Volume 48, Issue 20

The Independent Student Newspaper of the University of Toronto Mississauga since 1974

themedium.ca

Celebratingo W men’s Day

WORK BY ELIZABETH PROVOST, OMW, 2022

Issue 20 Volume 48 March 7 2022

02

NEWS

Editor | May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca

UTM student attacked by four masked men during campus gathering UTM community calls upon university administration to address horrifying incident that resulted in serious injuries of residence student.

May Alsaigh News Editor

O

n February 23, five University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) students were involved in an altercation at the university’s McGrath Valley Residence. According to various sources, a UTM student from Hong Kong was attacked by four masked men and endured severe injuries.

Though it was confirmed the four men carried weapons during the attack, it remains unclear as to what they were armed with. Due to the sustained injuries, the student was rushed to Credit Hill Valley Hospital on the same night. The student has since been released after being treated for injuries.

The University of Toronto Erindale Hong Kong Student Associated reveals on their Instagram that UTM was informed of the incident but did not address or publicize it to students. Additionally, no safety measures have been implemented to prevent more attacks.

Following the occurrence, the association,

along with other students, is calling on the university to implement stronger precautions to avoid such incidents from repeating in the future. At the very least, students are demanding the school to inform other of such threatening circumstances.

suspects, the altercation occurred and the don on duty was called to the scene.

Later, UTM Campus Safety and Peel Regional Police were called and transported the student via ambulance to the nearest hospital.

After the incident, the four men were banned

GOOGLE MAPS

On a recent post, the association writes, “Our club would strongly demand UTM to improve the safety of all UTM students on campus and [residence]. We hope to see no more campus violence in the future.”

One Instagram user tags UTM’s page and states, “How about instead of posting campus photos, address this [situation].”

According to an anonymous source, the attack took place after a party at the McGrath Residence. Shortly after the arrival of the four

from trespassing on the campus. At this time, the victim will not be pressing charges.

Many students are expressing concerns regarding their safety after the incident, especially since UTM administration did not alert students of the incident. Students are voicing their complaints, and the University of Toronto Mississauga Student Union (UTMSU) is demanding for further action.

The UTMSU has since revealed they have been in contact with the student impacted by

the attack and are currently providing them with necessary support resources In an email sent by UTM residence office, the administration states, “Safety in Residence is our collective responsibility. There are many ways that our community can work together to encourage safety behaviours.” The email continues to list two pieces of advice, “Don’t rent out your unit for parties [and] don’t engage in activities that encourage reckless behaviour or risk your safety.”

In the same email, UTM administration revealed that the party was organized through “an unsanctioned group, where students were offered money to host unauthorized on-campus parties promoted through social media.”

At this time, no news outlets or social media pages have addressed the situation, nor informed students of the incident.

Considering UTM administration has been informed of the incident, students are deeming it to be imperative that the university issues an appropriate response and penalty for those responsible; otherwise, student relations and trust are likely to be affected.

Ontario announces end of vaccine passport After announcing the removal of vaccine mandates, Premier Doug Ford also hopes for the end of mask restrictions by the end of March.

Razia Saleh Associate News Editor

O

n February 14, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the possible end of the vaccine passport, giving citizens the freedom to enter enclosed spaces without disclosing their vaccination status. On March 1, Ontario confirmed the removal of vaccine passports. At this time, masks are still required.

NICOLE JUDD/THE MEDIUM

Currently, Covid-19 reports reveal a decrease in hospitalization rates across the province. Cases declined from 10,000 in the beginning of January to less than 2,000 in February.

Though individuals are still being diagnosed with the virus, the viral infection has lessened to a degree similar to the common flu, enabling symptoms and cases to be treated at home.

It has been reported that 81 per cent of Ontario residents are vaccinated with two doses, and 47.156 per cent already have their third booster shot. With most of Ontario’s population vaccinated, Ford is leaning towards lifting not only the vaccine passports, but mask mandates as well.

Business owners are hoping this will bring stability to their businesses. Dustin Lashambe, a business owner, spoke to CTV News about his relief regarding the removal of the vaccine passport—a sentiment many business owners share.

“The vaccine restrictions being lifted in regard to people being checked at the door, it’s going to make our lives easier,” states Lashambe. Ontario opening restaurants at full capacity will benefit businesses bringing them more opportunities and customers.

Students in the Peel Education system can see a drastic change where they potentially won’t be required to even wear a mask to school. Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, mentions in his address that they will end mask mandates in schools and “public settings at the same time.”

He continues to state, “We are trying to learn practices glob-

ally and provincially and as the risk decreases in Ontario make recommendations to the government with that in mind.”

No changes to the mask rules were announced for U of T and will continue until further notice. The Medium spoke with two University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) students about how they feel toward the new regulations.

A second-year student choosing to remain anonymous discusses how this change can affect his studies. “I believe in the government and the scientific community. If they think that it is safe and suggest that vaccination passports are not necessary, then I will abide by it.”

While acknowledging the importance of being free of restrictions, he is also worried about his health and the safety of others. “It will be more convenient for me but a little scary because people around may not be vaccinated especially in restaurants where we have to remove our masks and are exposed.”

Second-year Loridee De Villa in the Biology program demonstrates similar concerns about her safety.

“In general, it doesn’t feel like the safest option [and] on campus, there are so many students that it’s hard to socialize.

I’d feel safer knowing my peers are vaccinated and I think those that have underlying illnesses would feel the same.”

Though some students feel unsure of this change, health officials say that with the decrease of Covid-19 cases and the number of patients being admitted to the hospital, the possible route to a new normal may soon come into play.

03

Data reveals police violence is a major obstacle in Black women’s health Alarming data points towards premature deliveries, heightened stress, and cardiovascular disease among Black women as a result of police brutality.

Anjalli Becharbhai Staff Writer

R

ecent studies have shown an increase of physical and mental health concerns among Black women subject to police brutality in the United States.

Scientists have compiled a database of complaints that individuals have filed against the Chicago police, who have engaged in forceful and illegitimate misconduct.

Trends demonstrate that Black women are prone to excessive violence compared to

white women. Black women have an exposure rate of 27.6 per cent versus white women who reveal a rate of 13.9 per cent.

In neighbourhoods such as Chicago, Black women experience excessive force from police authorities have a19 per cent chance in suffering from preterm delivery, 16 per cent at risk of delivering a SGA infant, and 42 per cent at risk of obtaining cardiovascular disease.

When it comes to pregnancy, scientists have pointed out that Black women suffer from preterm deliveries twice as much as white women. Specifically, 14.3 per cent of Black women deliver preterm, compared to 6.8 per cent of white women.

Due to the crippling stress evoked from police brutality and resulting mental health issues, Black women are more prone to delivering infants that are smaller in size, referred to as small gestational age (SGA). This results in babies being limited in their oxygen supply to vital organs, causing issues regarding normal body temperature and possibly death.

According to these studies, infants who experience SGA are susceptible to facing cognitive impairment and mental illnesses during their childhood. These implications can further put additional stress on parents, as finding resources to take care of their children’s health concerns pile on top of their own.

Author and postdoctoral fellow at the Institute

for Policy Research at Northwestern Dr. Alexa Freedman has noted that Black women are more likely to face cardiovascular disease, contributing to insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, and excessive fatigue.

These trends are alarming and prompt an urge to reform police systems. Lowering police brutality will subsequently lower stress levels among members of the Black community.

This will also contribute to lesser cases of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.

More specifically, a Northwestern University study investigated trends measuring stress levels from police brutality and its effect on high levels of preterm delivery among Black women.

This study was conducted to assess the mental effects of stress and its impact on delivering a child. As Black women face violence, this causes them to feel fear and stress, leading to poor maternal health following a pregnancy with additional and avoidable complications.

In a different study of 67,976 pregnant patients and 6,773 healthy adults, results demonstrated that police violence hindered the growth of babies during their earliest stages of development. This brings negative repercussions later in life, coupled with higher medical bills and health expenses.

Overall, Black women have been targets of police brutality, and their struggle highlights the need for greater reform to reduce violence against racialized minorities.

United Nations announces new theme for International Women’s Day #BreakTheBias focuses on climate change and the contributions of women during the 2022 year.

Hema Ramnarine Staff Writer

S

ince 1910, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated all around the world to recognize the many achievements of women.

Originally proposed by Clara Zetkin at the International Conference for Working Women, the first International Women’s Day was observed in Denmark, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in 1911. The idea called for a day every year to celebrate women across the globe.

After being officially celebrated by the United Nations (UN) for the first time in 1975, the organization announced their first annual theme in 1996, “Celebrating the past, Planning for the future.”

Since then, every year on March 8, the world celebrates a universal theme advocating for women’s equality. This year, the UN announced the theme of “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” under the hashtag #BreakTheBias.

The theme aims to highlight women’s leadership and contributions regarding the ongoing climate crisis. According to a recent article published in December 2021, the UN found that women are “more vulnerable to climate change impacts than men,” as they tend to make up more of the world’s impoverished population

and are more reliant on natural resources.

This year, the UN is marking International Women’s Day with a virtual observance. The event will include a musical performance by Filipino American singer Angelica Hale and other speakers like anthropologist Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace; Maria Reyes, a climate justice activist; and Mathu Joyini, Chair of the 66th Commission of the Status of Women.

