Let me preface this review by saying that any time an opportunity arises to showcase the talents of women across any field, I am in. Recording herstory – as opposed to history - seems to me to be more urgent than ever; and it comes for me at a time of personal frustration. As a woman of a certain age, I have the benefit of being able to look back through the lens of time at the way women have been marginalised and excluded; sometimes actively erased from history; and often unable to take their fair place alongside male counterparts in the spotlight.
Across the disciplines, from art to science, the achievements of women frequently take a second place to those of their male counterparts. A recent story in the Guardian revealed that female artists typically earn 10 percent of what male artists earn. Even less when they sign their paintings. This reveals an extraordinary gender bias. Don’t get me started on wage gaps and the fate of older women...
Instead, let me focus on this wonderful book by Sophie Merkens, which puts women front and centre of the story. Herstory. I love the cover with its relief text – and yes, I am judging this book in part by it’s glorious cover. Kudos, too, to the designers for the lovely white and green DPS that is the contents page, and which continues the themes of wonder, connection, nurturing and belonging, among others.
I love the matt photos. Very good photos they are, as well. And, yes, I love the layout. But the stories, well, let me tell you about the stories… I loved every single one of them. And what a wonderful variety of splendid women Merkens showcases. I loved them all, but of course if I had to name just a few: I am a huge fan of hunter/gatherer/restaurateur Fleur Sullivan who continues to inspire. I also loved the story of former refugee, Tanzanian-born Olive Minani, who grows and sells some unusual, traditional vegetables.
I loved the story about wāhine toa Pania Te Paiho, who runs Wāhine Toa Hunting, which is about much more than teaching women to hunt: it’s about lifting the mana of women; tino rangatiratanga; manu motuhake and kaitiakitanga. So, it’s about lifting women up, lifting them culturally and spiritually and restoring their well-being and pride, while caring for our land.
Pania says, “Too many Māori women are forgetting how powerful they are; but we are the backbone of our communities. We need to remind ourselves of that. We need to be our biggest cheerleaders.”
And that, my friends, is what I am talking about. Perhaps this is the book to inspire you to begin your own journey of uplifting the wonderful women in your own community.
Reviewer: Peta Stavelli
Beatnik Publishing