An exploration of the mechanisms of societal shame, very often imposed on women.

When women are asked about their experiences, the question of shame appears more often than not. They feel ashamed of their periods, their “impure” blood. They feel ashamed of being fat, single, ambitious, or sexually active. They feel ashamed of the fact they may not have children or that they’re divorced. In many phases of their lives, women are often confronted with this emotion that becomes a poison for their mental health.

Even when women are abused (physically or emotionally) they feel ashamed about it. Society often asks the questions, “How were you dressed? Why didn’t you defend yourself?” This contributes to striking statistics: only 10% of women who are raped press charges.

THE MAKING OF SHAME opens our eyes to this toxic cycle and how women can break out of it. Cadoche and de Montarlot question prejudices and propose therapeutic solutions, opening the door to many practical solutions that will help women become free. For example:

• Build up self-confidence
• Reconnect with one’s body
• Assume one’s sexuality
• Practice self-compassion
• Identify and refuse verbal, psychological, and sexual violence
• Protect oneself from sexism in the workplace

This book, written by a psychologist and a journalist, is the perfect tool to understand the sneaky mechanisms that silence women, and how to free oneself from shame.