Photo Collage by Sara Li
02 NEWS
Trump threatens trade war amidst talk of takeover
Diana Fu Associate News Editor
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a blanket 25 per cent tariff on Canada after threatening “economic warfare” to make Canada the “51st state.”
After being paused for one month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs on Mexico and Canada will commence on March 4. China will also be charged an additional 10 per cent on March 4.
Trump had previously instituted the tariffs by executive order on February 1, citing Canada’s perceived inaction in stopping the flow of illicit drugs, especially fentanyl, from entering the U.S. as the rationale behind their imposition. Canada responded with its own retaliatory 25 per cent tariffs on American goods—a tariff package worth C$155 billion.
Trump’s tariffs on Canada were slated to be effective from February 4. However, last-minute negotiations allowed for a one-month delay. The proposed deal called for a joint task force along the Canadian and U.S. border to crack down on drug smuggling through the appointment of a Canadian “border czar.”
On February 11, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Kevin Brosseau, a 20-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, to fulfill this role. Under him, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) launched Operation Blizzard, which aimed to combat the trafficking of fentanyl across the border and produced a 97 per cent drop in fentanyl seizures coming from Canada, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
cated that, of the 21,889 pounds (9928.7 kilograms) of fentanyl seized, only 43 pounds (19.5 kilograms) originated in Canada.
The tariffs are projected to cause severe economic uncertainty within Canada and the U.S. According to the Bank of Canada’s Monetary Policy Report for January 2025, tariffs would increase the price consumers pay for the goods being tariffed, negatively affecting both sides in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) as net exports shrink for both countries. This price increase would cause firms to lay off workers and decrease production due to the loss in revenue. The loss in net exports means the GDP loss is permanent until the tariffs end.
Great State of Canada” on December 10, 2024. However, at the time, Canadian government officials indicated that Trump only said that as a joke and that the comments should not be taken seriously.
However, on February 7, Trudeau indicated he no longer considers Trump’s comments a joke, considering its potential as a “real thing” meant to give the U.S. unfettered access to Canada’s mineral wealth. On February 9, Trump also said his statements about Canada being the 51st state was serious.
The threats to Canadian sovereignty have caused an upsurge in anti-American sentiment within Canada, as Canadians overwhelmingly resisted Trump’s belligerent actions. A grassroots movement intended to boycott American products has already taken off, intending to reduce the consumption of American goods unless the tariffs are withdrawn.
Additionally, inflation is projected to increase due to a rise in the consumer price index, stemming from the strain in global supply chains from Trump’s trade policy and retaliatory tariffs’ impact on American imports, which would become more expensive.
The provincial premiers, except for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, released a joint statement on January 15 after Trump’s comments on using economic force to annex Canada. In the statement, the premiers affirmed Canada’s unity in the face of Trump’s threats, agreeing on a strategy to police fentanyl and illegal firearms across the Canadian and U.S. border while presenting a strong defence of Canadian sovereignty. They also presented tariffs as a strict negative for both countries.
There was previously uncertainty on whether the tariffs would be going ahead on March 4, as Trump and figures within his administration have floated pushing the tariff imposition date into April. However, on February 27, Trump posted on social media confirmation that the tariffs would indeed return on March 4, with possible additional tariffs on specific Canadian goods taking effect in April that are yet to be known.
The reasoning behind the tariffs and their economic effects
Trump can unilaterally impose tariffs and other duties on foreign goods, including Canada’s, due to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The act allows the President to have broad-ranging powers regarding trade provided the declaration of an emergency.
The IEEPA would allow Trump to bypass Congress, which normally would have the final say on trade. Previous U.S. presidents had previously used the IEEPA to induce sanctions on countries such as Iran, Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea, among others.
Trump justified his tariffs on Canada by stating that the health crisis from rampant fentanyl usage created the conditions for a national emergency that required the invoking of the IEEPA. However, data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indi-
According to Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem, Canada can alleviate some of these economic burdens by removing interprovincial trade barriers and reducing the regulatory load for Canadian workers to incentivize domestic demand.
Already, financial markets have become more volatile due to the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariffs. The projected effects tariffs have on GDP and inflation have spooked investors, who have lowered expectations for economic development in these countries.
While stocks increased in volatility in response to the initial tariff threats, they stabilized once Trump delayed them until March. Nevertheless, volatility could pick up again should tariffs come into effect due to their negative economic effects on the two countries.
Economic warfare and attacks on Canadian sovereignty
A more pressing concern regarding the tariffs has been Trump’s willingness to use “economic force” to pressure Canada into accepting American annexation. In this regard, the tariffs would not be used to police fentanyl trafficking but rather to facilitate American economic aggression and to absorb Canada into the U.S. under the guise of “national security.”
Trump had previously called Trudeau the “Governor of the
Trump has openly floated the idea of Canada joining the U.S. to avoid the tariffs. In addition to the fentanyl mentioned in his executive order, Trump claimed that the U.S. had been under a trade deficit of US$200 billion, calling it a “subsidy.” However, trade deficits only mean Canada exports more to the United States than the other way around, and such trade can still boost the economies of both countries.
The actual trade deficit is calculated to be US$45 billion, with the money being made from American consumer demand and the US dollar as a reserve currency, not through subsidies.
According to U.S. government sources, the U.S. only subsidized Canada with US$253,850 in 2024, mainly through the International Non-proliferation Export Control Program, which aimed to ensure the non-proliferation of materials used to produce weapons of mass destruction through export controls and training of CBSA personnel to identify such materials.
Illustration by Ramiya Sureshkumar
U of T holds elections for its governing and campus councils
Diana Fu Associate News Editor
The results of the governing council have been released, while the winning nominees of the UTM Campus Council will be announced on April 7.
The voting period for electing student representatives of the Governing Council of the University of Toronto (U of T), as well as the Campus Councils and Standing Committees of each campus at U of T, took place from February 4 to 14, with the results of the Governing Council elections being released on February 19.
These university bodies govern how the U of T community is run. As per U of T’s stated principles for governance, student representation and input are essential to ensuring that the university can be given fair oversight, accurate advice, and approval of policies from a student perspective.
Governing Council elections
The Governing Council is the primary body that oversees academic, business, and student affairs for the entire tri-campus system. It consists of 50 members from throughout the university community. It is organized under a unicameral model and exists to give every stakeholder within the university community a voice in the university’s governance.
Students voted for eight of these 50 seats, with four representing full-time undergraduates, two representing part-time undergraduates, and two representing graduate students. Fulltime undergraduate students of U of T Mississauga (UTM) voted as part of Constituency I, consisting of UTM, U of T Scarborough (UTSC) and the Faculty of Arts and Science at the St. George campus.
Under Section 9 of U of T’s Election Guidelines, all prospective student nominees had to file a nomination form with support from five other students to the Office of the Governing Council via the Nominations Management Portal by January 16. Nominees could then start campaigning on January 29 until the last day of voting on February 14.
Each candidate had to adhere to strict campaign spending limits, with a limit of C$2,915 for full-time undergraduates in UTM’s constituency, C$400 for part-time undergraduates, and C$539 to C$542 for graduate students. Candidates were also required to ensure they campaign in the spirit of fair play and respect for the democratic process.
Campus Council elections
The UTM Campus Council is a secondary body that oversees academic, business, and student affairs for the Mississauga campus only and provides oversight on matters solely concerning UTM. It consists of 28 seats, with three being reserved for undergraduate students and one for graduate students.
