Life and Times of the Average Goddess

Global Debates for a Global Future

2011-06-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

Students from Yew Chung International of Beijing have been getting their political minds in gear through involvement in a year-long initiative held by the United Nations Foundation. The UNF Global Debates have challenged the Year 10 and 11 students on current world issues that many young people may be presently unaware of. The scheme has been giving high school students and their teachers an opportunity to participate and initiate public discussion specifically around critical international matters. Students have finally had the chance to put their arguments to the test, focussing on the plight of migrants and whether "Nations of the world should increase protection for migrant’s economic and social rights."

With only a few hours before the debate, the students were given the angle which they needed to argue against. At the forefront of the heated debate are Year 10 students Annabelle McCombe and Jun Ting Yeung debating against Year 11’s Anthony Guo and Gemma Golding-Duffy who are in support of migrant rights.

The students are using a specific ‘migrant’ case study to focus on their debate - the migrant situation in Yemen. YCIS Beijing students have extensively researched into Sudanese refugees fleeing to this country and the fact that many refugees who lost their rights are displaced internally or have to migrate to another country...

Read on: Global Debates for a Global Future- Littlestar Mag

The School of Rock

2011-06-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

Whilst glorious carols are still on the agenda for this Christmas, students from across Beijing international schools have been swapping Père Noël for Pink Floyd. Carefully positioning their orchestral instruments back in the music rooms, a number of students have gathered together to revive the era of rock, punk and funk for a new generation.

If it wasn’t John, Paul, Ringo and George sitting in a classroom some fifty years ago strumming on guitars, forming what we now recognise as The Beatles, it would have been hundreds of other legendary artists playing hand-me-down instruments trying to make it happen. At this moment, teenagers in school auditoriums have been striking a chord with their musical predecessors by reforming the ‘student band.’

Dan Albar has been exercising his bass guitar skills for the last six months in one of these student bands. “You get to accomplish more if you play your own music, because it allows you to be creative and you can be proud of the result.” Guillaume’s Band, (as the three-piece are currently known,) is Harrow International School Beijing’s resident funk and classic rock group, and they aren’t afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to music. Inspired by the improvised sixties stylings of BB King and Buddy Rich, the group differs immensely from some of the other bands also taking to the stage...

Read on: The School of Rock- Littlestar Mag

Classes for Parents

2011-06-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

"I always wanted to try to make a mosaic, and the class is nice because it’s informal," says Jo Kaine, a parent of Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS), who has been participating in YCIS parent art studies class for around one year to awaken her own handicraft abilities.

"We talk about all sorts of things; it’s like therapy, but art therapy,” said Kaine, adding that having small children at home makes it difficult for many parents to undertake such creative activities. Jo Kaine is very happy that she is able to continue the course this year. Nowadays, approximately 30 parents are attending YCIS Beijing’s art classes each month.

The art class has been in action since June 2010 with the help of Judy Chick, the other YCIS parent who serves as the teacher to offer tips to parents in the class. "We are doing a different project each course from decorating a coffee table, platters and also photo frames. Class parents will first think of a pattern or design they would like to do for that project. They can then get inspiration from the mosaic books we provide or they can choose some ready- made pattern that they like which will be prepared for them,” said Chick.

The classes have even garnered interest amongst the school children in Year 3 that have been studying the Romans. The teacher asked if they can show [the parent's] mosaics as an example of commonly used art. "One student even came in [to the parent class] and helped her mother stick on tiles,” added Kaine...

Read on: Classes for Parents- Littlestar Mag

Lads' mags: the great cover-up

2011-06-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

Some shops are refusing to move lads' mags to the top shelf, despite their sexist content. Which is why one feminist group is taking direct action

Outside a branch of Tesco in central London on a cool Friday evening, 30 people in pyjamas, nightgowns and fluffy slippers have gathered to campaign against lads' mags. All are members of the activist group Object and they are here to take part in the monthly Porn Versus Pyjamas campaign. They dart down the dairy aisle, through the frozen foods section, before coming to the display of lads' magazines, which they mark with their own slogans. FHM is put in a paper bag emblazoned with: "For Horrible Misogynists", while Maxim is hidden behind the phrase "MAXIMum Sexism".

The women start a conga-line through the supermarket, chanting "Hey, ho, sexist mags have got to go", alerting security guards to their presence. Eventually they're ushered out, but not before depositing pamphlets, entitled Porn v Pyjamas: Why Lads' Mags Are Harmful, in customers' baskets.

Their campaign began earlier this year, after Tesco ruled that customers wouldn't be allowed to shop in pyjamas because this could make other people feel uncomfortable. Object bit back by accusing some Tesco stores of ignoring the voluntary codes of conduct that suggest lads' mags should be covered up and repositioned on the top shelf, alongside pornographic content.

Object was set up in 2003 to challenge the sexual objectification of women. It has enjoyed some notable successes. Its campaign Stripping the Illusion brought an end to strip clubs being licensed in the same way as cafes and karaoke bars, a policy that had allowed the lap dancing industry to grow by 50% in 10 years. And in 2008 it launched Demand Change, along with the group Eaves Housing for Women, to raise awareness of the realities of prostitution.

The Tesco demonstration is part of its Feminist Fridays campaign – monthly events where activists protest against lads' mags and other forms of sexism. After being ejected from Tesco, the demonstrators spend three hours outside the store, distributing 1,500 leaflets.

"Lads' mags are an example of the mainstreaming of pornography," says Anna van Heeswijk of Object. "The whole tone is of complete contempt [for women]. They are made up of photographs that come straight from pornography and would have been thought of as hardcore 50 years ago. But now the boundaries have been pushed to such an extent that they are considered an appropriate part of lads' mags and soft porn." ...

