Blog posts by Catherine Redfern: 2009
New anarcha feminist kollective - Edinburgh
By Catherine Redfern | 18 October 2009, 09:57
There’s a new anarcha feminist group being set up in Edinburgh! The group want to collaborate with other groups and feminists from around the UK. One of the first actions is a planned ‘femmestruation’ week for 13th-20th February 2010:…
Read 'New anarcha feminist kollective - Edinburgh'
Body Image feminist action in San Francisco
By Catherine Redfern | 4 October 2009, 12:08
From About Face, a San Francisco based organisation that campaigns about body image: Don’t women deserve to feel fantastic when they look in a mirror? Wouldn’t it be lovely to remember that “Confidence is beauty” when you see your reflection?…
Read 'Body Image feminist action in San Francisco'
Ladyfest Edinburgh mini write up
By Catherine Redfern | 29 September 2009, 12:11
Just a quick post to say congratulations to the organisers of Ladyfest Edinburgh which took place over the weekend. I didn’t attend everything, but have a few pics from the things I did attend to share. On Thursday there…
Read 'Ladyfest Edinburgh mini write up'
Ladyfest Edinburgh 25-27 September 2009
By Catherine Redfern | 24 September 2009, 12:13
Just a reminder that Ladyfest Edinburgh is happening over this weekend; you can check out the full programme here. I’m hoping to go to see Sister Spit on friday and spend the Saturday having arty fun. If you’re in…
Read 'Ladyfest Edinburgh 25-27 September 2009'
Public authorities’ handling of rape cases to be reviewed
By Catherine Redfern | 22 September 2009, 12:42
Good news: the Government has announced a review of how rape complaints are handled: Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, Home Secretary Alan Johnson and Solicitor General Vera Baird today announced a review into how rape complaints are handled…
Read 'Public authorities' handling of rape cases to be reviewed'
Pro-Feminist men’s website needs submissions
By Catherine Redfern | 17 September 2009, 16:01
Long standing pro-feminist, anti-sexist men’s website www.xyonline.net has recently been relaunched and is seeking volunteers and submissions. XY is a pro-feminist website. It is guided above all by a commitment to feminism. XY is intended to advance feminist goals of…
Read 'Pro-Feminist men's website needs submissions'
Showing of “This Week: Lesbians”, National Portrait Gallery
By Catherine Redfern | 11 September 2009, 17:13
In London* and looking for something last minute to do tonight? As you may know, The National Gallery is currently showing an exhibition called Gay Icons. Tonight, if you’re looking for something fabulous to do why not go to Iconography…
Read 'Showing of "This Week: Lesbians", National Portrait Gallery'
Lubna Hussein update
By Catherine Redfern | 11 September 2009, 17:08
In our last update, we reported that Lubna Hussein was found guilty of indecency and refused to pay the fine, prefering to go to jail for a month to highlight and protest Article 152 in Sudanese law, which unfairly…
“Women’s groups are heartbroken”
By Catherine Redfern | 27 August 2009, 14:06
The BBC reports that, following mass protests, the president of Mali has decided not to sign the country’s new family law, and will return it to parliament for review. Some of the provisions that have proved controversial give more rights…
Read '"Women's groups are heartbroken"'
Zimbabwe Women Rise Against Sexual Violence
By Catherine Redfern | 26 August 2009, 21:02
From Hear Us - Stand With Us ADD YOUR VOICE - Help us collect 2,000 (or more!) messages of support to be delivered to African leaders at the SADC summit in Kinshasa from September 2-8. In 2008, political violence erupted…
Read 'Zimbabwe Women Rise Against Sexual Violence'
Women’s Refuge TV Licence campaign
By Catherine Redfern | 25 August 2009, 16:41
Did you know that: While luxury hotels and others get a TV licence discount for multiple sets on their premises, refuges providing shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse are charged the full price for each of their licences….
