As I have noted this is not just an academic book but a personal book too. I have been in a position where I am not only writing about the sexism that characterizes our media culture, but the consequences of experiencing it in my everyday life (as most women I know also do). There is a link between what our mediated culture tells us the world looks like and the everyday experiences of women; just because we have not quantified this, does not mean it does not exist.

Here are just some of the things that I have been reminded of over the years as I have learned how to respond to and navigate the culture that we are situated in.

• If you are a women and are assaulted, harassed, abused or subjected to any form of sexism, it is not your fault.

• Do tell someone what has happened. That could be a friend, a colleague, a family member, a member of staff. But tell someone that you trust. It is a huge first step to speak about what has happened. Telling someone you trust is probably the biggest first step in processing what is happening/has happened to you.

• Build a support network around you of friends, family and colleagues. People that you trust and you know you can rely on to support you.

• Call it out. We do not have to put up with this, call it out when it happens to you, or others.

• If this is at work, talk to people in senior positions who can help. But if you are not getting the help you want or need, look elsewhere. It is out there and it is exhausting having these battles with people who do not understand your experience.

• Remember, there is a ‘sisterhood’ out there, at the very least, we see it every time we make eye contact with a woman on the street and smile at her.

• If you are experiencing any form of sexism, remember that being in this position is exhausting. Pick your battles as you cannot take them all on.

• It is okay to have a ‘feminist day off’!