Her Culture: February 2016 by Her Culture

HERCULTURE Issue 14 / February 2016

Light up your Irish St. Patrick’s Day crafts to make a lucky home

PICTURESQUE Exclusive: The absolute best waterfalls to visit around the world

FEMINIST CULTURE 1

This year’s collection of the best literature, blogs, and art for feminists everywhere.

letter from THE FOUNDER Dear Culture Girl, Thank you for turning to our February 2016 magazine issue to learn about different cultures from around the globe. Fourteen issues in, and I am extremely excited with how Her Culture has grown. This month, I encourage you to think about the memories you preserve from your childhood. Think about how these memories relate to your family, your friends, or your communities. Sometimes, a societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collective memories (the ones that they are share) can infinitely impact individual memory as a whole. Take a look at what made you have that memory - was it the smell, the sounds, the emotions? Examine your memories, write them down, formulate a story - a story of YOU!

As always and with much love,

Kate 4

reflect.

relate.

remember.

Culture Features

COVER 26

Light O’ The Irish

Learn how to make this St. Patrick’s Day craft and more

Worldly Waterfalls

Five waterfalls to visit in your travels this year

Feminist Art

How two artists have used their art to change paths for women

ISSUE NO. 14

FEBRUARY

/MARCH LIFE

NEWS 12

A New Era

Nigerian women fight Boko Haram

Soccer Stars

Fighting for an equal playing field

K2 in the City

The dangerous eﬀects of synthetic marĳuana in city landscapes

Girl Museum

How one place is changing the conversation about female art and history

Against Domestic Violence

How China passed its first ever Domestic Violence law

Girls Going Global

What you need to be reading and where you can find the best feminist content!

Find out more about this organization and its founder, Martice

With a Body Like Her

How women are targeted for their bodies and sexuality

Recognizing Black History

Ways you can acknowledge the trials and successes of black women everywhere

Reading in March

Keep yourself busy with these awesome reads

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New Media for Feminists

Finding Her Place

Meet Jem San Pedro and read her culture story

International Women’s Day

Celebrate with us!

Women’s History Month

There’s definitely a lot to learn

H.E.R.

An awesome group for women

A Student and a Worker

How college students are balancing a work and study life

Good New Years Res’s

These are the best ever.

magazine staff executives KATE AVINO Founder & CEO

ALEXIS NEUVILLE Chief of Staff

NEELAM PATEL Chief Marketing Officer

MATT MAGGIO Chief Financial Officer

TUHFA BEGUM

Chief Marketing Officer

DAKSHAYANI SHANKAR Chief Content Officer

editors and writers Daniela Frendo Catherine Foley Radhika Sharma Claire Tran Nina Gayleard Anjali Patel

Noorhan Amani Danyelle Carter Sherah Ndjongo Shaye DiPasquale Haley Samsel Michelle Dashevsky

Harika Kottakota Jem San Pedro Prathusha Yeruva Teamare Gaston Nikki Camera Shubhavi Arya

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A New Era: Nigerian Women Fight Boko Haram by Shaye DiPasquale

s the terrorist group Boko Haram wreaks

havoc across Nigerian states, the Borno Youth Association of Peace and Justice, also known as the Civilian Joint Task Force (C.T.J.F.), is fighting to protect their home in Maiduguri and its neighboring villages. Maiduguri is the capital city of Borno State, which is located in northeastern Nigeria. While the city was once considered to be a center of peace by its inhabitants, Maiduguri has since become notorious for the numerous abductions and

attacks that have occurred within its boundaries. In response to the thousands of Nigerian deaths that have resulted from these abductions and attacks, local civilians began to organize within their community. The local residents who created the C.T.J.F hoped to defend their homes in ways that the Nigerian Army never could. When the local Security Council caught wind of the creation of the C.T.J.F, they were satisfied with the group’s mission and officially recognized the group as a “voluntary organization”.

The C.T.J.F may have less than fifty women in its ranks but that does not mean that women are not playing a significant role in the organization. Some of the duties of the lower ranked females in the C.T.J.F include frisking other women who come into crowded public events and detaining female suspects in their homes. In certain neighborhoods in Maiduguri, suspicious women have already been stopped by female members of C.J.T.F. Even though the mass media tends to depict Boko Haram as a terrorist group made up of men, there are plenty of females who have more discreetly joined the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ranks over the years. Investigating females who are alleged members of Boko Haram can be very difficult for male members of the C.J.T.F. The principles of Islam state that men cannot enter the homes of women they do not know. But when an alleged female member of Boko Haram is being pursued, female members of the C. J.T.F can be sent into homes to confront the suspected female terrorists. Even though women are definite assets to the work being done by the C.J.T.F, it is extremely difficult and dangerous to do this type of work as a woman in Nigeria. In general, women arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always well-respected in Nigerian culture and they are very vulnerable to acts of retaliation by Boko Haram. Many families with daughters or wives who work with the C.J.T.F urge their female family members to be especially cautious or to step away from the organization all together for safety purposes. Most women who work for the C.J.T.F are very dedicated to their positions and refuse to back down from the fight in fear. Over the past year or so, hundreds of women and children have been recused from the clutch of Boko Haram. These types of success stories help give female members of the C.J.T.F the motivation and drive to make a change in their community and in their nation. As more women become involved in the fight against Boko Haram, it becomes clear that the community of Maiduguri is ready to take a united front in defending its homeland.

IT’S TIME TO START A #CULTUREREVOLUTION Her Culture is the first magazine to explore culture through a woman’s eyes. Join us as we celebrate what makes us all unique, and make a change in the world.

Fighting For An Equal Playing Field by Haley Samsel

When Team USA’s Carli Lloyd scored her third goal

against Japan in the women’s World Cup final last July, I was losing my mind in the middle of a no-name sports bar in Colorado. My dad and I were the only ones watching the game, and, needless to say, the rest of the bar-goers were wondering what was wrong with us as we shared high-fives and jumped up with each unbelievable play. I didn’t realize how much Team USA and its star players, namely legendary forward Abby Wambach, meant to me until I was in that bar, trying not to cry into my halfeaten plate of nachos. I scrolled through Twitter and Facebook, watching as little boys wore Lloyd jerseys and dreamed of becoming just like these female superstars. My older brother, a frequently sarcastic critic of the WNBA (the Women’s National Basketball Association), followed their World Cup run like it was March Madness. In that moment, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I could forget about the daily harassment that female sportswriters undergo on social media. I could toss aside the casual sexism directed toward women’s sports, depicting them as somehow less worthy than male athletics. Women were finally earning respect for their athletic ability without an asterisk attached. And it was awesome. As months passed, the fervor for the team waned. People moved on with their lives, cheering on male athletes in the World Series and the NFL regular season. Women’s sports largely slipped from my mind -- that is, until I came across an essay penned by the U.S. women’s national team in the Player’s Tribune last December. In the piece, the team explains why they refused to play a friendly match against Trinidad & Tobago as part of their Victory Tour for winning the World Cup. Describing Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, the players said “there were sharp rocks ingrained all over the field...the artificial turf was actually pulling up out of the ground...this was a playing surface that looked like it hadn’t been replaced in years.” Usually fields are vetted months in advance by the U.S. Soccer Federation, but according to the players, the field had only been inspected a few days prior to the team’s arrival.

