According to the United Nations Population Fund, more than 690,000 menstruating women and girls in Gaza have limited access to menstrual hygiene products [1]. The ongoing conflict, rooted in the over-expansion of Israeli occupation, has severely impacted gender equality. War intensifies societal issues, and the rampant human rights violations uniquely affects Palestinian women.
Before the recent escalation of tensions on October 7th, 2023, Palestine existed in a state of apartheid, similar to South Africa’s historical situation. To gain support for the World War I effort, the UK supported the creation of the State of Israel. Over time, legislative power shifted towards the Jewish immigrants, and the State of Israel was officially established on May 14th, 1948. This creation displaced many Palestinians, forcing them into a much smaller territory. As Israel expanded, Palestinians were further displaced from their homes, particularly along the coastline. The most recent land loss for Palestine occurred on March 26, 2024, when Palestinians were forced to flee 2,000 acres of land. Racial inequality and discrimination have become a common reality for Palestinians, who are unable to return to their ancestral lands taken after the creation of Israel.
A far-right government led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came into power at the end of 2022 and escalated the violence. In 2023 alone, more than 199 Palestinians were killed as a result of Netanyahu’s government’s actions, and perpetrators of mob violence against Palestinians have rarely faced justice. After October 7th, the war ravaged the Palestinian state, with civilians caught in the crossfire of a $12.8 billion US-funded military. As infrastructure and roads became blocked by rubble, supply lines to towns and cities were cut off, leading to more casualties. The major displacement of Palestinians into areas deemed safe by Israelis did not protect them from the relentless bombings. Palestinian civilians are defenseless, and their rights have been ignored far longer than October 7th. Furthermore, women’s rights have been increasingly suppressed under the new siege.
There are currently about 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, and with only 16 out of the 48 Palestinian Hospitals being partially operational, these are all high-risk pregnancies. Major aid blockades have led to the delay or end of medical supplies deliveries including anesthesia, bandages, and sterile attire to prevent infection. Women in Gaza do not have menstrual products either, which has forced them to look for other alternatives. Torn cloth from refugee tents has become a solution for many, and this is a major risk for infection. Yasmeen Ahmad, a physician at the Nasser Hospital maternity ward told Bisan Ouda in a video for the women’s collective,
NO2TA, that they encounter numerous instances of fever directly linked to vaginal yeast infections arising from inadequate hygiene and the absence of feminine hygiene products.
The Independent Commissions Council, established by the United Nations Human rights Council has declared that Israel committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and violations of international humanitarian and human rights law [2]. The UN has called for an immediate end to the bombardment of Palestine, and for reparations to be paid for the loss of homes and life.
The siege on Gaza remains a critical issue as Israel faces major scrutiny for human rights violations and their display of indifference. The headlines about Gaza’s losses offer a glimpse into the reality its residents have faced since the start of the Israeli occupation. On account of social media platforms like TikTok and X, unbiased video evidence of Israeli leaders fueling propaganda to justify their murders and exposing their genocidal intentions. As a result, global awareness of the unjust actions of the Israeli nation has increased, sparking protests in major cities like Paris, London, and New York City.
You can support the citizens caught in the crossfire between the two nations by donating or raising awareness about the ongoing human rights violations. The time to act is now, as every passing moment leads to more innocent lives lost in this tragic conflict.
References:
[1] The Women’s Health Crisis in Gaza – Gisha. Gisha. (2024, January 28). https://gisha.org/en/the-womens-health-crisis-in-gaza Women and girls in Gaza: Bombarded, displaced and left without health care. European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. (4AD).
https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/news-stories/stories/women-and-girls-gaza -bombarded-displaced-and-left-without-health-care_en Wright, E., Alrifai, T., & Pires, R. (2023, November 3). Women and newborns bearing the brunt of the conflict in Gaza, UN agencies warn. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/03-11-2023-women-and-newborns-bearing-the-brunt-of-the-conf lict-in-gaza-un-agencies-warn
[2] United Nations. (2024, June 12). Gaza: Hamas, Israel committed war crimes, claims independent rights probe | UN news. United Nations.
It’s common knowledge that members within the LGTBQ+ community are locked into a constant fight against discrimination, violence, and bigotry. Yet, one subgroup of the community has a higher proximity to these dangers than most: bisexual women.
Indeed, numerous studies give us a glimpse into the disparities. In comparison to their lesbian and heterosexual counterparts, bisexual women have higher rates of “rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner,” reaching a startling 61 percent of the bisexual women documented.[2] Furthermore, the Bisexual Resource Center indicates bisexual women “are less likely to be out” compared to lesbian women, and have a higher risk of mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.[2] It’s abundantly clear that bisexual women are not receiving the support they need. The reasons are rooted in a plethora of factors, but there are a prominent few that pose the biggest threats to bisexual women’s well-being.
Society is largely catered toward rigid binaries and monosexuality (male/female, straight/gay), meaning plural attraction is largely misunderstood and unaccepted.[5] Bisexual women are often told that they are confused, and they either engage in same-sex activities because it’s a “phase” or that they are “secretly gay.”[4] Essentially, everyone sees their dating life as an “either/or” situation. If a bisexual woman is with a man, she’s straight. If a bisexual woman is with a woman, she’s a lesbian. Thus, a bisexual woman feels immense pressure to “be gay or straight enough,” or her sexuality is, in the eyes of others, a fad.[4] This might result in her engaging in frequent, unsafe sexual activity to “prove herself,” or choosing to never come out to prevent constant questioning about her sexuality.[5] Both options undoubtedly jeopardize her health, both physically and mentally.
