Laura founded the Everyday Sexism Project – a safe online space where people can record instances of sexism they experience on a day-to-day basis – in 2012. More than a quarter of a million people have shared their stories on the platform, highlighting the startling level of sexism faced by women and girls in ordinary places.
In 2014, Laura published her first book, Everyday Sexism, a critically acclaimed analysis of endemic misogyny and how to challenge it. To date, she has published eight titles, including the Sunday Times bestseller Girl Up, and The Burning, nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
Laura has been named Woman of the Year by Cosmopolitan and The Sunday Times Magazine. She writes regularly for the Guardian and the New York Times. She has presented two BBC television documentaries, and is a consultant for productions tackling issues around gender inequality.
In the US, Laura has received the Women's Media Award, and been named one of CNN's 10 'Visionary Women'. The Huffington Post describes her as “the voice of her generation”.
In the 2015 Queen’s birthday honours, she was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to gender equality.
Addressing graduating students at the Corn Exchange, Cambridge, Laura highlighted the importance of standing against misogyny, and praised ARU students and staff for their commitment to tackling sexual violence.
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said:
“In 2023, Laura was the keynote speaker at ARU’s first ever conference on gender-based violence. And I’m delighted to say that our university has enjoyed close links with Laura for some time.
“Her unique insights have informed the work of several of ARU’s feminist scholars, and as a passionate activist and campaigner of immense courage and integrity, she will be a powerful role model for all our students.”
