Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
How to Make Sure Time Really Is Up for Sexual Harrassment
Several people that I have chosen to share my story with have told me that I could write a book about my life. I assume this is because they think that what I have experienced is not normal. But more and more, the media and feminist campaigns like “Time’s Up” are exposing cases of sexual abuse and showing us that sexual harassment is the norm. It happens too often, to too many people.
By Rachel Davies8 years ago in Viva
Let's Talk About Consent
This piece is my view on #consent. It is the first of a series of essays breaking down the poem "My Truth" to address in depth the social problems I refer to in that poem. If you haven't read it yet, please do. It'll give you context for this piece. Thanks :)
By Lena Marques8 years ago in Viva
Rain Boots: A Growing Fashion Statement for Ladies
When I say the words rain boots, you may think ladies' fashion trend or splashing in the rain and/or water puddles (just for fun). You would be right if you pondered on any of the above terminology. As rain boots come in many styles, shapes, colors, and sizes, they are commonly worn by women everywhere, unfortunately leaving men wearing sneakers and or flip flops in the rain. This doesn’t exclude certain people from wearing them, but they are more of a social normality for women.
By Jason Anschutz8 years ago in Viva
The Lost Art of Being a Gentlewoman
There is a book that I have taken with me though every move in the past 20 years. It’s dog-eared and a bit battered, but it’s the one thing I always have with me. Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach is one of those ”thought for every day of the year” books. The purpose is stated as giving the reader a blueprint to live a simple yet fruitful life. However, I believe another intent is to show women how to live as a gentlewoman.
By Beth Gross8 years ago in Viva
Body Image and What It Has You Believing...
Here it is... I can't speak for everyone but I know a lot of women and men feel like I do. I have friends and loved ones in the same position. So, I am speaking from my experiences but, of course, this may touch all of you.
By Wynter Snowe-Gem8 years ago in Viva
I Think I Was Sexually Harassed?
#MyWorstDate I was seeking companionship online. I don't get out much and online dating was my best option. I've never had the utmost confidence in myself on a continual basis. Sometimes I found that I was cute, but I never really thought more than that. I figured dating online was my only way to find a decent guy. My low self-esteem and self-worth, combined with this particular guy I met is what made me begin to think differently about myself.
By Katrina Carr8 years ago in Viva
Is My Birth Control Giving Me Anxiety?
I have been a faithful friend to hormonal birth control methods for over fourteen years now. Mostly oral contraceptives to start, and switching to hormonal IUD’s a little later on. This hadn’t been a significant fact until recently, when I started doing a little digging into my health, and some of the health hiccups I’d undergone throughout my teenage years and now into my twenties.
By Em McMahon8 years ago in Viva
Debunked Myths About Your Vagina
We live in a society that seems to be obsessed with both female sexuality and female anatomy. Though we constantly gab and debate about the female body, as a society, we're really ignorant about how the equipment works down there. Hell, even gynecologists don't really seem to know as much as they should have the time.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart8 years ago in Viva
The Shocking Messages We Are Sending Our Children
It recently came to my attention that the number of children’s books containing female protagonists is alarmingly low. My mother sent me a video with some disturbing statistics about the lack of female role models in children’s literature, urging me to start writing children’s books. We know that stereotypes develop early-on. Socialisation as children is a huge part of determining how men and women will be treated as adults. Therefore, it is shocking to see how men and women are portrayed and how young boys and girls are being socialised into seeing these grossly unfair stereotypes as normal.
By Hannah Petch8 years ago in Viva
