Matriarchal societies where women are in charge
Who runs the world? Girls!
In today’s newsletter: matriarchal societies, book recommendations, ice cream cake, and author Cheryl Strayed
Who runs the world? Girls! In certain societies around the globe, these words aren’t just the women-empowering lyrics of a Beyoncé song; they’re a fact of life. Matriarchal societies are those in which women hold positions of power and authority and are the primary decision-makers in both their families and community. While patriarchies have been the norm in most societies throughout history, the following five countries are home to matriarchal societies that show what the world would look like if it were, indeed, run by women.
Alison Roman, Cheryl Strayed, ice cream cake, and book recommendations
Pre-order Lola Akinmade Akerstrom’s anticipated novel, Everything is Not Enough. The book is a sequel to her celebrated debut novel, In Every Mirror She’s Black, which is worth a read.
Read this Time interview with chef and cookbook author Alison Roman. Following a very public backlash and cancellation, Roman has not only bounced back but done so in a way that doesn’t feel performative. After, watch her latest Home Movies in which she shares how to make the perfect ice cream cake.
Check out my interview with author Cheryl Strayed, in which we chat about the enduring success of her book Wild and the Hulu adaptation of her book Tiny Beautiful Things. It was Marcel Proust who wrote, “never meet the people you admire (or look up to), you'll be disappointed,” which—like a decades-long game of telephone—evolved into “never meet your heroes.” Well, without offense to Proust, Cheryl Strayed is simply wonderful.
And finally, if you haven’t already — pre-order my travel memoir, Call You When I Land. It’s one part career dreams, mixed with two parts romance, a dash of true crime, a sprinkle of Colombian spice and women-empowerment vibes, all mixed together for a transportive and inspiring read.
twitter | instagram | tiktok | send me an e-mail | send me your feedback