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Lisa-Marie came to feminism in her late 30s and is quickly making up for lost time! Proud of the work that FiLiA does in creating and strengthening connections between Women locally, nationally and internationally Lisa-Marie believes that we are in the midst of the global Feminist revolution.
“Feminists opened my eyes and ears. There was no going back With immense respect and thanks to our foremothers. Sisterhood and Solidarity!”
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“I came across FiLiA towards the end of 2016, as my interest in feminism was developing and in my search for knowledge and answers. FiLiA was so welcoming and provided an immediate way to contribute to the liberation of women. I attended my first FiLiA conference in 2017 and was completely blown away. I think it was then that I really realised the impact and power it had, and how important it was for us all.”
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Sally has been a feminist for as long as she can remember. She currently works supporting the response to violence against women and is passionate about not just responding but preventing it in the first place. She believes violence against women is both a cause and consequence of women’s inequality and is passionate about making the world feminist.
“I've spent over 30 years working to end male violence against women; I'm a lesbian, feminist to my bones and spend my time laughing at the absurdity of life for women in this century and resisting the onslaught on our rights. ”
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What is your favourite part of FiLiA?
Being part of an extraordinary community of feminists! The respect, compassion, and love in this team quite literally gives me life. Every last member of FiLiA is committed to the liberation of women and girls. As there are over 100 women in our volunteer collective, FiLiA contains a broad spectrum of skills and interests. Which means women promote our rights and lift each other up in all sorts of spectacular ways.
About me:
Claire L. Heuchan is an author, commentator, and award-winning essayist. She's FiLiA's Director of Anti-Racism and Lesbian Community Engagement. Claire is Founder and Chair of Labrys Lit, an international lesbian book group that meets monthly via Zoom. Her three key passions in life are feminism, books, and lesbian culture – all of which fuel her work with FiLiA.
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I am Miz, a children’s support worker from Manchester, volunteer with FiLiA since 2020, #FiLIA2023 Stage Team lead and curator of the FiLiA bookshop #OurFeministLibrary. I have been a political activist since the 1980s, more recently active within the vibrant women’s liberation movement, volunteering for FiLiA and other groups, locally and nationally. When not volunteering or working, I am studying for a second degree in Youth Justice, and can mainly be found on Twitter (sometimes tweeting for FiLiA), hiding somewhere with a good book (or three, or ten!) or cuddling my Ibizan rescue streetcat, Chloe Fleabag.
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Liane Timmermann is a lesbian feminist activist, since the early 80's. She is doing security of feminist events for over 10 years now. Liane is a founding member of Get The L Out lesbian activist group wwwgettheloutuk.com
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Luba Fein is a sex trade abolitionist. She coordinates sex trade survivors' related projects within FILIA.
Luba’s podcast series, "Listen to Survivors", is a platform for the sex trade survivors from all over the world. As a feminist abolitionist activist, she actively promoted the Nordic Model in Israel, where the Sex Purchase Ban was enforced this year.
“I am a radical abolitionist gender critical feminist, and FILIA represents my ideology”.
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Natalie Page has a long history successfully campaigning for the rights of women and children victims of domestic abuse in the family court. After her own journey in the justice system spanning over nine years, she was compelled to do something. In July 2021, Natalie was a major contributor to the Channel Four Dispatches Film Torn Apart: Family Courts Uncovered, and in October 2021 she was awarded the Emma Humphrey’s Memorial Prize for her work raising awareness about male violence against women and children. Her work has been featured in the national press on many occasions, most notably with The Observer major investigation into unregulated experts in the family court in England and Wales. Her work has been featured in the BBC, The Guardian and the Daily Express, and regularly recognised by the UK Government, and academic institutions like Brunel Law and Manchester University; and organisations such as SHERA, Women’s Aid and advisors to the WHO and NHS Safeguarding.
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I have been a FiLiA volunteer since 2019. Admin Queen and herder of feminists! When I'm not fighting the patriarchy, I am gaming, crocheting or cuddling one of my 3 cats!
