Why Do Women Need a Space?
One of the questions that has been posed of The Hearth is ‘why do women need a space?’ This question can come from a place of innocence, of curiosity or even a desire to do better and truly understand. Very occasionally, questions like this come from a place of ignorance. But what is the answer? Why do women need a place and what happens when you create it for them?
A timely context to these types of questions can be found by glancing across the pond. Later this month, the US is due to celebrate ‘Women’s Equality Day’ - August 26th marks the 102nd anniversary of the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment. Just over a century ago, this change in the law prevented states and the federal government from denying women the right to vote. However this year’s celebration will be eclipsed by a very dark shadow, arising from events just two months prior, which saw women’s rights actually lose ground in the US when the Supreme Court overturned the ruling on right to abortion. Now women around the world watch on and wonder what the ripple effect will be for their own communities.
The Hearth was created by women, for women. We acknowledge that the world is different for us - the way we live, the experiences we have, the opportunities we receive, the expectations placed on us, the challenges we face. Women need a space of their own to focus on themselves, to heal, to grow, to learn, to just be. The Hearth holds that space for women so they can be restored to their power, and when women are given the opportunity to reach their true potential, great things happen! The beneficiaries of that greatness span all of society, from our families to the economy, our environment and our future generations.
Last month we hosted a conversation about female hormones with our friends from STORM LDN, a boxing gym and fitness studio in Queens Park. Jessi Clare, a feminine empowerment advocate (and STORM’s resident expert on training through your cycle) explained how important it is for women to tune into their bodies and adjust their lifestyle accordingly. As a qualified fitness instructor myself, who has spent more than 10 years in the fitness industry both professionally and personally, it blew my mind how little data, attention or airtime is given to understanding how women train and how to optimise our workouts based on our bodies. Menstruating isn’t new, so why are we only now taking notice of the science?
Some answers can be found in Caroline Criado Perez’s book, ‘Invisible Women’ which explores the fundamental data bias that exists in a world designed for men. It is both enlightening and horrifying to fully understand how systematically the modern world still overlooks women, despite us representing half of its population. Products, tools and systems have been created without thinking about us.
The Hearth and its members form one of the many communities seeking to ‘be the change’ We believe in giving women the opportunity to escape the (patriarchal) expectations placed on them and instead pursue their own definition of success. If you haven’t yet visited or experienced The Hearth for yourself, then please get in touch and arrange to come and join ‘cake and chat’ (Tuesdays and Fridays), Lunch and Learn (Wednesdays), one of our many events or simply just pop in to say hi - we’re waiting to hear from you hello@thehearth.me .
We have an incredible line-up of hype women, role models and friendly faces ready to welcome you and cheer you on in whatever you’re doing.
Rose x