LETTER
Where the streets have the blood and sweat of women’s work
Let’s talk about the hard work women do that goes unacknowledged. My favorite story this week takes place in India’s remote northeastern state of Manipur, where women have been the torchbearers (quite literally, sometimes) of peace for over a century. Why, then, has that not yet translated to political power? And what lessons can they offer participants of the Women’s March?
Several of the other stories highlighted today speak to similar themes. Happy reading.
In Northeast India, Women Run the Streets
By Sarita Santoshini in The Development Set
“[Activist Irom Sharmila’s] experience reflects the status of women in Manipur. When we sacrifice for the society, we’re respected, but the moment we seek political power or control, we are looked down upon, rejected and faulted. We’ve been leading protests, but none of the policies have benefited us.”
(American readers: sound familiar?)
While I was treating a patient, his friend slapped my hand. Why did she think that was OK?
By Jennifer Adaeze Okwerekwu in Stat News
A young, black, female doctor reflects on a recent incident with a patient’s friend. “I had to reckon with a lack of respect that went well beyond my role as a trainee. I’ve had to ask myself, when are we allies with our colleagues and the people we treat? When are we at odds? Why do I even have to ask this question at all?”
Keep Protesting Trump. It’s Good For You.
By Christine Ro in The Development Set
Did you know that activism can lead to an increased “ethic of self-care,” sense of purpose, and depth of social connections — all of which have been linked to healthy aging? That’s what researchers discovered when they studied a group of women who call themselves the Raging Grannies.
The biodegradable paper airplane that could revolutionize humanitarian aid
By Matt Petronzio in Mashable
Can this new biodegradable, aerodynamic gadget change how we deliver humanitarian aid to remote areas? This glider is still under development, but could have tremendous impact.
Can the Humble Menstrual Cup Free Women from the Tyranny of Big Tampon?
By Julissa Treviño in The Development Set
“The average woman will use about 9,600 tampons in her lifetime, according to Diva Cup, one of the more popular menstrual cup brands, and spend about $2,000 in the process. It can take up to six months for tampons to biodegrade and 25 years for applicators to break down in the ocean. Menstrual cups, on the other hand, cost about $35 apiece and can last up to ten years.”
Real talk: have any of you tried the menstrual cup?
Please Don’t Glue Your Labia Shut
By Samantha Cole in VICE Motherboard
Wrapping up this female-centric letter with the oddest women’s health story I’ve heard in a while. A male chiropractor in Kansas developed a lipstick that supposedly glues a woman’s labia minora shut, trapping her icky period blood inside. The internet has rightfully skewered him.
