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Femen

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 69.119.232.155 (talk) at 03:11, 5 February 2013 (Changed "about 40 topless activists" to "about 40 activists". Topless protests are mentioned in the previous sentence, and these women are not defined by their toplessness, but rather by their activism.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Femen
LeaderAnna Hutsol,[1] born (1984-10-16) 16 October 1984 (age 39)
Founded2008[1]
HeadquartersKiev[2]
International affiliationCooperation with other international women’s organizations[3]
ColoursPink
Website
femen.org
For the French branch of this group, see FEMEN France.

FEMEN (Ukrainian: Фемен) is a feminist Ukrainian protest group based in Kiev, founded in 2008. The organization became internationally known for organizing topless protests against sex tourists, religious institutions, international marriage agencies, sexism and other social, national and international topics.[1][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] In October 2012 the organization claimed it had about 40 activists in Ukraine, and another 100 who had joined their protests abroad.[4] Some of the goals of the organisation are: "To develop leadership, intellectual and moral qualities of the young women in Ukraine" and "To build up the image of Ukraine, the country with great opportunities for women".[3] FEMEN activists have been regularly detained by the Ukrainian police in response to their protests.[11]

Organization

Female university students between 18 and 20 years old formed the backbone of the movement when it was formed in 2008.[2] There are few male members.[1] In 2010, the group comprised some 20 topless activists and 300 fully clothed members,[12][13] with about 300 of the active participants being in Kiev.[14] In October 2012 the organization claimed it had about 40 topless activists in Ukraine, and another 100 who had joined their protests abroad.[4] Most of FEMEN's demonstrations are staged in Kiev,[5][9] but the organization has also held actions in cities like Odessa,[15] Dnipropetrovsk,[16] and Zaporizhia.[17] The goals of the organization are "to shake women in Ukraine, making them socially active; to organize in 2017 a women's revolution."[14] The group has stated it has enjoyed limited success in pushing its agenda.[18] In April 2010 the organization was contemplating becoming a political party to run for seats in the October 2012 Ukrainian parliamentary election.[1][14][19] However, it did not take part in these elections.[4][20]

FEMEN explained its methodology of topless protesting by saying: "This is the only way to be heard in this country. If we staged simple protests with banners, then our claims would not have been noticed".[21] The organization plans to become the biggest and the most influential feminist movement in Europe.[3][14]

FEMEN founder Hutsol (left with red hair) and DJ Hell (May 2009)

FEMEN receives a small amount of financial backing from individuals[14][12][22] (including DJ Hell[23]). Facebook initially blocked the FEMEN page because it suspected it was pornographic.[23] In addition, FEMEN has displayed several provocative images on its Facebook page, including images of FEMEN activists taking a chainsaw to the heads of Vladimir Putin and Kirill I of Moscow, who were depicted covered in blood.[24] Some members say that their involvement in FEMEN has caused their families to become alienated from them.[14][23]

FEMEN occasionally holds rallies outside Ukraine.[25][26][27][28][29][30][31] In late April 2011, the organization said it was setting up international branches in Warsaw, Zurich, Rome, Tel Aviv, and Rio de Janeiro.[32][33]

Several criminal cases have been opened against the organization in Ukraine on charges of "hooliganism" and "desecration of state symbols" among others, and they have been fined.[34] In addition, most FEMEN activists are detained by the police after protesting; in one case the State Security Committee of the Republic of Belarus arrested the FEMEN activists, "threatening them with knives and cutting their hair."[11] According to FEMEN, after the early 2010 election of President Viktor Yanukovych, the Security Service of Ukraine attempted to intimidate the FEMEN activists.[23] After December 2011 protests against Alexander Lukashenko: three members of FEMEN were reportedly abducted and taken to a remote forest blindfolded, doused with oil, forced to strip and then threatened with being set afire, before having their hair violently cut and being abandoned naked.[35]

