Blog posts from February 2012
Do H&M deserve a boycott?
by Guest Blogger // 27 February 2012, 20:15
A guest post by Elin Weiss & Hennie Weiss about the misrepresentation of women in the fashion industry.
New review: Sylvia's Lovers
by Iman Qureshi // 27 February 2012, 14:12
LucindaE rereads Elizabeth Gaskell's Sylvia's Lovers not as a sentimental love story, but rather, a merciless tale of flawed love and thwarted ambition Elizabeth Gaskell's Sylvia's Lovers begins in a lively, upbeat tone; its first volume is undoubtedly delightful...
Weekly round-up - Monday 27th February 2012
by Carrie Dunn // 27 February 2012, 11:19
Greetings! Here's this week's batch of links we noticed or had brought to our attention but didn't blog about. As always, don't shoot the messenger - linking here doesn't necessarily mean endorsement. And feel free to post more links or...
New feature: Hot pants or hot air?
by Jess McCabe // 26 February 2012, 19:50
Are we being manipulated into a faux moral panic over the 'sexualisation' of young girls? That's the question that Ruth Whippman poses today. She talks about her experiences as a TV researcher - basically the fixer of the TV...
Since when are associations to slavery sexy and fun?
by Guest Blogger // 25 February 2012, 15:48
A guest post by Elin Weiss & Hennie Weiss about a recent advertising campaign in Denmark.
Are you a neighbour from hell? You might be surprised.
by Philippa Willitts // 25 February 2012, 14:20
Philippa writes about a speech in which Prime Minister David Cameron bemoans poverty as a cause of societal problems. She suspects it may be the other way round.
The Twilighting of Near Dark
by Jess McCabe // 25 February 2012, 12:51
If you are a vampire movie fan you've probably watched Near Dark. The film was Kathryn Bigelow's first as a director. Because the studio didn't trust her, "the film's producer, Edward S. Feldman told her that if she couldn't handle...
In praise of tampons
by Harriet S H // 24 February 2012, 20:15
I'm just going to put this out there: I reckon tampons are almost as essential to female freedom and equality as birth control. It's not something that we like to talk about very much. In fact, just typing the...
The UK asylum system still isn't gender sensitive
by Guest Blogger // 24 February 2012, 16:46
Christel Querton, Legal Policy Officer for the Women's Project at charity Asylum Aid, highlights the experiences of women in the UK asylum system and calls on the government to do more.
New review: Wild Flag at The Electric Ballroom
by Holly Combe // 23 February 2012, 22:10
Wild Flag had a busy start to this year, continuing their UK tour, then heading to Paris, Cologne, Amsterdam, Hamburg and Berlin. They're currently taking a break from the tour before they pick things up again in Perth, Australia...
Update: Paddy Power transphobic ad no longer to be screened
by Helen G // 23 February 2012, 16:39
A transphobic advert is no longer to be broadcast, but are there further implications for trans* and cis women attending the event?
Sex-selective abortion and the right to choose
by Laura // 23 February 2012, 15:14
In light of an investigation by the Daily Telegraph, Laura considers the pro-choice position on sex-selective abortion.
New review: Persepolis, by Laura Sneddon
by MarinaS // 23 February 2012, 13:21
Laura Sneddon't brilliant review of Marjane Satrapi's provocative graphic novel hits the right balance between perspective and empathy
Workfare: yet more contempt from the government of the wealthy
by Laura // 23 February 2012, 10:48
Public anger over the government's workfare schemes has kicked off this week following the widespread online circulation of adverts for "jobs" in Tesco paying only travel expenses and JSA. Laura argues that feminists need to join the fight.
What? You don't wet wipe?
by Guest Blogger // 23 February 2012, 09:19
Ciara O'Connor takes on the latest hygiene product marketed at women: Washlets.
Those who think VAW is a joke will never take it seriously - unless they are made to pay
by Jane Fae // 22 February 2012, 22:30
A guest post from Jane Fae picking up on the Paddy Power story that Helen G blogged about on Sunday
Ask A Feminist #6: A question of nuance
by Laura // 22 February 2012, 16:43
This week's Ask A Feminist tries to reconcile two potentially conflicting feminist beliefs relating to women's dress and speech.
Is it any surprise?
by Philippa Willitts // 21 February 2012, 17:48
Philippa ties together three stories about rape culture that she was made aware of today.
New review: ¿Which Side Are You On?
by Holly Combe // 20 February 2012, 22:05
If you like folk or indie music but don't happen to know the work of feminist icon Ani DiFranco yet, you're in for a journey of discovery. The singer has released a total of 17 studio albums over the...
February's playlist... a post-Valentines Day affair...
by Cazz Blase // 20 February 2012, 18:00
The theme of this months playlist is love, romance, relationships... and the good, the bad, and the ugly of them. (For the sharemyplaylists link, click here...) Think of this months playlist as a more thoughtful and complex response to...
