Jennifer Ryan is a reader and writer. She spent five years working as a journalist in Dublin; three of those were spent editing the book pages for women’s magazine IMAGE. She also contributed to RTE Radio One, 2fm, Ireland AM on TV3, and The Sunday Independent.  She became particularly interested in digital media, setting up her website, The Lady Loves Books, and returning to education to study for a diploma in digital marketing. She now happily works as part of a large marketing team for a multinational company. Whenever she can, she travels, speaks Spanish and gets out into the fresh air.

 Because I am a Girl I ask…. advice from women before I do men, as often their experiences are more relevant to my life.

Because I am a Girl I believe… I need to find the balance between strength and vulnerability to ensure I show just enough (not too much!) of both to the world.

Because I am a Girl I hope… I can one day have a family of my own.

Because I am a Girl I wonder… would I have followed a different career path if I had been socialised as a boy.

Because I am a Girl I remember… dressing up in my mother’s wedding dress and parading around the house with clown-like splotches of blusher on my cheeks.

Because I am a Girl I like… being able to display femininity without receiving criticism, unlike many of my male counterparts.

Because I am a Girl I dislike… everyday sexism. I abhor the smirk and the eye roll when I point out sexist behaviour. Yes we still have plenty to ‘be a feminist about’!

Because I am a Girl I feel… a duty to younger women to show confidence in their abilities, to provide encouragement, and support as they navigate the tricky teenage years.

Because I am a Girl I celebrate … and support my sister, mother, cousins, and girlfriends at every possible opportunity.