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Ileana Jimenez: A Woman Making History

March 4, 2010 By Rachell Arteaga

30 Women Making History
In recognition of the 30th anniversary of Women’s History Month, Women’s Media Center is profiling 30 extraordinary women making history.  Our goal is to raise $10,000 to support WMC Exclusives — every dollar raised will go directly toward hiring women writers to comment on major news stories and report topics often neglected by the mainstream media. Will you contribute $30?
Click here to donate:https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/937/t/10343/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=5719 or text WOMEN to 50555 to make a $10 donation.


Ileana Jimenez: A Woman Making History
by Rachell Arteaga

I met Ileana Jimenez when she went through our Progressive Women’s Voices training program and she has been an inspiration for me ever since (check out the fabulous piece on her experience of the program in the Huffington Post.   She is an educator and activist serving as an inspiring and steadfast voice for social justice in education.  Ileana is making history today by educating the future.

A passionate advocate for diversity in education, she currently a teaches courses on feminism, Latina/o literature, LGBT literature and film, and memoir writing at the Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School (LREI) in New York City.  These important topics are virtually left out of K-12 education and Ileana is shifting the conversation through the courses she teaches every day.

Outside of the classroom she was named one of the 40 Women of Stonewall by the Stonewall Foundation for her work in social responsibility, philanthropy, and activism. In addition, she frequently leads presentations on inclusive curriculum and diversity at conferences for educators of color and is the founder of the New York LGBT Independent School Educators Group, providing educators professional development and networking opportunities.

Make sure to check out her blog which expands the discussion of social justice education to those in the K-12 sector.  She explores an array of topics, from students of color in higher education, taking a feminist curriculum into the classroom and even includes an interview with Rachel Maddow, who spoke to Ileana’s class.

As someone who is passionate about education personally, Ileana is an inspiration for me and one of the 30 Women Making History. Make sure you check back every day to read about another amazing woman.

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Women Increasingly Included In News Stories, But Still Rarely Telling Them

March 4, 2010 By Catherine Epstein

I went to a panel on Tuesday afternoon dedicated to the increasingly widespread and meticulous Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) which has, since 1995, produced volunteer-driven international research on women’s representation in news media. The project is gigantic, and they only do it every five years, so it was a real honor to be present – at the UN Millennium Plaza Hotel, of all internationally appropriate venues – for the preliminary unveiling of their findings from fall 2009.

Drawing from 130 countries – the number has nearly doubled in the last 15 years – volunteers witness and report on gender representation in television, radio, and print news over the course of one day. The findings presented by Lavinia Mohr, Director of Programmes at the World Association for Christian Communication, were only preliminary, with data 42 countries.  Mohr highlighted that this means we shouldn’t take what she presented as fact, but that it was a good indicator of expected trends.

The first pattern Lohr pointed out was the variance between mediums; television consistently covers women the most, while radio consistently covers them the least. Coverage also varied widely by topic; Science and Health covered women the most, at an increase of 37% from 22% in 2005. This is dandy, but Mohr pointed out that as a topic,  Science and Health receives the least amount of coverage overall.

But hey!  Women have achieved near parity as givers of public opinion. (In the GMMP’s language, a “giver of public opinion” means a person interviewed by news media who is meant to represent popular opinion.)  Not only is this the first time parity has been (almost) achieved for women as subjects, but five years ago men outnumbered women two to one in this category.

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WMC News Brief: Media Spin in Anti-Abortion Message, Governor Paterson, Iraqi Vote

March 4, 2010 By Rebekah Spicuglia

Loretta Ross Unmasks Black Anti-Abortion Message, Media Spin
3/2/10
On The Issues: “They tell African American women that we are now responsible for the genocide of our own people,” Ross writes. “We are now accused of ‘lynching’ our children in our wombs…This is what lies on steroids look like.”

