Can we please take a moment to appreciate the greatness that is JLaw?!!

Happy November everyone!

Have you guys subscribed to Lenny yet? If no, do it now yo! If yes, then well done on making a good life choice! Lenny letter is a feminist newsletter cooked up by Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner. Lenny is feminism, style, health, politics, friendship and everything else. And I love it!!

Last month’s newsletter included an essay by Jennifer Lawrence - Why Do I make Less Than My Male Co-Stars? With this epic essay, JLaw gave us yet another reason to love her! Its charming, easy to read and so powerful. JLaw totally wrote it in a flow to her personality. I absolutely enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoy watching her. But before we cut to the essay, let’s just quickly recap – Jlaw is not only one of the hottest young actresses out there but also the highest paid actress in Hollywood. Not only that – she is an Oscar and a Golden Globe winner along with multiple Oscar and other award nominees. And STILL JLaw somehow made less than her male co-stars. Strange that isn’t it? And yet some people still wonder why we need feminism…

In her essay, Jennifer openly discussed the pay differences between the sexes as well as her own personal experience of being a woman in the industry. She straight up cut the bullshit – “It's hard for me to speak about my experience as a working woman because I can safely say my problems aren't exactly relatable. When the Sony hack happened and I found out how much less I was being paid than the lucky people with dicks, I didn't get mad at Sony. I got mad at myself. I failed as a negotiator because I gave up early. I didn't want to keep fighting over millions of dollars that, frankly, due to two franchises, I don't need. (I told you it wasn't relatable, don't hate me).” She gets it. She gets that “her problems” is no way the same as ours. That she doesn’t need to worry about mortgages, bills and such. But if you think about it, the “lucky people with dicks” don’t “need” it either…  

She then goes on to be a bit more honest and admits something that some of us at times are scared to even admit to ourselves – “I'm over trying to find the "adorable" way to state my opinion and still be likable! Fuck that. I don't think I've ever worked for a man in charge who spent time contemplating what angle he should use to have his voice heard. It's just heard. Jeremy Renner, Christian Bale, and Bradley Cooper all fought and succeeded in negotiating powerful deals for themselves. If anything, I'm sure they were commended for being fierce and tactical, while I was busy worrying about coming across as a brat and not getting my fair share.”

“But if I'm honest with myself, I would be lying if I didn't say there was an element of wanting to be liked that influenced my decision to close the deal without a real fight. I didn't want to seem "difficult" or "spoiled."

Wait for it, even more greatness – “Are we socially conditioned to behave this way? We've only been able to vote for what, 90 years? I'm seriously asking — my phone is on the counter and I'm on the couch, so a calculator is obviously out of the question. Could there still be a lingering habit of trying to express our opinions in a certain way that doesn't "offend" or "scare" men?”

I love it.

No bullshit, at all. 

Click here to read JLaw’s article for Lenny - http://www.lennyletter.com/work/a147/jennifer-lawrence-why-do-i-make-less-than-my-male-costars/










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This week's must watch: Rap Against Rape

This is the BEST thing I've seen on the internet in a very very long time!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3iwXGGGYGY 

Pankhuri Awasthi and Uppekha Jain, two women from India are speaking out about rape culture and sexism with the hashtag #RapAgainstRape. In the epic video the duo rap about the country's attitude towards women while holding up placards with words written on them, such as #domesticviolence #shame #objectification #criminalsinparlimant and #rape.

