Hello, My name is Darlene Correia. I am a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, friend, social worker, and wife. However, more importantly, I am survivor of multiple childhood and adult sexual abuse and domestic violence assaults. My healing journey from considering myself a victim to knowing I am a survivor has been a long, painful and at times extremely difficult … [Read more...] about Stories of Survivors: Darlene Correia
Writing
Groundhog Day: Anita Hill 2.0
[ OPINION ] by Ria Moni “On Monday, the Senate's Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing at which A LOT is at stake. Obviously, a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court is at stake, and with it, the future of a woman's right to choose, gay marriage, affirmative action, and so on. Moreover, this is a pivotal test to see if we, as a society, have progressed AT ALL since … [Read more...] about Groundhog Day: Anita Hill 2.0
The Independent Woman
By Darleen Allen In 1895, long before women’s suffrage, the architects and designers of the Rhode Island Statehouse had a vision for the top of the dome. They created the Independent Woman. She represented hope and justice. The statehouse commission rejected the vision and eventually the Independent Man was erected. Many of us think it is time to share her image and … [Read more...] about The Independent Woman
Letter to the Editor; A Country Without A Conscience
The world is mourning at what we, as a country, have become. A country without a conscience, devoid of kindness. A country whose crimes, for they can’t simply be called policies, a country who takes the most vulnerable, those trying, on foot, to seek sanctuary here. Those with the clothes on their backs, trying desperately to find safety. And instead ICE is taking children … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor; A Country Without A Conscience
Fortune 500 Company CEO who once lived on the streets
Due to life circumstances when I was 19, I was living on the streets of Cambridge Mass. I had no money, no winter clothes, no job skills and no family or friends who could help me. Slowly I put a life together, cleaning houses for cash, living in a squat. Finally, after a few years I lucked into a free ride at a good college. I remember how overwhelming it was to be given a … [Read more...] about Fortune 500 Company CEO who once lived on the streets
Knowledge is Dangerous?!
The RI Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing last week on the Reproductive Healthcare Act (RHCA). Despite impassioned testimony, less than an hour after the last of the testimony was given, the Committee shelved the bill. Another year that RI will not consider the impact of their reproductive policy on the citizens of this state. This couldn’t be further from democracy … [Read more...] about Knowledge is Dangerous?!
Ensure that the women of Rhode Island retain sovereign and constitutional rights to govern themselves
I am a 64-year-old resident of Narragansett, Rhode Island and I would like this testimony to be included regarding Bill #S2163 in your committee hearing to be held today, May 31, 2018. I have been an outspoken supporter of the rights of American women for over 40 years. I believe that women have the intelligence, compassion and fortitude to determine their own … [Read more...] about Ensure that the women of Rhode Island retain sovereign and constitutional rights to govern themselves
Testimony in support of abortion as a physician…
Dear Senator, As a physician and Rhode Island Citizen, I am writing in support of Senate Bill 2163. The decision to have a baby or not is very personal, and needs to be protected. While I think we should be doing everything possible to make for a better and safer world for parents and children, women who need an abortion for whatever reason need that process to be … [Read more...] about Testimony in support of abortion as a physician…
My Illegal Abortion
In December 1968, when I was a nineteen-year old sophomore at the University of Texas, I found out that I was six weeks pregnant. My boyfriend and I were in love. It was the first sexual relationship for either of us. We had been faithfully using the only birth-control available to us, condoms. But this time we came up short. Maintaining the pregnancy was not an option: we … [Read more...] about My Illegal Abortion
Mother’s Day, 3:19am
It is 3:19 am on Mother’s Day and I should be asleep, instead I am reflecting on parenting. For nearly two years I have led by example. I have tried to show my daughters that being politically active can be a part of your everyday life, but it has come at a cost. It has meant less nourishing food, less time outdoors, fewer play dates, more chaos, and less family time. The … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day, 3:19am
Change is afoot and yet very much the same…
Change is afoot at TWP. We have a new collaborator, DL Helfer, a local UU minister. We have a new look, clasped hands to demonstrate the way we’ve been making change — together. And our approach has shifted a bit as well, as we grow from a fledgling RI organization focused on bodily autonomy through art activism to a voice heard in our Statehouse and beyond. We’re … [Read more...] about Change is afoot and yet very much the same…
The Day After the Hearing & Thank You
Yesterday's participation at the State House was important and challenging. We wanted to reach out to say thank you for your work, your time, your commitment, your energy, your intelligence, your tenacity, your strength, your passion, your creativity, your networking skills, and your awesome support. Whether you were able to be at the state house with us today in body or just … [Read more...] about The Day After the Hearing & Thank You
What does “UTERIZE” mean?
u·ter·ize [‘yoo-ter-īz] Synonyms Examples Word Origin See more synonyms on thewomanproject.org verb (used with object) uterize, uterizes, uterizing, uterized to alter an object in a way that causes it to resemble a uterus: Forgoing the typical balloons or daisies, the feminist pastry chef decided to uterize her best friend’s birthday … [Read more...] about What does “UTERIZE” mean?