Blog posts from February 2007
Radical feminist romantic comedy - trailer!
By Jess McCabe | 28 February 2007, 20:40
Is Itty Bitty Titty Committee the first romantic comedy about radical feminists? Possibly not, but it’s the first I’ve heard of. Check out the trailer below: IBTC is directed by Jamie Babbit, of ‘But I’m A Cheerleader’, which I haven’t…
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Feminist pre-school opens in northern Sweden
By Jess McCabe | 28 February 2007, 17:06
Parents in the northern Swedish city of Umeå have banded together to set up a feminist pre-school for their young children, The Local reports. Caroline Ahlénius is one of those behind the initiative to expand the remit of privately run…
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Post-natal depression, who cares?
By Abby O'Reilly | 28 February 2007, 15:48
The National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recently stated that GPs and Midwives need to do more to identify depression in new and expectant mothers, according to a report by the BBC today. The health watchdog found that…
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Low-fat dairy causes infertility
By Abby O'Reilly | 28 February 2007, 01:27
A team of Harvard boffins recently discovered that low-fat milk and yoghurt could precipitate female infertility, according to a report in The Times today. The study, carried out by the Harvard School of Public Health, discovered that women who consume…
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Girl Guides for equality
By Abby O'Reilly | 28 February 2007, 01:25
As a young girl I was never a fan of the Girl Guides. I attended one meeting, hoping that with the uniform would come some sense of authority, but as we were all dressed the same it was difficult to…
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Missouri rape victims billed for evidence kits?
By Jess McCabe | 28 February 2007, 00:07
Rape victims in Missouri, US, are routinely asked to pay for the rape kits used to collect evidence of the crime. Apparently a bill is currently being put forward which should change the situation, according to blogger Kelly Sue over…
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The end of marriage? Hardly
By Jess McCabe | 27 February 2007, 23:21
Secretary of State for Education Alan Johnson has given a speech saying he does not support a policy of reinstating tax breaks for married couples, because it is patently unfair to single parents. However, if you read The Telegraph (poor…
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Women to be admitted to the Royal Hospital
By Abby O'Reilly | 26 February 2007, 22:16
The Royal Hospital, traditionally home to the Chelsea pensioners, is to open its doors to women as of 2009, according to a report by the BBC. The hospital has been home to male veterans for in excess of 315 years,…
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New York Times thinks women can't review military history books
By Jess McCabe | 26 February 2007, 22:14
How do you become a book reviewer for the New York Times? Well, it turns out, if you’re a woman you might as well not bother applying, because editor Barry Gewen doesn’t think female reviewers can tackle “general audience” books…
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Court battle for equality in the work place
By Abby O'Reilly | 26 February 2007, 20:38
The Equal Opportunities Commission is to take the government to court for failing to properly implement European legislation meant to protect against sex discrimination. As reported in The Guardian today, the equalities watchdog is arguing that Trade and Industry Secretary…
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Women disadvantaged in business
By Abby O'Reilly | 26 February 2007, 12:55
The introduction of women into the boardroom is still a relatively new phenomenon, but in recent times more and more of us are dusting off our power suits of a morning ready to embark on a new day in business….
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Women priests rock the Islamic world
By Abby O'Reilly | 26 February 2007, 00:21
The introduction of female priests in Morocco looks set to cause controversy in the Islamic world, according to a report by the BBC. These female priests, know as the Mourchidat, are the first ever to be invested with the authority…
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One year to save the Feminist Library
By Jess McCabe | 25 February 2007, 22:18
Some readers might know this, but several of the bloggers at the F Word, including myself and Louise, are involved in volunteering at the Feminist Library. We had an emergency meeting over the weekend, and have come to the conclusion…
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Some members of the government not a complete lost cause?
