Frequently Asked Questions
What is a woman? What is a girl?
A woman is an adult human being of the female sex with XX chromosomes. A girl is a child of the female sex. This is biology, and you cannot change your chromosomes. Fortunately, you can behave however you want and seek a partner of any sex that you feel comfortable with.
What is gender?
Gender is the role that society assigns to women and men. This is different in every culture, and the beauty of it is that you can define it yourself. Women are free in this regard, just like men, but you have to be a bit brave. Don't let anyone convince you that you are behaving out of your prescribed gender role.
What is queer?
Many young people, but also older lesbian women, identify as queer these days. By doing so, they indicate that they do not feel comfortable with sexism and the oppression of minorities, or that they are 'different' from the norm. 'I want to be a different kind of man,' says a young friend who is straight. That is okay, friend; I would even encourage it! But you remain a man. Hopefully, there will be many more men who want to behave in a non-stereotypical way.
What is non-binary?
It is primarily (lesbian) women who identify as non-binary. By doing so, they indicate that they are unhappy with current gender roles in society and the oppression of lesbian women. But if you are assaulted, it makes absolutely no difference to that man or boy how you identify. He is harassing you because you are a woman. Even if you have a mastectomy, you are still clearly recognisable as a woman. By the way: we strongly advise against mastectomy. Breasts are great, and you might regret it later on in life. Identifying as non-binary unfortunately does not advance women's emancipation. To stand up for women's rights and equality, we must act together as women.
Why do we have to define being a woman?
A feminism that denies the biological reality of women loses the analytical capacity to name sexism, sexual violence, and reproductive exploitation. Precisely because women are oppressed on the basis of their biological sex – not their gender identity – the category 'woman' as a political subject is indispensable.
Are we feminists transphobic?
No, not at all. We love everyone. You hear this 'insult' quite often, but it is intended to prevent debate, just like the word 'hate' or 'anti'. While discussion is so important in a democracy. Women who want to protect domestic violence or homeless shelters, women's prisons, or girls' sports, are acting out of physical vulnerability and real trauma – not out of hatred. Drawing boundaries is not transphobia, but a prerequisite for female self-determination. A girl is always allowed to say 'No'. Just try saying it very loudly in front of a mirror.
What is UN Rapporteur Reem Alsalem warning about?
The UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, warns that 'the legal category of woman is in danger of disappearing'. She describes a coordinated international attempt to decouple the definition of woman and man from biological sex, thereby denying women rightful recognition as a separate category in the law.