Women, especially young childless undecided women voters, are talking about jobs, not abortion rights, right? What women really care about is not contraception, not access to family planning resources, not social issues like gay marriage, abstinence-only sex “ed” or Mitt Romney’s 50 year old bullying. Nope – it’s the economy. Women, “like everyone else,”– that [...]
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Man, I Feel Like a Woman
HuffPost Women has a new campaign called “The Moment I Knew I Was a Woman, Not a Girl” in which users submit videos chronicling their exile from Girlville. It’s an interesting question, especially considering how dangerous it feels to be Living While Female these days. And it strikes to the core of gender, really. Because it begs the [...]
Until Recently, Human Trafficking Wasn’t Even Counted
On Wednesday morning at the Center for American Progress, I heard Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano speak about the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to combat human trafficking. She began by reminding the audience that sexual and labor trafficking dis-proportionally affects women. Napolitano is very passionate about this issue, and in 2010 launched her Blue [...]
“It’s More Dangerous to be A Woman than a Soldier in Modern Conflict”
I remember reading these words at a Women to Women International meeting a few years ago. They were spoken by Patrick Cammaert, the Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo, in 2008, who said “It is probably more dangerous to be a woman than to be a soldier in modern [...]
Go To The Police For Help, Gain a Stalker
This story made me want to throw up: A North Carolina police officer was recently demoted and is facing a lawsuit after two women accused him of stalking them. Richard Jenkins III was the head of the domestic violence unit, and began stalking both women after they came to his unit seeking protection from abusive [...]
VAWA & The Partisan Fight Over Violence Against Women
Headline Wednesday in The Hill read ‘GOP Concedes on domestic violence bill’. Concedes? We’re talking about battling domestic violence and we’re fighting about it? I’m still trying to wrap my head around anyone taking the position against legislation to prevent domestic violence and provide for victims. I figured others might be having the same reaction, [...]
Why We Shouldn’t Make Jokes About Rape or Sandwiches
Feminists have no sense of humor. We flip out at every tiny thing. We make a big fuss about inconsequential, totally minor things that absolutely aren’t a big deal instead of focusing on the big and important issues. Lipstick feminism, it’s called. So why are jokes about women making sandwiches and language like “banging chicks” [...]
What To Do During Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. After an active year of stories about rape, domestic violence and slut shaming victims, I thought a reminder would be helpful. Being the data nerd I am my first look was for statistics. According to RAINN 44% of sexual assault victims are under age 18 and 80% are under [...]
At the Dinner Table: What “No Means No” Really Means
I was on a date recently with a man I’d met through mutual friends. When the waiter brought the check to the table, my date casually remarked, “I’ll get this one.” “Oh that’s alright, I’m happy to split it,” I replied with a smile. He pressed me, saying, “It’s fine, I’ll take care of it.” [...]
Live Through This
Earlier today I participated in a tweet chat about sexual violence and the #IDidNotReport campaign with my Fem2.0 colleagues. It was a great and lively discussion that dealt with a spectrum of issues related to sexual violence — from workplace harassment to sexual abuse to rape. When you get down to it, there’s a lot [...]