By Jess McCabe | 25 February 2007, 13:14
It turns out that Cameron’s pro-marriage rhetoric, which in turn sparked more of the same from the Government, has caused a split in the Cabinet. The Guardian reports that Education Secretary Alan Johnson is set to give a speech next…
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Blears to go for Deputy PM position
By Jess McCabe | 24 February 2007, 18:11
Hazel Blears has put her hat into the ring for the position of Deputy Prime Minister. Blears is the second woman to put herself forward, after Harriet Harman. The BBC reports: Speaking in her Salford constituency as she launched her…
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Ladyfest Cambridge - coming soon
By Abby O'Reilly | 23 February 2007, 22:50
There’s nothing more enjoyable than meeting new people, and if they happen to share your interests then all the better. So, you’ll be pleased to know that the international phenomenon known as Ladyfest will be coming to Cambridge from…
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The 32nd Carnival of Feminists
By Abby O'Reilly | 23 February 2007, 17:55
If you are cyber-savvy you will not have failed to notice the cultivation of a community of bloggers during recent years. The possibilities offered by self-publishing sites means that everyone from your elderly next door neighbour to top celebrities and…
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Blogging from inside the comics industry
By Jess McCabe | 23 February 2007, 14:54
What does a comics editor do? If you’re interested in finding out, you could do much worse than read the new blog of Rachel Edidin, who works for Dark Horse Comics (the ones that do the Buffy comics). In a…
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Drop in rape allegations and convictions in US
By Jess McCabe | 23 February 2007, 12:27
There has been a decline in the number of rape allegations and convictions among young women and men in the US, the LA Times reports. While questions remain about the reliability of the figures, the LA Times makes an explicit…
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Women, Games and the Internet
By Louise Livesey | 23 February 2007, 09:54
Women have always been a hidden presence on the internet but this e-article shows misogyny and heterosexism aren’t dead on the internet. World of Warcraft is a fantasy war-gaming platform and Whitney Butts is one player amongst millions. However Butts…
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Billie Piper's best role?
By Abby O'Reilly | 23 February 2007, 01:05
Billie Piper has spent a tumultuous time in the media spotlight. Having first burst onto our screens as a squeaky clean teenager dancing around street corners with a cheesy looking cartoon-like figure, she then spent a few years travelling the…
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Guest blog: Rachel Millward speaks on Birds Eye View film festival
By Jess McCabe | 22 February 2007, 23:31
The Birds Eye View film festival kicks off on the 8th of March, showcasing a week of films by emerging female filmmakers. Festival director Rachel Millward generously offered to put together a guest blog post, explaining why Birds Eye View…
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Marriage out of fashion
By Abby O'Reilly | 22 February 2007, 19:52
There was once a time when great faith was stored in the holy sanctity of marriage. It was an institution not to be scoffed at, and considered a true indication of the depth of affection existing between a couple….
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Eggs For Sale
By Abby O'Reilly | 22 February 2007, 19:48
Nothing seemed like a more appealing way to make cash as a student than those advertisements requesting medical volunteers. For just half an hour of your time you’d be rewarded with £10, a photograph of your brain and a couple…
Woman wins top programming award
By Jess McCabe | 22 February 2007, 17:27
A female programmer has won the A. M. Turing Award for the first time. The LA Times reports that Frances Allen, “whose work helped crack Cold War-era code and predict the weather” is one of the few individuals to ever…
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Wimbledon introduces equal prize money for women and men – finally
By Laura Woodhouse | 22 February 2007, 13:38
The BBC reports that women players in all rounds of this year’s competition at Wimbledon will receive the same prize money as men, bringing the tournament in line with the US and Australian Opens. And guess what? The misogynists, the…
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Introducing Laura, our new blogger
By Jess McCabe | 22 February 2007, 12:17
Readers may well be familiar with our newest blogger, Laura from the excellent blog Not A Feminist But. Laura will be blogging for us about once a week, from her temporary new home in Chile. You can also check out…
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Last Reminder - Save the Feminist Library!
