They told me to change my clothes. I changed the law instead. | Gina Martin | TEDxWarwick
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2024
- At the British Summer Time Festival in 2017, a man placed a phone between Gina Martin’s legs, took photos just inches away from her crotch and proceeded to share these images with his friends. Angered by a lack of response from the authorities, Gina took to social media to document her experience creating viral posts and an online petition receiving 50,000 signatures with cross-party support. As a political novice from a working-class background, it took years of juggling politics and activism, before Gina was finally successful in adding upskirting to the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
As a leading figure in the fight against sexual misconduct, Gina has earned her the rightful titles of Equality Champion of the Year at Stylist’s Remarkable Women Awards 2019, one of TIME Magazine’s most influential people of 2019 and ambassador for UNWomenUK. Gina Martin is a writer, campaigner and broadcaster. She was named one of TIME Magazine’s #100Next Influential people, one of London's 1000 most influential people by London Evening Standard and Equality Champion of The Year at the Stylist Remarkable Women Awards.
Gina is widely known for creating and running the media and political campaign which made upskirting illegal and encourages each person to drive their own change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
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"They told me to change my clothes. I changed the law instead."
Now that's real badass.
you can say that again!! Even the title alone gives me chills.
@@Grimpmann Okay incel.
@@SCP01986 lol you're an incel. I love women :)
@@Grimpmann Damn straight she threw a fit when a scumbag violated her person.
@@Grimpmann there is something seriously amiss with your logic.
"I will cry, but it's okay, because not crying isn't about power anymore. You can still be powerful and cry."
So much wisdom in these words.
I'm like crying as I type this. I love that so much!!
That is just lying to yourself. There is nothing bad about not crying
@@aniv8600 It's true that there is nothing bad about not crying. People's differing responses to trauma are equally valid whatever form they take, but crying doesn't mean a person is weak. One person's response to trauma doesn't invalidate someone else's. Sometimes tears are an appropriate and powerful response to significant trauma. Many war veterans, literally decorated heroes, shed tears when recounting what they went through. Those who cry are neither less, nor more, than those who do not cry. Their tears or lack of tears do not invalidate either the person, their trauma, or their accomplishments. Heroes can cry and still be heroes.
Beautiful!!!
@@aniv8600 actually there is a stress chemical released in tears that cannot be released in any other way but crying. So, crying is healthy emotionally and physically when needed. Many people don't need to cry much. Other people feel things more deeply. Tears are natural.
As the father of three daughters, and a nurse working in emergency care who sees the victims of men attacking women on an almost daily basis, thank you so much for your work.
And you as well sir!
This made me feel so much. Thank YOU for your work too. X
All my daughters have been spiked. Luckily they got home safely. No one seems interested in catching the perpetrators, it’s almost like sport and terrifies me that they’re all still at large and probably assaulting girls all the time. Sick.
@Paul Gibbons did you even listen to the video? The point was that the woman attacking a man with a stilleto will be taken in by the police and that man will get his justice. A woman will be attacked and harassed and people will just say , "Boys will be boys" or "maybe you shouldn't be walking home alone" (heard both of these in situations where men and boys were perfectly safe doing the same exact monotonous behavior and women were attacked, harassed, or scared out of their minds by MEN that were never persued). I have two sons and I care about their safety, but I'm much more concerned about the safety of their friends that are girls because I know someone who thinks it's ok won't think twice about doing something terrible to them, because they will more than likely get away with it. It is not a two way street. Yes, women do bad and terrible things too. No, it is nowhere near the same thing.
@Paul Gibbons no, you're right. It's not 1 way traffic. It's one lane in a school zone vs a 17 lane major highway (speed limit 112).
"Why are you more interested in proving you're not the problem than in helping me fix the problem?"
Maybe because many women love to generalize men as sexist and violent. If I said women were manipulative and callous, wouldn't your first reaction be to think, "but I'm clearly not"?
@@derek96720
Deflection does not become you, Derek. The subject here is the predation of women . . . try to stick to the subject.
@@donna30044 I didn't deflect at all. I directly answered her question, in fact. It's not my problem you're too busy being smug to comprehend it. I pointed out a perfectly understandable psychological reaction to these types of generalizations.
@@derek96720 You're generalizing all women with this statement, which is ironic. I actually don't react like that at all and I condemn those who do. I'm under the impression that whoever comes to the assumption that "X+Y = Z" probably has some experience they are expressing and that if I want to know what that is then I need to ask. I'm scientifically minded so if I want to learn I need to study. Happy International Men's Day, btw.
@@derek96720 She was talking about upskirting, she didn't say it was a problem caused by all men. There's no reason to assume she must mean all men are sexist and violent.
Hey everyone! Thank you your lovely comments. Just wanted to apologise for the sound issues in the first few mins my earring was hitting on my mic and I was too overwhelmed to figure it out!!
that’s ok 🥰🥰 you did amazing
damnnnn i just finished watching the video and.... you are a BADASSSSSSS 😳😳😳😳🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Overwhelmed or not, you gave such a powerful speech! I liked it before I'd even watched half of it. Well done ❤️
Hi Gina! Don't worry. It came out very well. As a woman, i felt like you have given words to my feelings. All the emotions, frustration and hatred you face when you finally do something about it or taking a stand for yourself. Thank you for brilliantly putting it up. You are really inspiring and a courageous woman.
You are an incredible human! Thank you for standing up and fighting
The most disturbing thing about this story (apart from the r@pe and death threats) is that the children whose teacher took thousands of upskirt photos of them, were told the law couldn't help them because what he was doing wasn't illegal. That is just so sick. Thank you, Gina.
