The honest truth is that the world is largely designed to suit men. This is such that public spaces tend to be hostile to women and very few women centered opportunities and public spaces exist.
That is why the concept of feminist women only spaces be they online or through physical meetings are crucial in navigating a sexist society.
From giving women the ability to speak freely without the fear of male judgement lurking to providing women with opportunities to improve finances, one cannot ignore the importance of women focused safe spaces.
Urban Woman Magazine recently spoke to some women and asked them why they believe women-only safe spaces are necessary in feminism.
Read their responses below.
G
How am I going to know my experiences aren’t mine alone, and can mean something else, if it’s not through women communities
How will I recognize the patterns, and get the support to get over toxic and traumatizing situations and people if not for the warm embrace of women communities, who made me feel safe to speak up, while supporting me in many ways, including joining hands to resolve my problems.
How am I going to learn about the realities of life’s phases and how to navigate them, if not for the women communities where women share their stories that inspire and educate. Now I know more about workplace dynamics and growth, motherhood, upskilling and advocating for myself, being a better friend and building better relationships.
I learn from women who go before me, while sharing and supporting with the women around and after me.
1 good story shared (e.g; on getting a job, a degree, navigating motherhood, surviving chaos) = 10 more good stories are coming.
1 pitfall survived or avoided = many more are now cautious of, and won’t be prey to the same.
Thanks to women communities, I have learnt so much, and gained access to new networks, I now have friends and sisters in different careers and places, and I’m growing from my interactions with them in all areas; health, finances, career, etc.
E
I’ve learnt the most about feminism from fellow women. I’ve made some connections from Twitter, for example, that opened my eyes to a lot of things I was ignorant of, be it feminism, or even the female anatomy and navigating desire safely.
Special shout out to The Emecheta Collective where I’ve learnt a lot about the corporate workspace and financial mobility for women. It’s a safe space and no topic is too trivial to be dissected. I read, I contribute, I learn and I unlearn.
A woman who has a village is a dangerous woman, and so I see why the patriarchy wants women to see each other as competitors and not comrades. It’s failed. Safe spaces for women are here to stay.
B
So I got invited to The Emecheta Collective by my best friend. We’re technically the same person in that we’re basically introverted as hell😂. Being introverted can keep both your options (career, love, friends, whatever) very limited and it can make you see life in a very narrow way.
And it makes you very seclusive as well. It is comforting to know that no matter what you’re not alone, even if you’re surrounded by 1000+ strangers. Even if you don’t say a word. Seeing others speak about the things that trouble you teachs others to step out of their comfort zones as well.
The Emecheta Collective is the first women’s only group I joined and just the stories, the advices and the support alone has really helped me. I don’t know anyone in this group but I have had all my questions answered, all my worries shared. Even my one little victory I shared there before was met with even more encouragement. Also, for women who are still “baby feminists” for lack of a better word, women’s only spaces are literally the best and safest spaces to learn.
I remember someone recommending feminist books for us from The Emecheta Collective. Whomever you are, God bless you. Also, women’s only spaces teach solidarity and helps dispel indoctrinated ideologies that don’t serve women or the individual in particular.
So yeah, my two cents.
Z
I’ll happily participate in this…
A few years back, my feminism wasn’t strong but I knew I didn’t like men and their characteristics. While I didn’t understand some dynamics of feminism, I knew that till the day I leave this earth, I’ll continue fighting for women.
I joined The Emecheta Collective after I randomly saw Angel’s tweet and I didn’t even know I was pregnant. The drama that accompanied the journey, the radicalization and strength I got from the women on TEC taught me a different aspect of being on the side of women fighting for you whether emotionally, financially and mentally.
Fast forward to now career wise and G has also introduced me to a lot professionally. She’s the best customer experience and career guidance professional you need!
I’ve been gaining more insights from the wonderful ladies on TEC whether queer, straight, single and married.
It’s straightening a lot of rumples!
Angel Nduka-Nwosu is a writer, journalist and editor. She moonlights occasionally as a podcaster on As Angel Was Sayin’. Catch her on all socials @asangelwassayin.