A Long History of Fetishism
Hypersexualism is a long-standing stereotype of bisexuals: they are greedy and will “sleep with anyone,” leading to constant exploitation of bisexuals as a sexual fetish.[1]In particular, heterosexual men are notorious for eroticizing bisexual women—they are “performing” for these men, but are still “sexually available” to them[4]. However, their enjoyment is not flattering to bisexual women. It conveys the dangerous notion that bisexual women don’t pursue women romantically for themselves but for the pleasure of men. As a result, the skepticism and disgust towards bisexual women only increases across communities.
Biphobia in the LGBTQ+ Community
It’s not as simple as it seems for bisexual women to look to the queer community for support—not when they have a history of perpetuating biphobia themselves. In online communities, bisexual women often post about the lack of acceptance and stereotypes in the queer community, highling not just the loneliness they feel, but the shock they feel that fellow LGBTQ+ members would perpetuate biphobic behavior.[1]
Robyn Ochs, a bisexual woman and author, says, “Gay and lesbian identified individuals frequently view [bisexuals] as possessing a degree of privilege not available to them.”[3] The impact of this belief is prominent, particularly in lesbian spaces (Heinze, 2021). Lesbians are notorious for rejecting bisexual women as romantic partners because they appear untrustworthy (they will leave them for a man), incapable of monogamy, and are “sleeping with the enemy.”[3] It’s true that bisexual women can marry a man, thereby avoiding homophobic violence, but conditional acceptance and suppressing their sexuality is not acceptance. It’s not a privilege. It’s a cage.
Reclaiming Their Identity
Bisexual women have long had their identity mischaracterized, slandered, and defined by both queer and straight folk alike. They seldom had little opportunity to construct their identities for themselves. When we allow bisexual women the chance to speak candidly, stop anti-bisexual discrimination, and champion equality, they can feel ownership of their identity.
“My sexual orientation is not a choice,” Joellyn Wilken Weingourt from The Equality Federation, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, says. “I am a cisgender woman, somewhere in my 40s, I have a husband and a child. And I am proud to be bisexual. I am proud of my past and my present. I am excited about my out and proud future.”[3]
References
[1] Heinze, JL. (2021). Bi+ Issues in Society. National Sexual Violence Resource Center. https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/Bi-phobia-series/bi-issues
[3] Kincaid, Laken. (2021). Biphobia and Acceptance in the LGBT Community. The Carroll News.
[4] Wells, Sian. (2021). Stop Fetishizing Bi Women, Our Sexuality Is Not For You. Her Campus. https://www.hercampus.com/school/nottingham/stop-fetishizing-bi-women-bi-erasure-amongst-s tudents/
[5] York, Thomas. (2021). ‘People erase my existence.’ The British Psychological Society. https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/people-erase-my-existence
The current state of women in politics is an important issue that continues to evolve through generations. While we have come a long way from gaining the right to vote, much must be done to achieve gender equality in democracy. The number of women holding political office has increased in many countries over time. However, significant disparities regarding access to power and decision-making roles are still barricades in the political careers of many aspiring women.
In addition, representing women in politics is important for many reasons. Women’s unique perspectives and experiences can be considered when forming policies and making decisions. This can lead to more equitable and inclusive governance that better reflects the needs and interests of the entire population. Having more women in government can inspire future generations of women leaders, encouraging greater diversity and gender equality in leadership positions.
Throughout history, many prominent figures and movements have fought for gender equality in democracy. For example, The Women’s Suffrage movement was influenced by the publication of the Declaration of Independence: “Although the Declaration of Independence specifies that ‘all men are created equal,’ its publication sowed the seeds the seeds for the women’s suffrage movement in the United States”[4]. Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, denied participation in an 1840 conference in London due to being female, were inspired to work together by this rebuff.
In 1916, Jeanette Rankin was the first woman elected to Congress, representing Montana. Rankin “helped destroy negative public attitudes about women as members of Congress”[1]. Agreeing with a colleague’s famous comment, “I’m no lady. I’m a member of Congress,” Rankin displayed tenacity and individuality, aiding her in improving societal views on the political standards of women.
Barriers to Entry
According to the Pew Research Center, “More than four-in-ten point to gender discrimination (47%), women getting less support from party leaders (47%), many Americans not being ready
to elect a woman to higher office (46%), and family responsibilities (44%) as major obstacles for women in politics” [2]. The population of women who participate in the political field is low due to how society is conservative about a woman’s place because more obstacles than a lack of interest prevent many from advancing in the field.
Throughout history, many have adjusted to the societal norms that separate the two genders. Centuries ago, women were given the title of homemaker, meaning they were expected to take care of household chores and raise children. Women were also required to display a distinct elegance, often interpreted as timid or weak for many generations. It was in the 20th century that there came big changes in societal expectations for women. However, there are still some glass ceilings we as a generation are still fighting to overcome. Politics has been inversely characterized as rough and argumentative, and those who continue to hold conservative beliefs maintain women’s involvement as inappropriate and even unnatural.
Women in politics face numerous societal, cultural, and institutional barriers. For example, the lack of support and encouragement for women to pursue political careers is scarily low. According to the Pew Research Center, “About a third (34%) say women aren’t encouraged to be leaders from an early age and 23% say not as many women are interested in holding higher office”[2]. In addition, some discriminatory laws and policies disadvantage women in the political arena. In only 67 out of 173 countries, there are laws in place that are against gender discrimination in hiring practices[6], which probably includes the political field. These barriers contribute to the persistent gender gap in political representation and influence, and addressing them is crucial for achieving gender equality in politics.
