Gender
Costa Rica just held the first legal same-sex marriage in Central America
In August of 2018, the Supreme Court of Costa Rica ruled that the country’s gay marriage ban was unconstitutional. Now, two years later, Costa Rica has witnessed its first same-sex marriage after the country’s ban on such unions was lifted. That makes Costa Rica the first Central American Read More...
The UK will eliminate “period tax” on menstrual items in 2020
Most developed countries have tax exemptions for “necessity items” such as toilet paper, soap, and other personal care goods. Despite this exemption, women in the UK (and many other countries) still pay a five percent tax on menstrual items such as tampons, sanitary pads, and menstrual cups. Read More...
Has the #MeToo movement gone too far? Weinstein’s case tells us no
The #MeToo movement launched in October 2017. Critics have been outspoken against allegations which some claim has “gone too far,” but this week’s Weinstein sentencing demonstrates the validity and importance of listening to women to achieve equality and safety in the workplace. Weinstein’s Read More...
Facebook’s new board members bring female representation to 40 percent
Facebook’s board became one of the most equitable among S&P 500 companies this week after appointing two new female directors. The addition of Tracey Travis and Nancy Killefer brings the Facebook Inc. board to 40 percent female. Travis is the chief financial officer of Estée Lauder Cos. Read More...
The 1970s invention revolutionized that women’s athletics: the sports bra
In honor of this past weekend’s International Women’s Day, we are sharing a lesser-known story of innovation that revolutionized female athletics. If you wander into the women’s clothing aisle of an athletic store today, you will likely find dozens of varieties of sports bras, in Read More...
Vancouver moves to make all birth control free
In a move to make contraceptive options free for men and women across Vancouver, City Council Member Christine Boyle has proposed a budget amendment that would provide no-cost prescription birth control for women in the city under Canada’s universal healthcare plan. Health centers across Read More...
OPTIMIST VIEW: Rebalancing Act, or the art of being human in 2020
“It occurred to me when I was thirteen and wearing white gloves and Mary Janes and going to dancing school, that no one should have to dance backwards all their lives.” - Jill Ruckelshaus BY KRISTY JANSEN In honor of International Women’s Day, March 8, 2020, I’ve been thinking about Read More...
Seven lessons from the life of Hidden Figures’ Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who made critical contributions to the space program at NASA, became a household name after the famous book, Hidden Figures, and subsequent movie, detailed her work for the space organization. Johnson passed away in February 2020 at the age of Read More...
Yelp will now let users search for women-owned businesses
If you’re looking for anything from the best local cuisine to a great nail salon, Yelp is the place to go. The popular business rating and review platform is making some changes in honor of International Women’s Day on March 8 and will allow users to search specifically for women-owned Read More...
Eco Femme is a leader in promoting menstrual education and sustainability
Unfortunately, even in the 21st century, access to clean, safe, affordable menstrual products is a privilege, not a right, for many women. In India, more than 23 million girls drop out of school due to the absence of toilets and lack of awareness about menstruation and menstrual hygiene management. Read More...