Additionally, two of the Standing Committees under the oversight of the UTM Campus Councils—the Academic Affairs Committee and the Campus Affairs Committee —were also up for election. The Academic Affairs Committee covers the campus’s instructional and research functions and holds 63 seats; the Campus Affairs Committee has jurisdiction over the quality of student life on campus and holds 34 seats; and the Campus Council Agenda Committee, which was not featured in the elections, consists of 13 members and is responsible for preparing meeting agendas for the UTM Council.
Prerequisites and rules, similar to those of the Governing Council, are mentioned in Section 11 of U of T’s Election Guidelines for the election of UTM’s Campus Council and its Standing Committees. Students can choose up to five undergraduate representatives and two graduate representatives for the Academic Affairs Committee and five undergraduate representatives and one graduate representative for the Campus Council Committee.
The election timeline for the Campus Council and its Standing Committees mostly followed the same timeline as that of the Governing Council. Candidates also adhered to spending limits and fair play rules when campaigning for these positions, with a limit of C$801 for undergraduate students and C$400 for graduate students.
Due to a lack of nominations, the undergraduate nominees for the Campus Affairs Committee, the graduate nominees for the Academic Affairs Committee, and the graduate nominees for the UTM Campus Council have all been acclaimed. The rest of the results will be released by April 7.
On February 19, the Secretariat of U of T announced that Albert Pan, a student at UTM, was elected as one of the student representatives for the Governing Council with 499 votes. UTSC student Rishi Shah won the other seat with 551 votes.
Illustration by Ishwar Metharu
U of T ranked 21st globally for academic reputation and prestige
The University of Toronto (U of T) was ranked twenty-first for academic reputation and prestige in the 2025 iteration of the Times Higher Education (THE) World Reputation Rankings. This is the fourth consecutive year U of T obtained this position.
The list, which is in its fourteenth year, ranked 300 academic institutions from 38 countries and was based on an updated methodology, which featured six performance indicators and employed a survey which THE claims is “the world’s largest invitation-only academic opinion survey.” The survey received over 55,000 responses from participants across 193 countries, with 7,200 institutions being nominated and 750,000 votes being cast.
This year, Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Oxford University, Stanford University and Cambridge University took the list’s top spots, with Stanford and Cambridge tying for fourth place. The other Canadian universities which accompanied U of T in the top 100 included the University of British Columbia, McGill, and the University of Waterloo.
According to UTM’s News Room, the University of Toronto Mississauga’s primary news outlet on their website, Trevor Young, U of T’s vice-president and provost, commented on the rankings, stating that it, “once again underscores how highly the University of Toronto’s teaching and research is regarded by academics around the world.”
U of T economics Professor Michelle Alexopoulos appointed as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada
On February 11, the Bank of Canada’s Board of Directors announced that Michelle Alexopoulos has been appointed to the post of external Deputy Governor for a two-year term beginning on March 17.
Alexopoulos is a Toronto-born professor of Economics at the University of Toronto, with a cross-appointment at the University’s Faculty of Information. Her research primarily deals with monetary policy, business cycles, and economic uncertainty, and has been presented in copious settings from esteemed economics journals to conferences and think tanks.
Alexopoulos also served as a Bank of Canada Fellow since 2018 and as the Deputy Vice-President, Vice-President, and President of the Canadian Economics Association.
On Alexopoulos’ appointment, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem spoke on her potential impact, saying that she is a “top-tier macroeconomist with deep expertise in issues critical to Canada’s economic prospects” and stating that he is “confident that her knowledge and innovative thinking will contribute importantly to [the Bank’s] policy decision making.”
February News Briefs
Samuel Kamalendran News Editor
U of T recognized as a 2024 United Way Local Leader
U of T has recently been honoured as a United Way Greater Toronto Local Leader, a title granted to organizations which “showed outstanding leadership, dedication, and energy in their efforts to support our community,” according to United Way’s website.
According to an article by U of T’s Division of People Strategy, Equity & Culture, the recognition underscores the institution’s commitment to fundraising. During U of T’s fall campaign, the university community contributed over C$425,000 to United Way Greater Toronto, an increase from 2023’s figure of C$389,000.
According to United Way Greater Toronto, its Local Leaders “came together to help meet urgent challenges, such as food security, affordable housing, and mental health, and build stronger neighbourhoods for all.”
The program’s other Local Leaders, which include Toronto Metropolitan University and York University, can be found on the United Way’s website.
UTMSU elections officially taken into effect
The University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union (UTMSU) 2025 Spring Elections are now underway, with the union preparing for its campaigning and voting periods.
From Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28, UTM students were able to submit nominations for five Executive positions, eleven Division II Board of Directors positions, two Division II Part-Time Directors at Large positions, and one Division IV opening for the Mississauga Academy of Medicine.
After attending a candidate meeting on March 1 and waiting through a silent period, candidates will have the chance to campaign from March 3 to March 13. The Candidates Forum will take place on March 10, while students can vote from March 11 to March 13 from 9 AM to 6 PM in various UTM buildings.
The Election will also give students the chance to voice their opinions on three referenda questions, one of which regards modifying The Blind Duck Levy Fee and two of which regard the modification of the Student Centre Levy Fee for full-time and part-time students respectively.
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05 OPINION
Politics of empowerment
Mariana Dominguez Rodriguez Contributor
Reclaiming authentic female empowerment beyond male-defined narratives.
In recent decades, the discourse surrounding women’s empowerment has gained significant momentum. However, a critical examination reveals that many of these narratives are constructed through a malecentric lens, often reinforcing the patriarchy rather than genuinely uplifting women. This approach tends to confine empowerment to traditionally male-dominated arenas, such as the workforce, while neglecting the holistic aspects of a woman’s life, including familial, personal, and spiritual growth.
The male-centric paradigm of empowerment emphasizes women’s integration into sectors historically dominated by men. While increasing female representation in fields like engineering, technology, and finance is essential, it often comes with the expectation that women must conform to existing male norms. This can lead to scenarios where women are present in the workplace but remain undervalued and underpaid, their roles reduced to displays of inclusivity. Initiatives promoting women’s participation in sports or physical activities frequently overlook the inherent physiological differences between genders. This oversight results in unrealistic standards and pressures, setting women up for failure rather than fostering genuine empowerment.
But what is genuine empowerment? The essence of authentic empowerment should encompass all facets of a woman’s existence. It involves creating environments where women feel valued not only professionally but also within their families and personal development journeys. Recognizing and honoring the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to various spheres of life is crucial.
Historically, several societies have embraced models that prioritize women’s roles beyond mere workforce participation. For instance, the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, Indonesia, practice a form of matriarchy where property and wealth are inherited through the female line. Unlike traditional Western practices, in Minangkabau society, women hold significant authority in family and community decisions, illustrating a system where female empowerment is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric.
ercised legislative authority through electing officials, holding them accountable, and making sure they were meeting the needs of the community. And as a matrilineal society that granted them economic independence, these women could choose when to have children and who to have them with. But if an Iroquois woman chose not have children, she could still sustain “life” by tending to the land, which nourished her community.
In matriarchies, ideas of womanhood are not a binary, or an either-this-or-that game that’s impossible to win. A woman had the choice to express her womanhood in whatever way served her practical and emotional circumstances, and whatever choice she made, she was not judged through a malecentric criteria that fundamentally labelled her as “inferior.” A woman could be a mother, a politician, an agriculturalist, a teacher, a leader, or a storyteller. Womanhood was not a cape you donned, but it was part of your very skin.
