feminist news round-up 05.05.13
Emily’s List launches effort to elect female president
Emily’s List has kick-started its campaign to get a female president elected in the United States. The effort, titled ‘Madam President’ will focus on battleground states such as Iowa, Nevada and New Hampshire, and will include town hall meetings, online events, ads and Internet engagement. Emily’s List President, Stephanie Schroick fuelled the widespread rumours that Hillary Rodham Clinton will run, but nothing was confirmed.
Women with breast implants have nearly 40% greater risk of dying from breast cancer
A study from the British Medical Journal has suggested that breast implants may hide tumours, making the diagnosis of breast cancer more difficult, in turn leading to higher mortality rates. Women with cosmetic implants were nearly 40% more likely to die of breast cancer than those without. There was no evidence that the implants themselves caused cancer.
U.S to approve morning-after pill for women 15 and older
The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that it would make ‘Plan B One-Step’ available without a prescription for women as young as 15 in the United States. The contraceptive would be available on pharmacy shelves, instead of being behind the counter. Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, called the decision ‘an important step forward’ because it ‘will eliminate some of the biggest barriers and hurdles that women face in getting emergency contraception.’
Bangladesh gets first female speaker
Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury of the ruling Awami League was on Tuesday sworn in as Bangladesh’s first female speaker. She is also the youngest speaker in the country’s history. Women now occupy the positions of Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, and Deputy Leader of Parliament in Bangladesh. Chaudhury, who was the state minister for women and children affairs until her election as the speaker of the Parliament, was elected unopposed.
In other news:
‘Boots’ removes signs labelling toys as ‘boys’ or ‘girls’ amidst cries of sexism
Afghan women rock out at ladies’ only concert
Monash Women’s Department creates furore over ‘sexist’ cupcakes, commentors miss point of enterprise
Hundreds take to streets in second Tel Aviv ‘Slutwalk’
Also covered on Lip this week
All-female Miles Franklin shortlist revealed
Women and children make up one-third of Australia’s homeless population
University of Queensland cuts gender studies as a major
Only half of eligible Australian women get pap tests
