Women. Men. Humans. I am herewith self-publishing my answers to an interview that didn’t make the cut. But never fear, it might not be good enough for nameless & nameless (online edition), but it is good enough for me. I share with you now my thoughts about being a woman in 2018, 100 years since (some) women achieved the vote. The view from here. Enjoy (or don’t, and just don’t tell me). Always your, EJB x
It’s been 100 years since (some) women were granted the right to vote in the UK – how far do you think women have come in the last century?
I’ve just been working on a play that explores what the world might look like in 2050, a process which we started by looking back at where we’ve come from and all that we’ve achieved in the last 100 years. That process has restored a lot of my hope and faith in what humanity is capable of- astoundingly brave communities of women have achieved remarkable things to get us to this point.
However, here we are, in 2018, and not all women can vote in the UK- women living in refuges for example. I think it’s vital to celebrate what women have achieved until now, but there’s still a lot more to do. Changing legislation is one thing, but changing mind-sets and attitudes is stickier and more confusing.
There’s still a huge amount of misogyny in the world, in plain sight and in the crevices, in boardrooms, work-places, government, communities… in my own brain and body. It takes a lot of relentless questioning to work out what we’re made of, what messages we’ve received, what bits we want to keep, and how we might re-imagine and then create a fairer and more equal future.
I think it’s up to all of us to continue stretching our individual and collective imaginations to build a world in which everyone, no matter where you come from, what you look like or who you are, is equal. It’s not going to be easy, but I believe we can get there if we all play our part.
What does it mean to be a woman in 2018?
I’ve never been anything else, at any other time, so in some ways it’s a tricky question, but I’ll do my best. The view from here looks challenging, hopeful, inspiring, scary, messy, overwhelming at times, uncertain, alarming, exciting, powerful. It’s a really interesting time to pose that question, because I think that the very definition of ‘woman’ is up for grabs- the possibilities are widening, but to create lasting change, this movement needs an almighty force behind it. In my experience, being a part of that force is exhilarating and tiring in equal parts.
What do women still need to achieve?
In a word – choice. I want to live in a world in which every woman and girl has access to the same opportunities as everyone else. I also think it’s important that we recognise the validity of those choices, at every level. It’s vital to create space for more female leaders, but it’s also as important to recognise the contribution of those who choose to live in all sorts of other ways. There are a million ways to live a life, and I think it’s important that we make space to recognise and celebrate all of those.
Your personal proudest achievement?
I don’t think it’s a moment in time, but rather the relationships that I have with those around me that I’m proudest of. I’ve got some pretty excellent people and communities around me to lean on and support, something that I will never stop feeling grateful for. I’m very proud of what I do in my work, but I’m proudest of the people who have helped, supported, challenged and inspired me to get to where I am now and wherever we’re all off to next.*
*Sounds ominous; I am not referring to the afterlife- just for clarity.
If you could teach young women one thing about being a woman it would be…
Be visible. Be seen. Take up as much space as you can. You won’t always get it right, but don’t give up trying, and don’t worry about looking daft. You will sometimes (often) create a great fucking mess, and you’ll get it wrong, but try. Vulnerability is a greater strength that I can ever quantify. And finally, you’re going to need a brilliant sense of humour.
And if you could teach young men one thing…
If you believe in equality, you believe in feminism. So I would teach them to worry less about the detail and semantics and realise that they are as much a part of changing the world as anyone else. Look around you and see who doesn’t haven’t a platform, a voice, and share yours to help theirs be heard too.
Complete the following:
In the next 100 years, I hope women will…
Wonder what the fuck feminism was for and why we ever needed it.
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