16 December 2006

New Articles

Dreaming of a Pink Christmas As Christmas approaches, the children’s toy industry goes into overdrive. Rosalyn Ball looks at how girls and boys toys are still unbelievably segregated along strict gender lines. Gifts for Her It’s not only children’s gifts… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 16 December 2006

Feminists comment on Ipswich

Mind the Gap have collected a summary of feminist bloggers’ comment on the Ipswich murders. One of the best is by Literary Hoax, echoing what a lot of other people are thinking about this whole horrible thing and asking why… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 16 December 2006

Reclaim The Night Ipswich - update

The organisers have circulated the following additional message (please email The F Word if there are any further updates and we will keep you posted): “We’ve had an amazing response the last couple of days from all over the country,… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 16 December 2006

14 December 2006

Rape Convictions petition

Petition to ask the Prime Minister to Support victims of rape and sexual violence by ensuring more rapists are convicted. The petition reads: ‘We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Support victims of rape and sexual violence by ensuring… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 14 December 2006

**IPSWICH RECLAIM THE NIGHT - 29TH DECEMBER**

We have received the following message - please forward widely and urgently. Message begins: Friends, After the bodies of 5 sex workers were found murdered within 10 days of each other and the police advising women to stay at home… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 14 December 2006

12 December 2006

The New Breastfeeding Taboo.

The New Breastfeeding Taboo Removing the stigma around breastfeeding has rightly been a worthwhile feminist cause. However, as Cathryn Dagger explains, a dogmatic inflexible view on this issue can lead to a “holier than thou” attitude in which women… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 12 December 2006

11 December 2006

Fairy Tales are Grimm

Fairy Tales are Grimm Ugly sisters? Evil step-mothers? Prince charming and happy ever after? Dina Jose argues that traditional fairy tales can cause more harm than good, and suggests we need to tell children fun, inspiring stories instead that teach… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 11 December 2006

November comments published

Feedback, comments and discussions about past articles and reviews received during November have now been published…. Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 11 December 2006

Demo against rape

There is a report on a protest / demonstration against rape in Manchester City Centre up on the Feminism Up North blog. See part 1 and part 2 for photos and information. The group is also responsible for organising a… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 11 December 2006

10 December 2006

Two book reviews

Trickster’s Choice / Trickster’s Queen - Tamora Pierce Cazz Blase introduces Tamora Pierce’s latest fantasy series for young adults, which feature strong heroines and touch on issues of colonialism and race. Like Mother, Like Daughter? Clare Burgess reviews this collection… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 10 December 2006

28 November 2006

October comments published

Comments received during October have been published. There were loads!… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 28 November 2006

26 November 2006

c.1000 women Reclaim the Night in central London

This year’s Reclaim the Night march was a huge success, attracting an estimated 1000 women to central London to protest against sexual violence. It’s a massive achievement in itself that the march has grown so fast since the first… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 26 November 2006

19 November 2006

Comments August & September

Readers’ comments from August and September have been published…. Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 19 November 2006

27th Carnival of Feminists

The 27th Carnival of Feminists is up now. Still as brilliant as ever - still a genius idea - still proving feminism is alive and kicking. Yay!… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 19 November 2006

Fiver received with thanks!

A very belated thanks to Natasha of Feminish, who a few months ago sent me a fiver for The F Word in order to prove the point about putting your money where your mouth is when it comes to supporting… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 19 November 2006

Regender

For a laugh, I just ran www.thefword.org.uk though regender.com, a website translation programme that automatically identifies all gendered words in any webpage and swaps them round. So, “men” become “women” and vice-versa. It’s a trip into a freaky parallel universe… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 19 November 2006

18 November 2006

Review of 'Backlash' Event, London

‘Backlash: The Hidden War on Women in the UK’ - 1st Nov 2006, London Glencora Bailey reports on a thought-provoking film and speaker event organised by the Women’s Resource Centre, in November in London…. Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 18 November 2006

17 November 2006

New Articles & Review

The Food of Love? When a man insists on paying for all your meals, what’s the real motive? Claire McGowan examines why she fights for the right to pay her own way. War of Words “Feminism”; “Slut”; “Bitch”: all powerful… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 17 November 2006

10 October 2006

PRO-CHOICE WEEK OF ACTION: 23 \x96 29 October 2006

The following info was received from Abortion Rights. —— PRO-CHOICE WEEK OF ACTION: 23 \x96 29 October 2006 It\x92s time the pro-choice majority was heard! Abortion Rights is launching a national \x91pro-choice week of action\x92 to raise awareness and encourage… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 10 October 2006

Why Not Feminism?

