My reflective critical piece seeks to expose the issues behind the gradual progress made by the legal system in providing a hearth for females - a hearth allegedly apparent as a result of females making up the majority of solicitors. Drawing upon Disney archetypes, I explore how the legal system continues to oppress represented, comparatively to how the princesses in these adored tales are reduced to secondary characters. Although inviting the audience to ponder the advancements the industry has undergone in respect to the recognition of female practitioners, the piece ultimately opens for deliberation what further changes need to be actioned – even if such miracles take a lot of time.
More than Scones: The Work of the CWA
Is it Really the 21st Century?
I took a more literal approach to the theme hearth and the meaning of ‘her earth’. Initially the phrase made me very angry because with everything going on, my first thought as a female was ‘but is it really our(her) earth’? I did a deep dive into key changes in international law and Australia’s response. I found that while there has been progress, we still have a long way to go.
The Twilight Zone: A Liminal Space
Navigating one’s place of belonging is especially difficult when society has created an environment of hostility. The search for a ‘hearth’ is present in individuals’ endeavour to find a space of inclusion in an otherwise chronic process of coming out. The ‘twilight zone’ is the liminal space between individuality and community where one struggles with the privacy crafted of the closet while seeking connections beyond four walls.
Campfire Stories For The Digital Age
My article explores the hearth as a symbol of community and storytelling, and the way they are inextricably linked. I discuss transformative fiction and how they give marginalised and underrepresented communities a voice to reclaim stories made for the majority, and create their own sub communities based on the power of shared story and experience.
The Gendered Nature of Workplace Confidence
‘The Gendered Nature of Workplace Confidence’ analyses how our word choices impact the perception of our confidence. The article subverts the impotent nature of feminine speech conventions, and praises their use in certain situations. Overall, anyone can use linguistics to set their ambitions ablaze!
Solidarity =/= Safety: Isolation as a Lesbian in Male-dominated LGBTQIA+ Spaces
The Hearth is a representation of gathering & connection and an integral part of building community. My piece explores how the spaces which allow for us to find connection within the LGBTQIA+ community don’t always include queer women & non- men. Our unique experiences mean that our Hearth may be one which is centred solely on queer women & gender-diverse people.
The Spaces Carved
From the lens of our Assyrian culture, I explore the importance of family, connection and belonging in the spaces made by the women in my life. From my beautiful grandmothers, to my strong mama and to my inspiring aunties, I feel their presence with me at all times and this article hopefully attempts to share even a small fraction of that.
Rape Culture: Privilege & Private Schools
The Hyper-Feminine She-Devil
My article reflects the patriarchal nature of female popular culture spaces. I sought to elucidate how expressions of feminine identity often serve to disempower women and confine us to a one-dimensional and superficial collective identity, nullifying individuality. I discuss how powerful, independent women are often represented as malicious and cruel, undermining their legitimate authority.