This is a man’s world, especially in Hollywood, but these female directors are breaking and changing the rules.

It’s often talked about how women are portrayed in film; even today with cinema being as varied as it is, many movies still portray women as one-dimensional characters, falling into many gender stereotypes. But when the majority of films hitting our screens are made by men, it’s hardly surprising that the representation of women isn’t always up to scratch.

However, recent blockbusters like “Wonder Woman,” directed by Patty Jenkins, prove that the tides are turning and that there is a real desire to have stories visualized through the eyes of women just as much as men.

Discover some of the female directors we think you need to watch out for in the next few years, and their must see movies who also happen to champion complexed and strong female characters (or poke fun at stereotypes, in the case of number four).

5 Must-See Films By Female Directors

1. “Electrik Children” (2012) Rebecca Thomas

Including teenage pregnancy and fundamentalist religion, you don’t expect “Electrick Children” to be a barrel of laughs, but from start to finish it is full of infectious optimism and innocence. Centered on curious fifteen year old Rachel (Julia Garner), who believes she has been impregnated by listening to “Don’t Leave Me Hanging On The Telephone” on a forbidden cassette player, we follow her on a journey of self-discovery into the world beyond her Mormon family. Thomas handles potentially dark subjects with grace, never straying far from Rachel’s bright view of the world, with delicious cinematography as the cherry on top.

2. “Into The Forest” (2015) Patricia Rozema

Although “Into The Forest” can be described as an apocalyptic sci-fi, Rozema skips special effects and chaotic city scenes, instead favoring an inward glance into what the end of the world could really look like. Our focus is on sisters Nell and Eva (played by the equally fantastic Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood) who live in their remote house in the forest, whose world changes one day when the power goes out. Beginning as composed and calm, things slowly unravel little piece by piece. Brace yourself for this harrowing tale of sisterhood, loss, and survival.

3. “Queen Of Katwe” (2016) Mira Nair

Nair is a seasoned director with twenty four titles under her belt, but this latest collaboration with Disney is a must see for anyone who loves a heartwarming true story. Based on the rise of chess champion Phiona Mutesi from the slums of Katwe in Uganda. While her incredible story could have easily translated to overly soppy and out of touch on screen (and via Hollywood), it’s feel good and uplifting in all the right places, without straying far from the reality of what it’s like for one person’s life to change in such a dramatic way.

4. “Ruby Sparks” (2012) Valeria Faris and Jonathan Dayton

This may be directed by both a man and woman, but it’s so good that it has to make the list. You may know this movie making dream team better for their blockbuster Little Miss Sunshine, but this unusual romantic comedy is just as worthy of recognition. Bestselling author Calvin (Paul Dano) can’t get past his decade long writer’s block, until one day he’s inspired to write about the woman of his dreams, Ruby (Zoe Kazan). The twist in the story? Ruby soon comes to life! This fun flick has a serious side, commenting a lot of the idealization of women, and unrealistic expectations within relationships as a whole. Watch out for another release by this duo, “Battle Of The Sexes,” hitting cinemas later this year!

5. “Wadjda” (2012) Haifaa Al-Mansour

If there is one female director who is seriously killing it, it’s Al-Mansour. Not only is “Wadjda” a more than worthy watch, but it’s the first ever feature film by a female Saudi director. Elements of the film reveal just what a feat that is, in a country where life for women is wholly different from those in the West. Our protagonist Wadjda (Waad Mohammed) may be just a girl, but she’s not going to let anyone put her in a girls-only box. In fact, she is a badass. On a mission to buy the bicycle of her dreams, you’ll be rooting for her the whole way as she uses her wit, charm, and smarts to accomplish her goal with everyone against her; at times even her own mother. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for another feature from this trailblazing director in the future.

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The post 5 Unmissable Films Made By Badass Female Directors appeared first on EcoSalon.

Forget Cosmopolitan and Glamour, the real women’s news is in Clover Letter and Teen Vogue.

Over the past few years, news sites and newsletters targeted toward pre-teens and teens have gotten good… Really good.

The start

Rookie, a groundbreaking website made by then teen Tavi Gevinson, started the thoughtful, teen-focused online magazine and book series trend in 2011. Rookie stood out because it covered issues that matter to teens: college prep, school anxiety, and online bullying. It also had a healthy dose of well-written beauty and dating content. The site was and continues to be so good that many adults read its content.

