Greenham Common Womens Peace Camp - Essay Example

? Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp The establishment of Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp began in 1981 with the primary aim of protesting the siting of nuclear weapons at RAF Greenham Common in Berkshire, England. The camp opened following a decision by the British government that gave permission for cruise missiles to be based there. The pioneers of this camp were a Welsh group of women by the name ‘Women for Life on Earth.’ During the first protest, 34 women out of the 250 who were participants got arrested. As the camp gained fame and publicity, the aims of their movement increased. They now demanded the removal of their cruise and started challenging the gender stereotypes of their time (Wilkison, 2002). In addition, the women also came up with a gendered critique of militarism, even as they asked for the restoration of common land to its prior state. The women camp was largely considered a feministic movement, and this raised different reactions from different people. The Greenham protest had a grand contribution in Britain. The number of women groups and campaigns were on the increase as a result of the protest. Anti-war movements and peace activism groups also drastically increased. In 1980, there was the emergence of a women group, Women Oppose Nuclear Threat (WONT), and 1981 saw the formation of Women Peace Alliance. These women group were vigilant in their activities and often conducted protests in the streets. For instance, in February of 1982, women groups came to a decision that there would conduct a women only protest. The reasons they had for this was that women were less likely to cause violence even when provoked and that the police and soldiers would be less violent when dealing with them (summers, 1988). These women also viewed that the protest would be a sign of women empowerment and they thought that it would help to undermine the domestic division of labour. Encouraging feministic focus would also be achieved by the protest. Their plan was not without its weaknesses and flaws. For instance, it was difficult for married women to neglect their responsibilities so that they can attend the camp. Attending the camp would force these women to be separated from their families. During their stay in the camp, the women had a set of rules that were a guide to how they should relate. Some of these include disallowing men into the camp after dark, staying away from eating meat. Violence against each other was not allowed, and the decision making process was democratic (Wilkinson, 2002). In the camp, the living conditions were poor, and the women had to withstand all kinds of weather. Rainy seasons and the winter period were especially hard for women because of the cold, but their determination kept them going. The women gave up their comforts for the commitment of their cause. Many women were arrested and taken to prison, but eventually, their efforts bore fruit. Between 1991 and 1992, the cruise missiles were removed from Greenham Common and flown to the USA following the signing of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The Treaty is in agreement with the fact that nuclear weapons would have devastating effects on all human-kind. The fact that Greenham was a women only camp many people thought that it had become feminist. To a large extent this is true because, at the camp, the women emphasized the need of women to be deeply involved in politics and leadership roles within the community. Others chose to feminize the feminine protests in the by arguing that the camp taught the women the importance of caring for one another and supporting one another even in difficult times. This was a view held by the radical feminists like Reger, (2005). It is of exceptional significance to note that, from 1983, there was a sharp increase of activities by groups whose agendas were feministic There was a big wave of feminism, both in support of women’s empowerment and development, as well as in support of the cause of the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp. In Greenham Camp, women lived in different sections known as gates. These gates were instrumental in allowing peaceful co-existence among diversity of communities in the camp. People from similar communities were able to reside in one camp. For women in Greenham Camp, feminism was a way of resisting patriarchy. They were tired of living in a male dominated society where the men took all the positions of power and leadership while women’s rights were continually violated. The women became involved in sensitization of their rights and spreading the message of equality. The radical feminists even took a stand that the world would be a better place without the men. In addition, the women took issues with the military and its treatment of women. The women in the military are often delegated junior duties even if they are qualified for higher ranks. The men receive promotion as the societal view of man is that he dominates over the woman and that they are better placed to handle tougher responsibilities than women. This and other perception that show that the woman is the lesser sex are part of the mentalities that the feminists were fighting (Fisanick, 2008). The conduct of the military during peace keeping missions in the war zones was also an issue of concern to women. This is because many women are used for prostitution and many others are raped. Sexual violation and harassment is also a common complaint among women who serve in the military. Thousands of women were in attendance at the Greenham Camp. They boldly challenged the government and confronted patriarchy, as well as challenging the foundations upon which the military is founded on. From just a simple movement with a few hundred women, the Greenham Camp grew in leaps and bounded to membership in thousands. As a result, it became a force to reckon. The major aim of the women was to voice their opposition for the cruise missiles and nuclear warheads, the women’s main concern was the protection of the environment and preservation of human life (Roseneil, 1995). Eco-feminism emerged during this period between 1980s and 1990s. To them, the exploitation of women by men is similar to the exploitation of the environment. The women realize that environmental management rests with combined responsibility from both women and men. They point out that it is the female terms that are used to describe the nature. Terms like Mother Nature and virgin forest are good examples of this. They view women’s nurturing and reproductive capabilities as giving an idea as to how humans can live harmoniously with nature. However, some relate women’s low status and social roles that make them aware of the threats that the environment is facing. For instance, when toxic waste is dumped on arable land, it can be a cause of low productivity as a result of infertility. Reference: Fisanick, C. 2008. Feminism. Detroit: Greenhaven Press. Hines, S. 2007. TransForming gender: transgender practices of identity, intimacy and care. Bristol, U.K: Policy Press. Reger, J. 2005. Different wavelengths: studies of the contemporary women's movement. New York: Routledge. Roseneil, S. 1995. Disarming patriarchy: feminism and political action at Greenham. Buckingham Philadelphia: Open University Press. Summers, A. 1988. Angels and citizens: British women as military nurses, 1854-1914. London New York: Routledge & Kegan Paul. Welch, P. 2001. WS2203 Feminist Theory and the Contemporary Women's Movement: Strands of Feminist Theory.Under Construction. Retrieved June 6, 2013 Wilkinson, R. & Hughes, S. 2002. Global governance: critical perspectives. London New York: Routledge. Read More