Top Stories

Stories in Viva that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.

We, Women
Friday, 11:43pm We stumble out of bars, laughing. The bouncers tossing us out glare at us until we stumble down to the streets. We try to gain composure momentarily. Once the doors slam shut, however, we flip off the bars and burst out laughing once again. Tears streaming down our faces, we tell one another not to jump up onto the stages next time.
By Shelby Larsen4 years ago in Viva
Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman’s Voice.
What makes a woman’s voice sound empowered and less like a typical “Karen” wanting to speak with the manager? I’ve been getting in trouble lately with my teenage son for emailing his teachers and administrators, even his basketball coach and director for things I am noticing that don’t sit well with me.
By Melissa Steussy4 years ago in Viva
The Venus Effect
Our world has been turned upside down in the last 20 months or so, in no uncertain terms. We have been blindsided by unexpected events, and felt more collective fear and disempowerment than we have in a long long time. Perhaps in our entire lives. It has not been easy, nor gentle, for we’ve been swept up in a maelstrom of angst in unprecedented ways. And yet, with all the death, destruction and confusion; with all the unceremonious stripping away of dignity, autonomy and deeply held value systems…. something deep in our hearts and souls is galvanizing, even as the body and mind takes shelter.
By Julie Tara4 years ago in Viva
To the Men Giving Me Fitness and Health Advice
First, let me just start by saying thank you to all the men who give me unsolicited help on health and fitness. You know who you are. You’re always present, at every gym. Sometimes, at workplaces. You may be a personal trainer, or a random gym goer.
By Taru Anniina Liikanen4 years ago in Viva
Ladies, Use Your Period as Your Superpower.
Many women dread that time of the month. Many women constantly complain about cramps and pains. Many women curse elaborately.
By Katarzyna Portka4 years ago in Viva
An Open Letter to Every Man Who Dislikes the Word 'Feminism'
Often when I have a conversation with a man about feminism, I come across a familiar argument - why must you call it 'feminism'? Isn't that sexist in the opposite way? Why can't you just call it 'equality'?
By Aditi Balaji4 years ago in Viva
“No means no”— unless you’re speaking to a film producer, your boss, your classmate, the President…
(TW: sexual assault and harassment, the Weinstein case, violence.) Today, I visited a church. They are pretty peaceful places, and I enjoy walking around the graves, picking out the deceased’s names and trying to remember them all. This particular church is situated on a busy stretch of road near where I live, opposite two pubs and a bus-stop often used by students — so it’s not unusual for this place to attract nosy people like me who want to look around.
By Lauren Entwistle4 years ago in Viva
Off the Hook
My eyes focused on the illustration of the fallopian tubes as Dr. Marquez fingered me with two digits and a pencil light. Poking and prodding at my cervix, I spread my thighs like I was back at cheerleading practice warming up for a jump sequence. I wondered what she might find down there…a rash? A tear? Old remains of a cheap tampon? In all honesty, I wouldn’t be surprised. In fact, I’d be thrilled to know it was my own stinginess which rendered sex impossible, and not the Judas-level betrayal of my vagina. I needed an answer, some form of explanation as to why my butterfly was dryer than the charcoal-colored dust framing my ceiling fan. Not only for me, but for my boyfriend playing Pokémon in the waiting room.
By Heather Cunningham4 years ago in Viva
Great Books for Every Woman Who Is Shedding Society's Expectations
Every woman in this world has faced discrimination or disempowerment based on her gender. The patriarchy has created a situation where we have internalized constraints in our own minds. And these constraints are repeatedly reinforced by the people we meet and interact with on a daily basis.
By Aditi Balaji4 years ago in Viva
Jane Goodall
“When I grow up, I want to study chimpanzees in the wild...just like Jane Goodall,” I wrote in zig-zagged sentences with misspelled words. My second-grade journal displayed my simple thoughts and aspirations: I wanted to be just like Jane Goodall.
By KB5 years ago in Viva
The List of 5 Ridiculous Things a Man Has Told Me About Womanhood
Women talk too much. That’s what some men say these days, isn’t it? Women talk and talk and don’t know when to stop. Well, as true as that may be sometimes, it can also just be a huge male moment of projecting without self-awareness. Contrary to popular belief, men can talk too much as well — especially when it comes to womanhood.
By Denisa4 years ago in Viva
I Was Always Proud That I Wasn't A "Typical" Girl
I was always a little different from other girls in my class. While most of the girls liked to talk about clothes and fashion, I wanted to talk about books and the latest gadgets. I was always a voracious reader so wanted to discuss amazing things described in them(this was the pre-internet era when we relied on books for all our knowledge). But most of the girls couldn't share my interests.
By Richa Khare4 years ago in Viva