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"Cause I'm just a girl, little 'ol me

Well, don't let me out of your sight.

Oh I'm just a girl, all pretty and petite

So, don't let me have any rights.

Oh, I've had it up to here..."

** -No Doubt, Just A Girl. **



Week 1

The first lecture of Women's Health really caught my attention. I immediately enjoyed the introduction to the subject and how it introduced so many topics, all worthy of a half hour discussion but each were brushed over just enough to allow further reflection and research.

One slide that caught my attention was the "Theoretical Focus" slide which included; **"this unit makes constant and unapologetic use of the ‘F’ word = Feminism/Feminist"**. I knew very well when considering this unit that a feminist framework and theory model would be viewed regularly, I expected it. I was not however, anticipating for it to be referred to as **the 'F' word** as if it were a dirty word or a taboo topic. I soon came to realise that it is not uncommon for the words feminist or feminism to be referred to as **the 'F' word.** Why is this I wondered? How does a movement for equality have such a stigma attached to it? Further research was required. Within Australia, the 'first wave' of feminism began in the form of the First Australian Suffrage Society in 1884 which in time lead to right for women to vote and stand for election for the Australian Parliament on the same basis of men under the Commonwealth Franchise Act in 1902. First wave feminism was also characterised by campaigns that addressed issues other than suffrage, including the broader issues of sexuality and inequality (personal and political), reproductive rights and ending discrimination.

The second wave of feminism peaked in Australia between the 1960's and 1980's which focused more strongly on ending the discrimination between men and women. I believe it was during this second wave of feminism that the stigma I mentioned earlier may have begun. While these empowered and slightly radical women fought for women's liberation and women 's rights for generations to follow, history would remember them as the socially common stereotype for feminists being that of hairy legged and armpits, bra-burning, man-hating, lesbian women. This stereotype and image for feminism d istorts the message of the movement and jeopardises feminist progress for generations to come.

This brings us to the third wave of feminism which is still present in today's society. But has the message been lost along the way, I wondered? I must admit, I am a 24 year old woman who previously would not identify myself as a feminist. The term feminism sort of scared me and had an associated passion and fire for women's rights which I simply could not relate to. It was not until this Women's Health unit that I have had the reason to question and research feminism and feminist theory and to then see past the stereotype I was only ever familiar with. I am proud to now recognise that feminism is not a scary movement of radical women, but rather the empowerment and constant striving of equality between genders.

Having now begun my journey in discovering feminism... I wondered how the rest of my generation was going? During my research on feminism, I found quite the condemnation by some of the strongest role models to young women today, including;

// **Lady Gaga:** "I'm not a feminist. I hail men, I love men. I celebrate American male culture: Beer, bars and muscle cars." // // **Beyoncé Knowles:** "I feel like... you know... it's, like, what I live for. I need to find a catchy new word for feminism, right? Like 'Bootylicious'." // // **Geri Halliwell:** "It's about labelling. For me feminism is bra-burning lesbianism. It's very unglamorous. I'd like to see it rebranded. We need to see a celebration of our femininity and softness." // // **Gwen Stefani:** "Well, I'd have to get a definition of it first. I mean, I'm pro-woman… I guess I don't want to say I am a feminist because nobody will ever define it for me." // // **Katy Perry:** "I believe in integrity, respect and independence. I can be a feminist without being a man hater." // // **Katy Perry:** "I'm not a feminist, but I believe in the strength of women" //

Disheartened, I searched further for any glimmers of hope that my generation isnt single handedly reversing the efforts and achievements of all those who came before us... and then I found this exert by Rene Denfield (1996). // **Elle McPherson:** “(Feminism is) one of those coined phrases that has a lot innuendo and not much meaning these days” //

// "For women of my generation, feminism is our birthright. While sexism may still permeate society, we know what it is to live without excessive confinement. We are the first generation to grow up expexting equal opportunity and equal education, as well as the fredom to express our sexuality. We aer the first to assume what feminists had to force society to accept against its deeply ingrained prejudice: that we are equals of any man. This belief may translate into the pursuit of a career or it may mean demanding respect for raising children - women of y generation believe in the right to choose." //

This message resonated well with me, inspiring me to find more web resources and information on a topic I was too intimidated by only months ago. Posts by other young women/feminists on t[|hefbomb.org] and [|feministaust.org] brought a sigh of relief that feminism, though misinterpreted and perhaps misunderstood by some of the younger generations it is still evident, alive and thriving in those who understand.



