'Because a Woman's Work is Never Done' Manifesto

Image from "Judge Not" exhibit - 2007

Because a woman's work is never done,

and is underpaid,

or unpaid,

or boring,

or repetitious,

and we're the first to get fired;

and what we look like is more important than what we do.

And if we get raped its our fault,

and if we get beaten, we must have provoked it;

and if we raise our voices, we're nagging bitches;

and if we enjoy sex we're nymphos,

and if we don't we're frigid;

and if we love women it's because we can't get a real man;

and if we ask our doctor too many questions, we're neurotic or pushy;

and if we expect childcare, we're selfish;

and if we stand up for our rights, we're aggressive and unfeminine,

and if we don't, we're typical weak females;

and if we want to get married, we're out to trap a man,

and if we don't, we're unnatural;

and because we still can't get an adequate, safe contraceptive,

but men can walk on the moon;

and if we can't cope or don't want a pregnancy, we're made to feel guilty about abortion;

and for lots and lots of other reasons

we are part of the women's liberation movement.

- Joyce Stevens, written for Women's Liberation Broadsheet, International Woman's Day, 1975.