The tradition continues

Since Rookie’s start, other like-minded writers and editors have got wise to the public’s desire to read well-written content with a unique voice. The following two news organizations have replicated Rookie’s ability to produce great content—for teens and adults—by way of two different mediums.

Clover Letter

Clover Letter started as a daily newsletter in 2015. Liza Darwin and Casey Lewis, the newsletter’s founders, knew their stuff before founding the news organization—they were former editors, and worked at publicans such as NYLON, MTV, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Vice.

Although Clover does cover many news stories you see on other sites, it has developed a voice that makes these stories more relatable. Its writers do this by writing accessible headlines and keeping story descriptions short and sweet.

In addition to having a unique voice, Clover’s writers and founders have figured out how to make heavy news stories applicable to pre-teens and teens. The writers don’t downplay or dumb down the news, but present it in a way that’s inviting and geared toward the concerns of young people. The newsletter’s ability to find different angles to old stories is delightful.

Teen Vogue

This teen magazine made its revolutionary mark in 2016 when its writers began covering the American presidential election. The magazine has kept up its great news coverage in 2017.

Just this past week, Teen Vogue wrote a helpful piece about presidential impeachment and a story about abortion stigma. In fact, Teen Vogue’s abortion piece got under the skin of the National Review, a right-wing news publication. Now, you know a teen publication is getting something right when it’s able to do that.

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The post The Teen Magazine and Newsletter Women Need to Read, Too appeared first on EcoSalon.

If our new President-elect has you reconsidering your stay in the United States, then check out these female friendly countries from around the world.  

Welp, there you have it folks, Donald Trump is officially President-elect. No matter how many times I say it, write it, or hear it, I just can’t help but think it’s still the punchline to a really bad joke. Hillary’s loss has definitely been shocking to a lot of us, and like some celebrities, we’ve probably contemplated fleeing the country and never looking back. Sayonara, Cheeto Face!

While I’d like to argue that there are many reasons for you to stay, donations made to Planned Parenthood in Mike Pence’s name can be done from anywhere in the world. But seriously, we need you. And so does humanity. So what I’m about to share should only be used as a last resort, because, surprise! the United States is not even in the top ten of the world’s most female friendly countries. Instead, we’re number 45, and are gonna need a lot of work if we want to grace the highest rankings.

For the last ten years, the World Economic Forum has been compiling the Global Gender Gap Report, which basically tracks and delivers the extent to which men and women differ in society. The study takes into account the following four areas: health, education, economy, and politics. This year’s report covers 144 different countries from all across the globe. And although it has been a decade since the first report, the World Economic Forum says, “data has revealed that progress is still too slow for realizing the full potential of one half of humanity within our lifetimes.” Touche, data analysts, touche.

1. Iceland

– Iceland has held the number one spot for eight years in a row, and has closed more than 87 percent of its gender gap.

– Political Empowerment is in full force, coming it at number one among all 144 countries.

– Economic Participation and Opportunity is in the top ten and there is said to be promising improvement in the number of female legislators, official, and management.

–  According to its performance on the wage equality for similar work indicator, there is still a noticeable wage gap.

– The country has has completely eliminated the gender gap on Educational Attainment, and has done so since 2009.

– And, since the first report published in 2006, Iceland has closed almost 12 percent of its gender gap, making it one of the fastest-improving countries in the world.

2. Finland

– Finland beat out Norway this year for the number two spot, and has closed more than 84 percent of its overall gender gap.

– Political Empowerment ranks number two in the world, just behind Iceland, with ministerial positions reaching an equilibrium among both sexes.

– Both Educational Attainment and Health and Survival came in at impressive number one rankings.

– The index’s estimated earned income scale shows that Finland also needed improvement where gender wage gaps are concerned.  

3. Norway

– Norway has reportedly dropped a spot and is back in third place, having closed 84 percent of its gender gap.

– Upon review of the estimated earned income scale as set forth by the Index, this country is in the top ten, and has an equally as impressive performance on the wage equality for similar work indicator.

– It takes the third place on the Political Empowerment subindex, has moved up four spots on the Educational Attainment subindex, but has experienced widening in its Health and Survival gender gap.

4. Sweden

– Sweden rounds out the Nordic experience for female friendly countries in the top five, and has maintained its number four spot for eight consecutive years, having closed 81 percent of its overall gender gap.

– Economic Participation and Opportunity subindex is said to take a strong position, thanks in part to its increase in female legislators, senior officials, and managers, which has played a role in being able to move up seven positions from last year.