In my opinion, the third wave of Western feminism that emerged in the 90s has often equated empowerment with adopting traditionally masculine traits, or plainly, mimicking masculinity. This perspective suggests that for women to assert their worth, they must emulate male behaviors, such as assertiveness, dominance, and a rationality that borders on a lack of empathy. However, this approach inadvertently reinforces the notion that male attributes are the benchmark for success and value.
By encouraging women to mirror men,
structures, and their authority is both recognized and respected.
Empowerment, in these contexts, is not about women adopting male characteristics but about embracing and valuing the strengths inherent in femininity.
Today, girlboss trends that encourage women to be self-made hyperconfident careerists and the rise of online sexual content creators, for example, have consolidated the illusion that women are truly empowered. This illusion then gets fed to us through mass-reproduced slogans, aesthetics, and ultimately disempowered advice on how to be an “empowered woman.” On the surface, women exercise sexual freedom, autonomy, and who has access to them. But let’s not fool ourselves into thinking the world we perform in as women is not still a world defined by men, for men. Ultimately, the contradiction of superficial displays of feminism that our culture taps into is this: “to be a more worthy, successful, and confident woman, I must be like a man.”
It is imperative to move beyond male-defined narratives. This involves valuing diverse contributions by recognizing that men and women bring unique strengths to various domains. It involves the curation of holistic support systems through creating policies and cultural norms that support women in all areas of life, including family, personal growth and professional development.
In turn, it is also essential to actively dismantle societal biases that devalue feminine
Similarly, the Iroquois Confederacy in North America operated under a constitution that granted women substantial political and economic influence. Women participated actively in decision-making processes, including matters of war and peace, highlighting a societal structure that genuinely valued and empowered women. Prior to colonization, Iroquois women ex-
society undermines the intrinsic power of femininity. True empowerment should celebrate and elevate qualities traditionally associated with women, such as empathy, collaboration, and nurturing. These attributes are not weaknesses but strengths that can lead to more harmonious and effective communications and workplaces, as evidenced by matriarchal societies.
The Mosuo people of southwest China, for example, are often cited as a matriarchal society where women control household finances and inheritance. In this culture, women are central to social and economic
traits. Education and awareness can play a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions and promoting true gender equality. And, as this article tries to show, we must learn from diverse cultures in which women are currently thriving and integrate the practices of societies that have successfully empowered women without relying on male paradigms.
Editor | Mashiyat Ahmed opinion@themedium.ca
Photo by Luwadlin Bosman from Unsplash
They don’t care if you’re bleeding unless you’re bleeding out
Rhianna Buck Associate Opinion Editor
I bled for 150 days straight, and my friends did more to address my pain than Canadian doctors.
In recent years, I’ve learned that some physical health issues are not the kind that doctors and hospitals take seriously. For those of us who have been systemically informed that our pain is insignificant, an overloaded and strategically defunded system is one of many barriers to accessing medical care.
At 17, an ultrasound identified that I had a cyst. It was 10 cm in diameter (about the size of a tennis ball) on my ovary (about the size of an almond). The doctor told me that they would give me another ultrasound in six weeks.
Given that I had visited the doctor because of acute episodes of intense pelvic pain, I was surprised that I was offered no solution, pain killers, or referrals.
Last April, I went to Portugal on my first backpacking trip. I had been on testosterone as a part of my gender affirming therapy (or hormone replacement therapy) long enough that my menstrual cycles had stopped. Or at least that was true until the week prior to my flight.
After three weeks of constant menstruation (Europe edition), I assumed something was wrong. I didn’t speak Portuguese, so I had minimal interest in trying to find a walk-in clinic, let alone one whose doctors were experienced with reproductive medicine. It was a while later, after going rock climbing in the south of Portugal, that I began to have some incredible stabbing pain in my lower abdomen. My companion at the time, a competitive arm wrestler, was walking with me in a national park when he asked if I was okay. I explained to him that I had been bleeding for three weeks and that I had a history of ovarian cysts. I was in severe pain, but had taken painkillers, and I wanted to wait before deciding whether a hospital visit was necessary.
By “necessary,” I mean whether I could psychologically cope with the magnitude of the pain. We eventually walked back to his car, and by that time I was in so much pain that I could not sit. My companion insisted I speak to a telemedicine service he had called, which would help me determine if I should go to the ER. The man on the other line asked me if I was pregnant three times.
After I explained that I was most certainly not pregnant, he said that any bleeding lasting more than ten days, especially if it caused such severe pain, required emergency attention. I was missing my ID at the time. I was tired, and I concluded that I would just cope. Coping was preferable to going to a place where I may not receive painkillers and timely attention, which I was uncertainly bound to pay for.
when I sat still, painkillers did nothing, and I was grateful that the scorching Sevilla sun had already set.
This time, the pain was beyond something I could handle. I began researching nearby hospitals, trying to figure out if it was possible for Canadians to get medical care in Spain. Unfortunately, I had missed my opportunity. Back in Portugal it was possibly free for me to get emergency medical help; here it was not.
My friends among the protestors were tremendously concerned for me. They stayed with me, asked me what was best, and offered to text my friend on my behalf because I was in too much pain to see clearly or type much.
Eventually my friend called. He was a man, one I respected and wanted to get to know. So I was hesitant to divulge details about how much pain I was actually in. It’s humiliating to be reduced to a coping machine, a being with the sole and only thought of breath, tolerating the intolerable.
Once again, a near stranger amazed me. My friend on the phone said his sister had ovarian cysts. He insisted that he wasn’t going to go to the music event like we initially planned, but that he would rather come to see that I was okay. He said he’d carry me to the hospital, if need be, and the protestors shared his sentiment.
Eventually, the gram of Tylenol and unknown amount of naproxen helped some, and I calmed down enough to laugh about the state I was in. I was alive, the time-defying pain had lessened, and I introduced my protestor friends to my music friend. We got to know each other more as we walked around the warm and dark city.
One incidence of exceptional kindness is just that: a singular event. My survival in Europe was reflective of some kind of
their patients when they express how intense their pain is. If gendered medical history has taught us anything, it’s that the opposite is true.
After returning home, I made an appointment with a doctor which I had been seeing since I started university. I told her about my many weeks of bleeding, the incredible pain, and how I needed help. Or a referral. Or something to stop the bleeding. She seemed mostly unconcerned as she casually ordered an ultrasound and bloodwork. My bloodwork came back fine. During our follow up appointment, she prescribed me nothing and gave no advice. I asked her what I was to do if this happened again, if I was in extreme pain that medication minimally helped. She said I could go to the ER. That was my only option. She told me the bleeding would stop. It did not.
When considering whether one should seek emergency medical attention, a person shouldn’t have to consider if they will be believed and taken seriously. So, after another month of bleeding, at 3 a.m I was awoken by abdominal pain. I lay there, crying and considering the options the doctor had told me. I could go to the hospital, but how would I get there if I could hardly walk? Could I handle the wait time, the bright lights? Would I be civil and patient when multiple professionals asked me the same questions, gave the same suggestions? Yes, I took painkillers. Yes, I used a heating pack. Yes, this has happened before.
