Across Cultures, darker people suffer most, why? -Andre 3000 Dark skinned girls and media representation We’ve all grown up with standards of beauty that were difficult to live up to. For dark skinned girls, the standards were impossible to meet. As a teenager, my favourite tv shows starred tall, slim, white women with perfect proportions. The magazines I saved up for …
Author: Amy Oloo
Let’s Talk About Sex Work
Importance of discourse Even within our contemporary context, sex work remains a polarising and taboo subject. Even so, it is important to discuss the pitfalls and merits of this occupation with an objective lens. This is simply because people’s livelihoods, reputations and safety is at stake. At the very least, policy makers, religious leaders and society at large should strive …
Let's Talk About Sex Work
Importance of discourse Even within our contemporary context, sex work remains a polarising and taboo subject. Even so, it is important to discuss the pitfalls and merits of this occupation with an objective lens. This is simply because people’s livelihoods, reputations and safety is at stake. At the very least, policy makers, religious leaders and society at large should strive …
Women in Sports: Lessons from the Women’s World Cup
Importance of sports Sporting events provide a great opportunity to foster national unity and international cooperation. Events such as the olympics and FIFA World Cup are vivid illustrations of this. Aside from this, sports promote: healthy lifestyles, discipline, team-work, problem solving skills and stress alleviation. For marginalised children in urban areas, sports can act as an alternative to precarious situations. …
The Sudan Massacre: Patterns of Oversight in the Media
The situation in Sudan This week was marred by reports of a gruesome massacre occurring in Sudan. According to these reports, civilians engaged in peaceful protest against a military government have become victims of Sudanese militia. More specifically, hundreds of people have died at the hands of armed forces, while at least 70 rape caseshave been reported. It goes without saying …
Women and the Peace Process
Bearing in mind that wednesday the 29th of May marked the International day of United Nations PeaceKeepers, this week presents an opportune time to examine and celebrate the role of women in peace processeses. Women in Peacekeeping First and foremost, women in peacekeeping play a unique role that deserves acknowledgement. More specifically, women in combat play a significant role in …
Women in Conflict: Untold Narratives in the Media
The Discipline of International Affairs has made significant attempts to acknowledge the unique ways that conflict affects women. This is most evident from the many international laws and resolutions that seek to acknowledge women’s positions in war. UN Security Council Resolutions 2122 and 1325 are further illustrations of this. Representation of women in conflict in the media Mainstream media, …
Mental Illness and Violence Against Women
It is no secret that women are the primary victims of sexual and physical assault. Recent conversations on gender based violence have been centred around holding men accountable. Meanwhile, there has been insufficient dialogue about the effects of this violence on women . In particular, the link between gender based violence and mental health remains overlooked. Domestic Violence Against Women …
Erasure of Black Women in the Fourth Feminist Wave
The Fourth Feminist Wave The fourth wave of feminism marks a period where feminists have maximized online platforms to advocate for women’s rights. In particular, social media websites have become safe spaces for activists to express their discontentment with the patriarchy. Emergence of #metoo The #metoo movement remains one of the most profound illustrations of fourth wave feminism. Tarana Burke …