Ultimately, embracing diversity in political leadership leads to more inclusive policies and better reflects the needs of society as a whole. Through politics, women can feel empowered and gain further support for gender equality. Actively working towards breaking down barriers that prevent women from fully participating in political decision-making, and providing insight and advice on the political field to aspiring woman politicians, can aid in creating a more equitable and representative political landscape.
References:
[1] Jeannette Rankin. U.S. Senate: Jeannette Rankin. (2023, August 7). https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/electing-appointing-senators/jeannette-rankin senate-campaign.htm#:~:text=No%20history%20of%20American%20representative,singular%2 0event%20occurred%20in%201916.
[2]Pew Research Center. (2023, September 25). More than half of Americans point to women having to do more to prove themselves as a major obstacle for women seeking high political office. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/09/27/views-of-obstacles-for-women-seeking-hi gh-political-office/st_2023-09-27_women-leaders-politics_2-01-png/
[4]Voting rights for women: The right to vote: Elections: Classroom materials at the Library of Congress: Library of Congress. The Library of Congress. (n.d.). https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/elections/right-to-vote/voting-rights-for-women/
[6]Women, U. (n.d.). Women in the changing world of work – Facts you should know. https://interactive.unwomen.org/multimedia/infographic/changingworldofwork/en/index.html
A woman may just be on her way to work, but with each step she takes she navigates through a minefield of double standards. This woman and countless others go through similar experiences of these ridiculous expectations and treatment compared to their male counterparts, as if they’re walking on eggshells. Double standards are far from unknown, and women have protested against them repeatedly; however, many do not know that they are still present.
The gender pay gap started back around the 1800s when it was finally common for women to work; the University of Missouri states in 1840-1841, men were paid $33.81 per month while women were paid 21 dollars less.[2] This only devalues the time and effort women now put in, as it shows how they are not appreciated with the jarring contrast in wages. Unfortunately, this still continues now, multiple studies have shown that women are paid only 84% of what men are paid, and this is also dependent on their race with Black and Hispanic women getting paid less than men of the same race.[3]
While walking the streets, women find themselves being cautious to avoid the degrading experience of catcalling, where a stranger makes inappropriate or suggestive comments about their appearance. Despite it being a clear form of harassment, women are expected to tolerate such behavior and are mocked for speaking out against it. The normalization of this not only violates a woman’s dignity but also contributes to other women’s feelings of discomfort and fear.
These double standards also exist in parenting, beginning with the expectation that women should stay at home with the kids. Meanwhile, fathers pay no attention. These ideas continue to influence present-day norms for the division of domestic labor. While mothers have the majority of childcare responsibilities, fathers are praised for performing even the most basic tasks. To add on, when fathers take care of their kids, others will call it “babysitting.” This can be infuriating for both parents as the father is just carrying out his responsibilities while everyone expects the mother to go above and beyond with childcare, sometimes ridiculing her if she gets “lazy.” This only places a burden on women and hinders the importance of fatherhood.[1]
Besides the expectations of parents, double standards even affect how parents treat their children; it is often shown that fathers are way more protective and strict with their daughters, giving them early curfews, forbidding them from dating, monitoring the clothes they wear, and more. Even my father brings up the idea of me having children in the future, even though I’m not fond of kids. I notice that these comments are not directed at my brother, only mentioning that he’ll find a nice woman in the future. Fortunately, my father is not as strict with me on other matters, like curfews and diet, but he certainly treats me differently from my brother, though this is affected by age as well.
In the midst of all of this, women feel pressured to fit into unrealistic beauty standards. For instance, having a shaved body has been very normalized in women. Many times in public I’ve made sure my underarm hair wasn’t showing in fear of dirty looks and judgment, a concern not present in the minds of men. Additionally, women face criticism and harsh comments for exhibiting characteristics considered to be “manly” such as having body hair or a smaller chest. A study from the National Library of Medicine says, “The results indicate that men devalue non-ideal bodies and upvalue ideal bodies when they are self-related, whereas women rate in a fair-minded manner. Thus, in contrast to women, an advantage for men may be that they can self-enhance in the case of desirable bodies.”[4] In simpler terms, this talks about how men tend to devalue bodies that don’t match their ideal standards to boost their confidence; on the other hand, women judge bodies overall regardless of whether they match; possibly because of the many beauty standards pushed onto them.
Noticing these situations in my day-to-day life has proven that these double standards have never disappeared and have been integrated into our culture and minds such that many don’t notice. In fact, women now hold men to high standards of being their partners, some more reasonable than others such as simply treating them with respect since it’s not shown as often. Either way, we need an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and flourish, and release ourselves from double standards.
References
[1] Ciletti, N. (2024, April 3). Gendered Double Standards In Parenting: Five Strategies To Help Promote Fairness. BetterHelp. Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/parenting/gendered-double-standards-in-parenting-5-strategies-to-help-promote-fairness/
[2] 1840-1849 – Prices and Wages by Decade. (2024, April 4). Library Guides. Retrieved April 12, 2024, from https://libraryguides.missouri.edu/pricesandwages/1840-1849
[3] George, E., & Livingston, G. (2024, March 12). What You Need to Know About the Gender Wage Gap. DOL Blog. Retrieved April 7, 2024, from https://blog.dol.gov/2024/03/12/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-gender-wage-gap
[4] Giving a Body a Different Face—How Men and Women Evaluate Their Own Body vs. That of Others. (2022, May 2). NCBI. Retrieved April 7, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9108869/
Mothers First, Women Second: Childfree Women’s Fight for Sterilization
Lisa Samy April 2024
For a woman to decide to be childfree—meaning to not have children—they are chained to a never-ending struggle for bodily autonomy. In particular, when it comes to the fight for permanent sterilization. Sue, a childfree woman living in Queensland, Australia, had long suffered uncomfortable side effects from hormonal contraception.[1] Yet, her doctor refused to consider her request for permanent sterilization, and “treated [her] very condescendingly,” leaving her with “long-lasting trauma.”[1]
Surely if women are old enough to have children, then they are old enough to choose not to have them as well. As of now, many people believe this isn’t the case.
