The disappearance of women’s studies programs from college campuses across the U.S. is a trend that matches the women’s movement itself. As author Susan Faludi pointed out last weekend in New York, it's an ebb and flow that often appears fatal. Faludi described a pattern that has been marked by conflict since the smoking and drinking flappers of the 1920s denounced the "humorless prudes" who were their suffragette elders. The ... Read More

I'm a pretty much a textbook third-wave, sex-positive feminist.  I wear make-up and mini-skirts (no high heels though, I can barely balance in my Converse.)  Occasionally for parties, I'll dress up in sexy costumes (sexy Hester Prynne is my masterpiece.)  I even straighten my hair sometimes.   And I don't see anything wrong with that. Now, I recognize that by doing these things, I'm engaging in practices sold to me ... Read More

The Guardian posts an interesting statement this morning: Iceland may be the most feminist country in the world. This accolade comes on the heels of a new law in Iceland banning strip clubs, topless bars, and the like—it would ban any business from profiting from the nudity of its employees. Iceland is a tiny country with a population of roughly 320,000—smaller than any US State—and, while it stands to reason that they may ... Read More

In a time when feminism has become a dirty word, it's promising to see a surge of female positivity and action cropping up in other areas of the world.  The United Kingdom is seeing an uptake in the amount of women organizing for feminist causes, as well as more media focus on issues regarding feminism. Just this month, the third annual Million Women Rise march had an estimated 8,000 people marching to celebrate International Women's ... Read More

The Girl Scouts of America introduced a bill to Congress today that would establish a national task force to develop guidelines to promote positive images of girls and women in the media. The bill, called the Healthy Media for Youth Act (H.R. 4925), is part of the Girl Scouts efforts to engage the government around health and well-being issues that affect young girls.  The legislation encompasses media literacy programs, research on ... Read More