Women’s Advocates Call On Paterson To Step Down
3/3/10
RH Reality Check: “This latest news is very disappointing for those of us who believed the governor was a strong advocate for women’s equality and for ending violence against women,” said Marci Pappas, president of the New York chapter of the National Organization for Women.

Women Take Prominent Role In Iraqi Vote
3/3/10
Associated Press: Under a U.S.-backed quota requiring that at least one quarter of Iraq’s lawmakers be female, women have carved a foothold in the Iraqi political system. The country is holding its second parliamentary elections under the system on Sunday.

Gillibrand: Ford ‘Underestimated Me’
2/2/10
MSNBC: Gillibrand said of Henry Ford, who announced he would drop his intention to primary the sitting U.S. Senator from New York, “… [H]e may well be disappointed that people will have chosen me over him but that is the reality of trying to earn the support of 20 million people.”

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Who Needs More Women in Government? Everyone

March 4, 2010 By Sam Bennett
New Hampshire Representative Carol Shea-Porter has said women in Congress believe they could break the partisan deadlock.

New Hampshire Representative Carol Shea-Porter has said women in Congress believe they could break the partisan deadlock.

By Siobhan “Sam” Bennett

Women leaders have shown they know how to work together, whether it’s in the public or private sector. Women’s Campaign Forum President Sam Bennett describes a new initiative to put enough women in office this year to overcome the political impasse plaguing our nation’s lawmakers.

I know I’m not the only one to find myself watching the news in disbelief day after day. We listen to pundits, elected officials, and even the vice president call our government “broken.” This sentiment was only reinforced at last week’s White House health care summit when the partisan stalemate continued—only four women had been invited.

Who’s at fault and how do we get out of the seemingly endless deadlock? Some dare to argue that men are to blame. Somewhat earlier in the health care debate, Representative Carol Shea-Porter said of her sister House members: “We go to the ladies room, and we just roll our eyes at what’s being said out there. And the Republican women said when we were fighting over the health care bill, if we sent the men home, we could get this done this week.”

A bold statement? Yes. But studies have shown that women, who hold only 90 out of 535 seats in Congress, legislate differently—often being more collaborative and ensuring more win-win outcomes—than men. Women in the House and Senate stood together against the Nelson and Stupak amendments, just as women’s organizations banded together to ensure health care reform’s effectiveness and prevent the elimination of any existing rights.

And it’s not just women asserting that we need more women in public office. For our Women’s Campaign Forum (WCF) Parties of Your Choice Gala in New York next Thursday, we’ve gathered prominent leaders from the fields of business, media, theater, politics, fashion, and publishing. Folks like NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Pash, The View co-host Sherri Shepherd, musician/singer-songwriter Moby, former 60 Minutes Executive Editor Philip Scheffler, fashion designer Vivienne Tam, and actor Alexander Chaplin will come together to support the need to increase women’s political representation.

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Alexis McCombs: A Woman Making History

March 3, 2010 By Leslie Von Pless

30 Women Making History
In recognition of the 30th anniversary of Women’s History Month, Women’s Media Center is profiling 30 extraordinary women making history.  Our goal is to raise $10,000 to support WMC Exclusives — every dollar raised will go directly toward hiring women writers to comment on major news stories and report topics often neglected by the mainstream media. Will you contribute $30?
Click here to donate:https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/937/t/10343/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=5719 or text WOMEN to 50555 to make a $10 donation.


Alexis McCombs: A Woman Making History
by Leslie Von Pless

In a field not only dominated by men, but in which testosterone levels are meticulously measured, Alexis McCombs is an innovative and influential sports, media and pop culture commentator, and a member of SheSource, WMC’s directory of women experts.  Alexis is the founder and co-host of Instant ShePlay on AOL Sports, interviewing top NFL players and making her one of the only 10% of female sports journalists and editors in the U.S. A

In 2009, Alexis served as a judge for the Sports Emmy Awards and also frequently writes for Black Enterprise Magazine, which showcased two series she wrote about the intricate business, marketing and economic impacts of the NBA Finals and the Super Bowl on the host cities and the media. “The ultimate destination for any NBA team is the Finals,” McCombs wrote in the former. “The journey is long, but after 82 regular season games, it’s the host cities of the last two teams standing that win. To land the most coveted best-of-seven series of the year pushes a city’s revenue stream to take flight when tourists descend into the market and residents make game-related purchases.”