In England, various events will take place in the country’s capital, London, for International Women’s Day. Activities include a bike ride starting at the National Theatre and the famous Women of the World (WOW) festival. The WOW festival, described as the world’s largest festival celebrating women, will feature panel discussions, guest speakers, performances, and debates on a variety of topics. The event will take place from March 11 to 13 at the Southbank Centre.

Another event occurring in thirteen cities across the world—including Edmonton, Alberta—is the Women’s Climate Strike, which is a day of action for women to raise awareness and protest against climate change. The event also invites women to advocate for equality and women’s rights. Participants are encouraged to take photos at these events, in order to lobby politicians. Other cities participating include Chihuahua, Mexico; Limassol, Cyprus; Wrexham, Wales; and Cape Town, South Africa.

In Copenhagen, Denmark, the birthplace of International Women’s Day, there will be an event under the theme “Breaking the Bias: A Celebration of Success.” Speakers include Mira C. Skadegard, an assistant professor at Aalborg University, and author Birgitte Baadegaard.

In India, a key event is the International Women’s Day Simulathon, a virtual event designed around a series of simulations in which participants will display key skills in specific industries, with the aim of removing bias and increasing diversity.

In the U.S., San Francisco will host a series of events during the whole month of March, including Women’s History Month, hosted by the San Francisco Public Library, and the Haas Women in Leadership Conference, which is celebrating its twenty-sixth year.

In Melbourne, Australia, women will have the opportunity to meet, talk, and celebrate at the International Women’s Day Gather—an in-person workshop inviting women to share their stories with others. The main point of discussion will be in line with this year’s theme, highlighting women who have pushed boundaries and broken the bias, as well as “modern-day” womanhood.

In Canada, the Canadian Women’s Foundation will highlight the way the workplace has changed and continues to evolve for women. They will host a virtual workshop on how to support di-

verse workplaces, as well as how to take steps to make that the new normal.

A little closer to home, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) will also be recognizing IWD. The Women and Gender Studies Program will host a panel over Zoom on feminist ethics, featuring Mercy Lillian, a UTM alumna, and other speakers.

The International Women’s Day website encourages individuals across the globe to engage with this year’s theme through taking photos while using the hashtag #BreakTheBias. By using this hashtag and spreading awareness about this day, individuals are not only celebrating women but addressing issues of inequality and women discrepancies.

04

Healing the Hurt: A campaign for antidiscrimination against Indigenous mothers Christena Lopez and Shawna Hill share their stories dealing with negligent professionals in the health care field.

Larry Lau Associate News Editor

H

ealing the Hurt is a newly-launched campaign started by Indigenous women to supply health care providers with more knowledge of culturally-safe care. This year, a video was released on the campaign’s website sharing the experiences of women and their stories in the health care system.

From residential schools to reduced opportunities in society, there remains a clear history of Indigenous oppression in Canada. Indigenous mothers have recently reported maltreatment caused by gross negligence and discrimination from clinicians.

Christena Lopez is an Indigenous mother who shares her experiences with a negligent obstetrician who was responsible for most aspects of her pregnancy. Lopez reports she was unable to establish a trusting relationship with her obstetrician as she implied be-

ing Indigenous and living in Indigenous housing was an issue.

Lopez claims the obstetrician made her feel uncomfortable and dehumanized to an extent, and this directly led to an avoidable tragedy. “When I think about it now, her job as an [obstetrician] should have encouraged me to have the induction, because then my baby would have been alive,” Lopez states in the video.

Shawna Hill, another Indigenous mother, recounts the mistreatments and abuse received by clinicians. She mentions how clinicians were innately biased against her when she expressed concerns about her daughter’s health by immediately searching for non-existent evidence of child abuse or neglect. Hill recounts how terrified she was that child protection services would take her daughter away due to the biased clinicians.

Ultimately, the treatment of Indigenous mothers directly results from the actions of clinicians. Hill states in the video, heartbreakingly, “You have the power to save peoples’ lives, and I don’t think a lot of them realize that.”

Considering these experienc-

es, the Healing the Hurt campaign aims to ensure all Indigenous mothers receive the treatment they would have received had they not been born as an Indigenous person.

Participants of the campaign brought up five notable suggestions for clinicians to promote a welcoming and safe environment for Indigenous mothers.

The first suggestion is the building of trusting relationships between clinicians and patients, especially considering that Indigenous mothers may distrust clinicians due to the history of discrimination against them. To this end, showing compassion and displaying effective communication is key.

Clinicians would also need to take a more supportive approach to their involvement in child protection services.

Clinicians should offer impartial care to Indigenous families regardless of their history, while advocating for them when necessary. Naturally, child protection services must not be used as leverage to threaten Indigenous mothers into meeting appointments.

Other suggestions include addressing financial barriers, increasing the availability of services to Indigenous mothers, and advocating for a more supportive and welcoming environment in clinics.

These suggestions introduce ideas to break the cycle of discrimination against Indigenous mothers. Equal care for all mothers that transcends race and beliefs is something Canada must strive for, and concrete actions must be taken.

Covid-19 presents barriers to women in research Unequal pay and domestic violence are just a few barriers that women are currently facing due to Covid-19.

Sukaina Rizvi Contributor

I

n a recent study, new data shows that women are more vulnerable to Covid-19’s effects than other groups. Many negative factors are rising in countries where gender inequality already exists, such as Afghanistan and South Sudan. Particularly, as working hours increase, many women in research and health care fields find themselves unable to care as frequently for their families and end up leaving the academic field.

In a study of eight authors, it was concluded that women with children are over three times as likely to turn down leadership opportunities compared to women without children.

In addition, as many women are on the front lines and do an average of 75 per cent of total unpaid care work globally, such as childbearing and cooking, they don’t have many opportunities to become independent and work when there is a male already working. Prior to the pandemic, around 42 per cent of women carried the weight of various household duties, hence not allowing them

to do any paid work. However, only six per cent of men said the same.

Concerned Worldwide, a humanitarian agency based in Ireland, reveals how men feel about changing gender norms. One man in Mangochi states in an Oxfam survey, I am the head of this household and that will not change. Women do what they are supposed to do, and boys also do what they are supposed to do.”

A rigid view on gender norms can result in some women having to take a lot of time off their days, in turn, vulnerability to domestic abuse increases as family members do not divide up house work. In addition, isolation already places women and children in vulnerable positions leading them to violent situations.

Recent data reveals one in 10 women in Canada are concerned about domestic violence in their household due to the pandemic. This information indicates one major barrier to women as a result of Covid-19.

The same study reveals women also take on fewer leadership roles in fear that they will need to commit more. Regarding research, women also fear that they will not meet expectations for a promotion solely because

they were not able to publish enough articles during the pandemic. Potentially, this could lead to rapid drops in employment in women, even though men and women may work in different sectors.

There are many different programs, grants, and foundations that aim to combat these effects. For example, The Claflin Distinguished Scholar Awards at Massachusetts General Hospital provides any mother with $50,000 per year for two years. In the U.S., various tax-policies and government funding programs encourage both partners to work and balance work and household tasks.

In addition, an industry with support for childcare and public financing in areas with a low infrastructure will raise female employment rates, therefore creating more opportunities for other women.

Low-income areas should also have a basic infrastructure, where necessities needed for the household can be quickly obtained by women.

For long-term so-

cial and economic benefits to society, it is important that campaigns are run by any stakeholders, such as businesses and the government. They will show that inclusion and support for women in research is crucial for a beneficial future.

Removing barriers resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic is challenging, however, doing so will positively influence economic and societal situations as soon as solutions are implemented.

MASTHEAD EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Provost editor@themedium.ca Managing Editor Elisa Nguyen managing@themedium.ca News May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca Opinion Aroni Sarkar opinion@themedium.ca Features Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes features@themedium.ca A&E Danica Teng arts@themedium.ca Sports Duaa Nasir sports@themedium.ca Photo Hayden Mak photos@themedium.ca Design Manjot Pabla design@themedium.ca Copy Juliana Stacey juliana@themedium.ca Miguel DaSilva miguel@themedium.ca Social Belicia Chevolleau social@themedium.ca Videographer Nikolas Towsey video@themedium.ca

ASSOCIATES & APPOINTED ROLES Larry Lau, News Razia Saleh, News Haya Abu Ghosh, Opinion Kareena Kailass, Opinion Dalainey Gervais, Features Prisha Nuckchady, Features Aidan Thompson, Arts Ciera Couto, Arts Dellannia Segreti, Sports Gladys Lou, Photo Simrah Siddiqui, Photo Isik Vera Senel, UTMSU Correspondent Julia Skoczypiec, Theatre Erindale Correspondent Robert Bui, Campus Athletics Correspondent Erin Delaney, Satirist Helen Yu, Comic Artist

TO CONTRI BUTE & CONNECT: themedium.ca/contact @themediumUTM

@themediumUTM

@themediumUTM

@themediumUTM

@themessageUTM

@humansofUTM_

05

OPINION

Editor | Aroni Sarkar opinion@themedium.ca

Majority rules—A woman’s world “The decisions we make are not inclusive of women but are made by women. We aren’t representative, we are reality.”

Miguel DaSilva Copy Editor

N

ine out of the 13 positions at The Medium are held by women. I’m one of the four men. I never noticed that until this week, as I write this editorial. Maybe I never noticed because women have always been bosses to me.

