There are literally thousands of historical films that document the tragedies and triumphs of men. From war epics to biopics about world leaders, scientists and rock stars, according to the cinema the history of mankind is considered to be more important than the history of womankind. That’s not to say that there aren’t a…
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A look back at the sexism of 2015 Feminist writer and commentator Van Badham looks back on the year that was in sexist and misogynistic behaviour in science, the entertainment industry, sport, the list goes on and on. However, the article also gives some hope when you remember those who stood up for women’s…
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Today marks my two year vegan anniversary. I have not eaten meat, eggs or milk for 730 days. My reasons for becoming vegan were compassion for animals, of course, but also concern for my health, which wasn’t faring so well on a high cholesterol diet. But, as time has passed, I’ve often found myself marvelling…
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Former speaker Anna Burke quits politics The Labor MP has represented the Victorian seat of Chisholm for 17 years, has been an advocate for the humane treatment of asylum seekers and was speaker during part of the tumultuous minority Gillard/Rudd government. Burke justified her decision to quit politics saying, ‘I’m leaving because you have to…
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Honor Jane Newman is a psychologist currently living in Melbourne who has penned a short and easy-to-understand self-help book for women living with perfectionism, anxiety and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Killing the Perfectionist Within is a simple little book that gives the reader an insight into the various symptoms of these conditions and then delves…
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Every day in Australia, police face 657 cases of violence against women. Every week, 2 women are murdered, often by somebody they know. While watching Hitting Home, Sarah Ferguson’s new documentary on Australian domestic violence, my friend wonders aloud, ‘Has it always been this bad?’ I answer: ‘Yes.’ It’s just that this year, we’re paying…
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Inspiring young jewellery designer Lili Murphy-Johnson has created a stir with the unveiling of her first collection of pieces. Why, you ask? Because Lili’s jewellery is designed to reduce the stigma of menstruation by presenting itself as a no holds-barred collection of works that imitate the real-life stains and emotions that are involved in menstruation….
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Tonight at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne, ActionAid, a Sydney based international development organisation that empowers women who are living in poverty across the globe, is hosting Frocking Hilarious – an all-women comedy fundraiser. I spoke with ActionAid’s Media and Public Relations Officer Anna Fraser about the event and about the important work that ActionAid does for…
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At the heart of any great book, whether fiction or non-fiction, sci-fi or drama, lies a character arc that we can personally relate to on some level. The core of all good books often pulls at our heartstrings at a moment’s notice, leaving us breathless and wanting more. With Robyn Hennessy’s memoir, Worthless, the average…
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Elizabeth Harrower’s ‘new’ collection of short stories, A Few Days in the Country: And Other Stories, is enchanting. By which I do not mean that it contains magic, or the promises of happy endings. No; Harrower’s writing is pure, unadulterated realism. Her stories occupy the real world, and make an effort to reveal the lives…
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Writing a memoir is a monumental task. And I write that as someone who has never attempted to do so. Consolidating decades of one’s life into a work small enough to be held in one hand seems titanic, especially given the complexity of its primary source: memory. The subtle art of memoir has been beautifully…
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I’m picky when it comes to crime novels. If there isn’t a delightful balance between character, believability and suspense, I’m apt to put the book down and forget about it. Thankfully, Good Money by J.M. Green balances all of these elements. Green is a debut author whose book was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s…
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A new study into Australian authors has found that it’s slim pickings when it comes to book earnings—especially for female authors. The Macquarie University study, headed by cultural economist Distinguished Professor David Throsby AO, surveyed over 1,000 Australian authors about their earnings and practices. On average, authors make $62,000 in total per year. Although nearly…
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Name: Tiana (Toz) Osborne Age: 18 Occupation: Student Location/Hometown: Melbourne Describe yourself in one word. Optimistic. What inspires you? People who are confident in being exactly who they are meant to be, without worrying about others’ views of them. What’s the most important feminist cause in your life? The fight to help make women feel…
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