Justice for LaVena
Posted By Brooke Shelby Biggs on 2008-08-01 14:39:04
Topic :Women
It is outrageous that the United States Army is covering up the rape and murder of one of its own soldiers. LaVena Johnson 's bruised, beaten, and partially burned body was found on her own military base, and the Army is calling it suicide. We say, for shame.
Fiercely Green Mummies!
Posted By Brooke Shelby Biggs on 2008-05-15 11:05:15
Topic :Women
Anita's friend, Independent editor Rosie Boycott, got tired of being made to feel guilty about plastic bags at the market. Sure, individual choices make a difference, but real change on the issue of climate change should not fall entirely on the shoulders of working-class families, she thought. With two other women, she founded WeCAN, a group of "yummy mummies" with the goal of pressuring the real villains of global warming – governments and corporations – to take their share of responsibility.
International Women's Day 2007
Posted By Anita Roddick on 2007-03-08 00:40:13
Topic :Women
Today, Thursday 8th March, is International Women's Day, and we in industrialised nations generally let it pass without a thought. But I believe it is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary women in the places we too often ignore and neglect. Take, for example, Abay, a courageous 28-year-old Sudanese woman of the Afar tribe who against all odds has transformed her beseiged community, where women are expected to do all the work: carry water, care for children, cultivate the land, and even build their family's homes, but had no say in their communities' political affairs. Before age 12, most of the young girls in Abay's tribe have been subject to ceremonial clitorectomies. In 1985, Abay, only 8 years old, refused.
Celebrating Women
Posted By Anita Roddick on 2006-08-31 01:21:21
Topic :Women
A few weeks back I attended The Body Shop at Home Conference in Louisville Kentucky. Over 1,000 women from all corners of the US arrived with such fire in their bellies - overshadowing anything I have ever experienced in the business world. These women understand there is no real freedom without economic freedom. They have decided they want to own their own business, work when they want to, balance life/family/work, be in charge of their destiny and have fun. During this all-singing, all-dancing gathering you meet women that make your heart beat faster. Women who have come through adversity, women who put their head above the parapet and challenge the status quo and women who quietly get on with their life, affecting through their fierce kindness and generosity all that walk past them. Jonelle, who wasn’t a consultant but a store manage from MacArthur Center in Norfolk, VA brought in to help with the organisation of the event, slipped me this letter. She has given me permission to share it on - it stilled me.
You Gotta Love Oprah
Posted By Anita Roddick on 2006-07-12 18:33:55
Topic :Women
I have a grandson called Atticus Finch. He will have no better hero in life than his namesake. Some time back I was looking for a present for his mother, my eldest daughter Justine and there was no better gift than a first edition copy of Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. That book changed her thinking and I hope it will do the same for Atticus. As a friend, who sent me this article, said ...”You gotta love Oprah even when you don’t!”
Unseen, Unspoken, Unheard
Posted By Anita Roddick on 2006-06-01 00:38:21
Topic :Women
I’ve recently spent some time with SERICC (South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre). Our present government should hang its head in shame in the way it sidelines the issue of violence against women – specifically sexual violence, how it fails to encourage any meaningful political debate on this subject and that it continues to under fund these Rape Crisis Centres. Even after spending just a couple of hours with SERICC I was seething. I asked them to write me a few words about what really pissed them off, and below are their very valid points.
Women Living With HIV/AIDS
Posted By Anita Roddick on 2006-02-01 05:30:55
Topic :Women
I’ve recently read a very emotional and thought provoking article in the Guardian by Alice Welbourn from ICW (International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS). It made me realise how rarely we get to hear or read from women living with HIV, yet we know so little about HIV. We all need to change our perspective and listen to these incredible women. ICW members have so many stories to tell, if only we would listen!
Hooray for Realism in Beauty
Posted By Anita Roddick on 2005-08-22 17:12:06
Topic :Women
Perhaps Dove is just cashing in on a phenomenon, or maybe reacting to a backlash against unrealistic and damaging standards of beauty. But even if this is the case, you have to admire their Campaign for Real Beauty. It's about time the United States has a beauty campaign featuring real women with real curves and imperfections. I especially like the way they've engaged young women and girls in the campaign.
Smart Justice for Women
Posted By Anita Roddick on 2005-03-03 13:12:05
Topic :Women
The women’s prison population in England and Wales has more than doubled in the last 10 years. The majority of female prisoners have mental health problems, are addicted to drugs and alcohol and have been sexually or physically abused. Shoplifting is the biggest single reason women are sent to prison. Eight in 10 women shoplifters are reconvicted within two years of release. More than 17,700 children are separated from their mothers through imprisonment each year.
The "justice system" is failing women in the UK. It's time for some smart alternatives.
Come to Capitalwoman!
Posted By Anita Roddick on 2005-03-03 10:00:17
Topic :Women
Every year, capitalwoman brings London women of all ages and backgrounds together to discuss the issues affecting them. Open and free to all women, the conference coincides with International Women's Day and is sponsored by Mayor Ken Livingstone.