Titled “Equal Footing,” the essay depicts the strange realities of being a member of the U.S. women’s national team: receiving adulation from an international audience, but still expected to play on unsafe fields made up of artificial turf, as opposed to the natural grass fields that male soccer players have become accustomed to. National team member and standout forward Alex Morgan was part of a 2014 gender discrimination lawsuit protesting FIFA’s continual use of artificial turf for the Women’s World Cup, telling USA Today that “it takes longer to recover from a turf field than natural grass.” Other health risks have been associated with turf -- a NBC report found that black beads embedded in the turf made of scrap tire could carry unnecessary risk for athletes, even causing cancer. But the team’s decision to pull out of the game wasn’t related to the turf debate: the women themselves made that clear, stating that “this decision wasn’t about ‘turf vs. grass.’ This was about field conditions and player safety.” In other words, this wasn’t a publicity stunt to bring attention to why turf is dangerous for female athletes. Cancelling the match was about protecting their bodies and making an unpopular decision -- after all, 15,000 fans had bought tickets to watch the team play their first game ever in Hawaii. The members of the U.S. women’s national team -celebrated on late night talk shows, profiled by major magazines, subjects of countless ESPN highlight reels -- had to call off a match because the field they were told to play on was unsafe. The women that we heralded as American heroes were provided a field that made them vulnerable to injury. It’s hard to imagine a men’s team facing the same obstacle. The fight for female equality in the sports world is just beginning. It’s going to take more than just courageous female athletes calling out the inequities. There needs to be more public outcry surrounding these issues, with people demanding change and not losing interest when nothing is done. Just as the members of the national team “expect to be treated equally as [their] male counterparts,” we should expect them to be, too.

K2 in the city: A battle of synthetic marijuana

The youth call it many things—Spice, K2, Kronic, Kong, Blue Magic— to cover up its intentions, but all of the code names stand for synthetic marijuana. Along with the sudden increase in synthetic marijuana use, there has also been an issue concerning whether the drug is considered dangerous enough for DEA intervention. What is puzzling law enforcement officials is why the drug use has spiked in New York City the first place. “From what I’ve seen a lot of it has to do with the party scene,” said City College engineering student Jhoseanna De Leon. A Bronx native since the 90s, De Leon relates what she saw as a child and what she sees her classmates do for leisure with the drugs. “Sometimes I’ll go to a function or walk around the dorms and I’ll get offered a smoke. I don’t do it of course. I have seen what that stuff does to some of the kids, and it looks bad because people record it and put it online.” She also recalls seeing her neighbors sprawled out in the street laughing or talking to themselves. “It was insane. I use to see this one kid —he couldn’t have been more than 19—and

the dude was a full-blown ‘tecato*’, like my grandma use to call it.” Because of the condition that her neighborhood was in along with her grandmother’s health, De Leon’s family moved in 2013 to Corona, Queens. Though the environment was different, De Leon said that the issues with K2 were still prevalent. Unlike marijuana, synthetic cannabis is known to have mind altering effects, due to chemicals in the drug known as NPS, an unregulated psychoactive substance. Users are mislead about the content of the drug because of its chemical similarity to marijuana. “People here aren’t as open about their drug use, but it’s not like the stuff doesn’t exist. The smoke shops and hookah bars hook people up with Spice, and send them on their way. The only difference is that here, there are places to do it. Not in the street like before. Plus, the stuff is cheaper than real weed.” K2 has been on the government’s radar since 2008 after adolescents in Dayton, Ohio, were caught with the substance. While that was the first reported case, the drug has since made its way around the country.

Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made drugs that may be sprayed on smoking paper or mixed with cannabis herb, allowing the user to smoke it. The drug can be sold as a liquid to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes, which raises concern for many, due to the rise in e-cigarette users around the city. According to the CDC the use of e-cigarettes has tripled in the last two years, adding to the concern over synthetic marijuana. While marijuana was decriminalized in New York, there is confusion as to whether K2 is illegal in the eyes of the state. Because K2 is sold as a brand of incense, it has become troublesome for officials to properly categorize the substance, especially since all of the labeling is printed with “not for human consumption.” Senator Chuck Schumer called upon the DEA to place K2 on the federal watch list, as well as monitor online sales. “I am urging the DEA to to take a swipe at synthetic drug sales online and provide creditcard companies with the information they need to block transactions from taking place,” he said at a press conference in September, 2015 .

The question is no longer why is this an issue, but rather where is it coming from and how can it be stopped? “I have clients that have used Spice on the down-low, and honestly it’s becoming a problem for me. These clients of mine don’t wanna risk getting fined or want to deal with the complications of the system, so they like having the option of being able to roll up to any smoke shop, bodega, or deli and paying five dollars for a pack,” reports an anonymous interviewer involved with the substance. This year there has been an estimated two hundred percent increase in calls to poison control regarding K2 incidents, the majority of which have been conducted by youth between ages 17-28. In an attempt to eradicate K2 from the city, despite the ever changing brand names, Mayor de Blasio signed a new law in October which would criminalize synthetic pot, resulting in jail time and a $50,000 fine. Punishable under state law, possessing K2 is illegal. Distribution will now be punishable as well. *Tecato is a term used amongst Spanish speakers to describe an individual who is addicted to drugs.

by Teamare Gaston

Girl Museum: The Epitome of Curated Girl-Power There are uniquely special museums, some of which include stuffed bunnies, roller skates, gelato ice cream and even broken relationships. One matchless museum is Girl Museum, the first and only museum in the world dedicated to celebrating girls and girlhood.

by Danyelle Carter

Girl Museum is a portal to the past, present, and future of girls.

The virtual museum exhibits and educates the world on girls and is a sociocultural platform for dialogue and examination. Girl museum raises awareness and celebrates girls by framing experiences and allowing them to reminisce on those experiences and engage with others. In March 2009, founder and head girl, Ashley E. Ramer created a space for girls to document, preserve, and present their history and culture globally. The museum researches and collects cross-cultural historic and contemporary images and stories from and about girlhood. Through this, the museum has produced and presented exhibitions, publications, and video projects that explore and document the unique experience of being born and growing up female. 2014 was the museum’s break-through year, in which it garnered more than 74,000 new visitors – more than double their previous year – started a podcast series entitled GirlSpeak, and produced three exhibitions. The most recent exhibition is “Heroines Quilt 2014,” which is a continuation of the museum’s community-sourced “Heroines Quilt” series which celebrated Women’s History Month. Another exhibit, “Illustrated Girls,” was the museum’s “Girlhood in Art” exhibition that mapped the history of girls who were drawn in books, comic books, or three manuscripts rather than painted or sculpted. The museum also has an emerging virtual collection: “Girl Culture Archive,” a research and image database that houses objects, artwork, photos, and oral histories. The museum’s goal is to build a searchable

visual girlhood encyclopedia, in which they have added over 100 objects to their database, focusing on representations of girlhood in the fine arts. When it comes to keeping up with girl-related news and experiences, The Girl Museum blog serves as a forum for discussion and analyses of exhibitions, current affairs, and issues important to our community. With more than 117 entries from contributors, including Junior Girls and guest writers, the blog has been essential to the upkeep of museum culture. Girl Museum wrote and produced 24 podcasts this year, twelve of which were dedicated to girls in the news around the world for each month. The other twelve focused on topics ranging from princesses to Norse mythology girls. The museum has reached almost 1600 listeners in one year. The community of passionate and creative individuals hopes to create a world where all girls are guaranteed their rights and the ability to happy lives by providing memorable, immersive learning experiences that provoke imagination and wonder. Girl Museum is both a necessary and relevant institution, one that is charged with conserving, protecting, and displaying girlhood from our past and thus preserving our rich heritage which might otherwise be lost in our private thoughts or to time itself. Quite simply, without these museums we would most certainly lose the tangible links to our most precious memories. Girl Museum not only believes that girls are the most powerful force for change on the planet, but that girls deserve to have a museum of their own.

