Issuu

sisterhood contents contents welcome to sisterhood a letter from the editor

iconic sisterhoods of pop culture

20 questions with me and my sister

a home that wasn’t really a home

the sisterhood playlist

what to watch/read/ listen to?

ten activities to do with your sisterhood

hannah wild

The girl band built on sisterhood - 2020v - page 66

sisterhood: a timeline of toleration

16 22

the global sisterhood

sisterhood collages

alison cando

louisa rodgers

how women are taking the war in ukraine into their own hands

your bestie according to your zodiac sign

we met on the internet

women can no longer afford to live in the uk

the girl band built on sisterhood

women are being haunted by their crazy exes

i moved across the world to find my sisterhood

alex walker and emma stevie

ellen boyd

stop sending me dick pics

why won’t you stop killing us?

2020v

34 Twins: built in best friends - page 88

tamie olanpejo

amber’s top tips for making friends at university

believe our pain

twins: built-in best friends

what does friendship mean to me?

the sisterhood wardrobe

sophie o’neill

a mother’s daughters

104

brotherhood: a man’s ode to sisterhood

110

which tv show sisterhood do you belong to?

114

a letter to your sisterhood

118

joanne szurko

welome to

sisterhood sisterhood

a letter from our editor eva szurko Welcome to sisterhood. A shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, an ear to listen. We’re here with open arms ready to accept you for exactly who you are and everything that comes with that.

Sisterhood is a platform for anyone, anywhere to share their

and her view of sisters through photography.

story. To share the emotional journey of two sisters learning

Alongside this, we have a series of articles

to love each other, to share a mothers love for her daughters

celebrating the power of women in times of

through art, to share cultural differences in female bonds. By

turmoil including the strength of Ukrainian women

mixing light-hearted and joyous content with the serious issues

in the face of war, the impact of violence against

facing our sisterhood, we can explore sisterhood at the deepest

women often leading to murder and the fear of

level and use this to empower the women around us.

the actions ex-boyfriends and husbands post-breakup.

In this issue we have a series of interviews with women sharing different forms of sisterhoods including women who formed

I hope you enjoy the first issue of Sisterhood and

friendships over social media and online platforms, a series

find even one aspect to relate to. Take the time

of twins with varying degrees of closeness and similarity and

to appreciate your sisterhood today and connect

an Ecuadorian fashion student’s view on cultural differences

with the women in your lives.

between sisterhoods. We also have contributions from women

love from eva x

sharing their stories, with Ellen Boyd sharing her journey of closeness with her older sister, Sophie O’Neill expressing the importance of friendship in her sisterhood and Hannah Wild

Sisterhood is committed to being a friend, to being somewhere sisters can communicate themselves and their thoughts without fear of being judged. Sisterhood is the voice you’ve always needed and a place to make your voice heard. Sisterhood is something different, something new, something needed. We value freedom of expression and acceptance over everything, using it to celebrate our power as a united group of strong women. Eva with her friends (L-R: Octavia, Amber, Eva).

It’s now more important than ever after a period of constant uncertainty, a time when we were unable to hold the ones we love most and we only connected through the phone, to take the time to appreciate our sisters, our tribes, our girl gangs. Take the time to connect with our support systems and reflect on the women who made us who we are today. Take the time to think about the impact sisterhood has had on our lives, from our mothers, sisters, aunties, grandmas, cousins, friends to our idols, icons, neighbours, strangers. Our editor Eva Szurko.

Eva with her family (L-R: Eva, her mum, her sister).

7. Which city would you love to live in? Eva: London Iris: New York

twenty twenty questions questions with with me me and and my my sister sister Get to know our editor, Eva Szurko and her sister Iris through a quickfire round of twenty questions. If you and your sister would like to feature in our next edition of twenty questions email us at evaszurko@sisterhoodmagazine.co.uk.

1. Which celebrity would you want to be sisters with? Eva: Kim Kardashian Iris: Lila Moss

8. Who is your favourite cartoon character? Eva: Bob Belcher from Bob’s Burgers Iris: Spongebob Squarepants 9. Early bird or night owl? Eva: Night owl Iris: Night owl 10. What makes you smile the most? Eva: My boyfriend Iris: Seeing my family happy 11. How would you define yourself in three words? Eva: Strong-minded, funny, dramatic Iris: Sarcastic, funny, optimistic 12. If you could switch lives with one person for a day who would it be? Eva: Rihanna Iris: Sarah Jessica Parker

2. What’s your favourite thing to do with your sisterhood? Eva: Watch Grey’s Anatomy Iris: Lay in bed

13. What’s a movie that made you cry? Eva: Avengers Endgame Iris: Avengers Endgame

3. Showers or baths? Eva: Showers for everyday, baths for relaxing Iris: Showers

14. What’s your favourite cocktail? Eva: Aperol Spritz Iris: Cosmopolitan

4. What did you have for tea last night? Eva: Sausage and mash Iris: Leftover focaccia bread and mashed

15. What do you want to be when you grow up? Eva: Anna Wintour or Miranda Priestly Iris: A supermodel 16. What are three things you can’t live without? Eva: Lavender pillow spray, chamomile tea and crisps

Iris: My family, my bed and chicken nuggets 17. Who are three people living or dead that you’d like to have dinner with? Eva: Kim Kardashian, Alexa Demie and Meryl Streep

Iris: Meryl Streep, Aubrey Hepburn and Adele 18. What do you love most about each other? Eva: Her sense of humour and ability to always make me laugh

Iris: How much she likes to hang out with me

potatoes from work

when she’s home from uni

5. What is your favourite beauty product? Eva: Trilogy hydrating mist toner Iris: Dior lip oil

19. Who is your celebrity crush? Eva: Harry Styles Iris: David Beckham 20. Who is your sisterhood? Eva: My mum, my sister, my two nannans, my

6. What is your favourite movie? Eva: Booksmart Iris: Skyfall

auntie and my friends; Octavia, Amber, Zoe, Bridey, Molly and Florence Eva and her sister Iris, on holiday in 2019.

Eva and Iris in 2009.

Eva and Iris in 2012.

Iris: Eva

the sisterhood playlist issue one

Hey Girl - Lady Gaga and Florence Welch Love You For A Long Time - Maggie Rogers Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield Woman - Little Simz and Cleo Sol Secrets from a Girl (Who’s Seen it All) - Lorde 20 Something - SZA I Do This All The Time - Self Esteem Girl - Destiny’s Child You & Me Song - Joy Crookes Dreams - Fleetwood Mac Budapest - George Ezra We compiled some of our reader’s favourite songs that remind them of sisterhood whether it be the message behind them or the memories they’re associated with. Our playlist is a quick pick me up for when you some girl power or just want to remember the good times. Send us your suggestions for the next playlist via our Instagram!

Like a Girl - Lizzo

Listen to the playlist by heading to your search bar on Spotify and using the camera to scan the barcode below. Don’t forget to follow us for more Sisterhood playlists to suit your mood!

Where Does the Good Go - Tegan and Sara In Time - Self Esteem Me in 20 Years - Moses Sumney Take Care Of Yourself - Maisie Peters

what what to to watch/read/ watch/read/ listen listen to? to?

podcasts podcasts podcasts podcasts podcasts podcasts podcasts

The Girls Bathroom

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite films, podcasts, TV shows and books for you watch, read and listen to. Take a look and immerse yourself into the world of sisterhood.

Life-long best friends, YouTubers and influencers Sophia and Cinzia help with boy dilemmas, friendship issues and all the gossip in between.

films films films films films films films films films films films films films films films

Booksmart Two straight A students and best friends try and fit four years of missed fun and partying into one night on the eve of their graduation, determined not to miss out before college.

Exactly. Author of Women Don’t Owe You Pretty, Florence Given discusses sexual empowerment and feminism with guest speakers and hilarious stories.

Someone Great

Steel Magnolias

Hey, Girl.

Woman’s Hour

After being dumped by her boyfriend, Jenny and her

A group of women working at a small town salon

With sisterhood and storytelling at it’s heart, author

BBC Radio 4 provide a platform for women to share

two best friends enjoy their final adventure before she

share an unwavering bond of friendship growing

Alex Elle shares some intimate conversations with the

their voices and stories dedicated to sharing news

moves away, helping mend her broken heart through

closer in spite of life’s losses, tragedies and the

people who inspire her.

about women’s issues.

friendship and good times.

challenges faced.

tv showstv showstv showstv showstv showstv showstv showstv shows

books books books books books books books books books books books

Grace and Frankie After finding out their husbands have been having a twenty year long affair, this series follows the strained relationship and unlikely friendship of two very different women.

Girls Inspired by Lena Dunham’s own experiences, this series follows Hannah and her three friends struggling to figure out what they want and what to do with their lives post college.

Insecure Created by and starring Issa Rae, Insecure shares

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

The Girls by Emma Cline

This book follows the lives of twelve black British

Based around the Manson cult, The Girls focuses on

women from different generations and social classes

the lonely life of Evie and how her desperation for

telling their stories and how they connect.

acceptance leads her closer to danger.

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

The story of a woman seeking to understand the life

The heart-warming tale of Elena and Lila in 1950s

of her mother through a scrapbook after an argument

Naples, learning to rely on each other and remain

ruins their relationship.

friends while their nation undergoes a big change.

the friendship of two modern-day black women navigating their awkward personal and professional experiences in Los Angeles.

Broad City Real-life best friends Ilana Glazer and Abi Jacobson share their hilarious friendship and the trials and tribulations of trying to ‘make it’ in New York City.

ten activities to do with your sisterhood

5. Throw your own art class

8. Treat yourself to a spa day

Grab some art supplies like paints, coloured

We’re all busy and in need of some TLC so

pens and glitter glue, get your girls to BYOB and

get your girls and treat yourselves to a spa

you’ve got yourself a homemade art class. You

day. There’s plenty of deals online on sites like

don’t have to be Picasso to get your creative

Wowcher and SpaSeekers. Book in for some

juices flowing with a glass of Pinot and some

treatments or just enjoy the pool, sauna and

poster paints.

chance to spend the afternoon relaxing and catching up.

In need of some much needed girl time? Looking for something new to do with your gal pals? Here’s ten ways to spend a bit of quality time with your besties and have a lot of fun whilst doing it. 1. Go to a cocktail making class

3. Party at a roller disco

6. Host a good old fashioned sleepover

9. Go to a pottery painting café

Bars like Revolution, The Botanist and The

Whether you’re a skating pro or can barely

Slumber parties: where sisterhoods were made.

Pottery painting is the perfect place to let your

Alchemist all offer cocktail masterclasses where

stand up, going to a roller disco is a great way to

Spill your deepest secrets, text the guy you fancy

creativity out and sit down with a cup of tea and

you can learn to make their iconic, signature

have fun with your besties. You can rent shoes at

and sing along to all the High School Musicals.

a piece of cake. Paint a plate to commemorate

drinks whilst having a laugh (and getting drunk).

the rink and most host a roller disco monthly or

Cheap facemasks from Boots, classic movies on

your sisterhood or doodle your heart out on a

The perfect addition to a classic girl’s night out

even weekly so head down to your local one and

Netflix, popcorn and snacks, what more could

mug, the opportunities are endless and you could

whilst learning to make your favourite beverage.

get your skates on!

you need for a cosy night in?

even get the supplies from Hobbycraft.

2. Hit up a karaoke bar

4. Go camping

7. Have a charcuterie board night

10. Make your own pizza night

Queue up some girl power anthems and get

Heading out into the great outdoors doesn’t have

It’s really as simple as everyone grabbing a

Pick up some pizza bases from your local

ready to sing your heart out to Beyonce and

to mean trekking to the countryside, pitch up a

board, picking a theme and putting on a spread.

supermarket or make the dough from scratch if

Lizzo. There’s bound to be a karaoke bar in your

tent in your back garden and go glamping (kind

The options are endless; cheese and meat,

you fancy yourself a chef and get everyone to

local city centre. All the stage fright will go away

of). Ideal for summer, toast some marshmallows,

chocolate and sweets, fruit and veg or even

bring a few toppings. Pair that with a few drinks

after a few cocktails and you and your friends

tell some scary stories and spend the night under

McDonald’s themed! You could vote for the best

and a good film and you’ve got yourself a

can become the next Girls Aloud!

the stars. All you need is a cheap tent from Go

at the end or just enjoy a night of snacking.

pizza party.

Outdoors and some cosy blankets.

sisterhood: sisterhood: aa timeline timeline of of toleration toleration Ellen is a 20-year-old Fashion Communications and Promotions student currently studying at Nottingham Trent University. Originally from a small town called Enniskillen in Northern Ireland, she created this piece as a tribute to her older sister Molly and how their relationship has blossomed over the years.

“Will the midwife take her back mummy?” was the first question on her lips

Baby Ellen and big sister Molly in 2002.

2001

2003

The end of my sister Molly’s solo act, as she now had to share

At age 2, the only thing I could verbalise was

the limelight with me!

the need to be fed whereas Molly was a sassy 5

“Will the midwife take her back mummy?” Was the first

year old and full of memories from this time;

question on her lips.

“I think I had only started to accept that you

Let’s just say that set the tone for how she felt about my arrival.

were going to be around forever now, since you didn’t seem to be going anywhere... but this

6 months later

acceptance was short-lived. I had just started

Now a developed and self-confessed lazy lump, my mum lay

primary school and couldn’t work out why a

me on the floor to get me to crawl. Miraculously I began to

bigger fuss wasn’t made over the fact I was a big

scooch around, met with cheers from my parents that I was

girl now! I can remember feeling jealousy mostly,

finally moving myself. For once, the attention was taken off my

but I also couldn’t wait to rush home to make

sister, who immediately lay beside me and tried to suffocate me

you laugh and giggle, since that’s all you did as

by rolling me over and lying on top of me.

a baby. Mum took this as a sign that we were going to be best friends when she saw me trying

Was this a sign of love? I think not

to make you laugh. However, she’d turn back around, and I was trying to bite you... It was very

Ellen and Molly in 2005.

love-hate at this stage.”