For half of my life my mother raised my brother and I alone, as my father stepped out to live his own life, selfish as many fathers are. When my brother was born nearly thirty years ago, she was broke, and while my father wasted what little money they had on a $3000 suit from Harry Rosen, she scavenged a crib, toys, household items from curbs on garbage day. That year she went back to school at St. Michael’s college. She graduated and she clawed her way through the various corporate boys clubs and glass ceilings that saw her as no more than a mother.

By the time I was born, she could support our family. Now she’s a boss at Saputo, an HR director for all of Canada.

My aunt too is a role model. She once teased me for an hour because I wouldn’t say “please” to her. That was when she was young. I thought she was mean. She was just having fun, and I was a whiny little boy. Now she’s the director of original programming for Rogers. She’s so badass that she brought me to a premiere for one of her shows, Bad Blood, and I got to meet Paul Sorvino, best known for his role as Paul Cicero in one of the most iconic gangster movies in American cinema, Goodfellas.

These were my idols. These were the bosses that guided how I saw the world. And now I look up to my new bosses. The powerful and talented women that lead our team. Having a majority of women on the masthead doesn’t make us special, it just means they worked harder and were better for the job than any other man on campus. It means the decisions we make are not inclusive of women but are made by women. We aren’t representative, we are reality. A world that still has that glass ceiling but one in which a group of nine women and four men are trying to crack through and float on past the other side.

Chipping away at the glass ceiling International Women’s Day 133 years on.

Faiza Sattar Contributor

O

n March 8, people around the world will celebrate the social, political, and economic contributions of women. Initially a practice that arose amongst women’s rights activists in the early twentieth century, today, International Women’s Day celebrations are both a testament to the progress brought about by the women’s rights movement, and a stark reminder of how much work remains to ensure the liberation of women everywhere.

Some people argue that International Women’s Day is redundant because commercial appropriation of the holiday has obscured meaningful discussion of the real issues facing women. Indeed, for some, the very concept of distinguishing women’s achievements from men’s is seen as antithetical to gender equality. Yet, in a world where women’s struggles and contributions are routinely minimized and overlooked, observing International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the systemic obstacles women face and the effort and determination it takes to succeed despite them.

Whether in the workplace or at home, women’s labour continues to be undervalued and underpaid. Despite possessing similar levels of education and training, occupations in which women are concentrated tend to be low paid and have low social prestige—a phenomenon sociologists term “the pink collar ghetto.” Meanwhile, at home, the responsibility for household tasks and childcare remains predominantly on women, even though they participate in the formal labour market at increasing rates. Statistics indicate that as of 2021, women are still more likely than their male partners to shoulder the disproportionate burden of childcare and domestic work.

Gender based abuse, neglect, harassment, and discrimination

continue to overwhelmingly affect women across the globe. Since last Women’s Day alone, there have been several high-profile cases of sexual violence in the news. The murder of 33 year old British woman Sarah Everard in March 2021, alongside widespread reports of sexual assault at the University of Western Ontario’s Orientation week in September 2021 generated massive public outcry concerning women’s safety. In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s assumption of power in August 2021 has severely curbed Afghan women’s access to education. In Texas, U.S., adoption of the Heartbeat Act— prohibiting abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy—into state law marks one of the most restrictive mandates against reproductive freedom in the nation.

Feminists are often ridiculed for championing gender equality and celebrating International Women’s Day because, as some argue, explicit legal discrimination against women is no longer a concern.

However, this overlooks other forms of inequalities women face, including disproportionate rates of sexual and physical violence, the discrimination faced by marginalised women including women of colour (especially those who are Black and Indigenous), trans women, disabled women, impoverished women, single mothers, and those that live in countries where legal, social, and political equality is not guaranteed. In Canada, for instance, Indigenous women continue to be murdered or go missing at alarming rates.

The right to equal treatment is an intrinsic right of all human beings. The systemic discrimination and mistreatment women face, whether in the workplace, at home, or on university campuses denies women this right. International Women’s Day is symbolic of the progress we have made so far and the capacity we hold for a more equitable future for all women everywhere.

06

: Are my standards too high?

Always know what you want, and what is right for you.

Elizabeth Provost Editor-in-Chief

Dear Liz, That’s it! I give up!!

I’m a 22-year-old female and have had the shittiest experience with men. After my last, short-lived, relationship, I quickly raised my standards—refusing to settle for less than what I truly want in a partner.

Since then, I’ve had no luck. I’m not complaining though, something about rejecting a guy because you know you deserve more is fiercely empowering, but at the same time I am terrified that I won’t ever meet anyone that will check all the boxes. Maybe I’ll raise my children with my other single friends and live on a farm and milk cows and wear overalls. Who knows what the future holds, not a man as of right now.

Signed, Single and Afraid Dear Single and Afraid,

I

commend you for having the ability to define what you want and set boundaries to what compromises you will and will not make. There will always be available bachelors but realizing what you truly want in a man and not settling for less is an admirable trait.

I remember once I wrote down this really obnoxious list of things I wanted in a boyfriend—down to the colour of their hair, the straightness of their teeth, and their ability to rap to “Child’s Play” by Drake—only to realize that when I met the right person, I had forgotten all these silly criteria and their presence was all the reassurance I needed to know this was the right partner for me. You’ll know. In a world of dating apps and cheesy pick-up lines, having standards are needed to filter out the trash—which there is a lot of.

And if all fails, country life with your best friends doesn’t sound too bad!

The need for representation in the gaming community Women make up nearly half the gaming community, yet there is little representation of women in the production and promotion of these games.

Haya Abu Ghosh Associate Opinion Editor

T

he lack of female representation is a persistent issue in the gaming industry. Discrimination and misogyny are, unfortunately, a familiar experience for many women gamers and streamers. In the U.S., a report from 2021 found that 45 per cent of gamers are women. On Twitch, however, only three women are part of the top 100 earning streamers, even though women consumers make up nearly half the community. Of these three women, only one, Pokimane, is a gaming streamer. Now, what do these low numbers say about the conditions of gaming and streaming?

Reports from The Guardian show that 33 per cent of women have experienced harassment, bullying, or sexual objectification online. These gendered inequalities exclude women from gaming and perpetuate the belittling of gamers who are women. If women are not hypersexualized, then they are represented as ‘weak’ or ‘in need of saving.’ Many women are also apprehensive of gaming with other male players.

“Gaming culture has been pretty misogynistic for a long time now.”

For a long time, the gaming world has been largely dominated by men, with minorities such as women taking the brunt of their harassment. There have been reports of threats and real-life suffering targeting women. Kate Edwards, CEO of International Game Developer’s Association, claims, “Gaming culture has been pretty misogynistic for a long time now.”

The discrimination towards women is not only verbal and physical abuse, but inequality in salary pay. In 2021, the highest earning gamer, Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, earned US$7 million when he won Dota 2 tournaments. The list of top earning gamers after him are all men, till number 367 when Sasha “Scarlett” Hostyn shows up. She is also a champion for the game Starcraft II, but won only US$400,000. Or next is

number 760, winner of Hearthstone grandmasters global finals, Xiao Meng “Liooon” Li. In some leagues, women aren’t even allowed to play. So, Kim “Geguri” Se-yeon became the first woman to play in an Overwatch league and the only woman to have a salaried player position.

“Getting more women into games and esports should be framed as a national, international and strategic priority, a business case for stronger teams, better insights, innovative new products.”

A nonprofit organization called Women in Games is advocating for a gaming system which dismantles gender discrimination. The organization works to advocate for more representation in creators of games, executives in gaming companies, and increasing the number of women within the gaming industry. They state that their goal as “getting more women into games and esports should be framed as a national, international and strategic priority, a business case for stronger teams, better insights, innovative new products.” Women’s injustice is not a technology issue, it is the result of continuous social inequalities that extend far beyond the screen.

There have been many initiatives like Women in Games to work toward creating an equitable gaming environment. A U.K. initiative, #RaiseTheGame is “a collaborative and highimpact pledge to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in the games industry—creating cultures where everyone belongs, voices are heard and ideas can thrive.” Over 100 companies joined the initiative including UBISOFT to eliminate the gender inequalities in cyberspace.

The push forward to eliminating women’s discrimination and hatred seems like a long ride but it is starting to slowly change. Considering women make up nearly half the gaming community, the people behind the creation, promotion, and consumption of games should be representative.

With love,

RON LACH/PEXELS

07

My hijab is my power Muslim women deconstruct the Western narrative about the hijab.

Aia Jaber Staff Writer

V

ery few things in my life have been truly constant. My hijab, what seems like simply a cloth on my head, has been my identity for over a decade. It has made me who I am, it has protected me in more ways than one, and it is a target for bigots and Islamophobes. Stripping me of my hijab is stripping me of my identity.

The truth remains that hijab is subjective.

Experiences amongst all women will differ and I can’t speak for others as much as I can speak for myself. I wore my hijab at nine years old, and it was my decision. While I didn’t completely understand the magnitude of my decision at the time, my hijab made me feel special and pretty, so I kept with it.

Eventually, my understanding of hijab grew, and with it, came true love.

I remember the first time I went to school wearing the hijab. The people I was close to would tell me they missed my hair, or that I was prettier without my hijab. It was in that moment that I realized the beauty standard involved beautiful hair that I couldn’t show, and so I grew

NADA HANIFAH/UNSPLASH

trying to overcompensate for my lack of hair-showing by being more extroverted or fashionable. It instilled this desire to prove that I am just as special as everyone else.

Every single day that passes I challenge preconceived bigoted notions of Muslim Hijabi women. My existence and my contribution to society is a fight in itself.

