This article challenges the outdated use of gendered titles for women, Miss, Mrs., and Ms., that tie a woman’s identity to her marital status. It explores the sexist history of these titles, contrasts them with the universal “Mr.” for men and connects this seemingly small detail to wider gender inequalities in leadership, pay, reproductive rights and societal expectations. It calls for the end of titles that reduce women to their relationship status, urging readers to recognise how language shapes deeper systemic issues.

This first-person account tells the story of a young woman from Manchester who, despite working hard and building a professional career, finds herself stuck in a cycle of redundancy, low pay and debt. She reflects on how class background, gender, race and lack of structural support have shaped her journey, raising important questions about whether true social mobility in the UK is really possible. Her story offers insight into the reality of the benefits system and what real support for working-class people should look like.

The word "diva" has a rich history, originating from the Latin word "divas," meaning divine or goddess.