I can’t help but wonder what our earliest feminists would have to say about Sam Beau Patrick’s comments in the December issue of dare. According to Sam, women who dare to challenge stereotype in masculinist society, are putting their health at risk. Interesting theory and she could well have a point. However, it is one thing to discuss serious female health concerns and another to claim that expressing ourselves in a stereotypical “feminine” way with lipstick, jewellery and hair ties is a solution.

Our little girls are growing up too fast, baptised into a world where slinky, sexy lycra dresses come in a  size six and the sexual objectification of women still exists. Don’t get me wrong,  I won’t leave the house without my toenails varnished, but to declare that our health and welfare depends on dressing  to a feminine stereotype is taking us back forty years. For a woman, feeling healthy and happy  is not about dressing to a stereotype, it’s all about CONFIDENCE in being an intelligent, informed female… and, with great respect Sam, women should never feel they need to wear lipstick for that.

Tierri Abraham