by Shaye DiPasquale

China Passes First Domestic Violence Law 20

or over 10 years, various women’s of domestic violence, this past December marked organizations and social activists have the first time that the National People’s Congress been calling upon the Chinese had implemented a national law against domestic legislature to enact a law to protect the violence. Less than two decades ago, physical abuse victims of domestic violence. In was not even acceptable as grounds for divorce in Chinese culture, there exists a strong China. In 2001, the marriage law was finally traditional belief that family conflicts are private affairs that require little to no legal intervention. amended to clearly ban domestic violence for the Without an existing legal definition of domestic first time. This has thus turned out to be the light violence, many domestic violence victims were at the end of the tunnel for all those who’ve been thus left unable to silent to the misery of seek justice from the domestic violence. authorities or from However, there are With the Chinese parliament’s the courts. many people who are legislation of a new domestic However, in left unsatisfied with December 2015, this new law as it violence law, victims of domestic China’s parliament does not protect gay passed the nation’s violence finally find light at the end couples from first law against domestic violence. of the dark tunnel of domestic domestic violence. The anti-domestic The piece of violence law protects violence. legislature, will take children, the elderly, effect in March. married partners and Defining domestic couples in a violence as any "physical, psychological and other cohabiting heterosexual relationship. Cohabitation harm inflicted by family members with beatings, refers to any pairing of people who live together restraint or forcible limits on physical liberty, but are not related. The Chinese government has recurring invectives and verbal threats", the law is a made statements saying that while the law protects helping hand to all those facing the tyranny of these cohabiting couples, homosexual couples are domestic violence. Beatings and verbal threats are not included in this definition. specifically listed within the law as examples of While homosexuality is not illegal in domestic violence. If a person is in immediate China, same-sex marriage has yet to be legalized. It danger, he or she can file for a personal protection is highly unlikely that China will legalize same-sex order. If a personal protection order is granted, the marriage anytime soon and thus, homosexual abuser must move out of the home immediately couples will unfortunately remain unprotected and the courts must rule within a 72 hour period. under the anti-domestic violence law. Nevertheless, If a report of abuse is filed, this law allows the the change signals evolving standards of protecting police to step in immediately. human rights and hopefully soon, everyone would While most of China’s provinces had be recognized under it equally as much. previously established regulations against instances

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light O’ the irish St. Patrick’s Day votive craft craft from “Mess For Less”

Materials Green tissue paper (two different shades) Mod Podge

Scissors

Brush

Glass votive holder Small candle/tealight

Directions Cut small circles out of the green tissue paper Dab some Mod Podge on the glass and stick a green circle on it. Continue to do so until the glass jar is covered in green circles - overlapping is welcome! After the jar is covered, brush over the design with one layer of Mod Podge When dry, pop in a small candle, place somewhere in your home, and voila! An easy St. Patrick’s Day craft to brighten any room.

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6 Media Picks To Feed Your Feminist Hunger by Haley Samsel

Not getting a good dose of female perspective in your media diet? Her Culture is here to help! Whether you’re looking for a daily news update or a weekly listen, we have something to satisfy your hunger for feminist media. NEWSLETTERS Lenny Letter (lennyletter.com)

theSkimm (theSkimm.com)

When the first issue of Lenny Letter landed in my inbox last September, I have to admit I was skeptical. Though I have always followed Lena Dunham’s work, including her HBO show Girls and her controversial bestseller Not That Kind of Girl, I wasn’t sure that her latest foray into the spotlight could offer me anything I wasn’t already seeing online. Short story made even shorter: I was wrong.

theSkimm was my first introduction to what an email newsletter could be -- clever, concise, informative and eventually essential to my daily routine. Founded by two female NBC producers in their twenties, theSkimm answers the call for an intelligent, straightforward roundup of world news that doesn’t forget its sense of humor along the way. The newsletter never talks down to its mostly millennial, mostly female audience, somehow managing to summarize complicated issues and events beneath hilariously unrelated subject lines like “Move it, football head,” and “Don’t go chasing waterfalls.”

Lenny Letter, a pet project of Dunham and Girls production partner Jenni Konner, offers a biweekly taste of personal narratives, women’s issues and occasional style advice. Although the newsletter’s popularity was bolstered by a high profile interview with Hillary Clinton and a selfeffacing essay from Jennifer Lawrence, Lenny is often at its best in its quieter moments - namely, when it highlights issues and people often left out of the national conversation around feminism. Lenny’s issue dedicated to endometriosis, an extremely painful disease in which the cells that line the uterus end up in other parts of the body as a result of the menstrual cycle, gave important insight into the daily struggle of millions of women, including Dunham herself. And despite Dunham’s reputation in some circles as a “white feminist,” Lenny has featured several essays from and interviews with women of color, including U.S. Senate candidates, the interim CEO of Reddit, and the first female head of the NBA Players’ Association. In short, Lenny offers all of the smart commentary missing from social media clickbait and national news coverage. Subscribe and you’ll be obnoxiously raving about it like me in no time.

Perhaps the best part of theSkimm is its dedicated fan base, including a large group of “Skimm’bassadors” who spread the word about the newsletter in exchange for free swag and a birthday wish near the bottom of the email. That grassroots energy is especially felt in theSkimm’s “Skimm Your Candidate” series, an effort to get out the vote among their young and (now) newssavvy subscriber base. The candidate guides are classic-Skimm: easy to understand but still witty enough to feel fresh and interesting. Give them one read and you’ll see why I rely on their team to break through the noise and give me the information I need to know, one pun at a time.

WEBSITES Broadly (broadly.vice.com) Ever since I first watched VICE’s self-titled show on HBO, I was hooked by the brand's unique perspective on current events and the issues that drive them. You can count on VICE to talk to the most off-the-wall people and go to the least accessible places on earth - remember when Dennis Rodman visited North Korea and sparked a global firestorm? VICE was the force behind that, filming Rodman’s escapades and taking in the surreal culture of the DPRK. So when I heard that VICE was launching a women’s site called Broadly in 2015, I was excited to see how the project would differ from its counterparts at Jezebel and Bustle.

Broadly did not disappoint, especially with its thought-provoking and often times shocking video content. Video titles like “Inside The Weird World of an Islamic ‘Feminist’ Cult” draw you in, but the fresh voices of the hosts and their interview subjects keep you watching and wanting more. You get the feeling that you’re seeing the unfiltered side of feminism - without warning, you click from a profile of a New Orleans all-female biker gang to a 40-minute video following the struggles and triumphs of Brazilian beauty queens who also happen to be in prison. Though several of Broadly’s articles focused on female sexuality fly right over my head, the site’s contagious dedication to pushing against the norm is so addictive that I’m able to look past almost any outrageous headline (believe me, there are some doozies).

Femsplain (femsplain.com) Femsplain is the personal narrative site you’ve been waiting for, even if you weren’t actually searching for one. The website, with its mission statement of fostering a “safe space” for female identifying and nonbinary contributors, leaves no issue untouched nor any insecurity undiscussed. Focusing on monthly themes like “revival,” “internet connections” and “white lies,” Femsplain's essays reveal the deeply shared connections between women and the ways in which they differ. A favorite contributor of mine, STI activist and blogger Ella Dawson, manages to be both lyrical and scathing in her description of her abusive ex-

boyfriend and the sexual attraction she reluctantly remembers harboring for him. Her posts embody what I love about Femsplain: the ability of its writers to cut to the raw truth of an experience, even and especially if it hurts.

NEWSLETTERS Another Round (buzzfeed.com/anotherround) Which podcast do you know that seamlessly transitions from a rant about McDonald’s failed attempt at all-day breakfast to a wide-ranging interview with comedian-activist Margaret Cho? Only Another Round can pull off such a feat, combining the banal annoyances of everyday life (“clapbacks”) with discussions of politics, racism and sexism. Though I’m a recent convert, hosts Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton have already opened my mind on a number of issues, reminding me to listen to the perspectives of people of color without feeling the need to respond or judge their experiences against my own. Best of all, the pair and their intriguing guests (count Hillary Clinton and writer Ta-Nehisi Coates among them) make me think and laugh about how absurd American culture and, let’s face it, white people can get. Buzzfeed has been pumping out podcast gems in the past year: the ironically “investigative” Internet Explorer and the Lena Dunham-fueled Women of the Hour have provided some of the most introspective and amazingly unique content I’ve heard in awhile, all within an hour-long episode. Call Your Girlfriend (callyourgirlfriend.com) I was beyond late to the Call Your Girlfriend bandwagon, but I’m glad to say I have hopped on in 2016. At the risk of repeating what every Buzzfeed article has said about the podcast, CYG features the best friends you always wish you had: smart, political, funny without trying too hard. Much like Another Round, the trio knows how to riff on small annoyances of life in the modern age (re: iPhone read receipts are the death of relationships) and still take the right things seriously. In turn, hosts Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow aren’t shy about discussing politics, institutional racism or female empowerment. Recently the show put its money where its mouth is, driving listeners to donate $30,000 to ZanaAfrica, a non-profit that provides sanitary pads to Kenyan girls so they can continue to attend school. With that kind of dedicated listener base, I look forward to seeing what other organizations

and issues CYG highlights as its focus shifts toward the political in the 2016 election season.

