Bring the herstory of riot grrrl back into the present

What has happened to the legacy of riot grrrl? asks Heather McIntosh

Published: 3 February 2010 | Written by Heather McIntosh

In our satin tights, fighting for our rights! But are women really natural campaigners?

Stereotypes about women drawn to campaigning because they are natural nurturers do more harm than good, argues Mhairi Guild

Published: 14 January 2010 | Written by Mhairi Guild

On sisterhood

Katie Sutton was called sexist names at Reclaim the Night, amid continued disagreements between feminists over the issue of prostitution/sex work. Where now for sisterhood at these public events? Includes a response by Finn Mackay

Published: 9 December 2009 | Written by Various Authors

Moving towards solidarity

Transphobic feminism makes no sense, argues Laurie Penny

Published: 6 December 2009 | Written by Laurie Penny

A gude cause maks a strong arm

Wisrutta Atthakor reports back from the Gude Cause march through Edinburgh, 100 years to the day since Scottish suffragettes took to the city's streets

Published: 18 November 2009 | Written by Wisrutta Atthakor

Feminism in London 2009

Charlotte Cooper reports back from the capital's second Feminism in London conference

Published: 13 October 2009 | Written by Charlotte Cooper

Feminism and the vampire novel

Much has been written about sexism in the Twilight books and film. Here, Caitlin Brown puts the series in context of other popular vampire fiction

Published: 8 September 2009 | Written by Caitlin Brown

Confessions of a brand new feminist

Once Anna Corbett would have laughed at the idea she'd call herself a feminist. Here she explains what changed her mind

Published: 13 July 2009 | Written by Anna Corbett

Some body to love

Forget which body-shape is 'fashionable' - women are more than just their bodies, argues Lara Williams

Published: 7 June 2009 | Written by Lara Williams

Stink bombing the beauty pagaent

Protesters from Smash Miss Contest sneaked into the Miss London University beauty contest, releasing stinkbombs and distributing letters to the audience. Sarah Levack reports

Published: 27 April 2009 | Written by Sarah Levack

Piercing the whitening silence

Terese Jonsson calls for all white feminists (herself included) to step up to the plate on racism and white privilege

Published: 16 March 2009 | Written by Terese Jonsson

Grassroots feminism 2.0?

Want to make connections with grassroots feminist activists across borders and languages? Melanie Maddison talks to Red Chidgey about an online project that aims to help us do just that

Published: 3 March 2009 | Written by Melanie Maddison

Olive would have told me to shut up and do something

Tara Atluri reflects on the Do You Remember Olive Morris? project and the Remembering Olive Collective

Published: 2 March 2009 | Written by Tara Atluri

Losing my hijab

Ala Abbas reflects on her decision to stop wearing the hijab

Published: 24 January 2009 | Written by Ala Abbas

Breastfeeding: radical, feminist and good for you

Kate Joester explains how breastfeeding helped her understand 'the personal is political'

Published: 24 January 2009 | Written by Kate Joester

Challenging sex object culture: definitely needed, definitely lively and definitely a key issue for 2009!

A recent feature in The Times labelled protests against the Miss University London beauty pagaents "old fashioned". But, argues Sandrine Levêque, if anything campaigns against the objectification of women and girls are more relevant today than ever

Published: 4 January 2009 | Written by Sandrine Levêque

Why feminists shouldn't have to keep mum

A feminist challenge to sexism within the current cult of motherhood is needed, argues Victoria Dutchman-Smith

Published: 4 December 2008 | Written by Victoria Dutchman-Smith

Choice and disability

Are feminist pro-choice politics on selective abortions sidelining the concern of disabled people? Victoria Al-Sharqi argues the case

Published: 1 December 2008 | Written by Victoria Al-Sharqi

We're all in this together

Irish and British women must unite in the battle for reproductive rights, argue Ariel Silvera and Sinead Ahern, as they sketch out the history of abortion in Ireland and the UK

Published: 26 October 2008 | Written by Various Authors

Whose feminism is it?

