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Navigating sexual harassment in the workplace
Tips for navigating sexual harassment at your workplace as a woman Courtesy of Joel Muniz Some may say that the world is making progress towards equality for women in the workplace (which on the surface level, is true) however, there is still an unfortunate reality in that under the surface, women are still experiencing far more sexual abuse and harassment within the workplace than men. In the current world, after the resurgence of the #MeToo movement, more women are coming forward about their experiences of enduring sexual harassment and abuse by calling out their male bosses or superiors and refusing to stay silent. This is a substantial and empowering step…
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From leaves to blessings
Aside from being an eternal topical balm for various conditions ranging from fingernail fungus to discomfort in diabetic feet, to UV-damaged hair and lice, henna and its benefits transcend practical function. In one particular example, henna application now exists as a meaningful Indian tradition to celebrate marriage and beautify women. Courtesy of quzi ikram haq Across several cultures in South Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East, henna, or mehndi in Hindi, has been applied to the body for over 5,000 years, according to St. Thomas University (STU). For their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, henna leaves have since been “used for medicinal purposes and applied to the skin to treat…
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The manosphere
The Manosphere has come about in a new and shifting political climate. It is important for women to know about it and understand how they are impacted by it. Courtesy of Filippo Peisino In the shifting political climate, we have seen a rise in misogynistic hate speech within communities of young men on the internet. Misogyny and the dehumanization of women is something that is far from new, but within the past year, the bolstering of alt-right and “conservative” online personalities has given misogyny a fresh face. It is important for women to be aware of the faces that misogyny is taking on in the modern world. Identifying misogyny and…
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It’s for the girls
Events BY women FOR women in the GTA Courtesy of Vantha Thang Living in a big city can sometimes be very intimidating, especially as a woman. These come with challenges like meeting new people in a safe way, making friends and finding new hobbies. In the Greater Toronto Area, there are so many events that happen daily but they can be scary as you’re surrounded by so many new people. Have you ever wanted to participate in events happening but are more comfortable with something that’s run by women and meant for women? Below are some events run virtually and in person by women who want to help other women.…
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Bridging the health gap
How gender bias effects women in the Canadian medical system Gender bias is the preference for one gender over the other. According to a 2020 global report by the United Nations, nearly 90 per cent of all people have some bias against women. For centuries, implicit and explicit gender bias has affected many industries and sectors, including health care. Unfortunately, gender bias in health care presents a dangerous threat to the well-being, safety and lives of women and must be acknowledged. Sexism in health care can manifest in many ways including gaslighting concerned female patients, misdiagnosing them or dismissing them entirely and failing to include women in medical studies. Women…
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Knix: Revolutionizing the undergarment game
The underwear brand empowering women, destigmatizing periods and giving back to the community *This Interview has been edited for length and clarity Before 2013, those who menstruate had to decide, on a monthly basis, whether to wash and wear stained underwear that had succumbed to the dreaded and inevitable ‘period leak,’ or to simply throw out yet another pair of perfectly good knickers. Enter Joanna Griffiths, Queen’s University alum and female entrepreneur aiming to revolutionize the underwear game and destigmatize menstruation. Griffiths mandate was to challenge the conventional design and function of women’s intimates, such as those advertised by brands like Victoria’s Secret or La Senza. Her solution was Knix:…
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The Sullivan decision: A misinformation catastrophe
Find out why you shouldn’t believe everything you read on the internet In May 2022, the Supreme Court of Canada issued their decision on R. v. Sullivan. As inflammatory headlines hit the newsreels, the court was met with an uproar of backlash from women’s rights groups and feminist advocates. Anger, fear and resentment proliferated as misinformation on the decision spread like wildfire across all social media outlets. So, what was the Sullivan decision? R. v. Sullivan refers to two separate cases, R. v. Sullivan and R. v. Chan. They both required the court to decide whether voluntary intoxication could be used as a defence for criminal acts in Canadian courts.…
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Mental health: The most important player on the court
Courtesy of Valentin Balan
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Camp Cucumber: With Jennifer Werry
Disadvantaged mothers and their children find refuge at camp **This interview has been edited for length and clarity Jennifer Werry is a director and chair for Camp Cucumber, a registered non-profit charity staffed entirely by volunteers and funded by private and corporate donations. Camp Cucumber is a place for struggling mothers to rest, relax and find peace in Northern Ontario in the last week of June. While attending the camp, they are encouraged to embrace change, meet new friends, challenge themselves and share special moments with their kids. Werry’s involvement with Camp Cucumber is one facet of her long-term commitment to philanthropic endeavours, including chairing fundraising events and developing educational…