Regardless of which newsletter or podcast you prefer, these picks are sure to only pique your interest in feminist perspectives. Consider your first visit to Broadly or Lenny Letter the beginning of a lifelong obsession with the unheard voices in our society -- ones we must pay attention to if we seek to become the most empathetic, wellinformed humans we can be.

erbal or physical, famous or reported sexual violence other than rape during inconspicuous, young or old, there is no their lifetimes, while 40.2% gay men, 47.4% excuse for a male to look at a female’s bisexual men and 20.8% heterosexual men body and project any form of sexual reported sexual violence other than rape during harassment or violence. But are we their lifetimes.” Also statistics supported by Stop females even allowed to question it? To speak up? Street Harassment Organization To raise awareness? Or should we leave it at that (stopstreetharassment.org) says: “In a public and pray that it doesn’t happen to us? survey of 811 women, 99 percent experienced Women, or people who identify street harassment.” themselves as female, are still facing the same We, as a community, should speak up to dilemma of catcalling or public sexual harassment what most of the population sweeps under the rug and violence, questioning whether they belong to and thinks of as a norm when it is clearly not. We the public eye or not. Some say it’s inevitable to should teach the people how to look at a woman’s happen & that the women are asking for it by the body without any sense of titillation, for it may way they dress, by the lead to a very disturbing way they walk, and by future. We should teach the way they’re future generations about exposed on social the fine line between media. Female male and female bodies students, female and how to respect and workers, and mostly take care of them. With females just walking on the right teachers and the street have been with the help of good abused, punished, and influences coming from by Jem San Pedro put to blame for how social media, we could they own up to their expect better results. body features and have Then again, we no other option than to face the unequal all will still be entitled to our own opinions and consequences and uncontrollable impressions of one another, just as we are to its comments that they have been labeled later on consequences, and our minds our as free as a bird throughout their lives. Which have lead to many just as how our actions are equivalent. There will small debates and questions about the pros and always be temptations and at the same time, there cons of the female body to arise and to create a will be distractions. We can change the laws of life bigger picture for both the victims and the culprits but we can’t change the people, unless the people of sexual violence. want to change themselves and how the next According to The National Sexual generation, and the generation after that, portrays Violence Resource Center (nsvrc.org): “One in five and respects the body of a woman. women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives & 46.4% lesbians, 74.9% bisexual women and 43.3% heterosexual women

With A Body Like Her

5 WATERFALLS TO VISIT IN 2016 by Anjali Patel Humans have always resorted to nature as a peaceful escape. Many find taking a hike or sitting by a lake during sunrise more tranquil than visiting churches, temples, or shrines. In the 21st century, peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives move faster than their brains can process. This new year, everyone should take an ample amount of time to appreciate the natural world more. Within the tremendous realm of nature, waterfalls have definitely made their mark. Waterfalls donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop. Many times they continuously flow, releasing fresh drinkable water for those who depend on them. They exhibit clarity, providing a serene environment for those who surround them. They can be found in various terrains which include forests, jungles, mountains, and more.

Blue Nile Falls, Ethiopia

If you’re thinking about traveling to Africa, you may want to consider visiting Ethiopia. Part of the horn of Africa and rich in history and culture, Ethiopia is also home to this immense waterfall. According to FamousWonders, the waterfall is roughly 150 feet tall, making it one of the largest in the continent. Although this waterfall is known as “Blue Nile Falls”, the locals call it “Tis Issat” which means smoky water.

Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica Known for its tropical rainforests and prodigious biodiversity, Costa Rica does not fall short of waterfalls. Perfect for individuals who would like to try something different, visiting this waterfall will provide one with new experiences and adventures. According to Nauyaca Waterfalls, travelers have the option of trekking to the waterfalls or participating in a horseback tour. This attraction also provides visitors with other activities, including swimming and learning about Costa Ricaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thriving wildlife through ecotourism.

Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam

Located in South East Asia, Vietnam is a rapidly growing country with a wide array of beautiful natural sights. Vietnam Coracle reports that this waterfall resides in Cao Bang. This province is near the border of Vietnam and China and the waterfalls are actually split since they are located in both countries. Since this waterfall is not usually a busy tourist attraction, it serves as the ideal place to stop when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a placid environment to clear your mind.

Bushkill Falls, United States

For everyone who lives in the North East part of the United States, these waterfalls are conveniently located in Pennsylvania. Bushkill Falls is a popular tourist attraction in the Pocono Mountains and provides four different trails for its visitors. Each trail varies in size and difficulty, accommodating those who want to walk with younger children as well as those who wish to embark on a more challenging hike. Throughout the walk, whatever trail you decide to follow, you are bound to encounter loads of wildlife along the way, with at least one out of the eight major falls. 40

Engstligen Falls, Switzerland These falls are located in the nation famous for its majestic Alps and mouthwatering chocolate, Switzerland. According to MySwitzerland, these falls are one of the tallest in the country. For those who prefer a cooler environment, Engstligen Falls are nicely located in the mountains. This terrain provides multiple ways to view the falls such as trekking and mountain biking.

Six Creative Ways to Recognize Black History Month by Sherah Ndjongo

Every February we have the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of black Americans during Black History Month. For twenty-nine days this year, we will honor generations of black citizens who struggled through numerous trials and adversities to achieve equal opportunities in America. So not only is this month

an ideal time to pay tribute to the major role that they played in shaping American history, science, culture, the arts, and much more, it is also a chance for us to recognize that although we are all unique individuals, we also share many similarities that are often overlooked.

Therefore, Black History Month is the perfect time to appreciate educate ourselves about black American culture, milestones, and accomplishments in relation to those of all Americans. There are plenty of ways to celebrate Black History Month, whether you are planning to do so with family or with friends, but before you think of doing the same activities you've done year after year, consider trying something new with a few of these exciting ideas.

1. What better way is there to celebrate the rich

cultural heritage behind Black History Month than to throw a dinner party with flavorful and inspired dishes? Gather together a group of friends and serve food that originated in Africa or meals that can be traced back to areas in the American South where black kitchens were often rooted. There are numerous recipes fit for this special dinner that can be found in Southern cookbooks and websites.

2. Research and learn about influencers that have

left their mark on black history. While contributions from famous individuals like Sojourner Truth and Rosa Parks are worldrenowned, there are just as many lesser-known game changers, such as Ella Baker. This is why you should try to spotlight the more unfamiliar black Americans who have paved the way for a lot of us and improved our lives. Head to the library to check out a few great biographies as books are able to introduce you to fascinating people who can inspire greatness and action in all of us.

3. Listen to music created by black artists that has

profoundly impacted American arts and culture. All music takes a new, auditory perspective on the adversities, emotions, efforts, and passions of any culture. So by listening to the revolutionary music written, composed, and played by black Americans throughout our history, you can witness those same experiences and feelings, which can help you gain further exposure to black musical pioneers of the past and the present. A few examples of musical genres that were all either invented or pioneered by black musicians are blues, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and jazz. So sit back, relax, and listen to some good old classic blues or maybe plan to go to a vibrant jazz concert.

