FEMINISM. The word everyone dreads and yet what does it actually mean? It means equality for everyone and equality for both of the sexes. There seems to be a massive stigma around the word and a negative connotation with it but in my experience I see it as nothing but a good thing for everyone.

My friend took me to a Guilty Feminist event at The Old Vic in London and I was so delighted and amazed to see people from all walks of life attending, men and women.

Juliet Stevenson was there with her daughter too, building awareness of the help needed for the refugees in Calais. I was so inspired by the comedy and the topics of conversation that I have continued to listen to their podcasts on a regular basis. The talks consist of “I’m a feminist but…” conversations which allow acceptance and allowance for any insecurities or fears that undermine the principles of feminism.

Instead Deborah Frances-White takes a more positive response and brings happiness through the truth and comedic idiosyncrasies of life.

I think it is important to be able to support whatever it is you believe in and surely for most of us that is equal rights for everyone.

Juliet Stevenson’s daughter, Rosalind, has written a play that she is going to take to the Fringe this year at the young age of 23. She is taking a piece based on verbatim accounts about the parent/child relationship and speaking to your mothers/grandparents about what you truly felt growing up.

Juliet Stevenson commented on her life as an actor and how difficult it was being a woman in the industry that she is in. It is beautiful to see how her daughter is following in her footsteps but is having more confidence and opportunity to write her own piece and create her own theatre company, as well as being a director.

Her mother spoke of her concerns when initially told that her daughter wanted to go into the acting profession, considering the struggles she faced but she is embracing the success that she has had and the changes and developments she is making in the right direction.

Emma Watson, Angelina Jolie and Beyonce are just a few examples of the feminist figureheads that are more in the public eye and I love what they have to say about it.

Beyonce said: "I put the definition of feminist in my song and on my tour, not for propaganda or to proclaim to the world that I'm a feminist, but to give clarity to the true meaning. I'm not really sure people know or understand what a feminist is, but it's very simple. It's someone who believes in equal rights for men and women. I don't understand the negative connotation of the word, or why it should exclude the opposite sex. If you are a man who believes your daughter should have the same opportunities and rights as your son, then you're a feminist.

"We need men and women to understand the double standards that still exist in this world, and we need to have a real conversation so we can begin to make changes."

Angelina Jolie has said: "There is a global epidemic of violence against women – both within conflict zones and within societies at peace – and it is still treated as a lesser crime and lower priority, We need policies for long-term security that are designed by women, focused on women, executed by women, not at the expense of men, or instead of men, but alongside and with men."

With the Closed Door Theatre Company I went to the Edinburgh Fringe this year with a piece all about these issues, something that I have been thinking about a lot recently.

NIA POWELL