Women & Power

In 'Women & Power,' Mary Beard revisits the gender agenda with her signature wit, examining how history has treated powerful women. She draws on examples from the classical world to the modern day, from Medusa and Athena to Theresa May and Hillary Clinton, to explore the cultural underpinnings of misogyny and the public voice of women. Beard delves into our cultural assumptions about women's relationship with power and how powerful women resist being packaged into a male template. In the wake of the #metoo movement, she looks at how discussions have evolved, intersecting with issues of rape and consent, and the narratives men construct to justify their actions. With her trademark style, Beard argues that it's time for change and offers a compelling call to action./n/nBeard's exploration is not just historical but also deeply relevant to contemporary issues. She uses both ancient and modern examples to illustrate the persistent challenges women face in wielding power. Her insights are timely, especially in the context of recent social movements, and she provides a nuanced understanding of the systemic issues at play. The book is a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality.