Intelligence Squared Parliament’s War of Words: Women in Power, with Mary Beard, Rachel Reeves and Sandip Verma
Sep 27, 2019
In this engaging discussion, Mary Beard, a renowned classicist and broadcaster, joins Labour MP Rachel Reeves and Conservative member Sandip Verma to tackle the challenges faced by women in politics. They delve into the hostile environment women navigate in Parliament, especially amid aggressive rhetoric and online abuse. The trio reflects on the historical context of female representation, explores the unique barriers for women of color, and advocates for a redefinition of authority that embraces emotional intelligence. Their insights shed light on the crucial need for respectful political discourse.
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Abuse Faced by Women MPs
- Rachel Reeves recounts the disproportionate online abuse faced by women MPs like Jo Cox.
- She highlights the real-world dangers, citing instances of death threats and a colleague's murder.
Withering Disdain
- Mary Beard criticizes the male rhetoric in Parliament, recalling her headmistress's withering disdain.
- She suggests women could use similar tactics to deflate aggressive male discourse.
Redesigning Parliament
- Sandy Verma discusses the physical design of Parliament, noting the uncomfortable benches designed for men.
- She advocates for redesigning the space to be more inclusive and comfortable for women.