Toward the end of this whole mess, I had another cyst rupture and had to visit the ER. I would kneel on the floor, as if I were praying, or I would pace around the room until my feet ached. I wanted the door to be open. I wanted the nurses to care. Another patient came in shortly after me, complaining of abdominal pain. The doctor visited him an hour before me, giving him medication very shortly after his arrival, while I paced and kneeled, breathing sharply, with no respite in sight. I don’t know that man’s pain. I know that I was suffering, and that I felt ignored.
What I found interesting about this experience was that my companion was empathetic and concerned. He didn’t approach me with the kind of disgust and soft disbelief that I faced in Canada, when people would ask why I was feeling ill. In Portugal, someone who I had only known for a handful of days was willing to drive me during rush hour traffic and act as a pseudo-translator because he believed my testimony and recognized my pain. In Canada, I don’t even think my roommate would be willing to drive me a few kilometers to the hospital, not without heavy judgement or complaint.
My trip went on, as did the bleeding, until I was in Spain. I was staying at the University of Sevilla with students who had an encampment in protest of the war and genocide in Palestine. One night, while I was at their encampment, I was waiting on a call from a new friend so we could go to a music event. By the time he texted me, I was in immense pain. The world spun
Illustration by Sara Li
greater kindness. The passing people of Spain and Portugal believed so strongly that they ought to help me that they forgot mostly about the ‘intimate’ aspects of my medical issue.
For context, when you are female and go into the hospital with intense pain in the lower abdomen, they ask you if you are pregnant. Typically, this happens multiple times, sometimes with the same individual asking repeatedly. More often, multiple individuals will ask.
I wonder, if I had said there was a chance of pregnancy during any of my hospital visits, would they have been more concerned with the level of pain I was in?
Part of the challenge with menstrual and general organ pain is that it is invisible. It is imperative therefore that clinicians trust
On that day, two doses of morphine were enough to calm the pain so I could go home. The ER doctor said she’d write me a prescription for painkillers. She prescribed the very medication I had told her did next to nothing for the pain: Tylenol.
After 150 days or so the bleeding stopped. I spent one third, maybe more, of a year bleeding, and the strategy various professionals took was to run the same tests and just “wait and see”. I wonder if I would’ve been treated differently had I been a cis-gendered person. Or maybe if my bloodwork showed iron deficiency.
Though, I had a friend in high school who fell and hit her hip badly, causing multiple weeks of bleeding. Doctors found her to be dangerously anemic and gave her blood clotting medications that failed to work. I wasn’t bleeding out. I wasn’t small or anemic. There was no catalyst for this bleeding, and it defied the usual effects of testosterone. But nobody seemed to care. I told friends and family as it happened, that I had been bleeding for 60, 120, 140 days. They all seemed more stupefied than any doctor.
What or who is the culprit here? Is it how our health care systems are pillaged by increasing privatization? Is it how women’s and gender minorities’ pain is met with unjustified scrutiny, echoing deep-rooted biases and injustices in the systems responsible for ensuring our health? Is it something else entirely, or all these things combined to create a healthcare nightmare? Perhaps. All I know is that I, and countless others like me, simply deserve better.
Editorial: Why I want a daughter, even in a world that hates women
Maja Tingchaleun Copy Editor
(Re)discovering the joys of girlhood, womanhood, and femininity.
I’venever considered myself especially feminine, and being a woman has always felt incidental, rather than integral, to my identity. Yet, I haven’t always succeeded at ignoring my gender. When I learned I’d be writing the oped for The Medium’s Women’s Day issue, these memories floated through my mind.
I remembered standing in the grocery checkout lane with my mom as a small child, exactly eye-level with the tabloids that criticized famous women’s bodies. My mom covered my eyes, but I became fluent in the language with which to hate my appearance. I could write about how capitalism sells manufactured inadequacies to girls and women. Maybe I could talk about the Sephora kids and Drunk Elephant tweens.
I remembered when every comments section of every Instagram post was flooded with degrading, misogynistic hatred. I remembered being groped by a stranger at Scarborough Town Centre, being catcalled by men along Queen St. W. I could write about how women are expected to protect their safety by giving up their right to exist in the public sphere. I could talk about how women are punished for the sins that men commit against them.
For more than a month, vague inspiration floated in and out of my mind. As a woman, I feel…, my writer’s mind prompted me, and my memory filled in the blanks: Insecure. Angry. Ashamed. Afraid.
right person, nor is this to place, to try and detangle the differences between those constructs. But women have little cultural capital—a sociological concept that refers to the resources groups use to retain or gain dominant status—and, as a result, everything associated with women is devalued. Women and men alike who are seen as feminine are belittled and criticized. I learned early that the best thing I could be was provisionally masculine, and I preened when I was singled out as a “tomboy,” “not like the other girls”.
I also learned from a young age that the worst thing anyone could be was girly, a sissy, or a pussy. I was ashamed of the few “feminine” traits and interests I did possess, feeling they contraindicated my intellect and ambitions. The same culture that sold its women $12.4 billion in cosmetic products in 2024 tells those women that they are superficial and slutty for buying those products; so, although I also longed to feel beautiful, I mocked the first girls in my middle school class to start wearing make-up.
One stereotypically feminine trait I’ve had for as long as I’ve been conscious, however, is a love for children and a
I remember how, as I was making my rounds through the class of three-year-olds I teach at church, I noticed that some girls had smeared their eyelids with purple marker, their cheeks with blue, their lips with orange. “Hey,” I protested as I carefully wiped it off, “let’s not do that, okay? You look very pretty, but it’s not good if you get marker in your eyes or your mouth.” The only word they heard was “pretty.” They threw their heads back and giggled. They feel no shame, no anger. Their love for pretty skirts and soft colours doesn’t preclude them from screaming ferociously as they chase each other around the classroom. They are simply girls.
The times I played dress-up as a fairy princess as a little girl; the seventh-grade sleepovers where we very seriously dissected the words and actions of boys who definitely did not know we existed; my eventual choice to study forensic science—one STEM field where women outnumber men—and my best friend Ayera’s and my neverending pursuit of coffee, bubble tea, matcha, and sweet treats are all joys that were available to me because I was a girl and am a woman.
The world hates women. Women and girls worldwide, including Canada’s First Nations, Métis, and Indigenous women, face violent and abusive hatred that bars them from education and jobs and endangers their health and safety. Even for relatively privileged women in the global West, like myself, existing as a woman is exhausting and undignified, forcing you to navigate a labyrinthine culture that propagates sexual harassment and that reminds you at every turn—through endless advertisements, headlines, and sponsored social media content—that you are ugly, unhappy, and unlovable, and need to purchase those things back.
Femininity is not the same thing as womanhood: a woman who is “less” feminine is not less a woman than a woman who is “more” feminine, although I am not the
desire to be a mother. I’ve always pictured a future with a child by my side, regardless of whether they were a son or a daughter. Recently, though, I’ve thought that I would like a daughter. I remember the little girls I used to babysit: how they’d section my hair into five lopsided ponytails and examine their work with a satisfied smile, exclaiming, “You’re beautiful!” I remember how we’d draw houses or flowers or dolls together and how, when we’d compare the drawings afterwards, they always liked their work better, regardless of how much more detailed or colourful or realistic mine was. I remember how I painted their nails with clear glitter polish and how they, entranced, held their hands up to the window and turned their hands again and again to let the sunlight catch the sparkles.
But the time a friend and I found deer feces and poked and prodded it with long sticks for almost an hour, taking stock of the several species of insects with naturalists’ curiosity; the rock ballads written by 30-year-old white men that soundtracked my middle school days; and the scars on my knees from toppling off my bike during one of the rides that have characterized every summer since I was five years old were all joys that came with being a girl as well.
