TODAY IS NOLLAIG na mBan, otherwise known as Women’s Christmas.
In that spirit, we’ve compiled a few ways to celebrate!
1. Watch some deadly female-led television
We’re living in a golden age of television with a seemingly neverending stream of prestige programming being rolled out during the year. And you know what that means? Loads of quality female-led television shows.
Celebrate your Nollaig na mBan by binging some of our favourites. (After all, it’s not like you have the money or energy to go out, right?)
Insecure
Issa Rae’s comedy about two female friends in Los Angeles navigating relationships and work is utterly hilarious, touching and real. (Don’t even get us started on how dishy Lawrence is.)
Crazy Ex Girlfriend
A funny, ambitious musical romantic comedy starring Rachel Bloom as a girl who moves across the country to follow her teenage boyfriend. It’s not as creepy as it sounds, we promise.
The OA
The buzzy Netflix show that everyone is talking about (and feeling sort of confused by). The series, created by and starring Brit Marling, is about a young woman who shows up seven years after going missing and calls herself ‘the OA’.
Other brilliant gal television shows on Netflix include: Orange is the New Black, Grace and Frankie, The Good Wife, How To Get Away With Murder, Jane The Virgin and Love.
2. Or if you don’t have the patience to commit to a new television series, watch a girl power documentary on Netflix
Like…
- Iris An ode to Iris Apfel, the most stylish nonagenarian ever.
- Finding Traction A documentary about ultra marathon runner Nikki Kimball and her quest to become the fastest person to run The Long Trail.
- What Happened Miss Simone? A look back on the amazing life and career of singer and activist Nina Simone.
- T-Rex In 2012, teenager Claressa Shields was among the first crop of female boxers (along with Katie Taylor) to compete at the Olympics. This is her awe-inspiring story of how she got there.
- Miss Representation A powerful documentary about the representation of women in mainstream media.
- She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry A chronicle of all the amazing women at the fore of the women’s liberation movement in the 1960s.
3. Make an effort to #ReadWomen in 2017 and treat yourself to some books by female authors
Looking for some reading inspiration? Consult our list from last year.
4. Subscribe to some excellent podcasts fronted by women
Some of our recommendations:
Call Your Girlfriend
Call Your Girlfriend bills itself as a podcast for long-distance besties. Each episode sees Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman discuss everything from reproductive rights to Blac Chyna. Consistently amusing, enlightening and entertaining.
Stuff Mom Never Told You
An informative podcast that smartly explains and decodes things like contraception, fast fashion, gender politics and more. The podcast ceased production over Christmas, but there are over 800 episodes available for you to trawl through. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Another Round
Another Round is hosted by Tracy Clayton and Heben Nigatu that touches on everything from self-care to politics to Beyoncé. Their dynamic is irresistible and you’ll want to be part of their girl gang after one listen.
5. Spend some time making a ~gal power~ Spotify playlist
Sometimes you just need the soul of Aretha, the or the sassy bars of Nicki Minaj to get you through the day. Spend Nollaig na mBan curating your very own girl power playlist. Trust us, it’ll be time well spent.
6. Follow some deadly Irish women on Twitter like…
- Aisling Bea (@weemissbea)
- Louise O’Connor (@oconnola)
- Sinead Burke (@minniemelange)
- Stefanie Preissner (@StefPreissner)
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- Rosemary MacCabe (@RosemaryMacCabe)
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7. Sign up to some brilliant newsletters. Your inbox will thank you for it.
We’re big fans of That’s What She Said by Anne T. Donahue (for solid life advice) and My Second or Third Skin by Claire Carusillo (for very funny beauty recommendations).
8. Get involved!
Whether it’s becoming a card-carrying member of the National Women’s Council of Ireland, making a small donation to an organisation like Women’s Aid or simply wearing a Repeal jumper, do your part to make Ireland a better place for women.
Happy Nollaig na mBan!
