Vol. 15, Issue 1

Women in Politics

FolioHorace Mann51 School’s publication for gender issues volumefolio 15, issue51 1

Editors-in-Chief Edie Comas Amanda Zhou

Layout Editor Shinil Kim Brenda Zhou Natasha Moolji

Allison Gelman Riya Satara Elizabeth Xiong

Section Editors Isabella Brodie Libby Smilovici Sara Hirade Riya Satara Kylie Logam

Art Editors Kylie Logan Brenda Zhou Front Cover by Brenda Zhou Back Cover by Agatha Hillel Contributing Artists: Bertrand Shao Tyler Logan Lamia Ateshan Melissa Rodman Sofia Gonzalez Vol. 15, Issue 1 Letter from the Editors Hello Reader,

You are reading Folio 51’s first issue of 2013-2014! We decided to have this issue surround the theme of “Politics” due to the increase of debates and changes in government on gender issues. This issue includes articles ranging all over the world about the fight for rights in government, for radical women, and against abortion laws. We hope you will gain a perspective into how the government deals with gender issues and generate your own thoughts about how we can make our world into a more equal place for men and women alike. We would like to thank all the writers, artists, section and layout editors, and everyone who helped put this issue together! A special thank you to Mrs. Woods and Dr. Groppi for their hard work and support in creating this issue. Finally, thank you for reading!

Sincerely,

Edie Comas and Amanda Zhou

2 Folio51 Women Street Artists ...... Libby Smilovici 3 Get Naked Exhibition ...... Jasmine Katz 4 Arts EDM Industry ...... Sally Jo 5

Biography of Hattie Caraway...... Allison Chang 7 Christiane Amanpour ...... Jane Thier 8 The Fight Against Government ...... Hana Teklu 9 Features Women of the News ...... Sara Santiago 10 Syria’s Women...... Lily Mccarthey 11 Australian Females in Government ...... Elizabeth Magakhian 12-13 Are Women Less Corrupt? ...... Yewan New 14-15 Female Candidates for Senator...... Danielle Resheff 16 Little Representation in a Big City ...... Sadiba Hasan 17

Oversexualization of Female Politicians ....Kira Newmark 21-22 Wendy Davis...... Gaelen James McMurray 23 Hillary Clinton ...... Sara Hirade 24 Christine Quinn ...... Natasha Moolji 25-26

A New Chapter for Reproductive Rights...... Lauren Hooda 28 It’s Your Fault ...... Irena Hsu 29 Science & Health Abortion in Mexico ...... Karina Hooda 30 Illegal Abortions Murder Young Mothers ...... Natasha Moolji 31 Margaret Sanger ...... Ananya Kumra-Banerjee 32

Golda Meir...... Libby Smilovici 34 Angela Merkel ...... Lily McCarthey 35 International Christine Lagarde...... Sharika Hasan 36 3 Arts Women Street

ArtistsBy Libby Smilovici Street art and graffiti have always been largely artist, she is also a writer, and often comments on male dominated, but female artists have British mys- the dynamic between male and female street artists. tery man Banksy to thank for attracting the main- Through her art, Lady Pink was able to prove that not stream media’s attention and propelling the recogni- only could women be great street artists, but their tion of worthy female artists. Banksy’s documentary work could also surpass that of men. Many female Exit Through the Gift Shop contained a chapter on street artists have become well respected in the indus- female street artists. In the film, Caledonia Curry, try. Maya Hayuk, whose work is now showing at the known as Swoon, is seen painting alongside her male Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, demands certain counterparts. The fame of the women seen in the film moral standards of the museums that showcase her art. has paved the way for many up and coming female art- Hayuk refuses to show in galleries where fewer than ists. 10% of the artists are female and thus challenges the The lack of appreciation of female artists is not patriarchal structure of art and artists. surprising as art has been predominantly male domi- I’ve been an avid Banksy fan ever since the nated, and most female artists who were producing release of his documentary and consequently, have art before the Second World War only acquired fame researched street art. There is no stylistic superiority posthumously. Women artists have struggled to make of male street artists over female street artists. Female a name for themselves in street art, and usually climb street artists have to transcend the same barriers as to fame by using pen names that suggest they are male. other women breaking into male dominant areas. They But now, there is an ever increasing number of female have to prove that they are talented, aggressive, and graffiti artists in the field and talented artists are show- that they can keep up with men. Although female’s casing their work openly to us, the pedestrians. work has to surpass that of men just to gain credibility The first famed female street artist, Lady Pink, and attention, the result is truly remarkable street art. started her career in the late 70s. Besides being an

4 freefever.com arts Get Naked Exhibition Jasmine Katz

Nudity in the visual arts dates back virtually young women drinking at college parties or taking to the beginning of art itself. One of the earliest works bathroom “selfies” using a time-honored medium, her known (created around 24000 BCE) is the Venus of goal is to challenge youth culture and our acceptance Willendorf, a small sculpture of a nude woman who of it. She brings to her viewers’ attention not only the historians believe was a symbol of fertility. Tens of way in which men objectify women, but also the way thousands of years later, our world has had time to in which women have adapted to objectifying them- evolve, and so has art, but the human body has, for the selves. most part, stayed the same. Perhaps this explains why Portrayals of the nude form can be discussed art has remained fascinated with the nature of the nude in terms of content and intent. How does a given piece body, as seen in Ancient Greek sculptures, Renaissance of artwork affect its viewer? Each artist sets out with paintings, and now, in 2013, the “Get Naked” exhibi- a purpose, and helps the audience to understand that tion in Seattle. purpose through the work’s content. In all eight art- The exhibition features the artwork of eight ists’ works in “Get Naked”, the ideas behind the subject women who depict nude female figures in their draw- matter are unique and can thus be thoroughly deliber- ings and paintings, each in their own, thought-provok- ated. Spectators can work out the artists’ intentions, ing fashion. Claire Brandt constructs naturalistic draw- and identify with the strong personal and political ings of women. She starts with the skeleton and builds beliefs at the heart of each piece. up layers of tissue, muscle, and skin until reaching the The women of the “Get Naked” exhibition desired result. The finished piece displays depth, color chose to make art out of something so old yet so variation, and an opportunity for interpretation, not controversial, the human body. Though the ideas and simply an image of a naked woman. causes they express through their art may be contem- Another featured artist, Philadelphia native porary, these women have managed to create art from Erin M. Riley, weaves scenes of sexually objectified the same form and subject matter that it has always women into massive wall tapestries. By portraying stemmed from, the female form. 5 arts EDM Industry

Sally Jo Electronic dance music is rising in popularity, than their talent? Why does the term “female DJ” ex- primarily due to the fact that it’s accessible just with ist? Creating music should transcend the boundaries of a laptop and a few plug-ins. Earlier in August, Forbes sex and be universal. “I want to inspire other women released a list of the highest paid DJs in the world, with and girls to go out and realize that they can DJ with- the top 10 earning between $7 and $22 million each out having to DJ in their bra. That they can go out and over the past year. Not one DJ on the list is female. Lisa make their own music and make their own beats and Lashes, the only woman to have ever broken into DJ don’t have to have anyone do it for them,” said DJ Jack Mag’s top 10, said, “[The DJ industry] has always been Novak. The name Jack strategically misleads agents very male dominated.” She would like more females and promoters into thinking they are hiring a man: in to balance those numbers. But Lashes doesn’t feel like reality Jack’s real name is Jacqueline and Jack is just her she is treated differently in the industry because of her childhood nickname, one she prefers. gender. “If you’re good at what you do and you hold Fans were shocked after a blogger posted a pic- your own, there is no need for any sexism in whatever ture of Jack standing in front of her home studio, just job you do.” as agents are when she shows up for her gig. There’s Contrary to Lashes’ opinion, Charissa Saverio no way to determine sex one-way or the other from a.k.a. DJ Rap, believes sexism exists in the industry electronic music. Jack admitted that she didn’t like the and continues to prevail, despite her success in recent picture that was posted and expressed her disappoint- years. Often in order to be booked, she has to have ment; DJs in the Electric Dance Music field should be her brother call and pretend he’s DJ Rap because she focused on “musicianship and not image.” She doesn’t knows she’ll be rejected as a female DJ. Adding on, want to be the “it-girl.” She wants to be taken seriously she explained that there are many elements of sexism. rather than being seen as the model who plays at clubs. “There’s also an expectation that all you have to do is Female DJs are expected to look a certain way and find look cute as a woman.” Yet, she still encourages females themselves donning skimpy outfits to impress agents by saying success is achievable. and partygoers. There are appearance related “quali- Club promoters tend to hire female DJs based fications” they have to comply with in order to move on appearance, rather than skill. As a result, Female further in the industry. The expectations for female DJs DJs are paying more attention to their sex appeal. are often lower in terms of technical skill and quality of Tired of this double standard, Debby Sanden, or, DJ music. Jack Novak concludes, “I hate that it’s female DJ. Desire made an agency to support and promote other I don’t want to be singled out as a woman. I want to be women in this industry. Sanden is accustomed to hav- rewarded on my own merit.” ing to prove herself wherever she goes. Why is the focus on women’s appearance rather 6

