Rabbits having sex, Battaramulla.
I actually mentioned this idea at a Women And Media Collective panel and people looked horribly offended. I still think a sex strike is a great idea. It’s been used apparently since the Greek days, modernly in Liberia and Philippines and now in Togo.
“It’s a good thing for us women to observe this sex strike as long as our children are in jail now,” said Abla Tamekloe. “I believe that by observing this, we will get them released. For me, it’s like fasting, and unless you fast, you will not get what you want from God.”
When asked if her husband would agree, Tamekloe said: “It is easy for me to observe it. I am used to it, but I am not sure my husband will accept. But I have to explain to him.”
Another Togolese woman said she supports the strike, but she does not know if she can carry it out for a full week.
“I do agree that we women have to observe this sex strike but I know my husband will not let me complete it. He may agree at first, but as far as I know him, he will change overnight,” Judith Agbetoglo said. (The Guardian)
I’m not sure is this works on a national level, but it’s certainly better than, say, clogging up traffic. The example that I cited was from a few villages in the Philippines where women withheld sex to keep the menfolk from fighting. That’s a limited cause and proximate application, effective. Across a national level it’s probably hard to keep such a movement (or lack thereof) together.
Hat tip to the girlfriend for the link.