Traey Cox
The Spice Girls created girl power over a decade ago but it's still having a huge effect on modern day women according to a new survey. Sex and relationship expert Tracey Cox tells us about the new generation of empowered women.
On Girl Power:......... “Ten years ago, five girls in rather ridiculous outfits, stood on stage encouraging women worldwide to embrace a concept called ‘girlpower’. One decade on, the Spice Girls are about to reunite, throwing up the question: Where is girlpower now?” “ To find out, Vauxhall Tigra talked to 1000 British women to find out whether this seemingly frivolous version of feminism had had an influence on their lives. The findings? Girlpower didn’t just leave its mark, it had a massive impact on a whole generation of women - 3 out of 4 women said girlpower had a profound effect on their lives. Women now feel more independent, confident - and more equal to men because of it. “
On Modern Women......... “Gone is the fiercely independent, angry, career-driven women who was determined to have it all - at any cost. The shoulder pads, the tough image, the aggressive act - back then, we figured the only way to beat men at the game was to act like them. Ten years on, women have relaxed. Having won the war, girlpower today is more about women celebrating being women.” “ It’s OK to admit we’re, gulp, female, because women have as much as offer as men. And we’re taking back the things we lost along the way. Motherhood, marriage, babies - they were all dirty words there for a while. You’re staying home to be a - shock horror - housewife!! You’re getting married and having - what! - BABIES!!??? How dare you! After all we fought for, the right to be taken seriously in the workplace, you traitor! “
On Making Choices........”Finally, in 2007, it’s suddenly OK to put your hand up and say that’s exactly the choice you’d like to make. Key word being ‘choice’. Not so long ago, that’s pretty much the path all women trod. Whether they wanted to walk that path or not. Today’s females are movers and shakers in all areas of life. More often than not, women make the financial decisions for the household. We’re embracing technology, as fascinated by the latest ‘gadgets’ as men are. “
On Women Drivers.....”Women are also - literally - in the driving seat. 45% of females see their car as a symbol of freedom and opportunity. 80% of car purchases are made by women. And they’re not sensible station wagons, built for ferrying babies and groceries. Today’s woman is more likely to treat herself to a sexy, sassy two-seater convertible, like the Vauxhall Tigra, as a symbol of her independence. See, two seats! I may or may not have a baby. And guess what, I bought it myself! “
“70% of women are so confident, they’re happy partying solo, dining out and travelling alone. 39% of the women surveyed said they felt more equal to men than ever before, 32% said they have more male friends and a better relationship with men. We’re working together better than ever before with both male colleagues and our partners standing side by side, than over us.”
On the Balance of Power..........”In fact, this is the first time in history that women are in the power position. The pendulum has swung to the point where, in educated, affluent circles at least, women are on top. Men are being told to be more like women and, as a result, sometimes feel inferior to us. Women are far more complex creatures, capable of accessing both sides of their brain - both logical and emotive. Given power, we can be powerful force to reckon with.
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“Is it any wonder some men feel threatened and emasculated? How to redress the balance and make men feel more comfortable without ending up back barefoot in the kitchen? “
Tracey's Guide to Understanding Men
-Don’t just tell men, teach them. It’s pointless saying ‘I’d like you to be more romantic’, spell out how: romantic to me means holding my hand, calling me just to say you miss me. In one experiment, 80% of men, asked to do something romantic for their wives, went home and washed her car. The more specific you are about what you want, the more likely you are to get it.
-If a male colleague feels threatened by you and reacts competitively, refuse to rise to the bait. Few people are able to continue to be aggressive if you remain calm, logical and pleasant. Don’t play the emotive card - ‘I know you’re threatened by me’ - that will just make him feel even more emasculated. Instead, be nice. Listen to his point of view but don’t compromise your own.
-Finally, remember men are fixers not talkers. Women will talk about a problem and feel better simply for having talked about it. He thinks you’re telling him because you want him to come up with a solution. Make it clear beforehand if that’s all you’re telling him for. He’ll still find the concept completely bonkers, but he’ll be able to relax rather than stress about finding a solution to something he possibly knows nothing about.