They covered every issue, from the country's current state:

"We're now known as the land of rapes 

But did you ever wonder, how this took shape 

Don't shy away now, you're a part of this culture 

Of lawyers who will kill 

and politicians who ban our will 

and all the other Blood-sucking vultures 

We're a land of ironies 

and of rampant misogyny 

Stop that tweet 

And actually get on your feet 

And help reform this mindset 

That for years has been preset 

That our women are nothing more than objects 

To be controlled, shut-up and used for sex"

to the crimes committed against women every single day:

"When a girl who's been raped, has to hide her face 

And then that same society 

makes a porn star their celebrity 

To teach women obedience there's domestic violence 

But no one will report it 

They're meant to absorb it with silence 

On that crowded train today, are you sure – you didn't see the man 

Who thought that under my tee-shirt he would rest his hand 

Didn't it boil your blood enough for you to take a stand 

Or did you just let it be 

Because I was stupid enough to be akeli?"

to how the consent and clothing choices of the women doesn't mean s_it:

"I'll wear what I want – even if its mini 

It's only a dress 

Don't for a second think it's a yes"

and how we should carve a new way:

"I'll work at home or outside, tackling misogyny with pride 

Gone are the times we stayed abused and broken 

And behind closed doors we cried

It's about time to change the tide and for you to get on our side 

Help us bring in a new day – for you, for me, for us 

Let's carve a new way"

The video has already gained over 50,000 views!!

But the big question is - Do these videos actually help?

I think yes, sure it doesn't bring a massive change but it plays a part. The use of social media plays a huge part as it helps give people a voice, a voice to speak up and make a difference.

And that is exactly what Uppekha Jain says, "Doing something is better than doing nothing about women's safety in India." 









credits: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-31938381 
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Why it’s okay to be a woman and not want kids

I have a dream. I dream of a society where women are not under pressure to have babies and become mothers. I dream of a life where some dim-witted worm doesn’t ask me annoying questions like “So when are you planning of having babies?” followed by a shock-horror stare as they replay my answer – Never,  I don’t plan on having a baby, at all, like no plans, no plans whatsoever of having one, like ever.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love kids. In fact I work in children’s shoe shop and previously worked as a teacher assistant. Also two of my friends have babies. So I am always surrounded by children. And yeah kids love me too, I know how to talk and play with them and keep them entertained (yeah yeah, I’m still a kid at heart). But all this doesn’t mean I am cut out for motherhood. Sure I am only twenty-four and sure I might change my mind in years to come.  But maybe I wouldn’t. And that is okay! It is okay to not want children. Not every woman is cut out to be a mother.

Feminism is all about choice. And choosing not to have children is my personal choice. So why does my choice to remain child-free make me less of a woman? Why is motherhood linked to femininity? Are you telling me if I don’t have a kid, I am not fulfilling my true potential as a woman? Does it make me a selfish person if I choose the idea of having a career over kids? Why do people think they have the right to make me feel bad for my lack of maternal instinct?

I have a huge respect for exceptional parents as they deserve a heck of a praise for their hard work. Because parenting is hard work, it requires selfishness and sacrifices. Heck, I be the first to say it – I am selfish. I love my freedom. I love my independence. And I have dreams. I dream of a good job and a good life of travelling, I dream of a life where I can casually pack a bag and escape for the weekend without a second thought. Kids change everything! And they are there, like all the time! Eek! No thanks, not my cup of tea. (However if you need a good babysitter, look no further!)

So ladies, the decision to have kids or not is yours and only yours (and your partners obviously). So don’t let society make you feel bad because you don’t “have it all”. “Having it all” doesn’t even exist! It’s another ploy created by the media to make women feel bad. It’s your own personal choice! If you want children, awesome! If you don’t want children, that’s awesome too! 

image credit:

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Özgecan Aslan (22 October 1995 – 11 February 2015)

On Wednesday, February the 11^th twenty year old Ozgecan Aslan was burnt and beaten to death with an iron bar after an attempted rape in Turkey. It has been reported that minibus driver Suphi Altindoken had killed and mutilated her body after she pepper-sprayed him. He has been arrested alongside his father and a friend.

Gone, a young girl with a bright future.

Case like this is very common in Turkey. The number of sexual harassment and violence in the country is shocking. In 2014, 56% of the 281 women murdered in the country were killed by a husband or partner. The number of deaths has seen an increase in the previous year by 31%.

