“When we look at this deficit in healthcare for women, we can see what it means in terms of lost productivity, lost resources, and lost lives.” And: “When a girl becomes a mother before she becomes literate, when a woman gives birth alone and is left with a permanent disability, when a mother toils daily to feed her large family but cannot convince her husband to agree to contraception, these struggles represent suffering that can and should be avoided. They represent potential that goes unfulfilled. And they also represent an opportunity to extend critical help to women worldwide and the children who depend on them.” Read the full text here. • In other Clinton-news, the WaPo reports on a new thing in politics: The Hillary Effect. Apparently, Clinton’s visibility has made it easier – and perhaps more desirable – for presidents in other nations to appoint women to office. • Chinese women are really worried about finding a hubby, according to a new survey. Almost five times as many women worry about finding a mate – 41.2% as compared to 8.1% of men. Sadly, only 44% of the women who replied said they are unwilling to lower their standards “simply to get married.” • Until recently, Susan Greenfield held the honor of being the first woman to serve as the director of the Royal Institution. But on Friday the “top scientist” was fired, locked out of her London flat, and informed that the organization will no longer require a director “as currently defined.” Greenfield announced plans to sue. “I am the only female appointed to this iconic post throughout the 211-year history of the Royal Institution and cannot see how this decision can be in the best interests of the organisation or its members,” she said. • So-called “girl fights” are on the rise in Australia. Authorities report a 44% increase in violence among teen girls and attribute this in part to the growing popularity of “girl fight” videos. A YouTube search revealed that there are eight times as many videos of girls fighting than those of boys. • Eve Ensler recently returned from another trip to the Congo, where the rape and slaughter of women has been going on for years at unprecedented rates. She lists 10 things we can do to help fight the femicide, from donating money and shoes to learning when to stop asking for stories. “We know what is happening in the DRC. Now is the time for action.” • French scientists are investigating the theory that Nefertiti may have been worn all that eye liner for practical reasons. They believe the dark make up may have been used to ward off infection. The lead in the black paint was thought of as a magical ingredient, sacred to the ancient gods Horus and Ra. • A researcher from the UK has found that women with big, pouty lips are often seen as younger than those with thin lips. He warns that this doesn’t mean you should go out and get collagen injections: “It just looks odd because it doesn’t counter the impact of a wrinkled face.” • According to the Telegraph, the “girls’ night out” brand of theater is on the rise, as are “hen-night” outings in general. Sarah Crompton argues that theater is a “feel-good” thing, perfect for groups of ladies in need of a lift. Women also like the happily ever after endings in shows like Legally Blonde, according to Crompton. Also, while we’re stereotyping, we love pink, sparkles, and ponies, too! • More and more Canadian women are shunning the pill in favor of other forms of birth control, reports the Montreal Gazette. Many women are worried about health issues associated with hormonal BC, while others simply don’t like what it does to their sex drive. • A new study out of Harvard reveals that women have a more difficult time overcoming addiction than men. They suspect that part of the gender difference can be attributed to – what else? – hormones. •
