We talked about the traditional obstacles many of us will be all too familiar with – issues deeper than age, upbringing and location.
“Feminism” was the word leaping from everybody’s lips.
I love the concept but the word conjures an image in people’s minds that I hate.
Being a former Page 3 model, I understand why I may not seem the obvious choice for a beacon for the feminist movement!
However, my former job has shaped how I feel about women’s choices. I chose to be a model – and not just a model but a Page 3 model.
I know! Burn me at the stake, why don’t you?
Did I go to school dreaming of the day someone would take my photo? No.
I studied Government and Politics and Double English at A-level, among other things.
A Page 3 girl is not who I was – it was just my job.
I made a choice and was grateful I had the opportunity to do so.
I was often told how I should I think or feel about my job, my appearance and my role as a woman.
It was as if my story was dictated by others, rather than by me.
It really hit me last week that feminism can seem an exclusive club, with membership only handed out if you are ticking certain boxes, making approved choices and only discussed with you if you are a woman.
It is “us against them”.
And that is what bothers me. As a mother of boys and a girl, I am very aware of how – if we are not careful – we are going to alienate not just our young girls but our boys too.
This notion that boys and men aren’t to be trusted, worked with or recognised is destructive. Yes, it is often hard for girls. Inequality is absolutely not fair.
Women rising up together to make a change is important. But we need to remember it is not about anyone being better. It is about being equal.
My sons are brought up with the notion they can be whoever they wish, love whoever they choose and be whatever they want.
This is no different from my daughter. I am conscious to set a positive example of working hard to achieve and, more importantly, working together to get there.
I want to raise children who are confident enough to lift people up and recognise their worth, irrespective of what is between someone’s legs.
It’s about what’s between the ears that matters.
We need our boys hearing these conversations and our girls need space to start them.
Feminism is for everyone and should be important to both genders, but we have to show the way. We are better together.
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