Now my sister feels like my inhaler. I would simply die without her

For a while this seemed to stop the arguments as we had to remain professional at work, and for the first time had to communicate with each other about shifts or if someone needed picking up. When we had shifts together, she would let me into her car as there was no other option. To me, this was a big deal, and I couldn’t believe it the first time we drove to work together. I was beginning to think she was quite cool and nice? However, tensions arose when my boss was

2010

viewing CCTV and caught Molly sitting down

I was 9 and my sister entered her troublesome teen years. We

for an entire 5-hour shift while I did all the work.

hadn’t developed a close relationship throughout the years,

We both got spoken to afterwards and Molly

but now we entered our rockiest phase which WWE Wrestlers

got fired on the spot while I was commended

would be proud of.

for working hard. The car journey home was the

“What are YOU looking at?” = Kick off time. We fought like cat

most excruciatingly awkward experience I have

and dog over anything and everything.

ever been through. Our blossoming closeness

So let me give you a highlight reel of our most iconic fights:

was quickly cut short as we didn’t have the job as

- An all-out brawl after I was “reading a magazine too loud”.

common ground anymore, but we remained more

- Fighting in front of ALL my friends at my 12th birthday party

civil after this.

because Molly took my favourite sweet that fell from the piñata, resulting in me sulking for the rest of my party.

- Not speaking to each other for a whole MONTH after arguing

2018

over who got to use the bouncy castle first at a cousin’s party.

At this point we were only fighting maybe twice a

And the one that tops it off:

week (believe me this was an improvement!) and

- The time we were arguing over a bag of pick and mix and as

we had remained very detached from each other

I was going to simply just give her a light punch, I accidentally

until now. This year is what I call the “Turning

broke her finger.

Point”. Unfortunately, during this time period, I

The worst part is the only sweets in the bag left were white

was admitted to a psychiatric unit 2 hours away

chocolate mice… which I didn’t even like.

from my family to receive treatment for some

2019

mental health issues. During this, my sister texted

Now my sister feels like my inhaler. I would simply die without

2015

me every single day and we naturally started to

her. Kendall and Kylie truly want to be us, I believe. From our

Let’s just say from that moment onwards you wouldn’t even think

open up to each other about our lives, mental

endless list of inside jokes that could only possibly make sense

we were sisters. We just weren’t close, and any conversation

health and even started sending each other

to us, to our Simpson’s marathons, 11pm impromptu hair dye

ended up in a row. Both fully fledged teens at this stage and

memes to keep up spirits. When I got discharged

sessions and all our pointless trips to Tesco just so we can

starting to gain a bit more independence, we both were looking

from the unit, we spent more time together and

drive around and sing in the car - there is truly no relationship

for jobs to earn a bit of money and stop relying on our parents.

became inseparable. From not even talking

I treasure more than the one I have with my sister. She even

Considering we wouldn’t even watch TV together you can

in the house to constantly talking and texting

has a tattoo of us on her arm, which is our personal symbol

imagine the ordeal that went down when we both applied for

about anything and everything, this is where our

of sisterhood. I even don’t mind anymore when she wears my

and got the same job in the same place.

personal sisterhood blossomed.

clothes…Sometimes.

Molly meeting her new baby sister Ellen in 2001.

the the timeline timeline of of toleration toleration

has been forwarded to the police department pending an investigation. If you think this is a mistake, reply STOP,” and there have been countless screenshots posted on Twitter of these

stop sending me dick pics

disgusting men’s panicked reactions to the investigation. As a result, women’s concerns for their online safety and the abuse received is often trivialised and joked about, belittling any worries about who is in contact with us on the internet. Since ‘dick pics’ have become a trend with repulsive men everywhere there have been no laws against the act, despite indecent exposure

Somehow, we live in a world where sending someone an unsolicited nude photo online has become normal behaviour and something that happens to the majority of women everyday.

and traditional flashing forcing the reprobates to sign the sex offenders list and face up to 2 years in jail. Thankfully, it has recently been announced that ‘cyberflashing’ will be added to the Sex Offenders Act 2003, criminalising the sending

Thanks to new laws being introduced, cyberflashing is being made illegal but the question still stands; how did we get to the point where this is okay?

of unsolicited obscene images to strangers over any form of online messaging from Facebook and WhatsApp to Bluetooth services like AirDrop. The crime is not limited to just photos of the person’s own genitalia and senders can be found guilty for sending photos of genitalia that belongs to someone else.

I can’t speak for everyone but receiving a photo of a man’s

How did we get to the point where it’s

penis just doesn’t appeal to me. Whether it’s someone I’m

normal behaviour to send a stranger a photo of

Cyberflashing via iPhone’s AirDrop feature

sexually involved with or not it has never had their desired

your penis?

has become increasingly popular, especially

effect of making me want to sleep with them.

on public transport with British Transport Police Every woman I know has been sexually

sharing that there were 66 reported cases of

I remember one of the first times I received a ‘dick pic’ was

harassed in some form and the majority of these

cyberflashing on trains, buses and tubes in 2019

when I was at school at around 15-16 years old and when

women have been harassed through receiving

Snapchat had hit its peak in popularity with young teens. My

an unsolicited sexual photo. It could be from

username was ‘evaloves1d’ after the beloved boyband One

someone they’re seeing, someone they know

Direction and it was clear from that that I was essentially a

from work or school or a complete an utter

child, yet older boys and men were adding me on the app

stranger. Women have always accepted this as

and immediately sending graphic photos and videos of their

just something that happens when you’re on a

genitalia. Any time I accepted a name I didn’t recognise a

social media platform and seen it as a normal

video or photo popped up from them that almost always

part of being online. Most of us had never

contained a disgusting photo of their penis.

considered it becoming an ‘illegal’ act and more often than not find the situation funny, with many

After getting over the initial shock, these occurrences became

women starting the trend of sending a fake

regular, I took it as normal and so did many of my peers who

police message in response to receiving a photo,

were receiving the same sort of content. Looking back at this

tricking men into thinking they’ll be arrested.

as a 21-year-old in a long-term relationship and in a time where

Well, it was just a trick until now.

this sort of behaviour is now illegal I can’t believe what I was

exposed to at such a young age and so frequently. Despite this,

The fake message reads “AUTO-REPLY: We

for me to receive an unsolicited sexual photo now is a rarity but

have detected the transmission of unsolicited

somehow, I would still have the same reaction of passing it off

pornographic images of potentially illegal nature

as something normal.

[code:36489-a] and your device’s IP address

DickPic illustration by Jeremy Nguyen.

How did we get to the point where it’s normal behaviour to send a stranger a photo of your penis?

with countless more unreported. Incidents like this are not only traumatic to look at but can also cause victims to feel fearful for their safety as a result of not knowing who the sender is but simply knowing that they’re close by. Sending these photos is a form of sexual intimidation and can impact how women choose to use social media due to fears of being violated in their online spaces.

“it happens to men too” Our research found that women aren’t the only ones recieving unsolicited sexual photos so we had a chat with dick pic recipient Jake Chorlton to get a male perspective on what it’s like to be cyberflashed.

I received a bunch of unsolicited sexual videos from a woman I’d matched on a dating app. We had been texting for a few days, sex had been mentioned but we hadn’t shared anything explicit to that point. I was in a lecture at university and out of the blue she sent a video of herself masturbating. It’s something that became a reoccurring theme whenever she was in the mood, so on a handful of occasions I’d check my phone and see I’d been sent similar videos out of nowhere. I wasn’t particularly bothered by the content and if anything it I thought it was pretty hot but it did make me feel quite awkward. I felt obligated to react as though I was really in the mood too

The dick pic sender illustration by Isobel Hughes.

whereas in reality I was just going about my day so it made me reluctant to check my phone in public because whenever she sent me photo it could be anything from her dog to her genitals. Research conducted by the dating app Bumble found that 1

naked body is being photographed, victims of

in 3 women have been send unsolicited indecent images and

the abuse are being made to feel distressed and

that 96% of these women were unhappy to receive them. The

violated as often as multiple times a day.

account on Facebook asking how I was. I replied out of

safer for users and have backed the bid to make cyberflashing

Alongside the new laws set to be put into

other end has mistaken me for one of the girls in my profile

illegal after finding the vast majority of their female users said

place, victims are being encouraged to report

they wanted to see more done to stop the sending of unsolicited

any incidents of cyberflashing to encourage

nude photos.

authorities to take the issue seriously and aid

app has been working hard to make the internet and their app

them in taking action against the offenders. I

My own research conducted through Instagram polls on both

hope that these developments help us to put a

my personal and professional accounts found that 75% of

stop to these acts of sexual harassment that we’ve

my followers that voted have received an unsolicited sexual

become so desensitised to in today’s society and

photo, with 12.5% of these votes coming from male followers,

take one small step towards making women feel

suggesting that men aren’t the only perpetrators of this form

safer both online and in the real world.

of sexual assault. Regardless of who’s genitalia it is or who’s

On another occasion I received a message from an unknown Illustration of Jake Chorlton by Eva Szurko.

curiosity and it soon became apparent that the man on the picture. After I stopped replying he proceeded to send a photo of his penis with no further messages. It didn’t make me that uncomfortable and I found it funny more than anything, it went straight into the boys group chat for a laugh. I 100% think it impacts women more than men as men generally tend to access porn at an earlier age than women and so we end up almost desensitised to certain sexual content. As men don’t often fall victim to this kind of thing it’s much easier for us to dismiss. For example, me and my male friends who have been in similar situations have largely found it quite amusing, whereas a lot of

the girls I know have been much more affected. I’m not that shocked that cyberflashing is just being made illegal because to be honest, it isn’t something I’ve put a lot of thought into. It makes sense given that exposing yourself in the real world would constitute a crime, and I’d imagine it’ll deter people from doing the same virtually. If it happened to me again I can’t say I’d feel the need to report it to anyone, although I can understand why other people might.

I would also consider my two friends here in Newcastle (Charlotte and Karolina) and back home (Carolina) part of my sisterhood. Even though we don’t see each other very frequently due to our schedules, we try to keep each other updated through texts or memes on social media.

the global sisterhood

I know it’s controversial but my twin brother is definitely part of my sisterhood. Literally, I feel that I can always talk to him about anything 24/7. He will try to give me great advice, listen to me, and try to be supportive not only at a sibling level but also at a professional level. Since we both study creative courses, we try to give feedback to each other with any work we produce. I could go on and on about my close bond with him, but what I just mentioned makes

alison cando

me consider him a part of my sisterhood.

Alison is a 22-year-old Fashion Communication student who is based in Newcastle, England and originally from Quito, Ecuador. We spoke to her about her experiences with sisterhood growing up in Ecuador compared to the UK and what sisterhood means to her.

Was the idea of sisterhood made important to you when growing up?

Alison and her twin brother as children.

Is the idea of having a sisterhood an important part of your life? Who is a part of your sisterhood?

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I am 22 years old Fashion Communication student from Quito in Ecuador, currently based

Yes, definitely! My two closest aunties from my dad’s side are part of my sisterhood. I tend to call them sisters, ñañas - a more loving Ecuadorian word that comes from our indigenous language, Quechua. Despite them being 15 years older than me, I feel that I can talk to them about literally anything, from guys, uni stuff to planned trips, etc. As I have become older, I think our bond has become stronger, and they also share their experiences they wouldn’t have, say, seven years ago.

in Newcastle in the UK. I speak Spanish and English and I am currently learning Mandarin in my spare time. I work part-time as a barista in a cute café near Gosforth. When I am not working or studying, I read, listen to podcasts, play tennis, go to the gym and run. Currently, I’m the training to run a half-marathon, running allows me to unwind and I like to think it makes me feel more productive, even though my legs ache a lot afterwards! In the same way, I like to go out with my friends and discover new food places in The Toon. I am a big-time foodie, so I am always down to try a new restaurant and places

in general.

Alison with her mother.

My mum is definitely part of my sisterhood too; even though I didn’t grow up with her, I always felt that I could talk to her about anything. She is very open and tries to advise me the best way she can at any time.

As I previously mentioned, I didn’t grow up with my mum, so the idea of having a sisterhood was not something super emphasized at home. I would probably say this affected me to a certain extent. When I was younger, I struggled to make friends with girls at school. I never thought I fit in because I wasn’t into all the typical girly things back then. I supposed this was because I lived with my dad and brother, a more ‘masculine’ environment, yet a less dramatic one! To be honest, I wouldn’t change anything because thanks to this, I learnt to see things from different perspectives and shape my personality little by little.

Have you noticed any cultural similarities or differences in female relationships since moving to the UK? Yes, I’ve noticed that female friends aren’t too affectionate when they greet each other, I would dare to say they are more composed and just give a brief hug. Whereas back home, we give a bone-breaking hug and a kiss on the cheek. Also, I’m not sure about this but from what I’ve seen friends don’t give each other a lot of compliments here in the UK, while back at home we do so. These are the two aspects I have noticed, but I am sure there are more I just haven’t noticed.

As I have become older, I think our bond has become stronger

Why do you think this is? Hmm, I believe this is due to the environment we were raised. In Latin America, we tend to be more affectionate when we see friends and family or even when we meet someone for the first time.

Do you think the differences between Ecuadorian culture and British culture have changed the way you see your relationships with female friends and family?

Alison out for dinner with her ñañas.

I wouldn’t say the differences had changed the way I see my relationships with female friends and family, but they had definitely given me a better insight into the British culture. Alison and her friend Charlotte.

Are your relationships with female friends back home different to those with female friends in the UK? I wouldn’t say my relationship with female friends back home are different to those I have in the UK. The females I am friends with have something that reminds me of my culture, share similar points of view or have unique personalities no matter where they are.

What does sisterhood mean to you? To me sisterhood means bringing together women to empower them to be better versions of themselves and to be a light to others around them, but most importantly learn, accept one another and grow together. Alison with her twin brother and their ñañas.

Alison with her friend Karolina.

sisterhood sisterhood collages collages louisa louisa rodgers rodgers Creative director and fashion lecturer Louisa shares her experiences with sisterhood through her heartfelt digital collages.

Louisa Rodgers

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Can you tell us about the work you’ve shared with us?