Why Not Feminism? Emma Cosh suggests some reasons why young women shy away from feminism, despite supporting and believing in equality. Feminism today, she argues, involves not just changing the law, but changing the very way we think and… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 10 October 2006

2 October 2006

Uncovering The Internet Art Revolution

Uncovering The Internet Art Revolution It’s free, fantastic, and you don’t even have to leave your own home! Whilst some campaigners focus on getting more female artists into mainstream galleries and museums, Sarah Parry encourages us to open up… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 2 October 2006

1 October 2006

Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence You’re female, successful, single, and prefer your life that way. So why are you still seen as an object of pity? Abby O’Reilly argues that women are still put under immense pressure by friends, family, and… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 1 October 2006

26 September 2006

Kerrang Magazine

Paper Dolls: Searching for Women within Kerrang Magazine Collette explains how Kerrang magazine lets down female rock fans. Analysing a recent issue, she looks at how rarely female artists are seriously covered, and finds that even when women are included… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 26 September 2006

20 September 2006

Women's health special

The 23rd Carnival of Feminists is up with a special looking at women’s health issues. Plenty of incredible feminist writing to keep you occupied for several days. In a similar vein, I received information about an interesting sounding new site,… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 20 September 2006

19 September 2006

New Article & Review

Women Are Not In Fashion This season’s must-have fashion choices include the pre-pubescent child or the porn star; both one-dimensional images of female passivity and compliance. Where is the space for real, complex women in our culture and in fashion?… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 19 September 2006

Interesting stuff round up

Some interesting stuff I’ve been looking at lately…. “Lad mags would be moved to the top shelf if they featured men in similar poses” claim the creators of http://ladsmags.blogspot.com/, who set out to prove their point in a rather hilarious… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 19 September 2006

11 September 2006

Ladyfest Newcastle - 22-24 Sept

If you’ve never attended a Ladyfest, you’re really missing out on modern feminist culture today; the events are always fun, vibrant, creative, passionate, and inspiring. So if you’re in the North East, you’re in for a real treat because Ladyfest… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 11 September 2006

13 August 2006

New Reviews

Subtext Magazine Subtext is a new British feminist magazine coming out of the feminist blogging community. Catherine Redfern gives the low-down on its style and substance. X-Men: The Last Stand Shelley Rees argues that the final film in the X-Men… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 13 August 2006

July's comments published

Comments on articles and reviews received during July have now been published. We are now up to date with the comments. Hooray!… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 13 August 2006

6 August 2006

June comments published

Comments received during June have been published (wipes brow). The links I previously posted needed amending, so here’s the correct links: June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 6 August 2006

5 August 2006

May's comments published

Comments received during May have now been published…. Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 5 August 2006

More comments published

Comments received in April have now been published…. Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 5 August 2006

2 August 2006

Comments published

Comments on F word articles and reviews received during March have now been published, and they are as interesting, thought-provoking and infuriating as usual. Check ‘em out. (I know, I know. I’m ridiculously way behind on publishing your comments but… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 2 August 2006

24 July 2006

Couple more new articles

World Cup WAGs Sarah Louisa Phythian-Adams argues that the irrational focus on the “Wives and Girlfriends” of footballers during the World Cup demonstrates a wider dismissal of women’s sporting prowess and of women’s role in society in general. Sexual… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 24 July 2006

New articles / reviews

I published these a couple of weeks ago but haven’t had chance to post about them here: Don’t cha wish pop was more empowering? As more and more female music artists such as Beyonc\xE9 and The Pussycat Dolls declare themselves… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 24 July 2006

2 July 2006

Break the silence on abortion

“Speak out” event in support of abortion rights. Join Abortion Rights, the national pro-choice campaign, at a ‘Speak Out’ on 6 July 2006. Who: All pro-choice supporters welcome (places limited - RSVP to info@abortionrights.org.uk) When: Thursday, 6 July 7 -… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 2 July 2006

1 July 2006

Double standards

Was listening to the Today programme yesterday and there were a couple of people (possibly MPs, I can’t remember) arguing that junk food ads should be banned until after the watershed, so as to avoid contributing to the damage to… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 1 July 2006

Blogging

Whilst it was amazingly flattering to be described as a “leading British feminist” in the Guardian’s article on women blogging, it does feel a little bit ridiculous really. And as well deserved as the praise was for all the contributors… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 1 July 2006

5 June 2006

Ladyfest Cardiff 29 June \x96 2 July 2006

Check out the Ladyfest Cardiff website for details of the upcoming festival. Whilst we’re at it, happy birthday to Mind the Gap, the inspirational Cardiff based feminist group, who are two years old as they explain on their fantastic blog…. Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 5 June 2006

