Roe McDermott

AGENDA

Friends as family: How the company we keep can change our lives

Three writers investigate the devaluation of friendship in modern society, and explore how expanding our definition and experience…

By Roe McDermott

sex strikes

AGENDA

Sex strikes: a feminist weapon against Trump-era misogyny or a trendy distraction?

On January 21, 2017, I joined over 100,000 people on the streets of San Francisco, many of whom…

By Roe McDermott

friendship after kids

SELF

How do you bridge the gap between new parents and the childfree?

Parents and childfree people tell Roe McDermott about how their friendship has changed after kids entered the picture…

By Roe McDermott

antidepressants ireland

AGENDA, SELF

‘Part of maintaining my mental health is through medication – but it took over a decade for it to be prescribed’

Instead of receiving care, Irish people seeking antidepressants often find themselves consulting with GPs who haven’t been adequately…

By Roe McDermott

AGENDA

America is in an abusive relationship

As someone who has survived an abusive relationship, Roe McDermott recognises the signs. She wants women to know…

By Roe McDermott

Hetero-exceptionalism

SELF

Hetero-exceptionalism is the new form of blaming women for systemic inequality

The research is in: heteronormative marriage systemically disadvantages women and perpetuates inequality and women’s unhappiness. So why are…

By Roe McDermott

AGENDA

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, on how abuse starts and how victims can get help

This year, Women’s Aid released its Annual Impact Report 2023, which detailed 40,048 disclosures of domestic abuse against…

By Roe McDermott

divorce memoir

SELF

The divorce memoirs flipping the cultural script

Divorce memoirs tell new stories that counter long-held beliefs of failure and loss. For many women, divorce can…

By Roe McDermott

LIVING

The Blake Lively backlash calls for more discussions about abuse

As a woman who has suffered an abusive relationship, Roe McDermott understands only too well the importance of…

By Roe McDermott

celibacy

SELF

What a growing women’s celibacy movement can teach us about desire

While male incels believe they are entitled to sex, the women’s celibacy movement is proving that sex is…

By Roe McDermott

Dubai

AGENDA

Influencer-washing in Dubai: How human rights violations hide behind glamorous influencers

The recent case of an Irish domestic violence victim who was criminalised by Dubai authorities highlights the chasm…

By Roe McDermott

favours

SELF

The tiny favours economy: why you should definitely ask your neighbour for a cup of sugar

Convenience-focused apps and a hyper-individualistic culture encourages us to do everything ourselves and pay for help when we…

By Roe McDermott