Clare short is a British Labour politician and former MP who served in Cabinet from 1997 to 2003 as Secretary of State for International Development. Martin Firrell is a public artist who uses language in public space to stimulate debate and promote change with the aim of making the world more humane. In conversation, Short and Firrell reflect on the different ways women and men regard power, the dangers of radicalism and violence, and what might constitute more equitable social and economic organisation. Firrell contrasts the contemporary views of Clare Short with the ideas of militant figures from the history of the women’s movement including Annie Kenney, Pleasance Pendred, Constance Lytton and Emily Davison. This publication is part of socialart.work, a mass public art project by Martin Firrell calling for greater social justice. It includes digital posters, publications and events supported in 2018-19 by leading out of home media company Clear Channel UK. A complete catalogue of works, commentaries and further reading can be found at www.socialart.work.