Home>"Writing about gender equality requires bravery"
03.02.2021
"Writing about gender equality requires bravery"
Shivani and Madhul met while attending the Sciences Po Undergraduate College on the Le Havre campus. They tell us how they turned their passion for writing and feminist issues into a platform called Quelle Femme featuring articles, op-eds, poems, short stories and multimedia which seeks to promote social, political and cultural issues under the larger themes of feminism, gender equality and intersectionality. An interview.
Why did you decide to create a Feminist Chapter Publication in Le Havre campus?
Shivani: Both writing and feminism have changed my life by allowing me to recognise my place, position and passion. It has empowered me in so many ways: I have been able to understand the multiple layers of oppression that threaten so many women as well as what we can do to educate and transcend awareness to make our world better. I always thought that emphasis should be given to women’s stories: there is a dire lack of women-centred narratives and stories in both media and pop culture. During my first year at Sciences Po, I got the chance to meet passionate feminists and activists ; I discussed the idea of starting a publication with our campus’ Feminist Chapter and began looking for contributors. The response was truly humbling! I was so happy to collaborate with our writers, designers and editors. I want to explore social issues through a gendered and intersectional lens and this is what we have tried to achieve with Quelle Femme. Over quarantine, we came together to try and take Quelle Femme one step further through the creation of a beautiful website, social media pages, among others. The public speaking association on campus, Havrais Dire even provided us with funding for our website!
Madhul, you became Editor-in-Chief this year. Can you tell us more?
Madhul: When I was a first year student, Shivani was my friend and mentor. She integrated me onto the Quelle Femme’s editorial board. This project combines the two things that are most important to me: feminism and writing. From there, the path was clearly marked: I wanted to raise awareness about feminist ideas and start conversations. What I love about Quelle Femme is that it answers questions one may be too afraid to ask. The publication is not meant to be politically correct: it stands up for the diversity of opinions, even within the feminist movement. As editor-in-chief, I encourage writers to pen their thoughts, edit and keep up our website. I also keep track and organise other feminism-related activities on campus.
Why did you choose to tackle feminist issues through the written word?
Madhul: The written word has the power of permanence, which makes the activity itself daunting, and all writers brave. Writing about issues like gender equality in the modern world requires bravery, because even though it may seem achievable, we are a long way from the day women walk alone on the street and do not turn around to check whether she is being followed, even in broad daylight.
Shivani: I have always been a lover of books and writing has always been a passion: it gives me a creative outlet and the ability to channel my energies toward engaging both myself and my readers in creative and constructive dialogue and discussion. Some of us take to the streets, some of us have uncomfortable conversations, while some of us write. I think that’s me: I believe that the power of storytelling can help us inspire one another to strive for further change. We are living in a golden age of female journalism where women are taking control of their narratives and freedoms. Female political reporters have been silenced and sidelined in the media industry for ages, particularly women of colour. It is not simply enough to empower women and understand their stories but also dwell into the lived experiences of women of colour and marginalised communities.
How do you select the pieces you include in your blog and in your publications?
Shivani: We accept a variety of different articles and are very open when it comes to structure, form and themes. On our website, we have sections dedicated to very abstract themes like feminism, intersectionality, politics, society, body, mental health, and pop culture. We always encourage stories that focus also on personal experiences and encounters. Ultimately, all the stories and articles are so well crafted and well written and we are immeasurably grateful to all our talented writers on campus. Some of our articles and op-eds also centre around events happening on campus and our immediate environment.
Madhul: Quelle Femme does not reject any articles submitted to us for publishing because on a campus of 300 people we want to encourage as many people to write as possible. We also do not force people to write or assign work, especially during times like this, when people are stressed for their physical and mental health. We do hope, however, that reading our blog sparks debate and encourages people to write and express themselves.
Do you have a favourite piece you would like to share?
Shivani: It is really difficult to exactly pick my favourite piece from Quelle Femme simply because each and every story is diverse in its own way and sheds light on a different experience. Of the top of my head, one of our writers wrote about her experience as a test-tube baby and the journey of her family, especially navigating LGBTQ legislation and rules on adoption. There is also a piece on the idea of masculinity and what a man’s identity entails, and how trans rights and voices remain largely excluded in spite of the progress we have made. Another writer also wrote about difficult conversations she had with her more conservative Russian family and how she has constantly had to fight to feel both heard and seen.