Recently, Alexis was quoted by the Associated Press on the controversy surrounding Elizabeth Lambert’s aggressive play in women’s college soccer and the media’s double standard of female athletes. Referring to debate over Serena Williams’ outburst at the US Open, “Think of Andre Agassi — people would relish his bad behavior, while Serena got blasted,” McCombs said. “For some of the men, it almost benefits them — they’re able to cash in on their bad behavior.”

As a lifelong athlete and sports fan, I am constantly seeing how widely accepted sexism is in traditional sports journalism and broadcasting. Its so refreshing to see Alexis helping to amplify women’s perspectives on mainstream sports through new media. Go Alexis!

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“Elders” Fight Misuse of Religion to Oppress Women and Girls

March 3, 2010 By Marianne Schnall
Mary Robinson says male leaders must recognize the value of girls.

Mary Robinson says male leaders must recognize the value of women and girls.

By Marianne Schnall

Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson say women and girls are the victims of dangerous practices too often justified in the name of religion and tradition. They are members of a prestigious international group that is spotlighting the issue.

Violence against women and girls is an international epidemic. According to the United Nations, one out of three women will experience violence at some stage in their lives—a “severe and pervasive” situation according to former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Still, society rarely reflects upon the complicated roots of this devastating problem.

One powerful group is determined to break through the silence. The Elders, a distinguished panel of world leaders including Annan, hope to use their collective influence to bring the worldwide oppression of women to center stage. Its Equality for Women & Girls initiative calls “for an end to the use of religious and traditional practices to justify and entrench discrimination against women and girls.”

The Elders was brought together by Nelson Mandela to “support peace building” and “address major causes of suffering” around the world. Within the group, former President Jimmy Carter has been a vocal champion on the issue of violence and discrimination against women, which he calls “a global scourge.” In addition to sexual assault and domestic violence, he cites other evidence: “Millions of baby girls are ‘missing’ due to sex-selected abortion or infanticide in societies that favor boy children, women in some Islamic societies are punished for showing an ankle, and their word is worth less than that of a man in law. In rape cases women are often treated as the guilty party and punished as such.”

He notes that “discrimination is formally outlawed in most countries” and women have attained “the highest political offices in many societies around the world.” Given such progress, he finds it “ironic that in many religions women are still viewed as inferior and deprived of the equal right to serve God in positions of religious leadership. This contributes to an environment in which violations against women are justified.”

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30 Women Making History

March 2, 2010 By Jehmu Greene

Happy Women’s History Month! The National Women’s History Project has declared this year’s theme “Writing Women Back into History.” Ever wonder how much is missing from our collective past because women’s contributions have been given so little real estate in our history books? We want to make sure future histories paint the whole picture. That’s why Women’s Media Center celebrates women by publishing WMC Exclusives -  the untold stories and missing perspectives of women. By providing a journalistic platform for a diverse group of veteran and new writers, paying them for their valuable contributions, and promoting their work, WMC Exclusives ensure that women are engaged – and telling our history as it happens.

For the next 30 days, in recognition of the 30th anniversary of Women’s History Month, WMC will profile 30 Women Making History on the WMC blog.  Some are alumnae of our Progressive Women’s Voices media and leadership training program; others are heroines we have met along the way.  All are women who are making history today.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 to support WMC Exclusives — every dollar raised will go directly toward hiring women writers to comment on major news stories and report topics often neglected by the mainstream media. Will you contribute $30?

Click here to donate:https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/937/t/10343/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=5719

Join us in celebrating 30 Women Making History by contributing $30 to Women’s Media Center, and watch the campaign progress on our homepage as we work towards our goal of $10,000. Every dollar helps amplify women’s voices and change the conversation.

