Louise O’ Neill is the author of the feminist dystopian novel, Only Ever Yours. She won the Newcomer of the Year award at the Irish Book Awards 2014. You can find out more at her website louiseoneillauthor.com
Because I am a Girl I ask …That I be valued for who I am as a person, not what I look like.
Because I am a Girl I believe …That all people are unique and different, but ultimately equal.
Because I am a Girl I hope …That young girls will stop caring about what other people think about them, and start caring more about how they feel about themselves.
Because I am a Girl I wonder …A lot about what boys are thinking. I can’t help it!
Because I am a Girl I dream …In technicolour.
Because I am a Girl I remember …Being told as a teenager that girls who enjoyed sex were sluts.
Because I am a Girl I like …Being an adult who knows that girls who enjoy sex are just normal people who enjoy sex.
Because I am a Girl I dislike …Constantly feeling objectified and sexualised without my consent.
Because I am a Girl I feel …Part of a sisterhood – I have amazing female friends who love and support me.
Because I am a Girl I celebrate…Other women doing amazing things with their lives.