My experience of slimming clubs
by Guest Blogger // 20 February 2012, 17:55
A guest post from Saranga in response to Chrissy D's piece from yesterday
Gay marriage is really very scary
by Philippa Willitts // 20 February 2012, 12:46
Philippa writes about the Coalition for Marriage, who feel very strongly that allowing gay people to marry would be dreadful. She disagrees.
Weekly round-up and open thread, 20 February 2012
by Helen G // 20 February 2012, 08:00
This week's open thread for discussion and our regular round-up of some of the articles and blogs we've noticed over the last week or so, but not had time to post about.
Transphobia is not an acceptable marketing device
by Helen G // 19 February 2012, 19:47
In which an online betting company's advert ticks most of the boxes on Helen's "transphobic bingo" card.
In defence of Susie Orbach
by Guest Blogger // 19 February 2012, 16:50
Chrissy D considers why some reactions to Susie Orbach's take on slimming clubs are misguided and outlines her own objections to the ethics of them
New review: Barbara Hammer at Tate Modern
by Ania Ostrowska // 19 February 2012, 16:35
"It's pretty hard not to fall in love with Barbara Hammer," says Sophie Mayer in her review of Hammer's retrospective in Tate Modern, ending 26 February. I think many of those who attended any of 15 film programmes screened...
Further details announced for Southbank Centre's WOW - Women of the World Festival
by Helen G // 18 February 2012, 13:11
Katy B, Annie Lennox, Jess Mills and Emeli Sandé are amongst those confirmed for the annual Women of the World Festival at London's Southbank Centre to promote, recognise and celebrate women.
Forced sterilisation of TS/TG and gender variant people in Sweden will be stopped
by Helen G // 18 February 2012, 09:47
The Swedish government changes its mind on keeping the requirement for sterilisation as a condition of legal change of gender.
Shocked headline as fat disabled woman has fun
by Philippa Willitts // 17 February 2012, 16:13
Philippa writes about the Daily Telegraph's sensationalised and humiliating coverage of a woman's appeal to have her social care reinstated.
Hearing, Connecting, Building - a Feminist Day School
by Charlene Moore // 16 February 2012, 19:25
Scottish Women's Aid - along with students and activists - will be hosting a feminist day school, Hearing, Connecting, Building, at Edinburgh University on the 17th of March. This event is part of Scottish Women's Aid community campaign, Together We...
New review: Think: Straight Talk for Women to Stay Smart in a Dumbed-Down World
by Charlene Moore // 15 February 2012, 22:29
In her first book, Lisa Bloom urges women to disengage their minds from gossip and celebrity trivia and focus on more consequential topics instead. Leonie Taylor reviews this social-critique-cum-recipe-book, which appeals for women to spend more time considering sex trafficking...
Turkey: Another victim in the undeclared war on transgender women
by Helen G // 15 February 2012, 14:58
Melda Yuksel is murdered in Turkey, the latest victim in an undeclared war against transgender women.
The Lost World of the Suffragettes
by Helen G // 14 February 2012, 22:04
Radio 4's recent "Archive on 4" strand presented an absorbing documentary which examined archive recordings of interviews with suffragettes
Music paste up: Punk women in Manchester, Riot Grrrl in Russia, and Bradford 1 in 12 club under threat
by Cazz Blase // 13 February 2012, 23:00
Those of you who read and enjoyed the Punk Women series may have been wondering about what some or all of the women I interviewed for it have been up to lately, well... two of them (Helen McCookerybook and...
Weekly round-up and open thread, 7 - 13 February 2012
by zohra moosa // 13 February 2012, 00:19
Hi everyone Here's this week's round-up of some of the bits around the internet we haven't had a chance to blog about. As always, we'd love to hear about other interesting reading we missed - just add the links...
Most awarded female artist of all time, Whitney Houston, dies aged just 48
by Holly Combe // 12 February 2012, 18:27
Today, the entertainment industry and fans all over the world were reacting to the loss of Whitney Houston. With a tally of over 400 awards and a career spanning nearly 35 years, Houston was also an actress, model, film producer, record producer and songwriter...
The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls touring UK cinemas
by Guest Blogger // 12 February 2012, 12:35
This is a guest post by Madeleine Hodge from November Films. She has written reviews for RealTime Arts, Un Magazine and Senses of Cinema in Australia and Punctum Magazine in the UK. The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls (directed by Leanne...
Speech Debelle take 2: London rapper returns with new album Freedom of Speech
by Cazz Blase // 10 February 2012, 21:22
Back in the summer of 2009, there was much excitement when an unprecedented six women were nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. While much of the attention focused on previous nominee Bat For Lashes, and bookies choices and newcomers...
Newsflash!
by Laura // 10 February 2012, 14:59
Women held back from paid work as too busy cleaning!
