One reason there are far too few women in politics
And in London, Catherine Mayer tells us this is happening:
Angry, horrified, but not surprised. At the Women’s Equality Party offices waiting for police after threats against staff & against Nimko Ali.
Abusive phone calls to WE have been so bad & prolific that police advise upgrading phone security. Two female staff alone here last night got call from a man who threatened them, said he was minutes away and they should be scared.
Today a letter arrived for Nimco full of racist abuse and threats and signed “Jo Cox”.
The contemptible attempts to frighten us into silence *do* frighten us but won’t silence us. They strengthen our resolve. This is what happens to women who dare to take a little space for themselves. This is one reason there are far too few women in politics. Two of our core goals are to increase female representation and end violence against women and girls. This illustrates how vital they are.
Just got a call from my team that a letter full of racist abuse & threats signed "Jo Cox" was delivered to our office for me. I am shaken.
— Nimco Ali (@NimkoAli) June 7, 2017
I have spent the last 10 years risking my life to Ends #FGM and I have lost so much to ensure this world is free of abuse and hate.
— Nimco Ali (@NimkoAli) June 7, 2017
For the last 5 wks all I have got is hate and abuse for wanting to shout about equality. I have kept It together and turned up.
— Nimco Ali (@NimkoAli) June 7, 2017
I have door knocked and shown that we can and should do things differently and with dignity. But this is too much. I am only human.
— Nimco Ali (@NimkoAli) June 7, 2017
Tomorrow I am going to stand there and give thanks for every vote I get. But I am also going to be there knowing how much we need to change.
— Nimco Ali (@NimkoAli) June 7, 2017
have spent the last 10 years risking my life to Ends #FGM
There are estimated to be a couple hundred thousand cases of FGM in the UK. Cases of FGM have been under investigation in the UK since the 1980s, and yet there hasn’t been a single conviction for the crime.
Not one.
So she’s spent the last ten years risking her life battling FGM and hasn’t had a single conviction? Shouldn’t she be asked to step aside?
By the way, in the States there are chapters of the ACLU that oppose ciminalizing FGM. Maine’s chapter refuses to do so justifying its refusal by saying that it isn’t problem in the state.
But Maine, despite its relatively small population, is ranked eighth in terms of FGM procedures performed.
Maine is now a very diverse place.
Hasn’t had a single conviction? What are you talking about? She’s not a prosecutor.
Do you have any links for your claims about the ACLU? I’d like to follow that up if it’s true.
The ACLU’s statement on their opposition to the Maine law:
https://www.aclumaine.org/en/statement-ld-745