4. Why not visit an institution focused on black

culture near you or online? Local museums are always a good idea as they bring the achievements of great individuals to life. Sometimes viewing, feeling, and experiencing something in the flesh can make it seem as though it is "actually there.” A wide variety of museums and premier exhibits across the nation showcase the inventions, discoveries, and masterpieces by black artists during the month of February. What if you are hindered by distance to even think about making a

trip to the best of these institutions across the country? Luckily you have the option to travel to them without leaving the comfort your home with the help of our good friend, the Internet. For instance, you can find an interactive map of historic places during the Civil Rights Movement in the National Park Service website. The best part is you are simply one click away from touring popular park sites dedicated to black American history and culture. There you have the choice to read in-depth biographies and interviews of famous black influencers and how they played a part in transforming the United States.

5. There’s always value in exploring the events

that have molded black American history in the U.S. Once in a while, it's just as important to understand where people are today as it's beneficial to identify the road they've followed to arrive there. During Black History Month, you can explore resources that can offer you deeper insight into their tribulations and eventual opportunities that have led to our current state. Some examples include a timeline that highlights a "Century of Segregation," which can be found on PBS.org, and the “Eyes on the Prize” documentary television series, which uses archival footage to showcase the struggles of the participants of the American Civil Rights Movement from 1954 - 1985 in addition to interviews of both supporters and opponents.

6. If you have extra time to spare, express your

spirit of celebration by visiting nearby cities and towns that put together festive cultural celebrations during Black History Month. You can also go the extra mile by planning to attend gatherings at historical black American landmarks. While taking the time in February to highlight the achievements of black Americans is rewarding, it is important to remember that celebrating their achievements does not have to be confined to a single month. You should always feel free to learn and embrace their accomplishments at any time during the year. After all, expanding the time to celebrate the day the 13th Amendment was passed, when the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted, and other significant black history and cultural milestones deserving of attention is a remarkable way to acknowledge to our nation's noteworthy, complex past.

March is Reading Month: Our Favorite Feminist Reads by Prathusha Yeruva 47

We all know that reading is important and most of us enjoy to read, but when you’ve got millions of things to do, leisure reading isn’t exactly considered a priority. However, reading is quite cathartic and is proven to make you smarter, so this year, try to squeeze in fifteen minutes of reading every now and then, and you’ll soon be able to reap the rewards. If you’ve also resolved to accomplish is to immerse yourself into more feminist thought and diversify your opinions on women’s studies, here are five of our favorite feminist reads that will help you attain your goals.

Emma Watson’s Feminist Book Club: Our Shared Self

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Since she started working with UN Women, we’ve loved Emma Watson’s thoughts on modern day feminism and the inner workings of gender equality. Best of all, we now have the opportunity to share our thoughts with her and the community she’s been able to grow, all through her new book club! Every month, one feminist read is chosen (January 2016: My Life on the Road), and the community discusses it via forums (hosted by Goodreads). If one of your ambitions is to immerse yourself in feminist thought every month and build a community to discuss it with, consider joining Our Shared Shelf.

Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and mother of two children, is incredibly inspiring (to say the least). However, her book on the work culture surrounding modern day women is truly revolutionary. Sandberg, a Harvard educated woman with a top position at Facebook, was well qualified to write a book about how to excel in the workplace and “sit at the table”. But as the mother of two children and as a recent widow, she was also qualified to write about the family workflow and why ending your career after you have children might not be the best choice.

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique is widely credited with being the start of the second wave of feminism in the United States. This classic introduces “the problem that has no name” (the general unhappiness of women in the 1950-60s) and explicates the gender equality that has still persisted after the passing of the nineteenth amendment. Read this classic to learn from the feminism of those before us and understand its function in today’s world.

I Am Malala is a memoir by the youngest person to ever receive The Nobel Peace Prize. Malala Yousafzia, just fifteen at the time, stood up for her right to earn an education and was shot in the head by those who tried to deny it from her. One’s feminism should be intersectional and far reaching, thus it’s important to read from various perspectives. Malala’s story is inspiring and definitely has many teachable moments regarding the feminist movement.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan If you aren’t a fan of nonfiction and prefer to spend your time getting lost in novels, consider picking up Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club. This novel doesn’t just have a meaningful plotline and beautiful writing, it also contains an important message about feminism within different cultures and generations. In the novel, the mothers and daughters have different lifestyles and approach problems differently, but at the end of the day, each woman’s perspective is refreshingly empowering.

1 GIRL, 3 CULTURES,

1 MILLION ADJUSTMENTS by Jem San Pedro

Leaving home is hard, especially when you leave a

part of yourself in it. Leaving homes is harder, because you slowly lose all of yourself. There’s no choosing not to leave parts of yourself scattered around the map, because you drew the map, you created the map, you’ve built a home, or homes rather. There’s also no choosing to stay when life tells you to pick up your feet and walk away. So how do you move on… or do we even have to move on? My name is Jem San Pedro. I’ve had the craziest adventures, both happy & sad, promising & unexpected, inspiring & discouraging, good & bad, packing & unpacking. I am Filipino, though born and raised in Dubai, United Arab Emirates who adapted the Arab culture with American influence. That being said, it was hard to introduce myself to people, let alone how to understand who I was. When I reached the age of 11, tragedy struck. My parents got divorced and if you thought that was enough, my mom had cancer and I had to move to the Philippines to finish my high school. I had to be by myself and standing strong not only for myself, but also for my mom and dad. As usual, it was a huge culture shock as well. So many different practices and traditions that I never even knew we could and should do; like how to say “po” & “opo” at the end of every sentence as a sign of respect to Filipino elders. There are about 25 most used languages, other than Tagalog, that are currently spoken in the Philippines out of the 170 other languages of the country, 50such as Ilocano, Visayan, Cebuano &

Pangasinan. I only knew how to speak Tagalog and English which was a little struggle because some of the Tagalog words were inhabited from the other languages. I also met many strangers who soon became my friends, which is a beautiful fact about the Philippines. Everyone you meet for the first time is usually a person you keep for a lifetime. Even if not, they are always the kindest, most fun and adventurous people you would ever meet. Almost all Filipinos live everyday like it’s their last. Every day is a celebration to the Filipinos, hence their famous slogan and tourist campaign: “It Is More Fun in the Philippines”. School-wise, I wasn’t the brightest intellectually. There was so much to catch up due to the higher academic standards in the Philippines than in Dubai. In addition, during that time, the Philippines did not have the K-12 system, which meant that instead of being in school for 12 years, students were only in school for 10. It has many pros and cons, but I was able to survive until Grade 9, and so did my mom. By that time, my mom had done all the painful operations and took all the risks to keep on living. Finally, I was able to move back to Dubai. It was a very happy moment to see my mom well again and to be back where I belong, but at the same time, I had a story in the Philippines that never finished, or probably had finished but ended during the climax. Never the less, life moves on, and I was happy.

I went back to Dubai, UAE and started living with my dad since my mom had to go back to work as a Flight Stewardess. For senior year, I studied in a school that follows the Filipino curriculum so I could still graduate at Grade 10. If I were to choose a standard high school in Dubai, not only will I have to do 2 more years but I’d have to go back a year as well. My whole world turned more upside down when I started senior year. It was supposed to be the year when I do the craziest things and become that person that no one will ever forget. I was supposed to be a legend. But I was the new kid, I was the one anyone barely had the time to meet, and all my old friends grew up and only a few stayed. Dubai became more strict, opportunities became more hidden, and time was moving too fast to the future. But it was home, and I disregarded all that because I was back and I was ready to continue my life and make it more grand than ever. And I did my best to do so. I was able to record a song in a studio, I became the president of the Dance Club in my senior year, I became a model and worked for Adora 4 Abbaya clothing line, I was featured on my favorite Filipino magazine’s blog Candy Magazine, I started my Youtube channel: (youtube.com/JulianneMariel). I was more involved into reaching my dreams and saying yes to any opportunity that was placed right in front of me. When I graduated, things finally slowed down. I wasn’t able to go to college right away in Dubai because I didn’t complete the full 12 years of school. Thus, I stopped my academics for one year. In that time, all I had was my dreams and drive, but I had nowhere to go and the road became more and more unclear. In fact, there were more roads and I had no idea where any of them led to. One of those roads was to the United States of America with my mom, but I have to leave my dad behind. I said “yes”. I left home once again, and this time, I wouldn’t know when I would have come back, or if I would at all. It’s not the end of my life to think that I wouldn’t be coming back, but what if Dubai was the other story that I could never finish? People always say it’s a new chapter, but to me it’s always another book. But never the less, life moves on, and I am going to be happy.

