Stop asking me to speak for free
Lina AbiRafeh It’s the end of March, the end of so-called Women’s History Month, the month when we “celebrate” women’s contributions by exponentially increasing their emotional labor. Ironic, in a month that was created to recognize and value women’s contributions and women’s work. Why, then, do I have to organize my own celebrations? My own commemorations?…
Was Madeleine Albright a feminist?
Lina AbiRafeh Madeleine Albright died today. She was 84. Much will be written about her life and legacy in the coming hours and days. But the question I want to tackle is this: Was Madeleine Albright a feminist? She was a “first”. The first woman to serve as US Secretary of State. A political pioneer.…
For women in Ukraine, war is fought on all fronts
Lina AbiRafeh What’s going on in Ukraine? Long-standing tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated in recent weeks, creating a global security crisis that is the most significant of its kind since the Cold War. Russian troops have circled Ukraine on three sides, and it seems that a Russian invasion of Ukraine is imminent. And…
Gender’s Role in the Global Goals
Lina AbiRafeh Do we even have Global Goals? Yes, we do! In 2015, the United Nations adopted a collection of 17 goals to help us build a better world. These goals are supposed to be a blueprint for peace and prosperity, for people and planet, making connections between peace, equality, health, education, the economy, the climate, and all the…
International Women’s Day…I still hate you
Lina AbiRafeh I wrote last year that I hate International Women’s Day. It resonated with so many of you that here I am, writing it again. Why?! Because nothing has changed. Oh, wait. Actually some things have changed. Let me tell you how. Things have gotten WORSE. But aren’t we closer to equality, you think?! I…
You’re Biased. Now Break It.
Lina AbiRafeh This year’s International Women’s Day theme was “Break the Bias”, calling upon us to imagine a gender-equal world, free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. (Imagine!) We’re asked to take responsibility to build a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive through our thoughts and actions — in communities, in the workplace, in schools,…
Yalla Feminists! 