The debate motion:

This house believes women-only spaces are necessary for gender equality.

The question of sex-separated spaces or activities is highly topical in the current geopolitics around gender and is an issue that plays out in spaces of international governance, feminist movements and law.

Debate around the sharing of space and/or activities between sexes is an issue that arises across many areas of human social interaction and competition– from single-sex schooling, prisons, and bathrooms – or in Geneva, women-only sauna evenings and parking spaces – to competitive sports and the Women’s March.

The debate raises questions around the purpose and rationale for women-only spaces but also raises questions around inclusion and rights to participation. The issues are complex, contested and often contextual.

This debate seeks to air some of these complex contestations by asking whether women-only spaces can in fact serve the goal that we all agree on: gender equality.

Supporting the motion:

• Anne-Sophie Lois, UN Representative and Head of Office, Plan International United Nations Office in Geneva
• Khalid Tinasti, Executive Secretary, Global Commission on Drug Policy

Against the motion:

• Ingmar De Vos, President, Fédération équestre internationale
• Lena Holzer, PhD candidate, The Graduate Institute, Geneva

Moderator:

• Elisabeth Prügl, The Graduate Institute, Geneva

This debate is organised in partnership with the International Gender Champions.

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