Features Biography of Hattie Caraway Allison Chang When Arkansan homemaker Hattie Caraway became widowed in 1931, she followed a well-established custom by temporarily assuming her husband Thaddeus’ U.S. Senate seat. Caraway was elected to serve out the term, becoming the first woman voted into the Senate. In May 1932, she an- nounced a bid for reelection, shocking candidates who had expected her to step down quietly. Backed by the Democratic Party, Caraway won by a landslide and cemented herself as a federal politician, remaining in office until 1945. Despite her sudden success, Caraway, née Wyatt, had worked hard all her life. Born in Bakersville, Tennessee in 1878, she grew up helping her father, a yeoman and shop- keeper, with the family’s farm and general store. Wyatt stud- ied at Ebenezer College in Hustburg, TN then transferred to Dickson Normal College in Dickson, TN, where she met her future husband Thaddeus Caraway. After receiving her B.A. in 1896, she taught until her marriage in 1902. The Caraways relocated to Jonesboro, Arkansas where Mr. Caraway practiced law and Mrs. Caraway oversaw the household and cared for their three sons. Though she took on a domestic role during her married years, Caraway always followed her husband’s political career closely as he joined the House of Representatives and later the Senate. Once www.loc.gov Caraway filled her husband’s role in the Senate, she had no and cosponsored the Equal Rights Amendment. Votes from intentions of leaving. When running for her first full term in women contributed greatly to Caraway’s continued success. 1932, she said, “The time has passed when a woman should Three other women also served briefly in the Senate during be placed in a position and kept there only while someone Caraway’s tenure, but Caraway remained in office for four else is being groomed for the job.” terms. She lost the 1944 election to the much younger J. Wil- As a lawmaker, Senator Caraway served on commit- liam Fulbright, but Caraway’s political career continued. tees for Agriculture and Forestry, Commerce, and Enrolled Roosevelt granted her a role in the Employees’ Compensa- Bills and Library, chairing the latter. Despite her educated tion Commission, and Roosevelt’s successor President Harry background, Caraway spoke so infrequently as to earn the Truman appointed her to the Employees’ Compensation Ap- nickname “Silent Hattie.” This characteristic did not, how- peals Board. She remained active until she suffered a stroke ever, come from shyness. Caraway chose her words carefully in 1950. Caraway passed away that same year at the age of and wished to not waste time with unnecessary speeches. seventy-two. She is remembered as not only the first woman Her prudent nature gave her a reputation for being honest elected into the Senate, but also a respected lawmaker who and sincere. She pushed for Prohibition, strongly supported proved that political savvy does not depend on gender. the New Deal of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a fellow Democrat, and advocated for relief for farmers and veterans. Though Caraway stated that a woman’s role lay in the home, she recognized the prevalence of gender inequality 8 features Christiane Amanpour The World’s Narrator Jane Thier Christiane Amanpour was born on January 12th, 1958, these challenging tasks, Amanpour was given the opportu- in London, England, to an Iranian father of Muslim descent nity to move up in the reporting business, and in 1990, she and an English mother of Christian descent. She was raised began her service as a correspondent for CNN’s New York in Tehran, Iran, and after completing most of her elementary bureau. education, eleven-year-old Amanpour’s parents sent her to Amanpour’s reports of the Persian Gulf War brought her an all-girls English boarding school, Holy Cross Convent in a first taste of wide notice as a reporter. This attention dou- Buckinghamshire. At age 16, she went on to attend New Hall bled as a steppingstone for CNN, bringing it to a completely School in Essex. Not long after the commencement of the new level of news coverage. Amanpour went on to cover the Islamic Revolution, in which Iraq invaded Iran, Amanpour Bosnian War, on location. and her family returned to live in England, where they stayed Not surprisingly, from 1992 to 2010, Amanpour served permanently, finding life in Iran to be too difficult. as CNN’s chief international correspondent, and anchor of Once Amanpour had graduated from New Hall, she Amanpour, CNN’s daily interview program (’09-’10). Aman- moved to the United States, to study journalism at the Uni- pour has made a name for herself by reporting from the loca- versity of Rhode Island. During her time as a college student, tions of many world crises, i.e. Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, she worked meticulously in the news departments at WBRU- Rwanda, Iran and Israel. FM and WJAR in Providence, RI, in a variety of different In 2010, she worked briefly for ABC News, but by late positions. In 1983, Amanpour graduated summa cum laude 2011, returned loyally to CNN. On September 9th, 2013, with a B.A. in journalism. Amanpour’s show on CNN moved to the CNN International Shortly after her graduation, Amanpour was hired by London, England office, and is currently being produced and CNN on the foreign desk in Atlanta, GA, as an “entry-level broadcasted from London. desk assistant”. Early on in her career at CNN, Amanpour Christiane Amanpour’s success is an honorable one and was assigned her first major task: to cover the Iran-Iraq War, well deserved. She hasn’t once given up her passion for world which led to her being transferred to Eastern Europe in 1986, news, despite the dangers reporting on location can pose. where she would report on the fall of European communism. Amanpour serves as a role model for not only women work- In 1989, she relocated once again, to work in Frankfurt, Ger- ing in journalism, but for anyone who has a goal to face the many, where she reported on the democratic revolutions challenges of reporting in the journalism world. sweeping Eastern Europe. Having successfully completed www.ufrgs.br

9 horacefeatures mann

The Fight Against Government Syria

Hana Teklu www.care.org From the start of the Syrian rebellion against President voiceless in politics, and it seems that the Syrian revolution Bashar Al-Assad, women have been in the forefront along- is no different in regards to the women being able to par- side men. However, they are weakly represented in the or- ticipate and make political impacts. Syrian women are right- ganizations involved in the uprising and are rarely elected fully frustrated that although they are partaking in the same into a position of power. There is a large disproportion in the activities as the men and contributing just as much, they are percentage of women participating in the rebellion to those not receiving nearly as much representation in politics. They getting actual representation in what is occurring in their are ignored by those in high political positions that follow a own country. Many of these women have not only been in- traditional path and believe that women don’t have a place strumental to the success of many aspects of the revolution, there, nor do they have a political voice. Not only are women but they were also victims of brutal torture and rape. Women being poorly represented in the revolution, they also have were among the many people that were arrested and hurt, little say in town and village councils. In 2007, only 3.2 per- as a consequence of retaliating against what they believe is a cent of the council members in a local election were women. corrupt government. As the revolution continues, however, political lead- Of the many women involved in the fight, only three of ers are beginning to acknowledge all the effort women are them were elected to official seats of the opposition’s primary continuously putting into the revolution and are starting to group, the National Coalition. Women have been proactively support women’s role in politics. Syria’s main political party, involved in the fight against the government, including giv- the Ba’ath party, occasionally elects a woman to a position of ing their military services and taking up arms against the power, such as Najah al-Attar, the 1976 cultural minister, and government’s soldiers. In a day referred to as “Friday Protest later the vice president. The key to establishing an environ- of Free Women”, thousands of female protesters were killed ment where women get to voice their opinions and make in- and others imprisoned. These women have made many sac- fluential changes is to have a united front and work together rifices and risked their lives as much as the men involved in to make their visions of equal representation a reality. With the rebellion have, yet they have a drastically lower amount the growing support for women’s part in politics, it is more of representation. They feared that without establishing a likely that women can participate in peace negotiations and firm place in the movement, they may not get a voice in the post war resolutions and can make a deeper impact in Syria’s post-war decision-making despite the fact that they have future. clearly distinguished themselves as dedicated participants of the uprising. Throughout history, we have seen women neglected and 10 features The Women of the News Kelly O’Donnell and Rachel Maddow