I’m Lou and I’m 27 (eurgh). I’m from Brussels originally but my mother is English and my father is German. I moved to

I made these collages in the immediate aftermath

England 10 years ago and now Belgium won’t take me back!

of a breakup. It was an amicable one, but that

I’ve always been quite obsessed with clothes. My mother used

almost made it harder. I had been seeing her for

to put a copy of Vogue in front of me in my baby stroller and it

just under 6 months and she was smart, beautiful,

would ‘shut me up for hours.’ She also dragged me around a

talented. But I have difficulty getting close

lot of art museums which I found quite tedious at the time but I

to people and it all started moving quickly. I

am so thankful for in hindsight. I wanted to be a photographer

panicked because some things just didn’t slot into

for a long time, and worked freelance while I was at school

place. Gut feelings are important for me, even

shooting weddings, proms and portraits for people. But now I’m

though I can be quite cold and strategic when I

more involved in creative direction and I work at the university

need to be. I don’t believe in leading people on

to pay my bills (which is the best ‘adult job’ a girl could ask

or wasting people’s time, because I hate it when

for!) I’m interested in how fashion feeds into the way we

people waste mine. So I guess they’re sort of sad

construct our identities, and I also have an interest in modern

collages. I’ve had difficulties with my mother this

warfare. I did a course on counter-terrorism at the University

past year who has struggled to accept the idea

of Leiden and my current academic research focusses on how

of a same-sex relationship. So I think partially this

hardcore pornography, first-person shooter video games and

is about that too. When your relationship with

internet shock culture shaped the way the War on Terror was

your mother is damaged, you end up damaged.

communicated visually.

It’s quite common but incredibly difficult to wrestle with.

Who is a part of your sisterhood? I have a small circle of friends but they mean a lot to me. They’re scattered all over the world: Brussels, Malta, London, Chicago.... and Gateshead! We don’t have to be in touch frequently but when I see them I can completely relax. They all have my sense of humour and they’re all easy-going. I cut people off if I get so much of a hint of ‘mean girl’ energy. They’re all also very smart and passionate about their own things in life which I really love to listen to and learn from, as clichéd as that sounds.

What does sisterhood mean to you? I think it’s about being honest with people, being there to distract and support and send memes and shop together and have midday cocktails when you’ve hit a wall of productivity. It’s being able to be around each other without doing anything in particular. Just crashed out on the sofa watching the Real Housewives and occasionally commenting on an ill-fitting fake Gucci outfit.

All images courtesy of Louisa Rodgers.

Louisa’s top tips for creating your own collages 1. Find inspiration from the world around you 2. Always be looking out for material to use 3. Develop your own unique style of collage 4. Make mistakes and keep learning more 5. Define your own creative process and work in a way that suits you 33

how how women women are are taking taking the the war war in in ukraine ukraine into into their their own own hands hands From civilians arming themselves with weaponry and building homemade bombs to European prime ministers and foreign secretaries grasping control of how we respond, women have been at the forefront of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Image from Sky News.

We’ve compiled a collection of some of the most notable moments of women’s visibility in the war both in Ukraine and across the world to celebrate their unimaginable display of strength in the face of the enemy.

Ukrainian women take part in military training to defend themselves against Russian invasions in the city of Mariupol Ukraine’s Special Forces have offered self-defence training to residents in Mauripol to help them defend both themselves and the country from Russian attacks. 79-year-old Valentyna Konstantynovska attended the training run by members of the National Guard where she was taught to assemble and dissemble a gun, how to load ammunition and how to aim at a target. Valentyna said: “I’m ready to shoot. If something happens, I will defend my home, my city, my children. I will do this because I think I’m ready for it.” Civilians of all ages have taken part in the training including children who need to be just as prepared for defence.

Image from Yahoo News UK.

Image from AP News.

Liz Truss’ speech about the return of geopolitics at the 2022 Easter Banquet

The former Miss Ukraine Anastasiia Lenna cries out a call to arms on social media

The UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss gave a speech at Mansion House for the Lord Mayor’s 2022

Beauty queen Anastasiia Lena has transformed her social media presence from influencer to war

Easter Banquet arguing for a new and enforced effort towards tackling the crisis in Ukraine. She

leader, switching up her usual content of yoga classes, flower arrangements and city landscapes to

insisted that Russian forces must be pushed out of “the whole of the Ukraine” and highlighted the

posing clad in protective goggles and camouflage and gripping assault-style weapons. Her well-lit and

point that Ukrainian victory was of “strategic imperative” for the West. Her speech acts as the most

posed photography symbolises the severity of the situation and showing that no one is safe from this

explicit statement of Britain’s war aims to date and reflects the UK’s desire to help Ukrainians enter

conflict. Many women answered the call with women across the country including MPs and teachers

future conflict settlement talks with the strongest negotiation points possible.

gathering in local parks to make molotov cocktails with their neighbours, preparing for endless nights of attacks on their cities from Russian forces.

Image from The Mercury News.

Image from Atalayar.

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Swedish leader Magdalena Andersson meet in Stockholm to discuss Nato

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen visits the Ukrainian capital of Kiev Ursula von der Leyen travelled to Kiev with the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Eduard Heger, to meet

The Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin met with the leader of Sweden at a joint news conference

with Ukrainian representatives to see the consequences of the war first hand. At a joint press

in Stockholm to speak about their impending decision on whether their countries will join Nato. Marin

conference with the leaders, she extended the hand of the EU and offered Ukrainian President

revealed that she saw no reason to delay the decision much longer, coinciding with a report to their

Zelensky the necessary documents to complete Ukraine’s application for EU membership. She is one

government stating their membership could increase tensions on the Russian border and a warning

of the highest-ranking EU leaders to visit Ukraine and her trip demonstrates the strong commitment of

from Moscow. This conference follows her tweet condemning the military action Russia has taken in

the European Union and its member states to come to the defence of Ukraine and its people during

Ukraine, representing Finland’s support of Ukrainians and a promise of increased support in

this conflict.

the future.

iconic iconic sisterhoods sisterhoods

of of pop pop culture culture

We took a trip back through TV and film to find the best on-screen representations of sisterhood. Take a look at who we chose to be a part of our iconic sisterhoods of pop culture and let us know who your favourites are by emailing us at evaszurko@sisterhoodmagazine.co.uk.

Sex In The City

Girls

Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte are the ultimate mid-30s girl gang. With their

Created by Lena Dunham, Girls draws from aspects of her own life in an attempt to

crazy social lives and ever-changing sex lives, the four women learn to navigate the ups

understand her own female relationships. Hannah begins to navigate her twenties after

and downs of romantic relationships whilst maintaining their successful careers in NYC.

being financially isolated by her parents with her girlfriends Marnie, Jessa and Shoshanna

Their tight-knit friendship spanned six seasons, two films and the 2021 revival ‘And Just

tumbling through life with her. All of the girls struggle to find their identities, cope with

Like That…’ with numerous boyfriends, breakdowns and sexual endeavours thrown at

shifts in dynamics and follow the constant changes in their personal lives, effortlessly

them along the way.

capturing the social reality of female friendship.

Watch Sex In The City on Now TV

Watch Girls on Now TV

Clueless

Little Women

Rich and popular best friends Cher and Dionne take new girl Tai under their wing in a

The tale of the March sisters is such a classic example of sisterhood that there have been

whirlwind of makeovers and lessons in how to rise up the social standings of American

seven film adaptations of the novel by Louisa May Alcott. The sisters live in 19th century

high school. They’re everything you’d want from a 90s sisterhood; synchronised outfits,

Massachusetts as a perfect example of the intimate and complex relationship between

teen slang and loveable personalities to match. Their meaningless arguments leading to

four sisters entering womanhood. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy perfectly depict all the

fast make ups and taking responsibility is relatable and realistic for teen viewers in trios of

aspects of sisters’ relationships including support, care-giving, conflict, jealousy and

their own.

above all, love.

Watch Clueless on Amazon Prime

Watch Little Women (2019) on Netflix

The Golden Girls

Gilmore Girls

A world away from the classic coming of age idea of sisterhood depicted in tv and film,

Lorelai and Rory’s witty, tumultuous and incredibly close relationship represents a mother

The Golden Girls follows the lives of older and single Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia

daughter version of sisterhood, although they live more like best friends than family.

living together in Miami, experiencing the joys and troubles of their golden years. Each

The show shares and empathises with motherhood in all its forms including the tense

one divorced or widowed, the women share their vastly different personalities, and an

and distanced relationship between Lorelai and her own mother and the protective,

undeniable chemistry that has withstood the past 35 years.

overbearing relationship between Lane and her mother Mrs Kim.

Watch The Golden Girls on Disney+

Watch Gilmore Girls on Netflix

The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants

Euphoria

Lifelong best friends Lena, Tibby, Carmen and Bridget have been attached at the hip their

Past the issues of drugs and violence, Euphoria portrays female friendship dynamics that

entire lives and as a result, are struggling with spending their first summer apart. Before

we can all find painfully relatable. Between Rue, Jules, Lexi, Maddie, Cassie, Kat and Gia

leaving, the girls find a pair of pants that magically fit them all despite their differing

there are multiple different sisterhoods that span from weeks to lifetimes and are shown in

body shapes and agree to share them over the summer to keep them in contact. Their

diverse ways. The platonic friendships hold an air of emotional reality, especially against

lives begin to head in different directions on the adventures of their summer but their

the intense storyline of addiction and hyper sexualisation and subverts the typical high

unwavering support remains loyal throughout.

school girl friendship expectations that most TV shows cater to.

Watch The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants on Apple TV

Watch Euphoria on Now TV

a home that wasn’t really a home hannah wild Photographer Hannah Wild shares some shots from her project about her home life when growing up and how this impacted her closeness with her sisters.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Who is a part of your sisterhood?

My name is Hannah Wild, I am 21 years old and I am a fashion

My two sisters are a part of my sisterhood along

photography student at Leeds Arts University. I am originally

with all of my friends. I am so close with all of

from Sheffield and my interests and hobbies involve creating

them and truly look at them all like family.

art, photography and studying the female gaze.

What is your project about?

What does sisterhood mean to you? Sisterhood to me is about a bond that is

My project is based around myself, the series of images are

unbreakable, whether that is individuals you

a part of my final project. My project is set up of five different

are related to or friends around you. I think that

scenarios and locations with showing different experiences I

sisterhood is about support and being there for

have had. The overall project is based around my home life

people around you.

and how I didn’t enjoy being at home while I was growing up, I wanted to show different situations I put myself in so that I didn’t

All images courtesy of Hannah Wild.

have to be in that environment. This specific section is about sisterhood and how me and my sisters are extremely close, we spent a lot of time isolated in our bathroom while we were younger as it was a place we could lock ourselves away from our family. I wanted to show a warming connection between

two people as that’s what me and my sisters have.

It was a place we could lock ourselves away from our family

why won’t you stop killing us? The murder of Sarah Everard may have brought the sisterhood together but why do we never get the chance to come together in celebration instead?

Woman detained by the police at the protest - Image from The Guardian.

In the year since Sarah Everard’s death, at least 125 women have been killed by men in the UK, whether it be in public by strangers or at home by their husbands. Her case caused a cry for movement with women rallying together everywhere to fight the ongoing violence against women across the world. Her brutal abduction and murder by police officer Wayne Couzens shocked the nation to the point that women saw a glimmer of hope for change within our society. However, our faith is being dampened by every new statistic and news article causing us to cry out in desperation; “why won’t you stop killing us?!” Protesters at the London vigil for Sarah Everard - Image from Time Out online.

Violence against women can mean anything from harassment to homicide and can happen in broad daylight on the street or at home behind closed doors. It isn’t limited to physical attacks and can include verbal abuse, controlling behaviour and exploitation. It doesn’t matter how strong you are, these acts of senseless violence can have severe long-term effects on not only the victim but women everywhere. In 2020, the crime Survey for England and Wales found that an estimated 1.6 million women aged 16-74 have experienced domestic abuse. 1.6 million women going through a devastatingly traumatic experience,

loved one is going through and questioning whether it might happen to them.

Then, violence from the police continued at

to anger after finding out that a police officer

a vigil in her honour at Clapham Common in

had been arrested in relation to Sarah’s death.

London a few days later with officers restraining,

A man who was reportedly nicknamed ‘the

manhandling and arresting the peaceful

rapist’ at work for making female officers feel

protesters. What’s more is that Raven Bowen,

uncomfortable and someone frequently accused

the chief executive of National Ugly Mugs, an

of indecent exposure, yet nothing was done

organisation working to prevent violence against

about any of this. At the time, our rage was

sex workers, said that this experience was just

directed towards authority figures, the justice

a taste of the kind of trauma many sex workers

system and the misuse of power, allowing

have reported experiencing by the police

someone who we are told will protect us to do

for years.

the complete opposite. First and foremost, a

1.6 million women who have families and friends experiencing the distress and fear for what their

In Sarah’s case the initial mourning soon turned

A sign seen at the protests outside Parliament - Image from Global Citizen.

member of an organisation trusted to defend us

If the men with the responsibility to serve and

has abused his position of authority in one of the

protect us have no issue with committing acts of

worst ways possible; kidnapping and murdering

violence against us then what hope do we have

an innocent woman.

for laws to be enforced to save us?

how to take action how 1. Learn the signs of abuse

3. Use your social media platform

By learning to notice signs of abuse, both

It doesn’t matter how many followers you have,

physical and emotional, you can help the people

using social media to share information and show

around you seek support and help for their

your support for women’s rights is one of the

situation before it’s too late. This knowledge can

fastest and most effective ways to help the cause.

also help prevent you getting into a situation of

It gives you the opportunity to start your own

abuse yourself and advise you on what to do if

conversations about the issues that matter to you

you notice your partner showing signs of

and encourage your followers to do the same.

abusive behaviour.

@womensmarch, @unwomenuk and @womenforwomenuk post a lot of valuable

Some of the women murdered since Sarah Everard - Image from The Telegraph.

The NHS and UN Women websites both have

information about women’s issues not only in

information on recognising the signs, safety tips

the UK but internationally too. Their quick read

for those in abusive situations and advice on

content is perfect for sharing to Instagram stories

how to help someone being abused. They also

and engaging your followers with key facts and

provide details of where to seek help and who to

how they can help.

contact for support regarding the physical and The Independent’s Femicide Census found that in the last ten

We’re doing everything we’re told to avoid this

years a woman has been killed by a man every three days in

happening to us, but it doesn’t matter. If we don’t

the UK and a woman is killed by a former or current partner

dress inappropriately, if we wear bright clothing,

every four. A shocking statistic, yet what’s even more shocking

if we don’t walk home alone does that mean

is that nothing has been done to prevent this. The website

that we can’t be killed? No. We don’t need to

‘Counting Dead Women’ is campaigning for the end of violence

walk home with our keys between our fingers

against women and records the names of women killed by men

we need pivotal systematic change. We don’t

or where a man is the principal subject in their death. In March

need the police to have more power to abuse

2022 their analysis found that there has been no significant

us, we need the perpetrators and abusers to be

change in the reduction of women being murdered since Sarah

held accountable for their crimes no matter who

Everard’s death and the shadow minister for domestic violence

they are and what they do. The sisterhood needs

has even stated that there have been more women killed in the

to come together and fight for this, fight for the

year since her death than the year before.

