First Lieutenant Gabrielle White and Captain Seth Deltenre made history as the first all-female team to compete in the Best Ranger Competition, finishing 14th overall. Their participation marks a significant milestone since the integration of women into the Army Rangers in 2015. The grueling three-day competition involved over 60 miles of travel and numerous challenges, testing the competitors’ physical and mental endurance. Notably, the Army’s usual acknowledgement of such historic firsts was absent this year due to a policy shift under the previous administration.
Read More
International Women’s Day saw widespread protests across the globe, with women demanding an end to gender-based violence and inequality. Demonstrations ranged from rallies in Istanbul, where participants challenged the government’s “Year of the Family” initiative, to marches in European capitals advocating for equal pay and access to healthcare. Protests also highlighted specific issues like restrictive abortion laws (Poland) and high rates of femicide (South America). The global demonstrations underscored the continued struggle for women’s rights and equality, facing pushback from both governmental policies and societal norms.
Read More
Ohio Representatives Somani and Rader plan to introduce the “Conception Begins at Erection Act,” a bill criminalizing ejaculation without the intent to fertilize. The bill aims to highlight the disproportionate regulation of women’s reproductive health and hold men accountable for unwanted pregnancies. While the bill’s exact text is unavailable, it has already faced criticism from Republicans, citing concerns about discriminatory implications. This follows a past attempt by a state lawmaker to regulate male reproductive health through erectile dysfunction medication prescriptions.
Read More
A recent executive order defining sex based solely on gamete size at conception has sparked debate, with some claiming it inadvertently declared all individuals female. However, this interpretation is inaccurate, though the order’s ambiguity does highlight the complexities of sex determination. Scientific consensus rejects a strictly binary understanding of sex, emphasizing the multitude of factors involved. The order’s true intention appears to be advancing the concept of “fetal personhood,” potentially impacting abortion rights.
Read More
Virginia’s 2020 ratification marked the 38th state to approve the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), fulfilling the constitutional requirement for adoption. The American Bar Association and leading legal scholars concur that all necessary steps for ERA’s inclusion as the 28th Amendment have been completed. Therefore, the Amendment is deemed ratified and legally part of the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing equal rights regardless of sex. This action upholds the will of the American people and fulfills a constitutional duty to ensure equal protection under the law.
Read More
A bipartisan group of House representatives urged President Biden to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) before leaving office, citing its importance in protecting rights regardless of sex. The letter highlights the ERA’s fulfillment of constitutional ratification requirements, despite past delays and rescissions by some states. Supporters argue the ERA’s ratification is crucial given the incoming administration’s stance on women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights. This action would solidify President Biden’s legacy and align with the strong public support for enshrining gender equality in the Constitution.
Read More
Forty-six senators, including nearly the entire Democratic caucus, urged President Biden to certify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) before leaving office. Passed by Congress in 1972 and ratified by 38 states in 2020, the ERA awaits the Archivist’s certification to become the 28th Amendment. This action would guarantee legal equality between the sexes and potentially protect reproductive rights. Advocates highlight the urgency given increased state-level restrictions on abortion access and the approaching end of Biden’s term.
Read More
Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s choice for Defense Secretary, has sparked controversy with his past comments regarding women in combat roles and veterans’ benefits. Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and former Army National Guard member, has argued against women serving in combat roles, claiming they are not as capable as men, and criticized veterans’ groups for encouraging veterans to claim government benefits. His appointment has drawn criticism from veterans’ groups and defense experts who question his qualifications and perceive his appointment as politically motivated, highlighting Trump’s preference for loyalty over experience. Hegseth’s past advocacy for military personnel accused of war crimes and his outspoken support for Israel further contribute to the controversy surrounding his nomination.
Read More
Following former President Trump’s election victory, interest in the South Korean feminist movement “4B” surged in the United States, particularly among young women on social media. The movement, which advocates for “no sex, no dating, no marriage, no children,” represents a form of individual resistance against a perceived conservative political climate and the erosion of reproductive rights. This surge in interest highlights the growing ideological divide between young men and women, with young women exhibiting more liberal views and embracing feminist values, possibly fueled by the #MeToo movement. The concept of a “sex strike” is not new, and its recent resurgence in the United States reflects a growing frustration among young women with the lack of progress in gender equality and the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights.
Read More
Following Donald Trump’s US presidential election victory, women are experiencing a surge of online misogyny, with men using the slogan “your body, my choice” to express their opposition to reproductive rights. This slogan, originally used by feminists to advocate for bodily autonomy, is now being twisted to assert control over women’s bodies. The recent overturning of Roe v Wade, a landmark decision guaranteeing the right to abortion, has emboldened anti-abortion activists, leading to a climate of fear and uncertainty for women. Despite the lack of a federal ban on abortion, state-level laws are already severely restricting access to reproductive healthcare, putting women’s health and well-being at risk.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker