Jen Thorpe
As this project requires the submission of stories of a sensitive nature and often on topics that are personal, it is probably worth explaining who I am. After all, why would you submit a story to an anonymous stranger without any idea of what they’re about?
If you had to put me in a box I’m a 28-year-old white heterosexual woman. I am currently studying towards a Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Cape Town and working on my novel (hopefully out in 2014).
I’m currently working as a feminist researcher. You can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Jen_Thorpe.
I have recently moved back to Cape Town from Johannesburg. My incredible boyfriend Mike and I have 2 cats called Cormac and Ruff and he still lives in Joburg. Long distance is really overrated! He works for Greenpeace Africa as the head of Digital Mobilisation.
I was raised by my mom, and I have one sister. They are both incredible women and inspire me all the time. As do all the other female members of my family.
I have a masters degree in Politics from Rhodes University where my focus was on gender politics and particularly the impact of scripts of femininity on young women. I am a feminist and think that is an incredibly cool thing to be in a world that seems to think women’s rights are already achieved. I started FeministsSA.com where posts on issues relating to feminism, and feminist events are posted. Sometimes regularly, sometimes not. Check it out, and feel free to write for that too.
I have a blog with the Mail and Guardian which I try to use to get women’s rights and issues of social justice into public discussion. In the 2010 June 16th edition of the newspaper I was listed as one of the 200 Young People in South Africa that you should take to lunch. In the 2011 June edition of CLEO magazine, I was featured as a blogger for this blog. In August 2010 an article I wrote called ‘Why It’s Not Ok Not To Be A Feminist’ that appeared in the South Africa Marie Claire. I was a finalist in the 2010 Women’s Learning Partnership essay competition where I wrote about Gender Based Violence as one of the primary problems facing South African women. In 2011 I was nominated as one of 75 Young African Women Leaders and was privileged enough to meet Michelle Obama in Johannesburg.
I’m committed to making women’s lives better. Whether that is through research, or writing or shouting from the rooftops.
Why?
Because I know women who have succeeded in life despite abuse, poverty, illness and despair. I know that women can provide comfort, love and compassion in infinite volumes in ways that supercede logic and understanding; and I know that each woman in this journey, whatever it may be, sometimes needs help.
There is nothing better than a hand extended to help you when you need it, and so I’m just trying to keep my hand extended. It’s that simple really.
Interesting, thank you for new perspectives.
Hi Jen,
I’m the features editor of Marie Claire. I’m working on a debate ‘Is it ok not to be a feminist?’ and thought that you would be the right person to argue the NO side of the debate. please drop me a mail,
thanks
Jen thank you for such an amazing blog, I’m truly captivated and lack no words to describe this…I want to be your friend on FB
I LOVE TO LEARN TO WRITE , WILL TRY MY FIRST TIME SOON.LOVELY INITIATIVE.
Hi Jen
I would like to say I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoy this blog. It’s actually my first time on here today (ha ha!) and I am inspired, I am refreshed, I am moved by these stories. Thank you. I am inspired by people like you, who are true to themselves in their aspirations and thus allow the greatness of their spirits to shine through. I only wish the best for you and the work that you do. May you grow from strength to strength!
I may be biased as you are my sister but I am truely proud of you every day.
What you are doing is amazing and the stories that I have read on this site have moved me in so many ways as I am sure they have many others who have read them.
Thank you for giving people a way to voice their issues and stories in a way that they may never have had the opportunity to do before.
You really are awesome.
Love you
WOO HOO you rock
wow…..ur awesome!!!!!!!! and i sooo love ur cats name!!
What an awesome project, and I love that you are running it.
There really are som incredibly inspiring and powerful stories here. And i’m so glad they are being told.
I hope the project keeps running for a long time to come!
Hi Jennifer,
- and if you want, friend me on Facebook.
I love what you are doing. I am all about enpowering women, please visit my blog (I need to write more often I know)
What an amazing and energetic woman you are! I’m pretty sure I’m not a feminist. I think I’m too old (48) and too acustomed to depending on men for everything. You’re world sounds like a wonderful, far away place and I applaud you so much. God bless you for all that you do!
My friend you have given so many women out there a voice and a platform to air their stories in secret, not be judged and just write. It’s phenomenal. You’re phenomenal.
I <3 you
xxx
Reading peoples comments about you and knowing what a brilliant, dedicated, hard-working, strong and confident person you are – I am so lucky to have you as a friend. And proud. You ARE making a difference. You are my hero
Love you
Geesh Jen, this site is incredibly moving. Thank you for giving women this space, you are incredible!
I typically don’t write comments on posts, but your write-up urged me to commend your writings. Thanks for writing this, I will surely favorite your website and come back once in awhile. Pleased blogging.
Great website. Thank you!
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already
Cheers!
this is truly an amazing site. You’ve done a kick ass job =)
Hey. I follow your blog on M and G…very thought-provoking. A friend of mine felt (very strongly, I might add) that my latest blog post would be a fitting contribution to your narratives on 1st times so here’s the link and the verdict is yours: http://itsdelta.wordpress.com/2011/09/07/when-we-were-virgins/
Finally, may your ink never run dry…
I love it! Im honoured to share your space with you once a week!!!
Thanks Shyro. You reminded me that I really need to update the bio – and have done. Feel free to find out more on the updated page.
Hi Jane…
Thank you for your wonderful blog. I am a producer with SAfm Morning live and would like to get in touch with you. It is Christmas eve I know, if you can spare 5min. It would be great.
Please drop me an email (jedi.ramalapa@gmail.com) with your number. It would be great if we could chat a bit.
Thank you.