@MsLeenite you’re right this just shows that just because something isn’t illegal doesn’t mean it’s right. There should be laws on everything that is morally wrong, especially around discrimination
Closely followed by the former judge (a Tory) that tried to kill the bill the first time. (see 13:00).
The law tries to identify every specific crime in many specific jurisdictions, but this is impossible, riddled with loopholes, expensive to argue, and therefore an injustice. And it results in unreasonably long books of law. Instead, every case should be argued on its own merits relative to a set of basic ethical principles. If the defendant violated another's rights and then laughed at them, and the plaintiff did nothing wrong, then the defendant is guilty of bullying and personal intrusion and should be required to pay a very large mandatory fine to the plaintiff.
"not all men are calling out their friends when he says something to a woman he would never say to a guy" thank you!!!!!!!!
This part made me cry
I don’t hang out with friends who catcall women.
Whenever I speak up about issues like this, I get labelled a 'snowflake'. I'm not really sure how speaking up about gender inequality equates to being delicate and fragile, but I do actually think 'snowflake' is an appropriate analogy. Everyone who takes a stand, who makes a fuss, who calls someone out is a 'snowflake' - not much on its own, but when you have enough 'snowflakes', you cause an avalanche.
Gina Martin is a brilliant, brave and inspiring woman.
You get called snowflake because you’re a man; we women get called angry feminists/leftists. I hope more people get disgusted enough about these issues; enough to speak up and to do something about it.
for every person who calls you anything non-empowering, there are at least 10 others cheering you on and so grateful you stood up for them.
Snowflake is a suitable analogy for individuals who seek equal rights and justice. We are similar in uniqueness.
I think being called a snowflake is a beautiful compliment.
It's harassment to call someone by names
Thank you so much. Because of you a similar campain was started in Germany. As of 03.07.2020 upskirting is illegal in germany too.
Indeed! I know Hannah and Ida who lead the campaign and advised them where I could. They did brilliantly.
@@ginamartin1629 you really inspire me as a young girl from the uk. Thank you for your campaign. You are officially my role model. Thank you for being so strong and speaking out against injustices faced by women. You truly have inspired me to be like you and make a difference. Recently, I have lost motivation and inspiration to do work, but you have really helped me. I don't think you will ever know how much your speech has impacted me (and certainly many others). ❤
@@summernights1555 it's my honour. You will have low weeks and lack of motivation. But remember that if you're not going to quite caring about the work, it's your duty to rest often, so you can keep on fighting. Keep going. ❤️
Wow I didn't even notice that there is a law for that. Thank you for mentioning it.
Yeeeeesssss!! That's awesome
Sad we need a law to tell people to not be creepy and violating people.
Even sadder the police men women politic laws allow it and blame us
I didn't even know this was a thing before the movement against it came to germany. And even then I didn't realize how big of a problem it is. I was like: "What people do that? Why?" and "Why is that legal?" I mean we also sadly need laws against violence, but the act of violence I can at least understand, I never hit someone, but its not like I never thought about it, but upskirting? It never crossed my mind to do something like this and I can't understand people who do this.
@@tamadesthi156 There are too many specific unjust actions and crimes to legislate every one. The law should be changed to provide justice based on ethical principles instead of arguing detailed points of law.
It makes me feel sick that upskirting wasn’t illegal before this woman put a stop to it.
I agree. I'm also incredibly disappointed that when she was on tv next to a female police officer, the officer shrugged her off and said to wear pants
I can't believe it happens enough there's a word for it.
In a respectful world such a law would not be necessary -
It makes me sick that our society thinks it's alright to behave in these ways - total hedonism, no thought for the reality that other people exist outside the imagination and will of oneself.
I love Gina's talk, the start of a broad conversation that needs to come to the fore - how do ordinary people find a voice where systems seem designed to shut them up. I'd like to see people's bills introduced in Parliament regularly for debate and consideration, it should be much easier to access democracy and to affect positive change, because if you are not heard you do not have equality.
@@juliahartshorn2473 not everyone...
hmmm, illegal in Scotland. Could that have ANYTHING to do with men wearing kilts???
Interesting idea. If that's the case then it's one additional example of how feminism is beneficial to men too.
@@colleenwilliams1689 or on the flip side, it's already illegal because it's happened to men and they don't like it.
@@jampot871 to add and make your statement more clear, men have the power to speak against this. People believe them when they say they are being harassed. Suzanne’s (I think it is a) joke brought up an interesting point in feminism
I totally didn't even think about this. Thank you so much for your comment.
@@jampot871 i think that's her point BUT it is a really great point
"No not all men, but too many" Thank you, such a bs excuse to not deal with the harsh reality that a lot of men participate in misogyny ranging from assault and harrassment to "harmless" comments and jokes.
Such an inspiration Gina, thank you for your hard work.
Or those who do/say nothing...
Maybe a 'whataboutism', a red-herring to distract from the issue. I find we can assume that because we acknowledge X related issues (men in this case), that it implies we have to be drawing conclusions about individuals - hence "not all men". I'm male, yet happy to acknowledge that we ( have misogynist issues, and my ego doesn't need to come first.
Those who say not all men are automatically including themselves because they are not actively doing something about it.
I think people say not all men because they feel like they are being accused or targeted somehow so I think what we can do is just be careful with avoiding generalizations, continue to take action, and lead the movement.
@@diydougie2994 Why are they more focussed on themselves when men all around them are mistreating women. Why not take action against the problem instead of having selfish insecure feelings about it and attacking women back for saying men.
