I’m on the Code Pink mailing list (don’t ask), and I thought this might be interesting to people who are following the OWS phenomenon.

It’s not entirely to the point—CP’s e-mails often aren’t. They seem to be uncomfortable with the ‘occupy’ label, but the main point of this seems to be a concern for gender equity and representation at the various events, pointing out that “in some occupations, 75% of overnight protestors are male”.

This makes perfect sense to me—I think a woman would have to be insane, clueless, or camping with her three very large brothers to sleep overnight in one of the little tent cities I’ve seen if she had somewhere else to go. But I can see that overnighting is going to become a badge of committment in a group like this.

I’m curious to see what the reception is going to be for a push for what the Women Occupy site describes as ‘respect, safety, and shared voice’.

Our movement for change is growing roots. Last week, LA became the first city in the world to pass a resolution in solidarity with the Occupy Together movement and we celebrated the one-month anniversary of Occupy Wall St. And CODEPINKers have lent their bodies and their voices to this grassroots movement for change.

We’ve been wary of the ‘occupy’ frame since it was first suggested. We take words seriously and since our primary focus is ending occupations and reinvesting in life-affirming activities, we will continue critiquing the movement as we help build it.

We know that rape is an occupation of our bodies. We know that rape is used as a weapon of war. And we know that women’s participation in decision-making is as imperative in resolving economic injustice as it is in resolving armed conflict. Together, we can ensure that ½ of the 99% are equal participants in the creation of a better world.
Join Women Occupy, a new network for women in the Occupy Together movement!
Let us know your stories from local occupations
Women Occupy tools
Let’s Occupy Together

We have been involved in several efforts to elevate non-male voices in the occupy movement. Take a look at the NYC calendar of open spaces for women’s participation, including the new WOW (Women Occupying Wall Street) caucus! We know women’s priorities are humanity’s priorities. But let’s get real – in some occupations, 75% of overnight protestors are male and we must create space to support the growth of women’s involvement in this movement.

Onwards towards gender inclusivity,
Alli, C.J., Farida, Gayle, Janet, Jodie, Juliana, Kristen, Lisa, Nancy, Medea, Melanie, Rae, Rosie, Sanaa, Sharon, and Tighe

P.S. Read Medea’s piece about the troop withdrawal from Iraq, share it.