Hi Everyone!
It’s been an exciting couple of months here at AW80W, and I can’t wait to share what’s been happening. Is it me or do the summer months seem to warrant a slower pace and a reconnection with friends, family, nature and ourselves? This is exactly where June and July have taken me, including a trip down to Yorkshire where I spent quality time with friends and family who I haven’t seen in person for quite some time.
While there, I did a lot of walking, swimming and eating great food. It was also important for me to switch off from work and email for a couple of weeks to allow myself to recharge after a busy period. On my return, I felt refreshed and ready to dive into writing.
Digging Life Down Under
At the beginning of June, I published a new story in the series, which features Tina’s story from New Zealand. In her narrative, Tina discusses the cultural differences between Germany, where she was born, and New Zealand, where she’s lived for more than 25 years.
As a femmepreneur (female entrepreneur) and self-titled ‘wild woman’, Tina discusses how women often go against their bodies to succeed in business and are more likely to burn out than men. Having spent many years in the corporate world, Tina certainly knows a thing or two about this topic, so I encourage you to check out her enlightening story.
Read “Tina’s Story from New Zealand”
Angel in the House
In July, I wrote a piece for the publication Fourth Wave on Medium about a recent experience where I felt that, as a woman, I was being praised for my obedience. This encounter caught me off guard, so I decided to explore the reason behind it in an article.
Throughout the writing process, I remembered studying the 19th-century concept of the “Angel in the house” during my university years. Based on a poem by Coventry Patmore, the Angel in the House represents the “ideal wife” who cares for the household and conducts herself with poise, elegance, and grace. My own experience of interacting with a member of the maintenance team for our rental flat, during which I was praised for being so amenable to the forthcoming electrical work, created an interesting parallel.
It was also fun to make an interesting connection with the early feminist Virginia Woolf, who discussed “killing the phantom” as an act of defiance. As a bonus, this article was mentioned in Fourth Wave’s newsletter and was described as a piece that serves as a “bold, clear call to reject the phantom of obedience and demand respect.”
Read “As a Woman, Don’t Praise Me for Obedience”
On the Horizon
In the coming weeks, I have several articles that I’m over the moon to share with you. Firstly, “Marianne’s Story from Bolivia”, as part of AW80W, is a bold piece about being a global citizen in which she explains how having young children should not be a barrier to travel. Marianne is currently reviewing this story, and once the final edits have been made, it will be submitted for publication.
Also on the horizon is an article titled “Edinburgh’s Hidden Bookshops.” As the name suggests, this is a guide to the lesser-known bookshops across Scotland’s capital, including everything from independent bookshops to second-hand/vintage booksellers – with a few interesting mentions thrown into the mix. This article is a must-read for any booklover looking to visit the city or for locals wanting fresh inspiration. Watch this space!
What Will Your Story Look Like?
As always, I encourage women to contact me to share their stories. Respect and tolerance are important to me, so the term ’women’ is used in its most inclusive sense. I’d love to hear your story, so don’t hesitate to email me at AW80W.project@gmail.com
I particularly encourage those from underrepresented or marginalised groups to take part. Diverse voices need to be heard.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Take care,
Rachel : )
