The imminent opening of a strip club in Kirkcaldy has led to the launch of a new women’s group in the town.
Women Together in Fife (WTF) has been set up by local activists Marie Penman and Maureen Closs in response to what they see as the constant undermining and misrepresentation of women in society.
Their first action will be a demonstration against the opening of the new lap dancing club Sin and will be held in Kirkcaldy Town Square, in front of the Town House, on Monday at noon.
“This is the 21st century and I honestly thought we’d moved on from the days when women were seen purely as sexual objects, here to give men pleasure,” said Ms Penman.
“I have a teenage daughter and the idea that stripping in front of drunk, leering men is seen as an acceptable job option genuinely saddens me.”
Mixed response as Fife’s only lap dancing club prepares to open its doors
The setting up of a women’s group has been discussed in Kirkcaldy for a while, usually at the public events held to celebrate International Women’s Day every March, but the opening of the strip club has spurred Ms Closs and Ms Penman into action.
“This group is not about hating men or blaming them for everything that is wrong,” said Ms Closs.
“It’s about supporting and encouraging women to stand up for themselves in society.”
Organisers are inviting men and women to attend Monday’s demo at noon, to send a message that such types of establishment are not welcomed by all.
Meanwhile, the launch meeting of WTF, which is open to any women who are interested, will be held in the St Clair Tavern in Kirkcaldy on Thursday 15 November at 7pm.