Week 1 **(CONT'D)** Throughout lecture one I also found myself quickly jotting down all the women's health related topics I could think of as recent events... quite a list came of it. See below for my list of topics i thought of during our class discussion (most of which should be linked to related stories)

Some will be re-addressed in future entries, some maybe just this once. But it was interesting for me to reflect on all the exposure I have had to womens health through both news segments and entertainment. > An Australian woman who'd given birth to 6 sons, so decided to use gender selection methods to help fulfill her dream of having a daughter.I found this story interesting and thought provoking. As a brief segment on the 7pm project it was a family-friendly level of information and knowledge communicated in an easy to understand manner. This segment would have definitely sparked conversations of gender selection in many lounge rooms across Australia.
 * [|Gender Selection: 7pm Project Segment]

> A 60 minutes special of the life of Emma. A young girl born male but knew from 4 years of age that he was meant to be a she.Quite a popular and heart-wrenching story reported by Karl Stefanovic. Very interesting to listen to the child and the parents story of the situation. Again, would have sparked controversy in many living rooms, but I'm sure reflection for many parents nation-wide. What would they do in that situation?
 * [|Gender Dysphoria: 60minutes Special "Emma"]

> A very interesting Q and A Feminist special with a segment about feminism in sexworkers (watch from 29min mark)Brooke Magnanti, Mia Freedman, Germaine Greer, Deborah Cheetham and JanetAlbrechtsen answer the following question > //"////To the panel but particularly to Brooke Magnanti, how should we feel now about women who work as prostitutes, strippers and even lingerie waitresses? I feel that people are of course entitled to their own decisions and if that means being comfortable enough in your own skin to have such a career - more power to you. But there are many who disagree saying these women could not possibly be feminists. What do you say to that?" //
 * [|Sex Workers and Feminism: Q and A Segment]

> A recent domestic violence video starring Keira Knightley. > I read about this in MX magazine a couple of weeks ago and immediately youtubed the video on my train ride home from uni. This ad campaign was been from in selected countries and forms of media as it was deemed too violent. What caught my attention was that this video was released in April of 2009... yet I only read about it 2 weeks ago. How have I not seen or heard of this campaign earlier?
 * [|Women's Aid Domestic Violence Campaign: Cut]

> A television ad by Roxy which sparked recent controversy about sexualising in sport.The recent Roxy Pro France decided to make an ad campaign to draw more attention to women's surfing. The ad highlights Stephanie Gilmore, 25 year old, Australian, 5 time world champion who recently signed to Roxy. Her credentials or amazing surfing abilities are not featured in the ad as much as her cleavage and knicker-hugged derrierre. This sparked huge outrage and media backlash about the sexualising of womens sport and how it undermines years of striving for an equal playing field respected for talent, not figure. In my opinion, I bet more people tuned in to this event to others and Steph (featured in the ad) is beautiful. Steph has acquired 5 world titles and not made the headline, but has made 1 ad campaign for Roxy and all of a sudden its world news. Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it! More power to you steph, you stunning, surfing champion!
 * [|Sexualising Women's Sport]: [| Roxy Pro Biarritz Ad]

> A series where Jessica Simpson travels the world identifying what 'beauty' means in various countries and cultures.I only saw an episode or two during it's airtime... but it was interesting to see Jessica's struggle with self-esteem and self-security in her beauty. Her quest to find what beauty means in other cultures was a great idea, though I felt that message wasnt always reached. From what I saw, it was more entertainment of Jessica having to undergo different "beauty" rituals from different cultures and her reactions, discomfort and sometimes blatant ignorance to what it meant to that culture upset me. Right idea, poor execution.
 * [|MTV The Price of Beauty: Jessica Simpson]

