On Sunday 26th October around 50 women gathered for our first Women Against the Far-Right meeting in Hastings.
The meeting began with talks from the Chair of Hastings and Bexhill Stand Up to Racism Nandi Msezane and member of Stand Up to Racism Alex Kempton, chaired by member Holly Homan-Nagra.
Nandi gave an excellent analysis of the colonial and white supremacist roots of black and brown men being framed as a threat to women and children, and white society in general. Drawing on both historical facts and personal experience of raising a black son in the UK, Nandi’s talk was an informative and useful overview for everyone. You can read Nandi’s full speech here.
Alex then gave a talk on the Men’s Rights Community (widely known as the Manosphere) and the danger of the group to our young men. Combining research carried out for her PhD and topical sources, Alex educated the group on this growing and concerning group which is rooted in white supremacy. You can read Alex’s full speech here.
Following these talks there was a group discussion with attendees both commenting and questioning the speakers about their topics, as well as discussing their own experiences of racism and misogyny. We also heard from local feminist charity Women’s Voice who have been working with a local secondary school and the National Education Union to bring resources on misogyny in the classroom. These resources will soon be available on their website.
There was a lot of enthusiasm in the room for a Women Against the Far-Right movement in Hastings and Bexhill and we discussed possible actions and events going forward. Keep an eye out here on our website and on our social media for upcoming events coming soon. If you have any ideas we would love to hear from you, please contact us.
Hastings and Bexhill Stand Up to Racism 