“My favourite thing is the feeling of sisterhood, the support from the women in the team is something special.”
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As a new member of FiLiA Salonika is working to steer FiLiA towards ecofeminism.
“I recently joined FiLiA because, as a radical feminist, it aligns with my politics. FiLiA has been doing incredible work bringing up women's voices from all parts of the UK. I want to get involved in the wonderful work that it's been doing.”
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Ruth co-ordinates the Hague Mothers' legacy project which aims to end the injustices caused by the Hague Abduction Convention, and to safeguard mothers and children fleeing domestic abuse.
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Gemma provides input on sexual objectification, gender stereotypes, and youth work roles. Gemma founded and runs YES Matters UK, an organisation committed to empowering young people to reject gender stereotypes and have respect, consent, good mental health, and healthy relationships with themselves as well as others. They support and advocate for victims and are committed to working with the community for the good of young people. YES Matters UK has won multiple awards including:
- WIN Award for the Protection of Women and Girls Rights 2016
- Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize 2017
- Women of the Year Award 2017
- BAH Star of the Community Nominee 2018
- Northern Power Women Person with Purpose Nominee 2019
“I spoke at FiLiA in 2016 and the thing I remember most was that although I was stood alone at the podium I could feel the solidarity from the women in the room listening to my call to action. And that's what it's about, a place to hear, learn, feel solidarity and inspiration to act. To make changes for girl and women you may never meet, to be the stone in the pond, that creates those ripples. I wanted to be a part of that. “
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I’m an equality campaigner championing the safety and empowerment of women in Zimbabwe.
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Suzi works with the Filia Podcasts Team as an editor and has always been passionate about the rights of women and girls to live free from sex-based stereotypes, discrimination and all types of abuse. She has worked in the women's sector throughout most of her professional career and continues to campaign and support other women in their work, activism and campaigns for women and girls and lesbians.
“I have loved every Filia conference I have been to, but particularly 2014 stands out for me. I had just freed myself and my daughter from my abusive ex-dude. It was exhilarating to be able to feel like myself and have my life as my own again.”
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Kiera co-ordinates all the blogs and podcasts, from the point of contact initiation to publishing their stories on our website. This involves a lot of organization and it’s a great opportunity to speak to fantastic inspirational women.
“I joined FiLiA to help make a change to women's lives across the world. I haven’t been here long enough to have memories, but meeting all the other fantastic women who volunteer, and listening to the stories FiLiA tell is incredible.”
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Toyin holds a BSc in Computer Science and Information Technology and an MSc in Design Management and has a strong passion for photography and videography. She believes in the strength of community effort to subvert injustice and restore equality, especially amongst women and children.
“I found FiLiA in 2018 when it held its annual conference in Manchester. I am indeed humbled to be bringing in my skills conjointly with FiLiA's pursuit of eradicating violence against women. They say there is no place like home, I say there is no place like FiLiA. You are family, I can never thank you enough for making me feel so welcome, thank you for making me one of your own. I look forward to the good times ahead.”
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Rachel manages FiLiA's Merch shop and looking forward to being on the ground at the next conference. She especially loves greeting the attendees at registration and making tea for Sheila Jeffreys.
“After attending my first FiLiA conference in 2015, alone, uncertain and a bit nervous, I felt a deep sense of "home" - I'd found my women. As an exhausted single parent, I'd been disconnected from feminism for a while. I know after being at the conference I wanted to connect and be involved - they said volunteers were welcome and I've been involved ever since albeit in a small way.”
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Maggy is an African campaigner and an activist, advocating for the human rights of vulnerable women and children. She fights against injustices and inequality because her conscience does not allow her to only fight for herself but to rise up for the voiceless.
“I joined Filia because of what it stands for when it comes to women all over the world, promoting human rights, equality, and diversity.”
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Lifelong lesbian feminist
1972 - Gay Liberation Front
Involved in housing for women in Hackney 70s, 80s 90s
Women’s Training centres -Training women in manual trades 80s
Worked on 2 of Julie Bindel’s books.
