Today has been designated International Women’s Day and for the past week, there have been stories popping up in the media here, in the UK, as women from different walks of life, nationalities, centuries and accomplishment are celebrated for their achievements – usually belatedly and often posthumously. I applaud the celebration but at the same time, I have been wondering why it is necessary to have one special day to consider the contribution of women to this planet.
The tragic events surrounding the terrible death of Sarah Everard have revealed yet again how women have to live with the ever present possibility of violence against them. Most women know this. Most women have experienced verbal or physical harassment in their lives, probably more than once, from strangers, friends or partners. Most women understand that this is the cost of inhabiting a woman’s body in a profoundly patriarchal world where sexism is the norm. And yet, most of the…
The experience of enforced isolation and social distancing has for many been a time when priorities have shifted. What is essential has been separated from the non-essential. For some, the importance of family and loved ones has become more crystallised: others have found surprising tranquillity in unaccustomed silence and solitude. I share this experience. Somehow the world is appearing more clearly and my awareness of what I know about others and the world around me has become more sharply defined….
Walking down a supermarket aisle recently, I found myself face to face with a ‘bank’ of daily newspapers. Every single one displayed an image of Teresa May’s face, contorted with emotion as she fought back tears while giving her resignation speech. If anyone wanted to be reassured that patriarchy is alive and well, they need have looked no further. Although I am used to speaking in front of an audience, I often find myself surprised by tears welling up and…