Why not have a seat and a cuppa, and enjoy the work of cartoonist Jacky Fleming? She makes us smile and has a wry take on what’s it’s like to be a woman.
Today is “Jump in a Muddy Puddle Day“! So get the wellies on, find a muddy spot, and take your younger friends (or older ones!) for a bit of splashing. Go on – be a kid again!
Have you ever heard people say “the news is all gloom?” Well here’s a new website for you. The Good News Network has stories about all of the positive things in life! We have it bookmarked and take a look every few days to make ourselves smile.
19th January is Women’s March London Bread & Roses march; a rally against austerity which impacts the most vulnerable in our society. Soroptimists are supporting the women’s marches because our Vision is that women and girls should be encouraged and enabled to achieve their individual and collective potential, realise their aspirations, and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities. Early notice in order to look into transport options! https://www.womensmarchlondon.com/bread-and-roses/
There are quite a lot of poetry days in the year but today is specifically poetry at work day! Why not explore the free resources at the Poetry Foundation in your lunch break? Some of them have audio recordings too. Here’s a link to Women, by Louise Bogan, and in the audio file she tells you about the time in her life when she wrote it.
One way to give girls a good start, and prevent abuse, is to make sure they know what a healthy relationship is. We like the “Loves Me Not” cards and bookmarks from anti-trafficking organisation Purple Teardrop. Have a look – and maybe start a conversation? http://www.purpleteardrop.org.uk/what-you-can-do/love-melove-me-not-bookmarks-and-cards/
Today we’re suggesting finding some time for yourself. We like Tiny Buddha’s 40 suggestions. https://tinybuddha.com/blog/40-ways-to-give-yourself-a-break/ And if it’s too cold outside for you, remember it’s “Cuddle Up” day! Grab those blankets… https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-cuddle-up-day-january-6/
We love this TED talk, “A Woman’s Fury holds Lifetimes of Wisdom.” If you have 10 minutes, have a watch! Tell us what you think on our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/193174054950685. https://www.ted.com/talks/tracee_ellis_ross_a_woman_s_fury_holds_lifetimes_of_wisdom
Virginity tests don’t prove a woman has had sex, or if she’s virtuous. But virginity tests do cause women shame and pain. At least 20 countries still use the antiquated procedure, and the UN is committed to stopping gynecological examinations intended to measure virgin status, worth, and moral dignity, the Associated Press reports. The World Health Organization (WHO), UN Women, and the UN Human Rights office decided the tests used to see if a woman is worthy of marriage, or employment, are “medically unnecessary,” according to a joint statement. Doctors, police, and community leaders often inspect a woman’s hymen or insert their fingers into the vagina to conduct the invasive inspection, which the UN says hasn’t been shown to determine if a woman has had vaginal intercourse. A girls’ hymen can be broken due to many reasons other than penetrative sex. In some places, including Afghanistan, virginity
We have a longer read for you today. Women often have difficulties accessing the services they need for their mental health. The Women’s Mental Health Taskforce has produced some key reccomendations. We believe it’s important to understand how services for women can be improved. You can find an article about the report at Women’s Views on News If you have more time and would like to read the full report – and we think it’s worth the time – you can find it here.
