Juso president is “disappointed”: candidates for the SP Federal Council do not want to be feminists

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The question was simple. But Matthias Aebischer (55) had difficulty with the answer. “Are you a feminist?” the TeleZüri presenter wanted to know last week from the SP member of the National Council and the candidate of the Federal Council.

He “couldn’t do anything with the term,” Aebischer said. He is a househusband and an advocate of equal rights, but whether he is a feminist or not, he doesn’t worry about that. And he asks back: “What does feminist mean, can you explain it to me?”

Jositsch finds the term ‘presumptuous’

The Bernese’s statements cause irritation within the left-wing camp, especially among women and younger SP members. That a representative of a party that advocates feminism asks this question seriously is incomprehensible. After all, the SP adopted a manifesto six years ago ‘for a consistently feminist social democracy’. Feminism – this is the movement that fights for equality for all genders in all areas of life. A commitment that is of course not only reserved for women.

The other two SP men who have already joined the battle for the Federal Council also explicitly do not want to be feminists. Daniel Jositsch (58), state councilor of Zurich, said in August in response to the same question from TeleZüri: “I would not describe myself as a feminist.” When asked by Blick, he emphasizes that he is committed to equality. But he thinks it’s “presumptuous” to “decorate himself” with this term when comparing what others would do for feminism.

And Mustafa Atici (53), SP national councilor from Basel, says when asked: “I am not a feminist either, but equality still needs a lot of struggle and support at all levels.”

Juso-Siegrist: “I’m disappointed”

What does Tamara Funiciello (33), co-chair of the SP women, think of these statements? At Blick’s request, the Landraad member does not want to comment on the subject. Juso president Nicola Siegrist (26), on the other hand, does not mince her words. “I am disappointed that the three SP men apparently have so much difficulty with the term feminist.” Of course he describes himself that way. SP co-chairman Cédric Wermuth (37) also has no qualms about calling himself a feminist as a man.

Siegrist admits that this would have been unthinkable just a few decades ago. “I understand there is a generational difference.” But for him it is clear: “As a left-wing man in 2023, you must behave as a feminist and describe yourself as such.” He accuses the candidates of being discouraged for fear of negative reactions from citizens.

The name is not a detail

Aebischer, on the other hand, thinks the debate is pointless. “I am a father of four daughters and have been doing my share of parenting and housekeeping for 25 years, discussing injustice with them every day and fighting with them for equality at all levels,” he says. “I would like to leave the discussion of whether that is why I am a feminist to others.”

More important than the name is of course feminist thinking and action, says Pascale Buser, co-chairman of the association Die Feministen. The organization is committed to raising awareness among men about equality. “At the same time, it is very important that men, especially those with influence and visibility, publicly recognize themselves as feminists,” she says. This can reduce inhibitions and serve as a role model for other men.

In view of the discussion, it will be interesting to see how other potential SP candidates for the Federal Council will position themselves on this issue. You can already think of an answer. Because it is now clear that the question will come.

Source:Blick