Being A Badass Feminist: Lockdown Edition
Are you finding it hard to let your feminism shine through in these wild times of quarantine? This pandemic is unprecedented, as the government likes to continuously remind us, but that doesn’t mean you can’t step out, inside, in a way to help those around you and continue to do the magic work which helps see equality rise. Firstly, this lock-down is not a competition on who can be the most productive. It’s a time of madness where tensions and anxieties are high, but there are still many ways to be the number one cause-fighting-wonder-person you always were.
If you’re anything like me, then there’s a chance that you have a stack of books that are just itching to be read. So why not, whilst the weather is gloriously indecisive, pick up a feminist book? These are my top picks, all available from independent UK stores, all with a kick:
Bad Feminist: Essays by Roxanne Gay is a fabulous collection of essays which explores how to navigate being a feminist whilst also loving things which can contradict the ideology.
Everyday Sexism, and Misogynination by Laura Bates. These two books are the politicised manifestos you need to show every person in your life.
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women that a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall is a strong critique on how mainstream feminism is often ignorant of people of colour.
We Should all be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie gives a modern day definition of feminism in a pocket book essay.
The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf examines how beauty has been manufactured and helps those who read it to change their perspective on what it means.
Feminists Don’t Wear Pink (and Other Lies) by Scarlett Curtis is a fantastic collection of short essays by a multitude of different authors exploring what feminism means to individuals.
There are, of course, thousands of other titles. So why not have a peruse through Pages of Hackney’s feminist section.
If reading isn’t what you’re into this quarantine, perhaps you have a bursting wardrobe you’ve been putting off sorting through. There are many charities who need help at the moment, with the government reporting huge losses in the charitable sector, and some that will benefit from that clear out. Of course we’re staying safe, and posting off your goods might have to wait until we’re free to explore the natural, and unnatural, world again. Or perhaps you could use your one walk of the day to venture to your local post office and enjoy a leisurely socially distant post office experience; it’s much the same as a normal post office experience, but everyone seems a little bit more shifty.
Smalls for All is a charity which collects underwear and sends it to women in need across the UK and Africa. Of course, they’re looking for underwear for other women, so use your discretion in whether the pair you bought in 2006 would be appropriate.
Women’s Aid and Smart Works are both charities who collect slightly worn or new clothes and give them directly to those in need, they have different requirements so be sure to check their websites. To donate to Women’s Aid, try contacting your local refuge and asking if they are currently accepting clothing and what they’re after, it could be the case that they already have hundreds of pairs of Topshop jeans in a size 8. Smart Works is a little different – the charity provides smart clothing to women to wear to job interviews to help them get back on their feet – so again, double check if you think it’s alright before sending.
Meanwhile Bloody Good Period and Every Month MCR are charities which help period poverty and create period packs and give products to those who need them. Whilst Every Month MCR’s period packing parties might have been postponed, both charities are still looking for donations, and as Bloody Good Period has put it: “Periods don’t stop in a pandemic”. Every Month recently shared a plea on social media requesting more supplies of pads as their storage locker has emptied.
Whilst it isn’t really advisable to stock up from your local Asda, where empty shelves have become commonplace, ordering sanitary pads online is definitely a great way to help. Both Boots and Superdrug are still offering delivery service for essential items; which despite the (hopefully historial) Tampon Tax, does include sanitary products. Similarly, if you’re looking for some perhaps more feminist activities to try out this quarantine, you could invest in a mooncup and give it a whirl.
Or, if you are a devil with a sewing machine, give the NHS a hand and offer to make masks or scrubs for your local hospital. This is something which I am becoming involved with, and have been assured that even very basic skills are enough.
Finally, if you’re looking to splash a little cash, there are so many Etsy stores and independent retailers who would really appreciate the business right now. Self employment will always be hard, especially for those who do not qualify for the Government’s help right now. If you’re in a position to help, then please do. Equally, if you’re able to share the work of these charities and encourage others to help, then do. Charities rely on so much more than donations and support comes in many forms.
This lockdown is an extraordinarily unparalleled situation to have occurred in our lifetimes. But throughout it, misjustice is still occurring and the fight for equality continues.
For information that could help you if you are experiencing domestic abuse please call 0808 2000 247, dial 999 55, or visit nationaldahelpline.org.uk or refuge.org.uk