I'm from the USA. Even from elementary school I was getting cat calls from cars, which moved on to groping in high school, cars following me as I walk, calling me names when I don't engage. Coworkers cornering me in a room, demanding I go out with him and when I reported him, it was MY work schedule that changed, not his. So when it happened again, only worse, years later, with another coworker grabbing me, hugging me too close, kissing my lips even as I tried to pull away, I said nothing. What's worse, when complaining to to my follow female coworkers, everyone knew who this person was. He was "just like that."
Why is this so normalized and trivialized? I'll never understand why half the population seem to have bodies meant for the enjoyment of the other half with no autonomy of their own.
I wore a Knee length skirt and long sleeve sweater as a teenager and my coworker who was at least 60 cornered me, pressed his body against me and told me I needed to dress like this all the time.
When I told my work- they just said it must have been allowed in the country he came from so they didn’t think it was fair to punish him for it..... so they gave him permission to MY body without my consent.
@@Yayyyyyyyyyy the police would have done absolutely nothing
Same experiences. It is so constant from such a young age and we can't tell anyone because they won't believe us or we will get blamed for it.
Damned if I know honey 🤔🤨🤷♀️
@@gratituderanch9406 😡
Her campaign to change the law in England has led to a change of law in Germany also :) It inspired some women here to start an online petition regarding this. And Upskirting is now a criminal offense in Germany also. Good work !
I am 57, almost 58. I cannot believe that young women today still have to go thru that s**t. Thank you for your hard work Gina and thank you for the answer to "not all men". No, not all men, but too many.
"Not all men, but too many." Powerful words, and a powerful talk.
Also, as the mother of a non-binary teenager, I really appreciated your use of "women and marginalized genders."
Yes! Right there with you. I loved that.
I’m fourteen years old. I haven’t been through nearly the same amount of harassments you have. As you can imagine, I get up and go to school every damn weekday. Except today. Today, I’m at home, on my sofa, doing schoolwork, crying. I woke up yesterday morning and couldn’t find any trousers to wear, so I had to wear the only thing I could find that matched my uniform - a skirt. When I went to school, long story short, people started commenting on my skirt. Like even the slightest comment “that skirt”, made me shiver. Everyone was looking at me. I was humiliated. That was yesterday. And now I’m crying on my 🛋. This video has made me realise that what happened yesterday was not my fault. I should be able to wear a short skirt and not let it be an invitation. I’ve realised now that, everyone else’s lives do not revolve around the length of my skirt. Thank you. Thank you for empowering not only me, but for all women of the next generation and the one after that. Thank you ❤️
There is something seriously bizarre about anyone who "dislikes" this video. Dislikes are red flags if you ask me
If this were the Eastern European public, there would be half-half easily. And THAT is ....alarming
@@curiousindividual634 that is! Here in the states, men are widely oppressed by the forever acclaimed "feminists" to which a man risks the chance of being thrown behind bars if they look at a woman wrong. It's crazy. I like how she points out that not all men are bad. Its a people problem.
@@angelagallegos2345 I think you missed Anastasiia's point...
The dislikes I mean
It’s probably people who feel uncomfortable because it made them realised they need to do more but don’t want to.
You talk about not being academic, yet you are so succinct. I’m always arguing that intelligence can’t be measured by a test. It is also the ability to think outside the box and wow did you prove you can do that.
As the mother of 3 women and grandmother of 5, 3 girls. I applaud you and am going to repeat ‘but too many,’ whenever I am challenging anyone on this. My 21 year old recently asked me if I was ever scared in a situation with a man, when I said no, I was shocked at her reply, ‘you are lucky’ I shouldn’t be lucky I should be normal. Keep up the good work. 👏👏👏👏👏👏
So true!
So cool to see a "normal" person stand up, work hard, and make a change. But, I think it's kind of clear from listening to her speak so eloquently that she isn't that "normal", but rather extraordinary for not putting up with it.
Ok... I get the pe
Poetic compliment, but to stand up for having standards... I have to she is normal and most are "successfully" oppressed or broken. Our expectation must be that we have healthy boundaries and the norm. But I know what you mean. ❤
It's sad that such a law is needed. Why does *any* man think demeaning women in *any* way is acceptable?
I theorize that men who feel small do it in an attempt to assert their “superiority.” They do it because they are weak and insecure. The problem is, when women ignore it or let it go, they feel like they can keep doing it. Respect for others has to start with self respect and men who harass have zero self respect.
they don't think about the woman, at all. she is a body, not a human being worthy of respect.
@@abcabcde9441 where are you? Is stalking not a crime in your country?
Because the Bible, the Torah and the Quran all tell us so. To some degree or other we have been told men are superior to women by many different religions. Religious leaders have been telling their followers this for centuries. So to get people to think otherwise after generations of programming is extremely difficult. It's bad enough billions of men around the world believe this, but that so many women do as well is a real shame. Keep in mind, millions of women are avid Donald Trump supporters.
@@moeball740 Preach Bro! Abrahamic religion in all its guises are misogynistic to the core. Sooner humanity can evolve past its ridiculous reliance on superstitious woo-woo, the better off we'd all be!
My mom used to say, "The measure of how BIG a man is, is measured by how far he might stoop over to help a lesser, unfortunate person, who was struggling to get back up on their own two feet again."
(She's dead 40 years now.)
She was right ❤️
Amazing talk. Brave Woman. Yes, we ALL need to stand up for one another and do what's right! Bravo!
Who says what's right and what not? Social media, influencers, the media, politicians, the Bible, you?
@@ralfsteiner7751 what you do think says what's right and wrong? You asked the question I'm curious on how you would answer it.
Gina, I want to pass on a piece of encouragement. When people are attacking you because you're a high-profile fighter against oppression, that means you're doing something right. They wouldn't be upset enough to attack you so strongly if you weren't a serious threat. When you're feeling overwhelmed by the viciousness, remember that. And remember that there is a woman here in the United States with two daughters who is cheering you on and doing what I can myself. Thank you so much for your anger and your courage.
@@alexandra1415 Talk about being clueless! I think he thought he was being philosophical about it. Idiots!! 😢
@@ralfsteiner7751 ⁵//tt/t//⁶⁵⁵⁵two :p7ukkkkkkkkkk(k¹
Gina, I want to pass on a piece of encouragement. When people are attacking you because you're a high-profile fighter against oppression, that means you're doing something right. They wouldn't be upset enough to attack you so strongly if you weren't a serious threat. When you're feeling overwhelmed by the viciousness, remember that. And remember that there is a woman here in the United States with two daughters who is cheering you on and doing what I can myself. Thank you so much for your anger and your courage.
I definitely understand the message behind this, but I just think the fact that the harassment is there and it's so vicious is SO problematic. People with marginalized identities always get told to "don't pay attention to them" "haters means you're doing something right." & like, yeah I get that. But why is it always up to us to be the bigger person? Isn't it a bit almost excusatory? That behavior is unacceptable and it's part of the problem. These people exists behind screens, they're real and they carry those misogynistic , dangerous, sexists attitudes into their real lives.
I'm scared to raise children in this world. I don't even want to. I've been told by many I'd have 2 girls. I refuse to have kids.
❤️🥰 we have to be the voice for those who don't have one. Also doing what I can .
@@healingandgrowth-infp4677 big reason why I never had kids.
this is so true.
a teacher at my school r*ped a 16 year old girl three times after she went to him for help from a s*xually abusive family. The last one happened on my 12th day of high school. I had that teacher, and had liked him. He was funny. had a comforting presence. When he left, no one believed he'd done anything wrong. Our substitute seemed worried, so we thought he'd gotten sick. My class tried to make a get well soon card for him.
The school just didnt take us and told us he was on leave for 'family reasons' for over 7 months.
9 months after he left, I found out what had happened from a friend who didn't even go to my school. The school hadn't told us there was a p*do who knew our addresses. Despite clear evidence, that teacher still hasn't been prosecuted.
My husband is the best man... And we raise our son to follow. I wish more families would discuss these things.
To all men who say "I'm not like that", If you look at the picture, laugh at the jokes, engage in the "locker room banter", YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. Call the perpetrators out, hold them accountable, tell them that behavior is NOT acceptable.
@@vicmultani7582 how
Looks like @vic multani got the hint and took his comment down
Not all heroes wear capes. I think Gina Martin is a hero.
Hello my dear, what an amazing young woman you are! I’m so very sorry for everything that happened and still does. I’m in my 60’s and I’m a “very angry woman” - apparently... Women of my generation were much more vocal than subsequent generations and I felt very sad that there were no brave women left. I now know different. I too, did a similar thing which ruined my career. I was a whistleblower and I’m “enshrined” in English case laws. My health was destroyed for 15 plus years as a result, my life was in tatters, I was totally broke, press were reporting inaccurate stories all the time (my employer was a huge USA organisation with all the money in the world), and no employer would touch me for three long years. For me the breakthrough came when I got a job with a charity, and was speaking with one of our legal advisers on a random matter. As I was giving her my contact details, she fell silent and I froze with expectation. She said - you are her, aren’t you? I sighed and very quietly said yes. She then screamed with delight and simply said this: you are my hero! I don’t remember the rest of conversation, but in that single moment, things changed.
Bless you!!!!!
"Not all men but too many." I literally cried listening to this.
What a joke!
@@courtneyakard7350 you've literally got a broken humour sense
I don’t see how it’s funny.
@@courtneyakard7350 see a therapist
This made me cry, I am a 55 year old Man, I wish I could do more.
Not all men, but too many. You’re so brave. Thank you for making the world a better place for all of us. ❤️
You [Men] are not our protectors.... If you were, who would there be to protect us from?
- Mary Edwards Walker
Wow
The idea/requirement of protector in most parts of the planet is outdated. We men (fathers) are either caring of and empowering our daughters and sons or we are not. The protector is required where there is suppression and that suppression comes from other people (men and women) and is enacted by mostly men. Mothers are either empowering their sons and daughters or not. Women are equally as viscous as men. It is up to people both men and women to protect those that are vulnerable (men and woman, boys and girls) from those that are viscous- those men- and those women.
@@superfluityme Are there some women who suppress? Yes, but it is important to recognize that this violence is perpetrated by men on women and to trying to equalize who is at fault is ignoring this fact.
thats one beautiful and powerful quote, thank u for sharing it
@@TheSagesophie men. It's definitely men's fault. There's no argument there. They're bigger, stronger, more aggressive, more competitive, less cooperative. They should not abuse this . To do so is self-defeating. Men should ostracized other men who abuse women and soak out against freaks.
This woman should be given some kind of national medal, thank you for making the world a little bit better place to live in!
With appreciation would you help, too?
When she mentioned crying whenever she heard other people's stories because they felt like her own, that really rung true for me. I bawled the entire 20 minutes. This is my favorite TedTalk ever.
You can't see her cape, but she is a hero. To all the guys, and it will be all guys, that have hit the thumbs down button, you are the real problem with this world.
You're forgetting internalized misogyny and the "not like most girls" women who think they're better if they're horrid to other women
So like 3 or 4 won't be from men.
