Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Viva.

Only Women Can Stop Sexual Assault
Sexual assault happens everywhere. The assaults happen in Hollywood, in government, in the workplace, on the street, in school, and in our homes. It has been televised and written about enough times in the media for this to be common sense. I think we can all agree, both men and women, sexual assault against women has gone too far and needs to stop. Women need to take action so these wrongly accused men will no longer be in danger of prosecution. A great number of them never actually go to jail or prison. But still, the mere possibility of going to jail must be stressful. And I know, as a woman, I would feel great shame in causing a man to rape me. So, how will men ever feel safe again, and how will women not feel shame ever again? I have a simple, easy proposal that should be put into action because time is up. Women must take responsibility and become educated on how to prevent sexual assault.
By Rosalind Smith7 years ago in Viva
To the Girl Who Doesn’t Know If She Can Do It
At the beginning of every relationship it’s sunshine and roses, unicorns fly by farting rainbows and everything seems perfect in the world. He is the one for sure, three months in. Than something happens, it’s six months in, but you can work it out right? Than one year passes and you are making excuses and trying to tell that voice in your head to shut up because he is perfect.
By Bells R7 years ago in Viva
A Life of Fear and Silence
Can you remember your very first memory? Your very first thought? Do you ever wish that you could erase some of those very first memories? I live with that wish every single day of my life. I am a 23 year woman living with the fears of a six year old little girl. Let me take you back into my past with the hopes that my memories do not burden you as much as they do me.
By Charlee Love7 years ago in Viva
Pain Into Power
Yesterday for a few short hours, my world fell apart. I ended up being that girl I swore to myself I would never be again. The victim! The mentality I worked so hard to rid myself of crept back in. I say crept, it was more like a tornado, ripping through me. Twisting my mind, tearing my heart out and crushing my soul for being in its path. I know what you're thinking, what could have happened to me for such an extreme reaction? He did. The narcissist. That pure and evil soul that set out to destroy me. I wont lie to you or myself, he very nearly did. But by morning my pain became my power. Allow me to explain.
By Sophie Kerr7 years ago in Viva
Consenticles Gone Wild
After seven or eight drinks too many my friend is on the table. She isn't sober enough to dance, but she crawls across toward me. She's half-flashing most of the bar, but it is a quiet night, and maybe that's intentional. Especially since she is crawling across the table to plant a wet, sticky kiss on my mouth to the hoots and hollers of the men in the room. We make a show of the kiss, but to be honest, it isn't all for show. Everyone is having a good time as she moves to kiss more willing participants around the table, there are hoots and hollers.
By Haybitch Abersnatchy7 years ago in Viva
Book Reflection: 'Miscarriage: What Every Woman Needs to Know'
It's been eight days. A hard eight days where I have had a lot of time to think and process and understand—I haven't 'moved on'; I don't think there is ever way to move on from something like this. My problem is that I am a massive control freak and going through a miscarriage hasn't worked well with that. Personally, I am not religious and therefore I can't find comfort in a faith or an omniscient being. Thus, I bought this book to understand the scientific reasons behind why miscarriage happens. I read it quickly and I will probably have to read it again to reabsorb. But it has helped me hugely, even if to reinforce the understanding that there was nothing I could have done to change it, nor anything I did to trigger losing our baby.
By Aimee W7 years ago in Viva
#MeToo Comes to the Workplace
One thing we know for sure today is that the rules, the norms, the expectations—in short, everything—is changing regarding interactions of men and women!
By David Wyld7 years ago in Viva
It’s Not Your Fault!
I just want to share with everyone some realities about abuse, mainly sexual abuse. There’s so much more that I just can’t put into words but I hope this can help people understand, and those who already understand to not feel alone.
By Sarah What’smynameagain7 years ago in Viva
The Audition: Public Relations
Receiving an email from my agent at 7 PM explaining I had been submitted to an audition for an American TV show, felt like my prayers had been answered. After searching for a sign that I shouldn’t give up on my dreams to become an actress, I was beginning to wonder if I had what it took. To give you an idea, last year in meeting with a director about taking on a lead role in a short film, she had said, “As a woman, it is already tough being in the film industry. But I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a minority on top of that.” This isn’t a sob story, this is a truth concerning my uphill battle of seeking more diverse roles in my category.
By Gabrielle Maryse7 years ago in Viva
I STILL Believe Christine Ford
I'm going to keep talking about this since apparently a whole lot of people still don't want to understand, and let me just say that as much as I hate bringing these memories to light, and as much as I hate having to re-live them every day, I think it's important for voices like mine to be heard.
By Shelby Taylor7 years ago in Viva
Conquering the Fear of Expression Through Writing
Contrary to historical expectations and stereotypes, household chores are not the only appropriate venue through which women should express themselves.
By Coral Evergreen7 years ago in Viva
Man Is Not Man Without Woman
Holding the header for this semi-rant—that I believe is extremely necessary—is the late Chantal Akerman. She was one of the most audacious, talented, unwavering filmmakers in her time and stands as one of the key figures of the dawn of the feminist film movement. As a film studies major and a lover of her creations, I think she's a perfect embodiment of feminine power.
By Christian Schnapp7 years ago in Viva