History

FEMEN protest in Kyiv during the 2010 Ukrainian presidential election

The movement was founded in 2008 by Anna Hutsol (born 1984, most FEMEN members are younger[2]) after she became aware of sad stories of Ukrainian woman duped into going abroad and then taken advantage of sexually.[2][36] Initially Femen gained attention by demonstrating while dressed in underwear: however, in August 2009 Oksana Shachko bared her breasts at a protest in Kiev.[37] Since then FEMEN have regularly protested "topless", and the organization has staged noticeably erotically-flavored rallies near the building of the Cabinet of Ministers, at Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the Turkish embassy in Ukraine,[2] and in front of the Iranian embassy to oppose the expected execution of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, among other locations.[38] While most of the protests have been confined to bare breasts, in October 2010 Shachko exposed her buttocks outside a locked toilet in a demonstration to protest the lack of public toilets in Kiev,[12] and four of the group members staged a similar protest in Kiev in February 2011.[39]

Femen protest against EURO 2012

Hutsol is adamantly opposed to legalizing prostitution in Ukraine.[2] In late May 2009, FEMEN proposed the introduction of criminal responsibility for the use of sex industry services.[40] FEMEN protested against what they argued were moves being made by the Ukrainian government to legalize prostitution during the EURO 2012 championships.[41] The group asked UEFA and the Ukrainian government to create a social program devoted to the problem of sex tourism and prostitution in Ukraine; to inform football fans that prostitution is illegal in Ukraine; and to take additional steps to fight against prostitution and sex tourism.[42] As a counter-act Polish prostitutes held their own nude demonstration (in masks) with the catchphrase "Femen! Get the fuck out of our business".[43]

A demonstration by a group called RU FEMEN in the Russian capital, Moscow, in late April 2011[44] was immediately denounced as a fake offspring of FEMEN.[32][33] FEMEN accused the Russian political party United Russia of having set up RU FEMEN.[32][33] FEMEN has demonstrated against Russian President Putin and the Russian company Gazprom.[45]

FEMEN France

Main article: FEMEN France

FEMEN France is the French branch of FEMEN. After cutting down a crucifix near Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kiev in August 2012,[46] Inna Shevchenko left the country and went to Paris to set up FEMEN France, a training center for activists.[47]

The international training center opened on 18 September 2012. 15 activists marched topless from the metro station Château Rouge to the Lavoir Moderne Parisien, where the new French headquarters is located, and held a press conference there.[48]

Protests against religious institutions

In November 2011, FEMEN activist Aleksandra Shevchenko started stripping and waving a banner stating "Freedom for women" after Pope Benedict XVI's Sunday sermon at Saint Peter's Square at the Holy See.[49] Shevchenko and her associates were immediately captured by the Italian Police.[49][50]

In April 2012, five FEMEN activists protested legislation that would halt abortions in Ukraine by staging a pro-choice demonstration at the belfry of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, ringing the church bells while doing so.[11] They were detained by police.[11]

On 26 July 2012, a topless FEMEN activist, Yana Zhdanova, attacked the Patriarch of Moscow and all the Rus', Kirill I of Moscow, while he was visiting Ukraine.[51][52] Zhdanova had the words "Kill Kirill" painted on her back and screamed "Get Out!" to the Orthodox Christian leader.[51][53] She was sentenced to prison for fifteen days for her actions.[54]

The organization staged a topless protest at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London in opposition to “bloody Islamist regimes", which they accuse the IOC of supporting.[55] The protest included women in the clothing of Muslim men as well as signs stating "No Sharia".[56][57]

On 17 August 2012, Inna Shevchenko and two other FEMEN activists cut down a crucifix near Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kiev to show support for the group Pussy Riot, which was to be sentenced later that day.[58] The action attracted mixed responses.[59] [60][61][62] A criminal case was opened against FEMEN under "Part 2 of Article 296 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine".[63][64] FEMEN claimed that after the incident, special forces troops from the Ministry of Internal Affairs organized a blockade around FEMEN's headquarters in Kiev.[63][65] On 18 August 2012 a new Christian cross was erected at the same site.[66][67]

Cultural and political image

The group has been widely covered in the media,[68] including by CNN, BBC News,[7] Der Spiegel, Die Welt, Independent.ie,[3] France 24,[36] Euronews,[38] the Kyiv Post,[69] USA Today,[70] Reuters,[13] The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.[30]

