Perspective: Erasure Is a New Kind of Violence Against Women

A Critical Examination of Emerging Forms of Violence Against Women

Reem Alsalem has emerged as a powerful voice in the global discourse on violence against women and girls. As the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on this issue, she has consistently taken bold stances that have faced resistance but are now gaining recognition. Her latest report to the 59th session of the U.N. Human Rights Council highlights several pressing concerns, particularly focusing on new forms of violence that are often overlooked.

The Conceptual Erasure of Women

One of the most significant issues Alsalem addresses is the conceptual erasure of women. She argues that the shift from using "sex" to "gender" as the primary identifier for women has led to a fundamental problem: the inability to clearly define and protect women within legal and societal frameworks. This shift, according to Alsalem, undermines the practical achievement of equality between men and women.

She emphasizes that without a clear legal category for women, it becomes increasingly difficult to address the specific challenges they face. This form of erasure is described as "coercive inclusion," where women are expected to sacrifice their own recognition and protection for the sake of others.

Impact on Identity and Language

The redefinition of women's identity has had profound effects. Terms such as "uterus havers," "menstruators," and "birthing persons" have been used to describe women, which many find dehumanizing. These terms not only distort women's identities but also contribute to a climate of gaslighting, where some women are even told they might need prostate exams or forced to refer to their rapists as women in court.

Alsalem notes that if the category of biological females is erased or decoupled from sex-based oppression, it becomes harder to identify and combat such oppression. This is a critical point, as it highlights the importance of maintaining clear definitions to address systemic issues.

Data Collection and Its Implications

Another area of concern is the impact of conceptual erasure on data collection. Alsalem points out that at least 21 countries have replaced the demographic category of sex with gender in their data collection efforts. This change poses serious risks, especially in clinical trials where real sex differences can affect the outcomes of drug studies. For example, certain drugs may have opposite effects on male and female bodies, making it essential to distinguish between the two.

Crime data is also affected by this shift. In countries like Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom, there have been statistically significant changes in reported crimes after the introduction of self-identification of gender. In Norway, for instance, the number of rapes committed by women increased significantly after this policy was implemented.

Single-Sex Spaces and Institutional Challenges

The erasure of women's identity has also led to the elimination of single-sex spaces, sports, quotas, and awards. While there have been positive developments in sports, such as the reversal of policies that excluded female athletes, single-sex spaces remain contentious.

The case of nurse Sandie Peggie in Scotland illustrates the challenges faced by women who speak out. After complaining about being required to change clothes in front of a male doctor who identified as a woman, Peggie was accused of gross misconduct. However, following a landmark ruling by the U.K. High Court recognizing sex as biological, she was cleared of the charges. Now, she is seeking employment tribunal action against the hospital that punished her for speaking out.

Vulnerable Facilities and Safety Concerns

Prisons, hospital wards, and shelters are of particular concern to Alsalem. These facilities often house the most vulnerable women, and the presence of individuals who identify as women but are biologically male can lead to harassment and violence. Data from various countries indicate that males who identify as women tend to exhibit a male pattern of criminality, including violent offenses against women and children.

The Consequences of Speaking Out

Women who believe in the material reality of their sex often face severe backlash. They are labeled as "Nazis" engaged in "genocide" and subjected to death threats, harassment, and public vilification. Such attacks represent a gross violation of their right to belief and free speech.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Alsalem’s conclusion underscores the importance of acknowledging biological sex in addressing the specific forms of oppression faced by women and girls. She argues that policies aimed at erasing women as a group experiencing discrimination based on their sex are not only unlawful but also constitute violence against women and girls.

Despite the rejection of her message by prominent U.N. agencies and 37 countries, Alsalem remains steadfast in her belief that she is on the right side of history. The global community must recognize the urgency of this issue and take decisive action to protect the rights and safety of women and girls.