The Fem Word Vol. 56

CURATING STORIES OF BOLD WOMEN IN CREATIVE SPACES.

weekly dose of female excellence ahead xx

AFGHANISTAN

Despite promises of safeguarding Afghan women’s rights while opposing the Taliban, the US government plans to sign the US-Taliban deal on the 29th...which holds no promises for women’s civil liberties in Afghanistan. The rights spelled out in the Afghani constitution are not recognized by the Taliban, leading many to believe that what progress women have made in the country will soon be forgotten. Learn More

THE INDEPENDENT WOMAN

The new roaring 20s is the era of the independent woman. Marriage rates have never been lower in the U.S - and as women’s income reaches the trillions, their buying power in the economy is continually strengthening. Pinterest has seen huge spikes in searches for “independent woman” and “solo travel,” and the trends are clear: women want more for themselves in this decade. Learn More

JLO + BODY POSITIVITY = #SELFLOVE

JLo has started a viral online trend for moms who want to spread some body positivity. It all began with a bikini selfie JLo posted of herself, leading other women to don their bathing suits and love the skin they’re in. As one mom said, “there’s a point in our lives where we have to accept that we all come in different SHAPES and SIZES.” Learn More

ELLA

Ella Fitzgerald grace’s Barbie’s new line “Inspiring Women” set to be released in March of this year. She sports a retro microphone and gorgeous purple gown, and takes her place in the series alongside tennis legend Billie Jean King and nursing icon Florence Nightingale. Learn More

FLORIDA

A highway in Florida, previously named Dixie and dedicated to the Confederacy, will be renamed in honor of Harriet Tubman. The members of the Miami-Dade county commissioners unanimously voted for the change last Wednesday. When asked about the change, members stated that “the time is always right to do what’s right.” Learn More

FEM GLOBAL STORYTELLING

Director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is fighting on the front lines in the war for gender equality, and she wants everyone to do the same. Obaid-Chinoy uses her films to shine a light on all women who are working every day to establish equality for women across the world. Her most recent work takes the form of a Youtube original series entitled Fundamental, which allows a front row seat to activism around the world. Learn More

MASSACHUSETTS

Aimee Christian, a freelance writer for The Washington Post, wrote a compelling piece urging those who are able-bodied to stop using her disabled daughter as “inspiration porn.” Her meaning is simple: stop glorifying those who help disabled people as heroes when they’re just showing common decency. She urges us all to understand that those with disabilities don’t have special needs, they just have needs. Full Article

MEXICO

Protests in Mexico continue to gain momentum in reaction to increases in violence against women. The problem has been present for quite some time, and the women of Mexico refuse to take it any longer. Political pressure continues to rise for President Andre Manuel Lopez Obrador, as protestors demand action after a series of devastating murders that have highlighted the issue. Learn More

LONDON

Dagmar Turner of the Isle of Wight in the UK recently got brain surgery...while playing the violin. Turner was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2013, and was very concerned with losing her ability to play, as the tumor is located near the area of the brain responsible for the fine motor control of her left hand. In order to ensure she kept her abilities, surgeons at King’s College Hospital in London had Turner play throughout the operation to ensure no skills were lost. Learn More

FEMPRENEUR

Sophie Trelles-Tvede didn’t think much of it when she pulled an old phone cord off of the wall and used it to tie her hair up for a party at her uni. Now, almost 9 years later, Trelles-Tvede is the proud owner of Invisibobble - a spiral hair tie that boasts multinational sales. She states that right after university is the best time to start a business, and that if you have an idea and don’t act on it..someone will. Learn More