Letter to my sister(s)

by Francesca Casonato

Dear Sis,

You’re just starting your first job ever. Already looking for a better one, for a better career. Already looking for answers, after the last year of University gifted you only self-doubt and a sucking void of expectations.

I wish there was something I could say to prepare you for what’s waiting at the end of the rainbow. There isn’t. I can’t, I don’t want to tell you about systemic sexism.

I don’t want to tell you that you’ll have to face comments and jokes, questions about your periods, boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, children.

I don’t want to tell you that you will have to face harassment behind and in front of your work desk, trying to keep a straight face. Sometimes, even from people who are more powerful than you, who can decide of your future, who will compel you to stay silent.

I don’t want to tell you that you’ll need to speak out, speak louder, against abuses, even if you are afraid of the consequences and some people will call you crazy.

I don’t want to tell you that men will often shun you for trying to speak up.

I don’t want to tell you that you will have to fight with every ounce of strength you have for a promotion, a pay rise, a moment of attention, while watching others moving up effortlessly.

I don’t want you to know you will often feel powerless, speechless, mute.

I am so sorry I couldn’t do more to make it a better world already.

But what I can and must tell you is that it is now your turn to fight. So don’t run away, stand your ground, lean on your sister(s). There are many of us fighting the fight, so you can work without watching your back. So you can walk home safe at night. And maybe, maybe, we will be able to write a different story and a different letter for the women who will come after us.