Read on The Guardian: Lads' Mags: The Great Cover-Up

India's City of Widows

2011-06-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Discrimination against widows has left thousands of women in West Bengal resorting to prostitution and begging to survive

In the dark, damp back-streets of Vrindavan, more commonly known as the "city of widows", India's forgotten widows chant for their supper. For a few hours, their prayers earn them enough meagre rupees to survive. These women were once revered as mothers, sisters and daughters; some will die in Vrindavan without seeing any relatives again.

"She becomes a zero and all her powers are lost," says Mohini Giri, the former chair for the commission of women in India and a widow herself. She explains that many conservative Indian families see widows as a liability. Cast out of the family home, they live the rest of their lives in poverty and isolation. "When [a woman] loses her husband and becomes a widow, she loses her identity. A woman deprived, abandoned, malnourished will naturally have a high mortality rate."

For the more than 40 million widows in India – 10% of the country's female population – life is what some have described as "living sati", a reference to the now the prohibited practice of widow burning. Some are as young as 10 years old and are forced to spend the rest of their days in seclusion or earning a living through prostitution...

Read on the Guardian: India's City of Widows

Giving porn its own domain

2011-06-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

Stuart Lawley, Internet entrepreneur, has won the right to start selling registrations to a new domain devoted to pornographic content, .xxx. Currently, there are 7 million adult domains and as Lawley continues to sell another half a million, revenues of $30m a year are expected.

About pornography, Lawley himself claims to be "neutral" and he refuses to comment on the suggestion that exploitation of vulnerable women in the industry is endemic. However, mounting fears about the creation of an Internet ‘red-light district’ may further exploit vulnerable women in the industry. Campaigner and academic, Gail Dines think .xxx is a disaster because "the only thing that can happen is that pornography will increase."

Critics of the idea argue that because there is no requirement for providers of explicit content to use the ‘top level domain’, sexually explicit material will still be commonplace in other domains, making it ineffectual at restricting access.

There is also concern that the existence of .xxx will lead to legislation making its use mandatory for sexually explicit material, leading to legal conflicts over the definition of "sexually explicit", free speech rights, and jurisdiction.

According to figures released earlier this year by the Audit Bureau of Circulations, FHM saw its circulation fall by 15.2% year-on-year to a monthly average of 231,235. Sales of lads' mags Zoo, Loaded and Nuts all dropped by margins of between 20 and 30% from early 2009 to later in the year. But at the same time, magazines such as Maxim are becoming solely internet publications...

Read on the F-Word: Giving porn its own domain

First anti-feminism meeting takes place in Switzerland

2011-06-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

I have heard of everything now. In a secret Swiss location, 150 male activists gathered to hold the first ever “international antifeminism meeting”. SwissInfo.ch reports that, labelling themselves as “peacekeepers”, the Swiss based group IGAF (Interessengemeinschaft Antifeminismus) denounce feminist social workers as “pure evil”, and that it was essential for them that “things should go back to normal”.

Now, I am not quite sure how far back IGAF are proposing to go. Perhaps 50 years ago when women were still considered ideal for housework and rearing children or better still, before women obtained the vote, and were voiceless ‘second-class’ citizens.

Women’s organisations such as the Fawcett Society are campaigning on issues such as equal pay. In the UK, women get paid, on average, 16.4% less than men. And the placards held at this year’s Million Women Rise stated “End Male Violence against Women”. According to an IGAF member, the feminist message clearly implied here is “male slaughter, female supremacy”...

Read on the F-Word: First anti-feminism meeting takes place in Switzerland

Prevention or Protection: Women's Reproductive Choice

2010-05-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

Forced and coerced sterilisation: violating the rights of women living with HIV.(REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS): An article from: Sister Namibia

Despite Britain's fostering system being strained to breaking point in the wake of Baby P, more children are being put into care. But is prevention necessarily the answer? Or are we putting place an immoral notion, taking away the human rights of a mother? Project Prevention, a program introduced in America sees that female drug and alcohol addicts are sterilised for a mere $300 dollars in return. But as interest creeps into place with the aftermath of Baby P, is Britain going to follow the US Sterilisation system?

Project Prevention follows the philosophy that to reduce the number of substance exposed births to zero, sterilisation is essential. But as the organisation addresses on their website that this program will “reduce the burden of this social problem on taxpayers, trim down social worker caseloads, and alleviate from our clients the burden of having children that will potentially be taken away.” But how ethical can it be to reduce this issue of women’s human rights to a matter of taxpayer’s money and society’s choice to allow a woman to have a child or not?

Director and Founder of Project Prevention, Barbara Harris mentioned in a recent interview on ITV’s “This Morning” that originally, the US government wanted to bring legislation in to the matter. This meant that if female substance abusers did not comply with the sterilisation, then they would be incarcerated. However, this scheme is supposedly ‘voluntary,’ so how can it be a choice when one would either be imprisoned or given money to be sterilised. It is likely that women in this vulnerable position would choose the latter. Are we bringing the ideology of eugenics in to the system? We have reached the two extremes of the American spectrum; forced sterilisations by the government or prohibited abortions because of the Christian Anti-abortionists.

What this issue poses is the fact that these women are seen to be dispensable because of their vulnerability. According to the Office of National Statistics, the number of women dying from drug-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 17% in 2008 to 853. So why is there is no question about treatment earlier on in the process to stop substance exposed births from continuing to happen; as Project Prevention reveal on their site that they “do not have the resources” for rehabilitation services. But with introduction of money incentive sterilisation, experts have said it may only fuel already existing drug habits, and is clearly not substantial enough to provide for a child. If Project Prevention really wanted to accumulate money then why are they not looking for a long-term solution and putting money towards early rehabilitation?

