Defending Women's Spaces

Karen Ingala Smith argues that women have unique needs that are often not met by mixed-sex spaces, and that certain spaces, such as refuges, benefit from remaining single sex. She dismantles the idea that we have reached a post-sex utopia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 217 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

The question of who counts as a woman is a central issue in many public debates about sex and gender today. While there is growing recognition of the desire to eliminate the sex binary in law, there are conflicting demands regarding women's spaces. This has led to a debate over whether sex or gender identity should govern access to these spaces.

Karen Ingala Smith, a veteran campaigner for women's and girls' rights, advocates for the former. In her trenchant critique of inclusivity politics, she argues that we cannot ignore the wealth of evidence that shows that people of the female sex have unique needs that 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, such as 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.

Smith argues that women's spaces should be designed with their specific needs in mind, including safety, privacy, and support. She points out that mixed-sex spaces can be intimidating and unsafe for women, particularly those who have experienced violence or abuse. Single-sex spaces, on the other hand, provide a safe and supportive environment where women can access services and resources without fear of discrimination or harassment.

Furthermore, Smith argues that single-sex spaces can be more effective in addressing the specific needs of women. For example, women's health clinics, shelters, and support groups often rely on single-sex spaces to provide confidential and specialized services. These spaces can also be more tailored to the specific needs of women, such as providing services for survivors of domestic violence or providing support for women with disabilities.

However, some argue that single-sex spaces are discriminatory and exclusionary. They argue that by creating separate spaces for women, we are perpetuating gender stereotypes and marginalizing women. They argue that mixed-sex spaces can be more inclusive and promote equality by providing a space for men to engage with women's issues and to challenge gender norms.

In conclusion, the question of who counts as a woman is a complex and multifaceted issue. While there are arguments for both single-sex and mixed-sex spaces, it is important to consider the specific needs of women and to design spaces that are safe, supportive, and inclusive. This requires a nuanced and empathetic approach that takes into account the experiences and perspectives of all concerned.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 145 x 222 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509554430