– It has nearly closed its Educational Attainment gender gap, but has lost a spot on the Political Empowerment subindex, despite its equality within ministerial positions.

5. Rwanda

– Yes, believe it or not, this landlocked country in east Africa has beat out the United States for female friendly countries, not only in the top ten, but in the top five.

– Rwanda has beat out Ireland to take the fifth spot this year, and has impressively closed its gender gap by 80 percent.

– This increase in rank is mostly credited to its improvements on its Economic Participation and Opportunity subindex, where the country has moved up six slots from last year.

– According to the study, it remains the country with the highest share of female parliamentarians in the world at 64 percent, and maintains its eighth spot on the Political Empowerment subindex.

– Its Educational Attainment gender gap, however, could use some improvement since it ranks 112th, along with its Health and Survival gap, which ranks 94th in the world.

And last but not least, we have our honorable mention, Slovenia. With our soon-to-be first lady hailing from Novo Mesto, a city from the number eight country on the top ten list of female-friendly places, we’re slightly perplexed as to why she would want to venture into the misogynistic and sexist, among others, territory that her husband reigns supreme. But, hey, to each their own.

What did you think of our female -riendly country compilation? Still interested in moving? Share your thoughts with us on the  EcoSalon Facebook page!

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The post The Top 5 Female-Friendly Countries (You Know, in Case You Feel Like Fleeing the U.S.) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Organic cotton tampon delivery has the ability to take the inconvenience and health risks out of having your period, hopefully making that time of the month a tad less stressful, and whole lot better for your lady bits.

It’s ten o’clock on a Tuesday night. You’re standing in the checkout line clutching a box of tampons, a carton of ice cream, and a bottle of ibuprofen. Clad in your sweatpants and ratty old t-shirt, the only thing on your mind is the silent prayer you keep saying for the squares of tissue you folded up and placed into your underwear before your departure, hoping that it’s enough to absorb the flow until you can get to the nearest bathroom.

The scenario above is all too common, and if you’re a menstruating woman, then you can probably relate to the pain-in-the-assery that is your period. The last thing you want to be doing is winging it on the way to the drugstore because Aunt Flo came unexpectedly. And if you’re not one to stock up on hygiene products in advance, well, then you’re kinda screwed.

However, with the introduction of highly convenient monthly tampon delivery services, these trips to the store with makeshift pads can all be a thing of the past.

Aside from the alternatives, like reusable menstrual cups and washable liners, many women still prefer to stick with traditional pads and tampons. And while we have no problem with that, what we do have issues with are how these hygiene products are made.

The Huffington Post reminds us that our skin is the largest and thinnest organ in our bodies, making it highly permeable, especially in the vaginal area. Chemicals are easily absorbed into the bloodstream when being constantly exposed to a particular element, which is why choosing organic tampons and pads is the smarter way to go.

Chlorine bleach is a major component used to give these products their bright white color, and aside from the known materials and additives discovered from independent testing, like rayon, artificial fragrances, and pesticides, the contents of what you put in your most intimate areas remains largely undisclosed by the manufacturers. Rather than gamble with your health, it’s important to not only be informed, but to also choose certified organic products that are chlorine-free, dye-free, phthalate-free, and in some cases, completely biodegradable.

With organic tampon delivery services, and one less thing to worry about, you can have the best of both worlds.

1. CORA

This tampon delivery service offers a 100 percent organic cotton product in a, dare I say, chic and  modern stylish exterior. Biodegradable and hypoallergenic, the only downside to these tampons would have to be the plastic applicator (which they’ve kept for comfort), but a bio-based alternative is said to already be in the works. According to Cora’s site, the average woman uses more than 10,000 tampons in her lifetime, which gives us even more incentive to go organic.   

Cora’s cause is also admirable. Statistics show that when girls lack access to menstrual products around the world, it can cause them to miss school so often that they are in jeopardy of dropping out by the age of 14. For every month’s supply of Cora you receive, a month’s supply of sustainable pads will be donated to a girl in a developing country.

Prices range from $10 to $12, and your first order includes the starter kit, which consists of the little black box, little black clutch, and stowaways for a stylish take on your monthly period.  

2. Kali

“Friends don’t let friends use nonorganic tampons,” is Kali’s motto, and we like the way it sounds. Offering 100 percent organic tampons and pads, beyond the perks of a healthier hygiene product, this business also offers a charitable contribution. For every box purchased, $1 will be donated to Girl Up – a United Nations Foundation campaigning for the empowerment of girls everywhere.

