It’s not uncommon for people who have never experienced systemic, institutionalized oppression of a certain type to accuse those who have, and identify it, as being “too sensitive” or “taking it too far.” For people who have never been on the receiving end of systematic discrimination, or for people who are, but for some reason, … Continue reading “You take it too far”
When culture fails
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a widespread phenomenon. In the popular imagination, it’s often associated with Islam, or Africa, even though they both Islam and Africa are varied and diverse. While it is true that FGM is practiced in 29 out of 54 African countries, it also takes place in Asia, the Middle East, and … Continue reading When culture fails
Seriously, where the fuck are our girls?
On April 14th, nearly 300 Nigerian girls went missing in Chibo, Nigeria. Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the kidnappings on May 5th. Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, has said that they will sell the Christian girls and marry off the Muslim ones. While journalists in Nigeria were working tirelessly to get the word out, the … Continue reading Seriously, where the fuck are our girls?
I can’t be racist: My best friend is black
Or, the black kid who sits next to you in English class does not consider you her friend, and you are racist There is this phenomenon of people thinking and articulating that their associations absolve them from having to examine any of their behavior. A few months ago, one of my classmates deleted a comment … Continue reading I can’t be racist: My best friend is black
5 Things My Vagina Does Not Make Me
5 Things My Vagina Does Not Make MeI have a guest Post up at the fabulous Ms Afropolitan. Please check it out!
“Sex” with boys isn’t sex
It’s physically impossible to have sex with a child. If you’re an adult and you are “having sex” with a child, that’s rape. Even if you insist that the child consented. The Huffington Post recently reported about a woman who was jailed for “having sex with an eight-year old.” When the story was reprinted in … Continue reading “Sex” with boys isn’t sex
Building peace through gender in Dakar
29 students have just completed a Masters program in gender and peacebuilding at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal. The program is run jointly by the university the United Nations Peace University in Costa Rica, and Femmes Africa Solidarité, an NGO that supports the inclusion of women in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The 29 … Continue reading Building peace through gender in Dakar
The revolution begins… with menstrual pads
It seems as though women’s bodies have always been a source of controversy. Through media and daily interaction, I’ve learned that women’s bodies are disgusting and shameful, and need to be hidden. (That is, of course when we’re not supposed to have our bodies fully on display, but only after we’ve completely altered what we … Continue reading The revolution begins… with menstrual pads
Sochi
Sochi 2014 We are one week into the 2014 Olympic Games. I haven’t been paying very much attention, but I will say that the Russian police choir singing Pharrell Williams’ Get Lucky was hands down one of the most awkward things I’ve ever seen or heard in my life. 17- year old figure skater Michael … Continue reading Sochi
How to be/not to be an ally
I am no expert on trans rights, but over the past several years, trans activism- blogs, videos, magazine articles- has taught me a lot about my privilege as a cis-woman, and how to be a good ally to those who are not. Among those great teachers are Janet Mock, Laverne Cox, and TransGriot. A few … Continue reading How to be/not to be an ally
Doreen Akiyo Yomoah 