Feminism in London
Women's voices, sexuality and changing attitudes in the capital
London has played an important role in the history of British feminism, bringing together campaigners, writers, academics and women from vastly different backgrounds to discuss equality, representation, sexuality and women's rights.
Feminism in London formed part of that conversation, providing a platform for challenging ideas and subjects that were not always comfortably discussed elsewhere.
From politics and employment to relationships, pornography, sexual freedom and sex work, these conversations explored what independence and equality really mean for women living and working in a modern city.
Women, sexuality and personal choice
Sexuality has long been one of the more complicated areas of feminist debate.
Questions surrounding pornography, sexual expression and sex work have produced very different opinions within the feminist movement. While some campaigners have concentrated on exploitation and vulnerability, others have emphasised bodily autonomy, personal choice and the rights of consenting adults to make their own decisions.
There is rarely a simple answer.
What remains important is that the voices and experiences of the women directly involved are part of the conversation.
Sex work in London
London has one of the UK's largest and most diverse adult industries, encompassing everything from independent sex workers and London escorts to agencies, online platforms and other adult services.
The industry has changed enormously as technology has developed.
Where sex workers once relied heavily on newspaper advertising, cards and street-based work, the internet has allowed many escorts in London to advertise independently, communicate directly with clients and make their own decisions about when, where and how they work.
That change has created new opportunities while also raising important questions surrounding safety, privacy, exploitation and regulation.
Agency, independence and safety
Discussions about sex work are often dominated by people outside the industry.
Yet the experiences of sex workers themselves can vary enormously.
For some women, sex work may involve exploitation or difficult circumstances. Others describe escorting as a deliberate choice that provides independence, flexibility and control over their working lives.
Recognising that difference is important.
Whatever someone's personal opinion of the industry, the safety and rights of the people working within it should remain central to the discussion.
Feminism in a changing London
The original Feminism in London events brought people together to discuss difficult subjects, exchange ideas and challenge established attitudes.
Many of those debates continue today.
London has changed. Technology has changed. Attitudes towards women, relationships and sexuality continue to change.
But questions about equality, independence, personal choice and the right of women to have their own voices heard remain as relevant as ever.
Feminism in London is preserved here as part of that continuing conversation.