Misogyny and Sexism in Parliament

Happy Sunday would have been my opening but Happy Sunday it is not with this upsetting, disturbing display of misogyny and sexism.

There is no question that Angela Rayner is a successful and credible parliamentarian whose career should be applauded and used to inspire a future crop of members of parliament but instead she is sexualised, objectified and mocked by fellow parliamentarians and the press. They mention her upbringing which is not typical Oxbridge as a covert slight.

What is silent is that she routinely, expertly out debates the PM and other MPs but instead the focus is on that fact that she has legs that she crosses like most people. Reduced to a seductress, her merit discarded. Likened to Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct.

This is beyond disgusting and those who have made these lewd suggestions are in fact guilty of institutional sexual harassment because instead of following her comments and remarks in parliament they have been paying unwanted attention to her legs and physical attributes in a sexual manner. They proclaim and self report as such when they say her legs are distracting. This is unwanted sexual attention which they should now be reported for but they like bullies hide behind the tabloid press instead. Bullying and Harassment are also illegal and against their parliamentary code of conduct.

This is the tip of the iceberg, the treatment meted out to Black and Asian female MPs is far worse, it prompted an Amnesty International investigation and report.

Let’s channel our outrage at this brazen, shameful display, into action. Let’s seek and find ways to make our institutions not only diverse but also equitable, inclusive and places where all can safely belong.

What can you do:

●  Allyship, when you witness misogyny, sexism, institutional sexual harassment, speak out in defence of those subjected to it, offer support and report it. Visible, active allyship.

●  Contact your MP and get them to speak up against this episode.

●  Write to the speaker and complain about this probable institutional sexual harassment and bullying in parliament, carried out in chambers where it seems some parliamentarians instead of following debate are paying unwanted attention to female MPs anatomy in a sexual manner.

● Write to the Parliamentary Commissioner of Standards about MPs conduct in briefing the press which betrays their misogyny, sexism, institutional sexual harassment.

● Educate yourself, colleagues and children about misogyny, sexism and institutional sexual harassment, insist this is taught in schools. The first institution is the home then schools, let the education begin here, dismantle toxic harmful gender norms, biases and abuse that are seen as commonplace.

● Ensure the institutions you work for, with, have policies, and guidance regarding these areas, clear unambiguous complaint procedures, zero tolerance,  proportionate reprimand, safe spaces, training, use of tech solutions etc

● This is not an exhaustive list, please share your suggestions