Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Viva.

Women Respecting Women
“What are you doing?” “What are you wearing?” “Don’t you have any respect for yourself?” Whether these questions have been directed at us or a woman we know, many women have learned, through the patriarchal society, that if we are participating in any activity deemed inappropriate or not "respectable," we are not worthy of respect. Women are often monitored on their clothing choices, sexual activities, drinking, or late night habits. Society polices women's clothing and bodies on a daily basis. These views are extremely misogynistic and lead to people, men and women alike, judging women's behavior in order to determine whether or not they deserve respect.
By Emma Pindera8 years ago in Viva
More Than #Metoo
Social media is in my head. It’s the train wreck I can’t stop myself from looking at, or the venue of marketing for my company, so a necessity, I say. Some days it’s the politics I can’t stomach, the absurd clickbait people I love and admire share, or other days it’s filled with the worldly horrors of mass shootings and natural disasters that I used to be able to escape by not watching the news and hiding on my social media. Not any more. I vacillate between eye rolling at oversharing and the need to add my voice, to believe there’s a purpose and people care what my inane opinions are... the struggle is real, as they say.
By J Leigh8 years ago in Viva
Things All Women in Relationships Should Know About Money
When it comes to money in a relationship... it's a big deal. Especially when you and your partner are living together, money is basically the backbone to your lives. I know, it's sad to say, but we do live in a world where money runs the planet. And in this case, it's running the relationship.
By Jacqueline Hanikeh8 years ago in Viva
Benefits of Birth Control
Birth control has been around for decades. Whether it’s the pill, the patch, the ring, or any other of the many forms of hormonal birth control, there are several benefits to using to using contraceptives. Aside from preventing pregnancy, birth control can also give you better skin and easier periods. Read below to find out more of the amazing benefits of birth control.
By A M8 years ago in Viva
#MeToo
This is the definition given to the word 'rape' in the dictionary: unlawful sexual activity carried out forcibly or under threat of injury against the will usually of a female (paraphrased, because the full definition is MUCH longer). Unfortunately, society today defines it only as the act of forcing sexual intercourse. They say that what happened to me is called sexual abuse, not rape. I disagree.
By Jasmine Yingling8 years ago in Viva
We Need to Talk About Kevin (Spacey)
The news broke this week over Kevin Spacey coming out… as both a sexual harasser and as a gay man. It’s finally (finally!) open season on sexual predators, so understandably everyone is mighty pissed off — not just because of this transgression, but because it seems that his coming out is designed to excuse or minimise it. It’s not a great look — LGBT people have put up with decades of abuse comparing them with child molesters and perverts, and this statement is sadly going to get all sorts crawling out of the woodwork.
By Katy Preen8 years ago in Viva
Cosy Clashing Clarets
Alongside bell-sleeves, blown-out bows, and tassel earrings, the wonderfully vibrant clashing colours of pink and red together were one of this year's biggest trends.
By Cait Fawkes8 years ago in Viva
Must Read Feminist Books
The mind of a feminist is more powerful and open-minded than most others. Why? Their main focus in life is to gain equalization for both genders — to demolish gender roles, stereotypes, and everything else that's preventing women from being themselves. As sad as it is, we do need feminism in this world, because certain parts of society have a backwards mentality that can't fathom certain things when it comes to gender roles — in which case they need to understand the guide to feminism. And this strived numerous feminist writers to write down their thoughts in the form of stories to pass on significant messages.
By Rachel Blanchard8 years ago in Viva
What Is the Feminist Movement?
Traversing as far back as the 19th century, though not gaining true prominence until the 1970s, the feminist movement in its entirety spans across a great deal of history, and shares its roots within many other ranging political and social outcries, specifically Civil Rights. Debates wrought by the movement also have a variety of considerations, never specifically falling on one holistic issue, but more or less arguing them all first and foremost under one pretext: the importance of the woman.
By Donald Gray8 years ago in Viva
#MeToo
I don't think that my story is unique in any way what so ever. Every day on the bus I have to put my head phones in to avoid getting hit on by old men who reek of vodka. If they do catch me with my headphones out, I have to say I'm not interested, or if that doesn't work, that I am a lesbian.
By Toni Riojas8 years ago in Viva
My True #Metoo Story
My true #Metoo story has yet to be told. I have shared other experiences like having my bra snapped by boys at school, instances of male classmates grabbing my butt while making nasty comments about me, and guys whistling or catcalling at me from their cars. These I have expressed openly as many others can relate. Although, these moments were uncomfortable, it was still so much easier to share. When it comes to my deeper story though, I hesitate to type the words.
By Kimberly Sterling8 years ago in Viva
From the Girl Who Fits Twice In My Jeans
"Mens sana in corpore sano." Look at some of the sayings in day to day life, and see how obsessed our language is with measurement:
By Amy Cookson8 years ago in Viva