Women of Note
Mississippi Author Jesmyn Ward: Winner of the 2022 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction
“I am deeply honored to receive this award, not only because it aligns my work with legendary company, but because it also recognizes the difficulty and rigour of meeting America on the page, of appraising her as a lover would: clear-eyed, open-hearted, keen to empathize and connect,” Ward said. “This is our calling, and I am grateful for it.” One of the Library’s most prestigious awards, the annual Prize for American Fiction honors an American literary writer whose body of work is distinguished not only for its mastery of the art but also for its originality of thought and imagination. Ward is one of only six writers to receive the National Book Award more than once and the only woman and Black American to do so. more »
White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse
"Survivors and experts highlighted the offline impact of online abuse, ranging from psychological distress and additional negative health impacts, to self-censorship, disruptions to education and economic loss, as well as experiences of other forms of physical and sexual violence. Participants noted that online harassment and abuse disproportionately impacts women, girls – especially women and girls of color – and LGBTQI+ individuals. Participants also provided concrete recommendations to prevent and respond to online harms." more »
Congressional Bills, Schedule and SNAP: Authorizing Assistance to Train and Retain Obstetrician-gynecologists and Sub-specialists in Urogynecology
"A bill to authorize assistance to train and retain obstetrician-gynecologists and sub-specialists in urogynecology and to help improve the quality of care to meet the health care needs of women in the least developed countries; A bill to provide for the expedited and duty-free importation of infant formula that may be lawfully marketed in the European Union, Canada, Japan, or the United Kingdom; A bill to authorize assistance to aid in the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula in foreign countries, and a bill to authorize assistance to train and retain obstetrician-gynecologists and sub-specialists in urogynecology; A bill to require group health plans and group or individual health insurance coverage to provide coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives. Family Support - On Wednesday, the House Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing, “A 2022 Review of the Farm Bill: Stakeholder Perspectives on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).” more »
Jo Freeman's Review of Wilma Mankiller: How One Woman United the Cherokee Nation and Helped Change the Face of America
Wilma Pearl Mankiller had a life of many achievements and many difficulties. She gained fame as the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. She also endured many health problems and hit a few brick walls. Her life has been a popular topic. This is just one of many biographies, in addition to Mankiller’s autobiography... While Wilma was a first, her career gives the author ample opportunity to discuss the role of gender in the Cherokee Nation. Suffice it to say that women as a group had more power than in the larger white society, but less independence. For more on this, you’ll have to read the book. more »