Read 'Women's Refuge TV Licence campaign'
Thoughts on Pink
By Catherine Redfern | 25 August 2009, 12:15
Following on from the evolutionary psychology debate, I wanted to mention this blog post I enjoyed from Vagina Dentata, a really great feminist / science blog in which she discusses the frankly stupid claim that girls liking pink is…
Boris Fails to Keep Promise
By Catherine Redfern | 14 August 2009, 17:20
Boris* Keep Your Promise - a group campaigning for funding of rape crisis centres in London - have released a video response to Boris’s own youtube announcement on 31st July. Boris on youtube: BKYP’s Response: Check out their website for…
Read 'Boris Fails to Keep Promise'
Gimme an B! Gimme a O! Gimme a Y! Wooooo!
By Catherine Redfern | 14 August 2009, 09:57
From the BBC: A group of boys from Leeds have wowed judges at an international cheerleading competition in Coventry. The Peewee Boyz, who are thought to be the only cheerleading boys in Europe, won third prize at the International Cheer…
Read 'Gimme an B! Gimme a O! Gimme a Y! Wooooo! '
Sanitary Towel Appeal for asylum seekers
By Catherine Redfern | 13 August 2009, 11:02
Caroline Glasner of the Jewish Council for Racial Equality writes: I’m now a regular volunteer at the New North London Synagogue monthly drop-in for destitute asylum seekers. The women who attend have fled traumas such as torture, rape, separation from…
Read 'Sanitary Towel Appeal for asylum seekers'
Fourth Plinth rape protest
By Catherine Redfern | 31 July 2009, 11:42
Fawcett Society supporter Jules raised awareness of the rape conviction rate on the Fourth Plinth this morning. See photos here. Photo used with permission….
Read 'Fourth Plinth rape protest'
New Forum for Feminist Parents
By Catherine Redfern | 29 July 2009, 10:05
The creators of the Mothers for Women’s Lib blog have set up a new forum for feminist parents. It’s at http://feministmums.forumotion.com It was created by the same people who bring you the Mothers For Women’s Lib blog … to…
Read 'New Forum for Feminist Parents'
Lancashire Police Rape Campaign targets perpetators, not victims
By Catherine Redfern | 28 July 2009, 12:28
Lancashire Constabulary have begun a campaign to try to reduce instances of rape, called Operation Focus. This includes short DVD which will be played in town centres on large screens as well as posters and bluetooth messages, and a radio…
Read 'Lancashire Police Rape Campaign targets perpetators, not victims'
Ladyfest Edinburgh 25-27 September 2009
By Catherine Redfern | 26 July 2009, 14:47
Ladyfest Edinburgh is taking place on 25-27th September this year. For details, check out the following websites: http://www.myspace.com/ladyfestedinburgh http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7816432651 http://www.ladyfestedinburgh.com/ [not updated with new dates as yet] From the myspace page: 25th - 27th September 2009 Ladyfest Edinburgh is…
Read 'Ladyfest Edinburgh 25-27 September 2009'
Because I am a Girl - Campaign
By Catherine Redfern | 24 July 2009, 12:28
A new campaign has been launched by the charity Plan UK called Because I am a Girl. Girls around the world are getting a raw deal. In some countries, a girl is seen as a burden and female babies are…
Read 'Because I am a Girl - Campaign'
Miss England protest, London
By Catherine Redfern | 24 July 2009, 10:32
Reports on Monday evening’s protest against the Miss England beauty pageant are now up at Mind the Gap: London Student Feminists and Soloman’s Mindfield. Many people stopped to talk and join in. Got some really good contacts from young…
Read 'Miss England protest, London'
New refuge for domestic abuse victims in Glasgow
By Catherine Redfern | 24 July 2009, 09:49
From (the excellent) Womensgrid news blog: The £1.8m purpose built facility, run by Drumchapel Women’s Aid, offers secure accommodation for up to eight women and sixteen children at any one time. The facility is part of the Scottish government’s £10m…
Read 'New refuge for domestic abuse victims in Glasgow'
Tango & Casual Sexism - Eh?
By Catherine Redfern | 7 July 2009, 12:07
Oh, hurrah! It’s another ‘ironic’ sexism advert!* Is it? Seriously, does anyone have a clue what this is supposed to mean? (More of the same ads here). I can’t decide if I should be in favour of this or…
Read 'Tango & Casual Sexism - Eh?'