According to Tetyana Bureychak, most Ukrainian women are unimpressed by FEMEN,[71] but the group is seen more positively abroad.[4] According to Naomi Westland, "Western countries are more accustomed than those in the Eastern Hemisphere to seeing naked or semi-naked bodies in the media and on the streets. But in countries where nudity is taboo, the protests have more profound impact."[68] FEMEN received a positive reception after opening their location in Paris.[72] Maria Mayerchyk has spoken about FEMEN, saying that they are a "positive, radical and important phenomenon that is able to raise social issues". Oleh Demkiv has spoken out against the controversial nature of FEMEN's protests and in July 2011 he stated they "unfortunately, do not enjoy popular support, or lead to changes in Ukraine's consciousness".[73] Larysa Kobelianska said the group has succeeded in attracting public attention to women's problems, even if by questionable means.[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Femen wants to move from public exposure to political power, Kyiv Post (28 April 2010)
  2. ^ a b c d e f Feminine Femen targets 'sexpats', Kyiv Post (22 May 2009)
  3. ^ a b c d FEMEN, Organisations MySpace page
  4. ^ a b c d e Ukraine's Femen:Topless protests 'help feminist cause', BBC News (23 October 2012)
  5. ^ a b Keywords:FEMEN, Photo service of UNIAN
  6. ^ High voter turnout in snow, cold shows triumph of democracy, Kyiv Post (21 January 2010)
  7. ^ a b Ukraine protest over NZ 'win a wife' competition prize, BBC News (2 March 2011)
  8. ^ Ukraine feminists protest ‘Win a Wife’ competition, Khaleej Times (1 March 2011)
  9. ^ a b Template:Uk icon Ключові слова:FEMEN, Photo service of UNIAN
  10. ^ Template:Uk icon Активістка жіночого руху б'є тортом Олеся Бузину (фото), UNIAN (23 March 2009)
  11. ^ a b c d "FEMEN rings the bell: Naked activists defend right to abortion". Russia Today. 10 April 2012.
  12. ^ a b c d Topless protesters gain fame in Ukraine, Associated Press (19 November 2010)
  13. ^ a b Ukraine's topless group widens political role, Reuters (15 November 2010)
  14. ^ a b c d e f Template:Uk icon Femen: "Ми даємо чиновникам і політикам, проср...тися", Табло ID (20 September 2010)
  15. ^ Events by themes:Protest action of FEMEN in Odessa, Photo service of UNIAN (10 March 2011)
  16. ^ Template:Uk icon Події за темами:У Дніпропетровську відбулася акція активісток FEMEN з нагоди Міжнародного дня обіймів, Photo service of UNIAN
  17. ^ Template:Uk icon Події за темами:Активістки FEMEN провели в Запоріжжі акцію проти секс-туризму, Photo service of UNIAN (7 March 2011)
  18. ^ Offbeat Ukrainian Feminist Group Fights Sexism And Authoritarianism, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (2 July 2011)
  19. ^ Template:Ru icon Мужественный протест (The courageous protest), Lenta.Ru (15 February 2012)
  20. ^ Template:Uk icon Information on the registration of electoral lists of candidates, Central Election Commission of Ukraine
  21. ^ “Ukraine is not a bordello”, Russia Today (14 December 2009)
  22. ^ Template:Ru icon Бюст героев, Kommersant (20 September 2010)
  23. ^ a b c d 'The Entire Ukraine Is a Brothel', Der Spiegel (5 May 2011)
  24. ^ "Après les guitares de Pussy Riot, la tronçonneuse de Femen". Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes. 20 August 2012.
  25. ^ Keywords: FEMEN, UNIAN
  26. ^ FEMEN takes its act to Paris, Kyiv Post (1 November 2011)
  27. ^ FEMEN participate in Berlusconi protests, Kyiv Post (2 November 2011)
  28. ^ Huffington Post: FEMEN, Ukrainian women's rights group, protests Russian election, Kyiv Post (9 December 2011)
  29. ^ Ukraine topless activists raise SOS from Belarus, Kyiv Post (20 December 2011)
  30. ^ a b Naked Protesters Draw Attention at Moscow Polling Station, The Wall Street Journal (4 March 2012)
  31. ^ Turkey acts to better protect women from abuse, Kyiv Post (9 March 2012)
  32. ^ a b c Template:Uk icon На FEMEN здiйснена рейдерська атака! Клятi москалi! Перший пост без цицьок, Ukrayinska Pravda (28 April 2011)
  33. ^ a b c Template:Ru icon Зассанные кремлевские матрасы!, LiveJournal blog of FEMEN (28 April 2011)
  34. ^ Template:Ru icon На FEMENисток завели два уголовных дела за "обнаженку", Информационно-аналитический центр "ЛІГА" (17 February 2012)