125 women murdered at the hands of a man. Donate to women’s organisations, sign petitions,

Whilst the government have expressed concern and spoken

spread awareness on social media, do your bit

about tackling this epidemic, no actual movement has been

to support this movement. Women are stronger

made. Women’s lives are being lost to male violence every

together and we can’t let anything deter us for

single day globally, yet nothing is being done to stop it and

fighting for our lives.

many of these cases don’t gain even a fraction of the attention that Sarah’s did. This violence and these deaths are being

emotional effects of abuse.

2. Start a conversation

4. Fund women’s organisations Donating to organisations dedicated to helping

Speaking about violence against women with

women can reduce the chances of those less

the men around you can get men talking about

fortunate being in situations open to violence and

the issues we face and broaden awareness.

provide much needed support for survivors of

Encouraging men to have these conversations can

abuse. Giving money to charities working in your

motivate them to hold their peers accountable

local area can have direct impact on the women

and reflect on their own behaviour, creating a

around you and funding global organisations

safer environment for everyone. Discussing what

can help work towards ending violence against

you can do with the women around you can also

women on an international level. Justice For

increase support from the people it impacts the

Women campaigns on behalf of women who

most. Some women may not be aware of the

have fought back against or killed violent men,

severity of the issue and helping them educate

AVA (Against Violence and Abuse) works

themselves on the issues can push the movement

with survivors to end gender-based violence

even further.

and EVAWI (End Violence Against Women International) work with professionals to improve the outcome in the criminal justice system for victims of abuse.

treated as an upsetting yet unavoidable part of the life of a

woman and that is not okay.

aquarius & gemini

jennifer aniston & courteney cox aquarius & gemini

your bestie according to your zodiac sign Astrological compatibility doesn’t just apply to romantic relationships, you can find your cosmic best friend purely based on when you were born. Have a look below to find your zodiac soulmate and see which celebrity besties share the same connection.

capricorn & scorpio

tracee ellis ross & michelle obama

Excitable Aquarius’ and energetic Geminis are

is driven by their independence and desire for

one of the strongest friendship pairings due to

intellectual conversation, often working hard

their hunger for adventure and desire to try

to make each other’s dreams a reality. If one

new things. They’re never bored together and

suggests an idea the other won’t hesitate to get

are always coming up with new ways to have

involved although Aquarius’ can often need more

fun, encouraging each other to live a wild and

space or alone time compared to Geminis. They

carefree lifestyle. They are very like-minded but

are both very communicative and love to laugh

can also teach each other new things about

and joke around, making their friendship both

their personalities and interests. Their friendship

strong and fun.

leo & libra

scorpio & capricorn

meghan markle & serena williams leo & libra

Driven Capricorns and methodical Scorpios have

Capricorns are well known for their reliability!

A Leo and Libra friendship is all about patience

side of their friendship, especially with their

a lot in common, especially when it comes to

Both signs are flexible with their social time and

and communication. They can learn a lot from

shared desire to look good often leading to a

pursuing their goals. They can be ruthless in their

like to mix it up between a good night out at a

each other with Leos typically being dominant

lengthy shopping trip and some retail therapy.

rise to the top but feel it is worth it for the power

club and staying in to re-watch their favourite

characters and Libras more people-pleasers.

They love getting dressed up together and

and success. They are both incredibly loyal signs

movies. They can both be very stubborn and

These personalities often balance each other out

often attend plenty of social events to showcase

and any issues in their friendships often come

opinionated and often conflicts can’t be avoided,

with Libras peaceful nature calming Leos wild

their new outfits and meet new people. Their

down to problems with trust. They value having

but if they work together their ambitious drive

side. Libras love spoiling their friends and Leos

contrasting personalities complement each other

friends who they know will defend them and

and hard working attitudes can bring them a lot

love being spoilt, making them a match made in

well and they can drive each other as a result of

have their backs in any situation and thankfully

of success both professionally and socially.

heaven when it comes to the more materialistic

this with Leos boosting Libras in their goals.

cancer & pisces

jodie comer & sandra oh

taurus & virgo

cancer & pisces

Pisces and Cancer friendships share a deep

friendship as they’re both givers and often spoil

connection due to their compassionate and kind

each other both physically and emotionally.

nature making them extremely tolerable of each

They know they can count on each other no

other’s emotions. They are both very forward

matter what and frequently check in to make

with their feelings and can talk for hours about

sure the other is doing okay. They are both very

their lives without having to hold anything back.

imaginative and creative characters and put

If they’re upset about anything they know they

their ideas into practice when working together.

can be honest about it and be comforted instead

Furthermore, they are both tolerable of each

of judged. They both put a lot of effort into their

others negative traits making arguments sparse.

sagittarius & aries

shay mitchell & ashley benson aries & sagittarius

taurus & virgo

The grounded, realistic and practical nature

They support each others ambitions and personal

of a Taurus and Virgo friendship makes their

growth, making them a strong team that will

friendship very nurturing for each party. They are

accomplish a lot together. Furthermore, they

happy to work hard together to get what they

listen to each others issues and allow the other

want out of life but won’t tolerate the negative

to vent when they need to, always offering a

aspects of each other’s personalities. Although

listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Although

their friendship may progress slowly due to their

their lives don’t revolve around each other, they

reserved nature they will care for each other

acknowledge they need to put effort into the

deeply once a friendship has been established.

friendship due to their pragmatic nature.

The best things about each sign as a friend Aries (March 21 - April 19) Libra (September 23 - October 22) They are up for an adventure and their fun energy is

They are very supportive and complimentary of their friends

contagious.

and always make them feel good.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

They are very lovable and quickly make their friends feel

They connect with their friends at a very deep level and

safe and protected.

they are very passionate about their friendships.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Sagittarius (November 22 December 21)

They are very smart and love to chat. They always put their friends needs and feelings first and they are never boring to be around.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

They are fun, funny, and very positive. They are always ready for a good time and new experiences.

anything and know they won’t share it.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

They are completely trustworthy and loyal and always want

They are the best friends to make memories with thanks to

their friends to feel special and loved.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

They are very trustworthy, their friends can tell them

tina fey & amy poehler

Both Aries and Sagittarius are warm signs that

any arguments can be easily forgiven because of

understand each other well and find it easy to

this shared understanding. They are often on the

trust each other because of this. They share a

same page and use humour in difficult situations

love of adventure and enjoy crossing items off

so their friendship is based on laughter and

their bucket list together. This can mean however

making light of things. They may have different

that they enable each other, which could be for

tastes as Aries’ prefer new things and Sagittarius’

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

the worst if they’re encouraging each other for a

value old-fashioned traditions but these can

They can be very sweet and will always consider their

laugh. Their friendship is one that will stand the

complement each other and widen the other’s

friend’s feelings. They are reliable and will never make

test of time, they may both be hot-headed but

views and interests.

anyone feel alone.

their humour and their ability to make everything exciting and fun.

They always make their friends feel comfortable and at ease, allowing their friends to be their true selves.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20) They always understand their friends and their sensitivity, as well as being able to make them laugh constantly.

we met on the internet Emma and Alex have been friends for five ‘glamorous’ years. After finding each other on Twitter in 2017, first as ‘mutuals’ and then soon getting closer, the pair are the perfect example of a unique way of finding a friend for life.

“The day we met was 25 February 2018. It was a total last-minute plan, but I really didn’t want her to leave without meeting her,” says Emma. Despite initial nerves they immediately fell into the best friend relationship they’d cultivated over text and jumped in with a bone-crushing hug; “We pulled out from the hug, and she said something that just strikes my core, “Oh my God, you’re so beautiful.” I knew from that moment on that this wasn’t your average friendship and that this was meant to be. We clicked like it was nothing,” Emma spills. It was those perfect last few hours of Alex’s trip that solidified their friendship and led them to where they are now, four years later. Since then, Alex has been back to Dallas to see Emma again and hopes to visit her in Pennsylvania when she moves to university later this year.

Emma is a 20 (nearly 21) year old from Dallas,

Emma and Alex’s ability to share anything is

Texas, where everything is bigger. She works

a huge part of what makes their friendship

for an EHCL ice hockey team called the Allen

so great. Despite the time difference, they’re

Americans and is studying journalism at college,

always each other’s first point of call whenever

with the hopes of becoming a sports journalist

anything happens in their lives, good or bad,

and on-air reporter.

and will support each other no matter what,

Alex and Emma celebrating New Year’s Eve together in Dallas, 2019.

whether they’re sharing gossip or crying about Alex is 21 and from Sheffield, England, where

their day. “She understands me, she fights

everything is most definitely smaller. She’s

for me, she rallies for me. I truly believe in

studying a special effects and performance

best friend soulmates,” says Emma, with their

make-up degree at Bournemouth Arts University,

similar mindsets meaning there’s never any

influenced by her love of traditional art forms

embarrassment between them and they can share

including drawing and sketching.

things that they wouldn’t dream of telling anyone else.

A fellow sports fan, her love of American hockey and football is how she initially got to know

The similarities don’t stop with their personalities

Emma, both as followers of the Dallas Stars

as Emma shares that their entire lives mirror each

hockey team on Twitter.

other down to their sibling dynamics, which side of their families are the ‘cool’ ones and how

After a year of communicating online, Emma and

alike their mothers are from the shape of their

Alex finally met in person when Alex was on a

engagement rings to their personal histories.

17th birthday trip to Dallas in February 2018 and at the last minute they decided to meet up in the Starbucks of Alex’s hotel. She had already met a few other Twitter friends at a hockey game earlier that week but couldn’t bear to leave

without meeting Emma.

“I knew from that moment on that this wasn’t your average friendship and that this was meant to be”

Alex and Emma reuniting in Dallas, 2019.

Their unwavering support for one another is what makes this so special, “She’s always been my number one fan. She’s always wanted the best for me and been happy for my success, as I’ve been with hers, even though we’re in wildly different career paths,” says Alex. They were overjoyed when receiving the news of each other’s university acceptances and feel incredibly lucky to have found someone who is always truly happy for their successes and someone to grow even further with. Their online friendship circles don’t stop with each other as Alex has met up with fellow Dallas Stars fans Abby, Lizy and Carly, who she met in the same way as Emma, on her first trip to America. “When we all got to meet together at the same time it was surreal, and great fun. They were there for my first ever game and helped me to get the signed I’d made, noticed at the glass in the rink,” shares Alex.

“She’s always been my number one fan. She’s always wanted the best for me and been happy for my success” Alex and Emma the first time they met at a Starbucks in Dallas, 2018.

She also has a group of male friends, Dom,

fans really think and this allows her to understand what might

opportunity to broaden the range of people they

Travis and Conner, who she’s known for years

be interesting to write about as they notice things others haven’t

have in their lives and enrich their knowledge

and is meeting up with Conner for a traditional

picked up on and use the platform to vocalise their opinions.

of the world. Meeting people from different

British night out when he visits her in England

Alex and Emma at a Dallas Stars practice in 2019.

countries, cultures and ways of life can make

this summer. Emma also became friends with

For Alex, she’s found that her adherence to American media

you a more understanding and open person

Leia, from Ontario, Canada at the same time as

and interactions with American Twitter spheres sometimes mean

throughout. It can be terrifying meeting someone

connecting with Alex and hopes to meet up with

she doesn’t entirely fit into typical British culture and her online

from the other side of the world but something

her in the future. She met her friend Hailey at a

community gives her a space to belong to. She believes online

as big as that can help you navigate any social

Dallas Stars hockey practice by following her and

communities are so important because, “They allow any type

situation in life.

messaging her on Twitter a few days earlier after

of person to find where they fit in, and it gives many who might

seeing her at the rink and has also become close

not fit the mould in real life, a sense of comfort and belonging.

with one of Alex’s friends from Sheffield, Phoebe.

There really is something for everybody.”

Having online communities has impacted the

Despite pointing out its risks and warning anyone to be careful

girls in different ways, but they both agree that

when meeting up with people online, Alex and Emma both

they wouldn’t be who they are today without

advocate for making friends online and believe people should

them. Emma has found that social media plays

be more open to it as long as they’re careful and aware. They

a huge role in her sports journalism degree,

recommend taking a parent or responsible friend along for

affecting how she writes and who she writes to.

the first meeting, in case someone isn’t who they say they are.