You have a few different options from this company. Beyond offering just tampons or pads, you also have the choice of adding wipettes, panty liners, and a period pampering product. With a transparent ingredient list on the website for all of the products you may receive, and the option to substitute something else for the wipettes if the inclusion of fragrance bothers you, we really like the flexibility and disclosure this business offers.

Prices range from $15 to $19.95, depending on the options you wish to add.

3. LOLA

We’ve touched on this brand before, but now it looks as though Lola has gone organic! The tampon delivery service promises to be free of chemicals and dyes, and offers a customizable monthly assortment. Choose between regular tampons and applicator-free tampons, and the delivery frequency.

No frills, and also no pink, this product packaging is refreshing, and sort of serene. Or at least calming in a way where you know those frantic trips to the store are no longer needed. In addition to the health and convenience benefits, Lola also makes sure to give back. To date, this company has donated more than 100,000 feminine care products to low-income women and girls in the U.S.

Prices range from $8 to $10, depending on how many boxes you order at one time.

Have you given tampon delivery services a go? Let us know your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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The post 3 Organic Tampon Delivery Services (Um, Where Have You Been All My Life?) appeared first on EcoSalon.

There are plenty of larger-than-life women—real and fictional—you can base your Halloween costume on. And while it’s super fun to craft your own costume, going DIY is affordable, too.

1. Lorelai Gilmore

Let’s start with the best, young, fictional, cool mom we all wish we had.

Lorelai Gilmore is one of the iconic lead characters on “Gilmore Girls,” a show that aired in the late-1990s through the mid-2000s. The show is making a big comeback this year on Netflix—fans will get to see four new episodes!

Celebrate this event by recreating any iconic outfit Ms. Gilmore donned. My favorite? The get-up Lorelai wore when she dropped off Rory on her first day of school at Chilton. And remember: before you leave your house for the party, don’t forget the coffee.

For this costume, you’ll need:

• Cut-off jean shorts
• Pea coat
• Cowboy boots
• A to-go coffee cup
• Leggings or tights to go under shorts (if it’s cold)

2. Little Edie

Edith Bouvier Beale, also known as Little Edie, is one half of the mother/daughter subject in “Grey Gardens.”

“Grey Gardens” is known as the first—and probably one of the most intimate—documentaries ever made. Anyone who has seen “Grey Gardens” is well aware of Little Edie’s impeccable, albeit strange, personal fashion. Dress like Little Edie on Halloween to embrace your inner fierce female who is entirely self-reliant. Be S.T.A.U.N.C.H.

For this costume, you’ll need:

• Black body suit
• Black tights
• Booties (preferably red)
• A faux fur coat
• A large scarf (preferably floral)

3. Pussy Grabs Back

We’ve all heard the super degrading things Donald Trump has said about women. To show your support of women of all colors, backgrounds, ethnicities, we suggest dressing up as Pussy Grabs Back.

Yes, you can create a feeling of rage with a simple, totally feminist Halloween costume…

For this costume, you’ll need

• The official Pussy Grabs Back shirt
• Black leggings
• Ass-kicking boots
• Faux leather jacket
• Black cat ears
• A voting ballot (DIY will do)

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The post 3 Badass Women to Base Halloween Costumes On appeared first on EcoSalon.

October is breast cancer awareness month and we’re showing our support by bringing you products where proceeds really are donated to organizations that care about funding breast cancer research.

Titties, melons, jugs, Thelma and Louise, whatever you call your lady lumps, it’s important to remember that breast cancer is no joke! Chances are, if you don’t have firsthand experience battling this disease, then you have probably been affected by someone who has. It’s easy for the majority of us who haven’t had breast cancer to forget just how sobering the statistics are. So before we get into the products that support breast cancer research, let’s take a look at some facts and figures from BreastCancer.org:

• About one in eight U.S. women (about 12 percent) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
• Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women.
• For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.
• A woman’s risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Less than 15 percent of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it.

Now that you have a little more information, let’s also discuss your breast self-examination. You must do these! There are no ifs, ands, buts, or boobs about it! And if you don’t feel like scouring the net for an image, then here, meet your new best friend…

And finally, when October rolls around, you’ll be seeing more than just the color orange in your big box stores and other retailers. There will likely be a sea of pink products all touting their support for breast cancer awareness. And while these are visually mindful, the actual idea is often poorly executed. From cancer causing chemicals in makeup found at high-end counters, to a bunch of junk that may have been constructed courtesy of child labor, it’s easy to understand why these aren’t well thought out. Check out Think Before You Pink for additional advice, donate directly to the charity of your choice, or take a peek at our list below.