  35. ^ "http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16275566" (HTML). BBC. 20 December 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2013. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  36. ^ a b How they protest prostitution in Ukraine, France 24 (28 August 2009)
  37. ^ Template:Fr icon Femen Les féministes venues du froid, Paris Match (18 February 2012)
  38. ^ a b Ukrainian women activists protest against Saknieh execution, Euronews (4 November 2010)
  39. ^ [1] (28 February 2011)
  40. ^ FEMEN initiates criminal responsibility for using sex industry services, Kyiv Post (22 May 2009)
  41. ^ "Ukraine women go topless against UEFA, prostitution". 3 November 2011.
  42. ^ "Euro 2012 Without Prostitution: Femen Activists Go Topless Against UEFA". 2 December 2011.
  43. ^ Польские проститутки ответили Femen
  44. ^ Template:Ru icon Полуголые активистки прошлись по Москве, L!FE NEWS (27 April 2011)
  45. ^ FEMEN Protests Topless Against Vladimir Putin And Gazprom (PHOTOS, WARNING: NSFW), Huffington Post (14 February 2012)
  46. ^ "Cross sawn down by FEMEN activists in Kiev turned out to be Catholic, not Orthodox". Interfax. 20 August 2012.
  47. ^ "Cross-chopping topless activist flees Ukraine". Indiatvnews.com. 6 September 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  48. ^ "Naked March in Paris to Open New Office of Femen Feminist Group – SPIEGEL ONLINE". Der Spiegel. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  49. ^ a b "Cross to bare: Topless Vatican protest". Russia Today. 7 November 2011.
  50. ^ "Femen Takes Topless Act to the Vatican". Radio Free Europe. 7 November 2011.
  51. ^ a b "'Kill Kirill': Topless FEMEN activist attacks Russian Patriarch". Russia Todayf. 26 July 2012.
  52. ^ "Russia's Patriarch Kirill Pursued By Topless FEMEN Protester". Huffington Post. 26 July 2012.
  53. ^ "Femen во имя Pussy Riot спилили в Киеве крест "оранжевой" революции". Lenta.ru. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  54. ^ "'Feminist Sentenced for Baring Breasts at Patriarch Kirill". Moscow Times. 27 July 2012.
  55. ^ "Femen stage topless anti-Islamist Olympic protest in London". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
  56. ^ "Ukrainian feminists stage topless protest near Tower Bridge over Olympic body's 'support for bloody Islamist regimes'". Daily Mail. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  57. ^ "Ukrainians protest: topless women say "No Sharia" and "Bloody Islamist Regimes"". Al Bawaba. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  58. ^ "Ukraine, FEMEN shows support for Pussy Riot". Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  59. ^ "Pussy Riot Trial, FEMEN". Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  60. ^ "Киевская милиция ищет активистку движения FEMEN, спилившую поклонный крест". Channel One (Russia). 18 August 2012.
  61. ^ "FEMEN saws down cross for Stalin victims". The Voice of Russia. 17 August 2012.
  62. ^ "Ukrainian activist cuts down cross in Pussy Riot protest". TVNZ. 17 August 2012.
  63. ^ a b "Police open criminal case on hooliganism against Femen activists". Kyiv Post. 17 August 2012.
  64. ^ "Criminal inquiry started into demolition of cross by FEMEN activists in Kiev". Interfax. 17 August 2012.
  65. ^ "FEMEN Women's Movement Says Police Blocking Organisation's Office In Kyiv". Ukrainian News Service. 18 August 2012.
  66. ^ "На месте спиленного FEMEN креста установили новый". NB News. 18 August 2012.
  67. ^ "На місці спиляного Femen хреста поставили тимчасовий". Українська правда. 18 August 2012.
  68. ^ a b "Protesters say they achieve more with less clothing". Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  69. ^ FEMEN coverage on Kyiv Post, Kyiv Post (22 May 2009)
  70. ^ "Ukraine's topless protesters gain fame". USA Today. 19 November 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  71. ^ The nude radicals: feminism Ukrainian style, The Guardian (15 April 2011)
  72. ^ "FEMEN Opens HQ in Paris". Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  73. ^ Template:Uk icon Акції FEMEN — наслідок суспільної нечутливості?, Den (22 July 2011)
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