By reading replies to tweets she gets to see what

Aside from this, making friends online can give someone the

“Sisterhood means having a fellow woman in your life who understands what it’s like to be you, even if your circumstances are entirely different. I believe women have a natural ability to provide comfort to another because we are empathetic creatures who know how hard it is to be us, and even how some of us depending on race, age, religion or disability, have it worse than others. I thankfully have multiple women in my life who I can count on to be my rock and shoulder to cry on when I’m going through the worst of times, who can set aside even their own personal struggles in order to comfort another.”

alex Alex and Emma’s top tips for making friends online

emma emma “Sisterhood means everything to me. To have sisters that I’m not related to but are still my blood is something I’ll never know if I’ll be able to describe how thankful I am for. It’s something I believe is stronger than a romantic soulmate. To have those women that you are so bonded to. The ones that just understand you. That know with just a shift in your body language that something is wrong. To know that they’ll know who to run into the ground because that person treated you poorly or did you dirty. Tell you your

1. Be extra careful and make sure the person is genuine before going to meet them. 2. It’s okay to be nervous about meeting new friends, but remember you might make a friend for life!

boobs look good, that your butt doesn’t look good in those jeans, when to wear your good bra. To always tell you that whatever it is you’re wearing is not flattering because they know the parts of your body that you hate. To pick you up when you’re down. Be the person that falls with you knowing that they’ll be right there to pick you up. Grow together, fall together, be there for each other. If any of my girls need a getaway driver, I’m going to get them in the fastest vintage Ford mustang. We’ll never be caught. And I

3. Try and find someone with the same interests as you, then you know you’ll always have something to talk about.

know they’ll do the same for me. All you’ll see if a trail of dust.”

family. Combined with rent prices at their highest in 13 years and expensive childcare costs, a

women can no longer afford to live in the UK The price of survival in the UK has reached its highest in years and women are significantly suffering as a result. The gender pay gap means single women can barely afford to live without sharing costs with housemates and single parents are in mountains of debt to provide for their families. With no end in sight, we ask; when will the government do something?

significant amount of the average single mother’s income is going towards the cost of living with very little disposable income leftover and an increasing chance of going into debt. For many women in the UK, living is no longer about quality of life and solely about survival. The crisis has reached its peak after the last five years of growing costs versus stagnant wages and nothing is getting better no matter how much

There is not one region in England that has affordable housing for women

we put in. However, many of these statistics only apply to white women in the UK and the reality is considerably worse for women of black and ethnic minority backgrounds. These women are increasingly vulnerable due to the likelihood of being a single parent and having a larger family to support, now making it more difficult to make ends meet when they’re already struggling. Over 40% of people in ethnic minorities and over 50% of children in ethnic minorities are living in poverty in the UK, ensuring the crisis hits them

The UK is currently heading for its worst cost of living crisis

often leaves women open to financial abuse and

since the 1950s with inflation at an all-time high in the past 30

the hardest. Alongside this, over 78% of adults

can become victims of an uneven power dynamic

years alone. The ridiculously high prices of rent, travel, gas,

from black, African, Caribbean or black British

in relationships due to fear of financial struggles.

electricity, bills, and food in no way match wages and the

backgrounds have less than £1500 in savings

Often the men have the power to control their

majority of people across the country are suffering immensely.

and nearly half a million have no savings at all

finances, limit their spending or refuse to pay

A recent report from the Intergenerational Foundation states

thanks to the government’s inability to take action

certain costs, forcing the women into a position of

that the crisis will hit the under-30s the hardest due to the impact

against structural inequalities.

financial weakness.

of the pandemic, as well as individuals with student loan debts

The cost-of-living crisis is ruining lives across the

expecting higher bills next year after the government unfreeze

At this time, it’s more important than ever for

repayment thresholds.

country, rent and bills are becoming unaffordable

the government to make a sincere and focused

and wages aren’t matching the inflation. Women

effort to close the gender pay gap and support Furthermore, single people and those living alone are becoming

are being disproportionally impacted by the

single women as much as single men during this

increasingly worried about being able to afford costs,

negative effects of this, primarily due to the

tumultuous time. We make up the poorest half of

especially for single parents, due to the single source of income

ever increasing gender pay gap and greater

the population as a result of this and often find

having to cover a lot of fixed prices. Single women in particular

likelihood of being a single parent. The chances

ourselves in low-paid or part-time roles so it’s

will be disproportionately impacted by the cost-of-living crisis,

of a woman being able to self-sustain themselves

essential we fight for equality to survive the crisis.

primarily due to the still evident gender pay gap. Research

and live alone are rapidly decreasing and the

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender

by the Women’s Budget Group has found that there is not

risk of getting into debt to be able to afford to

Gap Report found that gender gap grew by 36

one region in England that has affordable housing for women

live is only going up. UK women have no quality

years in 12 months due to the pandemic, an issue

renting independently yet men on an average salary can afford

of life and the rate of inflation is continuing to

worsened by the increasing cost of living, and a

to rent in every region except London.

rise. When will this change for us?

complete step in the opposite direction.

Women across the UK are becoming increasingly limited in

Single parents are taking the brunt of this as

housing, with many having to share houses to split rent and bills

women make up 90% of this group and analysis

prices to live more affordably, especially since there is usually

by the New Economics Foundation suggests

a higher degree of financial security for a woman in a couple if

that the surge in bills will take up 56% more

she loses her job as her partner still has a source of income. This

disposable income compared to the average

How did the group come about? Jade: We’ve been friends for years through

the the girl girl band band built built on on sisterhood sisterhood Made up of Erin, Jade, Rosie, Lily and Lucy, 2020v are the singing, dancing pop group hoping to change the face of girl bands forever. Formed with sisterhood at its very core, 2020v are ready to take the world by storm and inspire young girls everywhere to follow their dreams and not let anyone stop them.

dancing and as we got older and closer we realised that starting a group is something we all really wanted to do. Lily: We all have a passion for dance as we all met through dancing clubs and have had an instant bond ever since. We’ve spent years being the best of friends and developing our own girl group has made our bond stronger. Erin: We got into KPop around 2018 and since then we’ve been hugely inspired by the performances and the groups, which is what has led us to where we are today. Lucy: Yeah, I remember always wanting to have a dance group to try auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent then when we found the KPop group BTS it helped naturally turn us into a singing dancing girl group. We wanted to become a group like them and inspire people they way they inspired us.

How did you all know each other? How long have you been friends? Rosie: I’ve known Jade basically since I was 3 which feels like pretty much my whole life and

Who are 2020v?

I’ve always been really close to her. The other girls I knew through dancing but I wouldn’t

Erin: I’m Erin Kilford, I’m 20-years-old.

say we started getting close until end of 2018.

Jade: I’m Jade Wilkinson and I’m 20-years-old.

Maybe. Is that right, guys?

Rosie: I’m Rosie Dumble and I’m 17.

Lily: Yeah, some of us knew each other

Lily: I’m Lily Biggs and I’m 20.

previously from school and being kids from the

Lucy: I’m Lucy-Annabella Wilkinson and I’m

age of around 4-5 , but we all properly met

20-years-old.

through our dance school at around 12-13 years old then we formed out group nearly three

What is 2020v?

Erin: I’m in my second year studying Fashion Communication at Northumbria University, focusing on photography. I also work in a coffee shop. Jade: I go to Newcastle University and study Music and English Linguistics. I also work as a dance teacher and I’m currently training for my teaching qualification. Lucy: Outside the group I work daily with my dad transporting

Erin: 2020v is a group formed in Rosie’s sitting

disabled kids to and from school and I also work at kids party’s

room basically.

teaching the kids dances. In my free time I dance pretty much

Rosie: It’s our girl group, 2020v stands for

all the time in various styles and I love to sing, rap and write

2020vision which is the perfect name for our vibe

music lyrics.

and how we see ourselves as a group.

Rosie: We always spend time together going out, going to the

Lily: The group consists of 5 best friends ages

cinema and we LOVE going shopping. Basically we just end up

17-20. We sing and dance together as well as

being stupid together which is something I can only really do

create fun content on social media and YouTube.

with the girls.

Jade: We created the girl band off the

Lily: Outside of the group we work, and do school or university

foundation of our friendship which is super

years ago.

What do you all do outside of the group?

important to us.

2020v at rehearsals (L-R: Rosie, Erin, Lucy, Jade, Lily).

work, however we all still dance and sing all through the week and do other physical activities to keep active.

Rosie: I would love for things to just progress and allow us to make a career out of doing what we love. Especially with my besties! Erin: Hopefully we will be able to make an impact in what we do by spreading the word and influencing people in the right way. Jade: We really just want to perform on stage and inspire people with our music. I hope that in the future we will be travelling, doing our thing and creating music that people love. Lily: I definitely see 2020v bringing out our own albums and working on many more songs in the future. I want us to put them out to the world by doing gigs and one day touring, being able to travel the world together with our passion and get our name well known.

Is having a sisterhood important to you? Lily Having this sisterhood is so important to me, Rosie and Lucy photographed by Erin.

What are you working on at the moment? Lily: We are working on producing our own song, which has been a work in progress over the last few months and we are all super excited for it. It’s been such a learning experience for us all and has definitely given us a better insight to the industry. We’ve had so much fun writing and putting the song together and figuring out a lot about our own style

my sisterhood help each other in so many ways and we are all so lucky to have this bond with each other. We’ve learnt to help and care for each other massively. Rosie: My sisterhood literally feel like the big sisters I’ve never had and I think they’ve helped me grow into the person I am today. Erin: They get me through my days and 2020v are like four other sisters, it’s so warming to have four other versions of yourself.

Erin: It’s about forgetting about what everyone else thinks and doing whatever you want with your future. We have been travelling to Manchester for around 6 months to complete it now. Jade: We’ve been working hard in the studio and finally have completed it. We are also compiling songs to perform at future gigs and events. Lucy: We’re focusing on getting our self out there with concerts and performances to help gain a following as well as grow our confidence. We are also working on our singing and dancing and making it stronger.

Where do you see 2020v going in the future? Lucy: No matter what I see us always sticking together. We have very sister-like bond and we are extremely close. Our end goal is to help inspire people and encourage them to follow

We’ve learnt to help and care for each other massively

their own goals rather than following the crowd and feeling

anxious about being themselves.

Is sisterhood an important part of your group?

If you could ask one celebrity to join your sisterhood, who would it be?

Lucy: I think it is as since we have that sister-like

Rosie: I would ask Beyoncé cos she’s just the

bond, we’re able to be closer to one another and feel more comfortable and open. We know that if any of us say anything to each other it’s never to be negative it’s always to help. Being more close helps with the group as we only want to see each other succeed. Erin: It’s the most important thing in our group and the reason why we’re so strong together, we have an insane bond and that’s why we click as a girl group, our brains are aligned. Jade: Having a sisterhood within the group creates an much more enjoyable environment and makes what we do so much easier because of how close we are.

Was the idea of having a sisterhood and a strong group of female friends made important to you growing up?

I’ve felt a sense of sisterhood with the girls especially and I’ve never felt a connection like that with anyone else

ultimate queen and she must have connections to people in high places haha! Lucy: Probably a strong female like Doja Cat would be cool. Erin: I think I’d want every member of BTS to join, I don’t think I could pick just one. Jade: Definitely a Kpop idol like someone from Itzy or Blackpink. We are heavily inspired by them and they would definitely vibe with us! Lily: Yeah I think it would have to be, Yuna from Itzy, I feel like she has the same energy as us and I believe we would all get along very well.

What does sisterhood mean to you? Jade: Sisterhood is an unbreakable bond. It means unconditional love and support. It’s lifting each other up, motivating and supporting each other and being there for each other no matter what.

Rosie: It was always emphasised to me as a kid

Rosie: It means true, real friends who you can

to have proper true friends and I think I learned early on what real friends were like, but I’ve felt a sense of sisterhood with the girls especially and I’ve never felt a connection like that with anyone else. Lily: Growing up it’s always been important to me to have a strong supportive sisterhood around me, it’s very healthy to have that group of friends through life. It’s gotten all of us through many obstacles, to have a strong friendship and we can rely on each other for anything. Lucy: I think it’s always been there for me as I’ve grown up having a sister and knowing exactly what that sisterhood bond is like. I’m also the type of person who doesn’t have many close friends as it takes me a long time to fully trust someone so the friends I do have I really appreciate and trust allowing us to have a sisterhood bond.

rely on for anything and know that they won’t

Jade: It’s always been important to me to have a strong group

judge you in any way.

of female friends as growing up and being surrounded by

Lily: It means everything to me, I can go to my

females like yourself is so empowering. Erin: I’ve always had true friends from a young age, Lily in the

sisterhood for anything as they are all my best

in having strong, lifelong friends who have your back.

What’s your favourite thing to do with your sisterhood?

What’s your favourite memory of sisterhood?

Erin: Just laughing and having moments we’re we can’t

group has been my friend since I was 4, so I’ve always believed

breathe; we always laugh so hard together and it’s such a Lily: When we went to go see our favourite band in concert,

happy feeling.

BTS. They’ve inspired us so much into becoming the performers

Rosie: I love just being myself and knowing they won’t

we are today, we watched and listened to them through out the

judge me.

years and they have truly helped us develop our own style and

Lily: My favourite thing to do with my sisterhood is perform,

seeing them in person with each other was very inspiring for us.

when we are given the chance to perform on stage we all

Lucy: Yes, definitely seeing BTS! It really opened my eyes and

thrive, we have so much fun together and we have such good

created a spark in me and the girls.

energy when we’re all together doing what we love.

Rosie: I agree! When we saw BTS, OMG, wow!

Lucy: I love just laughing with them, I love doing things we are

Erin: I think everytime we dance together because it always

all passionate about like performing with them and just vibing

works and it’s the best form of showing that we work well

with them. It’s really nice to have people who have the same

together, everyone can see our bond.

aspirations and goals as you. I do also love a good movie night

Jade: Some of my favourite memories come from us just having

with pizza when we all get snuggled up and just crease.

friends and they’re always there when I need them. I am very grateful and lucky to have such great friends like them. Lucy: Sisterhood means life. I’m a strong person but without sisterhood I would not be me. They remind me of things that help me, they’re like my foundations, they’re there to help me and tell me it’s okay when I won’t. They are a big reason for me to keep going and pushing through. They’re my spark and motivation Erin: It means having friends and people around you who support you constantly and always want you to be your best self, people who you laugh, cry and do life with. All photographs courtesy of 2020v and Erin Kilford.

cosy nights in, watching films, ordering food, playing games;

nights full of laughter. Another good memory is our first group

Who is you sisterhood?

trip to Manchester and visiting the studio for the first ever time!

All: 2020v!

women women are are being being haunted haunted by by their their crazy crazy exes exes Kanye West’s recent, and now deleted, social media tirade has pushed his messy divorce with pop culture icon Kim Kardashian into the limelight. His public outbursts have raised concerns and questions surrounding the toxicity in break-ups when an ex-partner starts to act ‘crazy’.