That’s because I am a woman, and being a woman is integral to my identity and my life—the sum of it, not just the griefs and the fears but the joys and the hopes too. When I have a daughter, if I have a daughter, I would like to teach her to love being alive: and, as an extension, to love being a girl.
I don’t want to buy into misogyny’s lies that fear, anger, sadness, or violence are all that I can aspire to as a woman. I don’t want to believe that the only way I can achieve more is by shoving my identity as a woman aside. There is a time and place to riot, cry, and scream, but letting violence define my life and identity deals no harm to the system that perpetuates it. It would only destroy me. I am learning that it is “by grace that I am who I am”, and so I am learning to love the life I have been given. I am learning to love being a woman. And so, when my mind prompts me, As a woman, I feel…, I will choose to respond: Joyful. Content. Grateful.
Illustration by Sara Li
Gendered beauty standards at UTM
Grisha Sharma Contributor
Universities are often seen as microcosms of society. So, what do experiences of beauty and expression mean for students?
The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is located in one the most diverse cities in Canada, with students and faculty from all corners of the globe calling the campus their home. As a microcosm of society, there is no particular set of societal beauty standards that students are expected to follow. Yet, given UTM’s calls for diversity and acceptance, I believe there is a certain pressure imposed upon women and LGBTQ+ people of colour to either maintain or even go beyond the standards embedded within a North American schooling system. This becomes more complicated when students are also coerced to adhere to their own cultural standards which often clash with the freedom of choice that a university environment promotes.
Research suggests social media is one of the biggest culprits in establishing and promoting restrictive standards for women. Our digital environments, where we increasingly spend more time, uphold a clear dissonance between the ideal body type marketed to women and women’s real bodies. I would argue this creates a needless and unfair competition among women to achieve features perceived as objectively “attractive”. Women of colour are further targeted, as North America tends to place Euro-centric features on a pedestal, disregarding or even suppressing all other physical identities.
But how do unrealistic gendered physical standards manifest in students at UTM? According to a U of T student equity census, around 19 per cent of students identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and approximately 42 per cent identify as a person of colour, which makes UTM an appropriate setting to test whether students feel such standards imposed upon them due to their eth-
nic, gender,or sexual identity, or perhaps all.
So, I decided to interview a few students around campus to get their input on how beauty and societal standards have personally affected them as people of colour. What does UTM have to say?
An anonymous second-year student felt that although initially she didn’t see herself consciously conforming to any strict beauty standards, she does realize that many women tend to lean towards hyper-feminine fashion, jewellery, mannerisms, and appearances, and that these women are subtly rewarded more so than those who do not. This seems to suggest a conditional relationship forming for women, where their appearance correlates to the positive attention they may receive without their awareness of it due to the subconscious biases ingrained in Canadian society.
However, this is not the case for everyone. Several students also found UTM to be a more accepting environment and didn’t feel the need to conform to certain standards. An anonymous first-year international student from India commented how she was expected to look polished and perfect back at home and UTM allowed her to break away from the archetypical image of femininity and express herself in a more authentic manner.
Another fourth-year student added that since they surrounded themselves with a diverse group of friends, they did not feel judged or ashamed for not conforming to “typical” societal standards. To me, this implies that a lack of diversity significantly contributes to creating such standards for women in the first place.
Do men feel the same?
I believed that although a patriarchal system does force men to follow often unachievable physical and societal standards, such as by socially defining masculinity as lacking emotions, these restrictions bore more severe consequences for women. In several countries, gender roles and expectations are
deeply rooted in how a society operates. In places like India, gendered expectations that befall women—that of being a sacrificial mother, a dutiful wife, and a obedient citizen—normalize patriarchy’s brutal cost. While men also suffer under patriarchy, misogyny murders, rapes, and denigrates women. For men, the consequences are not so dire.
Data also seems to suggest that women are more likely to be dissatisfied with their body image than men, but arguing what arbitrary beauty standards are more harmful than others is a fruitless discussion. It is still important to acknowledge that women and queer people of colour face additional challenges, but that is just another facet to this complex conversation.
The diverse student body at UTM brings forth a more nuanced view of dominant societal standards. There is a possibility for there to be higher expectations for in-group standards when students usually socialize with others belonging to similar ethnic backgrounds, but as an LGBTQ+ friendly university with a majority identifying as people of colour, I believe UTM allow for more freedom than other North American universities. One of the more intriguing responses I received during my conversations was that deviating from “traditional” beauty standards and being perceived as more aesthetically unique, even as a man, brings its own set of problems, such as unwanted attention and disrespect of boundaries. Hence, it is important to ensure that we are not invalidating anyone’s experiences with following or rebelling against beauty standards regardless of whether their identity plays a role in it.
What do beauty and societal standards mean at UTM?
Through conversations with students, I confirmed that the idea of perfect beauty standards differs from person to person and group to group on campus, with most people stating that a coherent beauty standard doesn’t exist. Instead, it is shaped by the past experiences of students, their status as an international or domestic student, and their social identity. Some women of colour feel they are never ‘good enough’ to meet Eurocentric standards while others are surprised by the acceptance they’ve experienced at UTM by virtue of our campus’s diversity.
A better way to understand such standards on campus would be to take individual circumstances into account and then present recurring patterns that affect those who veer away from their own perceived notion of these standards. Ultimately, instead of painting UTM with broad brush strokes, we can better appreciate our student body by exploring how ethnic narratives and people’s unique positions affect how they internalize society’s standards. I think that makes for a much more interesting conversation about the gendered student experiences. w
Photo by Aria Zheng
09 features
The female rebellion in contemporary media
Vedika Awtani Contributor
Through literature, film, and social media, women use modern media to raise their voices and redefine societal expectations.
Think about your favourite television show, book, movie, or even influencer—has it impacted your perspective in any way? If you think about it, the media we consume shapes our perspective and subtly influences the way we think and engage with the world around us.
Today, we rely on media and more often than not, it influences our culture. Through contemporary media, women are reclaiming their power using storytelling in literature, filmmaking, and social media to create space for taboo subjects. Through these channels, women have been able to discuss unfairness around sexual health, beauty standards, and entrepreneurship. Many young women are taking part in digital activism through the power of social media.
Women’s empowerment in literature
We read many novels with strong female roles, especially in books for younger audiences. One example is Fourth Wing, a fantasy romance novel written by Rebecca Yarros. In the book, we learn about its bold protagonist, Violet Sorrengail, who has an interesting storyline. She begins as a frail character set up to fail but eventually grows into a powerful dragon rider.
viously taboo behaviour. For instance, a prevailing fictional narrative about an exotic dancer, Anora, is steadily gaining traction with young audiences.
Ani, the film’s main character, is constantly surrounded by male characters, but her persona far outshines them. Instead of relying on others, Ani’s resilience to forge her destiny is the focal point of the story. She is committed to a future for herself, without a man, and she has no problem rebelling against authority.
Ani’s autonomy, assertiveness, and emotional complexity, cou-
Led
by
Editor | Madhav Ajayamohan features@themedium.ca
wife Abby
and her sister Amanda Doyle, the podcast is entirely dedicated to talking about the “real” things, such as sex, gender, and justice. The name itself is an ode to an equal-gender space, where women can do all the difficult things men are expected to do.
