‘Nothing is certain except death and taxes’. These famous words, attributed to Benjamin Franklin can do with one addition, menstruation. 50% of the world’s population menstruates, and that same 50% needs unfettered, easy and affordable access to period products like sanitary pads, tampons, period panties and menstrual cups. That, in the simplest of terms, is […]
What Does the Moon Have to do with My Period?
In a word: Nothing. The myth of moon phases and their connection to the menstrual cycle is one that has passed down through the ages, influencing ideas of menstruation across the world. Here, we take a deeper dive into how the myth came about in the first place. Scientists have indeed found a link between […]
“Like a Girl” – The Roots of Casual Sexism
It’s undeniable that we live in a problematic society, one where being a feminist is considered a statement and where advocating for equality is deemed as asking for too much. “Well, you’re better off than women two decades ago,” we often hear. However, that doesn’t make casual sexism acceptable. Because sexism is the norm, we […]
5 Women and Their Superpowers
Perhaps five is too small a number for all the women powerhouses I want to acknowledge. The world may not be a perfect place, and equality is nowhere close to where I would like it to be, but I’m so glad to have such brilliant women to look up to. ‘Cause baby, who run the […]
5 Times the Makeup Industry Empowered Women
“Guys don’t like it when girls wear that much makeup.” “Don’t you want to look naturally beautiful?” “Makeup is just false advertisement.” Makeup enthusiasts – and women, in general – have probably heard these statements over a hundred times. We don’t mean to be hyperbolic, but it’s true: everyone looks at makeup as demeaning and […]
What Is the Glass Ceiling?
Before we shatter it, it’s important to understand what the glass ceiling actually is. You may have heard the term tossed around in discussions here and there, but it’s more than just a conversation filler. The glass ceiling, according to Merriam-Webster, is “an intangible barrier within a hierarchy that prevents women or minorities from obtaining […]
Section 377 – The Journey to Liberation
The verdict regarding Section 377 on the 6th September 2018 brought with it celebration and overwhelming euphoria across the nation. As we drift away from heteronormativity (the normalisation of heterosexual sexual and romantic relations), you may have some questions. Where did Section 377 even come from? What did it mean for the LGBTQIA+ community? Why […]
Feminism – What It Is and What It Isn’t
If you’re one of those people who say, “I believe in equality, but I’m not a feminist,” then this is for you. Let’s sit down and have a chat (through the screen, of course). A quick look in the dictionary will tell you that feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of […]
3 Women Freedom Fighters to Celebrate this Independence Day
Today, India celebrates its 72nd Independence Day. While the Gandhis and Nehrus are praised and revered on this day, we often forget some of the women visionaries who paved the way forward for our freedom. Without these pioneers, our freedom struggle may have looked very different. Today, we should not let their legacies be silenced. […]
What Is Intersectional Feminism?
If you follow activist accounts on Instagram or have been reading those opinion pieces on Buzzfeed lately, you may have been confronted with term “intersectional feminism.” We know, feminism is a heavy one already, and now we have to add another complex word to it? But once you learn the correct definition, you’ll realise it’s […]