The Diary as Feminist Genre 2026

Everything you cannot say at work, print in the newspaper, or tell your friends, you can tell your diary. Adrienne Rich therefore calls the diary “a profound feminine and feminist genre,” because the diary, like feminism, makes connections between aspects of life that were previously hidden. During these workshops, we will read feminist classics and new hits in a bilingual (Dutch and English) format. Afterwards, everyone is invited to work individually on writing assignments related to the themes of the text. These workshops can be attended if you speak both languages ​​or one of them, and they are specifically intended for people living between these languages.

All workshops are at Post Office Amsterdam

  • Sick Woman Theory

    Sunday 31 May /  1PM – 3PM

    In this workshop we read [excerpts of] the essay/manifesto ‘Sick Woman Theory’ by Joanna Hedva. Hedva asks the question: “How do you throw a brick through the window of a bank if you can’t get out of bed?” After reading together, you can use the writing prompts that will be provided to write about your own experiences with Sick Women.

  • Birth Justice

    Saturday 6 June /  1PM – 3PM

    In this workshop we read [excerpts of] the dissertation/essay ‘Birth Justice’ by Rodante van der Waal, about what midwifery can teach us about how we take care of each other and ourselves. While her work is about pregnancy, this session will focus on her use of the framework of abolition and is not only intended for those that have carried or desire to carry children!

  • Revolutionary Letters

    Sunday 14 june /  1PM – 3PM

    In this workshop we read [excerpts of] Diane di Prima’s Revolutionary Letters. Di Prima was active in the U.S. anti war movement of the 60s. Together they form a “manifesto for breaking free, a manual for street protest and a feminist broadside.” After reading together, you can use the writing prompts that will be provided to write about your own experiences with breaking free.

  • All About Love

    Sundag 21 June /  1PM – 3PM

    In this workshop we read the chapter ‘Community’ from the bell hooks ‘All About Love’. Community is both an overused concept and a necessary aspect of love. After reading together you can use writing prompts to write about love in your own life.

  • All Work is Womens Work

    Sunday 28 June /  1PM – 3PM

    In this workshop we read the essay ‘All Work is Women’s Work’ by Hanka van der Voet. It traces the women’s seamstress union in Amsterdam in the 19th century and how they became (in)visible in our city today. After the reading you can participate in individual writing prompts to explore your feelings around work.

All workshops are at Post Office, Hoofdweg 403, Amsterdam. Post Office is an experiment for sharing space, and can be joined by anyone. If you want to know more, and flip through the archive of The Diary as Feminist Genre, write diaries or just have a cup of coffee, you can join Public Fridays hosted by The Diary as Feminist Genre on: Friday 29 May, Friday 5 June, Friday 12 June, Friday 19 June or Friday 26 June between 12:00 and 17:00.

For questions reach out to dagboekworkshop@gmail.com

Workshops are made possible by Gemeente Amsterdam West – Woorden van West.