Hand embroidered piece on calico
Size: 87cm(W) x 144cm(L)
 
Text reads: 
 
Every woman has a story. It’s how we connect to each other, a common thread that we all understand the pains and struggles. It’s why we look out for each other, eyes alert when men are too aggressive on the street or don’t leave us alone on the tube.
When I went out on a date or was out late at night, I knew my flatmates would wait up for me. Text us when you’re on your way home. I can come meet you if you need. The lights are on, the door is on the latch. I will come outside and find you. 
A date can be unsafe, a walk through the park and even public transport. Stay alert, be sure to cover up, don’t make eye contact. The question of safety is less about how I can feel safer and more about why I feel unsafe. Rather than telling me to be careful how I dress, should we not question why people see my outfits as a green or a red light? Rather than telling us to ‘get over it’ maybe you could listen to us.
I love the women in my life. They’re often labelled as ‘mother’, ‘daughter’, ‘partner’ but they are so much more. People of care and love, creation and hurt and talent, softness and strength. The softness they have when I speak to them about the things that only they will understand. When we can share stories and pains and hear each other. My voice has often felt unheard, but they hear it. Stories shared but not halved. My strength when I have none.
I can’t take the pains away from the women in my life but I can hear them. Hear the voices that have so often been quieted, hear the stories ignored and unheard.  I can hold them, when they feel unsafe and I can uplift them, when they have so often been put down.  
 
This piece was a labour of love, two months in the making x