 The case has sparked many street protests in Ankara, Istanbul and Mersin. A week ago, about 15,000 protestors took to the streets to march near Cag University, where she was a psychology student. It also caused an uproar on social media, women took to twitter to share their own stories of sexual harassment and violence. Not only that, the hashtags #Ozgecanicinsiyahgiy (Wear black for Ozgecan) and #Ozgecanicinminietekgiy (wear a miniskirt for Ozgecan) began to trend as a form of protest. Women posted selfies while wearing black clothes, while men in Turkey and Azerbaijan tweeted images of themselves wearing a skirt as a symbol of solidarity.

 “If a miniskirt is responsible for everything, if wearing a miniskirt means immorality and unchastity, if a woman who wears a miniskirt is sending an invitation about what will happen to her, then we are also sending an invitation!”, wrote one protestor on Facebook  in regards to the campaign. http://www.buzzfeed.com/rossalynwarren/rest-in-peace-ozgecan-aslan#.wfQ0lKZqa2

For those who are thinking - what good does protesting do to help - it helps, alot. To live in a country where human rights and freedom of speech is limited, it helps to rise your voice to be heard, even if its through protesting. 

This case is a political issue that represents the fear women live with in Turkey. The constant fear that has been put in place by the Turkish president Erdogan who believes that men & women are not equal so therefore shouldn’t be treated equally. “What women need is to be able to be equivalent, rather than equal” he said last November, while addressing the Women & Justice Summit in Istanbul, an international conference hosted by the Women & Democracy Association, a Turkish NGO.

Everybody that knows me or reads my blog knows my problem against Erdogan, for those that don’t, well I hate the man. I hate his political views on gender equality and the fact that he has done no good for women’s rights.  Many times he has stated that he sees women no more than “mothers”, he refuses to accept that men and women might be different biologically but nevertheless women deserve equal rights & opportunities. For me it is obvious to see that Erdogan’s attitude and disregard of gender equality plays a huge part in the increase of sex crimes and violence against women in Turkey over the recent years.

Even though Erdogan’s hate crime against women is clear, it is time for him to take domestic violence and sex crimes seriously. It is time for him to do more than tweet the words “the responsible ones deserve the heaviest punishment”. It is time for him to put his foot down and protect all women. It is time for him to honour Aslan and bring a different outcome to the same sad story.

I just hope in the memory of Aslan the case be a turning point for all women in Turkey.

Image credits - http://image.cdn.haber7.com//haber/haber7/photos/ozgecan_aslan_nasil_ve_neden_olduruldu_1423917510_5239.jpg

-http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article10047082.ece/alternates/w460/AN63004367epaselect%20epa0461.jpg

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http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/24/turkeys-president-recep-tayyip-erdogan-women-not-equal-men

This years Art Basel & why it matters to women

Who you say? Art Basel is one of the world's biggest art shows and this year its causing even more buzz! 

Why you ask? Well because this year women artists are dominating Art Basel thanks to the new 'Survey' section. This years fair takes a historical turn with its 'survey' show, focusing on female & feminists artists who came to prominence during the 1960s & 1970s. 

'Survey' features nine solo shows & four group presentations and 9 of the 19 artists are women! 

This is a great step for women because you can't deny the fact that men have the leg up in the Art world, their work is highlighted more, they're also given more museum space and their work is sold for more money, even when women's work is as good! This sadly represents the unsavoury nature of the industry. 

Anyway, here are two of my favourite artists being shown in Art Basel, makes me wanna book a flight to Miami Beach just to see it in action! 

Mickalena Thomas: I was born to do great things. 

One of the new artists of 21st century, her work explores into the aesthetics of womanhood, as well as exploring identity through femininity & power. Her late mother Sandra Bush is her longtime muse, this work as well as many others, celebrates her mother's passion, beauty & style. Truly inspiring! 

image credit http://kavigupta.com/exhibition/169/iwasborntodogreatthings

Gina Pane 

The French conceptual artist was part of the body Art movement and is well known for her performance pieces. Her work represents self-mutilation, as well as pain related performances that discuss the male gaze & beauty. 

imagecredit: http://www.artslant.com/global/artists/show/297266-gina-pane

I am so happy for all the women at Art Basel this year, thank you for redefining art in the 20th & 21st century and thank you for sharing your stories and helping female artists establish their place in the Art world! 

