Laura Bates Talk

The feminist writer spoke to pupils about the intersection of new technologies and gender equality.

Our Year 10 pupils were joined by students from other GDST schools in London for a fascinating talk by the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project. Laura spoke to pupils about her impetus to create real-world change and shared ideas about how individuals can play their part in building a better, more equitable future. She talked about her own efforts to counter sexism and gender stereotypes on a global scale, and her aims to galvanise others to do the same. Exploring how the advent of social media and artificial intelligence have brought new challenges, she encouraged pupils to find their own ways to help redress imbalances.

“Be brave… Get curious… Read books – fiction and otherwise – that deal with gendered issues. Start conversations and call things out. Arm yourself with knowledge. Our voices are the most powerful when made together. There is so much hope for the future.”

Laura was joined on stage by our Head Girl, Molly, for the audience Q&A, with Laura praising her efforts to make a tangible difference. Last year, Molly shared her views on feminism in the digital age with Microsoft’s global senior management; she has also written a blog post about the disproportionate threat of AI and deepfakes on women, and has even quizzed PM Sir Keir Starmer on the topic.

Laura signed copies of her latest book, The New Age of Sexism: How the AI Revolution is Reinventing Misogyny, for each of the schools that attended.