Former Pupil Reports on 'Everyday Sexism' Book Launch

Caitlin Edwards, former Bablake pupil and Stretch editor, who has been writing for Her Campus, was delighted to be invited to the launch of 'Everyday Sexism' project founder Laura Bates' recent book launch.

Caitlin, a final year undergraduate at the University of Exeter, who received excellent help with her dissertation from Laura, was invited to the launch in London and filed the following report: 'Being invited to the book launch was such an honour. I first met Laura when she visited Bablake last year; this was a very inspiring experience and I've followed the project avidly ever since. 

Laura is one of those people who has such a remarkable insight into incidences of sexism and of discrimination, which all too many people sweep under the carpet as an acceptable and expected aspect of life as a woman. Launching the 'Everyday Sexism' project has provided a platform for all of the women (and men) who have been silenced by 'banter', stereotypes and abuse; an achievement which cannot be understated. 

'Everyday Sexism', the book, is a culmination of the entries by thousands of women and men to the project, addressing important issues of representation, discrimination and harassment. The book launch took place in Foyles bookshop, London, and was attended by some of the most inspirational and successful women I've ever met.

Not only were these women incredibly impressive, but they were welcoming, friendly and entertaining. The evening was a fantastic opportunity to talk to women, from the No More Page 3 campaign to politicians like Stella Creasy, and fashion editors, all of whom are united in their fight against sexism. 

The book launch, like the book itself and the Everyday Sexism project, was a reminder that sexism is experienced by all women, regardless of how successful we are, and that no matter how alone you might feel in your opposition to it, there is a movement of amazing women supporting you.

I urge young women at Bablake, that next time they might feel silenced, embarrassed or angry following an incident of sexism, to take themselves to the school's Main Library and check out the signed copy of Laura's book. It will inevitably become a seminal text, and it should definitely become a compulsory aspect of any curriculum.'

We thank Caitlin for her report, and express our gratitude again to Laura Bates for her recent visit to Bablake, where she spoke to our U6th in Enrichment and led lessons with a Shell and 3rd year class.