The Word is a collection of articles & stories crafted and curated by the women of The Fem Word as well as other contributors.
What makes stress so…stressful? A big part of our stress response is the hormone known as cortisol - but few of us understand how or why this vital chemical plays such a key role in our lives. We talked to Dr. Susan Hurson and the team at Restore Motion to learn more about cortisol and its impact on women’s bodies and overall health. Read on to learn how to cope with cortisol and aim for a happier, more relaxed future!
Read MoreChina’s definition of “beauty” has undergone many changes over the millennia, and Chinese women have taken up countless fashions, regimens, and styles in order to be seen as beautiful. Join us as we take a look at the way beauty rituals and ideals have changed throughout Chinese history - and take a look at the future of Chinese fashion as it harkens back to a not-so-distant cultural past.
Read MoreWhile sing-a-longs and talking dragons are fun, the Disney version of Mulan gets a lot of things wrong. Join The Fem Word as we explore the original story of a young woman who goes to war - and the values, culture, and unique way of life her character was meant to represent.
Read MoreApril is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and The Fem Word is exploring the role of pleasure and safety as a way for survivors to heal. One of our Fem Word interns is a Student Senator at UVM and one of the organizers of the University’s Sexual Assault Awareness Summit. Her insight and perspective are a valuable resource as we continue to discuss trauma and healing in a way that empowers assault survivors - while simultaneously accepting the reality of their trauma and the complexity that healing presents to us all.
Read MoreAre you planning on a backpacking trip or a long hike? Learn how to prepare yourself physically and mentally to get the most out of your journey. Take steps to prepare your body before your first steps into the wilderness!
Read MoreThe growing trend to travel outside of the United States for plastic surgery to save money sounds appealing, but there is a deadly truth to consider. Learn about the risks behind taking a "Plastic Surgery Vacation" and why proper research could save your life.
Read MoreMarch 8th, 2022 marks International Women’s Day around the world. This year the theme is #BreakTheBias…and The Fem Word is here for it! Our team got together and talked about the areas of our lives that are most important to us as individuals where we work everyday to build a more inclusive world.
The Fem Word is committed to sharing stories of bold women everywhere who, “call out bias, smash stereotypes, break inequality, and reject discrimination”…and we came up with a list of influencers, perspectives, and topics in support of representation of all people around the world.
Read MoreUpcycling is more than a trend - it’s a way of life! It may also be one of the best and simplest ways for the average person to make a real difference for our shared environment. Join TFW Youth Contributor Alisha Durbhakula in her pocket-sized guide to responsible upcycling.
Read MoreOne in five girls in America will miss school while on their period because they lack access to menstrual products. Though not gender inclusive, the statistic demonstrates the immediate need for increased access to menstrual products.
Over the past few years, the Maryland State Legislature has seen multiple versions of the newly passed HB205 which mandates that Maryland public middle and high schools provide menstrual products at no cost to students.
The Fem Word contributor Olivia Eisenberg tracks the bill’s progression, highlights its flaws, and offers action steps that both Marylanders and others can take in making sure a bill is passed that addresses the needs of every menstruator.
Read MoreWe all know what a “racing heart” feels like–but what if it’s your everyday, 24/7 reality? Tachycardia is a term that refers to an excessively quick heart rate, and it impacts millions of women all over the world. It can be a symptom of much bigger problems than nerves or excitement, however, and you should take it seriously. This article explains everything you need to know about tachycardia, including the many ways it impacts the body and ties into disorders like POTS.
Read MorePregnancy is an all-systems undertaking that impacts your body from head to toe. Mental health is also a major part of this journey - and your mobility plays a big role in how you feel, inside and out. Despite this, many women are left without much information on how their mobility can or will be impacted by pregnancy, especially when it comes to the “fourth trimester” following a successful birth. This article will give you the information and support you need to stay mobile, healthy, and safe as you prepare for this exciting new phase of life!
Read MoreWe have a love-hate relationship with cosmetic surgery. We love the results of plastic surgery, but we tend to hate on the women who go out and get it. Why is that? Join us as we explore the issue of women’s beauty and our unfair judgment against those who seek to get it through surgical means–because we all have the right to feel beautiful, however we achieve it.
Read MoreMost of the information regarding heart attack symptoms is specifically related to the symptoms in men. Unfortunately, most women aren’t aware of this. Re-learning the signs of a heart attack as they appear in women is not just important–it can be a matter of life or death.
Read MoreThe Trung sisters are central to Vietnam’s long history. Their legendary exploits and rise to power are a source of intense pride for the Vietnamese people, and today they are celebrated through art, theater, and even temples. Learn about these warrior Queens and the values they represented in the first article of our Maidens, Mavens, & Magic series. Keep an eye out for more stories of superhero women from around the world!
Read MoreEhlers-Danlos Syndrome, or EDS, is a serious genetic disease that impacts tens of thousands of people in the U.S. and beyond. The symptoms of EDS can impact any and all areas of a sufferer’s life, from their mobility and physical abilities to their mental health. Despite the seriousness of this disease, few people know about it. We’re partnering with Restore Motion to change that–read on to learn about EDS and find out what you need to look for if you think you or a loved one might have it.
Read MoreFinancial rights are a cornerstone of overall equality between men and women. You might be surprised to learn how recently some of those rights were granted to women in the USA–and how hard-won they were. As we move into 2022, it’s the perfect time for a little history lesson on women, money, and our journey toward financial recognition in America.
Read MoreThe market is changing, and it’s labor who holds all the cards. When it comes to fair, open, and equitable hiring, businesses can’t afford to play by the old rules. Here’s how you can set yourself apart and attract (and keep) the best people to your workplace.
Read MoreThe Fem Word started with an idea: sharing true personal stories of women from around the world. Today, we are so proud of our small but mighty team of women and girls who have connected with people from 99+ countries representing all walks of life to share their beautiful stories. We learn so much from each other, and it’s incredible what the power of storytelling can do to unite us as human beings.
Happy Thanksgiving from The Fem Word team. Today we are grateful for our family, friends, and you - our supporters from all over the world.
Read MoreEvery year October 11th commemorates the UN’s ‘International Day of the GIrl’ to celebrate and amplify the voices of young girls around the world. The 2021 theme is "Digital generation. Our generation.” Digital technology is changing the lives of girls all over the world, and is helping raise awareness about child marriage and prevent it from happening to thousands of girl in America and beyond. Child marriage is a serious problem in the USA, but most Americans have no awareness of the scale of this issue.
Read MoreCollege is open and campuses are buzzing with life again after more than a year of remote learning. But with kids making up for lost time with friends, the parties are in full swing - and this unfortunately means an increased risk of sexual assault and harassment on campus. The Fem Word has put together a list of the signs to look for and resources for survivors.
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