Here at Her Campus we’re all for supporting other women in their endeavours, whether they are science, literary, fashion, or music related. And what better way to celebrate other women’s projects and achievements than interviewing Remmy Fillip, who has started a Tumblr project called ‘Celebrating Amazing Women’ to do exactly this? I sat down with Remmy to discuss her reasons for starting her project and why she thinks it’s important.
Tell us a bit about yourself, where are you from and what do you study at uni?
I am from Romania and I study English and Hispanic Studies. I’m in my third year at the moment.
So, what is your motivation behind this project? Did you have a specific experience or epiphany that made you want to start your Tumblr?
Well, I’ve only started the project this month on International Woman’s Day, but actually I started doing research for it in January. The idea came to me way before that. Ever since I heard the word ‘feminism’ for the first time and knew what it was about I completely identified with the cause, and I felt that I had to do all I can to advance it. Right now, the least I can do is to spread the word about the amazing women of history that have been either forgotten, or undermined, to show that they are just as smart, capable, and overall great as men are.
Yeah, I think a lot of people misunderstand the term ‘feminism’. And I think your idea about promoting the amazing work that women do is good for the cause, definitely. What do you think of the way women are portrayed in media today?
I feel like there is progress, but it is a slow one. Nowadays we see so many awesome female characters in mainstream literature and cinema, but it still is the case that they are mostly background characters, or the love interests of the male lead. I hope that one day there will be a more proportionate representation in that sense.
I agree! I think it’s great that we see more women take centre stage, but it’s always disappointing when their accomplishments are reduced to what they’re wearing or whom they’re dating at the moment. I suppose this is something you want to help change with your project?
Yes, in my research for the blog I have come across so many instances where women who did great things, in sports or science for example, were still seen mostly as wives, girlfriends, and mothers. We see that even now, when for example Amal Alamuddin, an accomplished lawyer, is still referred to as ‘George Clooney’s wife’ first of all. I am hoping to prove that women can and have made a difference on their own, through their own strength and work.
I think that’s such a great standpoint to have, even though it’s a shame that it still needs to be proven to people.
Indeed it is: we have a long way to go.
I know; it feels hopeless sometimes. But every little helps! Okay, onto less ideological things. Who is your favourite historical female figure?
Simone de Beauvoir is one of my favourite people of all time. Only a few months ago I read her book, The Second Sex, and it really struck me how little has changed in those decades that passed. But I know that being a woman was even more difficult during her time, and I appreciate her so much for how she refused to conform to society and gave all women, past and present, a strong voice. She is actually the icon of my blog!
I love her as well. I have read some of her work, and it really struck a chord with me too. And then I found it sad that I recognize all the things she writes about, and she published The Second Sex over sixty years ago! Just goes to show how far we still have to come as a society.
And who is your favourite contemporary woman? Who is alive and doing amazing things today?
I am in love with both Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, I can’t possibly choose between them! Through the characters they portray, but also through their real-life personas, they really manage to bring feminism into the public eye, and they do it in a wonderfully amusing and witty way.
Yes! I love them both, even though I have to say that Leslie Knope will always have a special place in my heart! They’re such cool women.
Leslie is great, so much to learn from her!
Totally! And, if you’re able to choose, who do you think has made the greatest achievement?
This is a difficult one. Every single woman I have featured and will feature on my blog has made great achievements. But let’s say that Marie Curie is a very big name, being someone that everyone has heard of, and being the first woman to win the Nobel Prize. Her greatness does not need explaining, everyone can refer to her and say ‘yes, women are capable of incredible things’.
I agree, I think everyone you’ve featured so far has done great things, but it’s nice to have a specific example to shove in people’s faces! And finally, are you trying to send a message with your project? Other than what we’ve already discussed, I mean. Are you trying to set a good example for younger girls? Or maybe encourage them?
Yes, absolutely! Not only to younger girls, but also to girls and women in general. I’d say, don’t let anyone bring you down. Whatever you want to do, whatever your passion, you can do it. There are so many examples of women who have made it, in face of all adversity. I personally have had the fortunate experience that I grew up in a family where I was never discouraged from any sort of activity, on the grounds that it was unladylike, or stuff like that, but I know many others who were. So for them, I want to say loud and clear (hoping that I won’t sound too much like a politician): yes, you can!
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We think that is an appropriate and powerful way to end this interview! We wish Remmy the best of luck with her project, and we encourage you to check out her Tumblr: http://celebratingamazingwomen.tumblr.com/