Through original content, advocacy campaigns, and media and leadership trainings the WMC team works tirelessly to ensure that our history is no longer slanted to one side and the contributions of women in all forms of media is recognized. First up is Progressive Women’s Voices alumna Avis Jones-DeWeever, Director of the Research, Policy & Information Center for African American Women at the National Council of Negro Women. Scroll down to read how this amazing woman is making history today.

Peace,

Jehmu & the WMC Team

~~~

avis_jones_deweever_smAvis Jones-DeWeever: Director of the Research, Policy & Information Center for African American Women at the National Council of Negro Women
by Jehmu Greene

Avis Jones-DeWeever is a woman of action who has dedicated her life to social change. From research to policy, she has worked to improve the lives of women in urban communities with access to education and reducing poverty. Avis has written about women and the foreclosure crisis and examined the post-Katrina realities of the women of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

A highly sought-after speaker and an alumna of Women’s Media Center’s Progressive Women’s Voices program, Avis wrote a WMC Exclusive about the stigma and shame that burdens women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS: http://womensmediacenter.com/blog/2008/03/wmc-exclusive-today%E2%80%99s-scarlet-letter-by-avis-a-jones-deweever/. Avis has also recently discussed immigration PBS’s To the Contrary, Hollywood portrayal of black motherhood on the Huffington Post, and the economy on WBAI.

Avis is an inspiration for me and one of the 30 Women Making History WMC will be profiling in March. Make sure you check back every day to read about another amazing woman.

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Global Girl Media “Kicks It Up!” with Julie Foudy

March 1, 2010 By Rachell Arteaga

“Give a girl a camera and watch a woman grow.”
-  Kgomotso Matsunyane, T.O.M. Pictures, South Africa

Yesterday, Global Girl Media (GGM) Cofounder and Executive Director Amie Williams, Program Director Kamala Lopez and Director of Content and Distribution Therese Steiner organized an intimate brunch in New York City with Guest of Honor Julie Foudy in the lovely NYC home of Donna and Perry Golkin to celebrate the launch of GGM’s pilot project “Kick It Up!” The innovative program is training 20 young women, ages 15-20, from the urban area of Soweto, Johannesburg, to be participant broadcast journalists for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As part of the training, GGM is connecting them with seasoned local and international broadcasters and filmmakers, who serve as mentors to the girls.

From left to right: Program Director Kamala Lopez, Guest of Honor Julie Foudy, Executive Director Amie Williams, Head of GGM South Africa Kgomotso Matsunyane, and Director of Content and Distribution Therese Steiner

From left to right: Program Director Kamala Lopez, Guest of Honor Julie Foudy, Executive Director Amie Williams, Head of GGM South Africa Kgomotso Matsunyane, and Director of Content and Distribution Therese Steiner

After viewing an inspiring video about the project, guests were treated to some inspiring words from Williams, Lopez and Foudy, who each shared why the project means so much to her, personally.

Guest of Honor Julie Foudy is a National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, Olympic Gold Medalist, former Captain of the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team, ESPN sportscaster and now, GGM spokesperson. She compared the struggle she and her teammates experienced to get Women’s Soccer taken seriously with the struggle of all women and girls to have their voices heard. She aptly noted, “Not enough women out there are able to get out their message,” adding that she sees GGM as an exciting way to target this issue through sports and in underserved communities such as Soweto. Foudy will be covering the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa for ESPN and will also serve as one of the mentors to the girls in the program.

Also speaking at yesterday’s brunch was Kgomotso Matsunyane of T.O.M Pictures, South Africa, who is spearheading GGM efforts on the ground.  She noted that even though South Africa has one of the most liberal constitutions in the world when it comes to women’s equality, those guaranteed rights sadly stay on paper. The grim reality is that girls are shunned out of positions of power and subject to a misogynist environment every day. Kgomotso’s goal in taking on GGM in South Africa is to show girls that they can aspire to be more than just the “presenters” or the star of a music video. Ultimately, she envisions the program’s success manifesting itself not only through the unique and engaging coverage that the girls will surely deliver, but through how employable they will be after the program, so they can become key players in South African media. “Kick It Up!” is only the beginning.

After the completion of “Kick It Up!” GGM aims to venture on into other countries with their innovative curriculum and initiate similar programs leaving behind a Global Girl News Bureau in Soweto (and every other community that GGM works with) that will function on its own, forever.

The Women’s Media Center is thrilled to share the exciting work of  Global Girl Media.  To learn more about GGM, visit:  www.globalgirlmedia.org. You can also find and fan them on Facebook!

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WMC News Brief: Racial Bias And Abortion, Criminalized Illegal Abortions, Suu Kyi’s Release Rejected

March 1, 2010 By admin

New York Times Article On Myth Of “Racial Bias And Abortion” Omits Critical Analyses
3/1/10
RH Reality Check: The New York Times story failed to explore in any real depth the factors underlying reproductive and sexual health problems among African-American women.

Utah Bill Would Criminalize Illegal Abortions
3/1/10
NY Times: The origins of Utah State House Bill 12 lie in an act of dark and desperate violence.

Appeal For Suu Kyi Release Rejected
2/25/10
FOX:  The highest court in military-ruled Burma dismissed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s latest bid for freedom.

MIA: Women Chefs In NY Post
2/25/10
Huffington Post: New York Post should consider including top female chefs for future stories.

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A Transformative Oscar Moment?

March 1, 2010 By Melissa Silverstein

Bigelow accepts the top Directors Guild of America award, the first woman so honored.

Bigelow accepts the top Directors Guild of America award, the first woman so honored.

By Melissa Silverstein

Women & Hollywood’s blogger here assesses the implications of a historic win for Kathryn Bigelow.

In less than one week, March 7 to be exact, the Hollywood awards season will be over, and chances are very good that for the first time a woman—Kathryn Bigelow—will have won the best director Oscar for The Hurt Locker.  Three other women (Lina Wertmuller, Jane Campion and Sofia Coppola) have been nominated in the 82 years that the Academy has held its awards, but with due respect to them and their films, none of them had a shot.

This year is different.  Based on earlier awards by critics and more recently by the Directors Guild (a first for a woman director) and the British academy (BAFTA)—as well as conversations with several Oscar watchers—the consensus is that Bigelow is at the front of the pack to win the award.  Last week, Time magazine got into the act titling its story “The Front Runner.” Forgive me for not sounding the trumpets in advance but we all have seen female front runners fade. While there are many reasons to believe that Bigelow will win, there is something in the back of my head that screams caution remembering the Gloria Steinem piece from the 2008 election season “Women are Never Front-Runners.”

While Hollywood’s gender politics are small potatoes compared to our national struggle with gender, they are a microcosm—albeit a better dressed one—for many different issues we struggle with on a daily basis.  Yes, Hollywood has a chance to make history, and long time Oscar watcher Anne Thompson of Thompson on Hollywood believes that Academy members will take this as an “opportunity to right this wrong, to do the right thing and be high minded as they like to be.”  But the reality is even if Bigelow wins, women directors still have a long, long way to go.

Already 2009 is perceived by some as Hollywood’s “year of the woman” because a) two films with female leads—New Moon and The Proposal—made it into the top ten grossing films, and b) many high profile female directors released films, including Nora Ephron, Nancy Meyers, Mira Nair, Jane Campion, Anne Fletcher, Lone Scherfig (whose film An Education is nominated for best picture) and of course, Kathryn Bigelow.  But just like 1992 was no watershed “year of the woman” in politics—as Anne Kornblut points out in her new book Notes from the Cracked Ceiling—statistically speaking, in 2009, the proportion of women directing top-grossing films actually regressed two points to 7 percent, the same level as 1987.

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