And 3 or 4 will be accidental because of scrolling
@@minecraftingmom yeah... I think most women like that come from pretty toxic environments. Same with men who act this way. The fact they don't realize it's an issue is what's messed up :^(
"...because I'd shut my mouth about it [so] I didn't have the language..." One of the best ways to keep any group of people oppressed is to deny them the language to describe what's happening to them.
They do this by blaming minimizing invalidiation and shaming. You believe the problem is you and you are terrified.
I'm not normally one to publicly post, but I wanted to add to the volume of your support.
You have managed this journey of; activism and advocacy with such dignity.
Thank you for your tangible actions, your message, voice, courage and blood sweat & tears.
It's amazing and heartbreaking how we abuse and violate one another in so many ways, and that in america, we previously elected a man who boasted about similar behavior towards women and is still idolized by so many people and who will probably never experience negative consequences for his universally abusive behavior
the up or down instead of left and right is such an incredible perspective!!!! cried through the whole thing. our voices will be heard! (also your intersectional awareness of privileged and marginalized people is much appreciated!!) ♥️🏳️🌈
I can see why people listen to her. This was easily one of my favorite TED talks. She feels very natural, sincere and unprepped. Which just adds to her relatability. I think men resist change because they feel we are trying to take away their rights. They have a right to a joke or a good time, but not if it leaves the person feeling so angry for so long. Who has a right to that? I'm about to have a son and I really hope I can raise him to be one of those few men that needs to grow in numbers. I think most men who don't say something to their friends, when they think their actions are despicable, is because they are scared. And being a man and scared touches right at their fragile ego. So they do nothing about it.
Thank you so much. I speak from the heart.
Hear hear! Bystander Syndrome is strong in so many of them.
Gina, you embody " Be the change you want to see in the world". I have that painted on my garden wall, a bulletin board of sorts to myself with which to embody and live my ethics every day as I close my gate and go into the world. Much love and support to you, brave and beautiful warrior
“All misogyny is connected. None of it is trivial”. Absolutely. From “you throw like a girl” to the extent of things you saw here, misogyny is misogyny, period. All people need to put their foot down. Women included. Women tend to be misogynistic as well without even realizing it. We all have the say in how our babies are raised. Raise them as humans, not genders with limitations. “Don’t laugh at the joke” is bigger than people know. This was a phenomenal talk.
i want this whole ted talk tattooed on my body it is incredible!!
❤️
I love this comment and support it 100%.
I just wonder how many men would be prepared to brush off this sort of behaviour if they knew it was happening to their daughter/sister/ girlfriend/wife?
Gina, Thank you so much for doing this and putting it out in public. You are strong in your vulnerability. I am appalled that this was not illegal 31 years after my case. Here it is...
In 1986, after separating from my husband, I was propositioned by my supervisor. I politely turned him down, letting him know I was in a relationship. My supervisor's wife was pregnant with their first child at the time and I didn't want her to be hurt. The next working day, he reported me for being less than five minutes late to work. I was so angry I complained about his proposition which was brushed off as 'a joke'.
A few months later, I fell delightedly pregnant to my partner and informed work that I was considering maternity leave. This was like automatic doors, very new at the time. At the end of the first trimester, I fell ill with the flu. I was terribly sick, had five days off in a row out of a six day working week and people were still telling me I shouldn't have been at work when I went in. It was so tiring, I had another day off. But...
my supervisor presented the situation to Head Office as being that I had had 10 days off out of 11 because of the pregnancy, deliberately including four rostered days off, and got permission to bust me down from my Team Leader position to benchwork in the laboratory. Meaning I'd need to stand all day and lift 20kg weights of liquid solvents. I weighed about 45kg. Oh, yes, and breathe in those solvents!
Long story short, with many incidents of putdowns and confrontations, a complete lack of support from my family (Why do you have to make a fuss? from my mother), I took the largest company in New Zealand (I know, a tiny country) to the Human Rights Commission and won. The maximum penalty for causing me stress was $2,000 and while this was a small amount, even then, I was awarded the lot plus back wages. In fact, my award was the highest to that date. We went public with it, too, getting the story on the front page of the weekend section of the national newspaper (no social media back then). But the trauma of it stayed with me for years and my daughter was only 5lb 4oz when born. She is 5'0" tall, very sensitive and had to fight to gain a sense of self-esteem. I have often felt guilty at the effect it had on her.
Yes, you are allowed to cry over the awful things said and done to you. But, like me, you didn't do this only for yourself. We did it for half the population who needed a better response from the world at large. I have often smiled at the blind acceptance of young women of their current freedoms, not knowing of the individual battles of a small, dark-haired woman like me and a girl like you, both without university degrees and a leftist mentality.
FYI: my daughter is completing her Master's degree, this year and she stands up for herself very capably.
Hugs! My best wishes to you and your daughter!
All men should be correcting friends when they talk abt women as objects or meat - red head/blonde/brunette, ‘nice piece’ ‘tap that’ or slingin’ locker room” talk. It’s this culture that’s the bed rock.
Policing behaviour of other men? Well I've got better things to do.
@@guesswho6038 Then you’re part of the problem. Without speaking up and standing up against the patriarchy and misogyny, you are encouraging it to continue. It won’t stop without the support of men.
@@kalyanigollamudi759 You can't be part of the problem if the problem is made up to capitalize on victimhood. Honestly why do you all sound like some sort of bots, repeating the same script? Don't you have your own thoughts and opinions?