Social media platforms have also done that through digital marketplaces. These are integral to the livelihoods of women and have encouraged female entrepreneurship. Although economic independence was a challenging endeavour for women, social media gives their companies exposure.
pled with her unusual profession and choices, make her an example of a fierce woman. Despite the stigma surrounding her career, Ani is a testament to the choices women can make for themselves.
Violet’s unique determination is integral to the story. Where physical strength is generally attributed to men, Violet proves this narrative wrong. Her tireless spirit accompanies her headstrong attitude to inspire young women everywhere. Supporting characters, such as her sister, Mira, and best friend, Rhiannon, also inspire young female readers.
Women’s empowerment in television
Such courage is no stranger to the big screen through television series like Fleabag. In this series, Fleabag—the protagonist of her self-titled show—is a snarky and adventurous woman. Fleabag is a visual depiction of a woman’s deepest desires, insecurities, and trauma. Fueled by meaningless sexual prowess, Fleabag is carefree, frequently making inappropriate jokes and disregarding social expectations.
Fleabag is rooted in reality, as she struggles with judgment from the closest females in her life. While she has no profound connections, she is a ball of insecurity that longs for companionship. Throughout the show, Fleabag struggles with vulnerability but represents a fearless character who rebels against normative activity with a journey of adaption.
Her journey is hardly limited to a series. Many movies, especially in the modern day, are introducing new angles to pre-
This tendency has even bled into Disney as of late. In a move unheard of for the company, Disney recently released the modernist film Turning Red. Focused on the stigmatized topic of menstruation, the film details the emotionally challenging journey of puberty.
It compares the waves of emotions women experienced in that period to a giant, often destructive red panda. While Mei Lei, the protagonist, is an upstanding young girl, her transition showcases her rebelliousness. She emphasizes emotional expression, defying cultural and even parental norms.
For young children, Mei Lei is a mirror of their battles as they grow and change. Her support for her friends, emotional vulnerability, and outspoken conduct encourages girls to express themselves. More so, it changes the conversation around reproductive health, encouraging open-mindedness and social support.
Women’s empowerment in social media
This social shift is echoed in part by the lived experiences of social media users. In a rising digital age, women are unafraid to use their online platforms and spread awareness. One such way is through the prevalence of female-voiced podcasts, such as We Can Do Hard Things.
Through channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and even WhatsApp, women can market their products and create direct relationships with consumers. These platforms have enabled women to form relationships with other entrepreneurs, enhancing professional collaboration. Further, social media platforms are easily accessible by both companies and consumers.
Businesses such as Kenna’s Crystals have profited by creating a brand around their product. The owner, Kenna, elevated crystal shopping with routine packing, restocking videos, and transparency. She now has a global audience that sells out her plentiful stock in mere seconds. Her Canadian-based brand is incredibly fast-growing, with its largest marketing platform being TikTok.
Social media creators can also benefit from sponsorship by collaborating with some of the largest brands to exist. Steadily, more “mommy vloggers” are sharing their lives online by creating videos like “what my family eats in a day” or “shopping spree with my kids.” Through these videos, these creators are able to gain a steady income while at the same time connecting with a community that shares similar experiences.
Meanwhile, other creators like Samyra are bringing attention to topics like plus-size shopping through their social media platforms.
With her song called “Plus-Size Freestyle,” Samyra’s platform is based entirely around her trying out plus-size items from different brands and confidently addressing the brands’ lack of visibility. From Target to the fan-favourite Aritizia, Samyra rates every brand’s clothing options for larger sizes, with a specific emphasis on the lack of athletic wear for plus-size women.
As Ozempic continues to take over the cultural conversation, Samyra uses this as motivation to speak up through her activism in her platform and music. According to a Refinery29 article, Samyra stated, “We are back in a time where thinness is more celebrated, as is the proximity to thinness, so brands have had and will have selective listening. And so it’s going to take more than just fat people to see that change.”
All around, we engage in these small acts of empowerment. Through digital enterprise, activism, or narrative, women are using media to reinterpret their roles, establish communities, and yield significant cultural change.
Glennon Doyle, her
Wambach,
Illustration by April Roy
10 Arts
The Renaissance: Were there only just men?
Kirsty Carnan Contributor
Hearing, seeing, and knowing about women’s achievements and impacts in art history is valuable knowledge that is overlooked.
In grade school, I remember sitting in history class thinking something was off. Whether it be how they discussed Columbus coming to America, how France expanded their empire, or information left out of our curriculum, someone always ended up slighted. Flash forward a few years to university, I now have access to much more information than my primary school textbooks. Today, it’s my professors who decide what and who is considered valuable to the larger scope of art history and its contemporary interpretations.
From the Renaissance to Impressionism to the Post-Modern period and further, there is an uneven balance of who is considered important. A survey done at Cal Poly Humboldt University found that students spent only 28 per cent of their entire degree learning about women artists. Yes, I understand the battle in deciding who gets the spotlight and yes, we must consider the socio-cultural constraints that stopped women from attending academies and gaining professional traction. However, the Renaissance is characterized by its educational enlightenment and the prevalence of artistic craftsmanship, meaning teachings should reach beyond the male figures that are so commonly put at the forefront of education. You have heard of Leonardo de Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo, but what about Artemisia Gentileschi or Sofonisba Anguissola? These are two women artists who have endured art history’s often forgetful curriculum as their talent is established amongst male counterparts of their time. And there are many more.
A nun in a Dominican Covent in Siena and a self-taught artist, Plautilla Nelli expressed her devotional occupation in her religiously thematic scenes. She painted large-scale artworks, including one of the first depictions of the Last Supper done by a female artist in 1570. While working out of the Covent, Nelli also produced illuminated manuscripts that were used for learning and record-keeping in an image-text format. Her creations show that women possessed talent without the inspiration or influence of male counterparts.
Lavinia Fontana’s reputation stands on her impressive portraiture of Bolognese noblewomen and families that connect the viewer and subject through her detailed psychological representations. She was also one of the earliest female painters to depict mythological and erotic scenes, in her painting Venus and Mars from 1595. Apart from human and mythological subjects, Fede Galizia was a pioneer in the stilllife genre. Her vivid paintings enlivened the objects she painted. Depictions of apples, peaches, and grapes in bountiful baskets fill much of her surviving works alongside her distinctly naturalistic portraiture commissions. Galizia’s style was oddly modernist, placing her among the old masters of the time.
Involving women artists in conversations about art history is, of course, necessary for the empowerment and recognition of female presence in history. However, women’s artwork also provides an important perspective. Rather than assuming truths from male artists that tend to misconstrue important stories and depict women from a sexual and domestic standpoint, including and comparing artwork done by women can create a more thorough version of history.
Editor | Keira Johannson
The L Word: Sex and the City, but for lesbians
Jia Bawa Associate Opinion Editor
The L Word follows the lives and relationships of lesbian and bisexual women in Los Angeles and was essentially the first show of its kind.
Queer representation has always been a finicky thing in television, even more so when it comes to queer women. HeartBeat, the first show to regularly include a lesbian character, aired in 1988, and the first sapphic kiss on television took place in 1991. As the years went on, queer characters began to trickle into famous sitcoms but they were usually side characters: a plot device to hurry along the leading couple’s relationship development.
