Friday, June 18, 2010

Disparities Still Exist for Women in Minnesota-Three Reasons For Gap

Among women of color, the disparities are more extreme, with some
making 56 cents for every dollar earned by a white man
St. Paul, Minn.

Women's Foundation of Minnesota and The University of Minnesota's Center on Women and Public Policy released research today that states, Minnesota women on average are paid $11 dollars less each year than men with the same jobs.



*The gap exists in every occupation, including those dominated by women


THREE REASONS FOR GAP

Lee Roper-Batker, the president of the Women's Foundation of Minnesota, said economists site three reasons for the income gap. She said women often choose careers that pay less and employers sometimes punish women who take time off to have children. "And the third thing economists say is just unexplainable," she said. "We don't know to attribute the wage gap to so we just call that good old fashioned sexism." The report said Minnesota women are clustered in low-wage jobs.

MOST HOMELESS ARE WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Families headed by single women are most likely to live under the poverty line. On an average night, women and children make up two-thirds of the state's homeless population.

That statistic is played out every day, said Liz Kuoppala, the executive director of the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. She works in northern Minnesota, on the Iron Range. "We talk to homeless women in rural areas who are staying up in a tent," she said. "Up in my part of the state, they climb down steep embankments to mine dumps where there's access to water."

DANGER OF ASSAULT

The research shows girls and women also live in danger of assault. It said one in every three women in Minnesota will be the victim of sexual or physical assault by middle age.

According to the Women's Foundation of Minnesota, that adds up to 250,000 women at any given time, a population that could fill the Metrodome four times. "It has become so normalized that many of our young girls believe it is inevitable," said Suzanne Koepplinger, executive director of the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center in Minneapolis.

Indian women have the highest rate of sexual assault in the state -- 42 percent of Indian women are victims. "I heard a story about an elder giving instructions to working with young girls and she said don't tell them if they're raped this is what they should do, tell them when they're raped, this is what they should do," she said.

POOR HEALTH


The study also found women and girls in Minnesota have poorer health than men and boys.
Girls are less likely to be physically active than boys. Forty-eight percent of 12th grade girls participate in sports, compared to fifty-nine percent of boys. A majority of the state's women are now considered obese or overweight and women in northeastern Minnesota have disproportionately high cancer rates.


Links:


Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center
http://www.miwrc.org/

University of Minnesota's Center of Women and Public Policy
http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/wpp/

Women's Foundation of Minnesota
http://www.wfmn.org/

Minnesota Coalition of the Homeless
http://www.mnhomelesscoalition.org/

Minnesota Public Radio
http://minnesota.publicradio.org

World Pulse
http://www.worldpulse.com/node/22009

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Help Kiana Firouz Seek Asylum from Iran

The UK Home Office recently rejected the asylum appeal of lesbian filmmaker and actress Kiana Firouz—a move that could lead to her deportation to Iran, where she faces a minimum sentence of 100 lashes or even the death penalty for “unrepentant” homosexuality.

The UK ruling has put the life of the 27-year-old in serious danger. Firouz starred in the film Cul de Sac, which is loosely based on her life. In it, she portrays the struggle of lesbians under the Iranian regime. The movie, which premiered in London on May 20, could cause serious problems for Firouz in Iran, where homosexuality is illegal.

The UK Times Online reports that the Home Office, in defending the rejection of Firouz’s appeal, acknowledged the danger she would face as a lesbian in Iran but argued that Firouz could escape harm by being discreet about her homosexuality.

Given the public nature of Firouz’s activism, however, there is little chance that she could fly under the radar in her home country.

You can help Kiana Firouz fight this ruling by urging the Home Office to reverse its decision. Send a letter to the Home Secretary Theresa May in support of Firouz’s case for asylum, and help Kiana Firouz remain in the UK.


Links about Kiana Firouz's story and petition online

Sign the petition!
http://www.petitiononline.com/kianaf/petition.html

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7131310.ece

Cul De Sac movie trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lbQiB3rkh4

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Black Women's Health Imperatitve Tackle Depression:Find a Therapist That’s Right for You!

Tune In Today at 2 p.m. listen live!
http://asoft362.accrisoft.com/blackwmnshlth/index.php?cid=375027&src=gendocs&ref=listenlive&category=Multimedia&curlid=9



One out of five Black women suffers from depression.

Last month, Byllye and Ngina led a thought-provoking discussion on Black women and depression. This month, they are bringing you expert advice on how to find the right therapist.

With the insight, passion and wisdom that have won them a loyal following on BlogTalkRadio, Byllye and Ngina will shed light on an issue not often discussed - Black women and depression.

Terrie Williams will unveil the truth about the faces of depression - helplessness, dissatisfaction, illness, loss, addiction and anger - and offer strategies for tough times and exercises for recovery, as well as answer your questions.

Listen to Cheryl’s Advice on First Wednesday: Conversation with Byllye and Ngina Wednesday, June 2, 2 p.m.


Cheryl will provide unique insight into an issue rarely discussed among Black women - seeking professional help for the emotional and mental health challenges that many of us are facing.Cheryl will take your questions live on the radio or via e-mail. Call 646-381-4662 with your questions beginning at 2 p.m. EST or submit them prior to the show at

http://asktheexpert@blackwomenshealth.org

Stay in touch with Black Women's Health Imperative at http://blackwomenshealth.org

Cheryl Chisholm, is a licensed therapist and director of the Imperative-produced documentary, "On Becoming a Woman: Mothers and Daughters Talking Together a few links to flim provided below:

http://www.wmm.com/filmcatalog/pages/c124.shtml

http://www.movierevie.ws/movies/1030675/On-Becoming-a-Woman-Mothers-and-Daughters-Talking-Together.html



Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Art Work for Change:Women and Violence

This is an ongoing exhibit coming to a city or country near you. if you are in any of the areas listed below take some time and go see it!

Off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women and Art An International Contemporary Art Exhibition


Thirty-two contemporary artists from 25 countries address violence against women and girls globally and their basic human rights to a safe and secure life.


The beauty of this project is that it combines the highest integrity of art with important social messaging and storytelling to help create awareness, inspiration, and address systems for positive social change and action.


Exhibition curated by Randy Jayne Rosenberg



Remaining Dates:

Museo Universitario del Chopo, Mexico

September 8 – November 7, 2010

Chicago Cultural Center, USA

January 22 – April 10, 2011

Global Health Odyssey Museum,Ctr. for Disease Control, Atlanta, USA

January 25 – May 23, 2012


Program Partners:

Amnesty International, Art for Amnesty, CounterQuo.org, Emergent Media Center at Champlain College,

Family Violence Prevention Fund, Global Fund for Women, International Rescue Committee,

Population Media Center, UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),The Voices and Faces Project