> This series follows the life of four American teenagers who find themselves 16 & pregnant.This series was the first of many 16 & Pregnant series on MTV. While receiving a lot of backlash for glorifying and glamourising teen pregnancy sent a message louder than, "//hey, if I get pregnant, maybe I can be on MTV too."// Each episode follows the individual story of the young soon-to-be mum and her struggles with her relationship between her boyfriend, parents and herself. Each series includes a story of 1 young lady who choses adoption but all stories highlight the difficulty of being a "baby having a baby". The season finale is always hosted by Dr Drew (MTV's Dr Phil) who constantly repeats statistics of teen pregnancy, birth control options and resources available to young men and women who are (or are considering to become) sexually active. I enjoyed all series, and I think it made a touchy and difficult conversation for families more approachable and casual. Well done MTV.
 * [|MTV 16 & Pregnant]

> A follow up of 16 & Pregnant, following the young teens in their next stage of motherhood. > The MTV Teen Mon and Teen Mom2 series continues the stories of 4 of the young mums from their respective 16 & Pregnant seasons in their next stage of motherhood. This series continued for several seasons following the trials and tribulations of being a young mother and often single parent. Just as the 16 & Pregnant series, the season finale was a group therapy session os sorts with the young mothers, their parents and their boyfriends all facilitated by Dr Drew. Again, sending home loud and clear the message of safe sex, abstinence and knowing the facts. Website resources available include [|itsyoursexlife.com] which includes; information on contraceptive methods and access to such methods, information on STI's, teen pregnancy statistics, facts, FAQs and information to further resources.
 * [|MTV Teen Mom]

> A terrible television series trying to cure un-ladylike behaviour in these ladettesThat classic train-wreck television where across Australia these ladettes are edited and portrayed in a manner where these women need "fixing" and portrays and emphasis on how outrageous it is that these women do not behave with a ladylike demeanour. While, agreeably, I find most of the women in the initial episodes quite unpleasant and their behaviour quite extreme, usually as the series continues you learn of the troubles these women have faced which have shaped them to be these outspoken, loud mouthed ladettes. These women, who would have auditioned and volunteered to be on the show are clearly crying out for help on some level and are ready to change, the values they try to instil onto them and the women they try to shape them in to however, I am not sure I completely agree with.
 * [|TV SHOW Ladette to Lady: Channel 9 series]

> This show is definitely a guilty pleasure. Years ago I was unaware and completely unfamiliar of the gypsy life and that it is continued today. My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, which I saw on Lifestyle Australia (Foxtel) shines a light on a very secretive and tight-lipped community. > Having incredible access in to UK gypsy communities and following the stories of some young girls and their families and showcasing the gypsy traditions and lifestyle which many would not approve of. To begin with, their courting and dating process is called "grabbing" which is borderline sexual assault but considered normal practice within the gypsy way, then their is as the show title suggests, the most extravagant of weddings for very young, often 16, 17 or 18 year old girls. From what I understood of the show, female children are often the main houseworker and family raiser often playing parent to younger siblings but still holding a very close relationship to both parents. Gypsy children often attend public schools until about grade 4 or 5 before being taken back from the family to focus on the more important life lessons of how to be a housekeeper. Gypsy women often being pulled from primary education before male counterparts. The young girls are then as teenagers "grabbed" and chosen by male gypsy's (also teenagers) who then ask the girls father for his blessing in marriage. The father walks her down the isle, pays for the wedding and celebrates the marriage of his daughter while the family also mourns the loss of her too. Once married the young woman immediately leaves her home to live with her husband, often meaning the next eldest daughter is to take over the housekeeper duties until she too is grabbed and married off. The new wife then plays house for her new husband and is not allowed to work and must have his permission for a number of things. > This show, seems so backward for feminism and the modern day, but is accepted and celebrated by gypsy culture. While very entertaining, it is also interesting to see how others live.
 * TV SHOW [|My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding]