I am a flag-bearer of Islam. My hijab has impacted my choice in friends, jobs, clothing, and so much more. In some ways, I’ve been able to weed out Islamophobes, anywhere from friendships to employers. As I got older, people became far kinder and more tolerant, but my essential years were filled with hesitation from others. So, while I may have to handle the responsibility of being a representative of Islam in the eyes of society, I will do everything I can to show that Muslim women are capable and intelligent.

It isn’t easy, but I don’t think the perfect Muslim woman is perfect in the literal sense. I think the perfect person, in its essence, Muslim or not, is simply one who tries their best, and that will look different depending on a variety of factors.

I attribute much of my identity to my hi-

jab because I’m so aware of its impact on my personality, mannerisms, and impression on others. There are so many eyes on you, waiting for you to mess up, and while I think true hijab is in the heart and is truly concerned with your kindness and modesty in both your actions and words, society unfortunately has a say in how you should behave.

I think my hijab is the reason I pay attention to how I dress a little more. It’s the reason I’m a little friendlier and more extroverted. My hijab is the reason I speak as kindly as I do. It fuelled my desire to break the stereotypes associated with hijab.

There are days where I crave a simpler life—one where I don’t stand out. A head of hair in the crowd of thousands like me— completely unnoticed. I sometimes wonder what it would be like to just leave the house as is, but then I wouldn’t be me. One of my greatest constants will be gone.

With every tug to fix my scarf, or the slippery chiffon touching my face reminding me of its presence. My hijab is not “perfect.”

I am far from “perfection,” but I’m still trying. Muslim women face adversity on a daily basis. The ones who have chosen to wear their scarves, and the ones who haven’t, are strong in more ways than one. They are powerful, innovative, expressive, intelligent, kind, well-traveled, and independent. My narrative is my own, and my hijab does not change that.

Dear Canadian women, thank you A list of women who have played a huge role in the foundation and development of our nation and society as we know it today.

Kareena Kailass Associate Opinion Editor

W

omen, through their willpower, strength, and unwavering efforts, have built the foundation of our nation today. Here is a short list of influential Canadian women in history.

Viola Desmond (1914-1965) challenged segregation practices in Nova Scotia through her strongheld refusal to be moved to another section of a movie theatre. She was arrested and jailed overnight without legal representation, convicted for defrauding the provincial government. As her unwavering stance on racial equality stood, Desmond fuelled the beginning of the end of segregation.

Doris Anderson (1921-2007) was a columnist and editor of the women’s magazine Chatelaine.

Through the 1960s, Anderson pushed for the creation of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women, which paved the way for women’s equality.

Anderson was also responsible for getting women rights included in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Marie Lacoste Gérin-Lajoie (1867-1945) was a driving force behind women’s access to higher education in Quebec. As she was forced to educate herself through her father’s library because Quebec’s francophone universities did not admit women, she established a girls’ school in 1908 to ensure young women could attain higher education if they wished.

As the woman behind the Fédération Nationale Saint-JeanBaptiste, she advocated for women’s education, equity under the law, voting rights, and more. She continued to advocate for the feminist movement in the Quiet Revolution, and independently educated women on their rights and duties.

Jean B. Lumb (1919-2002) successfully lobbied to protect Toronto’s Chinatown from expropriation in the 1960s, and went on to the be the first Chinese-Canadian woman inducted into the Order of Canada. She played a critical role in ending discriminatory immigration laws against Asian permanent residents in Canada, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, and the Chinese Head Tax. Kim Campbell was the first and only female prime minister of Canada so far.

She also served as the first female Minister of National Defence, and of Veterans Affairs.

Campbell not only served as a great leader for the nation in 1993, but she also served as a role model for women of the nation, being the first to hold many political positions that were typically male-dominated.

Roberta Bondar was the first female Canadian astronaut sent into space and pioneer in space medicine research. Not to mention, she is also a University of Toronto Mississauga alumna. She created the Roberta Bondar Foundation to advocate for the environment through art and photography.

Elsie Knott, an Ojibwa woman and member of Mud Lake

Reserve (now, Curve Lake First Nation) in Ontario was the first woman elected as chief of a First Nation community in Canada. As Knott was faced with difficulties in this position due to her gender and language barrier, she enforced a language program at the Curve Lake First Nation School and taught weekly Ojibwe language classes to help the youth. She also founded the Knott Bus Service to improve and ensure transportation and access to education for Indigenous families.

Mary Two-Axe Earley (1911-1996) was an Indigenous woman that challenged laws of discrimination against First Nations women. After losing her Indian status for marrying a non-Indigenous man, she was barred from returning to the reserve after she was widowed, sparking her lobby to have the discriminatory law reversed. In 1985, Earley was successful in her fight and helped over 16,000 women and 46,000 first generation descendants be reacquainted with their reserves.

Whether it was the Famous Five, who advocated for women’s rights and empowered women to be appointed into senate, or Yvonne Brill, who contributed to rocket systems that powered the first weather satellite, women in Canadian history have played a massive role in shaping the nation as we know it today. So, how might your actions change the world?

08

Period taboos around the world

Helen Yu Comic Artist

Periods of shame The historically lingering stigmatization of a bodily process.

Mahnoor Khurram Contributor

F

ellow period-havers, how many times have you unconsciously tucked your pad under your arm on the way to the bathroom? Concealed under your shirt, maybe? Ever stopped to wonder why you feel the need to do this in the first place? Why is the female menstrual cycle such a subject of secrecy? Periods have been viewed as impure, shameful, and even a curse, for centuries! Why is it that such a natural process as breathing is considered frightening, even in Western contexts? The answer lies under a thick layer of concretized perceptions, rooted in patriarchal governance (surprise!).

Historically, the shaming of women’s periods was a direct product of religious teachings, where the menstruating woman was deemed ‘ritually unclean.’ Passages in Christian-

ity have reduced the menstrual cycle down to a period of shame, something to be treated as dishonorable upon one’s family. It is not unheard of for a girl to be sent out to live in a shed until her period has ended—such a practice exists in a variety of cultures, including Nepal, under the religiocultural practice known as ‘Chhaupudi.’ Anything the subject touches in this state becomes dirty—set it on fire!

But what about the period is unclean? Is it the fact that blood is involved? But, men have blood too… don’t they?

Is it because it comes out of a vagina? Ah, that might be it.

“It is why girls cry in shame when they wake up to a red spot on their bedsheet.”

The most problematic perspectives on periods that have stood the test of time are primarily thanks to the male leadership over societal affairs for all of history. Religious passages are taken without a grain of salt and become the law.

It is no question that religious rulings that have stuck with society are anything but equal. They are disproportionately against the autonomy and naturalization of women’s bodies.

Such a patriarchal origin carries incredibly real consequences. It is why women are tossed alongside animal pens, looked at with disgust. It is why girls cry in shame when they wake up to a red spot on their bedsheet.

“Period-negative culture in Western contexts still exists and is interwoven throughout the female experience.”

But these problems are isolated to the rest of the world, right? We Canadians, unlike people in ‘other’ places, are completely liberated from such bouts of shame and ostracization for our menstrual cycles. It is simply not a concern.

Oh, if only that were the case. Period-negative culture in Western contexts still exists and is interwoven throughout the female experience. It is why you hide your menstrual products. It is why you hesitate when asked why you are taking your bag to the bathroom.

Although we know that the treatment of periods as taboo and uncomfortable is a painfully outdated stance, what can we do to change it? This Women’s Day, I want to offer you some small ways in which you can contribute to period positivity.

Begin by reminding yourself in moments of shame that you exist in a human body, one with natural processes. Your period is the result of a complex physiological system that operates beautifully. It is natural! Openly carrying menstrual products and saying the word ‘period’ out loud are not criminal offenses (although they feel that way sometimes). Have a conversation with the disgusted, irrationally frightened male in your life next time you bring up your menstrual cycle. Ask them what about the period is so deterring. Notice how they hesitate, how there is no basis for such a belief besides years of indoctrination. It will surprise you how powerful the period can be, not as a threatening force like those who stigmatized it, but as a sacred element of womanhood.

09

features

Editor | Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes features@themedium.ca

RON LACH/PEXELS

On the misconceptions around psychopathy Psychopaths are commonly mislabeled as social predators and dangers to society—but is this a myth or fact?

Prisha (Maneka) Nuckchady Associate Features Editor

W

hen we hear the word “psychopath,” we typically associate it with “danger.”

This is no surprise, as one of the most notorious psychopaths that comes to mind is Ted Bundy, a serial killer who used his charm and intelligence to murder and rape women.

However, Dr. Rasmus Rosenberg-Larsen, an associate professor in the Department of Forensic Science and Philosophy at the University of Toronto Mississauga, challenges the validity, understanding, and misconceptions of the existence of psychopathy in the latest Lecture Me! talk.

“Psychopathy is, arguably, the most heavily researched, well-validated, and well-established personality disorder.”

In his evidence-based research, Dr. Larsen explores the literature on psychopathy and the stereotypes associated with it. He notes that the word “psychopath” is not just a term; it’s an actual mental health disease diagnosis.

Traditionally, psychopaths are defined as social predators that lack conscience and feelings for others. According to Dr. Larsen, they selfishly do so on command, thereby violating social norms with no regrets. “Psychopathy is, arguably, the most heavily researched, well-validated, and well-established personality disorder,” he says.

