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. We’re more than a week into 2019… how’s that new year’s resolution coming? Don’t worry if you’ve fallen off the bandwagon (we’re not judging!) because The Fem Word is here to help you shine this year with 5 New Year’s Resolutions Inspired by Badass Women in 2018. Which one speaks most to you?
2. On January 7th, Cyntoia Brown was granted clemency from the outgoing governor of Tennessee, commuting the life sentence she received at age 16 for first-degree murder of a man who intended to rape her. A survivor of child sex trafficking and abuse, Brown has been at the center of debate over the criminalization of those forced into selling their bodies, as well as creating a place for human trafficking survivors within the #MeToo movement. Brown will be be released on August 7, 2019.
3. In a victory for transgender rights, India’s National Congress Party has appointed journalist and activist Apsara Reddy as National General Secretary of its women’s wing, the All India Mahila Congress. “To be welcomed into one of India’s largest and oldest national parties, to be given this honor, is hugely emotional, and it’s very humbling for me,” said Reddy in an interview with Hindustan Times. Congratulations, badass!
4. Francisca Awah Mbuli survived years of being trafficked for sex and labor. Now, she runs Survivors’ Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving women their freedom and voices, and helping fellow survivors rebuild their lives. The Fem Word’s junior reporter Claire Quigley tells Francisca’s story. #HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay
5. Kentucky lawmakers are fast tracking a new legislative measure proposing prohibition of abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. Critics such as the ACLU say the bill, commonly referred to as a heartbeat law, would constitute "a virtual ban on abortion" in a state where women's reproductive rights remain under attack, and at a time when the right to accessing a safe and legal abortion set by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade (1973) is under scrutiny.
6. In the wake of Surviving R. Kelly, Cook County prosecutors are now asking for potential victims or witnesses to come forward if they have any information. The harrowing six-part Lifetime series investigates the allegations of sexual, mental, and physical abuse against the singer and gives survivors a space to tell their stories. While Kelly has publicly denied the charges leveled against him, many have rallied on social media to support those brave enough to speak the truth and to finally #MuteRKelly.
7. The 76th Golden Globes aired and, honestly… where to start? While female directors were overlooked once again (the lineup was entirely male), women made enormous strides toward achieving gender equality in the entertainment industry and celebrating the successes of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements.
Regina King brought the house down when she used her acceptance speech for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (If Beale Street Could Talk) to vow that she will only produce projects that hire 50% women -- and challenged leaders in every industry to do the same. (Let’s be real, we were ALL Jessica Chastain when this happened.)
Sandra Oh (who will always and forever be our person) made history as the first woman of Asian descent to host the Golden Globes and won the award for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in Killing Eve. Bonus: her adorable parents completely stole the show because they are JUST. SO. PROUD. ❤️
Also… Fiji Water Girl showed us how to literally live our best lives. Long may she reign.
👸🏻💧✨
Comments