I’ve struggled with what to write this week and yet I need to write something.
It’s been a tough week. A week that has centred on women. It’s been painful and I’ve struggled to find the silver lining. Maybe this week will drive more conversation about equality? Maybe it will open people’s eyes to the prejudice perpetuated by the media?
The week started on International Women’s Day. A day to celebrate how far we’ve come in women’s equality. And then…
Monday night was Meghan night.
I knew this would be an important watch. As a female, mixed race, British race blogger, how could it not be? But I didn’t realise it would have such a profound effect on me. I wept. It could have been any of us sitting in that chair – vilified, recovering from a mental health crisis, standing up for ourselves. I think we can all remember difficult times in our lives, but how many of us can say we didn’t have anyone to help us? It’s heartbreaking to contemplate.
Tuesday was Meghan media day.
I woke up feeling battered and bruised. Luckily there were many supportive vibes out there in my circle. But for every enlightened message, there were an equal number of racist, misogynistic narratives circulating the main stream media. It really hit home just how dangerous the media is. Denial of racism. Discreditation of mental health challenges. White fragility by the bucket load. And a huge chunk of the population taken in by it.
Wednesday was a breath of fresh air.
This was a good day. I met a group of inspirational new allies by taking part in a panel discussion about female enterprises for Nottingham Trent University. Women really do support women. And we all needed this respite at this point in the week.
Thursday we worried for Sarah.
And Friday we knew it was her.
Heartbreak, and horror, but unfortunately not surprise. We knew that Sarah Everard has been killed. We learnt about her alleged killer and how this murder could have been prevented. I, like everyone, felt, and still feel, heartbroken and extend my condolences to to Sarah’s family.
Saturday was vigil day
Women support women. They come together. They collaborate. And in the wake of such a challenging week, women came together to lay flowers and remember Sarah Everard and all the women who have been harassed and harmed as they go about their daily lives.
We went to bed with images of police brutality. Of men (policemen) attacking women (silent women laying flowers).
Sunday – Mothers’ Day
I’m very, very grateful for my family. On Mother’s Day I got to spend time with my husband and daughter, and my inspirational mother. Many are not so fortunate I know, and I’m thankful that I got some tonic on this last day of a heavy, heavy week.
So that’s me using my blog for a bit of journaling therapy this week. This post isn’t about race, it’s about equality on a larger scale. We won’t have racial equality until we have gender equality. And vice versa.
I don’t have any words of wisdom to share today, but I do think it’s important to talk about how we’re feeling. I still believe that discussion is key to progress. So for everyone who’s found this week challenging, please reach out and talk to people. There are people who will listen, and I’m pleased to share my platform with you, so that we can all talk and support each other here too.
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