The ‘patriarchy’ of women

In the new world order, which in some cases has seen the glass ceiling shatter, there is one thing that remains unchanged. It changes, but it endures and even becomes a tool used by women who rise to positions of power. It is patriarchy, which, today, no longer needs to keep women out of the centres of command or the decision-making rooms reserved for men. Claudia Sarritzu, a journalist from Cagliari, explores this theme – through analysis, reflections and interviews – in her book *Patriarchy in the New World Order: The Responsibility of Women Leaders and Female Machismo*.

And, as if using a camera to depict this scenario, she chooses a different angle. Not the one focusing on domestic life – which is very often prominently featured – but that of power, which, in a macho culture, lurks behind wars and genocides, expressed through increasingly violent language. This is a sphere that does not even spare women who reach top positions. ‘They live out and embody,’ says Claudia Sarritzu, ‘behaviours and attitudes that are part of a patriarchal system. The glass ceiling has been shattered on occasion, but the rest of the structure surrounding the building has remained the same. We see this in women who hold very important positions of power.’

The 168 pages of this essay contain dialogues, short stories and in-depth analyses, taking the reader on a journey through the world of gender equality that continues the theme first explored in the essay *Parole avanti, femminismo del terzo millennio* (Forward with Words: Feminism of the Third Millennium), winner of the 2019 Giuditta National Essay Prize.

A book which, for the journalist, feels like a challenge to try to dismantle a system that seems to be becoming increasingly entrenched and inaccessible.

‘Books are like sons and daughters; once brought into the world, they have a life of their own and live on through the encounters they have,’ he writes in his conclusion. ‘They are separate from us. I therefore hope that this essay, like the previous ones, embraces the best of humanity, all the empathy that remains in those who refuse to conform and fight for a fairer society.’ And then a call to action: ‘To the struggle! Do not give in to evil. Whatever the cost.’