mbd.scout.com

www.zimbio.com Sara Santiago For women looking to get involved in the world of po- When discussing today’s female news correspondents litical correspondence, Kelly O’Donnell serves as an out- it can almost be guaranteed that Rachel Maddow will be standing example of the power change occurring within the brought up. Not only does her show, The Rachel Maddow gender divisions of broadcast journalism. Born on May 17, Show, stand as one of the few on-air political commentary 1965 to a family of Irish immigrants, O’Donnell attended shows hosted by a female, but it is also uncommonly hosted Northwestern University where she created her own major by a lesbian female. Maddow grew up in California and spent that combined journalism and social policy. her college career at Stanford University. Maddow was one After graduating from Northwestern, O’Donnell of the only two openly gay people in her class. She began launched her career with WJW-TV, a CBS affiliated news her long career of activism for the prevention and support agency, as an associate producer. Kelly has spent most of of HIV/AIDS victims, and after leaving Stanford, Maddow her career with NBC, which she joined in 1994. Through- moved to San Francisco where she continued her work for out O’Donnell’s work in the journalism field she has covered HIV/AIDS organizations such as the AIDS Legal Referral some of the most prominent events of her time. These in- Panel. While in San Francisco, Maddow received the Rhodes clude the September 11th terrorist attacks, and Pope John Scholarship and moved to Britain to earn a doctorate in Paul II’s death. politics from Oxford University. She continued her work Currently O’Donnell is the White House Correspondent for AIDS in Britain before returning to America to work for for NBC, a position she has been holding since December and host various radio shows. The Rachel Maddow Show de- of 2007. Before holding this position O’Donnell covered the buted in 2008 when it became the “most successful TV show Iraq war while on location with the Third Infantry Division, launch in MSNBC history.” which was serving in Fallujah in 2003. During the 2008 elec- When asked about being a political commentator in New tions, Kelly covered the Republican candidates, having al- York Magazine in 2008, Maddow responded with this, “I do ready covered the Democratic nominees on election night worry if being a pundit is a worthwhile thing to be. Yeah, I’m of 2004. O’Donnell has consistently proven her ability to ac- the unlikely cable news host. But before that I was the un- curately deliver breaking news. Her excellence in the field likely Rhodes scholar. And before that I was the unlikely kid has provided her with numerous awards and nominations who got into Stanford. And then I was the unlikely lifeguard.” including a regional Emmy for outstanding live reporting In a world where a woman, let alone a homosexual wom- and two awards from the Los Angeles Press Club for feature an, could never dream about sharing political insight on na- reporting. In a field previously dominated by men, Kelly tional television just 50 years ago, both Kelly O’Donnell and O’Donnell has carved her own coveted spot in the nightly Rachel Maddow have shocked the world of journalism with news lineup, serving as a powerful female figure for aspiring their high intelligence, poise, and character. journalists.

11 Features

photo.net Syria’s Women Face Health Issues Political Turmoil’s Underlying Dilemmas

Lily McCarthy

Thousands of women in Syria have been left without She was stationed at the border of Syria and Lebanon; a proper reproductive healthcare due to the current social and year ago, the area had a mere total of seven clinics, none of political turmoil. Family planning and prenatal care organi- which were geared towards supporting women who are preg- zations have suffered a tremendous blow, and women in the nant or in need of contraceptives. She has since established nation are forced to go to extreme measures to receive basic four clinics that specialize in providing services like these to medical treatment. refugees. An overwhelming violation of medical neutrality has The demand for medical care turned out to be signifi- taken place within the country, said a coalition of medical cantly greater than Middleton initially anticipated. “In the professionals, many of whom are part of well-known institu- first two months of opening women’s health clinics, I thought tions like the World Health Organization (WHO). Over 50 we’d see 200 patients and we saw 850,” she said. The clinics percent of the country’s hospitals were impacted by the recent also provided women with a safe environment to discuss attacks, many of which led to the departure of 15,000 Syrian common problems that they faced throughout their preg- doctors. Moreover, because of the government’s restrictions nancies. on external imports and convoys, hospitals throughout Syria Middleton specifically focused on evaluating the con- are routinely exempted from deliveries of necessary medical ditions surrounding women’s healthcare in general in the supplies. Bekaa Valley. The vast majority of the women whom she en- Women are frequently denied pain medication during countered were dealing with immense poverty; many could Caesareans due to a lack of anesthetics. Unfortunately, un- barely afford to stay in hospitals after giving birth, and few safe abortions are common in a country dominated by unrest were able to purchase goods such as baby formula. and division. Other humanitarian organizations are also making an Economic challenges also play a profound role in repro- effort to promote the creation of programs related to gyne- ductive healthcare; because the United Nations terminated cological and obstetrical health. The United Nations Popu- its support of birth costs, refugees in dire financial straits lation Fund supplies delivery kits and emergency obstetric are now obligated to pay for a quarter of such services inde- care to Syrian women. Support groups for women have also pendently. An astonishing 75% of this refugee population is been instated by the agency. comprised of women and children. Postnatal care in areas surrounding Damascus, the capi- As a result of these difficult circumstances, women who tal of Syria, is provided through clinics founded by the Inter- have escaped from Syria to Lebanon return to their home- national Medical Corps. The group and their associated ser- land to give birth. They are often turned away from medical vices were conceived in order to educate parents about early practices and face no other choice but to deliver at home; this childhood development and thereby broaden their under- in turn increases the likelihood of infant mortality. standing about the ways in which to care for their children. However, individuals such as midwife Marjie Middleton, While the efforts of individuals and large-scale organiza- are risking their lives to increase the quality and availability tions to provide basic healthcare to women are admirable, of medical care provided to women in war-torn Syria. Mid- countries around the globe should work to increase their dleton works for Medicines-Sans Frontiers, an international level of support to civilians whose lives have been completely organization dedicated to providing assistance to individuals altered by the instability that is concomitant with the con- who are caught in the midst of conflicts and disasters. stant turbulence of Syria.

www.ryot.org 12 features

AustralianFeatures Females in Government?

THINK AGAIN. Elizabeth Magakian

he announcement that newly appointed Aus- lower ministries or as parliamentary secretaries. For tralian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s cabinet a country with a 1:1 ratio for men and women, it is has only one woman came as no surprise. The absurd to claim that the Cabinet’s 1:18 or the execu- Tcabinet consists of 19 people, meaning that 95% of tive members’ 1:6 ratios are anywhere close to equal the cabinet is male, while the only woman, Foreign gender representation. Minister Julie Bishop, makes up a pitiful 5% of the But why is equal representation important? entire Australian cabinet. Do these statistics even matter? Abbott has been called sexist for years. His They do. They matter for more than the sim- repeated misogynistic comments, such as his remark ple fact that Abbott is once again displaying his anti- that it would be “folly to expect that women will ever female prejudice. For one thing, by having Abbott dominate or even approach equal representation,” say that members of the government are appointed have left no doubt as to what his opinions on gender based solely on merit, he is in effect saying that he equality are. However, it is still disappointing that believes that for every woman qualified to be an Abbott, who stated that his promotions and deci- executive member of his government, there are six sions are based only on merit, did not believe that other men who are just as qualified. For each woman there were any more women qualified enough to join who has worked hard enough and done enough to the Cabinet. be qualified to be a member of Abbott’s Cabinet, The Cabinet is not the only section of Austra- there are not two, not five, not ten, but eighteen men lian government with a very low number of women who are just as qualified. Women involved in poli- present. Among the 42 executive members of gov- tics in Australia are being told that their hard work ernment named by Abbott, only six are women. is less valuable than the hard work of their male Apart from Bishop, the five other women serve in peers. They are being told that they have a miniscule 13 features

chance of preselection and election simply because strong leaders. they made the mistake of being women. Abbott’s disposition lets his fellow men know But this only leads to more problems. If that they are in a welcoming, testosterone-friendly women are being discouraged, they are less likely environment; it also lets women know that if they to participate in the stressful elections; this would think they are smart and qualified enough to earn a lead to even less female representation in Australian position in their country’s government, they had bet- government. A lack of representation means that, to ter think again. a certain extent, the issues of 50 percent of the coun- Hopefully Abbott will realize that we have try’s population are being ignored. It also means that moved past the 16th century and that the idea of a nearly all-male government will discuss women’s gender equality is not meant to be shocking. How- issues with little or no female input. ever, his previous responses to criticism show that Of course, the problems that the lack of this dream is an unlikely one. Instead, we can rely women in the Australian Cabinet and overall lead- on the fact that journalists, government officials, and ership positions will cause are not entirely Abbott’s citizens both in Australia and across the world are fault. It is pointless to blame just one man. However, questioning Australia’s government’s inequality. As Abbott is a big part of why Australia ranks as low as long as the problem is being discussed and solutions number 45 on the list of countries with the highest are being offered, there is hope that a change will be percentages of women in the lower house of parlia- made. ment. His continued sexist remarks and policies But who knows? Maybe a second woman promote the kind of environment where men do not in the entirety of Australia will be found qualified have to worry about hiding sexist opinions, pre- enough to join the Cabinet. There is no harm in hop- tending that they believe women are equal to men, ing. or even considering the fact that women can make 14 horacefeatures mann

Study Raises Question: Are Women Less Corrupt?

