daily feminist news: 15.10.13
Study finds that women need resilience to rise to the top
A recent study by University of Queensland academic Dr Terrance Fitzsimmons found huge differences between the childhoods of male and female top executives. Nearly all women surveyed suffered from some form of trauma between the ages of eight and 15; conversely, the majority of men came from ‘traditional homes’ and reported relatively happy upbringings. The women suggested that the resilience formed through these struggles developed their ability to work hard and manage a heavy load.
Transgender woman denied breast screen
Jennifer Blair, a transgender woman, is suing for the right to get free breast cancer screenings after being denied such treatment in Denver. Blair had gender reassignment surgery a decade ago and takes a daily maintenance dose of Estradiol, a doctor-prescribed synthetic oestrogen. ‘That dose also does put me at an elevated risk for a variety of tumours, including breast cancer,’ Blair said. Blair eventually scraped together enough money to pay for a mammogram and learned she does not have breast cancer. She’s suing so others like her won’t be refused potentially life-saving cancer screenings. For facts about breastscreening in Australia visit this website.
Alleged rape victim forced out of town
A young girl who was allegedly raped, and her family, has been forced from their town. The girl, Daisy Coleman, accused a member of the local football team of rape; shortly after, their house mysteriously burned down and her mother lost her job. Miss Coleman was 14 at the time of the alleged assault and her assailant was 17. He admitted to sleeping with Coleman, but apparently there was not enough evidence to press charges.
Second pregnant woman sent to Nauru
A second pregnant woman is being held in immigration detention on Nauru, the UNHCR has confirmed to Guardian Australia. The woman, of Rohingya descent, is thought to be about 30 years old and is seven months pregnant with twins, according to UNHCR and other sources who did not want to be identified. It is also believed that she has diabetes. Prof. Nicholas Talley, president of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Australia’s peak physician and paediatrician body, said the two pregnancies raised ‘serious health concerns’. He confirmed that if the second woman did have diabetes she would be a high-risk pregnancy.
