100 years ago in March 1918, a small publishing house took a risk on a book
called Married Love by an unknown scientist-turned-author named Marie
Stopes. Once it was published, it sold out in two weeks.

In an age where sex was seen as a man’s right and a woman’s obligation, it
was the first book of its kind to explain to women that they may become
aroused when they read ‘exciting novels’ or are ‘swayed by a great love,’
before going on to detail the function of the clitoris.

 

Stopes famously advocated at least 20 minutes of coitus to ensure that women reached sexual satisfaction.

‘Married Love was radical in terms of naming women’s sexual
desires. Stopes was committed to empowering women to take control over
their bodies,’ says Lucy Delap, author of The Feminist Avant-Garde.

The UK in 2018 is a place where female pleasure is something we are
encouraged to explore and enjoy, but just 100 years ago women had all the
gear, but no idea.

Thank you, Marie Stopes, for giving women an idea and for reminding
people that sex isn’t just for men: we need, want and deserve pleasure, too.