YEEWEN NEW

ccording to recent political science research organizations to evaluate national corruption. Afrom Rice University, female politicians are Transparency International, the World Bank less likely to engage in political corruption than Governance Indicators, and the International men in democratic governments. Crisis Risk Group monitored and measured The study, entitled “‘Fairer Sex’ or Purity corruption. The second part of the study was Myth? Corruption, Gender, and Institutional conducted between 1999 and 2002 by evaluating Context”, combined data from the governments individual attitudes toward corruption. This data of nations around the world was collected via the to gauge the degree to which Voters, in general, tend World Values Survey women participated in cor- to punish female politicians and accounted for 68 rupt practices. The report more harshly for corrupt countries around the shows that in countries with behavior, and their politi- world. a democratic ruling body, cal positions in general are The question where immoral governmen- more tenuous is why? What is the tal behavior is generally difference between denounced, women are less a corrupt man and likely to tolerate corruption. “The effect does not woman in democracies? A possible reason could hold up in countries where corruption is endem- be because corruption, especially from women, is ic, however,” says Swampland article “Women in stigmatized by democratic societies. “Voters, in Politics Less Likely to be Corrupt, Study Says.” general, tend to punish female politicians more In countries where political behavior such as harshly for corrupt behavior, and their political bribery, blackmail, and nepotism is generally positions in general are more tenuous,” says Slate accepted as the governmental norm, the effect of article “Are Women Really Less Corrupt than the female gender’s unlikelihood to tolerate cor- Men?” The public expects less corruption from ruption does not hold. female politicians than from males and is less The study was completed in two com- tolerating of women who display immoral politi- ponents—the first part used data from three cal behavior. 15 features This may very well be true. Here’s an ex- way. ample from our very own city: over the summer Rice University’s study also states that as the 2013 Mayoral Race surged on, the only women may feel more bound to political society female candidate, Christine Quinn, was targeted norms. In already corrupt countries, recruiting for the most trivial issues. Despite her efforts to more women would not affect overall corruption portray herself as a hard-hitting, no-nonsense because practices such as bribery and favorit- action taker, the ism in govern- media hit her back ment are seen as by branding her as normal political controlling and tem- characteristics. In peramental instead less corrupt gov- of giving her the sup- ernments, society port and admiration generally looks that a male candidate down upon po- would have received. litical immorali- None of the male ties, and more candidates opposing women across her—Bill de Blasio, the administra- Bill Thompson, or tion would favor Anthony Weiner— governmental were at all criticized honesty. in this manner. “‘Fairer Sex’ Why is it that or Purity Myth? Quinn’s mere per- Corruption, sonality traits af- Gender and In- fected her almost as stitutional Con- much media cover- text” finds that age and public at- female politi- tention as Anthony cians are com- Weiner’s Twitter pelled to follow scandal? their society’s “Let’s be honest. political stan- Even in 2013, it’s re- dards and act ac- ally hard to project cordingly. Voters yourself as a tough as in democracies nails character with tend to denounce uniquely mayoral politicians, wom- mettle when you’re en in particular, a woman,” wrote New York Daily News review. for not acting according to their general beliefs. Being an insider hindered, rather than helped, Christine Quinn’s media targeting is an example Christine Quinn’s NYC mayoral bid. Despite of the stigma placed on many female politicians Quinn’s clean record, she was targeted by voters going against the beliefs of public stereotypes. for not embodying what is expected of women in The research and data collected from this politics, and this ultimately led to her loss. In- study will hopefully encourage voters around the stead of society’s progression in gender equality, world to take a closer look at the gender discrim- we will fall back into old habits of discrimination ination mixed with political corruption in their if past gender stereotypes continue to get in the own governments. 16 features

Female Candidates for Senator fill Gender Gap in Government and Assist Democratic Party Danielle Resheff

omen are seeing more success in govern- to be a significant issue for Republicans this cycle.” ment than in the past, benefiting both My belief is that Democrats have ample evidence of the Democratic and Republican Parties. the Republican party’s “war on women”, illustrated WThree strong female senatorial candidates in South- by its opposition to women-oriented legislature such ern states have the potential to close the gender gap. as the Violence Against Women Act and the contra- In the Southern states, where Republican ception coverage included in Obamacare. The act candidates are usually successful among the conser- entails a series of improved criminal justice respons- vative majority, Democratic women have energized es to violence against women. Some of the revisions and appealed to female voters through their sup- in the act include: mandating that victims, no matter port of significant women’s issues. Violence against their income levels, are not forced to pay the cost women, abortion, and contraception are the subject of medical exams and that restraining orders (re- matters in which some women perceive hostility gardless of the gender of parties involved) must be from Republicans. legally enforced in all regards. The three senatorial candidates who ran were The Republican Party too had female candidates Natalie Tennant in West Virginia, Alison Lundergan running for Senate, including Representative Shelly Grimes in Kentucky, and Michelle Nunn in Geor- Moore Capito from West Virginia, Terri Lynn Land gia. All three of them are high-profile Democratic of Michigan, and Joni Ernst from Iowa. These con- contenders for their respective positions. Currently tenders proved to be favorable choices for Republi- there are sixteen women in the senate, a number can women, as female candidates such as Capito are that could shortly escalate to nineteen or twenty – in in support of women-oriented legislation such as the which case females would make up one quarter of Violence Against Women Act. Republican women the chamber’s members. bring a different perspective with the same tenacity I believe that Democrats are far more sensitive and as the Democratic women. supportive of issues regarding basic human rights In the context of the senatorial elections, of women, and these female Democratic candidates women have been widely appreciated and highly give women of conservative Southern states incen- successful in a government context. Men may still tive to vote for them. 55 percent of the female vote dominate the political scene in terms of numbers, in 2012 went to Obama, perhaps because Mitt Rom- but the citizens of the country are taking slow ney’s campaign was marked by what I consider to be strides towards accepting females in government as outmoded opinions on abortion, rape, and family they see that women are suitable for the job. values. Deputy executive director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Matt Canter has rightly pointed out that “the gender divide is going 17 feature horacefeatures mann in Little Representation a BIG City Sadiba Hasan

million people reside in Los Angeles, the second female representation, but women nationwide are largest city in the nation, and 1.9 million of them also having trouble catching up with men in office. are women. How, then, is there only one woman In state and local government combined, 73 women 4in office in City Hall? hold elected statewide positions across the nation – Out of 18 elected positions in City Hall, Nury that’s 23 percent of available positions. While these Martinez, who joined the Council in July, is the only numbers are similar to those of 1993, the number of woman who holds a spot. The mayor, the city attor- women in these seats has been decreasing since its ney, the city controller, the auditor and chief account- peak of 28 percent in 2001. ing officer of the city? All men. Los Angeles County, Throughout human history, men have held a which holds 9.9 million people, has only one woman disproportionate level of political power around the in its 5 member Board of Supervisors, which governs world. Even in democracies where any individual has LA County. the opportunity to be elected by the popular vote, the "When I was in elementary school, there were highest political positions are still occupied primarily like five women on the City Council," said Martinez, by male leaders. the city's only female representative. "It's a shame and One would believe that people have rational embarrassing that in a city of four million people we reasons when deciding whom to vote for; however are down to one woman.” it may be possible that their judgments are swayed Estelle Lawton Lindsey became the first wom- by reasons as shallow as gender. Several studies have an elected to the LA City Council in 1915. She was an been performed, showing that voters perceive the excellent leader who brought forth a unique perspec- faces of men as more competent and dominant than tive with ideas such as prioritizing public health and female politicians. Moreover, top political leadership providing greater services for impoverished women. is linked to a nature of masculinity. Then, in 1953, Roz Wyman was elected, paving the It is possible, however, that the problem is not path for others. In the 1990s, 5 women served on the the voters, but rather that few women are running. I council at the same time. Although this was only one believe this shows a lack of interest of women seeking third of the total amount of seats, it is far better in office. The future holds scarce female political repre- comparison to today’s council. sentation because few obvious female candidates are Local LA government may be struggling with in the horizon. 18 features

The near absence of women in office means Fortunately, several programs looking to train that there are few role models and examples being women in leadership positions and advances are be- set for young girls interested in politics for the future. ing set up. Young Women’s Political Leadership is a Our greatest female politicians were inspired by the program introducing high school girls to the power of women who came before them and a lack of role political leadership. Another program, HOPE, pro- models sets a problem for the future. motes greater political engagement for Latina women. “Growing up, I always saw myself serving in With the institution of these programs promoting public office, because that is what I wanted to do,” said female leadership, hope for more women in future Nury Martinez. “But I had people to look up to. There politics is strengthened. were people I would watch on TV and read about. I was reading about these women. The Jackie Gold- bergs. The Gloria Molinas. And for little girls for years to come?” “It’s a shame and Sadiba Hasan embarrassing that in a city of four million people, we are down to one woman.”