> The documented 'most prolific mother' who gave birth to a total of 69 children!At a recent trivia night I attended, one of the cash jackpot questions was to answer how many children the guinness world records holder of most prolific mother ever had given birth to. The answer, 69, astounded me. How is this possible? Here's what the Guinness Records websites says; > //The greatest officially recorded number of children born to one mother is 69, to the wife of Feodor Vassilyev (b. 1707–c .1782), a peasant from Shuya, Russia. In 27 confinements she gave birth to 16 pairs of twins, seven sets of triplets and four sets of quadruplets. // > Wow!!
 * [|Guinness World Records: Most Prolific Mother Ever]

Week 2 In the week 2 lecture there was a focus on differences between an individuals sex and gender. Sex being the biological and physiological characteristics associated with being male or female, and gender referring to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women. The difference between an individuals biological sex and social gender bring about the question; is biology destiny?

Well, in the 21st century, it would seem quite apparent that the answer is, NO! One’s sex and gender can be quite different, just take a look at the transgender and transexual population. So, if biology is not destiny... what other stimulus can effect one's gender identity? Enter the age old debate of nature vs nurture. The nature vs nurture debate theorises if it is in a persons nature such as their biological make-up (their individual chemistry, not just physiological or “sex” related characteristics) that shapes their gender as an individual or if it is the nurture or environment which they are exposed to and/or raised in that plays a leading role in defining their gender.

The nature vs nurture debate is ongoing, and a resolution is not soon to be reached, however there is quite strong evidence that ‘nurture’ does have a strong influence on identity. From a very early age, depending on our sex there are gender-norms we are subjected to. For instance, as discussed in this weeks lecture and tutorial, toys for children often follow the gender-norms (guns and lego for boys, bears and barbies for girls) which in turn exposes us to social norms that are continuously reiterated throughout our childhood and developmental years. The behaviours and roles learnt with these toys from such a young age are instilled in us for our lifetime. At this point, let me introduce to you Debbie Sterling, a female engineer from Stanford and founder and CEO of GoldieBlox Inc. Months ago, I saw this promotional video online of young girls singing a revised version of Freddy Mercury's "We are the Champions"...

media type="custom" key="23580980" align="center"

This video, with now over 600,000 views immediately caught my eye. I told Julie-Anne about this video after the week 1 lecture as well as discussing this find in our first tutorial. My class suggested it may just be a //sham// and a //marketing// ploy by some of the bigger toy companies, but these opinions were only due to my inability to properly explain the GoldieBlox product. I went home again, re-watched the above video, checked out their [|website] and then stumbled upon this video...

media type="custom" key="23580990" align="center"

Debbie has done market research, prototypes, trials and put the power to the people by starting a KickStarter project with a target of $150,000 to be pledged within 30days (for those who are unsure, kickstarter projects require "backers" to pledge a certain amount of money within a time-frame in order for the project to be successful and go ahead). Debbie's GoldieBlox creation received over $285,000 pledged by over 5,500 backers in October of 2012. The KickStarter website, includes a more detailed approach of her story and a consumer friendly business-plan of sorts outlining her goal which can be viewed [|here].

Debbie's KickStarter video resonated with me, and obviously thousands of others too. I was inspired by Debbie and felt hopeful for the difference that she may spark within the toy industry. GoldieBlox is a grass roots project, it is not a major corporation who has just jazzed-up and pretty-fied a boys toy to market to girls. Debbie has created the toy she wished she had as a child and is hoping to inspired generations of female engineers to come. While GoldieBlox may not hold all the immediate answers to solving the gender gap and exposure of social and gender norms to young children during their developmental years, Debbie's endeavour for young girls to be seen as //** "more than a princess" **// is, in my opinion, a great step in the right direction to what may be a big changes within the toys industry.



Week 3 It was in the week 3 lecture that we addressed both women in popular culture as well as violence against women. Both these topics really struck a chord with me.

