Defending Women's Spaces

Who counts as a woman? This question lies at the heart of many public debates about sex and gender today. While we increasingly recognise the desire of some to eliminate the sex binary in law, a particular boiling point emerges through conflicting demands over women’s spaces. Which should govern access to these – sex or gender identity? Karen Ingala Smith, a veteran campaigner for women’s and girls’ rights, opts for the former. In this trenchant critique of inclusivity politics, she argues that we cannot ignore the wealth of evidence which shows that people of the female sex have a unique set of needs which are often not met by mixed-sex spaces. Drawing on her 30 years of experience in researching and recording men’s violence against women and girls, she outlines how certain spaces, including refuges, benefit from remaining single sex – and what they stand to lose. Written with sensitivity and respect for all concerned, this book nevertheless dismantles the idea that we have reached a post-sex utopia.

Dedication Acknowledgements 1. What’s the Problem? Notes 2. Sex Inequality Notes 3. Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Notes 4. What Difference Does it Make? Risk assessment – women’s refuges Risk assessments – community-based services Trauma – and trauma-informed environments Gaslighting – re-learning to trust our own judgement Why is this important when we’re talking about women’s refuges? Asking women what they want Sarah’s story Notes 5. Looking Beyond Prisons Women’s safe accommodation Toilets Hospital wards and healthcare Women’s bodies – only women bleed Feminist conferences and meetings Women’s prizes Women’s sports Girl Guides Sexual objectification and the performance of femininity Lesbians and same-sex attraction What about the men? Notes 6. Sisters are Doing it for Themselves The Fawcett Society Edinburgh Rape Crisis nia – standing alone and standing up for women Grassroots support Women speaking out for women Notes 7. ‘Trans Rights Are Human Rights’ The Gender Recognition Act and reform Transgender lobby groups and the single-sex exceptions Influencing government: through the backdoor silently Research Suicide research Homicide statistics Crime data Notes 8. Despatches from ‘Terf Island’ Notes About nia End User License Agreement Read More