19 horace mann

20

Domestic

The OVERSEXUALIZATION of Female Politicians By Kira Newmark www.merchantcircle.com

e often like to think of America as the their policies, they scrutinize their appearance. leader of the pack when it comes to Whether criticizing their physicality or praising it, women in politics. Several female poli- this makes the way they look dominate over their Wticians have entered the limelight over the past few political achievements and philosophies. decades, including Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, During the 2008 presidential elections Sar- Sarah Palin, and Condoleeza Rice, yet even from ah Palin and Hillary Clinton emerged at the fore- a pure statistical point of view it is obvious we are front of politics. Instead of being met with political far from gender parity in politics. Currently, wom- interest, they were met with criticism about their en hold only 18.3% of the seats in Congress, 20% bodies, looks, and fashion sense. Sarah Palin was of the seats in the Senate, and 17.9% of the seats torn apart for appearing too sexy during her cam- in the House of Representatives. Not only is there paign; it was not uncommon to see headlines such a glaring inequality between the number of men as “Palin Becoming the Britney Spears of the 2008 and women in political power, but also in how they Election?,” “Sarah Palin: An All-American Cheer- are portrayed in the media. News outlets and com- leader,” and “A Broad In Asia” [along with a pic- mentators often sexualize female political candi- ture of Palin visiting Hong Kong]. cal power to her dates and officeholders; rather than talking about appearance, as dozens of Facebook groups were 22 Domestic dedicated to how “hot” Palin was. A doll manufac- even talk about it the next day? No, yet Michelle turer even went as far as to release a “Sarah Palin Obama’s outfits are constantly worked into fashion School Girl Action Figure”. On the other hand, puff pieces and prompt discussion over her cloth- Hillary Clinton was bashed for her looks; she was ing, instead of her political efforts. In essence, ap- constantly criticized for her scrunchies, makeup, pearance is a unbalanced double-edged sword for pantsuits, and even her “cankles”. Some articles ex- women in politics; it brings them attention, but for tensively analyzed Clinton’s fashion choices; one the wrong reasons, which men in politics are rare- titled “Scrunchie fan Hillary Clinton replaces out- ly, if ever, subjected to. In 2010, three women’s ad- dated accessory with bejeweled hair tie (but is it vancement groups, the Women’s Media Center, the actually any better?)” included seven pictures of WCF Foundation and Political Parity, conducted her wearing the offending accessory, all of which a study that found that gender-based criticisms of are thoroughly examined by the author. Tim Gunn female politicians lowered their political standing went on The Lopez Show and commented on her more than criticism based on their actual political appearance, saying ““Why must she dress that way? views. We need to end this appearance-obsessed I think she’s confused about her gender!” and ““I war on women in politics and make an even play- have great respect for her intellect and her tenac- ing field for women and men in the US govern- ity and for what she does for our country in her ment. governmental role. I just wish she could send a stronger message about American fashion.” What he doesn’t understand is that it is problematic to say that when fashion is completely unrelated to the role she is fulfilling; he is suggesting that since she is a woman her appearance should be held important. These thoughts have carried over into present day. Recently a commentator on Fox News remarked, “She’s not looking good these days. She’s looking overweight, and she’s looking very tired,” while another responded, “Looks like she’s not try- ing, to be honest”. By searching for a her looks and her success, they are shrinking all her other efforts down in comparison. Even President Obama can be found guilty of trivializing a woman’s political efforts. When District Attorney Kamala Harris became the US Surgeon General, Obama commented on her by saying she was “by far, the best-looking attorney general”. This automatically takes her achievement out of terms relating to power and politics into sex- ual terms. Would it be appropriate to compliment a woman’s appearance like this at a party? Maybe. Would it also be okay in a work environment, at a boardroom meeting or during a conference call? No. These lines of appropriate behavior are ones that are sometimes blurred in the political arena. Not only is there a double standard solely within the portrayal of these women, there is a huge imbalance between the coverage of male compared to female politicians. Does anyone remember what www.herobuilders.com President Obama wore to his inauguration? Or 23 Domestic

Wendy Davis Feminist Texan Senator

www.nbcdfw.com By Gaelan James McMurray endy Davis, born in 1963, is a Democratic After the filibuster Davis became a household senator from Fort Worth, Texas. She cur- name, and then begun to speak about LGBTQ rights rently represents district 10 in the Texas in Texas. Recently, a nondiscrimination ordinance was Wsenate. While seemingly an ordinary run-of-the-mill passed in San Antonio, Texas. This nondiscrimination senator, Wendy Davis is one of the most inspiring ordinance would present protection against discrimi- women in recent American politics. On June 25, 2013, nation against sexual orientation and gender identity Davis held a filibuster lasting all of eleven hours to for those in the LGBTQ community of San Antonio. block Senate Bill 5. A filibuster is a parliamentary This ordinance did not pass with effortlessness; many procedure in which the debate over a proposal is citizens and members of City Council rejected it. extended, allowing even one person to postpone or Councilwoman Elise Chan was particularly against even completely prevent the vote on the proposal. In it, and claimed that gays are “disgusting”. She proceed Davis’ case, the given proposal is Senate Bill 5, a piece to then make more homophobic and trans*phobic of legislation that would enforce new abortion regula- remarks. But Davis emerged through the cloud of tions in Texas. These regulations include a complete ignorance surrounding this issue. After the passing ban on abortion after 20 weeks post-fertilization and of the ordinance, she told the Texas Tribune, “I hope a requirement of supervision over women consuming that a [nondiscrimination ordinance] becomes some- abortion-inducing drugs such as RU-486 (commonly thing that is commonplace… I look forward to a Texas known as “the abortion pill”) and Plan B. This bill also where we see that in every city in the state… [It’s] im- contains legislature requiring more regulations at abor- portant that people be treated equally in the workplace, tion clinics, such as reinforcing new health standards. plain and simple.” While this bill is not so egregious that it bans abortion Recently, Davis announced that she is going to as a whole in Texas, it still takes away from a woman’s be running for Governor of Texas in the 2014 elec- basic right to control her own body. Wendy Davis saw tion. Her chances seem pretty good, because of all she’s this act of oppression and decided to take to act on it done for female and LGBTQ Texans.

for herself and women in Texas. www.hollywoodreporter.com 24 Domestic Hillary Clinton

By Sara Hirade

www.barackobamaufo.com illary Diane Clinton, born Hillary Diane Rod- dency to try and become the first female president. At ham, is not just one of America’s top female first, she was the clear Democratic front-runner, but politicians; she is one of the most prominent as Barack Obama gained more and more delegates Hpolitical figures in the world. She was born in Chicago, in the primary, she conceded. Although she has not Illinois on October 26, 1947. Although she is currently yet announced running, many hope and believe that a staunch Democrat, she was a Republican earlier in Clinton will run again in the 2016 elections. On Janu- her career, and campaigned for Barry Goldwater, the ary 21, 2009, she was approved by Obama to become Republican presidential nominee against Lyndon B. Secretary of State. She quickly emphasized the impor- Johnson. However, in 1968, she switched parties after tance of women’s and human rights and travelled all hearing a speech by Martin Luther King. She gradu- around the world, to 112 different countries, to fight ated from Wellesley College in 1969 and then Yale Law against inequality. She also increased the budget of the School in 1973. Two years later on October 11, 1975, State Department and said, “We’ve got a lot of dam- she married Bill Clinton. She continued working for age to repair. Clinton, in her first weeks as Secretary of Democratic campaigns such as Jimmy Carter’s and State spoke with world leaders to show America’s new practicing law, while her husband was Attorney Gen- stances on foreign policy and to distance her adminis- eral and Governor of Arkansas. tration from previous ones. When Bill Clinton ran for President in 1992, Despite her numerous accomplishments, Clin- Hillary Clinton proved herself to be an influential part- ton, as well as many other female politicians, has faced ner for her husband, who was frequently noted for her a lot of backlash because of her gender. Although many strength. During the Monica Lewinsky scandal that men, and even some women, have criticized her for rocked the White House, she supported her husband, being an assertive female politician, Rush Limbaugh even though many saw his actions as reason to end the is the worst offender. He has said about that Clinton marriage. In 2000, Hillary Clinton ran to be the Sena- “reminds men of the worst characteristics of women tor from New York and defeated the Republican candi- they’ve encountered over their life: totally controlling, date Rick Lazio by a 12% margin. Not only was she the not soft and cuddly. Not sympathetic. Not patient. first female Senator from New York, but she was also Not understanding. Demanding, domineering, Nurse the first First Lady to win a political office. The Senator Ratched kind of thing” and “all she is is a secretary.” who succeeded Clinton, Kirsten Gillibrand, was also a However, Clinton has not let comments, such as these, woman. distract her from being one of the most powerful www.hollywoodreporter.com In 2007, Clinton declared her run for the presi- people in politics and a role model for all. 25 Domestic Domestic CHRISTINE QUINN