Rising inflation, living costs, climate change, and stricter anti-abortion legislations ( the reversal of Roe v. Wade) have solidified an increasing number of young women’s choice to be childfree.[4] Still, there are women who don’t wish to have children simply because they don’t feel “that calling” to be a mother.[4] Any and all reasons should be treated as enough, but society’s overwhelmingly pronatalist views and enforced gender roles bar its validation.
Therefore, childfree women are lambasted with negative and presumptuous comments about their decision, even from friends and family. One of the largest online childfree communities—the r/childfree subreddit on the platform Reddit—has labeled these remarks as “bingos.”[2] Some notable bingos are “you’ll change your mind,” “don’t worry, you’ll find the one someday” or “so, you just sleep around then?”[2] In short, their choices aren’t taken seriously and reduced to a phase.
The Hard-fought Battle for Sterilization
The main reason doctors deny sterilization requests to child-free women are their potential regret for their decision.[3] However, studies show that post sterilization regret for women is merely “20.3 percent of those 30 or younger and 5.9 percent of those over 30.”[3] Regardless, the world constantly equates motherhood to womanhood, forcing childfree women into a status of perceived inferiority. They are stereotyped as selfish and immature, shirking from their duty to reproduce, and regarded with a less rewarding life compared to women with children.[3]
On the other hand, childfree men don’t deal with nearly as much backlash. Fatherhood is associated as a learned skill rather than an intrinsic one—as in, separate to a man’s biological makeup.[3] Furthermore, studies indicating the sterilization regret for childfree men are sparse, cementing that men aren’t held up to the same level of scrutiny.[3] As such, sexism creates a division between childfree men and childfree women’s experiences.
In fact, childfree women with partners have attested to this disparity. Jess Lawry, a military spouse, says her husband was able to receive a vasectomy with little to no pushback from doctors.[4] It’s a stark contrast compared to her journey for a tubal ligation: one of countless attempts, ending with no approval for sterilization.[4]
Opening the Doors to Communication
Women are slowly realizing that having children isn’t an obligation—it’s a choice. Those who do opt to be childfree hope to have candid discussions with their friends and family one day, but fear the derisive remarks they may receive.[1] When people let go of gendered prejudices, it opens a much needed path for childfree women to find support from loved ones, and access birth control that caters to their needs.
References:
[1] Davey, Melissa. (2021). ‘Why is it such a scandalous thing?’: the women who have to fight for their right to be child-free. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/jan/08/why-is-it-such-a-scandalous-thing-the-women -who-have-to-fight-for-their-right-to-be-child-free
[2] Hintz A., Elizabeth & Brown L., Clinton. (2019). Childfree and “bingoed”: A relational dialectics theory analysis of meaning creation in online narratives about voluntary childlessness. Communication Monographs. (2019). https://www.marshall.edu/commstu/files/Monographs_Childfree-and-bingoed_-A-relational-dial ectics-theory-analysis-of-meaning-creation-in-online-narratives-about-voluntary-childlessness.pdf
[3] Lalonde, Dianne. (2018). Sexist barriers block women’s choice to be sterilized. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/sexist-barriers-block-womens-choice-to-be-sterilized-99754
[4] Sweeney, Britney. (2022). The rise of childfree Gen-Z: As demand for female STERILIZATION for under-30s soars, ‘childless-by-choice’ women speak out about their decision and the bitter struggles they’ve faced – from doctors REFUSING surgeries to shock $28K bill. Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11051355/Gen-Z-women-sterilized-speak-decision.htm
The Loneliness Epidemic and What the World is Doing to Fight It
Paz Etcheverry, MS, PhD
April 2024
The loneliness epidemic has been touted as an epidemic of modern societies. According to Dr. Vivek Murthy, the current Surgeon General of the United States, more than half of American adults are lonely.[9] Globally, it has been estimated that 1 in 4 older people experience social isolation and between 5 and 15 percent of adolescents experience loneliness.[20]
Loneliness is a feeling that may arise at certain moments in life and affects anyone, regardless of gender, age, or socio-demographic characteristics.[22] Loneliness is synonymous with perceived social isolation, not with objective social isolation. In other words, people can live relatively solitary lives and not feel lonely. Conversely, people can lead a seemingly rich social life and feel lonely.[10] Loneliness is a distressing feeling that accompanies the perception that one’s social needs are not being met by the quantity or quality of one’s social relationships.[10]
There are numerous root causes of loneliness such as lack of social skills, disagreeableness, and antisocial behavioral tendencies. For example, less agreeable adolescents are more likely to report a chronically high level of loneliness.[6] Social media might also be to blame.[6] A study found that the more time spent on social media, the greater the risk of loneliness overall, especially for people who used social media as a means for maintaining relationships.[3] We have become less trustworthy of others, which contributes to social isolation and loneliness.[2] [18] [21] Living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illnesses, long-term disabilities, going through changes such as the loss of a job or divorce, sensory impairments, and psychiatric or depressive disorders might cause or exacerbate social isolation or loneliness.[4] [16]
Effects of Loneliness on Health
Loneliness can impact both physical and mental well-being. Higher risk of heart disease, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, and metabolic disorders, such as obesity and metabolic disease, have all been associated with loneliness.[22] In fact, loneliness increases the likelihood of early death by 26 percent—an increase roughly equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness has been associated with an increased risk of depression, psychosis, mental disorders, anxiety, stress, and suicide.[12] [14] [22]
What the World is Doing to Fight Loneliness
In light of this epidemic and its insidious effects, governments and companies alike are attempting to tackle loneliness. Here are a few examples.
