In an attempt to broaden my reading and fuel the fire to my feminist nature I picked up a new book that became not only an eye opener but changed my perspectives on so many things. I’d only ever read one feminist book prior to this one. I reviewed ‘I Call Myself a Feminist’ late last year.
Staring off as a social media project back in 2012 The Everyday Sexism Project is the first book I have ever come across that talks about real issues rather than ignoring the facts or simply overlooking what is now becoming (and has always been) an everyday occurrence for women and girls across the world. The twitter handle is still very active. I urge you to have a gander, you can find them @EverydaySexism.
Why did I buy it? I’m under 30, I’m a feminist and I couldn’t not. I’ve been a feminist all my life I think, the truth is I’ve never really identified with a specific group. I was brought up by my parents, two strong successful individuals and part of the family business for the first 13 years of my life. I’ve always been a part of the adult world and I don’t think it’s done me any harm. Growing up I was encouraged to ask questions and learn how things work, people have generally always listened to my opinions too. I see the balance of power in my house equal and I suppose naïvely I expected my life to continue this way. Then I grew up and learnt that I was one of the lucky ones.
Each contribution to the book resonated with me in some way and I read each essay hoping for a chance to sit in the same room with them all round the dinner table. It would be the most epic of dinner parties! I want to grab a cup of coffee with Hajar, learn more about Paris’s experiences, I want to highfive Amy and give Samira a hug. Jessica has made me stop and question my own actions and Maysa has such a fantastic view of the world.
Maria Victoria Smith 