Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
Five Things for Every Femme in STEM
Being a femme in a STEM field is a special kind of hell. You have to work twice as hard from the moment you decide to dedicate yourself to your field, in school, in social circles, the job hunt, and at work. I am sure that there will be some haters for this topic because there always are. There is always someone screaming that the gender divide has been bridged, but as a femme in STEM I can tell you, from first hand experience and statistical data that sexism is still very much alive, and in action every single day.
Paige GraffunderPublished 5 years ago in Viva#MeToo Moves Forward but Why Do We Still Support Chris Brown?
The #MeToo movement has made some major moves in the way the world looks at sexual assault, and for the most part, things seem to be moving forward, however, the music industry has turned a blind eye to certain artists' past discrepancies, while we're all distracted with Hollywood. Since I’ve been alive, music has had a long history of objectifying women and using sexuality to sell records. Now with the #MeToo movement, it seems as if we are beginning to hold the powerful accountable for their actions, and calling people out, but that is not always the case. Male artists who have been caught and convicted of assault against women remain at the top of the charts and unscathed by a movement that has shaken the country.
Stephanie MurguiaPublished 6 years ago in VivaI'm a Survivor
If you're like me, you've heard so many stories about sexual assault lately. It seems like we can't open up Facebook or a news app without seeing a headline containing those two words. Honestly, it's scary how often it happens. We never think that it could happen to us, then it does. We never think that it could happen to one of our friends, then it does. We never think that it could happen to one of our family members, then it does.
Paige ElizabethPublished 6 years ago in VivaThe Future Is Female: Artistic Perspectives
As a writer, aspiring actress and PR specialist, there are many hats to be worn in my day-to-day life—a common trend for many women in the arts. With time and travels, I had the pleasure to work, or spend time with these seven wonderful women who are blazing a trail for female artists to come. Here are their stories, as a reminder, that while the struggle may be real... our voices are only getting louder.
Gabrielle MarysePublished 6 years ago in VivaFeminism Explained
Trigger Warning: Topic includes abortion and rape. Many people in my community have made it clear that they don’t believe in feminism anymore, mostly directing their disapproval at “femi-nazis.” The term refers to women who hate on men and are trying to take down everything involving the male gender. Because of their irrational actions, true feminist activists are losing supporters.
Lexi CowiePublished 6 years ago in VivaDeafening Silence
The door closed and that was it. It was done. No more yelling. No more fighting. No more hatred, at least not from him. After years of manipulation and control I was free, or so I thought. I set about filing for divorce as though that would fix the trauma I had endured. This is not a story so much about being a victim but rather an emotional outpouring from someone that was a victim of domestic violence.
To My Love, On Other Women
Darling, We are so busy. We both work six days a week to pay for this bungalow, and our cozy little life in it. There are things I often wish to tell you about, but I forget, for there is only time for “I love you” and “would you like me to make you coffee too?” As well as, “I am proud of you." All good things to be saying to one another, of course. Though, the extras sometimes get forgotten. So, I have written them here for you to read, perhaps on a smoke break, or on your day off, when and I am at work.
Hadley FrancesPublished 6 years ago in VivaPink Tax
This was actually my English Final Paper my first semester of college. I wanted to write this in a way everyone would understand.
Silent Oppression: It Shouldn't Be this Way
I went for a run in town last week. It was outside, drizzling, and about 43 degrees Fahrenheit. I was so cold my breath exhaled in puffs of crystallized white mist. It's autumn, and what I didn't realize before I left was that it was about to start getting dark. I'm a pretty experienced runner, having done this for the majority of my adult life.
Sarah JanePublished 6 years ago in Viva- Top Story - November 2018
An Open Letter to Roseanne Barr
Dear Roseanne, The new season of The Conners has spurred me to write to you. I've been so upset with you ever since the reboot of your self-titled show. You see, I grew up with you as a secondary mother. Your television family was a reflection of my family, and your parenting lessons echoed my mother's. You were the first feminist woman I saw blazing a path with no regard to those she upset. You were revolutionary to girls of my age.
Diane NivensPublished 6 years ago in Viva The Fight For Equality In A 'Pretty' Work Place
Has your boss ever told you that you ‘had’ to wear makeup to work? Or that you ‘have’ to wear heels? Sadly for many women in Britain today, in non-uniform working environments, getting told they have to wear certain clothes is a very real issue.
Anna-Roisin Ullman-SmithPublished 6 years ago in VivaFinding Out I Have PCOS
I have always known there was something wrong with me... I started my period at 9-years-old and would suffer through excruciating pain and extremely heaving bleeding EVERY SINGLE MONTH. My Mum thought I had endometriosis, therefore took me to the doctors; however, they brushed it off and sent me on my way. Eventually when I was 14, I went back to the doctors because I couldn’t take it anymore... They put me on the pill. Thinking back, I wish I had put up more of a fight for more answers but I was given my Microgynon 30 and went on my way.
Jodie DennyPublished 6 years ago in Viva