Don't be a wallflower, be a warrior... for women's rights at Queen's
When I turned 20, I was given the best birthday present I’ve ever received: Women don’t owe you pretty by Florence Given. It’s now my bible. I’ve never felt so passionately about protecting our energy as females.
Coming to terms with the blatant inequalities for girls in today’s society was a tough pill to swallow but unfortunately not something I didn’t already know. Why do we have to disclose our relationship status on forms of Miss/Mrs/Ms and Mr’s owe no such explanation. Why are we judged and condemned for our sexual partners when boys are congratulated and praised? Why are rape prosecutions only at 1.7%*? And, for the love of God WHY are women’s underwear being branded in court as evidence she was ‘asking for it’?!
I am hoping to create a safe space for young women at Queen’s to feel empowered and seek support. A sisterhood of sorts. Whether that be a support group for sexual assault survivors; organised protests in support of women’s rights at Queens and devoting time to educating everyone on campus about the new narrative we are working together to create. Conversations about consent: ‘If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hell no’. I want to establish a network of women supporting and celebrating one another’s success.
I will continue to fight for feminism regardless, but I would really appreciate your votes and the amplified platform it would help give our cause on campus. ‘Feminism is the radical concept that women are people’ (Cheris Kramarae). Let’s start the conversation here at Queen’s and make sure everyone hears our narrative. Don't be a wallflower, be a warrior.
*Data taken from the Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/rape-prosecution-england-wales-victims-court-cps-police-a8885961.html