Reverse Sexism
LEah wrote on a blog recently that the Everyday Sexism Project exists to catalogue instances of sexism experienced by women on a day to day basis. They might be serious or minor, outrageously offensive or so niggling and normalised that you don’t even feel able to protest. Say as much or as little as you like, use your real name or a pseudonym – it’s up to you.
By sharing your story you’re showing the world that sexism does exist, it is faced by women everyday and it is a valid problem to discuss.
I think it's remarkable and beautiful and powerful. And this is what the world needs to see.
In the blog Leah said that when she started the Everyday Sexism project a year ago she never imagined that by now it would have attracted some 25,000 entries and be about to spread to 15 countries.
Here is the video that Leah took in London:
The project was launched with no funding or publicity and the intention was to provide a talking point for friends and hoped that some of them might have stories to share.
Take a listen to some of the accounts she received:
. A seven-year-old disabled girl and a 74-year-old wheelchair user recorded almost identical experiences of shouted jibes about "female drivers". A video-shop cashier, a midwife and a marketing consultant suffered indistinguishable experiences of sexual assault by senior male colleagues.
A schoolgirl and a widow reported being pressured and pestered for sex. A reverend in the Church of England was repeatedly asked if there was a man available to perform the wedding or funeral service: "nothing personal". A man was congratulated for "babysitting" his own children.
A 14-year-old schoolgirl wrote: "I am constantly told I can't be good at things because I'm a girl. That I need to get back in the kitchen. That all I'm good for is cleaning, cooking, and sex." A DJ explained how constant harassment and groping had made her dread the job she once loved.
One of the earliest entries she received was not from a female, but from a male.
It read: "You experience sexism because women are inferior in every single way to men. The only reason you have been put on this planet is so we can sleep with you you."
The message ended: "Please die."
Wow. Disgusting.
If you want to chat to Leah, tweet @EverydaySexism.
Also, visit the website on everydaysexism.com
Interesting.