It Was Cold

Written for https://thesoundofonehandtyping.com/2025/09/02/this-weeks-writers-workshop-prompts-september-4-2025/

In the UK in the eighties, schools did not allow girls to wear trousers because they were not part of the uniform. When it was cold, skirts didn’t offer the same protection. The policy changed soon after we wore trousers as a protest.

Rara skirts were a trend, along with leg warmers (Fame), blue eyeshadow and glitter in our hair. I wore a perm when I was in my early twenties.

I must admit, as I have got older, I don’t much care for trends.

Although I am proud, I protested about wearing trousers. When I was younger, there were stereotypical jobs for women. We learned needlework, cooking, and biology, while the boys learned woodwork and chemistry. I am glad it is better in 2025; women have a lot more choice.

Don’t get me wrong, I am proud to be a mum, and my children are my greatest joy. However, I am also proud of all the jobs I have been part of: postwoman, cashier and teaching assistant. The last, allowed me to spend the school holidays with my family, and I was there when they got home from school.

Nobody should judge women, whatever their choice.