The Pimping of Prostitution and Feminism for Women.
Justice for Women
Centre of Women’s Justice – Research
Support for lesbian refugees from the continent of Africa in London.
FiLiA
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“I'm new to Filia but my favourite memory so far is the first online meeting and feeling as if I'm involved with something that is positive, proactive and exciting.”
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Wendy brings her experience of managing volunteers and events together to support FiLiA to run their events, including the annual conference. Her work life involves supporting many women through informal adult education with a specialism in mental health and parenting.
“I joined FiLiA to use my time and skills for a cause that I believe in and to find other women who share the same beliefs. Being involved in events as a volunteer is exciting but can also be daunting. Having someone with some event experience to support you as step outside of your comfort zone helps everyone, volunteer, FiLiA as a whole and the women attending our events.”
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Raquel Rosario Sánchez is a writer, campaigner and researcher from the Dominican Republic. She especialises in ending male violence against girls and women. As a researcher, she is pursuing a PhD with the Centre for Gender and Violence Research, where her work focuses on men who pay for sex. Outside the public eye, Raquel is a frontline worker in women's services.
“My favourite part of FiLiA is the magic women are capable of creating together when they unite their passion and their hard work to ensure a better world is possible. And the countless conversations that originate from the collective effort of the FiLiA team. That ripple effect is unquantifiable but the effects are both powerful and inspiring.”
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Journalist, writer, author of the Grumpy Guide to Radical Feminism and the Grumpy Guide to Motherhood.
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I joined Filia as a volunteer at their conference in my hometown of Portsmouth in October 2021. Since then, I have been immensely impressed with the work the organisation does to represent Women’s Rights at the grassroots level. FiLiA has given a platform to women to amplify their voices and stand in solidarity against movements that overlook women’s rights.
In Clinton’s words “Women’s Rights are Human Rights and Human Rights are Human Rights”. As women, I believe feminism is the notion that says women are people and it’s time we are treated likewise. I am proud to be part of a team that supports and raises women’s voices in words and in action because a “feminist is any woman who has a truth to tell” Virginia Woolf. Thank You for listening to mine.
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What is your favourite part of FiLiA?
The sheer range of projects - the conference is just the tip of the iceberg!
About me:
SEO and web analytics are my day job so I'm very happy to be able to do the same for FiLiA. I live in London, foster cats and enjoy yoga and crochet.
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Loud mouthed angry feminist, survivor, cat mum, disabled, craftivist & all round disorganised passionate champion of women
I joined FiLiA because a sexual and domestic violence survivor I wanted to be part of an organisation that is unapologetically challenging the abuse of women & girls in all walks of life. As a disabled woman, I want to make a difference for all of us who have been victims of medical misogyny and sexism, and FiLiA's promise to amplify the voices of women less heard means that we are being heard.
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I was a feminist since I remember myself, even before I knew that there is a word for it.
Social justice, human and animal rights are deep in my heart.
The last decade was an eye-opening process for me, while learning the wider forms of inequality and violence that women and girls suffer around the world, as well as the amazing actions they take, which mostly are unrecognised on mainstream media and historical documentation.
I attended the 2014 conference (when it was still ‘FiL’), and joined the team in 2015, where I have made some of my most significant friendships along the years.
I held various roles including being FiLiA Treasurer. Today I’m part of the conference event team.
My day job is in the technology sector, and I have a degree in Economics.
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Nela Pamukovic, born in 1959. Feminist, lesbian and peace activist. Since 1987 active in feminist movement. Activist against violence against women, nationalism, militarism, rape and other forms of male violence against women; active in peace movement since the war in former Yugoslavia. One of the founders of Help line (1988) and Shelter for women who survived violence (1990) in Zagreb, which were the first in socialist countries.
