Abstract

Phyllis Chesler’s life and work have made significant contributions on topics as diverse as pornography, prostitution, motherhood, custody, surrogacy, a woman’s right to self-defense, racism, including anti-Semitism, Israel, Islamic gender and religious Apartheid, and feminism. Her first major work, Women and Madness (Chesler, 1972), was one of the earliest works of the second wave feminist movement to address issues such as the mistreatment of women, particularly in rape and incest; female role models; and spirituality in mental health services. She remains a much sought after speaker, a global activist, and a source of inspiration for many.