I've been a feminist ever since I was old enough to be leered at and sneered at

When I embraced my femininity, was stunned at the absolute misogyny that rained down not only on me but on all girls of the same generation

- JOAN COLLINS

I am a feminist and I have always been a feminist, even though for decades I didn’t even know the true meaning of the word. As a 15-year-old, just hitting puberty, I despised being female. My bodily changes were embarrassing, and I had no desire to emulate my lovely mother or my six glamorous aunts. Instead, I opted to copy my father’s weekend attire: casual open-necked shirt, corduroy trousers, and flat brogues.

This phase of my life lasted approximately half a year. Imagine if this happened today – I might have been prescribed bicalutamide! But when I embraced my femininity and entered the tricky world of showbiz, I was stunned at the absolute misogyny that rained down not only on me, but on all the other pretty starlets, as well as girls of the same generation working in fashion, retail, factories, and hospitality.