Here I am now, in the United States of America, living the American dream that almost every human of this planet wants, yet I don’t feel it. America is indeed a remarkable free country with amazingly creative and talented people. But even after living here for over a year, it still feels as if my life is still on pause. It truly takes a lot of hard work and a lot of time to be where you want to be in the States, plus being “fresh off the boat” adds even more stress. I’ve achieved so many this past year, yet I still feel like I haven’t been moving. Not because I think I’m not giving it my total best, but because I know that there’s a place where I’d be happier: home. Granted, I haven’t started schooling and don’t have any friends that I can see once I walk out the door, but it still seems that life could’ve been way easier and the sun could’ve been way brighter on the other side of the globe. But I’ve realized something that shot a bullet to the heart the first time but made me stronger: you have no control over where life takes you. You can plan your whole life out, but life probably made other plans for you. But that’s not sad, that’s not what would make you fail. We’re all bound to fail, even a million times. We’re all bound to get lost and it’s never going to be easy and it’s not always going to go your way. We’re always going to end up in a place where we don’t particularly want to be or a place that’s just not for us and we’re definitely going to have to adjust. But the beautiful part of it all is that you can choose to be happy through all of it. You can choose to still walk the path that leads to the unknown with the same drive and perseverance you have when you know where you’re going. You can choose to still work hard and simply get happiness in return and sometimes nothing else. Change will hit you in the face when you’re not looking and you’ll have to pack up your things and go. You won’t be able to bring everything but you’re always going to be able to bring some things, such as the memories to realize where you come from, the lessons to keep on learning, the dreams for that ultimate goal and purpose of living, & the maps and books to keep on track of where you are. I’m not moving on… I’m just not stopping.

Martice Sutton: Globetrotter & Founder of Girls Going Global by Danyelle R. Carter

Passport? Check. Luggage? Check. Martice Sutton has traveled from Johannesburg, South Africa to Hyderabad, India in her quest to fill her passport with endless possibilities. In fact, she has identified India as the country in which she has achieved her greatest accomplishment: providing 700 students from Grace Model School with TOMS shoes. Sutton earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies with a concentration in international business from Spelman College in 2012. Sutton has studied in Barcelona, Spain, Marrakesh, Morocco, Paris, France, Rome, Italy, London, England, and Istanbul, Turkey. A passionate student leader, she served as the Student Affairs Global Experience president and an Arche International fellow promoting HIV/AIDS awareness. In March 2013, Sutton served as a Girls Advocacy Leadership Series intern for the Women’s Campaign International, in which she coordinated curriculum and programming for the organization’s Girls Advocacy and Leadership program. In June 2010, she served as a global inclusion intern at MTV Networks, in which she aided in implementing their Diversity and Inclusion initiatives including the LGBT "U&RU" event featuring RuPaul with 300 people in attendance. She also planned events to increase department website viewers including the "OGI Lunch Takeover" featuring global cuisine and the "Inclusion is You" web game. In June 2009 she served as a multi-cultural marketing intern at McDonald’s Corporation, where she analyzed effective methods to attract African American, Asian, and Hispanic consumers within the U.S., researched new product developments amongst three multicultural consumer markets, and prepared materials for regional division reports used within the National Operation. During her travels and internships, Sutton realized that she wanted to give African American girls the same wanderlust she developed the first time she traveled. Consequently, she launched Girls Going Global (GGG), a social enterprise exposing inner city girls ages 10-16 to global cultures through

travel and cultural exchange. She designed a global curriculum for middle and high school students and even coordinated a summer program called “Passport to the World,” which includes cultural activities throughout the city of Philadelphia. Girls Going Global is a nonprofit organization aiming to expose girls of color to the cultures of the world. Sutton realized that the public education system has been counter-productive in preparing the youth of America to be international game changers and doubly negligent in its preparation of African-American youth. That is a social paradigm that Girls Going Global is aggressively trying to address by better positioning minorities to be active in international affairs. “Three years and five months ago, I initially, I had no clue about running an organization. I was simply sick and tired of not seeing brown girls who look like me traveling the world,” Sutton said. Her sole intention is to expose young girls to the cultures of the world and form a community. Since then GGG, has welcomed over 60 young girls from Atlanta and Philadelphia. GGG has taken over 50 girls to Canada, Costa Rica and Belize! They have provided over two dozen girls with passports and welcomed over fifteen GGG Ambassadors in cities across the country to help them spread the word about Girls Going Global. Most recently, GGG selected 20 new girls for their 2016 summer program. And this year, they’re returning to Belize. “I wanted to give girls more than a textbook education. I wanted them to explore beyond their own backyards and get lost in the world—on purpose. I wanted to give them life-changing experiences with hopes of aspiring them to be global change agents.” Sutton says. Sutton’s ultimate goal for Girls Going Global is to empower girls through travel and equip girls with passports and their first opportunities for travel outside of the U.S. She wants girls to strive to make travel a part of their lifestyles.

Why We Celebrate International Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day by Sherah Ndjongo

Every year, March 8 is a day reserved for appreciation, recognition, respect, and general love towards women. It calls for a full twenty-four hours of celebration for all women who have achieved much in political, economic, and social spheres. This holiday is known as International Women's Day, a worldwide awareness day that allows us to thoroughly acknowledge women's issues and encourages antisexism and anti-discrimination.

What Is International Women's Day? International Women's Day is a holiday that is celebrated in numerous countries around the globe. Its purpose is to pay recognition to women for their accomplishments whether they are at national or local levels or whether they are involved in politics, science, technology, or the arts. It is the one official occasion during the entire year that is solely dedicated to reflecting on endeavors and milestones, and to especially look to future opportunities that will advance and benefit women in future generations. History Of International Women's Day International Women's Day, originally called International Working Women's Day, has an extensive history. The United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day on March 8 in 1975, however it first surfaced during the early twentieth century from lively events that occurred at the same time as labor movements in North America and all around Europe. Although what was considered to be the first formal International Women's Day took place in 1911, it wasn’t entirely international as women from only four European nations participated. The few activists who did participate, however, were considered advanced in their ideas and opinions regarding the economic and political equality of women. Following a meeting at Copenhagen between who?, International Women's Day was observed on March 19 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, and over one million women and men showed their support by attending rallies for issues regarding women’s rights to work and gender-based job discrimination. A couple of years later, International Women's Day was used as a vehicle to protest World War I. Fortunately, the 1945 Charter of the United Nations became the first international agreement to declare equality between women and men, which would later provide the first step in reaching the much improved position of women today. Since the Charter was signed into effect, the U.N. has played a major role in crafting a subsequent global legacy marked by plans, programs, guidelines, and goals that are agreed upon internationally to better the status of women worldwide. In December 1977, The U.N.’s General Assembly approved a resolution stating that a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace would be marked on any day of the year by Member States, in agreement with both their national and historical traditions. The General Assembly decided to pay honor to women’s active participation in peace efforts and development by taking up the resolution, putting a stop to discrimination, and veering more people toward support for women's complete and equal involvement. Why Do We Celebrate International Women’s Day? Since its formation, International Women's Day has taken responsibility for encouraging a brand new global outlet for women in developed and developing countries to spread their