Is feminism reaching women of colour? How about women who didn't go to university, teenage mums, or women who do not have access to the internet? Annika Spalding calls for change

Published: 22 September 2008 | Written by Annika Spalding

Across the porn divide

It's time to end the battle of words, argues Debi Crow

Published: 10 September 2008 | Written by Debi Crow

Million Women Rise - Reflections

Around 5,000 women gathered from across the UK and marched through central London. Although they received no mainstream media attention, the march and rally have since become the subject of much discussion. Louise Livesey talks to some of the people involved...

Published: 23 August 2008 | Written by Louise Livesey

In the name of the father...

For many women, getting married still means changing their name. Sarah Louisa Phythian-Adams has an alternate proposal

Published: 20 August 2008 | Written by Sarah Louisa Phythian-Adams

Sisters! Some of us are mothers, too!

Mothers' issues are feminist issues, argues Ruth Moss

Published: 19 August 2008 | Written by Ruth Moss

Domestic violence and disabled women

Disabled women are twice as likely to experience domestic violence, and can face a range of additional barriers - from inaccessible shelters onwards, Clare Laxton reports

Published: 12 July 2008 | Written by Clare Laxton

Why are women so critical of each other?

All to often, the feminist promise of sisters supporting each other does not reflect reality. Rosjke Hasseldine considers what is holding women back from leaving the war of attrition behind in favour of solidarity

Published: 14 June 2008 | Written by Rosjke Hasseldine

Men! Feminism needs you! (Not your privilege...)

Anne Onne dispenses some advice for men commenting on feminist websites and blogs

Published: 14 June 2008 | Written by Anne Onne

Hip hop ladies

Beyond the mainstream of 'gangster pop', Nino argues hip hop can be - and is - feminist

Published: 7 May 2008 | Written by Nino

Abortion and disability - whose voices are heard?

Are disabled women's voices silenced in the abortion debate? asks Clare Laxton

Published: 4 April 2008 | Written by Clare Laxton

How to get an activist movement to keep women in prostitution

What use are sex worker groups that give out condoms and showers, but can't help women who want to exit prostitution? Ekis reports from Barcelona on prostitution and the campaign for legalisation

Published: 16 March 2008 | Written by Ekis

Labours left unfinished: third wave feminism

The third wave and riot grrrl may be inspiring, but risk ignoring feminist history and swapping radical action for gigs and zines. In a fiery essay, Red Chidgey poses some difficult questions

Published: 10 March 2008 | Written by Red Chidgey

UK feminists must address worldwide issues

All over the planet women are denied the most basic rights. Ruthie Samuel asks: where is the outrage?

Published: 4 February 2008 | Written by Ruthie Samuel

Crime and patriarchy

Jo Legg asks, when will feminists take over the Home Office?

Published: 3 February 2008 | Written by Jo Legg

Breaking out of the mould

Claire Daly interviews the first editor of pioneering feminist magazine Spare Rib

Published: 31 January 2008 | Written by Claire Daly

The F Word Podcast - episode three!

Episode three of The F Word podcast - on the tricky topic of pornography - is out now!

Published: 14 January 2008 | Written by Jess McCabe

Ask a feminist - The F Word problem page

How can I tell if I am a feminist? Can I be a married feminist with children? Check out The F Word's new 'ask a feminist' feature for more

Published: 10 January 2008 | Written by Jess McCabe

A period of transition

Helen G considers why some feminists are hostile to transgender women

Published: 2 January 2008 | Written by Helen G

Filling the hole

The self-hating mindset, if not the medical condition, of anorexia is frighteningly common, argues Katie Muller

Published: 6 December 2007 | Written by Katie Muller

Built for women

The Women's Design Service is celebrating 20 years of feminist activism from the planners' office to the building site. Eeva Berglund reports

Published: 9 November 2007 | Written by Eeva Berglund

'Who... me? I'm just a housewife'

Feminism is not just for women with high-flying careers, and feminists must do more to engage women who feel alienated from the movement, argues Samantha Jay

Published: 30 September 2007 | Written by Samantha Jay

What does the politics of hair say about modern Britain?

