For all those badasses trying to catch up on the headlines, here are a few highlights from the past week. As always, join in the conversation using #TheFemWord and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. #FemNews
1. Another badass breaking and making history! On November 24, Indian boxer Mary Kom won her sixth gold at the Boxing World Championships, making her the competition’s most decorated female boxer and joint most successful boxer amongst both men and women. Already an Olympic bronze medallist (London 2012), “Magnificent Mary” defeated Ukraine’s Hanna Okhota 5-0 and has her sights set on the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. After the match, the badass mother of three boys thanked her many fans for their support and dedicated her win to her home country of India. You are magnificent, Mary!
2. It’s been just over two months since Dr. Christine Blasey Ford bravely testified during Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings. Since her story went public, Ford and her family have received threats to their physical protection and even had to leave their home to go into hiding. A GoFundMe campaign, which has raised nearly $650,000, was created on behalf of the Ford family to cover security costs.
In a November 21 message from Dr. Ford thanking everyone for the outpouring of support, this badass survivor inspired us yet again by pledging to donate the remaining funds raised “to organizations that support trauma survivors.”
“Although coming forward was terrifying, and caused disruption to our lives, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to fulfill my civic duty. Having done so, I am in awe of the many women and men who have written me to share similar life experiences, and now have bravely shared their experience with friends and family, many for the first time… I wish I could thank each and everyone of you individually. Thank you.” - Dr. Christine Blasey Ford
3. “It just keeps spreading if you stay silent.” 90% of Sri Lankan women have been sexually harassed on public transport, but only 4% have sought help from police. To bring awareness to this pervasive form of gender-based violence, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) has designated November 25 through December 10 (Human Rights Day) as the 16 Days of Activism.
As part of the campaign, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has joined with photojournalism project Cheer Up Luv to amplify Sri Lankan women’s stories and offer support and encouragement. We’re with you, badasses.
4. In the west African nation of Benin, discussions of sexual health and pleasure are taboo. Badass entrepreneur Antares Adjibi opened her store Abasik to challenge these taboos and provide a safe, knowledgeable place for women to ask questions and shop for everything from sex toys to silky lingerie. Adjibi even offers free workshops for women looking for sexual and couples counseling. Despite social media backlash, Abasik is helping to change attitudes about sex and gender norms in Adjibi’s community.
"Women have the power to show their partners that their job isn't just to have children. They can be a life partner, a lover, an adviser." - Antares Adjibi (via CNN)
5. For the first time since its founding in 1873, The Crimson, Harvard University’s prestigious student newspaper, will be led by a black woman. Badass Kristine E. Guillaume, 20, is joint-majoring in English, history, and African-American studies, and was part of the reporting team responsible for covering the university’s 2018 presidential search. As one of three chairs of the paper’s Diversity and Inclusivity committee, Guillaume has overseen and lead initiatives designed to create a more diverse and inclusive space for students of color at The Crimson. Guillaume will take her seat as President on January 1, 2019. Congratulations, Kristine!
6. This past week, Piers Morgan (ugh…) attempted to drag a number of badass women -- including the British girl group Little Mix, Ariana Grande, and Ellen (yes… THAT Ellen) -- on Twitter. Morgan shamed Little Mix and Ariana Grande for using nudity and sexuality to sell records rather than talent… and then got thoroughly schooled by Ariana herself because women can be talented, sexual, and smart as hell all at once.
Gonna need some ice for that burrrrrrrrrn.
7. Finally, we have the pleasure of sharing these absolutely delightful videos of U.S. Congressional Representatives-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) loving that they showed up to orientation wearing the same outfit. The amount of badassness in these posts has us SHOOK.
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