Daycare prices in Metro Vancouver have risen so high that the cost of four years of early-childhood care can exceed that of a four-year university degree. A typical family in Vancouver with a child in full-time care from the end of parental leave to the beginning of kindergarten can expect to pay somewhere in the neighbourhood of $50,000 for child care. By contrast, a four-year undergraduate arts degree at the University of B.C. costs about $31,000, including tuition, student fees and books.
A Glimpse At How The Media Treated Women This Year
The following clip is a glimpse into how the media treated women this year. There are way too many cringe-worthy moments to say the least.
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Public Toilet – Breast Feeding
“I support breastfeeding…but…I don’t need to see it.”
I’ll be honest, it’s hard for me to hold back on the expletives when this phrase (and so many others like it) get thrown around with utter disregard for the impact that they have. These words used to hit me square in the gut, but now, two and a half years into our breastfeeding journey, I can see the ignorance, mis-education and selfishness that comments like this rest within.
But as a new mother…it wasn’t quite so clear-cut…
I remember sitting, squashed and repulsed, as I fed baby bean in the tiny and disgusting toilet cubicle. I remember blinking back the tears as I searched within myself for the strength to throw a smiling, two-finger salute to anybody who thought that this was an appropriate place to feed my child. Now, I will nurse anywhere, but I didn’t come to realise the power of my mama-stripes overnight. I had to see the gutter to make the choice to leave it. To make a stand; proud and determined that my daughter and I deserved more.
More.
More than germ-infested public restrooms.
More than a square-inch within which to move.
More than the smell of other people’s faeces when feeding and nurturing my innocent bundle of love.
More.
I’m sure that most people would agree, but here’s the clincher: without fully accepting breastfeeding, many mothers will inevitably feel condemned to feed their babies in public bathrooms. Hidden from and shamed by society. Without opening our eyes and seeing what this actually looks lie in practice, I guess ignorance remains…
Introducing our visual saviours…our eye-openers…
A group of students at the University of North Texas designed an ad campaign to promote the pass of law HB1706; to protect mothers from harassment. These posters (see main picture) will be placed on the inside of every stall at the University to promote public awareness of the need to openly encourage breastfeeding acceptance…with no “But”.
The graphic design students approached Monica Young, 21, to be the face of this campaign. Monica told me; “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be a part of this campaign. I’ve heard more disturbing comments and received so many displeasing glances in the last four months than I have had my entire life! I would love to nurse my son without putting my head down and since sitting for these pictures, I’ve proudly nursed wherever I please. This project has inspired many people, but especially myself!”
My hope is that the storm raised by this campaign will open more hearts and eyes to the normalcy of breastfeeding, and with thousands of “likes” so far, this movement will surely only gain momentum.
Imagine fuelling this movement with a new, un-caveated mantra: “I support breastfeeding”. And let’s leave it at that.
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Article courtesy: http://www.mamabeanparenting.com/
A Bunch Of Famous Men Star In White House PSA On Sexual Assault
The following video is a powerful message from the 1 is 2 many campaign started in the U.S. by Vice President Biden.
Despite the significant progress made in reducing violence against women, there is still a long way to go. Young women still face the highest rates of dating violence and sexual assault. In the last year, one in 10 teens have reported being physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend. Recognizing the need for change, the White House created a task force aimed at changing attitudes that lead to violence and educating the public on the realities of abuse.
What do you think?
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