Racism and sexism are intertwined - so feminism must tackle them both head-on, says Veronica Wood-Querales

Published: 30 August 2007 | Written by Veronica Wood-Querales

Can burlesque be feminist?

Burlesque may set feminist alarm-bells ringing, but it can help cultivate a love of your own body, argues Chloe Emmott

Published: 30 August 2007 | Written by Chloe Emmott

The F Word podcast: episode one!

Welcome to the first ever F Word podcast!

Published: 9 July 2007 | Written by Jess McCabe

'Honey! Your vagina needs a mint'

The Vagina Institute purports to provide a public service to curious women. But Samara Ginsberg detects a rather different agenda

Published: 7 July 2007 | Written by Samara Ginsberg

I did it my way

The word spinster seems woefully out-dated. But, when Emma Hadfield exited a long-term relationship, she found some people still can't come to terms with women who choose to stay single and child-free

Published: 7 July 2007 | Written by Emma Hadfield

First impressions

Feminists are caricatured as ugly and fat by society. Assuming a recruitment drive for swim-suit models is off the table, Samara Ginsberg considers what we can do to fight back

Published: 2 June 2007 | Written by Samara Ginsberg

From peace camps to protests - Finn Mackay

In the second of a series of interviews with inspiring women, Jess McCabe talks to Finn Mackay, the brains behind the Reclaim the Night marches and the London Feminist Network

Published: 3 March 2007 | Written by Jess McCabe

War of Words

'Feminism' 'Slut' 'Bitch': all powerful words evoking strong (mostly negative) reactions. Should we reclaim tainted words, or drop them for something less provocative? Kate Townshend discusses this question, and explains why the language we use to define ourselves - and allow others to use to define us - is still important to the feminist cause.

Published: 16 November 2006 | Written by Kate Townshend

Why Not Feminism?

Emma Cosh suggests some reasons why young women shy away from feminism, despite supporting and believing in equality. Feminism today, she argues, involves not just changing the law, but changing the very way we think and behave towards others, and to constantly challenge others to do the same. Is it any wonder that this difficult prospect is unappealing to some?

Published: 10 October 2006 | Written by Emma Cosh

Reasons to be Cheerful

It's usually considered that when feminism engages with state institutions, it loses its radical edge and became compromised and weakened. But is that really the case? Jonathan Dean argues that mainstream women's organisations are actually a lot more radical than they are given credit for, and that we can be optimistic about the future of British feminism.

Published: 1 April 2006 | Written by Jonathan Dean

It Ain't Over Till It's Over

Why are some women hostile to feminism, depsite all the freedom the movement has given them? Lara McKinnnon looks back at an experience which may shed some light on the problem.

Published: 5 November 2005 | Written by Lara McKinnon

Lament for Sisterhood

E Baeza hopes that someday soon women will support each other instead of seeing each other as competitors in a male-dominated culture.

Published: 5 November 2005 | Written by E Baeza

But What of Us? UK Riot Grrrl - Part 4

Cazz Blase updates her classic UK Riot Grrrl history by looking at developments from 2000 up to the present day. Covering an oft ignored but vital chapter in the story of UK feminism, she asks: Where to now for Ladyfest? Has the internet crushed print zines? How has riot grrrl influenced teenage fiction? And, is Riot Grrrl dead or has it just evolved?

Published: 9 April 2005 | Written by Cazz Blase

But What of Us? UK Riot Grrrl - Part 3

The third part of Cazz Blase's series looks at the problems inherent in Riot Grrrl, disagreements within the scene over whether it had run its course, the marketing of "Girl Power" and the future of Riot Grrrl. First published in the zine "Real Girls".

Published: 13 January 2005 | Written by Cazz Blase

But What of Us? UK Riot Grrrl - Part 2

The second part of Cazz Blase's 3 part series looks at the political aspects of UK Riot Grrrl; how it brought awareness of feminism to a new generation, encouraged female friendship and solidarity, and how gender politics entered the music scene. First published in the zine "Real Girls".