He states that in North America, over a

third of incarcerated individuals are psychopaths. Due to the perceived threat of psychopathy, the Hare Psychopathy ChecklistRevised (PCL-R) test was developed in the early 1990s to “rate a person’s psychopathic or antisocial tendencies.” This test is performed by qualified professionals and used in adult male prisons, psychiatric hospitals, and detention facilities. It can also be used during trials or when an inmate is up for parole. If a subject tests higher than 30 points, they are diagnosed with psychopathy. “[It is important to note that] this diagnosis will constrict and constrain the individual,” explains Dr. Larsen. “For example, the individual might be sentenced to prison time instead of community service, given a longer sentence, [and] usually denied parole.”

He adds that the PCL-R test is only justified because experts believe it protects society. If those positively diagnosed with psychopathy turn out to be threats to society, then the use of the constricting PCL-R test in our judiciary system is justified. However, if some that are positively diagnosed turn out not to be social predators, Dr. Larsen realizes that this may be problematic since the stakes are extremely high. Through his research, he has surprisingly found that psychopaths, as traditionally described, do not seem to conform to this persona. He therefore challenges the use of PCL-R testing and the diagnosis of psychopathy itself.

Dr. Larsen has found that although the PCL-R test can predict criminal behavior, it is only effective to a weak or moderate degree. The criminal predictability revealed by the test is often not a result of psychopathy.

Instead, it could be due to other factors, such

as past criminal activities or socioeconomic status. “It turns out that the people who received a positive diagnosis on the PCL-R test were less criminally prolific than those identified as high risk through other instruments,” notes Dr. Larsen.

When it comes to a psychopath’s moral capacity, he states that it’s as if they are colour blind. Even though they acknowledge that murder violates social norms, they will proceed with the act with an unclear reasoning as to why it’s wrong. Dr. Larsen says this is the problem with psychopaths. He breaks it down into four main misconceptions that make them such dangers to society: their heightened propensity to commit crimes, their lack of conscience and capacity to make moral judgments, the rooted neurobiological difference which makes their brains abnormal, and the lack of available treatments. In fact, treatments can allegedly make psychopathy worse.

“There’s no evidence that finds psychopaths diagnosed through the PCL-R test are untreatable.”

However, there’s no evidence that finds psychopaths diagnosed through the PCLR test are untreatable. Instead, Dr. Larsen found that they responded positively to treatment methods used in rehabilitation schemes. Further, no evidence was found that they got worse after receiving treatment.

In fact, he shares that the only study that reported no decline in psychopathic tendencies or behaviours was sued in 2017 due to torture of the subjects. Thus, the suggestion that psy-

chopaths respond adversely to treatment has been widely dismissed.

There’s also no evidence that psychopaths lack moral consciousness. Dr. Larsen explains that there have not been any studies or research on the matter. He further delves into the slight evidence of decreased emphatic responses compared to others. However, an incapacity altogether to empathize is untrue.

According to him, there is strong evidence that they are equally capable of empathizing and making moral judgments. Moreover, there is no substantial evidence that a psychopath’s brain is different. “The problem is that the diagnosis is not indicative of a social predator,” adds Dr. Larsen. “It’s not the reality behind the label.”

Today, hundreds of thousands of North Americans are subject to PCL-R testing, he states. As a result, their legal treatment is constricted due to our misplaced beliefs about psychopaths. While we have been conditioned to believe that they are social predators, the evidence indicates otherwise.

Given the mere lack of proof for the heightened dangerousness of PCL-R psychopathy, it seems like this risk assessment is more harmful than helpful. Rather than providing these individuals with fair sentencing or the rehabilitation treatment they need, PCL-R testing is a constricting measure that does the opposite. Thus, as Dr. Larsen puts it, we must re-evaluate the use of PCL-R testing and our understanding of psychopathy altogether. “This clinical diagnosis of psychopathy is de facto acting more as clinical stigma with [unwarranted] alarming consequences, rather than as a beneficial judicial instrument,” he concludes.

10

Polycystic ovarian syndrome: A reflection of what it means to be a woman Gender bias leads to a lack of research in disorders of the female endocrine system.

Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

I

never thought about having kids until I was faced with the possibility that I might not be able to carry any. This year, I had to accept the fact that having children will be more difficult than I anticipated. At 22 years old, my sense of womanhood was challenged when I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

“Produced by the pituitary gland, this hormone irregularity is the leading cause of other symptoms

like missed or irregular menstrual cycles, irregular hormone production, insulin resistance, excess growth of hair, weight gain, acne, oily skin, and infertility.”

PCOS is an endocrine disorder creating cysts in the ovaries.

The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, but those with relatives who have the disorder are far more likely to develop it in their teens. Hyperandrogenism, the excess production of male hormones such as testosterone and androsterone, is the main symptom. Produced by the pituitary gland, this hormone irregularity is the leading cause of other symptoms like missed or irregular menstrual cycles, irregular hormone production, insulin resistance, excess growth of hair, weight gain, acne, oily skin, and infertility. Approximately 1.4 million Canadian women have a PCOS diagnosis. However, estimates of a higher number exist due to the lack of knowledge of the condition, as well as the controversiality of the diagnostic process.

Establishing a diagnosis for PCOS is difficult due to the highly debated diagnostic criteria for the syndrome. A 2010 research paper published in the Canadian Institute of Health Research suggests that the lack of laboratory standards in measuring hormone levels in women may lead to many of them displaying undiagnosed symptoms. “Having an accepted definition is just the first step to unravelling markers of the syndrome’s severity and predictors of long-term health,” writes Marla E. Lujan, the lead author of the paper. “The remaining and arguably most important steps, in both clinical and research settings, relates to improving the accuracy and reliability of our methods for evaluating features of PCOS.” However, diagnosis of the condition can be done through blood tests as well as ovarian ultrasounds. Although not a lifethreatening disorder, a diagnosis can help change someone’s life and point to solutions that lessen the symptoms.

When my mother told me she was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome in her teenage years, I knew that this condition might have a genetic disposition. I searched for ways to identify any symptoms that I saw in myself—but it was hard. Many of the PCOS symptoms are deemed normal for women. In my late teens, I became hypervigilant, observing any changes I saw in my reproductive health.

“Many women seeking help from their general practitioners for any discomfort felt during their menstrual cycle is brushed off as normal and treated with overthe-counter pain medication and birth control.”

Like any other disorder affecting the female reproductive system, PCOS is largely under-studied and underrepresented.

Many women seeking help from their general practitioners for any discomfort felt during their menstrual cycle is brushed off as normal and treated with over-the-counter pain medication and birth control. In a study published in the Academic

Emergency Medicine Journal, researchers studied the pain disparities in hospital emergency departments. Dr. Chen Esther, the lead author of the study, concludes that despite sharing similar abdominal pain symptoms, women will wait approximately 33 per cent longer for treatment than men.

I’ve seen this firsthand with my family doctor, someone I’ve trusted for years with my health. They previously brushed off my PCOS symptoms and made me believe they were normal.

This is where gender bias plays a role.

“Gender bias is a widespread phenomenon in the world of science, with women’s research being deemed less valuable than their male counterparts.”

Gender bias is a form of discrimination based on an individual’s gender. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), gender bias is felt by women seeking medical advice. Historically, women have been characterized as hysterical as a response to complaints of pain. In a 2018 study on gender bias in healthcare, researchers found that doctors will characterize women’s reaction to pain as being overly emotional, while men experiencing the same pain are viewed as stoic and heroic. Gender bias is a widespread phenomenon in the world of science, with women’s research being deemed less valuable than their male counterparts.

Dr. Katrina Hui is a resident physician specializing in Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. In 2020, she published a paper titled “Recognizing and addressing implicit gender bias in medicine.” In it,

she acknowledged that, although Canada promotes gender equality through medical graduates, women and their research are still widely underrepresented. “The most promising ways to address the complexity of inequities is to design informed multi-pronged strategies to close the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged groups,” she said in a recent interview with CAMH. The danger of gender bias in relation to PCOS is prevalent.

Birth control pills or implants are treatments that are often prescribed to women with irregular and painful menstrual cycles, as well as oily skin. In women without PCOS, birth control prevents unwanted pregnancies. In women with PCOS, it regulates the hormone imbalances causing infertility.

In November 2020, I took part in a fertility study at U of T. Equipped with a continuous glucose monitor to track my blood sugar, a Fitbit to observe my sleep patterns, and a daily hormone tracking device, I’m on an ongoing journey towards discovering my body and changing my preconceived beliefs about what it means to be a woman. Soon into beginning the study, I noticed irregularities in my fertility hormone tracker, which I presented to my family doctor. I had finally gathered proof that what I was experiencing wasn’t normal.

We live in a world where womanhood is equated with the ability to give birth. Learning about the state of my endocrine system made me question my femininity. I quickly became worried that my long-time partner would be upset for not being able to have children with me, but our conversation about it was one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve had about my self-worth.

Growing up, I was led to believe, like many women, that my self-worth lies within my willingness to be a mother. My experience through learning about my body and polycystic ovarian syndrome has helped me change that mindset. My femininity is not tied to my ovaries; it blooms through my creativity and intelligence.

11

The challenges women face in the workplace: A lose-lose situation?

Recent studies have shown no matter what they do, women are consistently penalized for their gender.

