Reclaiming the F Word

'A lucid and lively examination of the state of contemporary feminism from two women who really know what they're talking about. Most importantly, at a time when it's easy to feel down-hearted about the state we're in, this book is full of hope.' - Libby Brooks, deputy comment editor, Guardian 'If you thought feminism was dead or drawing its pension, think again. Savvy, witty and politically passionate, Reclaiming the F Word explains what today's feminists want, and describes what they are doing to make it happen. Whether or not you actually call yourself a feminist, if you care about gender equality and justice you will want to read this book.' - Deborah Cameron, author of The Myth of Mars and Venus 'The most wide-ranging, the most globally-oriented and in many respects the most radical [new feminist release ... Practical, positive, and refreshingly free from navel-gazing. I can't put it any better than the prologue - 'it's optimistic, rolling-up-your-sleeves-and-getting-things-done feminism'' - Delilah Campbell, Trouble and Strife 'There has never been a better, more exciting time to be a feminist. This book shows the positive impact of feminism on our daily lives. Reclaiming The F Word should be every woman's - and many men's - bedside companion.' - Zoe Margolis, aka Abby Lee, author of Girl With A One Track Mind 'Anyone wanting to know what it means to be a feminist: read this book. You are sure to be inspired by how necessary feminism remains both for changing societies and liberating ourselves.' - Amy Richards, author of "Manifesta" and "Opting In" 'Redfern and Aune have arrived with their arms full of ideas, encouragement and action for human beings who think that it would be a blooming good idea if everyone was treated equally regardless of their gender ... Redfern and Aune's contribution on women's political involvement provides a robust and important contribution to this rejuvenated feminist debate ... [a] must-have DIY guide to feminist action' - Anthea McTeirnan, The Irish Times 'Reclaiming the F Word provides an introduction to contemporary feminism along with evidence that this movement is much needed, even today. If you're wondering what feminism is, or whether you might be a feminist, this is the book for you. And if you've encountered sexism and want suggestions on how to fight it, Reclaiming the F Word will show you what other young feminists have done--locally and globally--and will invite you to become an activist. This is a book that celebrates feminist history and salutes the new generation of feminism that's emerging.' - Alison Piepmeier, Director, Women's and Gender Studies Program, The College of Charleston 'Welcome to the new feminist movement' write authors Catherine Redfern and Kristin Aune at the end of the first chapter of The F Word. With verve and immediacy, the writers explore how 'feminism is a survival mechanism'. They answer questions like: 'What does it feel like to live inside a liberated female body?' 'Why would any woman have a foot-lift so she could wear high heels?' 'Why has it become compulsory for almost every woman in the western world to be "up for" "sex"?' 'Why are one in three women around the world beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in their life times?' 'What is Hollaback and how does it use the internet to fight harassment against women?' 'Have women exchanged being a house-slave for being a wage-slave?' 'Why should working fathers be given non-transferable parental leave?' 'What difference would it make if half the world's politicians were women?' 'Or half the religious and spiritual leaders?' 'What is the Divine Androgyne?' 'Did a British University Vice-Chancellor really tell his male academic staff to ogle their female students as a job "perk"?' 'What's the relationship between celebrity culture and women's educational levels?' 'What would Buffy do if she were in Bella's shoes?' 'What issues preoccupy young

Catherine Redfern is founder of The F Word website. Now almost ten years old, the site is recognised as influential in sparking a revived interest in feminism amongst younger women and men. In 2002 the site was highly commended by the Women in Publishing's New Venture Awards, and in 2003 Redfern was named by the Guardian as one of 50 'Women to Watch'. Kristin Aune is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Derby, where she teaches courses on feminism, gender and religion. She has been involved in a number of feminist groups and co-founded London Third Wave, a networking group for London based young feminists, with Catherine Redfern in 2002. She has published widely on gender, religion and feminism. Her most recent (co-edited) book is /Women and Religion in the West/ (2008).

1. Liberated bodies 2. Sexual Freedom and Choice 3. An End to Violence Against Women 4. Equality at Work and Home 5. Politics and Religion Transformed 6. Popular Culture Free from Sexism 7. Feminism Reclaimed