Firsty, women in popular culture. I was completely blind to the stereotyping and pigeon-holing that goes on when portraying women in popular culture, whether it be tv ad's, magazines or any of the various other forms of print media, but also on //news// shows such as "a current affair" and news web resources. I was numb to the role women were being cast as in commercials so as i sat and watched television that evening, it was as if i was viewing with a new set of eyes. We discussed in class, if the media creates or reacts to the social constructs that we live within. I believe it is a cycle in which, the media reports and reflects the social norms but due to it's wide-spread coverage and exposure, it also in turn plays a role in the shaping of social norms. After coming to this realisation, I reflected on some ad's or stories I had heard recently... here's a couple;

While browsing through the online Peter Alexander catalogue, I stumbled across a night shirt that reads "Sleeping My Way To The Top"

Or do you remember that Toyota Hilux ad a few years ago? media type="custom" key="23637338" align="center"

2 very different mediums, both of which, women are a punchline to a joke shaped around social norms and stereotypes. I'll let you as a reader, have your own opinions on each of the above stimulus, but I personally, was not impressed.

I think it is important to consider at this point thought that the media and advertising companies are reflecting social norms (women within a certain built environment) and not gender norms (reflecting a trait that every single woman has). For instance, in Western Countries such as Australia, there is endless advertising on cleaning products and diet programs which are specifically aimed at women, which in turn creates the social norm that everyone (including some women) accepting the idea that women have this uncontrollable drive to clean and be skinny, continuing the cycle which feeds the advertising and so on and so forth. Meanwhile, in third-world countries I doubt there is much advertising targeted toward women, let alone on cleaning products and diet programs as these so social-norms do not exist there. (NOTE: no actual research done on this, just an potentially ignorant opinion)

All in all, media and advertising operates differently in different places and while powerful and able to create or at the very least shape social structure and norms, they cannot create gender norms!

ADDED LATER: with regard to women feeling safe in public

In January of 2011 a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight into the Force's view of sexual assault by stating "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized" during a campus safety information session at Osgoode Hall Law School near Toronto. This comment created outrage among the staff and students and soon after the world, thanks to the world wide web! These comments sparked a movement called "Slut Walks" which originated in Toronto and quickly caught on throughout the USA and then globally. During a Slut Walk women are invited to march through their city together in whatever clothes they feel comfortable reclaiming the word slut and trying to put an end to victim blaming for women who experience sexual assault.

I heard about Slut Walks through the internet and some high-profile US celebrities tweeting their thoughts on the movement. I googled it, agreed with it and was excited to hear when it had reached Australian shores. However, Australian media did not feel the same way about the movement as I did. If you can bare to watch 5min of Kerri-Anne Kennerley then watch the video below. On her morning show, Slut Walks were discussed and she did not suppress her misguided opinion on the movement and her dislike of the use of the word slut. Kerri-Anne completely missed the point of the movement and shrugged it off almost condescendingly. This immediately brought to my mind Madeleine Albright's quote "There's a special place in hell reserved for women who refuse to help one another". media type="custom" key="23637378" align="center"

Week 4 "Been there, done that, messed around <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: center;">I'm having fun, dont put me down <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: center;">I'll never let you sweep me off my feet

<span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: center;">This time baby. <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: center;">I'll be, bulletproof" This weeks lecture about women'c contraception and fertility really struck a chord with me. I personally am pro-choice. I am pro-choice about a woman being able to protect herself with contraception if she so chooses, just as I am pro-choice a woman being able to choose whether to keep or terminate a pregnancy. Ofcourse, I am aware of the many other factors and variable that may influence these choices and understand that they should not be made lightly, but i believe they have the right to be made.

First of all, **contraception**. I find the contraception debate so interesting as I am not particularly religious nor was I raised in a particularly religious household. I believe that it is a woman' right to take some control of her own fertility and not entirely rely on the male to make the ultimate decision of whether or not this sexual encounter could result in a human life. I have been on contraception (the pill) since I was 15, initially it was more for 'regulating' a very disruptive menstrual cycle my body was experiencing. It wasn't until 22 that I began using the pill for it's intended form of contraception. Once i did begin to engage in sexual behaviours I was on the pill, but also felt that condoms or other forms of contraception were required not just to prevent conception but also to protect me from sexually transmitted diseases. I have now been in an exclusive relationship for over a year and having both been tested by our GP's and been given the all clear from STD's, we are more relaxed with our contraceptive methods. That being said, there is no way that I (or we) are ready to have a child or family. To ensure my family free (immediate) future, I have had implanon inserted in to my arm. This was my choice and my way of being able to 99% guarantee that as long as I am at university, I will not be having a family. This secures my education, my career and allows me to move in to that next chapter of my life when I am ready to. But that's enough about me.