Already 3000 women have been sterilised in America implicating that $900,000 has been spent on the scheme. The fact that only female parents will be sterilised but male addicts will not be receiving this treatment already suggests a double standard within the program. But as the British government have introduced both maternity and paternity leave, does the male partner have no responsibility towards the child to also withdraw from substances?

Even more so, as Denise Robertson, the current resident agony aunt on “This Morning” reiterated that “this scheme makes assumptions about addicts” and that they are seen as ‘dispensable.’ But what poses a terrifying question, with Project Prevention who states that they do “not have the resources to combat the national problems of poverty,” what next? Sterilise impoverished women or even neuter women with disabilities?

An Era of Anti-Wrinkling: Ageism or Age Resistance?

2010-05-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women
In a recent article featured in the Times Online- “Girl frozen in time may hold key to ageing” made us question, so why is growing older such a pivotal issue for women and today’s society? In an age of anti-wrinkling products, Botox, and now, gene manipulation; is society trying to avoid inevitable mortality? Such research will be the focus of a conference at the Royal Society in London this week to be attended by some of the world’s leading age researchers.

The girl in question is Brooke Greenberg, a 17-year old; but at 16lb in weight and just 30in tall, she is still the size of a one-year-old. According to Richard Walker, a professor at the University of the South Florida School of Medicine, Greenberg has a mutation in the genes that control her ageing and development so that she appears to have been frozen in time. “If we can compare her genome to the normal version then we might be able to find those genes and see exactly what they do and how to control them.” I think people have forgotten a key point in this case. Why would one ‘mutate’ a healthy gene to achieve beauty? After all, age is unavoidable, unless we stop breathing.

Eline Slagboom, professor of molecular epidemiology at Leiden University, Holland tells us that “Such people simply age slower than the rest of us... their skin is better, they have less risk of diseases of old age like diabetes, heart disease and hypertension and their ability to metabolise lipids and other nutrients is better.” It is rather telling that her first mention of this therapy relates to changing superficially rather than the health benefits.

Although Brooke Greenberg has shown some development, including crawling, smiling and giggling when tickled but she has never learnt to speak and still has her infant teeth. And even more so, she has also suffered a succession of life-threatening health problems, including strokes, seizures, ulcers and breathing difficulties — almost as if she were growing old despite not growing up. So how does this mutation help society if she still suffers the health effects of ageing?

‘The Beauty Myth’ by Naomi Wolf, questions the idea of ageing as a form of control. Wolf argues that beauty is the "last, best belief system that keeps male dominance intact". She states that anti-ageing is a key marketing strategy for cosmetic surgery — namely, classifying ageing as ugly, and ugliness as a disease for which cosmetic surgery practitioners had the most effective treatment. Wolf also questioned whether such exploitation of women's insecurities about their appearance was "subject to the ethics of the genuine medical profession". Subsequently, it is important to ask if there are no apparent health benefits from mutating genes, then why is there such a problem with ‘growing old gracefully?’

An Indian Handmaid's Tale

2010-05-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

The Handmaid's Tale (Everyman's Library)
When we picture Margaret Atwood’s dystopian fiction ‘A Handmaid’s Tale,’ a vision of a baby farm materializes. But how far is fiction from reality? Inside India’s international baby farm, an image of 50 expecting mothers catering for a foreign market is readily apparent. Since 2003, 167 surrogate mothers have successfully given birth to 216 babies at the Akanksha Infertility Clinic in Gujurat, run by Dr Nayana Patel and her husband, Hitesh. However, we have to question the moral ethics- after all ‘A Handmaid’s Tale’ is not a utopian novel.

In 2002, the Indian Parliament passed a law declaring that “surrogacy is legal in India.” And already by some estimates, Indian surrogacy is a £290m-a-year business, so how are these women not being commodified for the purposes of their wombs? Akanksha Infertility Clinic claim that they “are not in the business of ‘renting wombs,’” as they allegedly ensure that the surrogate mother’s needs are all met during the nine months of their pregnancy. Yet, the 50 pregnant women at the clinic are mainly of lower caste and from impoverished nearby villages. Is this just another example of western foreigners exploiting the world’s poorest women?

The reasons behind making a decision to be a surrogate mother range from acute poverty, to wanting a healthier existence for their families. It raises various other debates regarding developing countries; are the west truly helping the poverty-stricken by paying money towards these endeavours or just continually driving exploitation of the East such as the child labour issue. Even more so, how much are these struggling women able to make an educated decision with the lack of choices presented to them?

In February of this year, an article in the Indian Express reveals that some of the ‘professional’ surrogates are paid between one and two lakh (between £1400 and £3000) but with clinics being paid triple that amount, it seems unfair that the women receive the bare minimum. A woman featured on that article says that “‘we earn anywhere between four to five thousand in 20 days’ time. Where will we earn money so quickly without doing anything immoral,’’ queries Geeta (name changed), one of the would-be surrogate mothers.

Atwood’s novel presents a similar narrative, the protagonist character Offred is one of a class of individuals kept as a concubine ("handmaid") for reproductive purposes by the ruling class. The complex laws play a key role in imposing social control within the new society and serve to distinguish people by sex, occupation, and caste. Are we recreating this dystopia within our modern-day society?