In 2018, the UK appointed its first Loneliness Ministry to develop and support innovative anti-loneliness programs.[11]
The National Health Service of the UK has funded social prescribing, an approach where doctors can refer their patients to activities, groups, and services in their community,[9] such as pottery classes, language courses, dance, and cooking lessons to name a few.
The Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, launched by the UK government in January 2023, is a £30-million funding initiative aimed at increasing community participation and addressing loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas across England. The fund focuses on supporting individuals in these areas to connect through volunteering, enhancing their well-being.[5]
Japan’s Prime Minister appointed a Minister of Loneliness in 2021 to address the rising issues of loneliness, social isolation, and increased suicide rates exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions, which have mainly affected women and the elderly.[17]
In 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed 95-year-old media personality and sex therapist Dr. Ruth, also known as Ruth Westheimer, as the state’s Loneliness Ambassador to address the growing issue of loneliness.[19]
That same year, Australia launched its first ever Loneliness Awareness Week (7 through 11 August), which aims to raise awareness about loneliness and its impact on mental and physical health and to encourage individuals and communities to take action to reduce loneliness and increase social connections.[13]
In response to reports of over a million people in South Korea living as recluses due to the coronavirus scare, the government has introduced a monthly living allowance of US $490 for lonely youths to encourage them to leave their homes.[1]
It is not only governments that take action when it comes to fighting loneliness. The Dutch grocery store chain Jumbo has created slow “chat checkout” lanes where cashiers take time to talk with people. Additionally, Jumbo has created “chat corners” where people can enjoy coffee and small talk.[15]
In Ireland, Friends of the Elderly, established in 1980 as a volunteer-based charity, is dedicated to combating loneliness among older individuals living alone. With a small staff and committed volunteers, the organization provides emotional and social support to improve the lives of older members, promoting independence and a sense of community connection.[8]
Ventilen, which translates to “friend to one” in Danish, is a two-decade-old initiative designed to unite individuals aged 15 to 25 in Denmark. Organized twice a week, the program pairs 2 or 3 volunteers with the participants. Within the group, activities such as playing games, preparing meals, attending cinema outings, and fostering essential human connections take place, addressing the sense of connection that many in this age group may be seeking.[7]
In conclusion, the global battle against the loneliness epidemic is gaining momentum, with various nations implementing strategies to address this pervasive issue. From government to community-based initiatives fostering social connections, the world is actively seeking solutions to combat loneliness.
References
[1] Awasthi, A. (2023). ‘Hikikomori’: South Korea paying its ‘lonely’ youth to go out and socialise. https://www.firstpost.com/world/hikikomori-south-korea-paying-its-lonely-youth-to-go-out-a nd-socialise-12449452.html
[2] Barjaková, M., Garnero, A., & d’Hombres, B. (2023). Risk factors for loneliness: A literature review. Social science & medicine (1982), 334, 116163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116163
[3] Bonsaksen, T., Ruffolo, M., Price, D., Leung, J., Thygesen, H., Lamph, G., Kabelenga, I., & Geirdal, A. Ø. (2023). Associations between social media use and loneliness in a cross-national population: do motives for social media use matter? Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine,11(1), 2158089. https://doi.org/10.1080/21642850.2022.2158089
[4] Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2023). Health Risks of Social Isolation and Loneliness. https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/loneliness.htm
[5] Department of Culture, Media and Sport (2023). About the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/about-the-know-your-neighbourhood-fund
[7] Dr. Happy (2023). A simple way to combat loneliness; lessons from the Danes. https://drhappy.com.au/2019/04/23/a-simple-way-to-combat-loneliness-lessons-from-the-dan es/
[8] Friends of the Elderly Ireland (n.d.). Bringing Friendship and Companionship. https://friendsoftheelderly.ie/about/
[9] Global Wellness Summit (2023). Governments Ramp Up the War on Loneliness. https://www.globalwellnesssummit.com/blog/governments-ramp-up-the-war-on-loneliness/
[10] Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: a theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine: A Publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, 40(2), 218–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8
[11] John, T. (2018). How the World’s First Loneliness Minister Will Tackle ‘the Sad Reality of Modern Life’.https://time.com/5248016/tracey-crouch-uk-loneliness-minister/
[12] King, M. (2018). Working to address the loneliness epidemic: perspective-taking, presence, and self-disclosure. American Journal of Health Promotion, 32(5),1315–1317. doi:10.1177/0890117118776735c
[13] Loneliness Awareness Week (2023). Lonely, not Alone. https://lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au/
[14] Mann, F., Wang, J., Pearce, E., Ma, R., Schlief, M., Lloyd-Evans, B., Ikhtabi, S., & Johnson, S. (2022). Loneliness and the onset of new mental health problems in the general population. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 57(11), 2161–2178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-022-02261-7
[16] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences; Board on Health Sciences Policy; Committee on the Health and Medical Dimensions of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults. (2020). Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. National Academies Press (US).
