The Fem Word Vol. 57
CURATING STORIES OF BOLD WOMEN IN CREATIVE SPACES.
weekly dose of female excellence ahead xx
DUBAI
Dubai is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world and claims one of the most egalitarian societies among developed countries. So why did Princess Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum attempt to escape - for a second time - in 2018? She is not alone in these attempts, many other royal women in Dubai have done the same. Latifa was captured during her escape attempt and is still currently being held in Dubai, and her friend is leading the charge to free her. Learn More
SCOTLAND
Scotland may soon become the first country to offer universal and free access to period products. Last Tuesday, the Scottish government began pushing legislation to ensure that period poverty becomes a thing of the past for the Scottish people. The bill is known as the Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Bill and passed completely unopposed. Learn More
FRANCE
The Cesars, otherwise known as France’s Oscars, became a hotbed of controversy last week. Female nominees walked out of the ceremony when Roman Polanski - who was accused of sexual assault towards a minor earlier this year - received an award for best director and adapted screenplay. The awards were later protested, with many urging for justice against sexual assault. Learn More
LEBANON
Immigrant women are suffering in Lebanon - and face risks of jail time if they attempt to leave without governmental approval. Many work in low-income jobs and are often shuffled from cramped home to cramped home. It is estimated that tens of thousands of migrant women in Lebanon are undocumented...and they need help. Learn More
AUSTRALIA
Holly Conroy is transforming her rural Australian community into a place of acceptance. After being dissuaded from coming out as trans by her friends at the age of 27, she spent ten years lying about who she was. Now, Holly is out and driving a truck for a supportive company, with coworkers who accept her as she is...and urges others to do the same. Learn More
ENGLAND
“Ironmums” and “Irongrans” are taking fitness to a whole new level in England. These post-menopausal women all take part in Ironman Competitions - which involve a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and finishes with a 26.2 mile run. The physical exertion helps many with alleviating their menopausal symptoms, and gives them a new level of confidence. Learn More
SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi officials have ordered the arrest of the female rapper known as Mecca Girl. The artist uploaded a music video of herself rapping about what it is to be a woman in Mecca, staged in a coffee shop with other women and children dancing behind her. Officials state that the song “offends customs and traditions of the people of Mecca.” The Youtube Channel has since been wiped, but others continue to repost the video. Learn More
USA
SPORTS
Simone Biles recently tweeted her disappointment regarding USA Gymnastics’ settlement plan regarding the abuse many athletes suffered at the hands of doctor Larry Nassar. The settlement removes any outside parties from liability and does not consider any coaches who may have had knowledge of Nassar’s activities at the time. Biles stated that she wished the organization “wanted an independent investigation as much as the survivors and I do.” Learn More
Maria Sharapova wants it to be made clear that she isn’t quitting tennis - she’s retiring. After being barred from play in 2016 for using a performance enhancing drug, the former champion hasn’t been winning large titles like she used to. However, she maintains that she is voluntarily retiring from the game - and the decision is still out as to whether she’ll make it to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Learn More
CALIFORNIA
Surfing legend Kelly Slater looked at the desert surrounding La Quinta in California and saw potential. She plans to build the world’s largest artificial wave in the area, using technology developed by the Kelly Slater Wave Co. The wave will be a part of the Coral Mountain Resort - and will add something completely new to an area that is known primarily for golf courses. Learn More
NORTH CAROLINA
Heaven Fitch became the first female to win a high school wrestling state championship in North Carolina last week. The teen dominated her rival in the 106-pound weight class, finishing with a 54-4 record. She won the title against her male competitors, making her a talented athlete regardless of gender. Learn More
NEW YORK
Ken Corcoran wasn’t happy when his daughter’s school didn’t offer them a wrestling program...so he started one himself. Known as the Alpha Girls Wrestling Club, the team meets twice a week and is comprised of more than 50 girls. Corcoran coaches the team, having wrestled himself while in school. The team was founded five years ago, when Corcoran’s youngest daughter expressed interest in the sport. Learn More
UNITED NATIONS
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet takes women’s rights seriously - that’s why she’s urging the world to keep the momentum going. In a speech delivered at the UN Human Rights Council last week, Bachelet warned against complacency. She later tweeted that “women’s rights ARE human rights, and they are not negotiable.” Learn More
FEM HEALTH
As youth activism grows in prominence around the world, more young girls are demanding an end to period poverty. The U.S is no different, and as more and more girls demand change and equal access, states are starting to step up. Students continue to push for access to free products in school bathrooms, and lawmakers in over a dozen states are working to make their demands a reality. Learn More
NASA
Katherine Johnson has died at the age of 101. Known as a human supercomputer, Johnson was responsible for the calculations that landed Americans safely on the moon, and was the inspiration for the film Hidden Figures. Johnson spent her life in mathematics, but the majority of her extremely influential work with NASA went largely unnoticed for most of her life. We now take the time to thank her for all of her contributions to society and space exploration. Learn More