2012 Olympics: The Rise of Tourist Trafficking

2010-05-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

As South Africa braces itself for the 2010 World Cup, along with football fans; South Africa's Drug Central Authority estimates 40,000 sex workers will trickle in for the event as well. A reflection of what to anticipate for the 2012 Olympics held in London. Despite the negative outlook that South Africa promotes itself as a country that encourages sex tourism and prostitution, the Serious Organised Crime Agency SOCA expects similar circumstances in two years time.

The government has already expressed fear that the 2012 London Olympics could become a magnet for human traffickers bringing in prostitutes and illegal workers, according to the BBC. The Home Office's action plan says: "There is little doubt that there will be many who will seek to prosper from the Olympics being held in London...Criminal elements are expected to exploit the situation by establishing themselves in London from now on."

The Home Office estimates that there are between 6,000 and 18,000 trafficked women and girls being forced to work as prostitutes in the UK. But the statistics are erratic and it could be more in the region of 25,000 ranging from Eastern Europe, South East Asia and West Africa as reported by the Poppy Project.

With the expected rise in crime, the government are pressing ahead with a building programme which will create an extra 8,000 spaces by 2012. As stated in a 2010 publication, Tessa Jowell former minister for the Olympics: “Major sporting events can be a magnet for the global sex and trafficking industry, this is wholly unacceptable... collectively we are developing a comprehensive plan of action which will build on the considerable expertise the UK has in tackling human trafficking.”

However already, the number of prostitutes working near the main Olympic site in Stratford, east London, has reportedly doubled already since work began on the stadium. And figures from the time of the 2004 Athens Olympics show an increase of 95 per cent in prostitution, with the number of trafficked women increasing from 93 to 181. After the Games the figures in relation to both prostitutes and trafficking remained higher than before. And with an estimated 80,000 people involved in prostitution in the UK, anticipate an unyielding increase for the Olympics.

India's Economic Segregation

2010-05-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

As India continues to emerge as a superpower, we have to address how far has the country come in terms of aiding its rising population. As a recent Guardian article highlights that “the subcontinent’s elite have a huge market all to themselves – and a vast gap is opening up between rich and poor,” referring to India’s booming mobile telephone and energy markets planted on the FTSE 100 index.

Essar Energy now owned by the Ruias family, one of India’s most powerful dynasties is another name that prominently appears on the league tables of the wealthiest people on the planet. With a country that possesses 47 billionaires compared to 35 in Britain, it would be hoped that the entire population were reaping the benefits of India’s economic boom.

On the contrary, as West Bengal props up as a prime example; ruled as the world's longest-running democratically elected communist government by Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPM, a significant part of the state is still economically backward. West Bengal has the third largest economy (2003–2004) in India, Kolkata being a major hub for the Information Technology Industry; however, the rapid industrialisation process has given rise to debate over land acquisition for industry in this agrarian state.

This has resulted in a greater amount of exports, having a first-come first-serve system catering to the West’s agricultural provision requirements whilst a rise in prices for locals on products that is regionally grown. Consequently, the already destitute can hardly afford food grown locally thus poverty rapidly increases; a little contradictory for a communist state-run government. More than three-quarters of the country's 1.2 billion people have to get by on less than £1.30 a day, double the level of poverty seen in China.

Kolkata’s skyline now fashions an uncomfortable and quite obviously discriminatory image. With the rise of property purchases by the elite in West Bengal, there comes a growth of shopping malls, high rise apartments and even English-styled complexes that are safeguarded from the ailing poverty that resides outside the barriers. The government have not stopped the construction of this new mangled city, despite riots occurring in recent years to protest it.

So the fact that India is a key member of the ostensible "BRIC" nations – representing Brazil, Russia, India and China as emerging superpowers according to Goldman Sachs – we shudder to think how much further can the rich get wealthier and the currently deprived become even more impoverished?

Election 2010: How far have we come for Women?

2010-05-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

So its official, we are no longer 66th in the world behind Pakistan, United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan. We are currently edging behind the two states of Pakistan and UAE at a comfortable 52nd in the world, still 30 places at the back of Afghanistan. Has Conservative played a part in this minor jump? I think not. Contributing only 32% of female constituents, it seems like we will be lagging behind for the next decade and a half.

Labour on the other hand has had a miniature success, holding 90 seats for women despite it only being 21.8% of parliament. Afghanistan held its last election in 2005, and still managed a successful 27.3% of the seats. Similarly, Iraq has a relaxed 25.5% in parliament holding its position firmly 37th in the world ranking system. Spot the fact that the United States of America is even further behind with an abysmal 16.8% of all voting Members in the House. Isn’t it a little hypocritical to put place a government in an apparently tyrannical country with more equal numbers of women than that of your own country?

On a more positive note, Caroline Lucas MP has had a breakthrough victory for the Green Party, becoming the first Green seat in a transformed parliament. Her victory reflects the changing face of politics (we hope) and the welcome of a more environmentally-friendly government. As Harriet Harman commented last night on ITV, that “it was positive to see so many new female constituents in the North East,” referring to Julie Elliot and Bridget Phillipson winning for areas in Sunderland.

As the Fawcett Society states: if we calculate according to the steady rise of 2% of women coming into parliament, it would take 15 years to achieve a quarter of women in parliament and a colossal 72 years just to reach an equal government despite receiving the right to vote a centenary ago. And with the imminent sexist parties coming into power, the rise may be even minute; as Boris Johnson overtly states that with a Ferrari "the whole county of Hampshire was lying back and opening her well-bred legs to be ravished by the Italian stallion". Indecent doesn’t cut it.

Election Night 2010

2010-05-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

As the 2010 Election results unfold, it’s fairly certain to say the attitudes of the parties somewhat differ. Ranging from a bold statement from the Shadow Home Secretary, George Osborne that this is “a comprehensive rejection of the Labour government and a strong vote for change,” to a more subdued Labour to “have a more mature diplomatic decision-making approach” if there is a hung parliament.

