Check out this blog, wearetherealdeal.com.

"We Are the Real Deal (aka WATRD) launched in July 2009 by Heather Blessington (aka mamaV). The goal of this body image focused blog is to provide a space where women of all shapes, sizes, colors, lifestyles, opinions, and beliefs can come together to talk, bang heads, rant and rave. Here you will find the latest news on eating disorders, get the scoop on Hollywood weight sagas, and hear from a wide range of individuals on their personal struggles with body image." -WATRD

http://raceandgender.wikispaces.com/Section+Nine

This site shows different images in media that continue to make sexism and oppression acceptable. It shows how women are continued to be viewed as sex objects that can and should be dominated by men. Even though I do not believe all men and women fall susceptible to these images, many of us unconsciously take on these roles because of their consistency throughout the media.

Hazel Claros
Social Justice Peer Educator Intern

How can hook ups and virginity both be on the rise on college campuses?

"But even as casual sex--often called "hookups" or "friends with benefits"--is a dominant part of campus life, a new report by the National Center for Health Statistics indicates the percentages of men and women 18-24 who say they are virgins also are increasing."

To read more of this article, go to http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/health/4594327-423/less-commitment-more-hookups-on-campuses.html

-Lindsay Gooze

SlutWalk

This past Sunday in Toronto, self-proclaimed "sluts and allies" took to the streets after an incident in January that sparked controversy. A Toronto police officer spoke at York University on personal safety and advised women to "avoid dressing like sluts in order to not be victimized". As a member of a government body designed to protect and defend citizens, his slut-shaming comments were met with reactions of anger and frustration throughout the community.

The SlutWalk in Toronto was designed to bring attention to the issue of slut-shaming and take away the power of the word "slut" by embracing it and a woman's sexuality. No survivor of sexual assault should have to feel ashamed by their own actions or wonder if they "asked for it".

www.torontoslutwalk.com

In recovering from my eating disorder, one of my main inspirations was Jenni Shaefer's book, Life Without Ed. In her book, I learned about a therapy technique to personify my eating disorder as a separate entity from eating disorder. My recovery truly came full circly when I e-mailed Jenni Shaefer a narrative I wrote based on her book that she published on her blog.

To read this narrative, click the link below. http://www.eatingdisordersblogs.com/recovery/2010/05/narrative-about-ed.html#more

-Lindsay

March is Women's History Month. Celebrate this women with the Women's Center at UCSD. Come check out our display featuring prominent women in history, located in Price Center by the East ballroom. Also, look for us on library walk on March 8th to celebrate International Women's Day in commemoration of women past and present! :)

-Hazel Claros

Social Justice Peer Educator

San Diego Women's Week... What's Wrong with this Picture?

http://sdwomensweek.com/index.html
Of the 18 main speakers featured on the website for San Diego Women’s Week, none appear to be people of color. While I feel that it is important to not make assumptions about how people identify just by looking at them, the lack of apparent diversity is quite stark.
The website describes the event as…
"A premier symposium with hundreds of women in leadership roles across all organizations and industries. Designed to inspire, empower and connect women executives, managers, professionals, emerging leaders, young women and social entrepreneurs. San Diego Women's Week is truly an inspiring event.
San Diego Women's Week will provide inspirational keynote speakers, host breakout forums and provide unique opportunities for all who attend. Speakers at San Diego Women's Week will focus on a variety of topics, ranging from health and fashion to business and technology. More than 5,000 visitors from the San Diego region are expected to attend the event hosted at California Center for the Arts in Escondido."
It is disappointing that an event that seeks to inspire, empower, and connect women in the San Diego region would pay such little attention to the diversity of our region and would make such little effort in ensuring that this is an event that speaks to the many diverse women in our community. While the lack of diversity presented in San Diego Women’s Week would be problematic no matter where the event was being held, it is especially problematic in a border city such as ours.

What do you think? If you were planning a San Diego Women’s Week, what might it look like?

-Marnie Brookolo
Assistant Director

Hey everyone! As usual, I am too excited about too many things to focus on just one, so I decided to share a couple of things in this post.

First off, I wanted to share with you all the link to a blog I've been reading a lot lately... it's called RabbitWrite, and addresses various issues around gender, sexuality, and relationships. I really enjoy her range of topics and ability to be blunt, honest, and insightful in each post. Take a look at rabbitwrite.com.

In other news, I just wanted to highlight an event being hosted on our campus in a few weeks to honor International Women's Day. Women's Empowerment International is a non-profit based in San Diego that uses microfinance to created increased opportunities for women in situations of poverty. Come learn how microfinance works, meet recipients, and also learn how to cook some scrumptious dishes! The event will be held on March 6 at the Great Hall in ERC from 2 to 4pm. The Women's Center will also be tabling at this event, so stop by and say hello!

Last, but not least, I am a huge fan of finding new music. Here's a song I happened upon a few weeks ago... the track is a Bassnecter remix of Lights by Ellie Goulding. I love both of these artists, so coming across this was a real treat. Listen below. Enjoy!

In community,

Neda

Social Justice Peer Educator Intern

http://www.democracynow.org/2008/4/7/chilean_writer_isabel_alllende_on_her

In this interview from 2008, Chilean novelist Isabel Allende talks about former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet's extraordinary story. During Bachelet's presidency (2006-2010), she made contraception available to anyone over age 14, a decision that was strongly resisted due to the influential presence of the Catholic Church in Chile. Allende then goes on to talk about her memoir and the strength she receives from her mother. She also discusses her foundation that she started for women and girls and then talks about the torture that exists in the world.

Her strength and insight is inspiring.

-Ali L.
WC Volunteer

The current water crisis has primarily impacted those in developing countries, especially women and children who must endure the challenge of fetching water every day for hours for domestic duties. Female children are not able to go to school and get a formal education because they must abide to the harsh tradition of domestic labor. The lack of hygiene due to poor or no resources and contaminated water inhibits economic and educational growth in many communities across all developing countries. The following links further describe how women are impacted by the lack of accessibility of the most vital resource on earth: water.

http://www.upiu.com/articles/world-water-crisis-affects-women-most

-Bridget Guiza
Special Projects Intern