Spotlight Interview- Rowan Whitehead- Bridging the Gap

Apr 18

Read about Rowan, founder of Bridging the Gap, an online feminist movement, who is a single mum, aerialist and activist. Find out more about Rowan’s Patreon and what she does.

Tell us about Bridging the Gap and how it started?

Bridging the Gap is an online feminist movement that aims to connect, challenge, and change the Societal Gaps, mainly caused by gender conditioning, that still cause huge imbalance in unpaid labour division, parenting and mental load roles and much more.

Created in 2019 as a private, members only FB group, it is now a passionate, inspiring community of over 35,000 members! There's a mailing list, public platforms, merchandise, and an upcoming Patreon which will deliver unique and personal content and opportunities to connect.

I'm the Founder, Rowan Whitehead. I'm a keen activist and aerialist, who also loves reading, musicals and chocolate. I live in Cardiff with my two kids, I'm so passionate about justice and equity, so want to combine this project with my circus and aerial work.

I started the Group as a small way to change the sexist stereotypes I could still see in my own relationship and all around me, that were causing mothers and women to burn out. The oppression we still face is devastating, and the huge reaction has shown how much things need to change.

Tell us about the projects and workshops that you run?

I am working on online resources, such as a Discord Forum for more intimate detailed discussion. I'm creating resources couples can use to try and redivide household labour. I'm particularly passionate about helping those assigned female at birth, and default parents, to reclaim themselves, using self reflection, journaling, research, community etc to help with building boundaries and rediscovering who we are and what we need to be fulfilled.

What is something anyone can do to balance the gender gap in households and society?

Making all the invisible labour visible is so important, whether that's writing everything down, or doing Gap/chore Audits like one we send out on our mailing list.

Then it's about starting to redivide all the practical and mental aspects from a team perspective, rather than one person being default parent or household manager. Unpaid labour needs to be recognised and valued, and all the tasks outside of working hours need to be split equitably.

Starting to set boundaries over equal free time and handing over whole tasks can be useful too. Both partners have to be willing to work on Bridging the Gaps and having balanced relationships.

What does the next year look like for Bridging the Gap?

I'm launching the Patreon next month which is really exciting, so I'm hoping to make some income there and support people in their Bridging Journey. We have monthly creative online sessions planned with very inspiring facilitators, and I'm bringing in some exciting guests for Q&As.

I'm starting to deliver more Creative Conversations in person around Cardiff, and have other brilliant collaborations in the pipeline too. I'm thrilled to be connecting with different practitioners and bringing people together in solidarity and desire for growth. In the future I'm dreaming of Aerial shows, a Podcast, a Book and Worldwide tours!