It seems to be reflective of typical Conservative nature, and even more worrying of what is to come. As Anne Widdecombe, former Shadow Cabinet Minister commentates that this is the case and it is “pompous” of the Former Lib Dem leader, Lord Paddy Ashdown to state that “Conservatives should be more focussed towards the fact that no party is a clear winner,” than declaring that Labour had been outright defeated. Ironically, it is harder to tell who is more pompous with that proclamation, even more so that there has been no word about diplomacy and a united stable front to steer through the economic difficulties ahead.

Should we worry about an authoritarian Conservative government that reflects the Thatcher era of the 1980s? So what should we expect from a Tory lead government- reduced taxes indicating social benefits for work, health and education will also fall; more privatisation of schools, decreasing the quality of education for young people; doubling the operational bonus for troops serving in Afghanistan, ensuring that they remain there. But mostly, judging by the recent televised Election Debates; a policy to rubbish their opposition Labour and not really produce any ideas of their own is apparent.

Better still, ‘capping’ immigration including those coming from within the EU to half the amount that currently stands suggests deportation is imminent; refugee aid is non-existent. Especially as recent reports indicates that fascist party BNP has contacted Mr. Cameron expressing a wish for an alliance between the parties creating a majority parliament of right-wing parties. A member of the ‘non-violent’ faction of the Ku Klux Klan and a man who wants to put a lid on immigrants coming in to the country despite some being from the EU, results in an overall majority of racist despots.

So what should we expect from the day after the elections? Gordon Brown has signalled that he wants to form a coalition with the Liberal Democrats creating a "strong, stable and principled" government. But that aside, anticipate an outcry from hundreds of voters who were turned away from various constituencies including Lewisham, Hackney as well as areas in Sheffield and Manchester, despite arriving before 10pm. An even more so, ‘grumpy’ Tory faces despite a so-called win, according to various tweeters. Who knows? It’s an unpredictable night for certain.

15 WAYS TO CHANGE THE WORLD FOR WOMEN

2009-05-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

(This post is dedicated to the late Pauline Campbell, tireless campaigner who sadly passed away May 2008)

We asked a number of prominent female figures to answer the question: What is one way of making the world a better place for women?

Here are some of the replies:

1) Set up a monthly direct debit to a charity that specifically helps women, such as http://www.womankind.org.uk/, http://www.womenforwomen.org.uk/, http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/ also Oxfam Unwrapped offers woman-specific gifts.

Sarah L (Anti-Porn UK)

2) Lots but thinking more about violence it would have to be women need to make more noise, speak out more and make it easier for other women to speck of their experiences and especially to encourage young women, to ensure the next generation experiences a life free of violence. To make sure that women are united with each other and offer support, care and love. Sometimes we can be so separated and disconnected that we lose our ability to present an effective challenge to change the system.

Believe in ourselves.

Akima Thomas (Women and Girls Network)

3) The one thing that we could do to make the world a better place for women is to call for a complete separation of Church and State. The rise of religious fundamentalism throughout the world in all the major religions and the influence of religion in key public institutions, including the law and education, contribute to the violation of women's fundamental human rights. Religious fundamentalism threatens to undermine crucial gains that have been made and which have been hard fought for, especially in relation to marriage, sexuality and reproductive rights. This must be addressed urgently.

Pragna Patel (Southall Black Sisters)

4) One thing that women can do, they can go to Trapeze lessons instead of pole dancing ones. The skills, strength and sensuality needed are very similar but the difference is that Trapeze is an creative and challenging art form that exists outside of the sex exploitation industries and allows women to engage with their bodies and perform for themselves as well as their audience; it liberates them as artists rather than tricking them into serviceable objects for the benefit of a misogynist culture that must be laughing at them behind it's hand.

Rebecca Mordan (Scary Little Girls Productions, Feminist musician and a Co-organiser of Reclaim the Night)

5) I think women should come on the Reclaim The Night march!

"Put your feet on the streets for women on the UN International Day to End Violence Against Women and attend the 5th annual Reclaim The Night march against rape and male violence on Saturday 22nd November in London. The conviction rate for rape in the UK is still at its lowest ever, just over 5%. Shout a loud no to violence against women in all its forms and demand justice for rape survivors. It is time for freedom from fear. For yourself, for all women, for all those who can't be there – be there."

Finn Mackay (Organiser of Reclaim the Night, Founder of London Feminist Network)

6) One thing we can do to make the world a better place for women, is for women to simply try and be kinder to themselves. If we treated ourselves with more respect, and more compassion than criticism, perhaps then we could start being more genuine and understanding with other women.

Cate Sevilla (Cupcate.Vox.Com, young feminist)

7) Embrace your privilege. This sounds terrible, like saying "don't worry about the environment" or "forget about the poor" but, really, we all have some privilege and most of us seek more privileges, such as health insurance and home ownership. Denying this fact can be as offensive as flaunting it. Instead, deploy your privilege as a force for positive social change. Each one of us has assets that could benefit others. It might be a vast network of friends who you can rally for a cause, the ability to pay a living wage ($18 in New York City) rather than minimum wage ($7.15), or straight sexuality that might make you a more persuasive lobbyist for same sex partner benefits. Making friends with your privilege fights on two fronts: it gets rid of pointless liberal guilt and enables you to see yourself as a powerful force for good, rather than an oppressor.