1. Breast BFFL Bag

This bag is perfect for the loved one in your life after breast surgery. The bright and cheerful Breast BFFLBag has been carefully curated to contain the essentials to transition patient from hospital to home. It contains a specially-designed axillapilla comfort pillow for the underarm area, wound and drain care supplies, Bio-Oil, toiletries, KIND snack bars, and more. The Best Friends For Life Co. has several specialty bags to choose from, including: a double mastectomy bag, lumpectomy bags, chemo packs for him and her, and many more thoughtful gifts for those undergoing treatment or after surgery. The best part is that 15 percent of the proceeds from this bag can be donated to Soul Ryeders at checkout.  

2. Organic Bouquet

From the packaging to the working conditions to the product, Organic Boutique sells a wide range of certified, eco-friendly flowers. The beautiful bouquets are perfect for sending just because, or as a thoughtful get well sentiment to a patient currently recovering from treatment or surgery related to breast cancer. Choose from either the Breast Cancer Fund Yellow Roses, or the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation Sweet & Lovely Rose Bouquet, and they will donate 5 percent of the proceeds to the named charities.

3. Karma Bliss

The online meditation and healing boutique Karma Bliss is raising awareness for the month of October with the rose quartz KB Wrap Necklace, “Love”.  Representing healing, peace, and unconditional love, this beautiful piece of jewelry invites hope and faith to its wearer. Perfect as a gift, or a remembrance piece, when purchased during the month of October, 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Young Survival Coalition.

4. Babeland Vibes

Whether you’re going it alone or with a partner, sexual health is important, which why I’m loving this next breast cancer awareness buy. Purchase either the OhMiBod Lovelife Discover Mini Vibe in phthalate-free body safe silicone, or the vegan-friendly Sliquid Pink Lemonade lube that’s glycerin and paraben free, and Babeland will donate ten percent of the proceeds to the Young Survival Coalition.

Along with breast cancer research and early detection, remember to support and encourage loved ones to do those self-exams and take good care of one another. Boobies are replaceable, lives are not! Have you or someone you care about been affected by breast cancer? Share your stories with us on the EcoSalon Facebook page throughout the month of October and beyond.

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Image of Woman With Pink Balloons via Shutterstock

Image of Self-Examination via Sisters Network, Inc. – Chicago Chapter

The post Let’s Talk Ta-Tas: 4 Pink Products that Really Do Support Breast Cancer Research appeared first on EcoSalon.

Body image after baby is a struggle for so many women. And while mine is still far from perfect, I’ve learned to appreciate, and even love, the one I have now.

My precise, detailed, handwritten birth plan was tucked neatly into an accordion file folder stashed away in my hospital bag. Nestled alongside it were toiletries (can’t forget my Nature’s Gate toothpaste and sulfate-free shampoo), a birthing gown, essential oils, a crossword puzzle (Seriously, Jamie?), extra clothes, my daughter’s going home outfit, and a bazillion other just-in-case things I could cram into the suitcase. We had the pamphlets, took the classes, knew the timing for contractions, and felt super prepared.

But, as in life, my entire plan was quickly blown to smithereens. And not just sort of. When labor finally happened I was progressing so fast for a first timer, that if we had listened to the on-call doctor, I would’ve had a home birth. So at seven centimeters dilated, and wearing the hospital-issued smock, someone finally wheeled me to a room. Once we arrived upstairs I was nine centimeters along, which gave me barely enough time to suck down some nitrous oxide, much less get an epidural. And even though I swore like a sailor, screamed bloody murder, and attempted to convince the nurse to give me some drugs and a C-section, much to my chagrin, the only thing that really went according to plan was my hope for a natural birth.

It’s been almost six months now since having my daughter, and one thing I’ve learned about being a parent is that absolutely, positively nothing goes as planned. Like, ever. In fact, similar to my delivery debacle, breastfeeding struggles, and dealing with more blow-out poopies than I care to remember, most things are just downright ludicrous.

So when I looked in the mirror after all of the stretching, drooping, and shifting, not to mention the sheer horror and loss of control that can only be instilled by the journey a pregnant body takes, and didn’t hate the reflection staring back at me, I was pleasantly surprised. As a few more weeks passed postpartum, I actually began to like my body (minus all the phantom pregnancy farts) even more than I ever thought possible.