visions and share their purposes. The international women's movement is increasing more than ever, and with the strong support it has been given by people in different regions and participants in the four global women’s conference designated by the United Nations, it has assisted in turning the commemoration into a source for advocating women's rights and their contribution in all arenas, especially in those where they are unfortunately underrepresented. With each passing year, International Women's Day becomes an oppportunity to look back at the growth made, to inspire everyone to push for change, and to commemorate brave and crucial acts by revolutionary women. International Women's Day symbolizes a universal movement that belongs to every woman and girl regardless of where they reside. It is meant to shed light on the principle that women and girls everywhere should be able to take hold of their futures and possibilities, and it is our duty to prompt certain changes to happen so that this can become a reality. We celebrate International Women’s Day because it gives us reasons to be optimistic about what the future holds. By demanding equal opportunities and more information regarding how to attain them, we are holding onto the conviction that empowered women are a source of progress, and this will yield only positive results for everybody in the long run. How We Can Celebrate International Women's Day 2016? The UN creates a political and human rights theme for International Women’s Day to bring awareness to women’s struggles in an optimistic manner, and the theme for 2016 is Pledge For Parity. There is much to celebrate this year as women have been actively making their mark in cultural, social, economic, and political fields. But on a graver note, gender parity has not been making the progress that it should. A prediction from 2014 by the World Economic Forum has shown that global gender parity will not be achieved until 2095. Furthermore, another study conducted in 2015 made an approximation that a further decline is bound to happen when developments are already quite slow, which means the gender gap will not close entirely until 2133. So everyone, both men and women, can celebrate International Women's Day 2016 by pledging for parity, which involves taking a giant leap towards arriving at gender parity at a faster pace. This is necessary whether we are helping women and girls make their dreams become a reality, calling for gender-balanced leadership, developing and expanding more inclusive and accommodating cultures, successfully eliminating workplace bias, or simply respecting and valuing differences. We all have the ability and potential to be leaders within our own areas of influence and to truly devote ourselves to taking impactful actions to speed up gender parity. Overall, International Women’s Day is the perfect chance for individuals to take a step beyond simply celebrating women. We can make a collective effort help women advance equal to their numbers, to realize the immense potential they offer economies all over the world, and to create noteworthy and long-lasting changes for women and girls.

Credit: Kelly Simpson

Women’s History Month by Prathusha Yeruva Women’s History Month aims to educate people about the trials and tribulations that women had to go through to (and still do go through) to ensure equality between the sexes. If you ever had a lesson in school on Women’s History month, it probably wasn’t much more than a thirty minute lesson on the American Suffragettes. However, it is essential to celebrate all the women that have made huge strides in gender equality and take this March as an opportunity to honor them.

Make a Vision Board Consider making a collage of all of your favorite inspiring women to put up above your workspace! Creating a project like this is not just an amazing opportunity to learn more about your inspirations, it also provides you with a great piece of room decor.

Plan an Event for an Organization If you are involved with any feminist organizations on your campus, consider hosting a Women’s History Month Gala! You can invite successful local women to speak, curate activities around the achievements of amazing women, and perhaps even get some charity work/fundraising done!

Host a “Galentine’s Day” type Brunch If you’ve watched Parks and Recreation, you’re probably familiar with Leslie Knope’s Galentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day is similar to Valentine’s Day, but instead, it aims to celebrate female friendships. Consider hosting a brunch to celebrate Women’s History with your friends. It’ll serve as not only a great opportunity to catch up, but you’ll also get to muse over your inspirations together!

HER Based on interview with Director Laura Brin by Harika Kottakota

HER (Hope. Educate. Rise.) is a nonprofit program that springs from the larger parent initiative known as the Central Asia Institute, which has been promoting girls’ education for twenty years as of 2016. Both HER and the Central Asia Insitute focus on developing projects in three countries: Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. After to interviewing Ms. Laura Brin, the director of the HER program, the truly impactful results and fresh philosophy encompassed by HER became clear. “It’s an organic process,” explained Ms. Brin. According Ms. Brin, the Central Asia Institute has sponsored 189 school buildings thus far, especially in northern Pakistan, southern Tajikistan, and northern Afghanistan where there are significantly more rural areas in need of educational opportunities. Ms. Brin noted that these areas specifically often have “no clean water nor electricity” and are plagued by a “lot of violence and conflict” that represses educational opportunity. HER also sponsors creating literacy centers for older adults’ classes, vocational centers to increase earning potential for community members, and public health centers that maintain clean water systems and midwives’ training to help reduce maternal mortality. One hundred percent of donations to HER go into its projects, a special quality that HER takes special pride in. Through my interview, I found the Central Asian Institute has a wonderful framework for approaching their endeavor. As Ms. Brin explained, the organization “provides funding, accounting, monitoring, but let the community and local representatives manage projects according to local customs...It is important that the project is initiated by the community itself.” Another interesting condition central to this philosophy is engagement--the local community in Pakistan, Tajikistan, or Afghanistan is asked to contribute to the project, either by donating land for school

buildings, materials, labor, or investment. Ms. Brin characterizes this aspect as key, “If you do not have the locality by into the project, it will not create long-term, sustainable change.” The Central Asia Insitute, HER’s parent organization, allows its local managers in rural areas to significantly adopt local customs or conflicts into the mission plan which makes the change--whether it be a community resource center or school--a more personable, understandable, and close-to-home shift. Another unique aspect of HER is that anyone around the world can fundraise however their interests serve them. Some exciting examples that Ms. Brin mentioned to me ranged in scale, time scale, and strategy. For example, one contributer is motorcycling across the world in an organized race to hopefully raise up to $100,000, some artists have donated a portion of their proceeds from selling their artworks, a few run endurace marathons, and one bag-making business center donates about ten percent of it’s profits to HER. These models just goes to show that there is a freedom and flexibility to fundraising for HER and to help girls‘ education. Anyway you feel able to contribute is what HER encourages--it can certainly be a smaller, personal project or a larger, district-wide initiative...or anywhere in between! HER also recently launched their Pennies for Peace program that collects donations from students in the classroom. And remember, ALL of your donations go directly into implementing Central Asia Insitutes‘ projects of creating infrastructure and opportunity for education, which could be life-changing for so many. No matter how donors contribute, Ms. Brin says “Not only is it exciting to make a huge impact, but is very rewarding for those who give their time--it’s an excellent opportunity to connect with friends and families for a fun yet rewarding experience.”

by Teammate Gaston

FULL-TIME STUDENTS, PART-TIME JOBS Baruch College junior, Kseniya Us, broke down her work schedule to explain how her quest for a part-time job has impacted her academic life, as well as her finances. “Since I do provide for myself mostly, most of my college career has revolved around getting a parttime job.” Us worked in a gelato shop in Little Italy for three months before getting a job at Chipotle in Brooklyn. She stretches her paycheck to cover rent, groceries and tuition not covered by financial aid. She admits, “I get put in a lot of situations where I have to dig myself a nice and cozy credit card debt hole and spend a while paying it off.” Us’s schedule is made specifically to accommodate her work hours, which results in very little time spent studying. “Right now I'm working at a Chipotle in the West Village. I work weekdays and some weekends. Fitting school around work has kind of hindered my chances to graduate on time.” In past two decades, due to tuition increases, many Americans have begun to question the real cost of a higher education. Going to college was once thought to be an opportunity seizing investment, yet it is now becoming one of the fastest debt-producing businesses in the United States. With tuition increasing every year, the necessity for students to work part-time jobs also increases.