By Louise Livesey | 22 February 2007, 10:58
Quick reminder that the emergency meeting to save the Feminist Library happens on Saturday at 11am at the Feminist Library, 5 Westminster Bridge Road. The Library needs new volunteers of all kinds and anyone is welcome to come along and…
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Berlusconi: what a guy
By Jess McCabe | 22 February 2007, 09:06
Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi has resigned, after his government lost a crucial vote on its involvement in Afghanistan. As Variety is reporting, this could mean that Silvio Berlusconi returns to political power. But look what turned up in my…
Toys Too Sexy
By Abby O'Reilly | 22 February 2007, 01:35
Barbie has a lot to answer for. As a child I was totally entranced by her cascading ash blonde hair, long legs and pretty pink dresses, so much so that I assumed that when I grew up that’s what I…
British Women Too Fat
By Abby O'Reilly | 21 February 2007, 17:55
It’s becoming more and more evident that we live in a culture characterised by extremes, extending far and beyond the disparity between those of us who love, and those of us who hate, Marmite. Oh yes, we can be completely…
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow…
By Abby O'Reilly | 20 February 2007, 21:37
If you don’t live under a rock on Mars you’ll now that last weekend Britney Spears was yet again subject to the scrutiny of the international press. But what has she done this time? No, she’s not met someone…
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Feminists fight back on abortion
By Abby O'Reilly | 20 February 2007, 19:58
This is just a quick post to remind you to get your marching boots out in preparation for the abortions rights protest on 3 March, which Holly posted about at the beginning of the month. If you don’t have this…
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Introducing Abby, our new blogger
By Jess McCabe | 20 February 2007, 19:45
I’m excited to announce we have a new edition to our pantheon of bloggers. Abby O’Reilly has been a regular contributor to The F Word since August 2006, and you can read previous work for us over on our…
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Hallmark release greeting cards for eating disorders, miscarriage and post-partum depression
By Louise Livesey | 20 February 2007, 12:53
Hallmark, makers of kitsch and cute-sy greetings cards, are now promoting their new line for traumatic life events. Friend had a miscarriage? Send them a Hallmark card! Eating Disorder threatening a friends health? Post-partum depression? Friend leaving an abusive relationship?…
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Too fat to be beautiful, too old to be beautiful now too maternal to be beautiful
By Louise Livesey | 20 February 2007, 12:40
A Spanish Beauty Pageant winner has been de-frocked(? decrowned?) because it was “discovered” she had a three year old child. The competition rules disallowed any competitors who were pregnant or mothers although the reciprocal male competition doesn’t disallow fathers from…
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Lads' mags post falling sales
By Jess McCabe | 19 February 2007, 16:43
Sales of lads’ mags fell a whopping 14.4% in 2006, according to reports in the Media Guardian (registration required). FHM’s circulation fell nearly 26%, and Arena 30%, but I take most pleasure from the falling sales of the vile Zoo…
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How to be the best gender-stereotyped boy/girl ever
By Jess McCabe | 18 February 2007, 11:05
Anyone who has had to shop for childrens’ books lately will have noticed the appearance of a number of books like The Dangerous Book For Boys. I must admit, I’ve even bought this particular book for my 10 year old…
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Amanda Marcotte speaks about being chased out of job by right-wingers
By Jess McCabe | 17 February 2007, 12:20
Amanda Marcotte, from Pandagon, has been forced to quit her new position as blogger for the John Edwards campaign, after an onslaught of harassment from the right wing. Over at Salon, she explains why she decided to resign, and ponders…
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Portugal to legalise abortion
By Jess McCabe | 16 February 2007, 23:54
Portugal will legalise abortion, after a referendum demonstrated popular support for abortion rights. Voter turnout was not high enough to trigger an automatic change in the law, but with 59% support for reform, the Socialist government will now bring forward…
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Black Snake Moan - 'a bit problematic'?
By Jess McCabe | 16 February 2007, 17:30
I don’t like to judge films based purely on trailers. But with Black Snake Moan, it’s hard not to. I’ll quote Newsweek for the plot: There’s no polite way to describe Craig Brewer’s “Black Snake Moan,” so let’s get it…
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Only fathers can stop kids joining gangs?
By Jess McCabe | 16 February 2007, 12:11
David Cameron wants to “compel” fathers to play a bigger role in their children’s lives, in a big to stop gang violence, the BBC reports. He was speaking in response to the shocking series of murders in South London. He…
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Harley Street 'bans' abortions
By Jess McCabe | 13 February 2007, 23:11
Doctors on Harley Street will not be allowed to perform abortions in the future, the BBC reports. Howard de Walden Estate, which owns much of the property on the street, has said it will not give out new leases, or…
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Robert Kilroy-Silk demands women are admitted to mosques
By Louise Livesey | 13 February 2007, 10:29
Never one to avoid controversy, Robert Kilroy-Silk (MEP) has written to Meg Munn (MP) to demand she takes action on women’s exclusion from some mosques. On Radio 4’s today programme this morning he blasted Islam as “tribal and backward” (see…
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More on The Verdict
By Louise Livesey | 13 February 2007, 09:48