1. I feel stronger

The sheer empowerment I felt after making it through hours of toe curling pain, pushing a tiny human out of my body, and doing it all naturally made me feel like Wonder Woman, dammit. And while that initial high is no longer lingering, my ability to power through breastfeeding issues, continue to work and care for my baby from home, and deal with the daily struggles that parenting presents, helps me to remember that if I can give birth, I can make it through anything.

2. I feel healthier

I may be a vegetarian, but before becoming pregnant, I didn’t always eat right. I skipped meals, chose quick, processed foods over fresh, was underweight, and committed all sorts of other nutritional sins. My pregnancy cravings were off the chain (I still cringe over the amount of gummy bears and Canada Dry ginger ales I consumed), and 32 pounds later, those yearnings, along with that niggling case of indigestion, finally disappeared.

However, when it came time to breastfeed, I wanted to consume the healthy calories my body required to feed my baby well. I ate better, slept as often as I could, tried to relax my mind more often, and actually feel just fine hanging onto those ten extra pounds.  

3. I feel sexier

My body’s curvier, my bust is fuller, my booty is squishier, and although things have definitely changed a tad down there, the boosted blood flow is out of this world. Some of these things may be temporary (I’ll miss you, big boobies), but I’ll be damned if I won’t enjoy them while they’re here. Filling out clothes is spectacular, and I’ve definitely enjoyed the extra cleavage.  

4. She deserves it

It’s not just about me anymore. Surrounded by sexism, stereotypes, impossible standards of beauty, social media, and so much more, I quickly realized that my position as the most idolized female role model in my daughter’s life is paramount. That is, until some pop singer swoops in on her wrecking ball and takes my place (please, sweet Jesus, be Taylor Swift). But until then, I need to present my baby girl with a positive-minded, self-loving, and confident mama with a body image to match.

Feeling good about myself is still an imperfect science. Just like anyone else, I have good days and bad, but my daughter serves as the best reminder of why I need to keep on appreciating the body I have.

How has your body image been since baby? Let us know your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Mother and Baby via Shutterstock

The post 4 Ways I Have a Better Body Image AFTER a Baby Came Out of Me appeared first on EcoSalon.

Summer may be winding down, but the temperature in many parts of the United States is still high.

Because of that, offices are still running ACs at full blast. Women of the world call this very chilly time of year “women’s winter” and it ain’t fun. Watch why below.

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The post Women’s Winter is Still in Full Force [Video] appeared first on EcoSalon.

Sexual assault is a devastating experience, and one organization is determined to give back some of the dignity that has been so unfairly stolen away.

“I stood there examining my body beneath the stream of water and decided, I don’t want my body anymore. I was terrified of it. I wanted to take off my body like a jacket and leave it at the hospital with everything else.” This profound quote in the New York Post was an excerpt from a sexual assault survivor’s handwritten testimony during the recent and highly publicized trial of Stanford University student, Brock Turner. Turner was eventually convicted of rape, but only sentenced to six months in jail and three years’ probation.

With victim blaming still running rampant, slews of rape kits going untested, and more rapists being slapped on the wrist with sentences so light they’re almost nonexistent, survivors of sexual assault need all the help they can get. But after such life-altering experiences, it can be difficult to do something as simple as look in the mirror without feeling ashamed, much less come forward against one’s attacker. Especially so when the process typically starts with succumbing to an oftentimes invasive rape kit that has the propensity to leave survivors feeling that much more vulnerable and violated.

Some victims have the option of being slightly more prepared before going to a hospital or health facility for a rape kit. However, the survivor from the Turner case, like so many others, reportedly woke up in the hospital after her attack. For the victims who aren’t able to make prior preparations, or for the many who aren’t aware of rape kit proceedings, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) describes the hours long exam as one which may include genital swabs, blood samples, and photographs of private areas, often ending with the victim’s clothing being confiscated in order to be examined for traces of the perpetrator’s DNA.

For those of you interested in learning more, there’s a detailed, first-hand account of one woman’s rape examination experience here, but I would proceed with caution for its potentially distressing content.

