A packed Mitre Theatre welcomed the author and campaigner Laura Bates for our third Mitre Lecture in early February. After being introduced by Jacob (Lower Sixth), Laura spoke powerfully and authoritatively about the cultural roots of sexism, the origins of the Everyday Sexism project that she founded in 2012, and the continuing problems of misogynistic portrayals of women in the media, violence against women and girls, and patriarchal dominance of institutions.
The best-selling, award-winning author of eight books, Laura has worked with the UK government to develop statutory guidance for PSHE in schools. Arguing that women and girls cannot fix the problem on their own, Laura drew parallels between harmful portrayals of female and male body image, and discussed how misogyny intersects with other forms of entrenched prejudice, such as racism, ableism, homophobia, and transphobia. She finished her talk by providing practical tips on how everyone in the audience could seek to combat sexism in their everyday lives.
Lower Sixth students Anna and Beni then expertly chaired a brilliant Q&A session in which Laura fielded questions about the positioning of characters in her novels, liberal democracies’ responsibility to challenge institutionalised misogyny in countries like Saudi Arabia, and the issues caused by the ‘algorithmic steroids’ powering social media and other online spaces.
We’re very grateful indeed to Laura for visiting us, and the eager queue of students and staff asking for pictures and book signing after the lecture attested to the impact that her visit had on those present.
Beni says, “I knew the lecture would resonate with me and every other young girl in the room, however having a plethora of facts displayed in person by someone who has lived through these (horrific) experiences was an effect completely beyond what an article or virtual presentation could create. The talk was powerful, the message was indelible, and the realities of everyday sexism should continue to be spoken about to all genders and ages, as the issue is everywhere.
“I genuinely will not forget the opportunity I was given to chair the Q&A, as well as ask Laura Bates some more detailed questions before the talk began. Her ability to respond so eagerly, rapidly and skilfully to every question we sprung on her in front of a live crowd was just inspiring. Her lecture and responses provided compelling proof of how deeply everyday sexism is ingrained in our lives as women, something that must be confronted constantly, hence why it is at the forefront of our minds.”
Anna agrees, “Laura’s ‘everyday sexism’ talk was eloquent and uninterrupted. Rather than a recycled lecture on pre-digested knowledge about sexism, Laura connected with everyone in the lecture, regardless of gender or age through her refreshing insight into the invisible ways in which sexism is instilled systemically.
“The opportunity to chair and interact with Laura directly was invaluable, and her answers to our personal questions never missed a beat. Even when questioned about the roles of foreign powers, Laura never appeared to be thrown off or intimidated, with the depth of her knowledge obviously spanning beyond her immediate lecture.
“Both male and female were united as equals within the parameters of her talk, and any anticipated narrative of persecuted and persecutor were entirely absent; She was conclusive and definite whilst equally creating a space for all to be heard and included.”
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The Mitre Lectures are a dynamic series of talks featuring high-profile external speakers, designed to engage students with big ideas each half term. Past speakers include: Sultana Tafadar KC and Helen Carr.
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