I believe it should be every woman's right to protect themselves in anyway that they are comfortable from unplanned pregnancies. Did you know, that in some states in the US, that if you are raped and fall pregnant that your rapist may have parental visitation rights over your child?! Outrageous!!!! Read a story on it here @http://www.vice.com/read/massachusetts-might-grant-a-rapist or also here on elite daily

This brings me now to fertility and sexual activity. Do you remember the story of the girl who auctioned off her virginity for $780,000!? @http://www.virginswanted.com.au/catarina-BID.html I believe it is a woman's choice to whom, where, when and why she loses her virginity. There is a documentary called Virgins Wanted being made by an Australian film maker who follows the lives of virgins in their decision making process of losing their virginity and even helps facilitate "selling" it.

Week 5 <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">A woman’s body always seems to be up for public scrutiny or evaluation throughout modern society. Gossip magazines and trash tabloids seem to have an endless commentary on whether current celebrities are “too fat” or “too thin” and a steady supply of helpful hints for readers on how to become “bikini body ready”. For decades, a woman’s body has been objectified by society and women have been socially engineered into believing that their bodies should primarily be used to attract others.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Australian culture has developed a tendency to judge people on their looks, so it is not surprising that a 2011 Mission Australia youth survey found that one of the main concerns of young Australians was their appearance. While there are many influences that make up an individual’s appearance, including height, weight, build, skin tone, gender, religious identity, culture and material or fashion items, appearance has been found to be central to ones self-definition for many women and girls in western countries..

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">There is ongoing debate about the role media and advertising play on the perception of women and beauty in society. Some critics argue that mass media and advertisements merely promote images that reflect the current mainstream standards of beauty while others highlight that these images play a large role in establishing a social norm and shaping societies perception of the female body. Regardless of whether the intention is to reflect or shape social norms of women and beauty, there is a growing body of evidence about the repercussions these images have on women worldwide.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Studies have found that women who are exposed to images of thin women have lower self-evaluations of their own appearance with other studies finding that the realisation of one’s body not matching those of advertising images can have deeply negative affects influencing ones mental, social and physical health and wellbeing. The Australian Government have stated that body image is an issue of concern for young Australians with research linking negative body image to low self-esteem and other health issues including eating disorders. Research conducted by The Kids Help Line found that only 20 percent of women are satisfied with their body weight and 45 percent of women whose body weight is within the healthy weight range think that they are overweight. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">In conclusion, it is clear that the portrayal and representation of women in advertising and media is an issue that directly correlates to negative health and wellbeing effects for women everywhere, and needs to be addressed on a wide scale. If it is the intention of media and advertising agencies to mirror society then a stronger effort is needed to reflect the fundamental human right of gender equality

Week 6 I found Yvette's lecture about the pathologising of pregnancy quite interesting. I guess not having yet moved in to my child bearing stage of life, I was somewhat ignorant to the happenings during pregnancy. All my life I have looked forward to the idea of being pregnant and having a family, I was quite shocked by all the decisions and steps to be taken throughout pregnancy - good thing i had this lecture! Until this lecture, i didn't look at pregnancy as the start of several serious decisions i saw it as more of a process you had to follow based on GP or obstetrician's orders. I guess this is what has been socialised for me, pregnancy = hospital. The stats and findings presented in the lecture really gave me food for thought and I went on to visit Yvette's website. Im sure experiencing this lecture will benefit me down the track and help empower me throughout my future pregnancies.

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10 Week off Wiki

Week 11 No Lecture Tutorial: Group Presentations

Week 12 Week off Wiki

Week 13 No Lecture Tutorial: Group Presentations