That is, until 2004, when The L Word first aired on Showtime. Boasting a run of six seasons, this iconic show built the foundation for the representation of queer women in television today. The show followed the lives and relationships of lesbian and bisexual women in Los Angeles. This was groundbreaking because, in the early 2000s, a show where all the female characters were queer and this was the norm was almost unheard of. Queer women all around the globe could resonate with this show because, for the first time, they felt seen. Viewers saw these women explore new relationships, both platonic and romantic, as well as newer characters who were dealing with their newfound attraction to women and coming out.
Another annoying aspect of the representation of queer women before The L Word was that they were usually butch lesbians or women who were made to look like they had no sex appeal. The L Word counters that by featuring some very feminine and conventionally attractive women, such as Jennifer Beals. And instead of falling into the butch and hyper-femme stereotype, they showed quite a few femme-femme relationships, too.
The charm of older sitcoms, like Sex and the City, lies in their feel-good, romantic quality. They portray women as central characters who have amazing friendships and learn how to navigate their personal and professional lives with lots of bumps along the way. But these characters are usually straight as a ruler, and, naturally, their love-life drama revolves solely around men.
The L Word took everything that we love about Sex and the City and reproduced it—this time, with queer women at the forefront. And the best part is that the show isn’t one-dimensional. It isn’t all attractive women who make out and cheat on each other and get back together afterwards. In terms of representation, the show covers some very common difficulties faced by queer people. For example, one of the central storylines follows a lesbian couple who try to conceive a biracial baby, wanting the child to look like both its parents. Another delves into the trials and tribulations of gaining equal parental claim over children, relevant at the time as same-sex marriage was not yet legal in the US.
Although The L Word did have some storylines that would not hold up in today’s political climate, like their treatment of one of the main transgender characters, for its time, it was extremely progressive, and its impact was unsurmountable. It has been 21 years now since the show first graced daytime television, but I am yet to see another show that revolves exclusively around queer women, with that same feel-good quality. The queer men get Heartstopper, but where are the modern shows about queer women?
Illustration by Sehajleen Wander
Illustration by Sehajleen Wander
A visualization of the neurotic mind: Theatre Erindale’s avant-garde production
Ramiya Sureshkumar Theatre Erindale Correspondent
In an incredibly tightly packed 90 minutes, Theatre Erindale’s The Devised Project, a dramatization of Virginia Woolf’s The New Dress, is a frenetic, exhilarating, and robust experience—a true sensory feast.
What could better soothe during chaotic times than an even more chaotic play? Theatre Erindale’s dramatic adaptation is just that in its hectic yet riveting page-to-stage translation of Virginia Woolf’s The New Dress. The production presents a searing exploration of social and class stratification, the anxiety accompanying naked vulnerability in social spaces, and the disorienting effects of self-consciousness. Through an energetic and buoyant performance, the play delves into the internal psyche of the insecure and neurotic Mabel Waring as she attends an upscale party hosted by Clarissa Dalloway. The new, but perhaps old-fashioned, dress Mabel had tailored for the party is, in her mind, not quite up to par with other guests’ attire. Her insecurity about her social position clouds her perception of the evening, turning the party into an almost nightmarish event where judgment looms large. The remainder of the play unspools Mabel’s psychological turmoil as she struggles to navigate the evening.
A standout feature of this spectacularly literate play is its ambitious attempt at dramatizing a stream-of-consciousness narration. The production does so by having the entire cast function as an ensemble narrator of sorts. Narrative aspects of the story and internal thoughts are spoken in unison by the cast, all of whom remained on stage at all times. This choice masterfully delineates between spoken dialogue and internal monologue,
allowing the audience to seamlessly differentiate between Mabel’s thoughts and interactions, which is particularly useful when everyone is dressed identically.
To that point, contrary to the de facto expectation of period dramas about posh folks, there were no 1920s costumes, or even accents and mannered performances. Instead, the cast is dressed in the same whiteand-black uniform, an initially confounding choice that later proved ingenious. The idea that obsession over appearances is empty and foolish is truly emphasized here when visible distinctions in attire are eliminated. This ironic reversal amplifies Woolf’s critique of superficiality; Mabel is too concerned with others’ clothing, yet here, clothing is rendered irrelevant. The uniformity underscores the futility of her fixation, making the play’s commentary on social perception and self-image impeccably sharp.
of the play’s sound came from the actors themselves. Similarly, there is not much going on in terms of theatrical scenery, apart from a couple of parlour chairs that remain in the periphery for most of the performance. Lighting, however, is used rather skilfully; abrupt shifts from warm yellow to stark white punctuate key moments, while occasional coloured lighting underscores emotional states.
The minimal set and sound design serve to accentuate the power of the cast’s performances. Classical pieces are interspersed sparingly in appropriate moments, but apart from that, the heft
Overall, this adaptation of The New Dress is a torrential, nerve-wracking, and ambitious endeavour. I would like to note that while the play’s bold artistic choices made for a compelling experience, familiarity with the original work may be advisable; the identical costuming and stream-of-consciousness styled dialogue can make the early scenes a bit more difficult to follow. Nevertheless, this polyphonic presentation of the inner and outer worlds was entertaining, lighthearted, and a perfectly fun experience for Woolf enthusiasts. Catch The Devised Project from now until March 8.
11 sports & health
The hardships of female athletes
Maram Qarmout Staff Writer
Female athletes often face unequal salaries, hyper-sexualization, and abuse in pursuit of their sport.
It’s not easy to be a woman, let alone a female athlete. Although society has progressed from the insufferable discrimination of the past, where women had to fight for their independence, there continues to be a struggle for female athletes to succeed.
Unequal salaries
From successful sponsorships to higher viewership, male athletes dominate the playing field of higher pay rates. It’s undeniable that female athletes struggle to earn half as much as male athletes. Whereas male athlete paychecks can reach into the tens of millions of dollars, female athletes struggle to earn as much as $100,000.
The higher-quality camera coverages, production values, and commentary mean that people naturally feel more inclined to watch male games. Unfortunately, with lower camera coverage and production values, woman-centered games aren’t nearly as exciting, which leads to lower attendance rates that result in lower wages.
With lower salaries, many female athletes are left with the dif-
ficult choice of quitting or continuing to train despite the risks that come with doing so. Athletes, regardless of gender, pay the same expenses to train. This means female athletes expend the same quantity of money on coaches, doctors, therapists, equipment, maintenance, hotels, restaurants, supplements, training facilities, and beyond, despite making only a fraction of their male counterparts.
However, for female athletes who are paid less, this places them at a higher likelihood of risking their livelihood to guarantee an opportunity at success. More than six out of ten female athletes work outside their professional careers to pay for rent, food, and life necessities. Many are beginning to ponder the worth of the sport and highly consider retirement.
The male gaze Financial difficulties aren’t the only concerns of female athletes. When the public does take interest in them, it is often more for their bodies than their sportsmanship or athleticism.
The male gaze continues to be an enormous hurdle that female athletes struggle to overcome despite their proficiency, expertise, and limitless accomplishments in their professions. Whether it’s the provocative clothing they are forced to wear or the alluring figures the public focuses on, female athletes can’t seem to escape the decades-old hypersexualization.
Editor | Joseph Falzata sports@themedium.ca
One study found that almost half of all female athletes quit before adulthood due to concerns of body image and selfconsciousness. Female uniforms, which are created to expose more skin, make it inevitable for women to be more self-aware of their weight, scars, or societal “imperfections.” This leaves many of them with no choice but to leave the sport.
