EmpowerHer*Voice workshop

This Monday Teddies’ FemSoc hosted EmpowerHer*Voice for a workshop on ‘thinking and doing with feminism’.

Empower Her* Voice is a global community-based platform for people of marginalised genders who live under the effects of patriarchy. They aim to create spaces for collaborative and productive dialogue.

Read on to see our pupils responses to the workshop:

‘The main feature of this workshop was feminist philosophy which explored the challenges of changing the system of patriarchy, including issues around language. We were introduced to many different feminist thinkers such as Judith Butler, Lola Olufemi and Shon Faye and we explored the genealogy of gender-biased language and ideas. The concept of gender being both a construct and a performance was discussed as well as various forms of activism. I loved how interactive the workshop was, and I really want EmpowerHer*Voice to come to Teddies again, to continue the brilliant discourse we had.’ Maditha Frieser (Upper Sixth)

‘I loved how we were all making a collective effort to learn and really engage with a range of really complex academic ideas. The discussion really resonated with everyone in the room, which is why it was such a shock when it ended as it had felt like we’d only just begun!’ Alisha Ali (Fifth Form)

‘The interactions between the speakers and the students was extraordinary!’ (Shell)

‘I really enjoyed learning about the different types of feminist philosophy and discussing how language can often be inherently sexist and just having a space where we could learn more about feminism and discuss our ideas together.’ Carina Upson Sandlund (Lower Sixth)

‘The workshop was extremely insightful and taught me many things about feminist philosophy, methodology, and genealogy. I especially enjoyed the feminist philosophy aspect of the workshop, as I love learning about new types of philosophy. I also enjoyed learning about the books they recommended, and will definitely be ordering a few of them to read in the future. Overall, it was amazing how everyone from Shells to Upper Sixth pupils felt comfortable to share their own ideas and knowledge. It was an inviting, intersectional and open space where everyone’s perspective was equally valid. It was a huge success!’ Elise Rance (Upper Sixth)

‘What I loved the most about this workshop was the level of academia shared by the two workshop leaders, Phoebe and Amira. Not only was it inspiring on so many different levels to touch on feminism philosophy and critically evaluate feminism ideologies but it reinforced the notion that the experience of each woman whether it be race, gender, socio-economic status has to be considered when highlighting the systems of oppression, domination, and discrimination; which is why intersectionality is so important.  It is so amazing to hear young women confidently, delicately and eloquently educate a school community on issues so crucial to our society.’ Olivia Olisagu (Upper Sixth)

Access the EmpowerHer*Voice recommended reading list here