Hema Ramnarine Staff Writer

I

t has long been known that male-dominated industries can be a prohibitive environment for women. From the wage gap and workplace harassment, to constantly having their capabilities doubted, recent studies have shown the extent to which certain behaviours can prevent women from even getting a foot in the door.

“When we meet someone for the first time, we tend to judge them based on something called the ‘stereotype content model,’” says Dr. Sonia Kang, an associate professor in the Department of Management at the University of Toronto Mississauga. This model places people within two different categories: warmth and competence.

“Women tend to be judged high on warmth, but critically lower on competence in relation to men.”

“Warmth is a measure of how much a person is going to be communal, agreeable, and care about the group,” she explains. “Competence is about the ability to get the job done.”

According to Dr. Kang, women tend to be judged high on warmth, but critically lower on competence in relation to men.

Dr. Joyce He is an associate professor at the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles. She received her PhD at the Rotman School of Management. She explains the “double bind” that this stereotype can pose for women: “What’s been shown is that there are two dimensions to gender stereotypes: agency and communality.” Women are seen as being more communal and less agentic, and therefore less assertive, ambitious, or possessing of leadership qualities. These stereotypes can also be prescriptive.

“Not only is it that women tend to be more cooperative and friendly,” adds Dr. He, “it’s that they should be.”

This presents something of a lose-lose situation for women. If they are more communal and don’t do anything to be more assertive, they are seen as not fit for a job because they do not possess any of these agentic traits. But, if they try to be more assertive, louder, or more demanding, they are less likeable, and therefore less likely to get a job.

“Women anticipate this negative reaction and attempt to downplay it when writing cover letters by using less feminine language as a way to get their foot in the door.”

In 2021, Dr. Kang and Dr. He published a paper in the Academy of Management journal that explored the concept of “covering,” and

the attempt at circumventing this double-bind when women are applying for jobs. They found that women are aware of the negative effects of being seen as “too feminine.” As a result, they feel the need to compensate for it. “Women anticipate this negative reaction and attempt to downplay it when writing cover letters by using less feminine language as a way to get their foot in the door,” explains Dr. Kang.

Unfortunately, they found that this tactic tends to have negative effects for women. According to their paper, this strategy may lead to more bias against women who apply for male-dominated jobs. Dr. He states that the outcome of this strategy is what causes backlash. Women who write cover letters using less feminine language are less likeable across all fields, not solely male-dominated ones. This is the “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” position that many women face.

Interestingly, this is not the case for men.

They do not “cover” when applying to femaledominated roles, nor do they anticipate discrimination. In fact, Dr. He states that some men think that female-dominated roles may benefit from their gender as they add more diversity.

When asked why men do not seem to be affected by these stereotypes, Dr. Kang notes that it is not that simple. “We have other data showing that these ideas of leaders or ideal workers are damaging for men as well. Men are not as interested as perhaps they were before, or maybe they never were, of filling those large, masculine stereotypes,” she explains. While they may not necessarily have to worry about the negative effects of their gender, men still experience pressure and a need to live up to these expectations. So, what can women to do seem competent and likeable, and therefore hirable?

Should women have to change to be more hirable?

If pressed for an answer, Dr. He says that studies have shown the most effective strategy is just being yourself. “Being authentic is probably the best strategy, just because we’ve shown that these strategies usually lead to a double bind,” she explains.

She also notes that some employers value authenticity, and this way women can avoid working for an employer who may discriminate against them.

T o add to

an already complicated situation, Dr. He states that some employers have been shown to be more willing to help women who highlight their gender. However, Dr. He and Dr. Kang say that the onus should not fall on women to navigate the difficult situation of employment.

One such solution is a restructuring of the promoting process.

LOS MUERTOS CREW/PEXELS

“Women are less likely to self-promote, so instead of telling [them] they just need to apply more, you can change how you structure the process.”

Dr. Kang proposes the “opt-in versus optout” choice as a solution for gender gaps when promoting internally. “A lot of what we hear is that women just aren’t applying, which implies a need for self-promoting, or ‘opting in,’” she explains. “Women are less likely to selfpromote, so instead of telling [them] they just need to apply more, you can change how you structure the process.”

Most promotions tend to be “opt-in,” which means an application is needed. Instead, promotions can be changed to “opt-out,” where all employees above a certain threshold are automatically considered for promotion. When the promotion process is changed this way, the results are surprising.

Based on Dr. Kang and Dr. He’s study, in an opt-in situation with an absence of any performance differences, women were about 15 per cent less likely to apply. With an opt-out model, the gap was significantly smaller at just five per cent. If promotions were structured this way, this could lead to less of a gender disparity in leadership positions.

Dr. Kang notes that this could also have additional benefits. In a 2022 research paper published in PNAS, researchers found that having women in more senior positions could lessen the stereotypes conveyed in certain vocabulary.

By using a natural language processing technique, they found that when women were in higher management positions, they were more often associated with “characteristics that are critical for leadership success.”

Importantly, this could also help women out of the double bind.

The workplace environment for women is most certainly a complicated situation. As women, the idea of navigating a professional career is daunting due to various inherent barriers. But it is a fervent hope that we will begin to see more of these restructuring efforts in the name of equity—not just for women, but all minorities—in the years to come.

12

Arts

Editor | Danica Teng arts@themedium.ca

GUERRILLA GIRLS

Guerillas in gorilla: the feminist art activists This anonymous group is painting the world with change as they push for equal representation in art.

Serena Uribe Staff Writer

T

hey are bold. They are unconventional. They are feminists. And they are dressed as gorillas.

In an international art scene where male artists have received more recognition and praise than women, a collective of anonymous, feminist art activists called the Guerilla Girls emerged.

“They aim to expose the longstanding lack of inclusion and representation of women artists and their art within these institutions.”

The end goal of the Guerilla Girls is to abolish the sexism and racism that art institutions—and the history of art itself— were founded on. They aim to expose the long-standing lack of inclusion and representation of women artists and their art within these institutions. Their approach is simple: launch bold, daring, and unconventional campaigns and advertisements to get the message across without sugarcoating it.

The Guerilla Girls were formed in 1985 by a group of women in New York City. Two events in the art world inspired their union: the 1971 essay by feminist art critic Linda Nochlin titled “Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?” and a 1984 exhibition of 169 contemporary artists at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), where only 13 of the exhibited artists were women.

When the yet-to-be-established collective discovered the representational imbalance, they protested outside of the museum but little attention was afforded to the cause. No one seemed to care. They realized they needed to change their approach to engage the public rather than disturb it, thus forming the Guerilla Girls.

“Guerilla is a Spanish term that refers to a group of radical, unconventional fighters, and its adoption was appropriate to the collective’s cause.”

Guerilla is a Spanish term that refers to a group of radical, unconventional fighters, and its adoption was appropriate to the collective’s cause. The gorilla suits were employed because they mimicked the name of the Guerilla Girls and maintained member anonymity. They took on pseudonyms after famous female artists like Frida Kahlo and Käthe Kollwitz to protect their own identities.

Since the traditional protests did not arouse much public attention, the Guerilla Girls decided to use headlines and visuals that were risqué and engaging. Their advertisements and posters were designed with bold, often colorful, letters and imagery that were accompanied by humour and witty statements or thought-provoking questions.

They launched their first poster in 1989, bearing the gutsy headline “Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum?” after they observed that only five per cent of artists represented in the MET’s Modern Art sections were women while 85 per cent of the museum’s nudes were female.

To collect the statistics, the group surveyed the museum by counting the nude bodies compared to the amount of art produced by female artists, and the results were incredibly disproportionate. The count was repeated in 2005,

and the results had hardly changed. This observation engendered the need to further expose the gender biases that were (and continue to be) inherent to the MET and alike institutions.

It is not that women do not produce art or good art; it is that women were never given a proper opportunity to produce and showcase their art. From the words of Nochlin, “The fault lies not in our stars, our hormones, our menstrual cycles, but in our institutions and education.”

Throughout art history, women were barred from attending art schools and creating art, let alone exhibit their work. The Guerilla Girls acknowledge that years of reparation are needed to equalize the representational field, and so they strive to bring the disparities women artists face to light.

“While female artists in general are underrepresented, Black female artists bear the brunt of underrepresentation.”

The collective was criticized for appealing to predominantly “white feminism” and they responded by extending their activism to expose institutional racial disparities and the intersecting biases of race and gender. While female artists in general are underrepresented, Black female artists bear the brunt of underrepresentation. In 1986, the Guerilla Girls launched a poster that read: “Only 4 Commercial Galleries in N.Y. Show Black Women.* Only 1 Shows More than One.**” Today, the Guerilla Girls continue their advocacy with bold campaigns and by hosting lectures to inspire new members to carry on their activist legacy. Their work now extends beyond the art world and targets industries like Hollywood as well. There is still much work to be done as artist Cindy Sherman comments, there is still a “long ways to go.”

;For You, a Woman

;A Woman’s Contribution

Serena Uribe

Nicole Judd

Oh, you who birth the bloom of spring And you for whom the birds sing

A Mother who is nurturing and caring, A Sister who is fun and daring, A Daughter who is smart and polite, And faithful and loving as a Wife.

Most importantly—A Person A unique individual, WOMAN A Person with her own thoughts and dreams and ambitions to follow.

This week, take the time to appreciate all of the Women around you.

Use this time to recognize the sacrifices, Women give every day.

And celebrate the wisdom, joy, and love they bring into the world.

Happy Women’s Day.