www.nyopolitcker.com By Natasha Moolji Christine Quinn was born in Glen Cove, New York. Quinn began making history from the mo- During her early career, she served as head of the ment she was elected. During her first two terms Housing Justice Campaign for the Association of as speaker, she worked closely with Mayor Michael Neighborhood and Housing Development. Her man- Bloomberg. Together, they passed budgets, preserved agement of Thomas Duane’s campaign for City Coun- tax-credits for homeowners, saved 4,000 teach- cil in 1991 marked her political debut. After Duane ers from layoffs, saved 20 firehouses from shutting was elected, Quinn was appointed as his chief of staff down, helped elderly-care providers keep their jobs, and held this position for five years. Later on, she led and passed the Tenant Protection Act. Quinn sup- the NYC Anti-Violence Project and Rudy Giuliani ported Bloomberg in 2008 on extending the two- appointed her to the NYC Police/Community Rela- term limit for public officials. She had gone back on tions Task Force. In 1999, Christine Quinn became her statement that she would not work against term the Democratic nominee for City Council and beat limits. Bloomberg and Quinn worked so closely to- her Republican counterpart for a seat. After several gether that many considered her the heir to Mayor years on the council, Quinn was elected Speaker of Bloomberg’s throne. the Council and was the first woman, as well as the On March 10, 2013 Christine Quinn an- first openly gay individual, to hold this position. nounced her run for the next mayor of New York 26 Domestic

fineartamerica.com

City. She built her campaign on the idea that once mayor, she came third in the ultimate vote. She was elected she would help NYC remain an international no longer a popular candidate and as a result, lost in beacon of opportunity and hope. For the first few the Democratic Primary. months of the race, it was evident that Quinn was New York City proved that it was not ready the front-runner. She reached nearly 40 percent in for its first female mayor. She did not lose because polls, potentially allowing her to win without a run- she was too closely related to Bloomberg. Quinn was off. During the race, Quinn was against flaunting the too brash to win the hearts of New York City voters. fact that she was the first female speaker. She wanted Bloomberg continually polled well leading up to the to win simply based on her merit and success on get- primary, with liberals giving him a good rating. Yet, ting things done as a part of the council, instead of his likeability could not be transferred to her. Af- how she differed from the other candidates. At the ter her defeat, Quinn posted a final message on her same time, her opponents started complaining about campaign website where she thanked her tireless sup- how similar her position was to Bloomberg’s. Quinn porters. She also said that if her run for mayor had in- did not respond to people’s frustrations with Bloom- spired at least one young girl to follow her dreams, no berg’s third term. Her opponents continuously re- matter how impossible they seem, then the 9 months minded the public of how Quinn had extended term she spent on the race were worth it. Quinn still has limits, which allowed Bloomberg to have his third, an impressive road ahead of her and might even run very unpopular, term. Just when pundits had thought again in the next mayoral race. that Quinn could be the first female and openly gay

27 28 Science & Health

France: A New Chapter for Reproduction Rights Lauren Hooda

After World War II, the incidence of illegal abortions also offers free and anonymous contraception to in France elevated quite significantly. Growing teenagers aged 15 to 18, including the first and second numbers of women began travelling to the United generation birth control pills, contraceptive implants, Kingdom to acquire abortions after the UK legalized and sterilization. However, the law will not include abortion in 1967. France later legalized abortion in other male-used contraceptives, such as condoms. 1975, which was initially available until the tenth week Now that the law is effective, French authorities after conception. However, access to the procedure was are assuming they will see a significant drop in the not widely accessible in most French states until 2001, number of women obtaining abortions; increasing when more expansive legislation was ratified. access and refunds of birth control have repeatedly Until April, women over the age 18 in France were reduced abortion rates around the world. By coupling only entitled to receive up to 80 percent of the cost this legislation with free birth control for teenage girls of abortion, which could run as high as 450 euros. and women, France strives to not only bolster women’s Through social security funds, birth control costs were reproductive justice, but to decrease the incidence also partly reimbursed at 65 percent of the cost. of unexpected pregnancies and abortions; according April 1st, 2013 marked a new chapter for French to the French Directorate for Research, Studies, reproduction rights. The National Assembly of France Evaluation and Statistics, 225,000 abortions were enacted this abortion legislation last October, and the performed in France in 2010. bill was accepted by the French Senate within a few A common misconception is that free, legal, and months. However, abortions under this bill are only safe abortion measures will increase the number of legal up to 12 weeks after conception. Abortions at abortions. However, abortions are not somewhat later phases of pregnancy are solely permitted if two appealing or desirable when they’re free; abortions physicians attest that the abortion will be required to are often an extremely challenging, life-altering, prevent permanent harm to the physical or mental and emotionally depleting choice for both men and health of the pregnant woman, or that the child will women. In essence, women don’t go shopping and suffer from an incurable and severe illness. get abortions because they’re on the sales rack with a Fostering comprehensive reproductive rights heavy discount. Women get abortions because their for women was one of French President François critical circumstances, in their minds, necessitate Hollande’s 2012 campaign promises. Under this new them, and that’s why the French government is so bill, French women no longer have to pay to terminate appropriately focused on offering both safe and a pregnancy; they are permitted to a full compensation affordable access to abortions. for the cost of their abortion. The French law 29 Science & Health

It’s Your Fault Irena Hsu In response to the gang rape of an Indian woman When these women are abused, they are often in New Delhi, Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin, unable to turn to family or authorities for help. television host Juhi Pandey, and two other stand-up Families often disown rape victims, and even the comedians produced a satirical video explaining the police turn a blind eye to what is happens. The reasons why women themselves are responsible for scenario is acted out in the video as Koechlin says their raping. Titled “It’s Your Fault”, Koechlin and with a smile, “If you are tired of being humiliated by Pandey touch on all different aspects about the things rape, you can always go to the cops to be humiliated that provoke men to rape a woman, how Indian culture by them instead”. This environment of ignorance has justifies rape, the views “powerful people” have on this led many unfortunate victims of rape believe that it topic, and even the response of the local police men. is their fault they were raped and the video ends with Koechlin states in the beginning of the video that women of different age and background saying, “it’s rape is caused by the provocative clothing that women my fault”. wear, and Pandey backs up her claim by showing However, despite rape being one of India’s examples of the so called “provocative clothing”, which most common crimes against women, the country includes a full body burqa. Politicians and leading is starting to make changes to its anti-rape laws. In gurus of India have tried to use the idea of provocative April of this year, Section 375 of the Indian Penal code clothing as a reason for rapes, stating that “Bollywood defined many unwanted sexual acts as an offence, and encourages women to abandon more demure clothing declared that if a couple is separated, then marital rape for ‘net (stockings) and miniskirt’”. These people have will be a crime and the husband will be imprisoned. also blamed rape on things from fast food to cell Another section, 376A forbids any fatal injuries to phones, while still not placing any blame on the men. be inflicted upon the victim, and will also introduce As the video also pointed out, not only did the harsh consequences when broken. politicians and gurus attempt to justify the gang rape Though rape is still a major problem in India and incident, Indian culture also tries to do the same thing. many other countries of this world, leaders from all The mindset that “if he’s your husband, then it’s not over are coming together to try and fight the heinous rape” is still quite common in India, and marital rape crime. India still has a long way to go before they has not yet been classified as a criminal activity. As can create a safe environment where women can feel a result, women are often sexually abused, with 26% comfortable about speaking up for themselves, but of women in Pune, 23% in Bhubaneswar, and 16% they are getting there step by step. The raping incident in Jaipur admitting to forced intercourse with their in December shocked the world, but since then, India husbands. has grown more aware of the problem, and hopefully other countries will too. 30 Science & Health

