Today we are interviewing Carlotta Gamondo, whose design got so many compliments that despise not winning we couldn't stop ourselves from printing it! Outspoken and loud words to wear unapologetically! 

Curious to read more about her and her journey?

Who are you? introduce yourself so we can know a bit more about the person behind the F

Hello, my name is Carlotta and I’m from Italy. I’m 18 years old and I’m going to graduate soon so between that and COVID  I can definitely say that this is the craziest time of my life! 

What did you want to represent with your design? what does it
mean to you?

Well, my design represents what it comes to mind when I ask myself: why do
we need Feminism? Why do we need this visibility for? Sadly I see answers to those questions every day.

If I am honest, Italy is not a very advanced country regarding social matters, such as equality, even though our own constitution takes care of this in its fundamental principles. My design celebrates the things I fight for and the ones that I still feel that I need to be listened about.

What is Feminism for you?

As my F says for me Feminism is equality, empowerment, courage,
opportunities, respect, dreams and last but not least, a fight.

-Which “everyday sexism” really bothers you?

There are a LOT of “everyday sexism” examples I could talk about, some of which I have experienced myself. But probably the worst, the one that enrages me the most, would be the gender bias language.

We are so used to this that sometimes we can’t even see how problematic it is but hearing "you need to man up” Or “you need to grow some balls.” Or  “stop being a pussy” makes me so angry. It’s just an example of how society sees us: women as weak little creatures and them as mighty strong men. I just hate this.

Do you remember when you start identifying as a Feminist and
why?

There isn’t a moment in which I said: “Okay now I’m a feminist.” I kind
of always been, even though until 6 or 7 years ago I didn’t know what
that meant exactly.
I remember the moment I started to “fight” though. It was in a period where I was
being bullied. The way some guys treated me because I was a
chubby girl (and I still am) or what they called me because I didn’t shave
all my body hair or fit in their standards was the final straw. Enough was enough.

Who is your biggest feminist role model?

There are a lot of strong women I look up to, it’s hard to choose just one but I’d say Malala Yousafzai.

What is your favourite Feminist quote?

Again, there are a lot… if I had to choose one then it’s “Feminism is
the radical notion that women are human beings.” bt Cheris Kramarae

What is your proud feminist victory?

My victory is probably having been the only girl in my mountain bike group. At first, they were a bit against the idea of me being there but, despite all odds, I persevered and won some competitions. This brought the guys to understand my real value and see behind their initial sexism.

What is your feminist recommendation?

• Book: Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alberton. It’s an autobiographic tale that inspires me every day.
• Tv show: Orange Is The New Black. It talks about taboos without fear. It can be hilarious and heartbreaking and I assure you, it will open your mind.
• Film: The Circle (2000). It’s explicit and denounces the atrocity of the everyday fight of women, that are born and will likely die in a patriarchal chain.

What is your feminist call of action to whoever is reading?

To fight and be free.

We must know that we are all human, regardless of the gender we were born with or we identify with and we shouldn't be defined by society’s rules.

We are ourselves and should not surrender to objectification and injustice, we have to fight and speak up. This contest, this page, this initiative, this is fighting too. Educate children, educate ourselves, be respectful, protest, be as you are, chose for yourself… there are different actions of the same fight and we all should be part of this and go against whoever claims to own us. You are yourself and no one owns you.