If Kim Kardashian can’t escape her crazy ex, what chance do the rest of these women have? Kim Kardashian with much less protection from

Kanye West has become a classic example of a crazy ex story.

other as ‘crazy’ as a form of retaliation to avoid

a man’s actions. His outbursts may be providing

In the past year since his divorce to reality television mogul Kim

being seen as the ‘bad guy’. What’s even more

entertainment for his 16 million Instagram

Kardashian, his behaviour has become somewhat questionable

common is someone who actually has had a toxic

followers, but few of them seem to understand the

towards her and those around her. After he finally elicited the

relationship and break up due to their ex being

severity of the situation. His threats and erratic

desired response from Kim, some form of acknowledgement of

disruptive or threatening being less likely to go

behaviour are not funny, his relentless hounding

him via a social media post asking him to stop, his rampage of

around sharing this information and broadcasting

of his ex-wife and trolling of her boyfriend are

social media attacks were directed towards a new target, her

their ‘crazy’ ex. What first seemed like a happy

not hot celebrity gossip stories, this is all real

boyfriend Pete Davidson.

and hospitable separation for the Kardashian-

life. Kim is being stalked and harassed by her

West’s has quickly swerved down a scary and

ex-husband right in front of us and we are seeing

Kanye’s actions are textbook toxic ex, hating on a new

stalker filled path due to Kanye’s aggressive and

yet another man who won’t get the message

partner, airing dirty laundry out in public via social media

extremely public outbursts. Yet, throughout all of

and who won’t take no for an answer. She is not

and unrelenting public displays of affection acting as a sordid

this, Kim has somehow managed to keep her cool

immune to this no matter how famous she is.

attempt to win them back. The horror story that Kim Kardashian

and avoid speaking about the situation or even

has been living through is an all too painful reminder to many

mentioning Kanye and his actions but we see men

It feels like nearly every girl knows someone

women across the world who are stuck in toxic and abusive

calling their past partners psychos every day for

who’s ended up in a bad situation with an

relationships with men who behave exactly like Kanye and

holding them accountable for their untrustworthy

ex-boyfriend or partner. When I posted a poll on

much worse. This situation urges us raise the question; if Kim

or unfair actions.

my social media, 23 out of 64 women shared that they had been through a break-up experience

Kardashian can’t escape her crazy ex, what chance do the rest Kanye chose to share screenshots on social

that led to an ex acting ‘crazy’ and made them

media of Kim begging him to stop and think

feel unsafe. These women shared stories of

In this day and age it can often be seen as a red flag when

about what he was doing, showing exactly how

sexual harassment, suicidal threats, stalking

someone says they have a ‘crazy’ ex. More often than not it

scary a situation like this can be for a woman,

and repeated abuse. Their experiences made

ends up being them in the wrong and publicly dismissing the

especially one nowhere near as privileged as

my heart hurt, imagining their fear and trauma,

of these women have?

wanting to be there to hold their hands and urge them to seek help. The things they’d been through, often at the peak of their adolescence, no young girl should have to go through, and the effects will stay with them across a lifetime of future relationships. Vlada is happily engaged with her boyfriend of four years and a new mother to a beautiful baby girl but her experience with a crazy ex has continued throughout this. “After we broke up, he stalked me, he would repeatedly show up at my work and home and harassed me to the point he was sending me long, threatening emails because he was blocked on all other forms of communication. This went on for years and has only recently stopped,” she shares. “I went through a break-up when I was around 16 years old, and he really did not get the message! He would make fake accounts on social media to message me and try and speak to me after I blocked him and it got to the point where he would turn up at my school and try and speak to me on my way home,” Anna reveals. She laughs about it now but at the time, this behaviour was terrifying for a young girl to have to experience. When Siobhan began to feel unhappy in her relationship, her boyfriend became manipulative and extremely toxic as she tried to end it with him. “Whenever I tried to end the relationship and stop speaking to him, he would threaten to kill himself to get me to stay. He also sent me photos of him self-harming and his injuries which were extremely traumatising to see and made his threats of suicide even more real.” Still, none of these women have ever referred to their exes as ‘crazy’ in private or in public, they’ve never shared the gritty details of their breakups on social media or brought it up in conversations whenever the ex is mentioned.

“He stalked me, he would repeatedly show up at my work and home and harassed me”

Vlada, Anna and Siobhan have been fortunate enough to escape these toxic relationships and find happiness and stability with new connections but for many other women this is not always the case. All of these women, Kim Kardashian included, have been through horrible, upsetting situations with men who don’t understand nor care about the implications of their actions, just because they aren’t getting what they want. This is not something to laugh at and be entertained by, it’s traumatising, it’s distressing and it’s something we must take seriously.

Where to get help Stalking

If you are being stalked, followed or constantly harassed by someone at your home or workplace you can report a stalker on the government website - www.gov.uk

Sexual harassment If you have been sexually harassed or assaulted you can call the police on 999 to immediately report it in an emergency or call 101 or visit their website to report it to your local police force at a later date.

Social media harassment If someone is sending you threatening, abusive or offensive messages on social media you can report it to the police by calling 101 or contact the social media network directly to get them to remove the content and close the person’s account down.

After hoping to meet people in her classes she

i moved across the world to find my sisterhood

realised that she was going to struggle to meet

Student and African Caribbean Society member Tamie Olanpejo moved to the UK over two years ago for university. The move taught her about more than just computer science as she adapted to living independently and learnt how important it is to have a strong group of female friends around you.

adapting the society to fit the needs of her and

people of African culture being the only black girl in her class and knew from then that she wanted to make a difference. She didn’t want future international students to have the same experience as her and wanted to give them a chance to enjoy their time at university, especially with friends playing such a significant role in this. Although she wasn’t one of the original founders of the African Caribbean Society, Tamie joined with the intention of making a change and her peers. She met her current friends by chance at the society, all of whom had the same mindset of wanting to help people and encouraged the ACS to focus more on building friendships and helping people come together from all parts of the world. This allowed members learn about their culture, especially those raised in the UK,

We spoke to her about finding her feet at university and how sisterhood plays a part in Nigerian culture.

helping them to feel more comfortable in their new home and settle in better to university life.

“As a young woman you’re growing so other women can shed some light on things that you might be finding difficult”

Back in Nigeria, having female friends was a less significant part of Tamie’s life, as her main Nineteen-year-old Tamie Olanpejo first moved to the UK from Nigeria in January 2020 for a foundation year in computer science at Northumbria University, Newcastle. Growing up in a family of all boys, she didn’t realise the importance of sisterhood until starting university and quickly learnt that having female friends could help her in ways that her male friends couldn’t, allowing her to create a sister-like bond with them.

priority when growing up was to play and have

and prioritise growing her group of girlfriends, realising that

fun, no matter who with. Due to being raised

the women around you are actually a big part of your life.

with all male brothers and cousins she often

“As a young woman you’re growing so other women can shed

found herself drawn to the masculine side when

some light on things that you might be finding difficult. You

it came to friendships and could count her female

don’t necessarily have to go through a stressful thing to learn

friends in Nigeria on one hand. The move to

from it and instead learn from other people’s experiences.” This

university gave Tamie the chance to start afresh

change has allowed her views and mindset as a whole to grow and develop and she knows that having her female friends around her will help her to grow even further thanks to their

This was her first taste of freedom and independent living meant

support, truthful conversations and heart to hearts.

she could hang out with her friends whenever she wanted without having to ask a parent’s permission and she made the

Delving further into her culture, Tamie shares that it is extremely

most of being able to see them. “Now I’m here, everything is

important for Nigerian women to have strong female groups,

in my control, so I like being able to spend time with my friends

especially in terms of the women in the family. She shares that

because they remind me of home as most of them are African,

across the three tribes within Nigeria, the Yoruba, the Hausa

so I get to see their side of African culture,” she shared.

and the Igbo, one thing stays the same: the role of the women.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t always the case as Tamie felt that as

“Within any of these tribes, when you’re throwing a party

a new person to Newcastle there weren’t many places for her

that’s really when the women are really involved, and you see

to meet people, especially after the pandemic began a couple

them running around the house and going to the market to get

of months later. “I was hoping to find more people like me who

things and this is similar across all three tribes,” she states. Their

had moved here from home as well and who were feeling a

responsibilities also extend to running the household, dealing

bit lost so maybe we could find our way together or find things together. But it was just a thing that didn’t really exist for me

and there was no platform for this to take place.”

Banga soup - a traditional Nigerian soup made by Tamie and her friends. Image from My Active Kitchen.

Palm nut soup - a traditional Ghanian soup that Tamie was taught to make

with the children and anything involving education, with Tamie

by her friends.

sharing that it’s only recently that gender roles have reduced,

Image from Tropical Sun.

and men have been seen taking on some of these tasks.

The root of Nigerian sisterhood comes from this

things differently and taught her about life.

shared experience that all women go through

“I always want to be their friend because I know

to take care of their families and bring them

that I can learn so much more. We’re all from

together. All of these tasks may be tiring and

different backgrounds so they’re able to advise

stressful, but the women can take comfort in knowing that their friends and neighbours are doing them too, as well as being able to make it into a fun experience and bond. Tamie further explains that; “They just make the most of it and try to have fun in what they’re doing. I feel like it’s very essential to have people around you who understand what you’re going through and that their goal is the same as yours.” This is particularly important for middle and lowerclass women as having this pack of allies helps them get through their day whether it’s going to the market together or going to a school PTA meeting, having fellow women to do it with makes the tasks easier and makes the day less stressful. When asked about her own sisterhood now,

“I feel like it’s very essential to have people around you who understand what you’re going through”

me on things that I don’t know how to do or that I’m struggling with,” she beams. She especially values this when living independently without her mum to make decisions for her. Prioritising her self-growth, she appreciates having someone’s counsel and being able to ask their opinion before making decisions for herself. Aside from this, they’ve improved her university experience, taking it from all work to work and play. Although all her friends aren’t from African Caribbean roots, she lives with other ACS members from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon and Nigeria, and enjoys learning about their home countries and cultures. “I find this a

“I always want to be their friend because I know that I can learn so much more”

very beautiful thing because each culture has something unique to them and it makes you want to know more. I don’t want to be limited

Tamie shares her experiences with her new

to just Nigeria and I want to know more about

friends in the UK, how they’ve helped her to see

Ghana and Sierra Leone… I’ve learnt so much from them, I’ve learnt about how weddings are different and even thought maybe I want my wedding to be this way and its not even from my culture but it’s a beautiful thing once again.” Above all, her main priority when forming her sisterhood is what they’re like as a person regardless of gender or culture and is passionate about shared goals, shared interests and shared love of fun!

A Nigerian marketplace where many women go to run errands with their friends - Image from Fraym.

Women carving wood together at a Nigerian market. Image from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

amber’s top tips for making friends at university Amber is a 21-year-old university student from Hull. She moved to Newcastle three years ago not knowing anyone in the city and pushed herself to branch out and make new friends. Now, her self-confidence has grown, and she’s made plenty of friends along the way.

2. Get to know your friend’s friends It can be nerve-wracking meeting new people for the first time but if they’re your friend’s friend they’re bound to be lovely and its likely they’re just as nervous. Making friends this way can lead to being part of a sisterhood for life and don’t forget, there must be a good reason your friend loves them!

Here’s her advice for making friends at uni:

3. Don’t be afraid to make the first move

1. Join a society There are hundreds of societies for every hobby,

It’s a scary thing messaging someone first,

activity, sport and culture, full of people who

especially if you don’t know them but uni is the

love the same things that you do. Heading to

perfect place to get out of your comfort zone

the fresher’s fair during the first week of uni is a

and say hi. If you notice someone is the first

great way to meet new people who share your

to move into their flat on your floor, pop over

interests and society nights out are perfect for

and invite them to pre-drinks with your flat, you

having a laugh with your team and getting to

never know, someone could do the same for

meet other societies.

you one day.

Amber with her friend Ruby at their Dance Society Ball.

Amber with her friends at Lost Village Festival (L-R: Anna, Ayushi, Ellen, Amber and Nathan.)

Amber and her best friend Ellen at her 21st birthday party.

6. Go in with an open mind

4. Speak to your neighbours You’re going to be living in the same building

Try and head to uni with a judgement-free

as these people for the next year so it’s always

mindset, you never know where you might meet

best to start on good terms. Head in with the

someone and who they might turn out to be. If

more the merrier and invite them on a night out.

you don’t hit it off with someone at first it might

Everyone’s in the same boat living away from

be a good opportunity to make friends with

home for the first time and it’s much more fun

someone different to you, and you never know,

when you go through it together.

they could teach you something new about yourself.

Amber and her friend Jessie at Newcastle Quayside.

Amber with her friends from first year (L-R: Jessie, Liv and Amber).

7. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself

5. Contact people before uni starts

Don’t be too worried if you’re struggling to

Most universities set up Facebook pages or group

make friends at uni, it’s a big change and can

chats for courses and student accommodations

often be a difficult time in your life. It’s not the

so it’s a good idea to look for these as soon as

end of the world if you haven’t made a million

you’ve accepted your offer. It makes moving a lot

friends in your first week, it gives you time to

less daunting knowing when your flatmates will

adjust to independent life and focus on making a

be there and definitely helps to have someone to

productive start to your studies. You’ll find your

go to class with on your first day.

people soon enough.

Amber with her friends at a house party (L-R: Amber, Anna, Fiona and Ellen).

Amber at Newcastle Quayside in 2021.

Ruby Ruby is 23-years-old and from the get-go her

believe our pain

experience of being diagnosed with PCOS was

Women’s pain has become so normalised that it is near enough impossible to get a diagnosis for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis in less than a year.

she shares. Following this, it was over six months

unprofessional and uncomfortable. “When I had my first examination the doctor didn’t give me anything to wipe with after so I was left with loads of lube in my pants and felt very violated,” until Ruby was offered a second examination and another three months until she took it upon herself to call up about her diagnosis after not hearing anything from her two examinations. “They told me they thought they’d sent me a

Debilitating pain, bloating, irregular periods and pain during sex have all become a normal part of our lives and five years ago our editor Eva Szurko would never have even considered that these symptoms meant anything more than just being a woman.

letter and called but they never did. Oh the joys of being a woman!” Since her diagnosis she has received little to no support on how to deal with the condition and hasn’t been offered any treatments to make the symptoms more manageable, leaving it up to herself to research the condition and find out what works for her

From the age of 11 I have always suffered with long, extremely

once did the doctors or nurses suggest testing me

painful and heavy periods, often to the point where I would

for polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis

miss days of school or be sent home. I tried multiple different

despite my symptoms.

her diet.

finally started taking the mini pill which managed to stop my

Experiences like mine are the reason that so

Ruby is just one example of countless women

period completely. I was free at last! No more being curled

many women go years without being diagnosed

up in a ball trying to get myself ready for school, no more

with these conditions, continually being told to

changing my Tampon once an hour, no more periods, aside

just get on with their pain and accept it as part of

from some breakthrough bleeding a few times a year. This bliss

being a woman. Five years ago, I wouldn’t have

lasted a good few years until it all went downhill again and

thought about the possibility that there might

the periods were back and worse than ever. They started off

be another underlying reason for my horrible

semi-regular, once a month and lasting about a week but still

periods and I am so grateful for the women

just as painful – inconvenient but not the end of the world. I

around me who do suffer with these conditions

went to my GP and they offered me other forms of birth control

for using their social media platforms to share

including the Depo injection and the implant, both of which I’d

their experiences and raise awareness. However,

heard horror stories about from my female friends and quickly

despite PCOS and endometriosis becoming more

declined them. We settled on doubling up on my pill, something

well-known and common than ever before, with

I’d never heard of before and something that only lasted a few

the conditions affecting 1 in 10 women in the

weeks before the increased hormones become too much for me

UK, the journey to diagnosis is still just as long.

and there was no change in my irregular periods.

