The Pope, Condoms and The Cafe

The Pope’s recent statement on condom usage in Africa has created an international uproar, and rightly so.

The Pope’s assertion that condom usage has made the problem of HIV/AIDS in Africa worse contradicts the facts and is a death sentence for African women. Last year we called attention to the issue in a story by Marcy Bloom that said voluntary contraception and HIV care must begin to work together. Sixty-two percent of those infected with the HIV virus in Sub-Saharan Africa are women and the author states that gender discrimination and violence against African women contributes to and worsens the pandemic.

The Café at On The Issues Magazine publishes new commentary every week. We invite you to come to the Café and have a look around. Here are some highlights.

- Myra Kovary’s story on the rights of persons with disabilities details the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations and has been signed by 50 nations so far. Kovary says the convention is “revolutionary.” The U.S. has yet to sign it, but President Barack Obama has said he will do so.

- Hannah Miller’s article, “Finding the Power in Women’s Voices,” discusses the need for more women in media- both in the journalism and entertainment industries. Miller calls on Congress to take an activist stance and pass laws that will create more space for the voices of women- and calls on women to not only be in the conversation but to “own” it.

- A story by Diana Egozcue discusses the importance of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Egozcue explains her frustrations with people who say the ERA is unnecessary at this point in time and why the 14th Amendment is not enough to assure women equality under the law.

Check out On the Issues Magazine’s Art Editor, Linda Stein, in one of her upcoming gallery events. She’ll be showing at Flomenhaft Gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan May 7 through June 20 with a reception on May 7; and at the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA) at 80 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, with a reception on May 20. Earlier on May 20, Stein is keynote speaker for NAWA’s 120th Anniversary Gala at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park. See www.LindaStein.com for info.

Watch a Sneak Preview of Stein’s “Body Swapping,” which features her “Knights” sculpture series on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shOqGEvwwHg

Stein is also appearing with Michael Kimmel in the discussion “Masculinity/Femininity (Part II)” on April 20 at the Art Club in Tribeca, Manhattan. On The Issues Magazine is a sponsor of this event.

Our new edition, “Lines In The Sand,” goes live in mid-April. We’re featuring articles on transcendent feminist issues. Check the site soon for the new issue and weekly postings in the Café!

Links to Stories Discussed Above:

Marcy Bloom, “What is a Woman Worth?”
http://www.ontheissuesmagazine.com/may08/may2008_3.php

Hannah Miller, “Finding the Power in Women’s Voices,” http://www.ontheissuesmagazine.com/cafe2/article/36

Myra Kovary, “Unprecedented Recognition for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” http://www.ontheissuesmagazine.com/cafe2/article/34

Diana Egozcue, “Who The Revolution Left Behind,” http://www.ontheissuesmagazine.com/cafe2/article/31

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Georgia Kral

Outreach and Editorial

On The Issues Magazine

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