activism

Feminist activists are not deterred by the daunting statistics so much as they're fueled by them.

Dear Yeon-Mi Park
Dear Yeon-mi, Vocal have asked us to write about a letter to the strongest woman we know. There are many contenders for this, our aunts, mothers and sisters, teachers, celebrities and idols. In the end, I chose to write a letter to you. I have travelled to many countries around the world and a day trip in Busan and our tour guide openly discussed North Korea.
By Chloe Gilholy5 years ago in Viva
For You
This is for every woman who has pretended to be on the phone when they walked home alone at night. This is for every woman who has crossed the street to avoid a man who was walking too close behind her.
By Nati Saednejad5 years ago in Viva
Driving Eliza Deeds with The Sister Circle Challenge
My Dear friend, Eliza Deeds. About 2-years ago I reached out to you and told you that I wanted to write your story and first book. You accepted and then it was up to me to put my money where my mouth is.
By C.A Fenderson Jr.5 years ago in Viva
Shifting the Narrative on Sexual Violence
CW Sexual Violence, Sexual Harassment I remember sitting in my kitchen at the age of nine or ten, the evening news on in the background. One story involved the sexual assault of a young woman. The focus of the report was not the attack itself, but comments made in court by the defendant’s lawyer.
By Hannah Jackson 5 years ago in Viva
This could save your life. Top Story - March 2021.
I'm 27 as I write this, 19 when it happened. I composed this piece in an effort to help other women understand potential human trafficking tactics and/or potential kidnapping scenarios. I share this because while it happened nearly 10 years ago, it wasn't until this year (2021) that I realized the tremendous danger I could have found myself in had things ended differently.
By Lexie Robbins5 years ago in Viva
A Letter to Our Criminal Justice System
You have failed us. The manipulation of the criminal justice system and more to objectify and subjugate is beyond the pale. You, as a fragmented system, ostensibly show the ways you fail to appropriately punish sexual violence. This is truly a man's world. The archaic laws for defining consent - if she doesn't refuse or resist, then go right ahead - underline this. Sexual violence is a crime built on the shame of women.
By Hannah Blair5 years ago in Viva
The 97%
If you have Tik Tok or you have any sort of social media I'm sure you've seen somewhere the 97%. Well, what is the 97% anyway? This number represents the percentage of women age 18-24 that have been a victim of sexual assault and/or harassment. Let that sink in. I'm sure many of you reading this are in that age bracket and if not, I know all of you know a woman between the ages of 18-24. Guarantee she is in the 97%. I know I am and I know that almost every woman I know is a part of it.
By Madison Rheam, B.A.5 years ago in Viva
I Shouldn't Need to Write This
Once upon a time there was a princess, trapped in a tower. Then one day, a prince came along and rescued her…and they both lived happily ever after.
By Maria Clark5 years ago in Viva
Women’s History Month: One Year Into COVID-19
I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity.
By Leah C.5 years ago in Viva
What I Hate Most About Being A Woman
Trigger Warnings: Sexual Assault and Domestic Abuse Being a woman is not easy. That’s the first problem. I truly don’t believe that your gender should set expectations for your behaviour, personality, or identity. Yet somehow, it does.
By Jenny B.R.5 years ago in Viva
How Far Still To Go?
I am confused. My stomach is churning and my throat is tight. I am angry and frustrated. I cannot seem to understand. We are still fighting for gender equality on so many fronts. On the news the night I write this, there were stories of: rape and sexual assault in the halls of power, women marching in the streets, giving voice to the desire for freedom to walk the streets at night, or during the day, to end violence against women.
By KC5 years ago in Viva
When will this stop?
For the past few days, I have felt so deeply upset and full of rage. An event had taken place and we saw a change in the news that graced our TV's and daily newspapers. COVID-19 had seemed to take a pause to provide updates on the disappearance of Sarah Everard.
By Danielle Mills5 years ago in Viva