You who sway as soft as the trees And you whom which flowers please You whose soft mounds draw mountains to their knees And whose poetic curves make many cease For you who breathe the breath of spring Will topple the crown of the mightiest king Oh, you who peace hugs at last and from your arms, warmth is cast You who dances with the wind And you who shine when the light is dimmed You who run through blades of grass Smile through wounds from fine-edged glass For you whom which love extends Are a forcefield, a Woman, the Beginning, the End

;the girls go to carnaval—1927 Ciera Couto Borrowed shoes for the night, smooth leather on my heels My sister and I, arm in arm Long robes barely touching the ground The lights from town are brighter than ever and the moonlight reflects off our teeth As we laugh beneath the sky, beside the sea, our smiles covered with other faces —poorly painted masks to hide our deviance and mischief We dance and trick and scheme These men we know now thinking we’re strangers Father’s rules broken once again Making space for ourselves where we aren’t wanted Well, we want to be here, so why shouldn’t we be I won’t spend my life letting our brothers have all the fun while we are stuck at home I wish I could archive this Have footage to give my great-granddaughter (if I ever meet her) If she asks one day what my youth was like, I would show her My sister and I, arm in arm

;Gladiolus Komalroop Kaler You pour fertile soil into the clay pot and massage your hands as you crush tiny mounds of dirt between your fingers grandmother’s sword lilies spikes of funnel-shaped flower petals spring open white, yellow, rose, and lavender colours pop against evergreen shrubs you reach for the spade shovel and remember how grandmother greased her hands with oil as she poured pools of liquid into the dry parts of your hair aches and wounds erase as she massages her fingers through your scalp waves of ancestral energy embrace you through her silent language of love you plough dirt and house the magical plant sun’s light sharpens the blade-like leaves

14

The struggle with the Strong Female Character The need for more accurate representations of women arises with the trope’s controversial setbacks.

Aidan Thompson Associate Arts & Entertainment Editor

“L

ook, I appreciate your spirit,” says Steve Trevor, a British Intelligence Agent played by Chris Pine in Patty Jenkins’s 2017 film Wonder Woman. “But this war is—a great big mess. And there’s not a whole lot you and I can do about that. I mean we can get back to London and try to get the men who can—” “I am the man who can,” retorts Wonder Woman, played by Gal Gadot.

When Wonder Woman comics were first released in 1941, the character marked a dynamic shift in gender representation in mainstream media. Where media used to continuously portray women in situations where brave, handsome men would have to save them from castles, now there was a woman who was saving the day.

This character structure became known as the Strong Female Character.

The Strong Female Character is heroic, resolved, brazen, and has become an increasingly popular “correction” to previous female representational forms. She is often saving the day with feats of physical strength or outwitting her male counterparts. To some people, she is an inspiring reflection of female potential. To others, she is a reductive trope.

The character structure first emerged as a contrast to earlier feminine representations such as the Damsel in Distress, who simply exists as a reward for perhaps a brave archaeology professor with an affinity for precious cultural artifacts. As feminism sought more agency for women, another character structure emerged

in mainstream cinema: the Femme Fatale, a sexy and devious woman who manipulates the men around her by wearing low-cut tops and appealing to their Achilles’ heel, sexual desire.

The Strong Female Character was thus an overdue change, one which reflected the broader socio-cultural movements that were flourishing beneath the superficiality of mainstream media. With more agency, women wanted appropriate representation. What arose was a woman who was not reduced to a trophy or a pair of legs, but a woman who was capable of just as much as any man, sometimes even more. It was a female character who inspired independence and was defined by one trait: strength.

The Strong Female lead, while not the most sophisticated or complex character, continues to be an inspiration for many young women.

Despite its shortcomings, most people acknowledge that the character still stands as an improvement for female representation. However, this improvement does not protect it from criticism. Many critics have spoken out against the trope, proposing that it is a reductive and confining character structure that does not bring strength to femininity but rather replaces femininity with strength.

The primary critique is that by emphasizing her strength, she is often scrubbed of any imperfections, making for a one-dimensional character. She lacks flaws or weaknesses unless they are the clichéd sort one would share in a job interview. Consequently, her strength overshadows other valuable qualities of femininity.

The consequence of this is two-fold. First, when strength is attributed to these characters it is generally through a masculine modality

of strength, meaning that these female characters still end up existing beneath a patriarchal structure because their characteristics are drawn from a male imagining of strength. As Brit Marling writes delicately in The New York Times, “What we really mean when we say we want strong female leads is: ‘Give me a man but in the body of a woman I still want to see naked.’”

Second, when strength becomes the character’s dominant feature— specifically when that image of strength is defined through s o m e o n e’s ability to defeat adversaries or outwit peers—it overshadows more delicate dimensions of strength, such as kindness in the face of cruelty, or humility in the face of greatness.

Kavita Ramdas, an advocate for gender equality, perhaps puts it best when she says, “We need women who are so

strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational, and so disciplined they can be free.”

The Strong Female Character is generally condemned to express her power through physical or intellectual means, meaning that she has to be better than those around her to be of value which, while an inspiring characteristic, also makes for a character who is individually driven and tends to be emotionally isolated. This isolation in some ways undermines the collectivity of feminist movements by pitting the individual against the patriarchy instead of the collective facing it together.

While there are certainly some shortcomings with the Strong Female Character, it does mark an inspiring change in direction, and many films in the past decade have broken free from the structure to create complex female characters.

For those of you interested in watching or rewatching movies that represent women in all their strength, check out the following films: Juno (2007), Lady Bird (2017), Marriage Story (2019), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri (2017), and Lost in Translation (2003).

The love of bell hooks Remembering the iconic author and feminist who poured her heart on her pages.

Ciera Couto Associate Arts & Entertainment Editor

I

n December 2021, the world lost one of its most incredible minds, someone who knew love and wanted to share it with everyone, a beacon of wisdom and integrity—the world lost bell hooks. On International Women’s Day, we feel hooks’s absence more considering her valuable contributions to modern feminism. hooks published around 40 books in her lifetime, each one an important piece of literature or theory. Throughout all her works, regardless of the focus, hooks made sure that the core element was love.

Any student of feminism will come across hooks’s work at some point or another, showing her reach in feminist theory and intellectual spaces. hooks ensured she was as concise and to-the-point as possible in her works, which makes them extremely accessible for new readers. Her publications became some of the most revisited and respectable writings of post-second-wave feminism.

One of hooks’s earlier works, Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism, made a major impact in feminist theory and cemented hooks as an important figure in her field. This early piece was about Black feminist movements and how mainstream feminist movements had often excluded Black women from conversations. hooks analyzes the lasting im-

GOODREADS

pact of slavery in America on the lives of Black women, stating that stereotypes that began during slavery still had strong roots in modern America. She looks back and critiques the first and second waves of feminism, as they both pandered for the rights of middle and upper-class white women in the Americas. These movements did not address the needs of all women and left marginalized women to fend for themselves with no representation in feminism.

Around 20 years later, hooks published All About Love: New Visions, where she dived into how people love and the importance of leading with love in everything we do. Every chapter explores a different aspect of love, including romantic love, familial love, loving through grief, and everything in between.

Another one of her publications, The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity and Love, was published nearly 20 years ago and still holds up as one of the most important pieces of feminist theory that specifically addresses men’s issues. hooks points out the lack of importance put on feminism in men’s lives and discusses how everybody suffers under the patriarchy. If you are a man, this book is for you; if you have men in your life that you love, this book is also for you. hooks wrote for everyone. She wrote so that everyone could change their minds, their hearts, and their lives. She was a gift that we may not have deserved, so let us remember her not only by reading her words, but by living them.

15

Women in war: POL305Y’s performance of Trojan Women The students’ show highlights the problems of the past and present.

Lillie Nadeau Contributor

“H

ow wretched I am in this heavy fate which makes me lie here as I do, my limbs spread low, stretched out on my back on the ground’s hard bed,” says Hecuba in Euripides’ Trojan Women.

On February 16, the Department of Political Science and the Department of Classics at UTM held a joint event starring the students of POL305Y in a performative reading of Euripides’ ancient Greek play Trojan Women. The event was followed by a round table Q&A, which included Scottish awardwinning director Victoria Beesley, Scottish-Syrian clinical psychologist Sana’a Al-Froukh, as well as UTM Professors Spyridon Kotsovilis and Martin Revermann.

The original play by Euripides follows the former Queen Hecuba and the other women of Troy as they lament the fate that awaits them. They are to be scattered throughout Greece as the slaves of the men who destroyed their city. The students worked for months, preparing sections of the original play and scenes from Beesley’s adaptation The Trojans, which covered the conflict in Syria. They also had the opportunity to attend rehearsal sessions with Beesley over Zoom, where she gave them deeper insight into the creation of her adaptation.

Following the live reading, the students and attendees took part in a discussion panel. Kicking off the panel was Beesley, who discussed her process in adapting the play and her experience working with the refugee actors in Scotland. She used her version of the play to expand the female suffering and

trauma present in the original, creating an intersectional depiction of the refugee crisis that included race and nationality.

Following this was Al-Froukh’s discussion that emphasized the psychological effects of trauma and how productions like The Trojans helped those involved to heal. She talked about the extended stress response produced from being in a war zone and how the memories of this situation affect the brain.