[17] OMF (2021). Japan Appoints Minister of Loneliness, Can He Solve the Loneliness Problem? https://omf.org/us/japan-appoints-minister-of-loneliness-can-he-solve-the-loneliness-problem/
[18] Rapolienė, G., & Aartsen, M. (2021). Lonely societies: low trust societies? Further explanations for national variations in loneliness among older Europeans. European Journal of Ageing, 19(3), 485–494. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-021-00649-z
[19] The New York Times (2023). Dr. Ruth Saved People’s Sex Lives. Now She Wants to Cure Loneliness. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/09/nyregion/dr-ruth-loneliness-ambassador.html
[20] World Health Organization (2024). Social Isolation and Loneliness. https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-a geing/social-isolation-and-loneliness
[21] Yang, J., & Moorman, S. M. (2021). Beyond the Individual: Evidence Linking Neighborhood Trust and Social Isolation Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults. International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 92(1), 22–39. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415019871201
[22] Yanguas, J., Pinazo-Henandis, S., & Tarazona-Santabalbina, F. J. (2018). The complexity of loneliness. Acta bio-medica: Atenei Parmensis, 89(2), 302–314. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v89i2.7404
Nyala lays in bed exhausted after walking up the stairs to brush her teeth and attempting to make breakfast. She becomes overwhelmed thinking of her tasks for the day, which includes laundry and working for 8 hours. Nyala cannot make it out of bed and decides to request working from home. Her employer denies her request and Nyala goes back to bed.
In a world consumed by noise, work and busyness, there exists a silent struggle that has existed for decades and Nyala’s day reflects aspects of it. This struggle is chronic fatigue.We are all exhausted from time to time, though to varying extents. What many aren’t aware of is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. ME/CFS is defined as “a complex multisystem illness characterized by activity limiting fatigue, worsening of symptoms after activity and other symptoms.”[3] ME/CFS affects millions of people worldwide, specifically around 836,000 and 2.5 million people in the U.S. are affected alone.[2] Women are more likely than men to have ME/CFS as well as have more symptoms than men do.[4] Black and Latinx Women are disproportionately affected.[2]
Obtaining a diagnosis of CFS is not easy for women. This is significantly related to the lack of medical education in medical schools as well as social beliefs that women are over dramatic. Many people, especially women, are diagnosed after years of multiple doctors visits, seeing multiple providers, misdiagnoses, etc.[2]CFS is often misdiagnosed as depression.[1]The exact cause of ME/CFS is unknown. However, there are currently studies being done to identify possible causes such as infections, immune system changes, stress, etc.[3] It is important to note that there are other conditions that recognize chronic fatigue as a symptom. Some of these conditions are Fibromyalgia, Hypothyroidism, Hashimotos Disease, Digestive Issues, and Iron Deficiency Anemia. Multiple are also active co-occuring conditions.[4]
Nyala possessed some of the symptoms of ME/CFS. She had a lowered ability to complete activities such as making breakfast and running errands. Major symptoms include post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive dysfunction. Pain is also a common symptom.[6] Cognitive dysfunction makes it a struggle for women to get through their daily activities. Confusion, difficulty retrieving words and overall, brain fog impacts work performance, completing to-do lists, socializing and more. Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep poses a major struggle. We all know how important it is to get good quality sleep. It is imperative for us to function well. Muscle weakness, headaches and digestive issues are among other symptoms. Though there is no cure or one treatment option for ME/CFS, some of these symptoms can be managed. General therapies such as low intensity exercise, Vitamin B12 injections, and increasing energy by taking appropriate medications have been used to manage symptoms.[7]
ME/CFS certainly impacts all aspects of daily life. This syndrome poses social, educational, personal and occupational consequences. Around a third of ME/CFS patients also suffer from depression and anxiety disorder.[7] Treating anxiety and depression can be helpful with managing ME/CFS. The importance of self care and pacing should not be underestimated. Pacing yourself can prevent post-exertional malaise or the effects of it. “Post-exertional malaise (PEM) refers to a worsening of ME/CFS symptoms and/or the appearance of new symptoms after physical or cognitive exertion which was previously tolerated and is often delayed 24-72 hours or more.[8]PEM is considered to be the hallmark symptom of ME/CFS and interferes with the ability to lead a “normal” life.”[8]
CFS is a silent struggle that is affecting millions and it will not go away. Affectedness ranges from mild to very severe. We must keep in mind that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often leads to disability. A study shows that “up to 75% of those affected are unable to work, and an estimated 25% are consistently housebound or bedbound.[3]The level of severity can fluctuate, with 61% reporting being bed bound on their worst days.”[3]
Chronic Fatigue in women should not be ignored. “Experts identified being a woman and having ME/CFS for more than 10 years are risk factors for severe illness. Symptoms increase in intensity as people age.”[4]This struggle should be better recognized and cared for in healthcare settings as well as receive more funding for research. Women should no longer struggle in silence. Advocacy is imperative and this disease should no longer be deemed as a silent and debilitating struggle amongst women.
Feel free to visit https://www.meaction.net/about/ to learn more about ME/CFS and the people fighting for awareness as well as a world where people with ME/CFS are believed and supported by systems that work and have access to effective medical treatment.
References
[1] Vahratian, A., Lin, J. S., Bertolli, J., & Unger, E. R. (2023, December). Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Adults: United States, 2021-2022. NCHS Data Brief, (488), 1-8. PMID: 38085820.
A “Silent Holocaust”: The Real Victims of Alabama’s IVF Court Ruling
Lula Dalupang
March 2024
In the ever-changing environment of the reproductive healthcare system, American legislation faces unprecedented cases without clearly defined solutions. In the past few weeks, Alabama has faced a new challenge: determining the personhood of an extrauterine embryo.
In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fairly new medical practice that was developed in the mid-20th century. Typically, IVF is a main option for those with fertility issues. The way this procedure works is by removing eggs from the patient’s ovaries and then fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory. The developing embryo is then transferred back into the uterus to complete the impregnation. These embryos are impossible to see by the naked human eye as they are only eight cells large.
