The Fem Word Vol. 59
CURATING STORIES OF BOLD WOMEN IN CREATIVE SPACES.
weekly dose of female excellence ahead xx
FEM GLOBAL
For the first time in global business policy, Goldman Sachs Asset Management will refuse to nominate committees anywhere in the world that don’t include at least one woman on their board. While 20% of U.S. corporate boards include women, this policy is sure to heavily affect countries like Japan, whose numbers are much lower. Learn More
ALGERIA
In the 1990s, Algerian women took to the streets in protest during the Black Decade - a period of civil war in the country. Women freedom-fighters fought bravely against corruption, and many were killed for their efforts. Today, modern Algerian women take up the work of these women and continue the fight for their civil liberties. They fight for equality, and for those who fought before them. Learn More
PAKISTAN
Thousands of women marched in Pakistan on International Women’s Day for the third consecutive year. Known as the Aurat March, this year’s theme was “Mera Jism, Meri Marzi,” or my body, my choice. This theme directly challenges the patriarchal structures that are embedded in Pakistani life, and these women demand that they be in charge of themselves. Learn More
UNITED KINGDOM
Women in the UK are fighting to get longer sentences for sexual assault, but many perpetrators are using “rough sex” as a way to get reduced sentences. They are hoping that the rough sex defence will change that. The bill basically states that no one can consent (in a meaningful sense) to have serious violence or death inflicted. While this has been in law on paper for over thirty years, there is hope that revamping the bill will make reduced sentencing for “rough sex” harder to achieve. Learn More
NIGERIA
Women in Nigeria are being continually kidnapped by the terrorist group Boko Haram. Many are being forced to become suicide bombers. This was what happened to Balaraba Mohammed, but she wasn’t going down without a fight. With the help of a group of women who had all been forced into the same situation, the women tied their headscarves together and lowered their bombs into a nearby well. Learn More
USA
This year’s International Women’s Day landed 100 years after white women in the U.S. earned the right to vote. Independent wants to highlight ways the country is still failing its women over a century after the 19th amendment. Among the failings are maternity leave policies, the ever-looming glass ceiling, and the treatment of minority women. Learn More
NEW YORK
Harvey Weinsten has received a sentence of 23 years for crimes of rape and sexual abuse. In this landmark trial that spearheaded the #MeToo movement over two years ago, his accusers and women everywhere rejoice at this display of justice. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. released a statement last week to the survivors, thanking them “for their remarkable statements today and indescribable courage over the last two years.” Learn More
UNITED NATIONS
On International Women’s Day, the UN reminded us all that gender equality helps everyone. Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka stated that this is “a massive year for gender equality...we’re mobilizing to realize women’s rights.” She went on to state that policies enacting true movement towards global equality are the only way to achieve these goals. Let’s get to work. Learn More
FEM BODY
Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt talked forgiveness and body image on The Today Show last week. Her new book, The Gift of Forgiveness, follows men and women of all kinds who have found their way to true forgiveness for themselves and others. She also writes about her own struggles with body dysmorphia and eating disorders, and how she has found forgiveness and love for herself along the way. Learn More
FEM ENTERTAINMENT
There is a rising, and welcome, theme in the film industry: movies directed by women. The demand for stories that have been previously ignored is rising, and women are more than happy to provide. Eliza Hittman’s new film Never Rarely Sometimes Always hits hard on this trend, telling the story of two teenage girls traveling to New York in order to have access to an abortion without parental approval. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year, winning a special jury prize. Learn More
SIMONE
Simone Biles continues to seek justice for gymnasts who were abused by Larry Nassar. When USA Gymnastics tweeted Biles for her birthday, they got a surprise. USAG’s tweet stated that Biles would “continue to amaze” them. She responded promptly with, “how about you amaze me and do the right thing...have an independent investigation.” Learn More
BILLIE
Billie Eilish has some poignant thoughts about women and their continual sexualization and objectification by the public and the media. Known for her baggy outfits almost as much as her music, the eighteen year old artist wants the problematic view of women to end - and called out major news outlets who were objectifying her when she was still a minor. Learn More
IN MEMORIAM
Activist and mystery writer Barbara Neely has died at age 78. She was best known as the award-winning author of mystery novels that told the story of the savvy mystery solving black maid, Blanche White. While not the first black mystery writer, Neely wrote a book with the first black maid to solve a murder while working for a white family...and to have those books published by a major publisher. Her work and her life will be remembered. Learn More