Giving porn its own domain

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

Prevention or Protection: Women's Reproductive Choice

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?

Election 2010: How far have we come for Women?

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

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

(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)

Sex, Drugs and Rock n' Roll!

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.