@@guesswho6038 the problem isn’t made up. This ‘locker room talk’ that you’re so fond of objectifies women and reduces them to what men say about them. If you don’t help stop it, the situation will never change. I will have you know that I can think for myself, and have come to this conclusion by my own thoughts and opinions. I am not being fed propaganda but seen for myself the effect of this problem and how it’s pushing the women’s movement backwards.
@@kalyanigollamudi759 So if you leave men talking on their own, without a chaperone of some sort, that turns them into perverts like this one doing upskirting. Well you can believe whatever you want, but why any man would subscribe to such insanity. What's in it for men if you wanted to recruit one for this cause. What would we gain or achieve?
This was one of the most inspiring and essential talks I've seen in ages. Thank you for your continued work. Big love and appreciation x
We do women, and society, a grave disservice when they grow up thinking that #1 is OK and #2 is only for someone else.
This is dead on Nick! Thank you. X
57, father of 3 daughters, this is very moving. Thank you for your work. There should be an odd, backhanded, regret of thanks to the men who took the photo and revealed themselves to be animals. They did the wrong thing to the right woman; the woman who would make their act illegal. Sadly, many regulations are written in blood. I'm sorry this one was yours, but I'm glad for the way you turned your frustration into positive action for change.
Here's a message that should give us all hope: I watched this talk yesterday, had a night with my friends and then caught an Uber home. The Uber driver was a young gentleman who recounted his wife's recent birth and then told me, "I have a very strong love and appreciation for women and their bodies and not just my wife, all women. Their bodies are so powerful and beautiful and I respect them all". To which I responded, "on behalf of all women, thank you so much, we need more men like you"! There is hope and there are young men out there who hold these values. Thanks again for doing what you do to open people's eyes and their minds.
Poor simp. If only he knew how little respect he can ever get in return.
I just read the messages, This girl should just remember every single person she made mad just cause they can't do it freely anymore. Girl you should feel powerful and victorious everytime you read them.
Feeling moved, hopeful and stronger after watching this incredible woman stand up for herself and all of us! All love and support to you and everyone one else who's fighting for justice, for a better world.
Don’t mind me, standing in my kitchen at midnight bawling my eyes out and giving this women a standing ovation. Cannot say how much this message needs to be spread.
Ellyn! 😭 This is so nice! Thank you xx
"Sympathy is soothing but it does go far enough. Action does. And listen, you'll get things wrong, we all do ---" so well-put, thank you! Thank you for your grit + your courage + your inspiration + your authenticity! You are an inspiration!
It is about time society started looking at men's behaviour rather than asking women to put up with this behaviour. Laws are bought out, but these don't change behaviour...
Thank you Gina.
The fact we have to teach our daughters to dress to avoid unwanted attention is proof enough there is a massive problem
And people should be free to dress as they wish, or, in warmer climates, to forgo clothes if they wish without being harassed for it. Aren't all these things obvious? Just basic human ethics.
It's not about perfection, it's about progress. ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!! Well done for standing up for all of us.
Inspiring indeed. She's right. Sympathy for certain issues is not enough. WE NEED TO TAKE ACTION.
All I can say is thank you. As someone who grew up in the era of what you call #1, I’m proud for you that #1 is no longer an option for either of us. As a now older woman, stepping into #2 is far easier and I’m proud that my daughter who is 25 years younger than me no longer sees #1 as an option.
I followed your cause from the start when I heard about it. I never even knew upskirting existed until you brought it to light. I am in awe of your bravery, passion and perseverance. Congratulations on creating another milestone victory
I don't know about the UK but there are laws against voyeurism/peeping Toms in the US. This just seems like a modern version of it.
It's so sad and sickening that people really need to explain themselves and fight for the simple right of respect and being seen as a human beeing and not an object. I really wonder when humans took "the wrong turn", but I sure know that (the sane and sensible) part of our species needs to become more like Gina and take up the fight, even though it might be uncomfortable and traumatic.
Thank you Gina for your bravery and choosing to go route #2!!!
You GO GIRL! Awesome work and talk, Gina!!! We can't wait for change, we have to make it!
Grew up in the 1960s, when girls weren't allowed to wear pants or trousers to school. Wore pants, every day, with a note from my mom giving me her permission to wear pants. I was the bane of the principal's existence. If I forgot that note, got sent home. That only happened twice. Was at that elementary school for four years. The next year, when I went to middle school, the rule was changed for the whole District and girls were allowed to wear pants to School. Fight for change and progress!
Dresses are great, too. It's choice and the right to live unharassed, in what you wear, that is important.
And, good work putting predators in jail!
As a young girl I had religious aunts speaking against women who wore trousers. Always boggled my mind. It covers the skin!!! You can see the body shape better but it covers the skin! Much better than the see through skirts and see through blousses I saw the older women wearing. That was too much info.
As for the law catching predators without meaning to... That just shows and proves how wrong it is to begin with.
People who send messages like this or post comments like what she showed should be PERMANENTLY banned from all social media and their personal information sent to the police to have on file. That is an idea for another law :)
Yes, online harassment should be prosecuted as well. I plan on doing that in the future.
When commenters are behaving badly, report them. Don't engage or give them a voice. Just report and move on. The more we do it the smaller they are.
@@jenniferrandolph3475 People have been saying that for as there as their has been an internet and it hasn't stopped it. Yes, you can and should report them, but usually nothing happens. Even if they do get kicked off a platform they can just make a new account. Law enforcement and social media need to take online harassment more seriously.
Right!
@@imzadi83fanvids7 right? Minecraft servers can IP ban people, I'm sure something as complex as TH-cam or Twitter or Facebook could as well.