Abortion in

Mexico

Karina Hooda As a much disputed issue, abortion in hospitals, due to perilous complications and injuries Mexico is forbidden in eighteen out of thirty state resulting from unsafe abortions; illegal abortions constitutions. Although efforts were made during the are the fourth highest cause of maternal mortality in 1980s to liberalize abortion, no changes were made. Mexico. Consequently, the nation is divided regarding laws and In 2007, Mexico City, home to ten million people, standpoints regarding abortion. finally legalized abortion, with safe abortion services Nationwide, abortion is legal only in cases of being provided all throughout the capital. Ninety rape or incest or when a woman’s life is endangered. thousand safe and legal abortions have since been However, abortion is still prohibited in most states, performed. Inevitably, there has been some backlash even if it renders non-fatal physical injuries or to abortions, as abortions raise the critical questions mental instability. The laws of the eighteen states that regarding their morality. In an episode of the hit soap criminalize abortion are strict, and in some cases like opera based on “real life” stories, Lo Que Callamos Las the conservative states of Yucatan and Guanajuato, Mujeres (What We Women Keep Silent), a storyline there is not even one legal abortion practitioner. unraveled about a women who had an abortion. Furthermore, these conservative states have jailed This character began experiencing “post abortion more than a dozen women for over thirty years for syndrome,” - a medically unrecognized claim, having acquired illegal abortions. In other states broadcasting that terminating a pregnancy results in where abortion is illegal, women are subject from grave psychological trauma. This episode of Lo Que six months to five years in jail for obtaining illegal Callamos had contacted the organization IRMA (I abortions. The consequences of such illegal abortions Regret My Abortion) to request a “true-life” story line are in accordance with the majority of Mexico; in a regarding reproductive rights. The IRMA additionally recent poll, 51.3 percent of Mexicans oppose legalizing maintains and spreads rumors that abortion causes abortion, while only 30 percent of Mexicans favor breast cancer, infertility, depression or suicide, legalizing abortion. The rest were undecided regarding reinforcing anti-abortion Mexican laws. this critical issue of reproductive rights. Unfortunately, the rate of illegal abortions in Despite the strict laws in Mexico, abortion Mexico is only increasing, despite the often hazardous is still widely practiced. Each year, five hundred risks. Mexico City’s abortion legislation is a pivotal thousand to one million and five hundred thousand first step in improving reproductive rights and will illegal abortions are performed. One hundred and hopefully represent a change in abortions legislation fifty thousand of those women are then treated at local across the entire nation. 31 Science & Health

Illegal Abortions Murder Young Women salon.com Natasha Moolji to become ambulatory surgical centers, and forced On the Mexican border by McAllen, Texas, an abortion doctors to sign on with hospitals. All of the open-air flea market is filled with tables with hand- hoops that owners of abortion centers need to jump written signs. Papers advertise herbal remedies that through in order to remain open are so complex come with the promise of weight-loss and window that centers are shutting down. Arizona lost 12 of its tinting. Pregnancy ending pills can also be found in previous 18 centers, leaving only six in the state. Now, abundant supply. Erlinda Dasquez went to the bazaar the majority of the open centers are in the city. This to purchase these pills. For $40, Ms. Dasquez received makes it hard for women who live in rural areas to four pills. This illegal method of abortion is extremely access them. Unless a woman has access to funds or dangerous. Erlinda could suffer from hemorrhaging reliable transportation, she will not be able to get to or a ruptured uterus. Erlinda’s situation sounds like a clinic. In addition, 26 out of the 50 states require it belongs in the era before abortion was legalized. clinics to wait 24 hours between giving consultation Instead, she is a 29-year old mother in 2013 with four sessions and abortion procedures. Even if a poor children. She does not have the resources for a legal woman was able to make it to a consultation session, it procedure. Recent laws in Texas have made it more would be nearly impossible for her to come back again difficult for women living in rural areas or in poverty for another session, and to leave her children or job to get abortions. Dasquez’s case is just one of many. alone. Women that are not well off face the brunt of Over the past three years, 54 abortion clinics have restrictions on abortions. been shut down across the United States, leaving only Now, because of how difficult it is for women 724 clinics operational. Kermit Gosnell, an abortion to seek advice on abortions, some have turned to provider in Pennsylvania, was tried for murder because illegal methods of abortion. According to the World he performed illegal, late term abortions by cutting the Health Organization, approximately 219 women spines of fetuses. This provided state legislatures with die worldwide each day from an unsafe abortion. more fuel to argue for stricter regulations on abortion. Women like Erlinda Dasquez are forced to perform A group of Republicans of the House addressed all self-induced abortions or have backstreet abortions state health departments and attorney generals and performed. All of these put their lives in danger. used Gosnell’s case to prove the dangers of abortion. Meanwhile, abortion as a clinical procedure is 11 They cited the evidence against Gosnell to advocate times safer than carrying a pregnancy to term and for the civil rights of newborns. The past three years twice as safe as a penicillin injection. While abortion have been filled with substantial social and legislative is still legal throughout the nation, laws have made movements against abortion services. it increasingly difficult for women to be safe while Although a small number of closures were a making their own choices about their bodies. Those result of other causes, most clinics that were closed making it tougher for abortion clinics to remain open have been in states that made large cuts to family are going back to a time in history where abortion was planning funding and implemented new abortion illegal and the annual number of illegal abortions was restrictions. Texas is one such state and it lost nine as high as 1.2 million. Unless legislation makes it easier clinics. In addition, changes in the state budget have for these clinics to operate, many more women like cut family planning funding, required abortion clinics Ms. Dasquez are going to find themselves in bazaars, 32 risking their lives. Science & Health Margaret Sanger Ananya Kumar-Banerjee

Birth control is an everyday concept. It helps Sanger started off as a nurse in Lower East prevent diseases and minimizes the risk of getting Side of New York City. While working there, she pregnant. Certain forms of birth control actively became increasingly aware of the massive numbers prevent the spread of diseases like AIDS and other of immigrant women who were forced into frequent venereal diseases. In other countries, such as Saudi childbirth, miscarriage and self-induced abortion Arabia, women have been deprived of even the because of the lack of knowledge of birth control. simplest of rights, such as driving. Here, in the US, Sanger became very passionate about giving women politicians are also keeping women from their rights. the ability and freedom of birth control. She even said Their argument is couched in moral arguments she thought of it as an extension of our constitutional like “we, as citizens, should be fighting for the child right to free speech. After ten years of fighting the that has not yet been born”. They want to take away American government on anti- “obscenity” laws a woman’s right to control her body. Back in the and educating women on their rights and bodies late nineteenth century, the government did not through newsletters and publication, Sanger started allow women to be aware of what was happening in a revolution by founding the Birth Control League, their bodies, but then everything changed with the which today is known as Planned Parenthood. commercialization of birth control. In the modern world, When birth control was Planned Parenthood helps first introduced, it gave women the provide information on how chance to take command of their to take care of your bodies futures and to reject the common to people of all classes, races “housewife” role. Birth control and backgrounds. As well gave women the freedom to pursue as providing information to the careers they had dreamed keep people informed and of and gave women a certain aware, Planned Parenthood independence which they had not also provides cancer seen before. Without it, a lot of screening, prevention, women would not have been able STD testing and treatment, to have their families at a healthy contraception, abortion and able age. They would reject having a proper career services as well as many other services. In the year two because of the toiling job they would have as a mother. thousand and eight alone, Planned Parenthood helped Who was the woman who pioneered this incredible protect and change the lives of almost eleven million technology? Meet Margaret Sanger. Born in the late people. nineteenth century, she was the daughter of a forward Though Margaret Sanger changed society’s thinking father and a traditional Catholic mother. view of women from a simple child-creator to that Sanger’s mother had eleven children, which gave her of a real citizen, in our modern world, people still do plenty of work and eventually weakened her immune not fully see women as true citizens. And even though system to the point where she died of tuberculosis. education of our bodies is taken more seriously than Sanger grew up in the heyday of the Comstock Laws, a it was taken in the twentieth century, not everyone is series of laws which prevented the mailing of “obscene” aware of what it means to protect oneself and to have material. This included contraceptives and ANY a child. In other words, even though Margaret Sanger information regarding sex and abortion; this became pushed forward the cause of education in terms of our a very great issue because it did not allow for the bodies and ourselves, we, as modern citizens still need education of women on their own bodies. to spread knowledge on how to take care of your body. 33 34 International Golda Meir

