If you walk into any hipster coffee shop today, you are likely to see the shop proudly promoting their coffee as “Fair Trade Certified”. Recently, ethical consumerism in general, and Fair Trade in particular, have become principal causes for many social justice warriors. The idea behind Fair Trade is that buyers in rich nations pay … Continue reading Does Fair Trade Work for Women?
Womanism: The Potential of Feminism Further Explored
Womanism: “Having or expressing a belief in or respect for women and their talents and abilities beyond the boundaries of race and class; exhibiting feminism that is inclusive especially of Black American Culture.”[1] The term “womanism” was first used in 1983 by a poet who sought to include her fellow women of color in the … Continue reading Womanism: The Potential of Feminism Further Explored
Period Taboos: The Deadly Truth
Ever since getting my first period at the age of twelve, I have become a pro at hiding all the evidence. I can effortlessly slip tampons up my sleeves before walking into a public bathroom. I’ve passed them under the table to female friends who were caught without supplies in a moment of need. All … Continue reading Period Taboos: The Deadly Truth
Rebirth and Transplantation: Women as Givers of Life
In an opinion piece for the New York Times in December, Sohini Chattopadhyay, a writer based in Kolkata, wrote about her father’s liver transplant. Sohini, who was his only child and had a compatible blood type, volunteered to be his donor after he became ill. Months later, fearing complications, she changed her mind, and her … Continue reading Rebirth and Transplantation: Women as Givers of Life
Doctor’s Who Don’t Listen: The Gaslighting Epidemic of Women
Gaslighting (verb): a form of psychological manipulation that seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or in members of a targeted group, making them question their own memory, perception, and sanity.[1] In the medical community, a medical authority sows doubt into a patient’s mind about her perceived pain that makes her second … Continue reading Doctor’s Who Don’t Listen: The Gaslighting Epidemic of Women
Reconsider Retouching: How Photoshop Hurts Girls
The holiday season, having just recently ended, descended upon us like a thick layer of melted marshmallows on a piping mug of hot chocolate – it was sweet, but it was a lot. It’s easy to become numb to the barrage of advertisements we encountered as we shopped for loved ones, urging us that Victoria … Continue reading Reconsider Retouching: How Photoshop Hurts Girls
The Internet: Creating a Safe Space
Access to the internet is a basic right that allows women to learn, promote themselves professionally, band together, and obtain help. One law student in Pakistan used the internet to publicize her stab wounds, helping her to win a legal case against her assaulter.[1] However, the internet can also provide an additional space for women … Continue reading The Internet: Creating a Safe Space
