Who? Feminist and writer for a diverse array of American publications, most notably appearing in the Huffington Post.
Why? Chemaly is not only very much in tune with the fast-moving world of the Internet (and its memes, its soundbytes, the fickle stuff that catches the world's attention), but also manages to take the big perspective without being someone who preaches only to the choir. She is never shy for sources and back-up of the statements she makes, and I admire the fact that even in the face of the daily misery that faces a lot of women on this planet, she looks facts in the eye with an unflinching determination, never using it for self-aggrandizing, but always for the greater good.
What resonates with me? Her blend of "iron fist in a velvet glove" is something I wish I could adopt more often. Also, if I'm feeling a little burnt out on all this activism and the pessimism is invariably brings, it takes a Chemaly article to rekindle my fighting spirit and realise why I'm doing this.
Best bit? I would probably say her article on the epidemic that is violence against women worldwide, which reads as both a sad roll call of the atrocities that many would wish to forget, while at the same time connecting them all into a meaningful statement on the existence of patriarchy as a global force.
Next up: Will Bevan, also known as Burial, a British electronic musician.
Why? Chemaly is not only very much in tune with the fast-moving world of the Internet (and its memes, its soundbytes, the fickle stuff that catches the world's attention), but also manages to take the big perspective without being someone who preaches only to the choir. She is never shy for sources and back-up of the statements she makes, and I admire the fact that even in the face of the daily misery that faces a lot of women on this planet, she looks facts in the eye with an unflinching determination, never using it for self-aggrandizing, but always for the greater good.
What resonates with me? Her blend of "iron fist in a velvet glove" is something I wish I could adopt more often. Also, if I'm feeling a little burnt out on all this activism and the pessimism is invariably brings, it takes a Chemaly article to rekindle my fighting spirit and realise why I'm doing this.
Best bit? I would probably say her article on the epidemic that is violence against women worldwide, which reads as both a sad roll call of the atrocities that many would wish to forget, while at the same time connecting them all into a meaningful statement on the existence of patriarchy as a global force.
Next up: Will Bevan, also known as Burial, a British electronic musician.
