Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
Shirley Chisholm, Catalyst of Change, Progressive Bad Ass
Before there was Hillary or Liz or Kamala, there was Congresswoman, civil rights activist, social reformer, and educator Shirley Chisholm. She broke through the formidable racial and gender barriers of the 1960s and 1970s and made it look easy.
Kathy Copeland PaddenPublished 14 days ago in Viva
Clap, Punch, Kick. Physical is a harsh lesson in internalised female misogyny and the conditioning of female self consciousness.
I must admit I had a very visceral response watching the first six episodes of Physical. I was quickly transported back to my early childhood where the punishing and restrictive mentality of personal athletic betterment was relentlessly pushed out into the popular culture zeitgeist of the late 80’s - early 90’s. An issue that hasn't left but quietly established itself as the norm of personal female self-empowerment. If, you are a millennial who was reared during this conception of dysmorphic, diet culture toxicity, watching this will be nothing short of an uncomfortable trip down memory lane and for everyone else it will serve as a confronting reminder that there is still a lot of work to do in challenging these beliefs.
Madeline KenziePublished 14 days ago in Viva
Fibromyalgia is a Little Bitch
When I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it felt like I’d come to the end of a long, winding, exhausting road. It had taken me years to get my diagnosis, during which I’d seen multiple primary care physicians, gotten multiple referrals, had multiple lab tests, and cried multiple tears. I’d been misdiagnosed with a variety of illnesses along the way – everything from depression to Lyme disease. I’d been advised to go gluten-free, carb-free, meat-free, sugar-free, and to try raw foods. To drink more water. To walk more. One doctor told me my issue was stress, and to take up tai chi, align my chakras, and “chill.”
Christina SeinePublished 14 days ago in VivaIs it luck?
I was recently talking to someone about a networking event that I attended (Pre-Covid). The event was paid for by work and I had to entertain numerous clients and I was extremely happy with the breakfast that was provided. Being a food lover, I was going into great detail about the eggs cooked to perfection and the crispy bread and I could have talked about it for hours. Instead, my audience asked me if I get to go to events like this often, ‘yes’ I said. ‘Oh you’re so lucky’ was the response.
Jaqui O'DonohoePublished 14 days ago in VivaWomen's Right
Women's history is full of pioneers in the fight for equality in the United States. From recruiting Father Founders and suffragists to Title IX and early female politicians, American women moved on equally. History shows that women have made great strides in this fight, including women and progress towards equal employment and employment opportunities.
Radha KarkiPublished 15 days ago in Viva
Misogyny, misogyny everywhere.
Misogyny is deeply rooted in our society. Here’s a thought exercise that shows how amazingly widespread it is and how it affects girls.
Prickly PamPublished 15 days ago in Viva
Survival Secrets of a Southern Woman Playwright
All children are playwrights and directors. Cross-legged on the floor, youngsters put toys through their paces. “Bam! You’re dead!” “Barbie, I love you.” But, for most, growing up extinguishes that particular creative flame.
Diane HelentjarisPublished 16 days ago in Viva
I Hate That I Turned Back
In an unnamed town in Southern Ontario, I live a quiet life with my three cats, a tiny apartment and—as my sign-off always includes—too many words in my head. I'm sure many authors can relate; most days, it feels like if I don't write them down, the words will rattle around endlessly until I go mad. Unless—considering I do have bipolar disorder—maybe I am already. No matter. Spiralling thought-levels or no, I wouldn't wish to be any different.
Call Me LesPublished 16 days ago in Viva
Review: The Paper Bag Princess
Robert N. Munsch and Michael Martchenko are a world-renowned children's literature powerhouse team. A glance through their website will show you a list of diverse books spanning a multiple decades long career.
Call Me LesPublished 16 days ago in VivaWomen Rights
Ladies's rights are the rights and entitlements that girls and ladies declare. They shaped the inspiration of the women's rights movement of the 19th century and the feminist movements of the 20 th and twenty first centuries. All through the arena, discrimination and violence against ladies stay a virulent disease.
simon bhailaPublished 17 days ago in Viva
Eliminating the Confusion Behind a Strong Woman
Deciphering a strong woman, what she wants, and how you can relate to her, is easier than it sounds. I stumbled across a powerful article that I saved on my desktop for weeks.
Lisa Gerard BraunPublished 17 days ago in Viva
How 21 Celebrities Reacted to Ini Dima-Okojie's Sudden Engagement (Photos)
Celebration is in the air for Nigerian star actress, Ini Dima-Okojie who earlier today announced her engagement to a man she's apparently been seeing for two years now.
Jide OkonjoPublished 17 days ago in Viva