Protests did take place on Sunday and are planned again for tonight against the BBC2 programme The Verdict. Indymedia has coverage and a rather lovely photograph . In the meantime Woman’s Hour has a podcast on it where Stephen Lambert,…
Japan's chauvinist husbands attempt reform
By Jess McCabe | 12 February 2007, 15:19
A group of self-confessed chauvanist husbands in Japan is forging ahead with a plan to stop their wives divorcing them by doing the dishes, listening to their partners and saying “I love you” unashamedly. Over on AlterNet today, Catherine Makino…
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Guest blogger explains Swedish prostitution law conundrum
By Jess McCabe | 12 February 2007, 10:32
Back in December, we blogged about new evidence that appeared to show that Swedish prostitution legislation - which criminalises the men who buy sex not prostitutes - was failing to curb the oldest profession. This is of particular interest because…
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Routine Sexism on BBC Radio 4
By Louise Livesey | 12 February 2007, 10:07
Last week was a prize week for routine sexism on Radio 4 which, I think, serves well as an exemplar of just how widespread sexism still is and still is accepted in this country. First off was a statement by…
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BBC 2'S The Verdict
By Louise Livesey | 12 February 2007, 09:56
Controversy reigns over the new BBC 2 programme which claims to be ground-breaking (despite the Channel 4 similar version a few weeks ago) and to explore the role of jurists. Unfortunately a few things that might give pause for thought:…
Changes at The F Word
By Catherine Redfern | 11 February 2007, 21:23
When I created this site six years ago in 2001 it was because I felt there was a lack of such resources for UK feminists. I had searched for feminist websites (google was just in its infancy at the time!)…
Round Up
By Jess McCabe | 11 February 2007, 17:40
It’s been so busy over the last few days, there have been quite a few stories that have slipped through the net, so here’s a quick round up of interesting stuff from the blogosphere and beyond… Over at AlterNet, Robert…
January 2007 comments from readers
By Catherine Redfern | 10 February 2007, 16:51
Comments and feedback received during January from you lovely readers have now been published. Thank you!…
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Wal-Mart to be hit by massive sex discrimination lawsuit
By Jess McCabe | 8 February 2007, 08:49
Up to 2 million women may now sue Wal-Mart for sex discrimination, after a US court ruled that a class-action lawsuit against the retail behemoth could go ahead. The Independent reports that an original complaint by six women, who accuse…
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Biting Beaver blog
By Catherine Redfern | 7 February 2007, 23:18
Popular radical feminist blogger Biting Beaver, “missing” since November, has posted again today. (Via comments on a post at Boiled Down To This…)…
Female Chauvinist Pigs
By Catherine Redfern | 6 February 2007, 22:40
Female Chauvinist Pigs Six F Word readers discuss Ariel Levy’s influential book on ‘raunch culture’ and the women who support it. Discussion by Marianne Lemond, Abby O’Reilly, Sheryl Plant, Holly Combe, Jessica Bateman and Catherine Redfern….
Get an F-Word widget for your blog
By Jess McCabe | 5 February 2007, 17:09
Can’t get enough of the F Word? Why not install an F Word widget on your blog, MySpace page or website? Click here for more information. You can even configure how it looks to suit your own layout. I’ve got…
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Abortion Rights Protest on 3 March
By Holly Combe | 5 February 2007, 16:09
On 21 October, more than 220 people attended the Feminist Fightback conference at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London to discuss issues including socialist feminism, LGBT liberation, women workers’ struggles, low pay, sexual freedom, prostitution, women in…
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CBB Pantomime Continues
By Holly Combe | 4 February 2007, 19:00
The media coverage of Celebrity Big Brother 2007 is still dominating the newstands. Personally, I’m still recovering from the disbelief at Gordon Brown glibly telling us, during the Shilpa vs Jade eviction, that “a vote for Shilpa is a…
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F-rated: party to support female filmmakers
By Jess McCabe | 4 February 2007, 18:53
If you’re in London on Saturday 17 February, why not drop in at F-rated, an event to support female filmmakers. It’s going down at Rush on Frith Street in Soho, and the music promises to be excellent: Le Tigre,…
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The Trials and Travails Of The Beauty Queen
By Barbara Felix | 4 February 2007, 18:53
Just thought I’d draw your attention to this piece on the guardian, an interesting examination by Kira Cochrane of the world of the beauty pageant and beauty queen, I know ‘Interesting’ might seem like an oxymoron in this context, but…
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It’s not a men’s club anymore: Antarctica
By Jess McCabe | 3 February 2007, 12:39
Antarctica is one of the toughest environments in the world. Allie Barden, better known as Sandwichgirl, has been working - and blogging - on the ice since 2003, when she got a job at the American McMurdo base. In…
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New Articles & Review
By Catherine Redfern | 1 February 2007, 23:33
Fear Factor Claire McGowan explains how well-meaning Government and media campaigns to protect women could be focussing on the wrong issues. Preventing male violence, she argues, can not and should not be solved by women living in a state of…
'Rape might as well be legal'
By Jess McCabe | 1 February 2007, 21:50
So few rapists get put behind bars that it might as well be legal, says Julie Bindel in the Guardian. If a man commits a rape, then he has, on average, a less than 1% chance of being convicted. Those…
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