8) It's very likely that you have at least one thing you're ashamed of; one thing that you fear only you have experienced and that will bring certain humiliation. Say it.
Some of the most profound shifts in social justice came when individuals told the truth about their lives, going against the social constructs of the time. In the late 1960s, women told the truth about their illegal abortions in public speakouts, ushering in legalized abortion and reproductive rights. By the late 1980s, pop stars, professors, and even some politicians told the truth about loving people of the same sex, and partner benefits, acceptance, and even gay marriage came to be regular dinner time conversation for average Americans. Telling the truth invites others to be honest, so you learn that you are far from alone. Speak the truth and witness your power.

Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards, (co-authors Manifesta and Grassroots; co-owners of Soapbox, Inc.)

9) Get a mammogram. Survival rates among women diagnosed with breast cancer have been improving since 1990, largely due to early detection. No matter how much progress we make or how much better a place the world becomes for women, you've got to be alive to enjoy any of it. Here's one easy thing we can to keep ourselves healthy.

Ariel Levy, (author of Female Chauvinist Pig)

10) ABOLISH NO RECOURSE

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND PAY FOR WOMEN

LOUDER VOICE IN SOCIETY

Comfort Momoh (FGM/Public Health Specialist)

11) To speak out and protest against the unnecessary imprisonment of women, in order to bring about an understanding and acceptance that custody must only be used for serious and violent offenders who pose a threat to the public.

Further detail: This is particularly important because, at the risk of stating the obvious, women and men are different. Therefore, within the criminal justice system, a different approach is needed for women in order to achieve equality of outcome. Unless and until this is taken on board, levels of self-harm within women's prisons will continue to be disproportionately high. At present, women in prison are more likely to kill themselves than men. This is wrong, and it is unjust.

Pauline Campbell
[Bereaved mother of Sarah Elizabeth Campbell, 18, who died in the 'care' of Styal Prison, 2003]
Trustee of The Howard League for Penal Reform

12) I'd like to see women decide that they will no longer put women down on the basis of their looks; no more sniping at Hillary Clinton because her trouser suits are frumpy or at Jacqui Smith because her jackets don't fit; no more pointing the finger at Madonna's sinewy arms or Nicole Kidman's frozen face; no more column inches expended on who's put on weight and who must be anorexic. If we just shut up about all of that and concentrated on the real stuff; such as who is a good actor or politician or musician or who needs better policies or better roles, I think all women would benefit. Because that kind of relentless negativity rubs off on all women, not just those in the public eye.

Natasha Walter, (author of The New Feminism)

13) …Properly educate people – young and old, male and female – about the realities of prostitution.
the ruthless money-making machine of commercial sexual exploitation - which encompasses prostitution, lap dancing, strip clubs, pornography, advertising, and pole dancing for kids to name but a few – needs a brake on it. This starts with each of us taking responsibility for the hidden majority who have no choice but to work in the sex industry, rather than placing those who can choose on a PVC-encased, marabou-feathered pedestal.

Helen Atkins (The Poppy Project, Lilith)

14) Women can support the decisions and desires of women regardless of ideological, cultural, racial or religious background--provided those decisions and desires don't injure others.

Rebecca Walker (Journalist and author of Baby Love: Choosing Motherhood After a Lifetime of Ambivalence)

15) Liberation? Freedom from fear of violence and the control of men? For
women to be seen as human beings not to be defined or objectified in
terms of our sex, sexuality and biology?

Harriet Wistrich (Human Rights Solicitor, Birnberg & Peirce)

IS THERE A NEED FOR FEMINISM?

2009-04-23T12:14:00.001-07:00

As an answer to all the questions, yes there is a need for Feminism leading to the idea that there is no personal agenda rather an urgency to change the situation of today. What is a ‘gentlemen?’ a man opening a door for a woman, but refuses to speak out when she is being harassed by others? Only helping a woman when it suits themselves, then expecting absolute gratitude; although they sit in silence whilst seeing a woman go through agony? What does that say about men that only some are labelled ‘gentle?’

May be, there is a need to be like a gentleman; everyone that is. However it is called ‘common courtesy’ under female terms.

The word lady is not a term used nowadays, it represents an old-fashioned English upper class society that existed before. The proof is that girls in schools are no longer addressed ladies but women. Similarly, the idea of the gentleman should not exist, but the idea of courtesy should be universally used by both men and women.

Anti-porn does not mean anti-male, anti-sex or does not aim to be a censor. But as we are addressing the issue, there is a fine line between being a censor and anti-porn, as through societal terms, it automatically makes you a right-wing prude or someone who accepts that exploitation is the norm. Women are now seen as ‘prudish’ for not accepting that objectification of women is appropriate and conditioned into society, (that children will see it when they are older so it is fine to expose them to porn at an early age, when this should not even be the case). Hence feminists are not able to speak out at all ie. It is now us who are censored for apparently being ‘dictators.’ Yet, some more vulnerable people in society uncovered to the industry are free to be exploited.

Suddenly, we have seen that in society you can only be one or the other. ‘Censorship’ has been coined after many years of oppressive regimes, that only tyrants use censor, so if you are to use it- you automatically become the oppressive. Yet as we have such a lack of voice today-ultimately we are the oppressed by pornographic styled censorship.

There are always counter-arguments that women like to be filmed and pictured this way on newspapers and ‘lad’s mags,’ as well as watch porn themselves. However, why do they need to feel that the only way of being happy with oneself is to be able to expose and be naked in front of everyone, to be expected to be perfect? A prime example of these are reality-shows such as ‘How to look good naked?’ Does that mean because Gok Wan or any other dictatorial fashion designer tells me that the only way I will be happy is through getting a haircut or changing anything to my physical appearance, my life will be more satisfying?