Published: 4 November 2004 | Written by Cazz Blase

Important note for all readers

Did you send in a message, comment, or email subscription request between July and September? If so, please read this important message.

Published: 19 September 2004 | Written by Catherine Redfern

Is alcohol really a feminist issue?

The hysteria over women and alcohol is flawed feminism, argues Victoria Dutchman-Smith. Women don't need to be protected from equality - they should be free to make their own choices, just like men.

Published: 18 September 2004 | Written by Victoria Dutchman-Smith

But What of Us? UK Riot Grrrl - Part 1

Cazz Blase's history of Riot Grrrl in the UK is an important introduction to a movement that is often ignored and discounted by cultural critics and even some feminists. Seen through the eyes of the women and girls who were involved, the first part of this 3 part series recounts the origins of Riot Grrrl in the UK and discusses the musical and DIY aspects of the new Grrrl resistance. First published in the zine "Real Girls".

Published: 10 September 2004 | Written by Cazz Blase

Growing up or giving in?

Ms Razorblade is sick and tired of being told that being a lesbian-feminist and a vegan is boring, prudish, and dull, dull, dull. Is refusing men, meat and porn a sign of immaturity - or is 'growing up' really just giving in?

Published: 20 July 2004 | Written by Ms Razorblade

Where is the F word not an F word?

Feminism in the US is experiencing a massive revival due to Bush's anti-woman policies. Having recently moved to the States from London, Natasha Forrest muses on the differences between UK and US feminism.

Published: 1 June 2004 | Written by Natasha Forrest

Surf's Up! In praise of the second wave

Finn Mackay offers a rousing call to arms for UK feminists to rekindle the spirit of second wave feminism.

Published: 19 April 2004 | Written by Finn Mackay

Feminine Feminism

Laura Wadsworth loves lipstick, fashion, boys, and the colour pink. Does that mean she's not a feminist? No way! Girly girls can be just as feminist as anyone else, she argues.

Published: 19 March 2004 | Written by Laura Wadsworth

'Feminists are Sexist'

Should feminists have to spend exactly half their time, energy, and resources working on behalf of men to be taken seriously? Catherine Redfern thinks not.

Published: 19 September 2003 | Written by Catherine Redfern

Ball breaking? Coming out of the feminism closet.

A recent survey by the Equal Opportunities commission was used by the media to brand feminism as "outmoded and unpopular." Lorraine Smith conducts her own survey, and wonders whether feminism needs an image overhaul before people would be willing to embrace the term. Could we draft Kylie in to help?

Published: 19 July 2003 | Written by Lorraine Smith

The F-Word: Contemporary UK Feminism

The F-Word is changing from "young" to "contemporary". Catherine Redfern explains why.

Published: 16 June 2003 | Written by Catherine Redfern

Men in feminism

Few men seem interested in feminism. Lizzie Garcha asks how we can encourage more of them to realise that feminism benefits everyone.

Published: 18 May 2003 | Written by Lizzie Garcha

Is this website discriminating? Responses

Is this website discriminating against older feminists?

Published: 16 March 2003 | Written by Catherine Redfern

Whatever happened to sisterhood?

Kristin Aune examines the concept of sisterhood and wonders whether today's young women are missing out.

Published: 16 January 2003 | Written by Kristin Aune

Response to 'Alien She?'

Jennifer Drew responds to Jane Collins' article Alien She?.

Published: 16 January 2003 | Written by Jennifer Drew

Alien She?

Jane Collins explains how feminism can be alienating, and still seems to be dominated by priviledged women who frequently forget the plight of the working class.

Published: 16 December 2002 | Written by Jane Collins

All About Eve

JoJo Kirtley is astounded and disappointed that British feminists seem to have been distracted by trivia and have forgotten the fundamental feminist issue: stopping the violence.

