Fourth wave feminism is defined as a feminist movement that began around 2012 and is characterised by a focus on the empowerment of women, the use of internet tools and intersectionality. With a great number of people believing equality across the genders has been achieved, this book exists to show the issues at the forefront of everyday women's minds. It is a place for women to feel beautiful in a world where they are told their best is not enough.
Massive thank you to Gaby Bromage for designing the front cover, she can be found at @bossydisposition on instagram
Josie
"There is a clear issue with the representation of women in the media today. Women are hardly ever shown in positions of power but rather as decorative objects. The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media foundation has conducted research into the effects of how film and media stereotypes affect young women and girls lives and their leadership ambitions. The findings show that out of the top grossing films of 2018, of all the characters in positions of leadership, only 27% were women. What is perhaps more depressing is that these female leaders are twice as likely to be partially or fully nude or sexualised in some way. Representation of women in power needs to be more visible and normalised. We must also stop the sexual objectification of women, fund female content makers and address harassment and discrimination in the workplace!"
Josie
Josie
Mary
"I wanted to convey how I as a woman often feel judged on my appearance and so wanted to show that you can dress up and look pretty without feeling that you have to or that it's for somebody else. I felt good in these pictures and it was only for me and that's empowering."
Mary
Mary
Jen, Alice & Anna
"We should never be compared, between ourselves or to anyone else. Comparisons usually cause negative impacts upon our mental health. Spreading the message of equality, diversity and beauty is always a priority in society."
Jen, Alice & Anna
Jen, Alice & Anna
Kalina
"Something I quickly realised as a woman is that the most important relationship you will ever cultivate is with yourself. Take yourself on dates, dress up for sitting at home, cook an elaborate meal for one. You are the love of your life."
Kalina
Kalina
Eros
"It's revolutionary to consider yourself attractive in a society which tells you, you should not exist at all."
Eros
Eros
Gabrielle
"Often within society, particularly in the workplace, females don't often get a fair deal. I joined the gig rowing club shortly after starting uni. The sport is renowned for being quite a traditionally male dominated past time. Rowing has given me the confidence to be myself, get involved and ultimately, be part of an inclusive activity. Sport is something that demonstrates equality between men and women, just because we are female does not make us weaker. Rather, it makes us stronger for showing up, facing adversity and proving opinions wrong."
Gabrielle
Gabrielle
Ellie
"My issue involves the archaic notion that women have a level of dependence on their male counterparts. By going out to sketch on location, I am able to work in my own company, reinforcing the power of female independence and disrupting the societal norm."
Ellie
Ellie
Maddy
"I wish the comparison and sexualisation of the female body would stop. As well as the judgement about what women do or don't do with their body. I wish more women were involved in conversations concerning women's issues. I want women to be equal to men."
Maddy
Maddy
Ella
"As summer is approaching I want to start wearing crop tops and skirts but have never felt 100% comfortable in doing so because there has been countless times of either whistling or snide comments. I'm sick of it. I literally can't leave my house without someone feeling as though they have the right to comment on my appearance and I'm so much more than that."
Ella