Illustration by Ramiya Sureshkumar
Abuse
Female athletes inherently experience more verbal and physical abuse than their male counterparts. Throughout male championships, audience members will naturally hear more commentary about the athletes’ skill sets and real-time ac-
Illustration by Maya De Oliveira
Photo by Mike Slater
complishments. However, during female games, some commentators focus more on body shaming female athletes for their weight and beauty, making derogatory statements such as “They’re big, aren’t they,” to an audience of hundreds of people. Not only commentators, but male coaches have also verbally abused female athletes when they are unsatisfied with their performance, threatening to sexually harass them if they fail to improve.
Furthermore, women athletes frequently endure assault in various forms, from physical abuse to verbal threats. Either by coaches, trainers, executives, or their own fans, female athletes continuously face harassment for their race, bodies, skill sets, or failure to compete as well as male athletes.
Unless publicly documented, female athletes rarely expose the abuse that happens behind the scenes in fear of negative pub-
The cost of being a female athlete
Presha Dev Contributor
The inequality in sportswear costs, sponsorship gaps and gender-based pricing in sports.
It’s expensive to be a woman. The pink tax targets many products tailored for women, whether it be lotion, soap, toothbrushes or razors. Often, the products sold for women are priced much higher than those for men, despite little to no difference in functionality. Extending beyond personal care items, this issue is seen even in the world of sports. Women’s athletic gears are sold at a much higher cost than those of men’s, but why?
One big reason is marketing. Many athletic and sportswear companies advertise differently for men and women. For men, this gear is advertised for its durability and assistance in performance, however for women the gear is advertised focusing on how it’ll make them look. Being presented more as a fashion statement with tailored cuts, trendy colors, and a flattering fit, the cost of producing these products thus increases the cost of buying.
Another reason is that some women’s products are more complex to make and have greater production costs, and are subject to sizing costs only found within the women’s market. Sports bras are an example of this. The materials used to produce different sizes of sports bras contribute to higher prices. One cost analysis compared women’s products that vary in size, including sports bras. It was found that smaller sizes of a product
were sold for a lower price than larger sizes of the same product. While size ranges in both men and women’s clothing, the materials used and items targeted for women also cause an increased price in activewear.
Moving past production costs, women’s sports are extremely underfunded compared to men’s sports, making it more difficult for female athletes to win sponsorships. Male athletes are seen as more marketable due to their popularity, hence why they receive more sponsorships compared to female athletes. With less sponsorships, many female athletes spend out of pocket when it comes to buying athletic gear.
licity, being kicked out, or forever silenced by huge corporations. Sadly, female athletes are left to endure the abuse they receive from their perpetrators in return for a stable career. No individual has it easy in life. Male athletes face their own challenges, but the lives of female athletes seem to only get more complicated and difficult the more exposure they receive.
Sometimes, the cost of being an athlete outweighs the salaries earned by these women. A survey addresses this issue where female athletes were asked about their annual salaries and costs. Nearly six in ten female athletes stated that they earned $25,000 or less per year but some would spend up to $50,000 on sports equipment. Many of them have jobs outside of their sports as managing living costs while working solely as an athlete just isn’t feasible. To add on, male athletes earn on average 21 times more annually than female athletes.
Looking at all these factors, there is no doubt that being a woman in sports is costly. Seeing how gender inequality affects women in various aspects of life from day-to-day hygiene products to sportswear and even being a female athlete emphasizes the need for more equity. These factors heavily influence
Skateboarding Through UTM
Tyler Medeiros Staff Writer
skateboarding culture featuring the top 5 best spots to skate on campus.
Skateboarding Culture at UTM
Do you ever find yourself struggling to make it on time to your class at 1:10 pm in the Davis building from your class that ends at 1:00 pm in IB? Or maybe you just never account for how
Photo by Gui Qu
long it takes to walk through the CCT building and DV link at 2:00 pm on a Wednesday. Whatever your commute to and around campus looks like, it’s fair to say that it takes up a good portion of time. But what if there was a way to reach different areas on campus in a faster, and more enjoyable way? Well, the answer might be a small platform on wheels: skateboarding.
Skateboarding at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)
is a cost-effective way to traverse campus in a timely manner. It doesn’t require gas or battery power like automobiles or electric transportation devices do. It simply requires a willing rider. Although there are not as many skateboarders on campus as there were 10 or 20 years ago, you may still see some of these willing riders skating to class or doing tricks on rails. The skateboarding community is welcoming and always looking for fellow skaters to ride with. The security guards and other staff members at UTM allow skateboarding on campus. Just make sure that you are only riding outdoors and doing so safely! If not, you may be told to step off and hold your board until you are outside.
Even if you feel you are not skilled enough and therefore not comfortable riding a skateboard around campus, there are some areas to train at UTM.
The 5 Best Spots to Skate at UTM
If you are interested in becoming a part of the skateboarding culture at UTM, here are some of the best spots to meet likeminded individuals and practice your skills. Gui Qu, a student and skateboarding enthusiast at UTM, has compiled a list of the top five skateboarding spots he’s come across during his time on campus. The locations are listed in no particular order.
1. Kaneff Centre / Innovation Complex (KN)
The Second Cup entrance to the Kaneff Centre provides the perfect place for beginner and advanced skaters. The steps to approach the building are connected to square ledges. The square ledges allow for different types of grinds and slides.
2. Maanjiwe nendamowinan (MN)
Similar to the Second Cup entrance of the Kaneff Centre, the main entrance to MN has square ledges and stairs. According
a woman’s choice to pursue sports, and so these issues not only make female athletes feel like an afterthought in the industry, but can also discourage women from becoming an athlete altogether.
Marketing tactics also push gender stereotypes as aesthetics and appearance are more emphasized when marketing to women than functionality and durability. This enforces the narrative that regardless of what a woman does, appearance is what matters above all. These advertisements not only subconsciously influence how women are seen by others, but by themselves as well. By excessive focus on appearance, issues with self-image and self-objectification arise.
Being a female athlete should not be so expensive, especially in a field like sports where skill, talent, and determination are heavily admired. Women also deserve to pursue a career in sports without having to shoulder disproportionate costs.
to Gui Qu, both MN and KN are great for grinds, slides, manuals, kickflips, tre flips, and heelflips. The one downside to this location is that it can get busy and space might be limited.
3. CCT Underground Parking Lot
The parking lot underneath the CCT building is a secluded location to practice and master some flat-ground tricks. The ability to skate here may be impacted by the number of parked cars. Try getting there early in the morning or in the evening to have more space to ride.
4. CCT and William G. Davis Building (DV) Link
On the outer side of the CCT and DV link, there is a wide set of stairs that make a V-like shape. The area is relatively secluded from the UTM public. It makes for a great place to skate, but also to have some semi-private time on campus with friends.
5. IB Subway Entrance
Last but definitely not least, is the Subway entrance to IB. When you face the doors, there is an area on the right that has stairs and ledges. “[The Subway entrance] is perfect for crooked grinds, feeble grinds, and smith grinds,” said Qu.
That being said, there are some skate stoppers on a few platforms and areas around campus that would otherwise make for great skate spots. Qu provides two examples of these unique areas, such as the double set stairs at the DV entrance where busses pass by, and the slanted ledge at the MN entrance.
Even so, UTM has plenty of spaces and structures that are now skated on by students and staff. Whether you’re new to skateboarding or have long mastered the kick-flip, there’s a community at UTM waiting to skate with you.
UTM’s
Illustration by Sehajleen Wander