You are far more educated or academic as you said than majority of the people who call themselves that. You're brave, beautiful, strong, passionate about your purpose. God speed and thank you thank you and thank you for your work
Outstanding talk given by a bright and brave young woman. She's absolutely right that the responsibility to change things lies with us, and requires our willingness to confront misogyny when we meet it out in the world. That includes the men with good hearts and morals to stand up and say something when they see or hear that behavior. Until they do, they can't really count themselves as good men, only as men who want to be good. Working together, women and good men can change this for our sisters, daughters, mothers, grandmothers and the everybody else. It's the only thing that will change it.
Individual heart conversion is the way to better morals. We have laws that protect us. The police lawyers and judges must overcome their own misogyny and guilt for pushing themselves on women in their lives and in whichever way they have done. They can’t bring themselves to find other men guilty of what they themselves have been. My opinion, after living with the wrong actions of so many different classes of males. And you’re right about there being some good men. Just don’t leave them alone with any female for any length of time. We need to be praying for good people everywhere to be strong in carrying out goodness.
I was watching parliament tv the day that MP objected to the bill. I was absolutely shocked and angered when he gave his glib reasoning why. He has become too comfortable in his job. He has forgotten the important work and the need to remember that many issues you may not be aware of are relevant and important to others. Don't obstruct just because you can, or just because you don't see why it is a big deal. Let's start with "Hey, this is a big enough deal that this person has invested a lot of time and effort into making a change here. Perhaps I should hear it out". If elected government find that a bridge too far, they should really pack up and go home.
Very emotional talk for me...it hits home.
Ty for you getting this law passed. I'm so tired of these crimes against women being minimized by society and some authority.
When I read that a new law had been passed against 'upskirting', I was shocked because I had always assumed that such behaviour was already illegal. If you hadn't taken the stand you did, how long would it have been before somebody did? How many more women would have had to put up with this kind of assault?
Apart from the fact that people who do this are often guilty of other offences, 'upskirting' is NOT trivial!
I can only say one thing to this woman, thank you.
Women like you are inspirational and you've given me some strength this evening.
Bless you, honey. Thank you for standing up for my daughter.
Toni, this is not to take away from your nice comment. It's just a thought that came to me. Does your daughter's father also stand up for her when there is hate speech going on all the time around him. Does a boyfriend? Any male friends at all?
@@katrand5357 No. He does not. It is norm to stand by and listen or see a male disrespect a woman.
I am a single mom now. 1100 miles away from his machismo. Thank God.
I felt empowered by your talk. I am teaching my 12 yo to be self sufficient, love and serve all, not just look for your next quick buck. Thank you
@@TONICaSTEEL70 thank you, Toni, and I am going to ask you to consider something. Think about either putting your daughter in martial arts or joining her. It helps women to really connect with their bodies. The philosophy of martial arts, from what I know, is they teach how to respect other people, one's own personal power, and a host of other qualities. Also she would have a better chance of being safe should she get into a tricky situation. I'm hoping The Covid situation will vastly improve soon because I know the time would not be right just now because of this pandemic. Good luck to us all and maybe before 2021 ends this will be a possibility
@@katrand5357 That's funny you say that. Miah is a red belt in Tae Kwon Do. Not practicing, though. We have been talking about starting again. But thank you, and have a blessed day.
@@TONICaSTEEL70 I am so happy to hear that! It gives her a great sense of accomplishment, doesn't it?
Was literally captivated. How have I only seen this now?!!! Briliant, brave, beautiful, caring, confident and strong. Your a women Ill look up to.
Tedx, thank you for providing a platform for Gina to share this impactful experience.
You are a real life Frodo! And that is true heroism!
As someone clever said: anger is you standing up for you, because you HAVE been unfairly treated! Anger is there to protect you, to take care of you, and to give you a warm hug and cuddle you when you are feeling injured and down. Don’t ignore your anger. But also don’t let it control your life. It is a defense system, not a weapon that you can use without risking your ‘self’.
Now I'm checking if upskirting is illegal in my country.
Ditto!
What did you find?
huh..I didn't even think of that. I just realized that I assume it is illegal in Canada. What if it isn't? OMG!! Thanks for the tip!!
In my state it is a felony (Michigan). However it varies state by state in the USA.
This talk is spot on Gina. We need these types of talks to be shown in schools, colleges, universities... More awareness and education on these issues. I completely agree with "too many men". Yep, too FEW men stand by women when comments, incidents happen. Where are these 'brave' men who can and should be saying "STOP!" to these purpetrators? (They need to be 'brave' it appears, instead of speaking up because they know the comment/incidnet is an injustice or an offence)
A very inspiring talk. Thanks Gina.
Absolutely amazing talk. Thank you. Your challenge at the end hit home.
"Hate and intolerance are very loud, they scream but good people, compasionate people are quiet and humbel and getting on with the work."
Change is on all of us. Action is on all of us. It is the right thing to do...time to get busy.
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! I'm going into law school next year and I hope I'll bring such great changes in my country too, India! You're my inspiration 💓
Navia, you could use this case in a class of yours I bet
All the best to you! 😁
when I'm mad and am venting with my dad he once asked me why are you angry? I was speechless, there are so many flaws in the system that are designed to put me in the back of the line and I'm supposed to not be angry at them?
"Anger is a normal response to having your human rights compromised"
Thank you.
It's so sad Gina Martin faced such a backlash and probably has to worry about her safety now. But I'm also so grateful that she shared her story 💜
This is a very remarkable talk, Gina Martin ! ... You deserve a world of "Thanks", for having/showing the courage of a woman with great depth/determination, though it is unfortunate you have been "required" to experience the behavior of "mostly men", without consciousness, failing to understand that people will probably not survive the next century without common goals and understanding that we are all made of the same "dirt", and absolutely require thought, love and respect... - Farley A.