Published: 16 November 2002 | Written by JoJo Kirtley

Where are the Radicals?

Natasha Forrest untangles the labels and wonders whether radical feminism has been hijacked by authoritarian and conservative imposters.

Published: 16 November 2002 | Written by Natasha Forrest

I Love The 70s

Catherine Redfern loves the 70s, but argues that we should feel more hopeful and confident about feminism as it is today.

Published: 16 October 2002 | Written by Catherine Redfern

Get Mad

Jamie Lee Merrick gets mad mad mad after reading an anti-feminist website. Here's her furious response.

Published: 16 October 2002 | Written by Jamie Lee Merrick

A Third Wave?

Is there such thing as a "Third Wave" of feminism? What are the differences between the feminism of the new generation and that of the Second Wave? Can we make our own revolution in the shadow of those who preceeded us? And why do young women feel so isolated as feminists?

Published: 16 September 2002 | Written by Catherine Redfern

More than just 'Jam and Jerusalem': why we should join the Women's Institute

Melanie Dunn wonders whether the Women's Institute would appeal to feminists today - and is the organisation doing enough to appeal to young women?

Published: 16 July 2002 | Written by Melanie Dunn

The Lowdown on Ladyfest

The essential introduction to this year's Ladyfest, by staunch supporter Amy Bell.

Published: 16 July 2002 | Written by Amy Bell

Interview with Mary-Ann Stephenson

Amy Bell chats with the director of the Fawcett Society as she prepares to leave the post for pastures new.

Published: 16 May 2002 | Written by Amy Bell

The Freedom Trashcan 2002

We chuck loads of stuff into the trashcan.

Published: 16 March 2002 | Written by Catherine Redfern

Happy Birthday to Us!

A quick comment on our one-year anniversary, yippee!

Published: 16 March 2002 | Written by Catherine Redfern

Response to 'Rebranding Feminism'

Lynn Cicada responds to the article Rebranding Feminism.

Published: 16 March 2002 | Written by Lyn Cicada

Rebranding Feminism

How we can tackle the negative image of feminism among many women? How can we re-brand feminism to make it more attractive to a new generation? These were some of the issues being discussed at a meeting entitled Rebranding Feminism held at the ICA in November. Catherine Redfern reports from the event.

Published: 16 December 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern

Rebranding Feminism? Geethika Jayatilaka's talk

Geethika Jayatilaka, Head of Policy and Parliamentary Affairs at the Fawcett Society, spoke at the Rebranding Feminism evening held at the ICA on 30th November. She's kindly allowed The F-Word to reproduce the text of her talk here.

Published: 16 December 2001 | Written by Geethika Jayatilaka

Is this website discriminating?

Is this website discriminating against older feminists?

Published: 16 December 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern

Enough with the pendulum!

There are two phrases guaranteed to make me cringe. One of them is anything involving the pendulum; you know the one that's always "swung too far the other way"?

Published: 16 October 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern

Reply to Nigel Planer

"Men are now in crisis... since the seventies, the pendulum has swung castratingly far in the other direction." wrote Nigel Planer in The Radio Times in June. Jen Clarke responds.

Published: 13 July 2001 | Written by Jen Clarke

Pick 'n' Mix Feminism

So many viewpoints, so many arguments! I think I'll just pick 'n' mix. Catherine Redfern shows just how indecisive she really is.

Published: 16 May 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern

Equality Quiz

So, we're equal now are we? No need for feminism anymore? You sure? Well, find out how equal men and women are by playing this quiz and see how clued up you are.

Published: 16 May 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern

The Personal is (or) isn't political (or is it?)

During the 'second-wave' of feminism in the 1960's-70's, the idea developed that 'the personal is political': i.e. that every part of our personal lives could be affected by the political situation. More recently, some have argued that this idea has given feminism a bad name and has caused feminists to focus on the wrong issues. So who's right?

Published: 16 May 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern

I'm not a feminist, but...

What the movers and shakers think feminism is all about.

Published: 16 March 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern