I'm still as confused as ever. (Laughter) I definitely know that I am committed to working for issues related to women and in any forum. Whether that is called feminism or not, I'll leave it. (Amele Zewge, Toronto ALFA Centre)

Several women who said they were still getting used to the idea of "feminist" mentioned their attraction to two of the quotes women used throughout the year.

Any woman who tells the truth about herself is a feminist. (Alice Munro quoted by Olivia Ward. (May 6, 1979). The Toronto Star.)

I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat. (Rebecca West. (November 14, 1913). The Clarion.)

Many women talked about learning more about themselves because of the feminist nature of much of the work that was done during the project. They thoughtfully discussed the ways in which this research helped them become clearer about what feminism means for their work. The support and insights from the project allowed a significant number of women to make changes in their personal and professional lives.

Developing more respect for each other - feminists for non-feminists, non- feminists for feminists - was a common experience. Mary Ann Tierney (New Caledonia College) talked about how the strengthening of her own convictions gave her space to be more open to others.

I think I have become stronger in my own belief in myself as a feminist, but I don't now believe everybody I know has to call herself one. . . . I think I'm prepared to be a little gentler with that term. I do think I am more accepting of the idea that women can do wonderful things for women and not be feminists.

Nicole Jessop (WEST) talked about this increase in respect as a willingness to listen to what women are actually saying and doing.

I just assumed that all the people who call themselves feminists were just like they are in the newspapers. [This project] has helped me realize that when somebody comes up and says "Yes, I'm a feminist," I should actually listen to what they have to say instead of saying, "Oh my god, not one of you." Now I would listen and say, "What do you mean by that? What do you believe in?" and try to understand if their beliefs were the same as mine.

Some women came to see feminism as less agenda-driven.

I see that feminism has a concrete soft side that I didn't know about, it has an aspect that is not overtly political but that is feminist because it assists and empowers women. (Marion Wells, Saint John Learning Exchange)