feature: photo essay “vagina dentata” promotes the liberation of the modern woman within patriarchal society

Vagina Dentata (Latin for toothed vagina) derives from folklore, it has been explored by several religions metaphorically, illustrating the ‘dangers’ of female sexuality. The teeth are usually removed by force in these tales, thus attempting to ‘glorify’ manhood as superior. In a sacred Aino text written in 1886 – ‘The Island of Women’ – A chief and his sons are seduced by women who sprout teeth in their Vaginas every spring, but the chief still walks away with his penis intact – “All the Ainus saw the beautiful scabbard which the chief had used with that woman.” This ancient story has influenced contemporary culture in a literal way, as The Shinto Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of the Steel Phallus) still takes place annually in Japan.

You are one of the strongest women that I know, could you tell me about some of your life experiences, and how they have made you into the person that you are today?

My Mothers funeral was seven years ago today. We had a fraught relationship as her mental health and religion was a barrier between us. On that day I spoke to her. She had strength I could only dream of, but I never understood until then. She inspired a personal pride within me, courage enough in my convictions, almost to mirror hers.

//Judith Klempner//

We both know that knowledge is power. What life lessons do you intend on teaching your beautiful daughter Pheadra?

Love. I want to teach her to love herself with a pure heart. Teach her to love that kink in her hair, that excessive melanin in her skin and to simply love who she is. I believe, by teaching her self-respect, nothing can hold her back from blossoming into whatever or whoever she wants to be. There are so many things really, but as long as I support her, encourage her, and let her know that living is a blessing; that everyday is an opportunity to do good and to be kind. I know that with this, she will be happy living the path that’s right for her.

//Adebukola Fadipe + Phaidra Ayinde//

Auntie, could you tell me about your journey as a Mother as well as a professional athlete?

I am an elite athlete specializing in the high jump – I am also a qualified fitness instructor and a social worker. On my Journey, I have had to support my children as a single parent, which has been challenging but it has also fuelled my determination to be a success. As a result of rigorous training, I sustained critical injuries during my pursuit to qualify for The 2012 Olympics, but I overcame this setback through the passion to excel.

In 2013, I won The Senior Surrey Country Championships and The World Masters in Brazil, which I won again in 2014 along with The World European Masters in Turkey, The French Masters and The UK Masters (indoors and outdoors). I continue to work towards optimum goals for the upcoming season.

My personal journey has been difficult and it continues to challenge the Venus from within, my childhood was intense and abusive, but that part of my life made me a strong person – it gave me the ability and faith to be individually motivated.

I continue to use these experiences to focus on the immediate task, and work for the greater good. Recently, my club Woodford green and Essex ladies presented me with two awards, ‘Best veteran performance, regardless of age’ and ‘Club woman of the year’ So lets see what the rest of the season brings… XXX AAA

//Ayamba Akim//

Hello Maman, you run two charities, Mothers of Congo and The TG Foundation, could you tell me about what you are doing for the women of The DROC with your activism and humanitarian aid?

In 1996, returning to the Congo for a visit, I encountered the dreadful war that has been raging to this day. I decided to go back to the Congo for six months. I witnessed the suffering of the population first hand and I decided to stay even longer and provide aid to malnourished children; something that is a very big problem in The DROC. As it became dangerous for me to stay, I decided to come back to The U.K and since 2000, I have been campaigning to raise awareness against the rape of women and children (as a weapon of war) in The DROC.

Mothers of Congo are a pressure group of Congolese women based in the UK, founded by Charlotte Simon – Eyenga. The TG Foundation is a UK registered charity. Our aim is to actively contribute to the restoration of women, girls, communities & families lives that have all been victims of sexual violence in the northeastern DROC. We help grassroots organizations create communities in the region where women and girls are valued and respected. We achieve this by working closely with the council FVVs and through raising awareness of their plight within our communities by holding events and fundraisers.

// Maman Charlotte//

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