By Aruni Samarakoon, PhD candidate in Political Science, University of Hull.
The global community commemorated an important occasion on the 25th of November: the United Nations’ Elimination of Violence against Women. This day holds particular significance as it coincides with numerous women and children striving to preserve their lives amidst conflict-ridden regions such as Gaza (Mughrabi and Masoud, 2023), South Sudan, Gujarat in India, and various other areas grappling with instability.
While the UN commemorated November 25th in relation to the elimination of violence, a significant event took place at the University of Hull – the exhibition called “Turning the Tide.” This exhibition showcased a pivotal moment in the history of women’s rights discourse, specifically the Women’s Movement (the suffragette movement in 1918, which granted voting rights to women over the age of 30).
This historical event marked the creation of a political space for women to be represented in governance, making them visible in political institutions and policies. It had a lasting impact on women’s political voice, influencing the labour rights of women in emerging industries at that time. Forwarding feminist discourse from history to contemporary times involves exploring various dimensions, including anti-violence efforts, ending inequalities, and empowering women. The current feminist discourse is trending toward aligning with emerging industries, such as ‘Green energy,’ as shared in the “Turning the Tide” exhibition.
“Turning the Tide” represents one of the dimensions of the women’s political movement, with the aim of asserting the presence of women in the industry and making them visible in the workforce. Its objective is to “highlight the important and often unnoticed roles that women play in the workplace today” (Turning the Tide) The question posed in feminist scholarship is: why have women often gone unnoticed? This blog article seeks to answer this question from the perspective of a feminist scholar at the University of Hull.
“Turning the Tide” was an exhibition hosted at the Brynmor Jones Library at the University of Hull from September 9th to October 20th, 2023. Its primary objective is to reflect on the history of the women’s movement and set a forward trajectory for women to have choices in their careers, particularly in the emerging industry of renewable energy in Humber. The exhibition encourages women to pursue their passions in arts and other aspirations as they grow.
The exhibition captured the essence of dedicated female scholars and individuals from various sectors, including entrepreneurship and homemaking, representing a diverse range of ages and educational backgrounds. It was a participative and collective project that reflects the collective consciousness of women to pursue their aspirations and passions, which have often been limited by patriarchal structures or other reasons.
These women were donned in flowing white dresses, briskly moving from one corner to another, tirelessly working day and night to combat the drawing attention to the potential opportunities right on the shores of the Humber which the offshore wind industry presents for women to work for solutions to the challenges from Climate Change. These women presented narratives that had previously gone unheard, defining not only the overarching theme of the exhibition but also shedding light on their individual passions and the choices that have shaped their lives.
The narrative of one of the dancers chronicles the poignant journey of a young girl whose dream of becoming a ballerina ultimately transformed into a pursuit within the realm of science academia. This shift led her towards exploring solutions to the burgeoning environmental crisis, now an integral facet of our daily lives, rendering people—especially women—increasingly vulnerable.
“I was one of those little girls who imagined herself as a ballerina- I took the classes, had the tutu, did the Royal Ballet exams, read all the books until my late teens- but then I grew too tall and I did not have the right shaped feet to dance professionally. But I always loved dance- now I am in my late 50s (I can hardly believe that) I thought that my lot was to watch others dance, to be in the audience”
– Louise Smith, Director – Aura Innovation Centre (Garland, 2023)
Applying critical feminist epistemology to Louise’s narrative I argue that the strict interpretations establishing body standards and the requirement to become professional dancers have imposed strict rules and regulations on individuals. These rules may have originated from specific knowledge holders, who have power to set up the rules. Louise, however, found herself in business, inspiring many other young women to join the field of renewable energy. Nevertheless, my critical feminist inquiry raises the question: what happens to women who have limited opportunities for multiple choices and limited resources to identify their skills and shape them to become who they want to be?
This inquiry connects with the intersectional feminist discourse of class, race, and gender, which explores the origin and power behind the ‘strict rules’ in various professional settings. This is where my feminist epistemology connects to understand the “Turning the Tide” exhibition.
Analysing the narratives of Louise and other participants in the project, along with their expressive body language that includes gestures of freedom, shining eyes, and optimistic language regarding hopes and a better future, reveals a manifestation of women’s power to resist and overcome challenges imposed on them due to their gender, age, body shape, and educational backgrounds. The freely moving hands and the scenery of standing on the Church roof can be considered symbolic representations of women’s ability to explore and assert their choices, extending beyond traditional narratives of positive thinking.
