Laura Bates is the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, a global initiative that has collected over 200,000 personal accounts of gender inequality. Since its launch, the project has sparked international conversations and become a powerful platform for change.
In addition to her activism, Laura is an acclaimed author. Her books include Everyday Sexism (shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year), the Sunday Times bestseller Girl Up, Misogynation, The Burning (nominated for the Carnegie Medal), The Trial, and Men Who Hate Women. Most recently, her book Fix the System, Not the Women was named one of Waterstones’ best books of 2022. Moreover, her work has been translated into eight languages, further extending its global impact.
Beyond writing, Laura is a regular contributor to The Guardian, The New York Times, and other major publications. In recognition of her journalism, she won a British Press Award in 2015. She is also a frequent media commentator, appearing on programmes such as Newsnight, Today, BBC Breakfast, Channel 4 News, and CNN. Furthermore, she has presented two BBC documentaries and advises media productions on issues surrounding gender inequality.
In her advocacy work, Laura partners with politicians, businesses, schools, and police forces to address systemic gender inequality. Her collaborations include projects with the Council of Europe and the United Nations. Notably, she played a key role in pressuring Facebook to change its policies regarding rape and domestic abuse content.
Laura has also contributed to significant changes in education and public safety. She was instrumental in introducing sexual consent and healthy relationships education into school curricula. Additionally, she worked to improve how British Transport Police respond to reports of sexual violence.
As a speaker, Laura has addressed audiences worldwide. Her engagements have taken her from Wembley Stadium and the Sydney Opera House to President Obama’s White House Summit on the United State of Women.
Alongside her public work, Laura contributes to Women Under Siege, a New York-based project addressing rape in conflict zones. She also serves as a patron of SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support). Furthermore, she sits on the Board of Directors for Equimundo, an NGO focused on engaging men and boys in advancing gender equality and preventing violence against women.