However, the exposure therapy provided by working on the play helped the refugee actors build something new. She also discussed the different ways women process trauma compared to men. Being more willing to seek out help and more attuned to their emotions, they are often able to heal quicker

ASTIANAX/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

than their male counterparts. There is a cultural element to this as well, as women are often expected to be in tune with their emotions, as opposed to the stigma that men can face around mental health.

Professor Revermann then discussed the historical aspect.

He noted the importance of a play’s “use value” asking what Trojan Women can do for us in modern-day society. Theatre works as an imaginative and emotional lab, allowing us to better process things. The original play, for example, shows an attempt by ancient Greek men to understand the plight of these women. Despite being written and performed by men, Trojan Women contains a moving attempt to understand female sorrow and upheaval. In the same way, the students could use this adaptation to better understand not only women but refugee women in the complex and nuanced Syrian conflict. This was a key part of the pedagogy of the project— it allowed students to put themselves in the shoes of these women, giving them a greater opportunity to understand the trauma portrayed in the play.

The final member of the panel was Professor Kotsovilis.

His talk focused on the similarities between the Trojan War of antiquity and modern wars. Despite many developments over the centuries, one thing that has not changed is that war affects people of different genders in different ways. In the Trojan War, the women were left alone without their husbands in a time when that protection was vital to their survival and well-being. Today, women in wars are displaced, abused, sold into slavery, and otherwise used as pawns in conflicts. This aspect of Professor Kotsovilis’ discussion hit particularly hard, reminding us of how impactful stories like this remain, even 2500 years later.

Flourishing female music artists Discover five women on the fast track to fame for their hit songs.

Mothica

Kareena Kailass Associate Opinion Editor

A

s the music industry becomes more diverse, we find ourselves exposed to new music. With the emergence of social media and music streaming services, we share our favourite hits, artists, and albums with friends and family, yet it can still be difficult to discover artists who are not mainstream. Thus, I present to you (in no particular order) five female artists who have grown in recent months.

Raveena Aurora

YOUTUBE

Despite being in the music industry for several years, Aurora has been gaining recent attention with her new album, Asha’s Awakening. Her music emanates nostalgia as she delicately crafts each song. With her touching soul hits and smooth melodies, Aurora’s music is easy to vibe to.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Mothica’s rock-influenced style of pop is a real head-turner. Building her music career with no record label, publicist, or manager, Mothica began promoting her music on TikTok in 2020. Her recent EP—Forever Fifteen—has made her even more popular, following her chart-topping album Blue Hour and her TikTok-induced hit “VICES,” which shot up to second place on the iTunes music charts and surpassed Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles.

As Mothica’s music often speaks the story of her life, her music is extremely touching and, for some, relatable.

Sadie Jean

SPOTIFY

Jean’s music career is another one that was kickstarted by TikTok. As of now, she only has one released single—“WYD Now?”—which sported its own open-verse duet challenge on TikTok, raising lots of attention. With the countless duets and covers on the platform, Jean has gained more fans in the past few months.

Lauren Spencer-Smith

SPOTIFY

Spencer-Smith was a contestant on the eighteenth season of American Idol in 2020, placing in the top twenty. She recently also gained popularity from her song, “Fingers Crossed,” when it went viral on TikTok. She quickly amassed a following, giving attention to her other songs as well. People have also been loving Spencer-Smith’s goosebump-inducing covers as she posts them regularly on TikTok and YouTube. Her voice is powerful and captures so much emotion and feeling that you just cannot help but relate.

BIA

SPOTIFY

BIA is a rapper who started her career on a radio show and then signed with a record company where she had the opportunity to collaborate with artists like Kodak Black. She later split from the record company and released independent songs, one of which caught the attention of Rihanna who reposted it and sparked the #BestOnEarthChallenge on social media. From here, the song “Best on Earth” with Russ went viral and peaked on Billboard.

As she continues to move forward in her career, BIA has participated in many collaborations with other rap artists—such as Lil Durk, Nicki Minaj, and G Herbo—and anticipates many upcoming projects and albums.

Among these up-and-coming women in the music industry, there are many more artists who are amazing at what they do. Beyond making music that people love, these women embrace their stories, embodying passion and power in their art.

16

sports & health

Editor | Duaa Nasir sports@themedium.ca

Unconscious racial and gender biases impact the patient treatment process Physicians can manifest their biases about a patient without realizing it. This can strain the doctor-patient relationship.

Alisa Samuel Contributor

R

acism and discrimination in medicine is an ongoing concern. According to research on the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system, Black veterans are less likely to be offered treatment options than their white counterparts for similar diseases, raising the timely question of social disparities in health access and outcomes.

The 2012 study, “The Role of Unconscious Bias in Surgical Safety and Outcomes” was conducted by general surgeons Heena P. Santry and Sherry M. Wren at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Palo Alto Veterans Hospital, respectively. They concluded that physicians are not always aware of the gender, ethnic, and racial stereotypes that impact their decision making and, in turn, a person’s quality of life: “Unconscious bias occurs as part of normal cognitive processing where people’s implicit associations can influence their responses to certain tasks, scenarios, medical encounters, and so forth.”

Unconscious bias can manifest in the forms of negative body language and dominant communication styles.

It presents itself from the onset of the patient treatment process when the patient-physician relationship is established at the first office visit.

In response to the physical manifestations of doctor

bias, older Black women need “to behave more aggressively to warrant a more complete staging work-up [for breast cancer] compared with older white women,” Santry and Wren say.

In 2017, associate professor in the School of Social Welfare at the University of California, Berkley, Tina K. Sacks, published a study in Critical Public Health. The study reaffirmed the need Black women feel “to perform, jockey, or otherwise fight for recognition” when it comes to not only specialty care, but other concerns such as pain management.

Sacks interviewed 19 middle-class Black women about their general healthcare and discrimination experiences. Sacks found that participants anticipated race and gender bias in their clinical interactions because of commonly held stereotypes of Black women: namely, that they are angry, “welfare queens”, or prostitutes. To counter this, they behave in ways that help mitigate the discrimination that leads

to differences in treatment and the subsequent risk of mental health problems.

To be taken seriously, the participants reported dressing well to communicate social privilege and material resources when they visit the doctor’s office. To convey their medical problems rationally and concisely for the most accurate solutions, participants did their own research before appointments. To meet healthcare providers’ “particular expectations of what makes a capable and proficient patient,” they emphasized their professional and educational credentials. To appear worthy of quality care, they tried to make personal connections with providers.

Clearly, “the onus is on the patient to be aggressive,” said one a respondent, a 59-year-old married woman with a doctorate in Divinity, about their efforts to present themselves as individuals in need of care rather than a stereotype.

Perceptions of discrimination lead to medical distrust and compromises the shared decision-making process (SDM).

SDM is a collaborative process between physicians and their patients wherein information the patient provides and recommendations from the physician combine to determine the quality and number of procedures to follow.

As stated by Santry and Wren, physicians can reduce unconscious bias and improve surgical safety by learning to recognize, with a socioeconomic perspective, prejudice in their work. They argue that SDM and making physicians more aware of their unconscious biases encourages an informed and inclusive approach to clinical practice.

Why we need women’s-only spaces in gyms and fitness centres With the emphasis on equal treatment of men and women today, many people struggle to understand why women want their own spaces to work out.

Duaa Nasir Sports & Health Editor

W

omen-only spaces in gyms are, surprisingly, a grey area for many people. A quick Google search on the topic displays people questioning why these spaces exist and if their existence is sexist. To many people, gyms are a neutral area and the need for women’s-only spaces is confusing.

However, a lot of women don’t see it that way.

A study from the University of Waterloo, published in Leisure Sciences, notes the impact of gender on fitness spaces: “[Gyms] often reflect and perpetuate gendered power relations and highly prescribed cultural expectations for femininity around women’s bodies, appearances, strength, and abilities.”

This idea always seemed simple to me, perhaps because I had experienced it. Despite attempts to counter the stereotypes, I still per-

ceived gyms, particularly lifting weights, as a place and activity for men. My own observations supported this—walking into Goodlife as a teenager, I’d always see more men focusing on strength and endurance training than woman.

As a petite woman in baggy clothes who was new to working out, the idea of entering that space and using smaller dumbbells was intimidating, partially because I was new to working out. As a result, I’d enter a separate section of the gym, which was only for women, and comfortably complete my workout there. So did other women.

As I did some research on the topic, I noticed an attempt to break down and defend the idea of women’s-only spaces in gyms. For example,

a study found that over twice as many women experienced sexual harassment while working out compared to men. I’m not denying the importance or significance of this research, but I do think someone’s experience should not be something they always have to prove to be taken seriously.

Sexual harassment at gyms is definitely an issue for a lot of women, but for others, preferring women’s-only spaces can be about other reasons, such as building community, avoiding gym anxiety, and cultural practices.

On U of T’s Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education website, they provide a simple, concise answer to the surprisingly

complicated question of why women need their own fitness spaces: “While women currently constitute over half of U of T’s student body, they continue to be under-represented in most forms of physical activity. Our usage statistics show that while female participation in particular facility spaces is low during regular hours, it increases notably during times [scheduled] for women only.”

This explanation identifies an issue, finds a solution, then implements it. The simplicity of this discourse and solution contradicts the complexity of many other arguments against women’s only spaces, which, as a woman, I appreciate.

For women at the University of Toronto Mississauga who prefer women’s-only spaces, the Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre (RAWC) offers women’s-only hours from 1-2 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. from Monday to Friday. For more information on reserving access to this space and requirements related to Covid-19, check out the RAWC’s website.