After delving into the narratives of the women in the project, it suggests that they have embraced the power to resist for their freedom of choice, akin to what women did in the suffragette movement a hundred years ago.
In the construction of History (or “His + Story”), the discourse often neglects the examination of structural challenges against women’s bodies and the formation of their consciousness in shaping their identity. In the context of aspiring to become a ballerina, a prerequisite is the conformity of one’s feet to a certain standard. A critical inquiry arises: “Who determines the criteria for fitting in, and what power perpetuates the stereotypes dictating the acceptable shape of feet?” This question is pivotal as it intertwines with the broader discussion on the elimination of violence against women. Stereotypes, as discussed, generate forms of violence against women, restricting their choices in life and violating their rights to equal representation. The scrutiny of such seemingly mundane standards reveals underlying power structures that can perpetuate inequality and contribute to the structural violence faced by women in various aspects of their lives.
Violence manifests in various forms—verbal, physical, psychological, and symbolic—ultimately encroaching upon the freedom and liberty of individuals and fostering inequality and vulnerability. Throughout history, women have been subjected to such violence, often reduced to the status of a ‘sexual object’ rather than being recognized as fully human. This objectification extends beyond the physical realm, permeating into women’s representation, intellectual capacities, and leadership roles.
Many young dancers with aspirations of becoming professional mirrors the broader issue of women facing objectification. Having unfit feet for a ballerina, can be a representation in the field of dance of objectification. This parallels the historical struggle reflected in the Women’s Suffragette movement highlighted through the “Turning the Tide” exhibition, which will commemorate 100 years in 2028. Both instances underscore the pervasive nature of objectification and the need for collective efforts to challenge and overcome such systemic barriers.
The Women’s Suffragette movement in the United Kingdom was a pivotal initiative aimed at securing political space and representation for women, specifically advocating for their right to vote. Initially dominated by the elite class, the movement progressively broadened its scope to include working-class women. As the movement evolved, it played a crucial role in politically mobilizing women across class boundaries, bringing them into the public sphere and articulating demands for reforms that would acknowledge their presence and rights in both economic and political realms. The movement, therefore, transcended its initial elite origins to become a more inclusive and impactful force for women’s rights and representation.
Reflecting on history, the narratives within “Turning the Tide” underscore the pervasive issue of stereotyping women’s bodies, which can be aptly defined as a form of violence. The women scholars and supportive staff associated with the exhibition are actively engaged in efforts to mitigate the impact of a non-green economy on human lives.
It is crucial to note that the contemporary discourse surrounding green economics remains a partially ideological reflection, as it has yet to fully integrate women’s perspectives. This is especially relevant for women in the global south, who possess distinct knowledge and experiences related to the climate change crisis and its resolution. The representation of Louise’s and other women’s stories in the “Turning the Tide” exhibition serves as a poignant reminder that women contribute significantly to challenging the masculinist paradigm inherent in the green economy, moving toward a more inclusive human paradigm. Their efforts can be further enhanced by incorporating the voices and experiences of women from the global south.
In conclusion, “Turning the Tide” serves as a reflective movement, akin to a mirror that succinctly encapsulates the history of women—depicting their struggles against many challenges and their subsequent triumphs, leading to the emergence of women as scholars with significant contributions. This article aims to view this movement through a different lens, aligning its narratives with the contemporary situation of women. By doing so, it seeks to illuminate the ongoing relevance of these historical struggles and achievements in shaping the present landscape for women, providing insights into their continued journey towards empowerment and recognition.
References
Garland, F. (2023) Turning the Tide [Photograph]. Brynmor Jones Library, University of Hull.
Mughrabi, N., Masoud, B. (2023) UN Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza, Biden Warns Israel is losing Support. Reuters, Internet edition. 13 December Available online, , UN calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Biden warns Israel is losing support | Reuters [Accessed 13/12/2023].
University of Hull- Research and Enterprise (2022) Turning The Tide [Youtube]. Available online : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1ivla2NR1s [Accessed 20/12/2023].
The views or opinions expressed by individuals in this blog do not necessarily reflect those of the Library and the University.
You can find more information about upcoming exhibitions on our Exhibition Space webpage.