DIFFICULT WOMAN – collaboration with Helen Lewis
'The difficult woman is not rude, petty or mean. she is simply willing to be awkward, if the situation demands it; demanding, if the occasion requires it; and obstinate, if someone tries to fob her off.' Helen Lewis
Helen writes:
'In early 2018, it was already apparent that the referendum on Ireland's abortion laws would be an era-defining battle. It followed two years where progressive politics seemed to be in retreat in Britain and the US, with the vote for Brexit and the election of Donald Trump. Would Ireland buck the trend by repealing the eighth amendment to the Irish constitution - which gave equal weight to the life of a woman and her foetus - and liberalising its laws? When I appeared on the BBC's Andrew Marr programme, I decided to wear a REPEAL necklace - reasoning that if branded jewellery was good enough for the Suffragettes and Suffragists, it was good enough for me. Mine came from Wear And Resist, and for days afterwards, people asked me about it. So when I finished Difficult Women, I wondered if there was a way to collaborate with Sarah again. She said yes, as did our charity partner Women for Refugee Women, and the result is stunning. Many female refugees are escaping from sexual and physical violence, and Britain should not retraumatise them as it processes their applications. Women For Refugee Women gives them a voice - through English and drama lessons - and campaigns for a fairer asylum system.'
I was absolutely delighted to be asked to make a necklace to celebrate the publication of Helen Lewis's Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights. This is a manifesto for the Difficult Woman and this necklace is the perfect accessory. A must-read for 2020 and a voice of the Persisterhood.
'Above all she knows that no woman can fight all the battles alone, no matter how difficult she is. Sometimes, she feels tired, and worn out. But one thing saves her, because a difficult woman should always find herself some other difficult women.'
£2 from the sale of every necklace will go to Women for Refugee Women – a UK-based charity that supports women who are seeking asylum and challenges the injustices they experience. They run a range of activities for refugee women, including English classes, drama and writing workshops, with the aim of empowering them to tell their own stories. Women for Refugee Women also advocates for a fair asylum process and works towards a world in which all women who cross borders have the right to safety, liberty and dignity.
Raging! Fab brooch that I’ve put on my denim jacket, it’ll be out and about for everyone to see 😁
Love them! This is my second set of XL lightning bolt earrings because I wear them all the time and I needed more colours 😂. Be prepared to be asked “where did you get those amazing earrings?!”
I absolutely love this necklace and it's a perfect way to honour this warrior woman! I have many beautiful items from this awesome little company. The quality is fabulous and the communication/customer service is outstanding- LOVE them! ❤️
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About Sarah Day
Wear and Resist is a culmination of my love of text and art. As a writer with an MFA in painting, I have always loved making and writing. I have also always loved bold, colourful jewellery, precious but inexpensive. I design and make everything in my Oxfordshire studio.
Solar powered! 🌞
We are in the process of making our home and workshop self-sustaining. Wear and Resist is now running on solar power.
Let customers speak for us
I have received mine. It has a great place in my Westminster office. Its important to register Women's involvement in politics, and this is delightful. Highly recommended.
My third piece from Wear and Resist - check out the sweary necklaces! I don't usually 'do' brooches, but love this one. Good secure pin, light enough to wear on any fabric, and a fantastic tribute to Lady Hale. Currently sparkling on a vintage green velvet blazer :) Highly recommended.
I bought these earrings for my sister who is a lover of walking in bluebell woodlands - she adored them.
Such a beautiful design and so beautifully made.
Thank you :)
Great service, it felt personal and attentive...great card ...looking forward to giving to my bestie!
Thank you Sarah, I love my necklace. Great ideology and fabulous product
Couldn't agree more with the sentiment, and as a last second gift for my sister I didn't expect to get it until after her birthday - but it was posted super fast, I couldn't believe it - thank you (you saved me!). I love the hot pink version, it looks amazing. A brilliant gift for my kick-ass sister.
I love this and it a talking point. It's an excellent way to start a discussion about how women should not feel about the male violence perpetrated against them. Gisele Pelicot is indeed a hero of our times.
I wanted some blue jewellery for a special occasion and whilst I could have popped into town and got something from one of the high street retailers, I really wanted what I wore to hold meaning for me. I adore Wear and Resist, and Sarah's ethos and values in the brand. These lightning bolt earrings are beautiful - I wore them with the matching pendant - and I felt empowered and calm wearing them.
I adore this! Is really comfortable to wear and looks great. It really is glow in the dark and I am dead pleased to have got it as part of a wider centenary action campaign. It’s a little reminder to keep going and remember that there still much to be done
Gorgeous design and great to remember strength and achievement of suffragettes when so much need for courage in the world right now.
Have these lightning bolt mirror earrings in so many colours now ... gotta catch 'em all!
These are just gorgeous! Love what they symbolise and also love the colours. Light and comfortable to wear
Gorgeous, sturdy, I wear it most days! Adjustable for even my weird little wrists (I love this style of bracelet because it's super secure and you never have to worry about it sliding off). Lots of compliments from people tilting their heads sideways to read it 😂 Absolutely gorgeous- would love to see a purple and green version in the future!
I wanted a big, bold necklace to promote my wokeness and this was the one! It’s gorgeous, big and glittery - what more could you want?
Really good quality and with a nicely adjustable chain, meaning you can wear it above a neckline or over clothing.
