Words of a MadWomxn by Leah Butterworth / @leahaliceb

“You are a dangerous and savage women” - Nawal El Saadawi

I felt angry. I felt helpless. I felt like an armchair activist, because what was I really doing about it? The more I read, and the more I started to know; and the more I realised that I knew absolutely nothing. The scope of what women and non-binary people go through on a daily basis was unexplainable. We live in a society filled with obstacles that are against us, no matter our race, gender, class or sexual identity. And before you call me an “angry feminist”, with an aim to both insult and diminish my voice, let me shout it from the rooftops - I AM MAD!

I’m only an angry feminist when you’re a misogynistic arse. Our anger, frankly, frightens and upsets people. Our anger is ultimately a refusal to accept anything less than equality. Those men who perpetuate the culture of male dominance are cowards. The most powerful tool of any oppressor is marginalizing those who stand up against them. So how do we overcome this powerful, yet predictable, tool of the oppressor, if it is able to so easily turn those fighting against it into “crazies” who are easily dismissed? That is a question which, unfortunately, I dont have the answer too, however maybe we just have to get MADDER because calling me mad only reinforces my power to never quit.

MadWomxn Magazine was the start of me trying to do something, anything, and having complete control over the messages inside. Feminism is embedded in our culture, embedded in the struggle of women from all over the world. We call ourselves socialists because we are against class oppression. We are against capitalism, because capitalism is linked to the patriarchy. We are against the patriarchal system, not men. I was seeking expression for those voices who needed to be heard. Zines originated as a resistance media in male dominated spaces, they have long been a way for marginalised communities to record their stories, spread information and organise together to form a safe and supportive community. I craved a space where everyone could feel included; because we want to make it easier to see and hear each other's work and share stories; because we are interested in supporting each other as this is integral to change.

“I don't believe that the rights of women come from the government, from any government. I believe that women gain their rights by their own efforts”, and they always have. With MadWomxn Magazine, we are trying to create a space where we, as women and non-binary people, can express ourselves truely and allow ourselves to say what we believe in. We feel injustice constantly because injustice is everywhere. We feel the need to scream for our voices to be heard. Therefore I created this magazine; firstly, for expression, and secondly, to change this world we live in. We need to make it acceptable to have a voice and continue to offer platforms and create more safe spaces where we can work through issues both personal, local and global. More crucially, we need to make young women and non-binary people feel that anything is possible. We need to empower each other and constantly teach young women and non-binary people how to fight back. We will never be complicit, ever.

MadWomxn Magazine will continue to provide a platform for a range of mediums of artwork submitted from creative women, trans and non-binary people. Emphasising the importance of inclusivity, support and expression, something very much needed in the real world.

How do we change the world?

We organise and we educate.

I became a feminist before even kowing what feminism was.

Now I’m a MAD feminist, and I will never stop.

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Written by Leah Alice Butterworth / @leahaliceb

Leah is the founder of MadWomxn Magazine. Feminism has always been a huge part of her life and has continued to grow with her. MadWomxn Magazine will now be her outlet to make chance, give support and expand her knowledge.