Cofounder and activist of several groups and networks: Centre for Women War Victims-ROSA, Antiwar Campaign of Croatia, Autonomous Women's House Zagreb, Centre for Women’s Studies, Coordination of Women’s Groups SEKA, Women’s Court, Women’s Network of Croatia, PETRA Network of women's NGOs for the prevention and elimination of trafficking in women for sexual exploitation, member in European Women’s Lobby Observatory on Violence against Women from 2006 – 2016, EWL Board and Taskforce for CEBBS, activist at Women’s Court – Feminist Approach to Justice, regional transitional justice initiative for former Yugoslavia since 2010.
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Matriactivista is a Birth Educator, specialist in obstetric violence, medical interpreter, writer, poet, and mother. Matriactivista is a term she coined to fight for the rights of women over their reproductive rights and their bodies.
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Reader, Granny, Gardener, joined to support the book club and stayed to help out at conference, edit the booklist, ad hoc research, retweeter & anything else needed to support FiLiA
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I am a member of LISG Manchester and a member of FiLiA security team. I joined FiLiA because it’s a safe space for women where one can be open and talk about anything without being judged. If we stand together we can make a difference and nothing is impossible!
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I joined FiLiA as a writer/editor because I want to help women share their stories and bring about change. The commitment and global reach of the organization is inspirational.
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About Ali
I am an activist campaigner with a specialism in MVAWG and a keen interest in combatting pornography and prostitution. I am FiLiA's Wales Lead and also lead the MVAWG Team. I chair my local ReSisters Group and am on the Executive Committee of Merched Cymru, a Wales wide women's rights organisation. I am proud to be making history with so many wonderful women.
What is your favourite thing about FiLiA?
The uplifting support and love from other women is phenomenal.
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What’s your Favourite part of FiLiA?
Seeing old friends and meeting new. And of course the disco
About Me
I am in semi retirement and have moved to Cumbria to enjoy a slower pace of life
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What is your favourite thing about FiLiA?
Podcast, team members, monthly report, (I'd love to join the event on site, I bet it would be my favourite, but I'm based in Shanghai now.)
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A feminist, working in ESG field. Life mission is believing and desiring the female power is the key to promote sustainability.
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What’s your favourite part of FiLIA?
The love and joy shared by everyone,and getting to know and meet new people.
About Me:
I'm 70 years old but I'm still active and love volunteering and helping people
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What’s your favourite part of FiLiA?
The conference and being in touch with likeminded woman
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“I've been a feminist since I was a teenager and that's a very long time ago! I lived at Greenham Common for a while and was very active within the women's movement in Cardiff when I was younger. I was involved with Women's Aid for at least 10 years. I now have adult autistic sons and have also become very involved with this world. I'm thoroughly enjoying FiLiA and reconnecting with my feminist roots.”
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What’s your favourite part of FiLiA?
Meeting new friends.
About me:
I am an asylum seeker and been waiting for five years.
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What’s your favourite part of FiLiA?
The nonjudgmental inclusiveness on an international level. Seeing and speaking with other members during webinars. A well-designed newsletter with interesting and important topics.
About me:
Background in health and therapy, particularly with female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Running groups for more than 30 years alongside individual work. Now retired.
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What’s your favourite part of FiLiA?
Bringing the sisterhood together 💚🤍💜
About me:
Handywoman, empowerer of women to use power tools, feisty feminist and warrior woman!
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About me:
Spanish living in the UK, not brought up in a feminist environment, so teaching my mum about it. Worked in pubs for as long as I’ve lived in the UK, so I’m used to telling men that the space belongs to us too,
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About me:
I'm a lesbian, seeking asylum for my protection because I was prosecuted in my home country. I'm always excited whenever I'm with my sisters, which goes a long way. We support ourselves physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually; they have been a great impact in my life 💜 I'm so grateful to have them all.
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What’s your favourite part of FiLiA?
FiLiA’s organic strength in understanding and supporting women.
About Me:
I’m a woman, mother and feminist clinical psychologist asking questions about why sex matters in the mental health of women and girls.
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About Me
I'm a mum to two young women, volunteer breastfeeding counsellor and wordy person.