Annual reports on the price of college tuition indicate that fewer students are eligible for full financial aid, or any at all. A report by the statistical trend report from the College Board shows that the average cost of tuition increased $110 from 2013-2014, for fulltime students at two-year universities, which for schools in New York state have an average in-state tuition of $8,000. Yet for four-year public universities, the increase was an average of $423 as the average tuition is $12,500 per year. Students find themselves searching for work to avoid taking out loans and maintaining a standard of living that allows them to continue pursuing their education. Educators notice changes in their students when they begin to work. Katherine Nero, a former adjunct professor who taught at various colleges in Chicago and Houston said that the work from employed students differed slightly from the unemployed students. “The students who work change, especially their quality of work. They hand in mediocre assignments because their jobs take so much out of them.” As it is seen to be one of the popular topics for the upcoming 2016 presidential elections, balancing work and education is a concern for more and more American students.

investment. Ms. Brin characterizes this aspect as key, “If you do not have the locality by into the project, it will not create long-term, sustainable change.” The Central Asia Insitute, HER’s parent organization, allows its local managers in rural areas to significantly adopt local customs or

conflicts into the mission plan which makes the change--whether it be a community resource center or school--a more personable, understandable, and close-to-home shift. Another unique aspect of HER is that anyone around the world can fundraise however their interests serve them. Some exciting examples that Ms. Brin mentioned to me ranged in scale, time scale, and strategy. For example, one contributer is motorcycling across the world in an organized race to hopefully raise up to $100,000, some artists have donated a portion of their proceeds from selling their artworks, a few run endurace marathons, and one bag-making business center donates about ten percent of it’s profits to HER. These models just goes to show that there is a freedom and flexibility to fundraising for HER and to help girls‘ education. Anyway you feel able to contribute is what HER encourages--it can certainly be a smaller, personal project or a larger, district-wide initiative...or anywhere in between! HER also recently launched their Pennies for Peace program that collects donations from students in the classroom. And remember, ALL of your donations go directly into implementing Central Asia Insitutes‘ projects of creating infrastructure and opportunity for education, which could be life-changing for so many. No matter how donors contribute, Ms. Brin says “Not only is it exciting to make a huge impact, but is very rewarding for those who give their time--it’s an excellent opportunity to connect with friends and families for a fun yet rewarding experience.”

Finding Feminism in Art by Harika Kottakota

Art has encompassed messages spanning the entire spectrum of philosophy. Artists are constantly challenging the social, political, and cultural landscapes of their generations. In this way, so too has feminism been showcased. Female artists, both from centuries past and contemporary times, spread feminist ideals within their works to not only relay their own experiences, but to influence others in thoughtful, creative ways. Two such admirable artisits are Artemisia Gentileschi and Nalani Malani. Artemisia Gentileschi, daughter of respected painter Orazio Gentileschi, faced the conventional prejudices of a woman living in seventeenth century Italy. Gentileschi learned painting from her father, and developed herself into a powerful artist. However, tragedy struck her. Artemisia was raped by her father’s friend and her private art teacher, Agostino Tassi. Making false promises of marriage, Tassi lured Artemisia into continuing sexual relations but ultimately refused to marry her. Outraged, Orazio and Artemisia took the case to the courts in a famous seven month trial, seeking some kind of justice. Despite Tassi’s numerous crimes against women, he never even served his sentence of a mere one year. This atrocity struck the feminist flame within young Artemisia Gentileschi and her artworks began to display a clear shift in psychological and emotional perspective. Gentileschi’s artworks concentrated on powerful female figures extinguishing corrupted males, often through religious scenarios. One of her most celebrated pieces is Judith Slaying Holofernes, a visceral and intense image of Judith--a strong, pure female--beheading the evil Holofernes. With her dramatic effects ofchiascuro, the scintillating contrast between darkness and light, Gentileschi showcased a carthartic visual representation of her inner rage and frustration with societal treatment of women. As the premier female artist of Early Modern Europe, she not only brought feminist viewpoints into the limelight through choice of subject matter, but also exercised an incredible amount of talent in capturing the true force underpinning females of her time. Like many post-Renaissance (Baroque) artists, she relied on and mastered the theatrical scenes and fiery auras in painting. However, only recent historical examinations have relit the significance of Artemisia Gentileschi. For reasons

not completely clear to contemporary art historians, she was most definitely underrepresented in art history for centuries, depsite her adroitness in advancing feminism in painting. As history has shown, feminism can take on many forms. And this is certainly proven true when contrasting the feminist modern Indian artist, Nalani Malani. Her work in Installation Art, an ephemeral form of art based on creating a three-dimensional scene that typically takes up a room and consists of multiple moving pieces, light effects, multimedia, daily objects, and sometimes even audio components. Malani has had her work displayed internationally, and tends to use universal aspects of the female voice into her work as well as stories from mythology. In her piece, The Tables Have Turned, Malani plays with “shadow art” to create an ominous atmosphere for viewers. This piece is based on the Greek stories of Cassandra, daughter of the King of Troy. Cassandra was given the special ability of prophecy, but Apollo, the Sun God, cursed her: despite her prescience, no human being would ever believe in her predictions. Her father did not listen to her warnings of Troy being destroyed in the near future. As the story goes in the Iliad, Troy falls, and Cassandra’s voice falls into a deep irony. Another example of Malani’s feminist works is her focus on Medea in her three robes exhibit, with each robe’s designing presenting a part of her story. This focus on female voices being hushed and classical references are central to Malani’s unique style. Nalani Malanni is also inspiring with her source of courage, especially upon the daunting task of piercing the maledominated art sphere in India today. In fact, Malani organized the first exhbition of all female artists in India and was the first Asian woman to ever be awarded the Arts & Culture Fukuoka Prize. Both of these women, Artemisia Gentileschi and Nalani Malani, are respected figures in the art world. Their advancement of fundamental female prejudices and hurdles tackle the feminist perception in compelling ways. Their art is a projection of their own philosophies and experiences, and they will continue to illuminate female artists for generations to come.

Artemisia Gentileschi

Nalani Malani

Things to Remember This & Every Other Year by Radhika Sharma

First of all, Happy New Year! Now, as every New Year goes, we feel this urge to start afresh, to make fewer mistakes, and to better ourselves in some way. Yet somewhere in the wear and tear of the year we forget certain things that we must always remember. Since a month has already passed and we are well into 2016, here are a few promises that you should remember during the times that you feel low and forget that New Year’s spirit: Wake up every day and smile for 3 minutes no matter what your mood is. (Trust me, this will encourage you to be happy from within and will surely help make a good start to your day) When faced with a problem, take 3 deep breaths and think before you act or speak. (This is another practice that will save you a domino effect of problems linked to one impulsive, bad decision) Eat whatever you wish to eat, but in moderation. Whenever you feel like you are not good enough, think of all you have ever accomplished. Stand up for yourself and for what you believe in because you have the right to do so. Make sure that the people you love know that you love them. Do the things you love and the things you do not love with the same effort and grace. Accept the mistakes that you will inevitably make, then learn from them and forgive yourself. Know when to make a decision from your heart and from your head, and which will make you the happiest. Enjoy everything you do and give it your best shot because whether you succeed or fail, it is the effort that will make it all worth it. It is your biggest victory. Don’t let the pressures of a good butt or the perfect figure get to you. These are called trends for a reason: they come and go. Intelligence will always be valued. Spend a day without your phone/laptop/iPad. You will never feel more grateful for this world and for the life that you have. Occasionally choose staying in over going out. You aren’t missing out on anything except some peaceful time with yourself. Procrastinate procrastinating. Do what you have to do now, it demands that respect, time, and urgency.

THANK YOU! Thanks so much for reading Her Culture's 14th magazine issue. Without a community of dedicated, sophisticated, culture-enthusiastic women, we would not be where we are today. To keep up with all the latest news and culture stories, please visit www.herculture.org.

Special thanks to: the Mulloy family, the Miller family, issuu.com, Alexis Neuville, Matt Maggio, Neelam Patel, Tuhfa Begum, Dakshayani Shankar, World Reader, The Prospect, MissHeard Magazine, Luna Luna Magazine, Humans of Vietnam, The Wannabe Scientist, Hello Perfect, New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, Molly and Fox Magazine, The Fem Lit Magazine, H.E.R