New Women’s History Magazine - HerStoria
By Catherine Redfern | 30 June 2009, 15:35
Whilst in Liverpool recently I stumbled across the amazing shop News From Nowhere which if you don’t know is a fabulous, not for profit, radical and community bookshop, and also a worker’s cooperative. Anyway, whilst browsing this wonderful treasure trove,…
Read 'New Women's History Magazine - HerStoria'
Our best wishes to Dr Katherine Rake, Fawcett Society
By Catherine Redfern | 10 June 2009, 12:21
Dr Katherine Rake is to leave her post as Director of the Fawcett Society after seven years. The Society is now advertising for a new Chief Executive. Rake has achieved so much in the time she’s been at Fawcett, including…
Read 'Our best wishes to Dr Katherine Rake, Fawcett Society'
Anarchist Feminists speak out
By Catherine Redfern | 9 June 2009, 12:14
Anarchist feminists from No Pretence have created a short film and accompanying statement about sexism within the anarchist movement. (Via smash miss contest)…
Read 'Anarchist Feminists speak out'
Images of powerful women v powerful men
By Catherine Redfern | 17 May 2009, 17:07
Last weekend the Observer ran an interview with Caroline Flint MP, and illustrated it with this image: The Guardian website has further images of her modelling some ‘high street fashions’, to showcase ‘credit crunch chic’. I raise this not to…
Read 'Images of powerful women v powerful men'
Being Human - Mini Review
By Catherine Redfern | 11 April 2009, 11:03
I have tried to avoid major spoilers in this post, but feel free to let rip in the comments. I recently finished watching Being Human, BBC Three’s drama about a vampire, a werewolf and a ghost in a flat share,…
Read 'Being Human - Mini Review'
Ever wondered about the UK feminist community?
By Catherine Redfern | 6 April 2009, 20:08
I have. For example: What issues concern today’s feminists? What do they think about the feminist movement today? How old are they? Who inspires them, what actions do they take part in, and how did they end up calling…
Read 'Ever wondered about the UK feminist community?'
Abortion Rights in Northern Ireland - Take Action!
By Catherine Redfern | 8 March 2009, 12:38
Abortion Rights is encouraging everyone to lobby their MP to support Diane Abbott’s Early Day Motion No. 625: That this House supports safe, legal abortion for women, within existing time limits, no matter where they live in the United Kingdom;…
Read 'Abortion Rights in Northern Ireland - Take Action!'
Star Trekking
By Catherine Redfern | 22 February 2009, 22:05
After watching the trailer for new Star Trek movie, my partner commented: “There’s no women in that trailer apart from a woman taking her top off.” Good point. Whilst I enjoyed pondering what the Kirk/Spock slash fanfiction writers might make…
“The Ghastly Feminist Lobby”
By Catherine Redfern | 31 January 2009, 13:18
Some of you will know that until 1991, rape wthin marriage was not a crime in England and Wales (in Scotland, it was already outlawed). The reason I mention this is that whilst doing some research I stumbled upon the…
Read '"The Ghastly Feminist Lobby"'
Perfume advertised by image of dying woman?
By Catherine Redfern | 18 January 2009, 16:50
As if you needed any more proof that images of violence against women are presented as sexy, I just read about a new perfume for women called Wode, in the Indpendent on Sunday. It’s getting attention because it turns the…
Read 'Perfume advertised by image of dying woman?'
When Will We Ever Be Good Enough - and Should We Stop Caring?
By Catherine Redfern | 18 January 2009, 13:00
Yesterday I was at the Fabian Society’s new year conference, taking part in a panel on feminism with our own (and the Fawcett Society’s) zohra moosa, Johann Hari, Zoe Williams and Patricia Hewitt. The panel was entitled “The next feminism:…
Read 'When Will We Ever Be Good Enough - and Should We Stop Caring?'
Erotica Cover Watch
By Catherine Redfern | 10 January 2009, 16:01
Erotica Cover Watch [NOT SAFE FOR WORK!] is a blog by two erotica authors who asked the question “why only women on the cover of erotic books, not men?” As two erotica writers we’re very interested in how our product…
Prostitution Exit Programmes?
By Catherine Redfern | 10 January 2009, 13:26
It seems to me that despite all the debates about the pros and cons of proposed new prositution laws, the one thing that I’d imagine everyone can agree on is that we need more exit programmes, i.e. offering support for…
Feeds