What this does is continually drive and fuel the fire that female appearance is more important than the person themselves, thus losing individuality. Subsequently, WE ARE NOW OBJECTS.

Object is a strong word, but completely appropriate for this situation. The focus is not on the individual women who pose naked for money or pleasure- it goes much deeper beyond that. We address the underlying issue of society's expectations, of trying to fulfil the image of 'perfection.' You would not see a larger woman posing on these papers, because the main focus is of selling. For the woman, she believes its an ego boost because society tells her that the only way of getting ahead is through her body. She sells herself like a CV to get ahead. Yet now the only possibility to fulfil her aspirations is through her physical self. Her mind is totally undermined even if she did not want that as her focus of sale- thus creating the paranoid image that as soon as her body fails her from age and what not, she will be obsolete- an object. Worst of all this is in all aspects from life not just through porn.

A case of a young porn star who was not named for legal reasons, was interviewed for a documentary. It was a study on why women choose the porn path, the reasons they do it. She continually mentioned that she was a Law student and was this was a means of funding her education, and had no intention of doing this in the future. However, she was totally overlooked because the interviewer said that she was not saleable for having any other reasons.

The reason men are not put on page three is because women do not see them as bartering tools rather they aspire to be like men, thus the idea of a Female Chauvinist Pig is created. It is all about 'If you can't beat them, join them,' in order to get ahead with women. Men should be grateful that they have a choice between their mind and body to get further in the world.

Feminist groups do not blame individuals for this, rather it is society as a whole who are instigating covert misogyny. Anti-porn does not target the women who choose to model in this fashion, rather the indoctrination targeted at men, women and children to say that it is terrible to objectify a homosexual in a tutu or the horrible image of a black slave in shackles, but it is fine to see a woman as a ‘sex object/ slave.’ This leads to further demeaning of women. Furthermore lesbian porn is seen to prescribe sex. ‘Girl on girl’ porn for example stereotypes that all women must be actively sexual with other women. This loses any individuality for a person and detracts the women’s choice in sexual freedom and enjoyment. If we continually had a bombardment of racially discriminative images on Page Three of ‘The Sun,’ it would become a part of everyday as well as used in everyday life. For this reason, not only are women meant and seen to be passive, be ‘up for it’ whenever and wherever, the passivity has spiralled to the point that it is okay for a man or society to use violence against a woman in order to fit to her ‘social status.’

Originally, hardcore pornography was much more clandestine and sex was seen to be much more of a taboo. By addressing the issue was one way of educating the masses, but by commercialising porn, saturating into all of our daily lives created the exploitation of women. Businesses that profit from objectification, exploitation and dehumanisation of women are the real culprits behind the mass production of misogyny in all spreads of the media.

The porn industry has escalated to the point ‘torture porn’ has been introduced, seeing the brutal rape and killings of women as entertainment. Whilst, there has been wide grumbles about the topic and there is a big issue to ban it- we ask ourselves the question where does a horror film end and torture porn begin? Does this mean that the more we are inundated with violence against women, the more ‘natural’ it will become to abuse women in society just as it is to be naked on Page Three?

A key example is seen through 1972/ 2005 documentary based on the film ‘Deep Throat,’ as well as autobiography ‘Ordeal’ and ‘Out of Bondage.’ Linda Boreman aka porn actress Linda Lovelace spoke out against pornography, drawing from what she stated were her own experiences of coercion and abuse, before government hearings on pornography, provoking an intense controversy over both her charges and her objections to the pornography industry as a whole. She stated that “When you see the movie Deep Throat, you are watching me being raped. It is a crime that movie is still showing; there was a gun to my head the entire time.” However, the decision was overruled as it in ‘public’ interest as entertainment to see Boreman be horrifically raped. This reiterates the law that rape is still considered a 'common' crime such as burglary unlike GBH which is sectioned as 'hate crimes.' Now after thirty years, it has come back on its head with ‘torture porn.’

The organisation that I am part of focuses on the commercialisation of porn rather then ‘home-made’ porn, that remains at home; whilst the main issue that women (and some men) are not equal in society and demeaned psychologically, mentally and physically day-to-day with all the expectations is being addressed. Ask yourself why are there no male page three models with erect penises?

‘Consuming’ porn describes the addictions that come part-in-parcel with it. But because we see less outer effects (apart from proven mental and psychological breakdowns)it is considered a pleasure-but because drugs, alcohol and cigarettes has a physical overt consequence , there are many more devices to make it end, even naming it a ‘self-inflicted disease.’ So why is it that there is ‘censorship’ for drugs and alcohol, but no measure for a woman’s right to live?

‘EASY’ YEARS OF HARD WORK

2009-04-22T18:36:00.001-07:00

You may be quick to judge with the majority of the adult population, “in my day, the exams were harder.” As a student, we have essentially drawn a short straw.

I admit that the A-Levels seem to be no comparison to the 'immaculate' International Baccalaureate (IB), having to study six compulsory subjects within two years. However, the media's covert message that in fact it is the students themselves who are gradually transforming into ignorant and lazy beings, rather then the introduction of easier exams; is only slightly offensive. After a mere fifteen years of studying, I would like to think that our efforts accounted for something worthwhile.

On the ill-fated month of August, we witness numerous students receiving their grades on results day. But instead of congratulating the effort put into producing infinite amounts of 'A's, the media conveniently forms an alliance with the government to introduce the A* grade in 2010, of course making life easier for young people.

