Split in women’s movement sees two processions for International Women’s Day march in Oslo

A split in the women’s movement over the topic of inclusivity will see two processions march in Oslo this International Women’s Day.

Second procession to be led by those wanting a more “inclusive feminism“

A split in the women’s movement over the topic of debate and inclusivity has seen the annual March 8 procession divide into two. The main procession, as is usual every year, is organized by the March 8 Committee. However, a second procession will be led by interest organizations for the polyamorous, sex workers, and those in the BDSM lifestyle.

This split is led by the organizations Polynorge, Pion, and Smil Norge who want to take back International Women’s Day with a more inclusive brand of feminism. They felt that marching in the main March 8 committee organized procession was difficult due to a rigid and tough debate climate.

Split occurred due to March 8 committee meeting ban on non-binary

Inger Johanne Falk Vanvik, deputy leader of Polynorge, spoke to the newspaper Klassekampen about the origins of the split in the women’s movement. She told the newspaper that, “it is not only that there is disagreement about the issues, but there is also disagreement about who should be allowed to participate and who should have the defining power.”

A meeting to decide the official slogan for this year’s procession, organized by the March 8 Committee, took a controversial turn. Only those who defined themselves as women were given the right to vote after a change in the articles of association stripped non-binary attendees the right to vote, make proposals or even speak at the meeting.

The alternative procession will begin when the March 8 procession main program starts with talks and speeches.

Source : © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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