The standard IVF protocol includes extracting as many viable eggs as possible in order to assure a successful fertilization and pregnancy. Only the embryos with the highest development potential will be implanted back into the patient, while the rest are stored in cryo-preservation. Thus, there are over 1.5 million frozen embryos across the United States (U.S.) as of 2024.[3]
The quantity of frozen embryos can be attributed to the large proportion of women that seek out IVF. The Pew Research Center surveyed women ages 15-44 in the US and found that 1 in 10 participants received some form of fertility service from 2017 to 2019. Additionally, research by the Center of Disease Control found that 91,906 births in the U.S. utilized assisted reproductive technology, including IVF in 2021. Out of that population, 1,219 of those procedures were performed in Alabama. [1]
In December 2020, multiple embryos belonging to three different couples pursuing in vitro fertilization were accidentally destroyed in a fertility clinic. A patient had entered the cryo-preservation unit and burnt their hand from the sub-freezing temperature, causing them to drop the embryos on the floor.[3] The first attempt at legal justice from the couples were shut down, so the trial was appealed to reach the Alabama Supreme Court.
The Alabama Supreme Court determined three charges to this case: negligence, wanton endangerment, and the Wrongful Death of a Minor Act. This act was introduced to Alabama legislature in 1872, nearly a century before the first IVF procedure.[3] Despite being applied to intrauterine embryos in the past, Le Page v. Centerfor Reproductive Medicine is the first case that takes extrauterine embryos into consideration.
Many Alabama lawmakers are concerned by the amount of embryos that are intentionally discarded or indefinitely preserved. The court justices referenced anti-abortion language found directly from a 2018 amendment to the Alabama constitution.[4] Chief Justice Tom Parker bases his stance on religion instead, believing that embryos are an image of God and “cannot be destroyed without effacing his glory”.[1] Representative Ernie Yarbrough boldly claimed that the destruction of frozen embryos across the U.S. is a “silent holocaust”, comparing a genocide to a medical practice on eight-cells.[2] Yarbrough also unsuccessfully proposed an amendment to prohibit the intentional discarding of embryos.
The Resulting Disruption of IVF Treatment
In fear of the Alabama Supreme Court Ruling, multiple providers shut down their IVF services to protect their physicians and patients from criminal prosecution. Out of the seven available clinics in Alabama, three of them halted IVF treatment within a week from the ruling.[2] One of these clinics is the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Health System. UAB is the largest hospital in the state, and a main resource for those seeking fertility treatment.
Despite the court ruling, UAB continued to perform egg retrievals for IVF since at that point the egg is still unfertilized and is not considered an embryo. However, the health system put a pause on sperm fertilization, embryo development, and uterine implantation which are essential steps in continuing IVF treatment.[1] Thus, patients who were scheduled for embryonic transfer were forced to cancel their appointments due to the risk of criminal charges if embryos become damaged, destroyed, or unsuccessfully transferred.
Similarly, hesitancy to pursue pre-implantation genetic testing has risen after the court ruling. Approximately 50% of all IVF treatments involve embryonic genetic testing in a laboratory.[3] This procedure screens for mutations that indicate certain diseases or conditions in the embryo.
In addition to the decline of fertility treatment accessibility, the court ruling also caused emotional consequences. Many patients who were mid-treatment at the time of the ruling felt devastated upon discovering they may never bear a child. LeeLee Ray, an IVF patient, had undergone eight miscarriages, a failed ectopic pregnancy, and many surgeries before finding a surrogate. When told that her embryos could not be transferred, she felt as if she lost the “light at the end of the tunnel”.[4] This feeling describes the pain of many IVF patient populations, those with fertility issues, uterine or fallopian damage, male-factor infertility, and queer couples.
The unstable state of reproductive healthcare is a burden on both physical and mental health. It is a prime example of human rights and healthcare becoming a matter of politics and religion. With political polarization in America, opposing sides will narrow their perspectives in order to create a strong, yet extreme, belief. In this case, the concept of reproductive healthcare has been reduced to an eight-cell genocide.
Working Women: Barriers, Obstacles, and Solutions for Women in the Workforce
Jessica Shute
February 2024
You see it in your inbox once again. That email states that while you’re qualified, the company has hired someone else. Even when you are working, you may feel disregarded by your colleagues and in some cases, your bosses. These are only a few of the challenges that women face in today’s workforce and while we have come a long way, there’s still a lot to be done.
Some of the problems facing women in work have been around for many years, if not the past decade. One of the big issues is the increasing cost of childcare. Especially during the Covid era, when the majority of women took time off work to take care of their children. The fact that daycare costs are still continuing to rise in many parts of the US and throughout the world is leaving new mothers and parents with few alternative options. There are also businesses out there that don’t allow parental leave for women or for men. Even though there’s been a rise in stay-at-home fathers during the same time, it seems most of the impact is directed at working mothers.
I witnessed this at a previous job where some of my coworkers were working moms. Once in a while, they would have to call off to look after their sick kids. I could tell some of the coworkers and managers weren’t happy about it, even though some of them were also parents.
Then there’s the wage gap. Today it’s back to pre-pandemic levels of wage inequality, compared to around 2017-2018, where the difference was 93 cents[1]. According to Forbes Advisor, in 2022 women earned 82 cents for every dollar a man makes.[2] Some of the factors regarding the wage gap include industries such as nonprofits, finance, healthcare, transportation,[3] and STEM-based fields which are primarily dominated by men.
