Sir, I too am “one of those Seventies radicals who has never, ever, felt ashamed of calling herself a feminist”, although sadly never had a pair of dungarees. Joan Smith is right (“Feminism isn’t a four-letter word”, times2, Aug 14) that feminism is about human rights, self-respect and consideration for others, and she is right to express concerns about the toxic nature of the influences on young women today. But it won’t work to teach feminism as a discrete subject on the curriculum.

Feminism has to be lived and breathed every day in the culture of the school. Self-worth, good sense and knowing that there is more to life than emulating Paris Hilton come naturally in girls’ schools. If we are to ensure that all girls have “the language and ethics that allow them to be themselves”, isn’t it time to reconsider the advantages of single-sex schools?

Vicky Tuck
President, Girls’ Schools Association

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