CEO of Endometriosis UK, Emma Cox states; “It

including reducing her dairy intake and adjusting

contraceptive pills to try to control the pain and flow and I

is vital that healthcare practitioners recognise

I returned to the GP for a second and third time once my

the signs and symptoms of endometriosis so that

periods became so frequent (three weeks on and one week

prompt diagnosis can take place. Only if the pain

off) and so painful (to the point where I was crying and

caused by endometriosis is recognised and it is

couldn’t get out of bed) and I finally switched to a different

suspected, can appropriate treatment

contraceptive pill after being repeatedly offered the injection

be accessed.”

and implant again. Throughout all of these appointments, not

Here are some sufferers’ stories:

struggling to get diagnosed with PCOS and endometriosis and her experience has been quick Illustration of Ruby by Eva Szurko.

compared to others. For the last ten years the average wait for an endometriosis diagnosis has been eight years with patients often having up to ten doctors visits before being diagnosed. The

“I was left with loads of lube in my pants and felt very violated”

wait for women to be diagnosed with PCOS, like Ruby, is slightly shorter at two years but women still end up having appointments with around three different doctors to confirm their diagnosis. The conditions may be complex to identify as the symptoms vary and resemble other conditions but a significant cause of this wait is the dismissal of women’s pain, often leading to many women believing it’s all in their heads.

Amy

Dani

“I could do things with pain that a healthy person would need to go to A&E for”

Amy is 22-years-old and started having the Depo injection when she was 16 and continued having it for around three years. She wasn’t given a leaflet for the side effects of the contraception until she was nine months into the treatment, which is three doses, and had already experienced some light spotting and weight gain. At this point her periods were becoming extremely painful but like most women she though this was normal and didn’t think anything of it. After her first course of the injection, she had a small break and then went back on it, at which point she started bleeding continuously for months and although the nurses encouraged her to seek further medical advice, continued to give her the second

Dani’s symptoms of endometriosis started nearly seven years ago and from the start her GP and doctors were constantly shutting down her concerns and even telling her it was all in her head. Over the years her symptoms continued to get worse and what started initially as just bad period pains soon turned into chronic pain impacting her daily. “The pain got so bad that I developed an extremely high pain threshold and could do things with pain that a healthy person would need to go to A&E for.” Dani was finally diagnosed with endometriosis through surgery in 2020 and has to have another two surgeries this year due to her first surgeon not being specialised enough and missing 70% of her endometriomas leading to two follow up

course. Amy visited her GP and after some

surgeries less than six months later. The impact

internal and external scans started treatment

of these surgeries meant that in 2019 she

for PCOS and endometriosis despite not being

had 60 sick days off work and as a result she

diagnosed with either condition.

has recently started therapy to cope with the mental effects of the condition. She is getting

The treatment didn’t alleviate her pain and

help for another two chronic illnesses caused

she continued to undergo more scans and

by endometriosis and is working on her issues

tests including smears, “Eventually my last

with medical trauma and lack of trust in doctors

option was to have an operation which was

after her years of misdiagnosis. Endometriosis

laparoscopy for endometriosis even though

UK are currently having debates in parliament

my gynaecologist was adamant I didn’t have

to improve the treatment of endometriosis as

the condition.” After the operation Amy was

there are very few specialist surgeons in the UK,

Illustration of Amy by Eva Szurko.

diagnosed with endometriosis and found out

making treatment even harder to access.

they had lasered off a lot of endometriomas and adhesions from her womb and ovaries. “I saw the images they had taken of inside my womb and ovaries and it was a mess, I was truly heartbroken that no one had believed me and the state I was in,” she confesses. Now, she has to live with PCOS and endometriosis every single day due to the Depo injection and not knowing its side effects, worsened by the delay in her proper diagnosis and treatment. So much more needs to be done to educate healthcare professionals on how to deal with this condition to avoid other women going through what Amy did.

All of these women have had extremely traumatic

“I was truly heartbroken that no one had believed me and the state I was in”

experiences throughout their diagnosis and treatment of PCOS and endometriosis and they still have a lifetime of pain and suffering to go. It is essential that we continue to raise awareness of these diseases wherever possible to educate both ourselves and our communities of the symptoms and causes. By increasing our knowledge and fighting for medical professionals to become more educated on how to diagnose and treat these conditions then hopefully we can help to drastically reduce the time it takes to get support. Until then we have to support the women around us suffering from PCOS and endometriosis and make an active effort to validate their pain. Illustration of Dani by Eva Szurko.

Because we know that it’s not all in our heads.

twins: built-in best friends

rosie and fran nickson Rosie and Fran grew up in Sheffield with very similar tastes but often made an effort to be different throughout school and even now at 24. They shared their favourite memories of growing up as twins and how this impacted their lives.

Having a twin is like having the ultimate sisterhood, a best friend born a few minutes apart from you to grow up with and learn with for the rest of your life. I spoke to Rosie and Fran Nickson from Sheffield and Ronni and Neala Farr from Newcastle about what it’s like being twins the good parts, the bad parts and life with someone who looks exactly like you.

Can you tell us a bit about yourselves? Rosie: I’m 24 and a final year university student studying food and nutrition. I currently have a graduate job at a company called Cakehead as the Assistant Manager in Quality Assurance. My main hobbies include cooking, baking, going to the gym and walking. Fran: I’m 24 and a staff nurse in Sheffield. I work in geriatric medicine and have been qualified 2 years. I enjoy going to the gym and walking in the Peak District.

What’s your favourite thing about being twins?

How does having a twin impact your life now compared to when you were growing up? Rosie: Growing up we were both diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis around the age of 14 so it was comforting to know that we could relate to each other with the same problem. Fran: When we were younger, we were both late developers as toddlers, especially with walking and talking. We ended up making up our own language between us that nobody else could grasp the meaning of. We were referred

Rosie: We don’t really know what it’s like to not be a twin so

for speech therapy and all the way through infant

we have something others don’t.

school up until year 6 we would be taken out of

Fran: Basically, it’s like having a best friend as your sister.

class for extra support and would go for speech therapy sessions outside of school once a week.

What do you dislike about being twins?

We were both very shy throughout school due to our speech impairment and would hate reading

Rosie: We argue easily but then end up making up easily too.

in front of the whole class. But now we are both

Fran: You always get given things to share and never anything

very confident and aren’t afraid to stand up for

to yourself.

ourselves or to speak up. Rosie: Growing up we were always in the same

Are you more similar or more different?

class together at school from infant school all the

Rosie: I’d say we’re naturally more different, especially since

grew up with the same group of friends through

one of us works in the food industry and the other in healthcare. Fran: We have similar fashion and follow similar trends but we make an effort to wear and buy different clothes to be Rosie and Fran Nickson.

Ronni and Neala Farr photographed by Eva Szurko.

more different.

way through to secondary school; therefore, we school. But now, we’ve grown apart and have our own separate friendship groups and now live in separate cities but we still talk regularly most days.

What’s your favourite memory together? Rosie: When we were at school in year 6 on World Book Day we dressed up as the characters from the Jaqueline Wilson book ‘Double Act’. We dressed exactly the same and even swapped places in class and answered to the wrong names all day. Everyone knew in the class we’d swapped places except the teacher. She had absolutely no idea until the end of the day. Fran: When we were younger, around 7, we lived in a semi-detached house and shared a bedroom together on the back of the house. We used to open our bedroom windows as wide as they would go, climb out one window, crawl across the bay window and back inside through

Rosie and Fran Nickson.

the other window. We would do this very quietly all while our parents had no idea what we were up to.

Did you ever dress the same when you were younger? Do you find yourself dressing similarly now? Rosie: We were dressed differently when we were younger so people found it easier to tell us apart. I was always in lighter pink and Fran was always in darker pink. Fran: When we were at school, Rosie always wore white tops and I always wore yellow tops so the teachers could tell us apart. Rosie: Now we shop in the same shops and like the same brands but wear different things. Frans’s wardrobe is also a lot more colourful than mine.

We don’t really know what it’s like to not be a twin so we have something others don’t

What does sisterhood mean to you? Rosie and Fran Nickson.

Both: Friendship and closeness.

ronni ronni and and neala neala farr farr Identical twins Ronni and Neala are so similar even their parents would struggle to tell them apart. They spoke to us about sharing everything from clothes to the same course at university and their favourite bits in between.

Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?

Are you more similar or more different?

Ronni: I’m Ronnimarie Farr.

Ronni: We are naturally very similar.

Neala: And I’m Neala Farr.

Neala: We do have slightly different

Ronni: We’re 23 years old and from Bradford, West Yorkshire.

personalities but we are extremely similar without

Neala: We’re both final year Psychology students at

trying to be.

Northumbria University and we both have a strong interest in Psychology (which is beneficial considering we are going to have a degree in it in a few months!) Ronni: We love spending time with our family and friends, and we love to travel and plan on travelling again in the next few months, as we took a gap year to travel before uni. Neala: Our main hobby was dance, we sadly don’t do it anymore, but we’ll always love it!

Do you like being a twin?

How does having a twin impact your life now compared to when you were growing up? Ronni: We much prefer being twins now compared to when we were younger. We didn’t really appreciate being twins when we were younger. Neala: We were almost embarrassed to call each other best friends, but now we don’t care.

Ronni: Yes! We love it!

We will happily tell people how close we are!

What’s your favourite thing about being twins?

What’s your favourite memory together?

Neala: We’re never lonely. We always have a best friend!

Ronni: There’s a lot! But probably travelling to

Is there anything you dislike about being a twin? Neala: We get compared a lot, which isn’t necessarily a

problem, but it can be annoying!

New Zealand and Australia together and going to university together!

Ronni and Neala Farr photographed by Eva Szurko.

Ronni and Neala aged three.

Did you ever dress the same when you were younger? Do you find yourself dressing similarly now?

Ronni and Neala Farr photographed by Eva Szurko.

Neala: Yes! When we were really young our parents dressed us the same. Ronni: We have similar fashion now and share each other’s clothes!

Which famous twins do you most relate to? Neala: We don’t necessarily relate to many famous twins, but we would say Ashley and Olivia Mescia from YouTube.

What does sisterhood mean to you? Both: To us, sisterhood means knowing that we will always have each other no matter what.

Ronni and Neala aged five.

Ronni and Neala Farr photographed by Eva Szurko.

One of the best friendships I have is the one with my mum. The bond between mothers

what does friendship mean to me? sophie sophie o’neill o’neill Nineteen-year-old university student Sophie wrote this piece sharing her previous and current experiences with sisterhood, exploring the different ways one can have a friendship and how that can affect them as a person both positively and negatively.

and daughters is everything, unbreakable, unbelievable, and unique. I consider my mum to be my best friend, even though she is not my age, we do not have everything in common, we do not have the same friendship group, but what we do have is that love and respect for each other. So, to have a clear definition of friendship would be wrong, as I have said, friendship comes in many forms. My relationship with my mum is a sisterhood, as we can relate to the good parts and bad parts of being a woman, we can support one another through difficulties in our lives and celebrate the best parts too. Sisterhood is when women can bond and form strong friendships and a community through their joint points of view that affect us all whether that be politically, or personally.

What does friendship mean to me? A friendship is when friends are there for you, not just through the cliché of ‘thick and thin’ Sophie as a baby with her mother.

but through all your weird moods, excitable adventures, and everything in between. Friendship like that comes with no judgement given or received. Friendship like that is built on love, trust, and ease. Friendship like that means to be genuinely happy for your friend’s endeavours. Friendship like that is rare but should be treasured. Sophie and her best friend.

“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It is not something you learn in school. But if you have not learned the meaning of friendship, you really have not learned anything.” - Muhammad Ali Friendship is like an unwritten language, an unspoken bond. Friendship comes in many forms, old and young, blonde and brunette. Friendship comes whether you have a common interest or even a common enemy.

Friendships have impacted my life both positively and negatively. I have been made to feel small or embarrassed for being who I am, but when you meet that one, two, three or a group of friends who you feel 100% yourself around, you feel empowered. As women we need to feel a sense of security when confiding in one another, not undermining them or their emotions. To me, the

As women we need to feel a sense of security when confiding in one another, not undermining them or their emotions

Sisterhood is the long-lasting friendship you have with your friends, the way you can tell what the other is thinking based off just one look, one subtle facial expression that gives it all away. Me and my best friend of 14 years have a relationship like this, we can tell what the other is thinking and feeling through their mannerisms and facial expressions. I can always confide in my best friend about anything, no matter how big or small, I know she will always be there for me no matter what. We have grown together, as children to adults, as little girls to women and our friendship has grown with us. My best friend is the sister I never had, she is someone who I feel so closely connected to, like we are blood related. The bond of sisterhood can make your relationship with your best friend, close friends or a group of friends seem everlasting, eternal and more family orientated than even some of your actual family

true meaning of friendship is the comfort and

members. And the term sisterhood can truly be

ease that comes with respecting each other.

interpreted to how familial a friendship can be.

the sisterhood wardrobe Five girls, five outfits, one top. A group of lifelong friends all share this wardrobe staple, The Josie Top from Urban Outfitters. This versatile piece can be used in any outfit, no matter what your personality is. Here’s how they styled it:

It almost feels like a right of passage for girls to share clothes. An unspoken agreement that when a girl buys an item of clothing it doesn’t just belong to her but to all of her friends too. The Josie Top has quickly become an essential part of almost every girl’s wardrobe thanks to it’s TikTok fame and seamless ability to be paired with almost any piece of clothing and create a great outfit. Coming in a variety of different colours from basic white and black to hot pink and bright blue, there’s a Josie Top for every occasion. Maya, Rachel, Hannah, Alex and Jenna are a group of friends with completely different styles and completely different personalities but one thing they have in common is their shared love for the Urban Outfitters Josie Top. Hannah

Maya

bought the top last year and since then it has been adopted by all the girls and worn to fit

“I wear the Josie Top with my House of Sunny dungarees and white and

each of their personal styles.

silver Nike Air Max 97’s. The plain black top goes great with the wild zebra print of my dungarees and makes sure that the focus stays on them

The girls got together to share their favourite

because they’re so cool! I love wearing this outfit to uni with a zip up jacket

looks featuring the Josie Top with us, providing

over the top or just when I’m out and about with my friends in summer.”

outfit inspiration for day drinks with your besties, early morning uni lectures and running errands

on a Saturday afternoon.

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Rachel

Hannah

“I usually style the Josie Top with this blue and black patterned satin skirt

“I wear the Josie Top with these black cargo trousers from Stradivarius

from Weekday and my black platform sandals from Vagabond. I feel like

and my leopard print Nike Air Max 98’s. The two pieces of clothing are

the print on my skirt really pops against the rest of the outfit, making the

such staples in my wardrobe, I can mix and match them with pretty much

skirt a stand-out piece. I often wear this during summer to day drinks at the

anything and they still look great. Pairing them with these trainers adds a bit

pub or to grab a coffee with my friends.”

of excitement and makes the outfit perfect for pretty much any occasion.”