Other factors include socio-economic factors, the states where industries are located, rural vs. urban areas, and race. The same Forbes article reveals that Latinas and women of color are affected the most by the pay gap. Some of the states with the largest gaps in pay include Utah, Louisiana, Alabama, Montana, Wyoming, and Oklahoma.[4] Studies have shown that people who work in urban areas and communities are paid around twenty-four percent more than those who work in rural communities. For college students and graduates in rural areas, most of them stay in the city because there are more job opportunities than in their hometowns.[5] While the option to work remotely has helped a little, there’s more work to be done to close the economic divide between urbanized and rural communities.
These are far from the only issues that women face in the workforce, but they are among the biggest ones. Some of the solutions to these issues include increasing equity in the workforce to close the pay gap, including childcare benefits to help struggling mothers, and better security for women who have work nights, which continues to be an ongoing issue. Another option is for companies to improve representation for women,[6] whether they’re returning to work after a break, just out of college, or entering a new field altogether. Women do better when they have a system that supports them, the same holds true for the world of working women.
References
[1] United States Government Accountability Office. Gender Pay Differences: The Pay Gap for Federal Workers Has Continued to Narrow, but Better Quality Data on Promotions are Needed. December 03, 2020.
[2] Haan, Katherine. Kelly Riley. Forbes Advisor. Gender Pay Gap Statistics in 2024. February 27, 2023.
[3] [6] Smith, Morgan. CNBC. These 5 Industries Have the Biggest Gender Pay Gaps Here’s Why. March 30, 2022.
[4] Haines, Julia. Christopher Wolf. States With the Biggest Gender Wage Gaps. March 14, 2023.
[5] Tovall, Elizabeth. The Rural-Urban Income Divide Persists and It May Be Widening. November 30, 2023.
Tent Scraps as Menstrual Products and C-Sections Without Anesthesia: Gazan Women’s Hell
Lisa Samy
February 2024
October 7th, 2023. The day that Israel began its series of deadly onslaughts in the Gaza strip, displacing more than 85% of Palestians from their homes.[1] Supplies are scarce, hunger cripples the masses, and diseases run rampant.[1] But for women and girls, various unseen struggles haunt them for every moment the conflict persists.
Pregnant Women and the Future Generations
Around 183 women are estimated to give birth in Gaza daily.[2] Because of a shortage of drugs, functioning hospitals, and medical supplies, women in labor aren’t provided with the most basic care for their hygiene and physical/mental health.[2] Cesarean sections are performed without anesthesia, and women are forced out of hospital rooms in only a few short hours after giving birth.[2] These dire conditions exacerbate postpartum recovery, leading to a higher risk of maternal mortality.
On the other hand, poor care has already led to negative outcomes for the health of numerous newborns. Many Gazan healthcare providers have reported a sharp increase in the number of stillborns and miscarriages.[2] And for the babies who do survive, they are born into a world that fits one word: hell. Tess Ingram, a UNICEF communications specialist, says, “Seeing newborn babies suffer while some mothers bleed to death should keep us all up at night.”[3]
The devastating effects of mothers’ exposure to armed-conflict, violence, and starvation will without a doubt imprint themselves on their children.[2] However, we won’t know the severity of the long-term generational effects for years to come.
A woman in Gaza, Heba Gersof, can’t find a single pad in a pharmacy no matter how far she scours the streets.[1] And if she does miraculously find pads in stock, they are five or six times the price—an expense that the average Gazan women cannot afford.[1] Gazans are already deprived of food, water, and basic necessities, but the lack of accessible menstrual products only adds an extra layer of suffering.
What do these women do then? They use whatever they have at their disposal to replicate menstrual pads. These include old clothes, towels, or even scraps from their tents.[1] These unsanitary materials aren’t guaranteed to be washed properly and regularly either, as soap and water are a rarity.[3] Therefore, women who take the risk of using these as makeshift-pads are at high risk for infections, particularly the highly lethal bacterial infection Toxic Shock Syndrome.[3]
Other women choose to take contraceptive pills that suppress their menstrual cycles, but these pills are scarce and often not allowed to enter the “tent cities” Gazan refugees have set up.[3] In short, any alternatives are scarce, turning menstrual cycles into a deadly interval of humiliation and mental torment.
What Can We Do?
Unfortunately, these topics do not get the attention they deserve. The topic of menstruation is a taboo subject in Gaza’s traditional society, indicating it is rarely talked about amongst Gazan women.[3] Therefore, we urge the global community to spread awareness, whether it’s through sharing information on social media or championing volunteer groups, organizations, and aid relief programs to supply women’s health products to Gazan women.
Pious Projects
Want to help Gazan women, but unsure of where to start? Pious Projects is a registered 501(c)3 humanitarian group that is currently raising funds to send feminine hygiene kits to vulnerable Gazan women. To support them through donations or learn more about their mission, please see the link below.
[1] Batrawny, Aya. (2024). Women in Gaza are desperately in need of washrooms, privacy, and pads. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/01/05/1223193875/women-in-gaza-are-desperately-in-need-of-washro oms-privacy-and-pads
[2] Elkanib, Shatha. (2024). Pregnant women in Gaza require urgent protection. The Lancet. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)02835-0/fulltext#:~:text=A pproximately%20183%20women%20are%20estimated,pregnancy%20or%20birth%2Drelated% 20complications.&text=occupied%20Palestinian%20territory-,oPT%20emergency%20situation %20update%20as,December%202023%20at%2015%3A00.
[3] Sky News. (2024). Women in Gaza having c-sections without painkillers as girls use tent scraps for period products. https://news.sky.com/story/women-and-girls-in-gaza-using-scraps-of-tent-material-in-place-of-pe riod-products-13053083?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter.
