Thanks for being part of an amazing year

Dear readers of my blog,

I started writing this blog a year ago.

In this time I’ve written about issues affecting women and girls, from body image, to eating disorders, to harmful cultural and media messages, to the objectification of women and sexualisation of girls in the media and popular culture. I’ve written about the global subordination of women, the worldwide trade in their bodies, about the sister industries of prostitution and pornography.

I’ve wanted to show just how bad things are for most of the world’s women and girls.

But I’ve also tried to point to rays of hope and ways forward.

I hope this blog has helped galvanise advocates for women and girls and strengthen their resolve to act to make a difference.

It has taken me amazing places and led me to remarkable people.

I’ve published the work of other women whose contributions have given substance and strength to this blog. I am so thankful to all of them for always saying yes to my requests. I have especially enjoyed publishing some younger women for the first time.

I’ve also so appreciated all who have posted comments. There have been some outstanding contributions here. Your decision to engage in this space has given life to this blog. Thank you again and I hope you will continue to post comments in the New Year.

I’ve learnt a lot. I was always a fairly traditional media kind of girl, having written for mainstream media, along with three books (a fourth on the way). But I’ve seen the power of blogging and of engaging in other forms of new media. I’m a convert (some would say addict!).

I’m taking some time off. But the blog should be up and running again probably late January. Look forward to seeing you here again then.

Do have a lovely Christmas, some down time, and be strengthened for all that lies ahead in the New Year.

Yrs,

Melinda