I Call Myself A Feminist

Is feminism still a dirty word? We asked twenty-five of the brightest, funniest, bravest young women what being a feminist in 2015 means to them.

We hear from Laura Bates (of the Everyday Sexism Project), Reni Eddo-Lodge (award-winning journalist and author), Yas Necati (an eighteen-year-old activist), Laura Pankhurst, great-great granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst and an activist in her own right, comedian Sofie Hagen, engineer Naomi Mitchison and Louise O'Neill, author of the award-winning feminist Young Adult novel Only Ever Yours. Writing about a huge variety of subjects, we have Martha Mosse and Alice Stride on how they became feminists, Amy Annette addressing the body politic, Samira Shackle on having her eyes opened in a hostel for survivors of acid attacks in Islamabad, while Maysa Haque thinks about the way Islam has informed her feminism and Isabel Adomakoh Young insists that women don't have to be perfect. There are twelve other performers, politicians and writers who include Jade Anouka, Emily Benn, Abigail Matson-Phippard, Hajar Wright and Jinan Younis.

Is the word feminist still to be shunned? Is feminism still thought of as anti-men rather than pro-human? Is this generation of feminists - outspoken, funny and focused - the best we've had for long while? Has the internet given them a voice and power previously unknown?

Rachel Holmes' most recent book is Eleanor Marx: A Life; Victoria Pepe is a literary scout; Amy Annette is a comedy producer currently working on festivals including Latitude; Alice Stride works for Women's Aid and Martha Mosse is a freelance producer and artist.

“Full of spirit, candour and good sense . . . provocative in all kinds of ways”

Telegraph
It's a real joy to see young women taking up feminism in such positive ways Herald
Refreshing and eye-opening and much-needed . . . I Call Myself a Feminist might be specifically targeted at younger women but readers of any age stand to learn a whole lot from this anthology -- Katie Grant Independent
There are many chapters here that enlighten, cheer, or rightly anger. Some have real style and swagger . . . the best are often those that refract wider social questions through the prism of personal experience . . . I Call Myself a Feminist provides a lively and heartfelt introduction to many of the flash points of feminism, and manages to be both relatable and inspirational Independent on Sunday

So why did we title this book I Call Myself a Feminist ? Because this book - for women and men, girls and boys everywhere - is a statement of intent. Because 'I call myself a feminist' is an active, personal and powerful phrase. Because the word 'feminist' remains under siege, cast aside by some for being too inclusive and broad and because there are many who refuse to identify with it. Because we are not born a feminist; we become one. We hope that there is at least one essay here that makes your heart beat in recognition, one that you'll want to thrust it in front of your friends and family and bellow: 'THIS! This is EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SAY!' We rallied together in the experience of making this book - as editors, and with all of our splendid contributors. The view from twenty-five women under thirty includes: Isabel Adomakoh Young Amy Annette Jade Anouka Meltem Avcil Laura Bates Emily Benn Bertie Brandes Rosie Brighouse Reni Eddo-Lodge June Eric-Udorie Sofie Hagen Phoebe Hamilton-Jones Maysa Haque Caroline Kent Abigail Matson-Phippard Naomi Mitchison Martha Mosse Yas Necati Louise O'Neill Laura Pankhurst Samira Shackle Tania Shew Alice Stride Jinan Younis Hajar Wright Young feminists - whether you call yourself one or not - this book is for you. This one's for us.

Is feminism still a dirty word? We asked twenty-five of the brightest, funniest, bravest young women what being a feminist in 2015 means to them.We hear from Laura Bates (of the Everyday Sexism Project), Reni Eddo-Lodge (award-winning journalist and author), Yas Necati (an eighteen-year-old activist), Laura Pankhurst, great-great granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst and an activist in her own right, comedian Sofie Hagen, engineer Naomi Mitchison and Louise O'Neill, author of the award-winning feminist Young Adult novel Only Ever Yours . Writing about a huge variety of subjects, we have Martha Mosse and Alice Stride on how they became feminists, Amy Annette addressing the body politic, Samira Shackle on having her eyes opened in a hostel for survivors of acid attacks in Islamabad, while Maysa Haque thinks about the way Islam has informed her feminism and Isabel Adomakoh Young insists that women don't have to be perfect. There are twelve other performers, politicians and writers who include Jade Anouka, Emily Benn, Abigail Matson-Phippard, Hajar Wright and Jinan Younis.Is the word feminist still to be shunned? Is feminism still thought of as anti-men rather than pro-human? Is this generation of feminists - outspoken, funny and focused - the best we've had for long while? Has the internet given them a voice and power previously unknown?Rachel Holmes' most recent book is Eleanor Marx: A Life; Victoria Pepe is a literary scout; Amy Annette is a comedy producer currently working on festivals including Latitude; Alice Stride works for Women's Aid and Martha Mosse is a freelance producer and artist.

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