The Verse’s Sarah-Mary Geissler previews Harriet Harman’s discursive talk about ‘A Woman’s Work’ at the University of Brighton’s Grand Parade campus, Thursday 16th March 2017
Labour MP Harriet Harman comes to the Sallis Benney lecture theatre at Grand Parade, as part of a series of events promoting her new memoir “A Woman’s Work”. This is an incredible opportunity to hear her first-hand experience as the UK’s longest-serving female MP. Including her ongoing campaigning for feminism and gender equality. Harman first became an MP in 1982, while expecting her first child. With just 10 other female MPs in the Labour Party. Political autobiographies rarely stem from female voices, but Harman’s will cover the last 30 years in British politics. It also reveals Harman’s personal battles against patriarchal order. And negotiating her own divisive political identity with peers and with the voting public.
Each night of the memoir’s promotional tour features Harman in conversation with a different esteemed character. Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee will be speaking at Brighton. The memoir is written to be accessible and relatable. Something which will be mirrored in the nature of the talks. Also at such a politically tumultuous time, it is vital for more people to understand the personal relevance of politics. But moreover, how the actions of an individual can inspire political change.
Harman’s ongoing efforts over 30 years to bring women’s issues to the core of the Labour Party illustrates her devotion to the feminist cause. Speaking 2 months after the global Women’s Marches, and just a week following International Women’s Day, feminists are proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Though there is still much work to be done for women’s rights and gender equality. Harman’s experiences as a woman, wife, and mother, in a male-dominated field, are sure to resonate with the socio-political climate today.
Expect a lively, inspiring and invigorating evening. Which grapples the complex issue of female political representation in the UK.
Book ahead, tickets are offered to students at the substantially discounted rate of £5 (full price £15). This is with promotional code “DISCOUNT5” when buying through the Eventbrite website.
