City of Women

This interview series celebrates women whose work and lives advance the position of women in the world. The common thread that connects the featured women is that they use their own gifts, talents, time, successes, or platforms to create opportunities and care for other women. I was inspired to build this City of Women by a historic figure who has been my muse in both calligraphy and writing: Christine de Pizan, a medieval scribe, illuminator, poet, writer, and political thinker. In The Book of the City of Ladies, (published ca. 1405) de Pizan wrote, “Together we must construct the houses and buildings inside the walls of the City of Ladies which my sister Reason has now put up… don’t hesitate to mix the mortar well in your inkpot and set to on the masonry work with great strokes of the pen.”

De Pizan, a prolific writer, used the power of ink and pen to criticize gender inequality and most incredibly, she earned money for her work, a brave and rare undertaking at a time when women’s roles were predominantly confined to the household. She is without peer during the era within which she was writing.

Christine de Pizan is an inspiration to me. She was an intelligent, strong woman who wanted to build — ideologically and physically — a society that valued women as equals. I want to build our community around de Pizan’s concept. However, I prefer calling the community I’m creating a “City of Women;” the word “lady” seems an anachronistic term better suited to a woman of a high social and economic status in medieval times. I intend our City of Women to be a place to introduce inspiring women and turn inspiration into action. Please join me!

Posts tagged city of women

Kerry Diamond

“I started a newspaper in the third grade and loved books, magazines, and newspapers from as early as I can remember. I fell into food by accident.”

Interview, City of WomenRita Polidori O’BrienJanuary 22, 2024Cherry Bombe, Kerry Diamond, Food blogger, Media Company, Food writer, Cherry Bombe magazine, city of womenComment

Julia Gargano

“There were many times where that voice in my head said “Julia, get the hell out of here.” I’m so glad I stayed and proved to myself, and maybe showed others who experience anxiety, that these things are possible and are so rewarding.”

InterviewRita Polidori O’BrienAugust 6, 2020piercing, tattoos, city of women

Cassi Lopez

“I usually chat clients up and during conversation, I get more of a feel for their personal style and overall aesthetic. From there, I make placement choices based on their anatomy and the other piercings they might have.”

InterviewRita Polidori O’BrienJuly 29, 2020piercing, tattoos, city of women

Barbara Calzolari, Master Penman

“We need to start now to be better; it does not matter in what direction we choose to begin.” - Barbara Calzolari

Rita Polidori O’BrienApril 14, 2020Barbara Calzolari, master penman, iampeth, society of scribes, city of women, Christine de Pizan, scribe new york, calligrapherComment