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Alex

Jenna

“I love wearing the Josie Top with these bright blue Juicy Couture jogging

“I style the Josie Top with this graphic denim skirt from Urban Outfitters and

bottoms and my old blue and grey Nike Air Max 90’s. It’s a super comfy

these black calf-length leather boots from Vagabond. It’s one of my go-to

outfit so I can wear it with the matching jacket to run errands or dress it up

outfits for nights out at the local bars because it’s so easy to throw on and

with accessories like necklaces, rings and a cute bag for a night out at a

always looks good! I especially love how the top draws more attention to

casual bar or club night.”

the print on my skirt.”

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aa mother’s mother’s daughters daughters joanne joanne szurko szurko Mother of two, Joanne Szurko, has shared these heartfelt illustrations of her daughters, Eva and Iris, demonstrating the sisterhood between a parent and their children. These pieces have acted as a creative outlet for her, beautifully capturing the differences between two sisters through their mother’s eyes.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

What does sisterhood mean to you?

I am Joanne Szurko, a 49-year-old mother of two daughters.

My sisterhood are my friends and I define

I work full time in admin but prior to this I’ve always had jobs

sisterhood as the journey we all go on together.

with some outlet for my creativity. I miss that part of my life

It’s knowing they have my back, will wipe away

and so any opportunity to explore this in my free time is really

my tears, pour me a large glass of wine and will

important to me. Alongside drawing and painting, I love to

always, always, go roller skating with me.

craft, whether it be with paper, macrame or making miniatures. All imagery courtesy of Joanne Szurko.

Can you tell us about the work you’ve shared with us? The work I have shared started as a sketch done on a train journey. My eldest daughter, who at the time was around 17 fell asleep and when I glanced over and saw how peaceful, beautiful and childlike she looked I had to put pencil to paper and capture the moment. I then decided to draw her sister, in profile also, as I wanted to highlight the physical differences between them. I don’t have siblings, and I am always amazed by how completely and wonderfully different in both appearance and personality siblings can be from each other and how this can be sometimes problematic, or in the case of

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my two daughters work well, at least most of the time.

Eva and Iris at Christmas, 2020.

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brotherhood: a man’s ode to his sisterhood Tom is a 24-year-old straight man with mostly female friends, a rarity in this day and age. Surrounded by strong women from childhood, he learnt to truly appreciate the emotional connections he has with these friends, growing up in a world of toxic masculinity and stigmas surrounding men’s mental health. In this piece he shares his thoughts on being a part of a sisterhood and how his sisters have helped him. I was never particularly drawn to making female friends as such. Most of my female friends I was born with and grew up with so I never really thought anything of it until I got older and began to interact more with male friends from around 17. To a certain extent I find it difficult to make male friends, so it makes sense that 90% of my friends are women. Some lads get a bit weird with you if you’re ‘too’ in touch with your feminine side but it’s never bothered me. Girls let you do what you want and they won’t bat an eyelid if you want to dye your hair a crazy colour or paint your nails. You can wear and look how you want and they won’t care but if you’re friends with certain types of men they’re more likely to say something about it, especially in a negative way. Women never make you feel uncomfortable about how you look or take issue with how you present yourself. I would never go to my male friends and ask them to braid my hair or ask

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what they think of an outfit because men who I

Tom with his friends (L-R: Lily, Tom and Ruby).

Tom Spencer photographed by Eva Szurko.

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would consider to be my close friends still have a stigma surrounding how men are supposed to act. I once came to work with red painted nails and my boss, who is one my best mates, immediately told me to take it off which made me feel like I couldn’t be who I am, whereas none of my female friends would have even commented on it. You can be yourself around women. Men have a big culture of putting each other down, making constant jokes about their appearances, weight, hobbies, fears, anything to take the piss of one another. To men it’s fine and it’s just part of being a man with male friends but you would never get that from your female friends. They don’t think of women as people with feelings and emotions, more inanimate objects there to do something for them. I find that there’s such a noticeable difference in men of a certain age

Women never make you feel uncomfortable about how you look or take issue with how you present yourself

male activities like sports and heading down to the pub every night. However, I’m much more in touch with my feminine side than a lot of men which makes it easier to interact and bond with women. I find that we can talk about anything and everything. Even just asking how your day has been is something I would never do with any man nor would any man want to do with me. If we did have that conversation it’s not like either of us would care whereas a woman would be genuinely interested in how I am and what I’ve been up to. You can be so much more open and vulnerable with female friends. You can have that vulnerability and go to them with your feelings and emotions without being ridiculed or picked apart for it. Women are more understanding as a whole but there’s also a level where women will tell you to shut up and wind your neck in when you’re getting too big for your boots and making an idiot out of yourself. If a lad told me to shut

like from late teens to early twenties who just see women as bodies and just as someone to sleep with more than anything. My more masculine and misogynistic friends believe that there’s no way men and women can be friends without having an ulterior motive. I’ve had problems in the past with men not liking me because they assumed I was after their girlfriends and tried to fight me just because they

Tom with some of his oldest friends (L-R: Dani, Reanna, Tom and Caitie).

up I probably wouldn’t listen to them or it’s more

It might not be the same for everyone but

likely they’d egg me on and let me get myself

that’s the experience of most typical lad friends

into a bad situation. When I’ve been struggling

because men aren’t brought up talking about

with addiction or mental health issues, the men

their feelings, which often makes them repress

around me were more likely to let me continue

them as they grow up and makes it harder to

down a bad path and even when I was getting

talk about things. It’s only recently that men’s

sober they’d physically put the drugs or drink in

mental health is being talked about in the media

my hand despite this whereas the women around

and men are being encouraged to break the

me were making an effort to help me and offer

stereotypes and how they’ve been raised and

me support.

reach out to their mates the way women have been doing forever. My relationships with women

can’t understand that men and women can be

have made me a bit more able to support my

friends without there being something else behind

male friends’ mental health issues but I definitely

it. A lot of the time I was friends with them first

wouldn’t say I’m an expect because I was

and the amount of men who I’ve had arguments with because they’ve started dating the women I’m friends with and straight away thought there’s something more behind it or felt threatened by me is insane. It’s always a very difficult situation to be in, having to explain to a man who has been taught from a young age that you can’t be friends with a woman unless you’re gay or trying to sleep with them when it’s simply not the case anymore. I’ve always found it easier to connect with women. It might just be because we share more Tom’s matching hand tattoos with his friends Vlada and Bella.

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similar interests as I’m not fond of stereotypical

brought up the same way.

You can be so much more open and vulnerable with female friends

In a way I do have my own sisterhood. I have a lot of individual female friends who aren’t necessarily friends so I wouldn’t see it as me being the only guy in a group of women but I still have a group of women to lean on. I have a network of female friends who are always there for me and that I know I can rely on which is exactly what the idea of sisterhood is built upon. When I first met my friend Caitie I went round to her house, we put pyjamas on and watched TV all day and it was just really nice. That’s what sisterhood is.

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9. What are you drinking on a night out?

which tv show sisterhood do you belong to?

A – Tequila shots

Are you drama obsessed like the Euphoria girls? Does family mean everything to you like the Kardashian sisters? Or do you love discussing the highs and lows of your love life like the ladies from Sex in the City? Take this quiz to find out which tv show sisterhood you belong to!

11. What item of clothing is a staple in your wardrobe?

B – White Claw C – Cosmopolitans

10. Which type of person are you in your friend group? A – The Troublemaker B – The Leader C – The Mum

A – Cocktail dresses B – Designer Shoes C – Gym sets Jules and Rue in Euphoria.

1. It’s the weekend and you’re getting ready for a girls night. What are you and your besties doing? A – Heading to a house party on the other side

5. What is your dream job?

12. Who is your celebrity crush?

A – Playwright

A – Chris Noth (aka Mr Big)

B – Journalist

B – Travis Barker

C – Reality TV star

C – Jacob Elordi

6. What’s one thing you can’t live without?

13. What TV show are you binging with your friends?

of town B – Going out to the latest bars and clubs C – Having a family BBQ with your loved ones

A – Glitter

A – Bridgerton

2. Your friends would describe you as:

B – Cocktails

B – And Just Like That...

A – Independent, sexy and spontaneous

C – Make-up

C – Love Island

7. Which song could you listen to on repeat?

14. What is your favourite social media app?

B – Boujie, driven and family-oriented C – Honest, protective and eclectic

3. You’re going on a girls weekend away. Where are you off to? A – An all-inclusive resort in Bora Bora

A – Hot Stuff – Donna Summer

A – Instagram

B – Stronger – Kanye West

B – Tumblr

C – All For Us – Labrinth

C – I don’t use social media

8. What’s you and your bestie’s favourite dinner plans?

15. What is your favourite mode of transport?

B – A penthouse apartment in New York C – A staycation at a hotel in your city

4. What’s your zodiac sign?

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A – Sushi at Nobu

A – Cancer, Taurus, Scorpio, Aries

B – Cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery

B – Capricorn, Sagittarius, Virgo, Libra

C – Burgers and shakes at Frank’s Restaurant

C – Aquarius, Leo, Gemini, Pisces

A – Bicycle Kendall and Khloe Kardashian.

B – Taxi C – A Bentley

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the results Work out your score: 1. A – 0 B – 1 C – 2

If you scored 20 - 30 you belong to

If you scored 10 - 19 you belong to

The Kardashians

Sex in the City

If you scored less than 10 you belong to

Euphoria

2. A – 1 B – 2 C – 0 3. A – 2 B – 1 C – 0 4. A – 2 B – 0 C – 1 5. A – 0 B – 1 C – 2 6. A – 0 B – 1 C – 2 7. A – 1 B – 2 C – 0 8. A – 2 B – 1 C – 0 9. A – 2 B – 0 C – 1 10. A – 0 B – 1 C – 2 11. A – 0 B – 1 C – 2 12. A – 1 B – 2 C – 0

You love being surrounded by your close friends and family

You and your besties love being on the guestlist and you’re

You love the drama and you and your girls can argue

and rarely do anything without at least one sister nearby. You

always seen at the latest clubs and bars in your area. It

like nobody’s business but at the end of the day you love

13. A – 2 B – 1 C – 0

share everything from secrets to clothes and love spending

doesn’t matter if it’s not the weekend, you guys are ready to

each other. You may fight a lot but it usually comes from

every waking second together. You enjoy living the luxury

get some cocktails and party all night! You might not have

a place of caring and a sense of protectiveness over one

lifestyle, going on fabulous holidays and eating out at the best

the best of luck with boys but your girls are in the same

another. You love a low-key house party and chilling with

restaurants with your girl gang. Working out with your besties

boat and you can have a laugh comparing your worst dates

your friends at the weekend and you’d take a night in with

makes it so much more fun and you’re all committed to getting

and biggest icks. You know you don’t need a guy with your

a couple of close friends over a night on the town. You

that summer body even if it means waking up at the crack of

sisterhood around you and you know they’ll always be

sometimes prefer to keep to yourself but you can always

dawn! If you didn’t post it on social media, did it even happen?

there to pick up the pieces and wipe your tears. Everyone

be trusted to step in to defend your besties till the end. You

You love spamming your Insta story and sharing everything you

knows whether they’re a Carrie, a Samantha, a Charlotte or

make lifelong friendships and although you aren’t as close

and your friends are getting up to whether it’s a crazy night out

a Miranda; which are you?

sometimes, you still come back together like nothing

14. A – 2 B – 0 C – 1 15. A – 0 B – 1 C – 2

or a chill movie day.

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has changed.

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aa letter letter to to my my sisterhood sisterhood

aa letter letter to to your your sisterhood sisterhood

Our editor, Eva Szurko, has written a piece dedicated to her sisterhood, the women who have raised her and the friends that get her through life everyday. In this heartfelt letter she shares her favourite memories and key moments that led her to starting our publication today.

Here’s your chance to write a letter to your sisterhood, tell them how you feel and how much you appreciate them through the power of words. Fill in the template and take the time to send the letter to your girl gang.

Dear Sisterhood, This is just a quick letter to say thank you. Thank you for being

the same and we’ll be right back in your bed

there for me, for raising me, for making me the strong woman

hungover on a Sunday morning, reminiscing

I am today. I don’t know where I would be without you. Who

over all the embarrassing things we did the night

would be there to make me laugh until my stomach hurts?

before and how we can’t believe that we saw

Who would be there to wipe away my tears and listen to me

that guy that you fancied in secondary school.

complain after a really rubbish day? Who would be there to tell

What on earth were you thinking?

me that skirt definitely does not go with that top and save me some serious embarrassment on a night out?

You have helped me grow, helped me change, helped me succeed in any goal I set my mind to.

I can always rely on you to give me some tough love, followed

You have poured your love, your heart, your soul

by a big hug and lots of cocktails. You’re always there if I want

into me and taken the time to make me who I am.

to do something spontaneous and you always hold my hand

You allow me to make mistakes, to find things out

when I begin to back out. You’re there when I suggest going

for myself and you’re always there to catch me

on the train to some obscure village in the countryside and you

when I fall. You’re there to drop me off on a first

won’t hate me when we find out that all that’s there is a museum

date and give me a pep talk in the car. You help

about the old flour mill because at least they sell really good ice

me figure out what he means when he says “let’s

cream. You’ll be there when I wear your favourite high heels

hang out sometime,” and tell me what to wear

and very expensive leather jacket to the local pub and come

when we realise we have no idea what ‘hang

home with them both completely ruined. You’ll be fuming with

out’ means.

me for a while, but you’ll be there nonetheless. So, yeah. I just wanted to say thank you, because You just get me. You always understand when I’m having one

I know I don’t say it enough. You’re the best

of those days and being a total nightmare bitch. You always

sisterhood a girl could ask for. You’ve helped me

understand when I don’t call or text nearly enough as I should

navigate the ups and downs of growing up and I

do. You always understand that when we both say we need to

can’t wait for more laughs and tears.

go for drinks or go for a dog walk soon that it most definitely will not happen any time soon. You know that even though we

Let’s go for drinks next week?

haven’t spoken in days or weeks or even months that nothing

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will change between us. That everything will always stay

Love from Eva x

________________________________________________ To My Sisterhood, ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 119

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