By Libby Smilovici

When addressing the Israeli-Palestine conflict, the first the state. Meir’s passion to create an Israeli state was unstop- Female Prime Minister, Golda Meir, isn’t really discussed pable and was prevalent in her dealings with foreign affairs. in depth. From the late 1940s to the early 1960s Meir was She even went as far as to organize illegal Jewish immigra- regarded as the Golden Prime Minister of Israel, colloqui- tion into Palestine. After climbing up the ranks, Golda Meir ally known as “Our Golda”. However, in recent years, she lost become Ben Gurion’s “best man,” and advised Gurion on this highly esteemed respect. The War of 1969 and its conse- different affairs regarding Israel. Meir created the national quences were mostly blamed on Meir. She also had very right insurance system and was one of the few well-spoken Eng- wing conservative views, the most radical being her denial of lish speakers of the Israeli cabinet at the time. In 1969, Meir Palestine as a state. Despite her negative reputation, Golda received her highest political rank as the first female Prime Meir is still considered one of the most important political Minister of Israel. She led the country through the War of figures concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and that 1969 and then resigned due to illness. She had retired before has nothing to do with her gender. the war, but was asked to return to her position despite her Golda Meir was born in Ukraine, but immigrated health conditions. Meir’s dedication to Israel and Zionism to Wisconsin to escape pogroms instigated by the Soviet impacted Israel as much as her political achievements. government. When interviewed, Meir often avoided talking Golda Meir’s political activity is overpowered by the about her early life, for it has little to do with her accomplish- legacy she has left on Israel and Israeli female politicians. Af- ments. In 1921, she left for Palestine and joined a Kibbutz, ter her term as Prime Minister, many women entered Israeli a collective farming community in Israel. She overcame the politics. In the last Prime Minister election, Benjamin Ne- ideas of her parents who wished for her to become a house- tanyahu ran against a woman, Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, keeper in the States. Unsatisfied with her lifestyle and her My father is Israeli, and I remember from a young age that husband, Meir decided to focus on her main love – Zionism. my father portrayed Golda Meir as a role model for me. She Several years after arriving in Palestine, Golda Meir became wasn’t outspoken, but people would listen to her every time an executive for Histadrut, the General Federation of Labor- she spoke. She was what Israelis call a Sabra (cactus pear) be- ers in the Land of Israel. The United States’ equivalent to cause she was tough on the outside and sweet on the interior. Histadrut would be a national labor union. Over the course Meir is not remembered because she was a woman; she is of two years she had been appointed executive positions in remembered for her influence on the Jewish people and the most congresses regarding the Israeli state. In 1940 she was state of Israel. appointed head of the political department of the Histadrut and fought against the British White Paper of 1939, which limited the number of Jewish and Arab immigrants entering

35 international

Angela Merkel: An Ambitious Scientist, Politician and Thinker

By Lily McCarthy

Angela Merkel, widely considered to be the world’s most dict those of President Barack Obama, relations between the powerful woman, was reelected to serve for a third term as two influential figures have improved in recent years. Merkel Chancellor of Germany a few weeks ago. She has held the faces internal opposition; many complain that she has not position for a total of eight years and is currently associated provided sufficient direction in terms of policy-making. with the Christian Democratic Union, a center right alliance. Sexism has also played a role in Merkel’s govern- Long before she began to explore a career in politics, mental ascendancy. Individuals have tried to demean her Merkel was involved in the field of science. At the Univer- command as a leader. A candidate belonging to the Social sity of Leipzig in the late 1970’s, she majored in physics and Democratic party proposed that much of her success in of- went on to become a researcher at the Central Institute for fice was simply a function of a “women’s bonus.” This advan- Physical Chemistry, a part of the Academy of Sciences. She tage, he argued, was afforded to her out of sympathy because remained a chemist there for more than a decade until she of her gender. transitioned into state affairs in the 1990’s. Although one third of Merkel’s cabinet consists of Colleagues often describe Merkel as “the decider” women, members of Germany’s female population have or “the iron chancellor” because she is so unwilling to com- frequently expressed their discontent at Merkel’s perceived promise on decisions pertaining to international finances. lack of attention to feminism, equal pay, and other associated Merkel’s leadership in her efforts to ameliorate the continent- rights. Regardless, the chancellor’s adroit political and lead- wide debt crisis and support the European Union has been ership skills, as well as her ability to institute highly effective exceptional. The Union is an economic and political federa- economic reforms, trump over claims of her failure to devote tion consisting of individuals representing twenty-seven na- a greater amount of her time in office to matters involving tions. She reaffirmed her enduring commitment to such goals gender equality. in recent statements. “[My administration] is fully commit- The chancellor’s accomplishments as the country’s ted to do everything it can to strengthen the economic and first female chancellor stand in stark contrast to the United currency union,” she said. States’ scarcity of women involved in the political sphere. For Moreover, Merkel’s focus on improving the condi- a remarkably progressive country, America still has yet to tions for citizens within her own nation has not gone un- elect a female president to office. Perhaps Merkel’s continued rewarded. During her tenure, the economy has grown con- rise to power will coincide with Hillary Clinton’s potential siderably. Her governing style is anything but lackluster; she candidacy in the 2016 presidential election. These move- is determined and driven with a seriousness of purpose and ments would shatter the glass ceiling that has for so long re- conduct. One of her favorite sayings, “step by step,” concisely mained impenetrable to thousands of qualified women inter- illustrates her thoughts on how one should go about gradu- ested in pursuing politics. ally attaining power and influencing others. Although her views on foreign policy often contra- 36 international

Christine Lagarde: Overcoming Stereotypes on an International Scale

By Sharika Hasan

Despite the increasing role of women in influential posi- amassed over the years. tions of power in politics and finance, it is obvious that men In addition, she went on to hold several positions in the prevail in these areas. One woman fought against this trend French government: Minister of Economic Affairs, Finances – not only holding one of the most prestigious positions of and Industry, Minister of Agriculture, and the Minisiter of power in the world, but also doing so with great elegance Trade in Dominque de Villepin. Today, she is a lawyer, a poli- and poise. She is example for all women, and men, every- tician of the Union for Popular movement. where. In June 2011, Christine Lagarde was appointed as the Lagarde has spent her life battling gender biases as a new Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund woman in the male dominated worlds of business and poli- (IMF), which according to their website is “an organization tics. When she interviewed with a law firm in France, she of 188 countries, working to foster global monetary coopera- was told she would never be made partner because of her tion, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, sex. Thirty years later, this comment still resonates with her. promote high employment and sustainable growth, and re- Lagarde saw the under-representation of women in man- duce poverty around the world.” She became the first woman agement positions at the IMF and helped by setting targets to hold the position in the organization’s 66 year history. Be- for women to be hired. In response to men who believe the fore her historic appointment, Lagarde had led a distinguish- targets are unfair, she says that the IMF is trying to gradu- ing career in male-dominated professions in both the public ally increase the number of women at the firm. She believes and private sector. that there should be balance between men and women in the Lagarde was born on January 1, 1956 in France to a workplace. Lagarde is hesitant to call herself a feminist. She family that emphasized the importance of learning. Her fa- says that the word ‘feminist’ sometimes has the connotation ther was an English Professor and her mother was a Latin of a threat against men, but men and women should work teacher. Lagarde spent a year in America at the Holton-Arms together. Lagarde, who has two sons herself, also works to School for girls in Maryland. She interned in Washington, support the women who want to start families. D.C. for Representative William Cohen’s Congressional. She Her goal as the head of the IMF is to eliminate uncer- returned to France and passed the Paris Bar examination. tainty from the world economy. Since her appointment, the She went on to work at the international law firm of Baker & IMF and European Union have been working together to McKenzie where she was eventually elected as the first female deal with the Greek financial crisis. Lagarde has also advised Chairman of the company. She also became Chairman of the the United States on fiscal dealings and the debt ceiling crisis Global Strategic Committee. Lagarde left the private sector as quickly and efficiently as possible. Lagarde is a role model and to work for the French government as the first female in that she has led a distinguished career against biases and Minister of Foreign Trade in 2005. Lagarde took this head has opened the door for women in many positions and jobs position in the midst of the gross financial crisis that has rav- in both the public and private sector. aged Europe. She took the reigns of the world’s economies without a flinch, and proceeded to solve the financial crises of the world, with the confidence instilled by governments and her. The position Lagarde heads requires the years of experience she has and expertise in problem solving she has 37 38 Interested in writing for Folio 51? Contact Edie or Amanda by emailing

[email protected] or [email protected]

39