This careful and thorough collection process isn’t ideal, but is designed to preserve potential evidence that may be admissible in legal proceedings. And although patients are able to put a stop to the rape kit at any point in time, unlike the woman in the first-hand account was led to believe, it doesn’t make the process any easier. Unfortunately in the cases for some survivors, this could mean that their only option after having been sexually assaulted and subjected to a rape kit is to leave the medical facility dressed in a hospital-issued paper gown.

After facing scrutiny from every angle, this flimsy, dignity-stealing sheet of nothing can degrade survivors of sexual assault – women, men, and children – even further. However, The Grateful Garment Project, a non-profit organization based in San Jose, Calif., has made it the group’s mission to “ensure that every victim of a sexual crime who crosses the threshold of a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) facility or who seeks medical attention and/or law enforcement involvement is provided with whatever new clothing, toiletries, snacks, and other miscellaneous items that he or she may require.” Having further expanded its  horizons to “encompass all victims of sexual violence in California,” this non-profit also provides for children who are sexually exploited commercially and human sex trafficking victims.

Currently active in 25 California counties, The Grateful Garment Project is partnered with more than 60 agencies statewide who also share the organization’s vision of helping victims of sexual violence. Thanks to The Grateful Garment Project and its partnerships, between 25 and 40 women, children, and men, are provided with resources each day in California. In fact, during The Grateful Garment Project’s 2015-2016 fiscal year, the organization donated more than 25,000 items. From a t-shirt to a pair of sweatpants, a little bit of care and respect can go a long way in the effort to provide sexual assault victims with a shred of dignity.

“Every 109 seconds, another person experiences sexual assault,” and although “the number of assaults has fallen by more than half since 1993,” the sad fact is that “only 6 out of every 1,000 rapists will end up in prison.” These statistics taken from the RAINN website are not only eye-opening, but also heartbreaking. Until sexual assault is eradicated, until victims are no longer blamed for being victimized, we should do our part to make the rape kit process as tolerable as possible. Consider donating to The Grateful Garment Project, and if you, or someone you know, are suffering in silence, don’t hesitate to contact the 24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

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The post The Grateful Garment Project: Returning Dignity to Sexual Assault Survivors, One Piece of Clothing at a Time appeared first on EcoSalon.

Female orgasms: why do they exist?

Many scientists have pondered this question through the years. Well, two hardworking researchers may have finally cracked the orgasmic code.

Why care?

Because we’re humans and we like to understand how our bodies work, duh. Also: because female orgasms are just as confusing to researchers as they are to some sexual partners.

The main reason this elusive sexual phenomenon has stumped scientists over the years is because female orgasms never appeared to play a role in conception like the male orgasm. Now, however, scientists are beginning to think that this action could actually help a woman conceive.

The research

All of this new news was recently published in a paper in the Journal of Experimental Zoology. Scientists Mihaela Pavlicev of the University of Cincinnati and Gunter Wagner of Yale University hypothesize that the female orgasm could actually trigger ovulation (or that it used to). Humans just may have “evolved” out of this response.

“If you think of an orgasm as consisting of three parts—a wave of hormones, intense pleasure, and muscle contractions—it’s possible to see similarities between a human orgasm and phenomena in other mammal species,” NPR reports.

Because of this, the authors are considering researching other mammals who ovulate in response to having sex.

Apparently, some of these mammals—this includes cats and rabbits—only release an egg when the clitoris is stimulated. The stimulation produces a wave of hormones released from the pituitary gland.

“If you walk those two phenomena forward in evolutionary time, you get a female orgasm that relies on clitoral stimulation and includes a hormone release, even though female humans have since evolved to ovulate every month, whether or not a male is around,” NPR reports.

“In fact, the authors suggest it is that change in ovulation frequency that allowed female anatomy to change over the millennia; as the clitoris was no longer strictly necessary to release an egg, it moved farther from the vagina.”

So, basically, the female orgasm is an evolutionary leftover, Science Magazine adds.

Not so fast!

While this new hypothesis is intriguing, there are plenty of other scientists who think this new conclusion is quite farfetched.

Michael Baum from Boston University and Kim Wallen from Emory University in Atlanta, two behavioral neuroendocrinologists, think Pavlićev and Wagner have misinterpreted some previously published results “and do not have the details about the hormonal changes during ovulation and orgasm correct,” Science reports.

Well, no matter where this new hypothesis leads scientists, we’ve got to admit that we’re quite interested in this research and appreciate that there are scientists who actually want to better understand the modern, human, female body.

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Image of woman in bed via Shutterstock

The post Finally, the Female Orgasm Explained appeared first on EcoSalon.