Too many guys are inept at being able to respect or communicate properly with women. They need educating from a young age..
"Sympathy is soothing, but it doesn't go far enough, But action does" I'm just literally crying now
This message should be part of every Life Orientation lessons and legal studies in every country in the world. Thank You Gina for all your tireless efforts
Congratulations, young lady! This is a blueprint of how to get things done regardless of the politicians who oppose the will of the same people they are "representing".
Why are there 150 thumbs down for this vid? Why would you think that abuse and oppression of anyone is ok?
We can all guess who those 150 thumbs belong to
I downvoted this as a woman who believes that women crying victimhood and seeking revenge against people (of any gender) who they don't like, are harming the world, including themselves. I know that if I say something I'll also be put in that camp of people who they want to seek revenge on, and thus be bullied by people like you and the speaker in the video. Now, I'm used to being bullied and blamed and treated as a skapegoat, but I tend to not be excited about always announcing myself for all to target. So sometimes I settle for the anonymous approach. But since you asked, and my goal as a teacher is to help folks find meaningful answers, I got enough bravery to respond. Now, commence your bullying...
@@thewiseturtle your comment claims you are against crying victimhood and yet in the same breath you play the victim.
'Now I'm used to being bullied and blamed and treated like a scapegoat'
'Now, commence your bullying'
Do you not see the irony in your words?
I am not playing the victim though. That's my point. I have no need to use my lowered status to harm others as the woman in the video did. I'm merely sharing my perspective so that others can learn about the complexity of reality. You asked a question and I have the answer that you seek. Or at least one of them. SO instead of using my victimhood to make an aggressive, revengeful play, I use it to empower others, such as yourself, with wisdom.
@@thewiseturtle wow. Wisdom. Ok. Enjoy your 'lowered status'
This was an incredibly powerful talk from an incredibly powerful woman. There's a reason things change for the better, and vulnerable communities are protected from predatory individuals and groups, and that reason is people like Ms. Martin. She talks the talk and walks the walk, and not only are we all better for it, the world's a better place b/c of it. Thank you for your efforts, Ms. Martin. It drives me to redouble my efforts to be of service to those most in need of assistance.
Did any other sentient beings immediately think of the sociopath who will soon be evicted from the White House? Thank you, young woman. Please realize that this is still a constant problem for young girls and women. Yes, hearing it does feel like a fresh assault on those who've experienced it. Teach your children well.
🤦🏻♀️
Yes, I did. Have to admit, I'm a little hoping he'll be arrested for trespassing on January 20 at 12:01.
And the creepy child toucher that will take his place?
@@christinebeames2311 It's not his place.
Just verified it's illegal in my state. Your talk was very powerful, informative, hopeful and demanded us as listeners to see humanity above politics. What courage you have, including now, to deal with more comments from internet trolls, for the rest of us to get lit up and fired up and willing to fight for justice.
Gina, I love how you took this serious incident and shared it with the world. Opening up isnt easy. Not only that but you should us the pain, the ups and downs that this process was. You fought against injustice and that is NEVER trivial.
We shouldnt have to fight for our God-given human rights. You made a change and I can too 🤗
Cheers, Gina!
Gina!! I am inspired by you daily. This talk was everything, I cried, I laughed, I'm fired up. I truly barely have the words to express how important this conversation is and how beautifully you tied so many important points together.. You did brilliantly and I loved hearing about your journey to changing the law. Thank you xx
This should be shown in schools.
Just want to congratulate Gina for a wonderful thing she has done x
You are amazing. You absolutely have this correct. I need to watch your video again and go back and write down the lessons. Toward the beginning of your talk, you mentioned a few times that you were not an academic, but what you have accomplished says otherwise. You just earned your education first-hand instead of in the ivied halls of a university. You deserve all the awards and titles you have been given. Thank you for sharing your story.
Well done Gina, that was the most powerful ted talk I’ve ever watched.
I cried with you and admired ur strength throughout that talk.
The world needs more people like you
OMG, I would not have thought this possible because, as Gina said, so many people have accepted this as just the way it is. It's fun for the boys so who cares if the female victim feels alone and helpless. And from having this happen to her, she now knows that it's not just her, it's all women who are despised by The Men Who support hatred towards women. I will always remember and be inspired by you Gina and Ryan!
Did anyone else think that the Scottish law was in place because men wear dresses (oh, sorry, kilts) there? 🤔
Yes. Totally possible. I read once that paid maternity leave would have been a year and a half long if men were the ones getting pregnant.
@@sonalmundhra248 we have lots of things I'd like to change in Russia, but the maternity leave is one of the best in the world here - paid period for 18 months and 18 more (you are not paid but you don't lose your job after it's over)
@@2a2777f2g We have 23 paid months maternity/paternity leave in Romania. There used to be 24 until they came to the conclusion that the other partner had to take one of them.
Do you honestly think Scottish men go about their daily business in kilts? That's only traditional wear.
@@GrumpetteJV: When I visited Scotland in 2017 I was surprised by how many kilted men I _did_ see. In addition, even if not all men in Scotland wear a kilt on a daily basis, a significant number will wear a kilt from time to time, for formal events or whatever. So I'm going to say DocNOproductions may be onto something.
I'm glad there's more women coming forward so we can band together. This is making me braver.
“Not all men but to many” that really struck me for some reason and there is a lot of wisdom in these words