A complicated ‘blessing in disguise’, the government's plans may actually benefit pupils. If students are unable to pass their exams from the various systems being introduced, not only will we save money from paying extortionate amounts for tuition fees- but universities will be exclusively for the elite, wealthy and intelligent (unless your application reveals that you are already a rocket-scientist.) Fifteen years wasted for no apparent reason.

In the long-run what will employers be expecting of future workers? Especially as the International Baccalaureate overtakes the A-Level; will all A-Level grades become unrecognisable and obsolete? Unable to find a job that is tailor-made for your grades, lacking a degree and finding out that you are not particularly gifted because you achieved 5 As and not A *grades does not set up much hope for prospective applicants.

It appears that over 40% of pupils believe the A-Levels did not adequately prepare them for their university course. Does this mean with the launch of the Baccalaureate, the majority of students who were equipped for further studies will be disregarded? As if the competition of applying to university was not enough, it seems as if the government has entered pupils unwillingly into a world wide competition, with Europe and the Baccalaureate.

Perhaps, it would be useful to know what pupils will actually ‘win’ from this publicity race against Europe. Hence, it appears that although exams may be easier, there are sufficient cracks in the system to make students suffer.

DYING TO BE BEAUTIFUL

2009-04-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

Teenagers are seen to be different species all by themselves. But after all the tantrums, hoodies and spending: they do need some guidance which the media fails to provide.

Receiving hospitalization for being too thin after years of being name-called ‘chubby’ as a child; this was the last straw. I frankly feel that if I officially became the public’s property, I would be dead by one or the other, let alone unhappy. In the words of my fellow teenagers- It’s so unfair.

The ever-increasing superficial world that we exist in leads us to complex decision- making when it comes to appearance. Obesity, pictured as repulsive while women with a BMI of less then 18 are considered ‘unhealthy.’ What are we trying to portray to youths who avidly follow the so-called transformation of the fashion and consumer industries? Who are we to control the optimum level of perfection in people’s lives?

From the hour-glass figure of the 1950s, to the drug induced models of the 1960s, it seems that the fashion enterprise has not been able to shake off the ‘skinny’ look throughout the years. But are we encouraging youths to gain weight or slim down; worse still, with drugs? With the introduction of banning ‘fatty’ product advertisements, as well as petite size ‘zero’ clothing-it seems to be heading towards one vital point; an imminent death from eating disorders.

After recent incidents of models starving to death, I honestly thought is being anorexic thin or obese just labels for this season simply like wearing a red or grey skirt? Although fashion marvel Giorgio Armani refutes the idea of skinny models, it is difficult to see actual implementations. After the highly popular series ‘Make me a Supermodel,’ adjudicator Rachel Hunter declined a finalist for being a larger model, contradicting recent comments from the fashion world.

This is what we teach to already very confused and hormonal teenagers, beauty before health and happiness. A period of their growing lives wasted on watching social corruption exposed throughout the media. Flung in an ASBO, and we have fate worse then hell for these poor creatures. We have to encourage young people to remain healthy internally rather then looking fantastic on the outside. It is rather pointless if we have a life expectancy of only 30 years.

In the wise words of Roman philosopher; “We live not according to reason, but according to fashion.” It has been thousands of years since Seneca said his famous words- I think it is time we moved on.

Sex, Drugs and Rock n' Roll!

2009-04-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Have I got your attention yet with the title? It seems to be the main agenda with teenagers nowadays.

Morbid as the issue is as I continually address it, please spare a minute or two to read this:

Rape and the courts

80 per cent of rape charges fail to get past an investigation

0.86 the percentage of reported rapes that end in conviction in Gloucestershire

1 in 20 the proportion of women who have been raped at least once since the age of 16, according to a survey in 2000

Rape is still considered a 'common' crime such as burglary unlike GBH which is sectioned as 'hate crimes.' Out of 200 women who claimed to be raped in eastern region, 49 were taken to trial - only 2 convictions. Here just some of the horrific statistics I have learned from attending newly established campaign "WHO'S PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE." Hearing about the endless rape cases were emotional enough, but learning about the recent escalating trend of convicting women for perverting the course of justice because they are unable to get a successful sentences for their rapists was terrifying. Worse still, I always felt that this was more of international complaint, women raped during war times-however to find out that this is happening right now in our own homes was shocking. I know that students of our generation are not really informed about the wider world corruption and politics- so as a victim myself of this horrible atrocity I can tell you it is much closer to home then you think. It may not ever happen to you or anyone close to you during your lifetimes, but please try and help the Justice for Women campaigns. If you need any information please send me an email. Seeing grown women so passionate about such a cause has inspired me to do the same. On 14th December this year- I will be attending the Court of Appeal to hopefully see an innocent women become free after 6 years imprisonment for killing in self-defence after years of living with an abusive husband (although the husband who murdered his wifeand stored her body in the freezer was only given two years imprisonment.) If you want to help I am starting letter writing sessions to top authorities- Crown Prosecution Service, Local governments even parliament to overturn the recent increase on prosecuting women. Even sending letters/ cards during the x-mas period to poor young women who have been jailed during this period of time for being falsely accused of lying. The Ipswich murders currently are causing a stir- they are not addressing the perpetrators- instead they are saying for all women to stay indoors. Is this really equality in the 21st century? I think not- women should be allowed walk safely amongst people. The message given out by all the convictions of women are that men are allowed to abuse women- and it will keep escalating if we do not do anything soon. I am not asking for much - just some help- one free evening to help victims of heineious crimes such as these incidents. Some may think that it is the women's duty to not indulge in drinking and put themselves into 'these' situations. Why should they be victim to rape everytime they drink whilst alcoholic men continue to act abusive towards other human beings? Its a sad world we live in- lets hope with the little help we can offer it can change.