September Member Spotlight — Minadi Gunawardena

Every month, we feature the work and story of a member of the Young Feminist Network with the hope of inspiring and learning from each other. This month, we feature 18-year old Minadi Gunawardane.

Hi YFN!

My name is Minadi Gunawardena (she/her) and I am currently the Social Media Manager for Everystory Sri Lanka. I’m also an intern at Asian International School, where I teach English and History in the Junior School. I hope to pursue my undergraduate degree in Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice in 2022.

I am a feminist, a writer and a reader. I read and write with an inherent passion for female representation. As I have turned the pages of canonical and modern literary texts, I have always searched for relatability. A female character who is not just a dismissible decoration for the plot, but a woman who is capable of growth, mistakes and change. My decision to choose literature for my Advanced levels allowed me to study in depth, strong and unconventional women; real women written by women. It is during this time that my perspective on society, activism and gender was fundamentally altered. The ferocity, in which these women tackle life and the problems that come with it is a testament to the wonderful capacity we all hold. These stories have also taught me that change comes from places of hardship, on most occasions from people with hardships.

Women in literature have always been a crucial element in my journey as a feminist, and above all, as a woman. The portrayal of gender in ways that celebrate and challenge women and most importantly, inspire us, are essential to all learning experiences.

It is from these feminist characters that I learn phenomenal lessons, and receive inspiration to leave behind change for those who come after me.