Creative Activism Against the Sexualisation of Children

Bankstown Women's Health Centre is running a free project regarding the premature sexualisation of children.

Creative Activism Against the Sexualisation of Children
Thursdays, 6 Weeks

Starts 12 February
1pm - 2:30pm

Moving at The Speed of Childhood
High heels for infants... g-strings for girls under 10... what's happening to the childhood of the next generation?

Do you think boys and girls nowadays are growing up too fast? Are marketing, consumer culture and commercialisation destroying the innocence of youth? This group aims to address the inappropriate sexualisation of children and teens in our society. Join us at the Centre to sharpen your critical thinking skills, engage in creative protest through art, and find ways to inform and inspire others to take action.

This group is for any women who care about the future of young girls and boys today. Because we are a Women's Health Centre this project is only open to female participants, however if you are a male and you too wish to advocate against the inappropriate sexualisation of children and teens in modern society, please contact us as we would love to find a way to keep you updated and involved. The group runs on Thursdays from 12th February to 19 March from 1pm to 2:30pm.

To register for this project please call Bankstown Women's Health Centre on 9790 1378.

Contact Name: Kristina or Themis
Contact Phone: (02) 9790 1378
Contact Email: kristina.brenner@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
Location: Bankstown Women's Health Centre, 74 Restwell St Bankstown

*Bankstown Women's Health Centre is a safe space for women*

Family, by Kat.

I have worked at The Feminist Bookshop for three years now. I have loved every moment of it, the ups and the downs. Some days I can not imagine doing anything else with the rest of my life. Today is one of those days.

There are some customers I will never forget. Two women came in today with their son. The little boy was just gorgeous and having a fabulous time looking through our books. He asked me with perfect manners to get a book down for him. While the son and one Mum happily browsed children’s books in the corner the other mother came and sat at the front desk to talk to me. Her partner has a terminal illness and she wanted some books for their son to explain the journey the family will soon be on. I could not give them exactly the right book (because it hasn’t been written) but I could give them a range of appropriate and useful books.

I am sitting here now with tears in my eyes. There are some customers I will never forget. These two women had a fierce strength about them, a dignity and absolute love for their son. In a world that doesn’t believe same sex couples should even have children two women put their son first and walked into the bookshop to find resources to help him understand and grieve. That takes a lot of courage, first to accept that you/your partner is dying and then to prepare your family for the heartache that is to come. I sit here with tears in my eyes for complete strangers. I can not imagine what this family will go through but I know that The Feminist Bookshop has just made their journey a tiny bit easier. Books have the power to start conversations that are too hard to start alone, the power to affirm experiences that are alien, the power to let you know that you aren’t alone and that the hardest stuff will pass.

Some days I can not imagine doing anything else with the rest of my life. Today is one of those days.

Book review

The Carhullan Army by Sarah Hall.

Well written feminist dyke drama about government control, women and violence. Set in England after a global warming disaster, a corrupt government rules using religion, martial law and the invasive, brutal control of women’s reproductive systems. Sister escapes the ghetto in search of a separatist farm called Carhullan. Like most of the women she finds companionship, resilience and intimate love in a community run by a strong butch lesbian. By juxtaposing the women’s community with mainstream society the book asks if women would do it differently if they held the societal positions of power.

I found myself slowly drawn into this book instead of my attention being forcefully grabbed and held. The story worked it’s way into my consciousness until I found I could not stop thinking about Sister and her companions. A deceptively good read.

Book Group Kicks Off for 2009

The first Book Group meeting for the year is fast approaching. Those of you interested in attending our fun and dynamic group should get reading your copy of "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali.

Book group meets

Saturday 7 February, 4pm

The Friendly Cafe, next door to The Feminist Bookshop

About the Book Group:

What: Book group for women, discuss a fabulous book and meet new people. We meet and discuss one book a month. Everyone has a chance to pick the book.

When: We meet second Saturday of each month, 4pm

Where: The Friendly Cafe, next door to The Feminist Bookshop

Contact: Kat at the Bookshop (9810 2666)

Silent Vigil for Peace in Gaza

Silent Vigil for Peace in Gaza

Every Thrusday

5.30pm to 6.30pm

Sydney Town Hall

We invite all women to join a silent vigil of mourning.
We condemn the ongoing military attacks on Gaza.
We stadn with thousands in Israel and around the world who seek peave with justice for the people of Palestine.

The vigil is initiated by representitives of Women in Black-Sydney
www.wibsydney.org

Amelia loves The Feminist Bookshop

Amelia Age 6

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from The Feminist Bookshop!

Great news re: Justice Virginia Bell's appointment to the High Court Australia.