Ask A Feminist #5: Victims of society?
by Laura // 9 February 2012, 13:00
This week's Ask A Feminist considers how we can argue that culture and society affect women without painting them as unthinking victims.
The manic pixie dreamgirl grows up
by Mathilda Gregory // 9 February 2012, 11:25
Hit US sitcom New Girl arrived on British TV screens in January. The 'girl' is freshly heartbroken Jess (Zooey Deschanel), who finds herself sharing a house with three men. Emily Kenway and Kaite Welsh watched the first episode, to see...
An experience of crossing the gender divide: personal comfort before real difference
by Jane Fae // 8 February 2012, 20:19
A guest blog post from Jane Fae on a topic she wanted to cover during her guest blogging stint (back in September) but found hard to tackle until now
New review: 9 Bob Note
by Ania Ostrowska // 8 February 2012, 18:31
The London borough of Lambeth, 21st century. A drag queen in full attire and a woman in burka get stuck in a lift together... A cheap trick, you say? Perhaps watching Faryal Velmi's funny and pointed short film What You...
Bristol Feminist Network on closure of Hooters Bristol
by Helen G // 8 February 2012, 10:45
Bristol Feminist Network's statement on the closure of the Bristol branch of Hooters
Music paste up: A little bit noir, a little bit Henry James, a little bit old school glamour
by Cazz Blase // 7 February 2012, 22:51
Those whose interest was piqued by Kaite Welsh's recent review of the new Laura Gibson album, Le Grande may be interested in Laura's new video for the album's title track. Directed by Alicia J. Rose, the video is inspired...
V-day
by Jess McCabe // 7 February 2012, 22:47
Want to cut through the commercial crap of Valentine's Day, but still do something a bit romantic? Rather than getting your loved one a card, flowers or a stuffed toy, you might want to consider one of these virtual romantic...
"I didn't have a childhood at all..."
by Philippa Willitts // 7 February 2012, 11:39
A guest post by CRASAC, the story of a woman they have supported, which highlights the damage caused by child abuse, and the importance of seeking help.
Weekly round up
by Lynne Miles // 6 February 2012, 20:36
Hola feministas, happy Monday! As always, a post to pull together this week's links and bits and bobs. Feel free to use the comments as an open thread for discussion, or tell us of anything else we missed. As...
Unilad: an entire culture summed up in one hideous website
by Guest Blogger // 5 February 2012, 18:49
A guest post by Sarah McAlpine about rape apologism on the Unilad website, and in our culture as a whole.
New feature: No access to the women's room
by Jess McCabe // 5 February 2012, 16:10
"My clothes-shopping nightmares epitomise the way that, as a disabled woman, I am often treated as though I have no gender," writes DH Kelly, whose new feature for The F-Word looks at how clothes shops often fail to cater to...
Go Feminist
by Jess McCabe // 5 February 2012, 12:28
Conway Hall was once again crammed with feminists yesterday. People came from all over the country for Go Feminist. When the organisers wrote for The F-Word about this conference, a few weeks ago, they explained the motivation like this:...
When is an affair not an affair? (Trigger warning)
by Philippa Willitts // 3 February 2012, 19:46
Philippa writes about the Daily Mail's reporting of a case of child rape.
How to be a woman: teen anorexia and the female form
by Harriet S H // 2 February 2012, 16:48
Warning: this post discusses eating disorders and talks about experiences which some readers may find upsetting "During the past decade, women breached the power structure; meanwhile, eating disorders rose exponentially and cosmetic surgery became the fastest growing medical speciality....
Ask A Feminist #4: Does my sex life let the side down?
by Laura // 2 February 2012, 12:51
A reader who felt alienated by some of the comments left under Nat's recent post asks whether practising BDSM is incompatible with feminism.
New review: You'll catch your death in that
by Mathilda Gregory // 2 February 2012, 11:15
Hugely successful gaming giant World of Warcraft has introduced a new package that allows even more customisation of player's avatars: including choosing skimpier outfits for female characters. Teri Shelly wonders what it means if she wants her avatar to wear...
Canada: Changes to identity screening requirements
by Helen G // 1 February 2012, 14:54
Last July, the Governor General of Canada made changes to the Aeronautics Act, (note: these changes were not subject to the Parliamentary process) which have the potential to adversely affect several groups of people. The specific clause which is of...
Join me on the Bridge 2012
by Guest Blogger // 1 February 2012, 12:22
This is a guest post by Sarah O'Malley Throughout the world hundreds of thousands of women are living with the physical and emotional scars inflicted by war. Join me on the Bridge is a chance for people to stand...
Welcome to February's guest bloggers
by Lynne Miles // 1 February 2012, 00:01
Please welcome our brand new guest bloggers for February, Harriet S H and Breish Rowe. Harriet S H is the founder and Chair of YouFem, a youth feminist group based in London that seeks to keep young women's issues...
Founder of The F-Word, Catherine Redfern, has co-authored a new book with Kristin Aune. Find out more at the 