Turkish Politics

At 23 years of age, I’ve heard many many stupid things in my life, yet NOTHING tops the stuff I hear from Erdogan’s mouth! Turkish politics make me so angry. And I very rarely, like ever, get angry. Traffic, rude customers, being put on hold on the phone whilst they play really really annoying music, rainy London weather, or even the never-ending line at the post office. None of these things make me as angry as Turkish politics. 

 I have many issues with the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Long story short – I don’t like him. Why you ask? 

Fair enough the man might have done some good for Turkey economically since becoming Prime Minister, however fast forward eleven years and the only good thing the man has done for Turkey is to accomplish economic growth. Some may even argue that he has been known for nothing besides being a dictator. In the recent years, Erdogan has pushed his conservative Islamic policies forward, trying to take over Ataturk’s modern Turkey. Turkey has come a long way thanks to Ataturk, he helped transform Turkey in so many great ways. Ataturk accomplished many things for women. He respected women, unlike Erdogan. Erdogan has always let his thoughts on women and women rights be well known, always declaring that women and men are not equal. No argument that he is a deeply conservative man who has traditional views on women and believes in patriarchal system. 

However Erdogan’s dictation has gotten worse over the years, from trying to ban alcohol, to taking away people’s rights, to discriminating against women. Sure thing, the man has a vision and drive, and he knows what to say to win people over. Especially the people in the Eastern Turkey, the ones who are not well educated or as modern as Western Turks, the Eastern Turks  who don’t dare question his motives but trust him nonetheless. Turkey is a modern country thanks to Ataturk, yet Erdogan has declared many times that he wants to raise a religious generation. In other words – 

“There is now one mosque for every 350 people in Turkey -- and one hospital for every 60,000”.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/turkish-prime-minister-erdogan-targets-women-s-rights-a-839568.html

One of the many things I hate about Erdogan is that he is trying to take away people's freedom of speech. The press freedom in Turkey is in chaos, many journalists are in prison for expressing their views, Reporters Without Borders say that Turkey “is currently the world’s biggest prison for journalists, especially those who express views critical of the authorities on the Kurdish Issue”. He even tried to ban social networking sites such as Twitter and Youtube several times over the years. Someone needs to tell the man you can take away people's power but you can't take away their voice!! 

This week once again both Erdogan and his deputy Bulent Arinc got themselves in trouble with women. On July 28^th Turkey’s deputy Bulen Arinc gave a morality speech where he singled out women for laughing out loud in public. In his speech he stated that:

“[The man] will not be a womaniser. He will be bound to his wife. He will love his children. [The woman] will know what is haram and not haram. She will not laugh in public. She will not be inviting in her attitudes and will protect her chasteness,”

Turning a political speech into a sexist matter. Of course the speech caused uproar with women, women all over the world (me included!) posted photos of themselves laughing, refusing to acknowledge his backwards comments.  One of the many awesome women who used social media to shame Bulent Arinc was actress Emma Watson. She posted a photo of herself laughing hysterically whilst shaming Arinc for his sexist comments.

And this week Erdogan called a female journalist who expressed her views through a newspaper, a "shameless militant woman", who should "know her place". 
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/know-your-place-you-shameless-militant-turkish-prime-minister-tells-female-journalist-9656896.html

As a woman, a Turkish woman, it is very sad to see men like Erdogan and Arinc taking over Turkey with their sexist and backward thinking ways. Makes me angry that he has the right to blame women for causing a moral corruption, and furthermore criticises women for expressing happiness in public. Shame on you Erdogan! Shame on you Arinc!

And let me tell you - If the founder of the Turkish state Ataturk were alive, I ensure you he would've been protesting with the people on Taksim Square in Istanbul last year. 

PS. Going to be VERY interesting to see the elections tomorrow. Though we all know, we all know...