New reviews

Strangeland Alexandra Kokoli reviews Tracey Emin’s Strangeland, which contains autobiographical writings touching on rape, abortion and marginalization. The Politics of the Tampon Case Jess McCabe talks to creators and manufacturers about the politics of the tampon case and whether the… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 5 June 2006

29 May 2006

New Features and Reviews

Features Real Female Heroines As FHM publishes its ‘100 sexiest women’ list, Maxine Frances goes for an antidote and pays tribute to her own female idols, whilst pondering the effect female heroines can have in inspiring young women and… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 29 May 2006

Ladyfest Newcastle - competition

Ladyfest Newcastle, the music and arts festival taking place in September, is looking for imaginative, creative designs to use on official festival t shirts. Anyone can enter, regardless of age or gender, and the winners will receive free festival tickets… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 29 May 2006

7 May 2006

Andrea Dworkin Conference

Recordings from the Andrea Dworkin Conference held at The Centre for the Study of Social Justice on Friday, 7 April 2006 have been placed online in .mp3 format. Blogger V from another radical feminist has organised for the recordings to… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 7 May 2006

1 May 2006

Ladyfest Newcastle 2006

Please fee free to publicise / pass on the following notice: ——- LADYFEST NEWCASTLE 2006 Ladyfest Newcastle will be 2 whole days and nights of incredible music, art, photography, spoken word poetry, performance art and workshops - all taking place… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 1 May 2006

12 April 2006

Catharine MacKinnon

Stuart Jeffries interviews Catharine MacKinnon in the Guardian today, about her new book, Are Women Human? It’s a fascinating and thought-provoking interview. On rape: “The assumption is that women can be unequal to men economically, socially, culturally, politically, and in… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 12 April 2006

8 April 2006

New Articles

Keeping It Real Leonie Brooke examines how attitudes to menstruation still limit women’s choices and prevent us from discovering the different options available. She discusses how simply talking about the issues can break down taboos and lead to more freedom… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 8 April 2006

4 April 2006

New Articles

Two new articles have been published on the site, with more to come over the next few weeks, including many more comments from readers. Reasons to be Cheerful It’s usually considered that when feminism engages with state institutions, it loses… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 4 April 2006

28 March 2006

Raunch 0, Blog 1

Feminists who were enraged by Kate Taylor’s recent Guardian comment piece defending “raunch culture” (which referenced Rachel Bell’s article on this site, and which fellow F Word blogger Holly commented on earlier), might like to pop over to Laurelin in… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 28 March 2006

New London Feminist Culture Magazine

Vagina Magazine is a London based “feminist culture magazine” which intends to publish it’s first issue in June, and is looking for contributors and interested people to help out. “The vast majority of popular culture is all a bit shite,… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 28 March 2006

'Protest Now' Group Formed

Blogger and F Word contributor Laura has set up a Yahoo Group, “designed to bring together women who wish to organise protests and direct action to make our voices heard and speak out against society’s acceptance of rape and male… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 28 March 2006

Comments on articles

F Word readers may be vaguely interested to know that I have just uploaded comments received on articles during January 2006 (gradually working my way through the backlog…!). To read them, click on the comments link at the top of… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 28 March 2006

4 March 2006

We Are Five Years Old!

Yep, it was five years ago that The F Word first went online, can you believe it? It’s been lots of fun and I hope that the site has been able to contribute in some way to feminism in the… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 4 March 2006

28 February 2006

Abortion Stories

A chance to help influence the abortion debate for the better, from Abortion Rights: “Marie Claire magazine is running a big feature on women\x92s experience of abortion and need women to contribute. The story is a re-run of a feature… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 28 February 2006

6 February 2006

Pink: The new Sheila Jeffreys?

Pink’s new song, “Stupid Girls”, takes on the celebrity, porn-influenced current culture of pop and some of the women who perpetuate it, branding them “stupid” and encouraging girls to aspire to more. “What happened to the dreams of a girl… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 6 February 2006

9 January 2006

Sexism influences country's population

The BBC reports that sexism has caused the loss of “10m female births in India” in the past 20 years. “Researchers in India and Canada for the Lancet journal said prenatal selection and selective abortion was causing the loss of… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 9 January 2006

5 January 2006

Ladyfest Cardiff 2006

Planning is now going ahead for Ladyfest Cardiff in 2006, and the ladies are hoping to hear from volunteers to help organise it and people willing to perform. If Mind the Gap is anything to go by, Cardiff is the… Read more...

Posted by Catherine Redfern at 5 January 2006