The Misogyny Behind The Protection Of Women And Girls: A Mhairi Black Perspective

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

4.9

Share

The chilling statistic that one in three women globally experience gender-based violence exposes a horrifying truth: "protection" of women is often a deeply flawed concept. While seemingly benevolent measures are enacted, they frequently perpetuate harmful stereotypes and limit women's autonomy, a paradox Mhairi Black, the outspoken Scottish National Party MP, powerfully highlights. This article analyzes how certain "protective" measures are rooted in misogyny, using Black's perspective as a lens to understand this complex issue of misogyny in women's protection.

H2: The "Damsel in Distress" Narrative and its Perpetuation

The pervasive "damsel in distress" narrative paints women as inherently vulnerable and in constant need of male protection, a trope that undermines their agency and independence. This misogyny in women's protection manifests in numerous ways:

H3: Overemphasis on Vulnerability

• Laws and Policies: Consider laws prioritizing women's safety through restrictive measures, inadvertently limiting their freedom of movement or expression. Curfews targeting women, for instance, exemplify this.
• Media Portrayals: The media frequently depicts women as needing rescue, reinforcing the idea that they are incapable of self-protection, thus furthering the narrative of misogyny in women's protection. This perpetuates the idea that women are fundamentally weak and incapable.
• Impact on Opportunities: This overemphasis on vulnerability can limit women's access to opportunities. They may be discouraged from pursuing careers or activities deemed "too dangerous" for women.

H3: The Chivalry Trap

Seemingly benevolent acts of "protection" often mask underlying power imbalances. This "chivalry trap" subtly limits women's freedom.

• Patronizing Protection: Unsolicited advice, warnings against certain activities, or restrictions on movement are subtle yet significant forms of control disguised as care. This is a key aspect of the misogyny in women's protection.
• Impact on Self-Confidence: Constant patronizing "protection" can erode women's self-confidence and autonomy, making them more reliant on others and less likely to assert their independence.

H2: Control and Surveillance Under the Guise of Safety

The desire to ensure women's safety sometimes leads to excessive surveillance and control, reinforcing the problematic narrative of misogyny in women's protection.

H3: Technological Surveillance and its Impact

Personal safety apps, while marketed as empowering tools, raise significant concerns:

• Privacy Concerns: The collection and use of personal data by these apps raise serious privacy issues, potentially exposing women to further risks.
• Data Ownership and Exploitation: The ownership and potential misuse of this data by third parties, including law enforcement or even abusive partners, represent a critical concern.
• Potential for Misuse: These apps can be used to monitor and control women's behavior, rather than genuinely protecting them.

H3: The Policing of Women's Bodies and Behavior

"Protective" measures often focus on controlling women's behavior rather than addressing the root causes of violence:

• Victim-Blaming: The tendency to blame victims for their own victimization is a pervasive example of misogyny in women's protection. This shifts the focus away from perpetrators and their actions.
• Disproportionate Impact: Laws or policies disproportionately impacting women, such as those concerning dress code or alcohol consumption, reinforce societal expectations and limitations.
• Restriction of Freedom: These measures restrict women's freedom of expression, movement, and self-determination, further marginalizing them.

H2: Mhairi Black's Critique and Proposed Solutions

Mhairi Black’s perspective offers a crucial framework for understanding and addressing the misogyny in women's protection.

H3: Intersectionality and Systemic Change

Black emphasizes intersectionality and the need for systemic change:

• Quotes and Writings: Black's speeches and writings consistently highlight the interconnectedness of gender, race, class, and other social factors in shaping women's experiences of violence.
• Policy Proposals: Her activism and policy proposals advocate for tackling the root causes of violence and inequality, rather than merely addressing symptoms.
• Systemic Approach: Her approach rejects individualistic solutions, focusing instead on comprehensive societal changes to address patriarchal structures.

H3: Empowerment and Agency

Black's perspective prioritizes empowering women and girls:

• Self-Defense Initiatives: She supports initiatives promoting women's self-defense and empowerment.
• Reproductive Rights: Her strong stance on reproductive rights is another example of promoting women’s autonomy.
• Economic Empowerment: She advocates for legislation promoting women's economic empowerment, recognizing its crucial role in securing safety and independence.

Conclusion:

Many so-called "protective" measures for women often mask a deep-seated misogyny, reinforcing patriarchal norms and limiting women’s autonomy. Understanding this complex interplay, as highlighted by Mhairi Black's perspective, is critical. We must challenge the misogyny in women's protection, move beyond superficial solutions, and support initiatives that genuinely empower women. We must demand systemic change to address the root causes of gender-based violence and create a truly equitable society. Challenge the status quo and work towards dismantling the systems that perpetuate violence against women. Let's actively support initiatives that empower women and demand systemic change to truly tackle misogyny in women’s protection.