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Retired social worker ; mother; grandmother WRN member loves dogs, horses and festivals.
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My favourite part of FiLiA
It's global reach and the amazing work it does to empower women and girls around the world.
About me:
Five feet nothing of righteous indignation. Likes: Sport, feminism, crisps. Dislikes: Patriarchy, heights, jazz. Proud resident of beautiful Cardiff.
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What’s your favourite part of FiLiA
I love FiLiA's wide range of causes. They take on an issue and see it through even years later. FiLiA run campaigns on issues many people haven't even heard of, and work at them even when it is difficult and unglamorous. The conference is an amazing opportunity to hear about these topics, and of course to surround yourself with wonderful, smart and interesting women!
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About Me:
Mum, feminist, I like to write https://4w.pub/author/michaela/
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About me:
I am a lawyer and feminist from India interested in advocacy for the abolition of prostitution and pornography.
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About me:
I've been teaching languages for the last 30 years and am currently the designated safeguarding lead in a large independent boarding school. It is in safeguarding that I have found my passion and this year I hope to achieve my NSPCC accreditation as a Safeguarding Trainer as well as an Advance Certificate in Children's Safeguarding. A flawed but enthusiastic feminist, I have developed a number of interests, including supporting the mental health needs of teenage girls, the safeguarding children with Gender Dysphoria and I am Chair of the Gender Dysphoria Special Interest Group of the Association of Child Protection Professionals. When I am not working, I cook pretty well and enjoy reading and spending time with my husband and three children (who like my food!)
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Philippa runs an organisation which uses self-defence (emotional, mental and physical) as a rehabilitation tool for people who have lived through trauma. She believes that every person has the right to live without fear. Teaching is her passion. In her spare time she enjoys the countryside, spending time with animals, dancing and reading.
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I am Prossy, a teacher by profession. I am currently seeking asylum in the UK due to the persecution of the lesbian community in my country. I had always loved to live openly and enjoy my freedom, and now I am free in the UK, though I am still struggling with immigration challenges. I have always loved the solidarity in the sisterhood and believe that I will be completely free from asylum stress. I look forward to keeping fighting for women's rights so that we can be treated fairly and equally.
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I’m from Pakistan. I love cooking, I love to meet new people, and i love traveling. I also love everything about FiLIA and the sisterhood!
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I am an Asylum seeker, A member of (LISG) Lesbian immigration support group.
I live in Manchester. I volunteered in FiLiA last year and I will be very happy to volunteer again this year.
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Feminist and cat-lover, my favourite part of FiLIA is the strong sense of solidarity and sisterhood, and meeting and listening to so many amazing and inspiring women from around the world.
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What’s your favourite part of FiLiA?
Being with amazing warrior women. Collaborating in a healthy, supportive way.
About me:
Officially a Hag, and loving it. On the left but politically homeless.
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Claire is passionate about Latin America after lived and studing there. Her PhD (unfinished) was in the education of women and identity, and the content she translates for FiLiA has reignited that passion. She is honoured to be doing it for such a powerfully effective organisation.
“Although my ‘day job’ is as a freelance PR consultant (Waves PR), I joined Filia following my work with CAAGe, the Campaign Against Adult Grooming (caage.org), which reminds me daily of how far women have to go to receive justice. It’s my way of giving a little bit back to those who are trying to better our lives.”
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l am a member of LISG Manchester, a lesbian and an ambassador for my lesbian sisters in Nigeria. l want to help to amplify their voices and I am also proud to be a volunteer for FiLiA. Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you!
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I'm an author and social entrepreneur with a varied background in sport, education and equality, diversity and inclusion. As a FiLiA volunteer, I'm excited to be leading the Access Team. I'm powered by tea, happiest in the company of animals and usually preoccupied by when my next swim will be.
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I am a Spanish woman who arrived in Glasgow in 2019. I am a vet by profession and I was very focused on my job until lockdown happened. Ever since I could stop myself from learning more about radical feminism.
