From the editor
This month, it’ll be one year since the UK entered its first lockdown. And while the pandemic has undoubtedly affected almost everyone in some way, there’s no question that women have been hit especially hard. With retail, beauty and hospitality sectors tackling particularly high levels of unemployment, women are disproportionately impacted. And as society calls on its caregivers, it’s often women who are required to step up to the plate. That’s all before even mentioning the heartbreaking rise in domestic abuse, the increase in calls to LGBTQ+ support charities, and the ongoing racism experienced by Black, Asian and minority ethnic women across the country.
But as we mark a year of struggle, this issue, we’re also marking a year of immense strength – of the enduring power of women. In a month that includes Mother’s Day, International Women’s Day and Trans Day Of Visibility, what better time to celebrate all of the things we are as women – the kindness, the empathy, the passion, the grit and the determination.
Our special report on p78, in which we hear from women across the country about how the last 12 months have changed their lives, will give you all the feels. Over on the other side of the world, we spent the day with Ashley Benson in LA (p70), chatting about her journey as a young woman in Hollywood, and her experiences of dating under the glare of cameras (“Nobody should get bullied for who they love”). We’re reflecting on the love lessons we’ve learnt from our mums (p114) and we’ve rounded up the most empowering things to read, watch and listen to this month (p14 & 17). Plus, we celebrate the trans models taking the world by storm right now (p50), the female-fronted fashion brands to support (p104) and so much more throughout the issue, including our expert guide on how to get your finances in shape (p58). So whatever the last year has looked like for you, please remember that there’s no “right” way to be a woman. There’s no such thing as being too loud, too emotional, too sensitive or too tough, too feminine or too masculine. And most importantly, there’s no such thing as being too you.