessica Valenti
Facebook Event: RSVP here

About:

The United States is obsessed with virginity from the media to schools to government agencies. The Purity Myth is an important and timely critique of about why this is so, and why it’s problematic for girls and women. Analyzing cultural stereotypes and media messages, Jessica Valenti reveals the overt and hidden ways our society links a woman’s worth to her sexuality rather than to values like honesty, kindness, and altruism. Valenti takes on issues ranging from abstinence-only education to pornography and exposes the legal and social punishments that women who dare to have sex endure. Importantly, she also offers solutions that pave the way for a future without a damaging emphasis on virginity, including a call to rethink male sexuality and reframe the idea of “losing it.” With Valenti’s usual balance of intelligence and wit, The Purity Myth presents a powerful and revolutionary argument that valuing girls and women for their sexuality needs to stop–and outlines a new vision for how it can happen.

While this book does focus quite a lot on the American issues, many similar issues can be seen in parallel in Ireland and all over the western world. This book poses some interesting questions and offers some terrifying facts.

It has also been made into a documentary which the IFN may screen in future, trailer below.

The Purity Myth Trailer

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Irish Feminist Network Screening of 'Miss Representation'

12/1/2012

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Update, Feb 7th: We're doing a second screening on March 11th, event on Facebook - buy tickets here.Article updated Jan 22nd: This event is now sold out, we may host a second screening - watch this space for details.

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The Irish Feminist Network is honoured to be screening the critically acclaimed documentary 'Miss Representation', by Jennifer Siebel Newsom in the Sugar Club on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012. View event on Facebook.

This documentary explores the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America, and challenges the media's limited portrayal of what it means to be a powerful woman.

A lot of the issues raised by this film can be felt in Ireland, and after the screening we will hold a panel discussion and open Q&A with the audience.

We hope you'll join us at this event and share your opinion on the issues raised.

Please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment, as seating is limited. Tickets €10 available here.

Screening: Miss Representation
When: Wednesday, 22nd Feb 2012, starting at 7pm
Location: The Sugar Club, Leeson St.

Newest Miss Representation Trailer (2011 Sundance Film Festival Official Selection) from Miss Representation on Vimeo.