Trans 101

Helen G sets out a glossary of common terms and definitions

Published: 17 March 2008 | Written by Helen G

How to get an activist movement to keep women in prostitution

What use are sex worker groups that give out condoms and showers, but can't help women who want to exit prostitution? Ekis reports from Barcelona on prostitution and the campaign for legalisation

Published: 16 March 2008 | Written by Ekis

How the word 'slut' oppresses women

Ever been called a 'slag'? How about 'frigid'? Jennifer Drew explains how such derogatory language is used to keep women in their place

Published: 31 January 2008 | Written by Jennifer Drew

How not to write your policy on transgender rights

A Home Office policy that should help protect transgender civil servants from discrimination? Great news. But, asks Emma Wood, why does it insist that women and men have different brains?

Published: 5 December 2007 | Written by Emma Wood

Feeling a bit uncomfortable?

Who wants to be told they have an incompetent cervix? Jane Purcell reports from the maternity ward

Published: 4 December 2007 | Written by Jane Purcell

Does 'gender neutral' language serve to cover up male violence?

Gender-neutral language applies to male criminals, but not to their female victims, argues Jennifer Drew

Published: 3 December 2007 | Written by Jennifer Drew

A Bride by Any Other Name

When Eleanor Turner announced that she would not be changing her name after walking down the aisle, and instead her new husband would take on her surname, reactions ranged from shock to annoyance. She considers why breaking with tradition provokes such strong feelings

Published: 2 May 2007 | Written by Eleanor Turner

Men and Children First

Can women ever achieve parity with men when deep seated views of their physical weakness still remain? Ealasaid Gilfillan argues that linking 'women and children' together is a symptom of the sort of ingrained attitudes that must be challenged if women are to move forwards.

Published: 1 February 2007 | Written by Ealasaid Gilfillan

Mind Your Language

'Political Correctness gone mad' is considered the ultimate insult whenever a feminist dares to speak up about language. Sarah Louisa Phythian-Adams isn't scared off though: she argues that we need to question and challenge the words we use now more than ever.

Published: 8 January 2007 | Written by Sarah Louisa Phythian-Adams

War of Words

'Feminism' 'Slut' 'Bitch': all powerful words evoking strong (mostly negative) reactions. Should we reclaim tainted words, or drop them for something less provocative? Kate Townshend discusses this question, and explains why the language we use to define ourselves - and allow others to use to define us - is still important to the feminist cause.

Published: 16 November 2006 | Written by Kate Townshend

Subvert the Dominant Pimpiarchy

How did the abusive, exploitative role of Pimp become the epitome of cool? Rachel Bell comments on this outrageous trend in modern culture.

Published: 8 November 2004 | Written by Rachel Bell

Taboo For Who?

Swearing is becoming more accepted in our society, but many people still consider 'cunt' taboo. Why is this? It's time we got over such silly squeamishness, Kate Allen argues.

Published: 19 October 2003 | Written by Kate Allen

The Name of the Game

Can you be a 'Mrs' and a feminist at the same time? Mrs Angela Everitt explores.

Published: 19 October 2003 | Written by Angela Everitt