By Brooke Hayles
Did you know that a 2007 Prom Hairstyle Picture could help you in many different ways? Such as giving you the chance to see more than what your local salon has, or the amount of time you will save simply by looking through what is right in front of you.
By using pictures, you can put to use the try before you buy concept which has lost some of its appeal and availability in the last few years. When you go looking at pictures of dresses and hairstyles, try to look for body and face shapes like your own. This will help you to see what you can look like and lower the chances of disappointment at the fact it didn�t look right on you.
You also need to take into account how thick your hair is and what color you have. This will make a huge difference in the styles of gowns or hairstyle you choose. Some colors are meant to be together while some are a fashion catastrophe, so be careful. Maybe the gown style is perfect and the color of your hair is off, pictures can help determine that too.
Just think of how much easier it would be to use pictures to take hassle and physically draining time of trying to get your hairstyle just right only to have to change it again. You can take the 2007 Prom Hairstyle Picture and put your face in it, then maybe match it up to the dress you want and wow you have a really good start to looking your best at Prom.
Just think of all the free time you will have for finding the dress and shoes, too, that match you and your hair simply by using 2007 Prom Hairstyle Pictures.
See what YOU look like with the latest 2007 hairstyles - view them on your own uploaded photo now! Try On 5,000 Hairstyles! FREE Demo
http://www.thehairstyler.com
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Insomnia During Pregnancy
By Philip Jubb
Whilst researching this article on Insomnia during Pregnancy I talked to several experts on Insomnia during pregnancy. They all said, in the round, the same thing. Insomnia during Pregnancy is NORMAL. The non- pregnancy specific causes like physical, mental and behavioral patterns that cause insomnia have to be ruled out. Medication should be kept to a minimum and don't even think of trying anything without consulting a professional.
What is insomnia during pregnancy During the day, you may find yourself so tired that you long to go to sleep. Then, when evening finally arrives, you rest for a few hours and are up and unable to fall back to sleep. Rest assured that you are not alone, because insomnia during pregnancy is very common and has many causes.
Many women suffer from intermittent or chronic insomnia during pregnancy. There are many reasons you may have trouble drifting off to sleep during pregnancy. Some of the more common problems include hormonal imbalances, frequent urination as the uterus presses against the bladder and reduces the capacity, back pain, upset, stress, leg cramps or being unable to get into a comfortable position due to your increased size and and movement of the baby at night. Fortunately there are simple ways you can overcome any of these problems apart from the latter of course. :):).
Take a warm bath or shower at bedtime to start relaxing. Before retiring for the night, try some relaxation exercises you may have learned in class. Ask your partner for a massage. Limit the naps you take during the day. Get plenty of exercise. A body that works during the day will be more tired at night. Don't exercise too close to bedtime because your may be too tense to sleep when it is time.
Clear your mind of worries if you are able. Talk with your partner about your problems early in the evening. Try not to focus on your anxieties at night. Avoid coffee in the late afternoon and evening. Make sure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature. Sleep with the window open or a fan blowing on you if you wish to.
If your room is too cool, you may need to put on more bedding. Find some comfortable positions to sleep. Sleep on your side with your legs up close to your chest with a pillow between your legs. Support your abdomen and back with other pillows. Don't worry about it If you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep, get up and do something quiet. Watch television, read, or do crosswords until you are feeling drowsy again. Do your best to try to get to sleep, but don't bring more anxiety upon yourself because of your insomnia during pregnancy.
Resting can be almost as good for you as sleeping. Although it can be frustrating and exhausting, loss of sleep does not do damage to you or your baby.
Herbal remedies. The ones promoted as being helpful with Insomnia During Pregnancy usually contain humulus lupulus, valerian, and passiflora, either alone or in combination. Try them, but as I don't have any clinical trial evidence on their safety during pregnancy, read the label carefully and tell the shop or pharmacy that you are pregnant.
Non-herbal remedies that you can get over the counter to help sleep contain antihistamines, which cause drowsiness. They are not terribly effective, but, some find them helpful. It would be safe enough for you to try them in modest amounts, the commonest being diphenhydramine and promethazine.
Philip Jubb
http://www.tryour.biz
THE Insomnia Solution
Whilst researching this article on Insomnia during Pregnancy I talked to several experts on Insomnia during pregnancy. They all said, in the round, the same thing. Insomnia during Pregnancy is NORMAL. The non- pregnancy specific causes like physical, mental and behavioral patterns that cause insomnia have to be ruled out. Medication should be kept to a minimum and don't even think of trying anything without consulting a professional.
What is insomnia during pregnancy During the day, you may find yourself so tired that you long to go to sleep. Then, when evening finally arrives, you rest for a few hours and are up and unable to fall back to sleep. Rest assured that you are not alone, because insomnia during pregnancy is very common and has many causes.
Many women suffer from intermittent or chronic insomnia during pregnancy. There are many reasons you may have trouble drifting off to sleep during pregnancy. Some of the more common problems include hormonal imbalances, frequent urination as the uterus presses against the bladder and reduces the capacity, back pain, upset, stress, leg cramps or being unable to get into a comfortable position due to your increased size and and movement of the baby at night. Fortunately there are simple ways you can overcome any of these problems apart from the latter of course. :):).
Take a warm bath or shower at bedtime to start relaxing. Before retiring for the night, try some relaxation exercises you may have learned in class. Ask your partner for a massage. Limit the naps you take during the day. Get plenty of exercise. A body that works during the day will be more tired at night. Don't exercise too close to bedtime because your may be too tense to sleep when it is time.
Clear your mind of worries if you are able. Talk with your partner about your problems early in the evening. Try not to focus on your anxieties at night. Avoid coffee in the late afternoon and evening. Make sure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature. Sleep with the window open or a fan blowing on you if you wish to.
If your room is too cool, you may need to put on more bedding. Find some comfortable positions to sleep. Sleep on your side with your legs up close to your chest with a pillow between your legs. Support your abdomen and back with other pillows. Don't worry about it If you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep, get up and do something quiet. Watch television, read, or do crosswords until you are feeling drowsy again. Do your best to try to get to sleep, but don't bring more anxiety upon yourself because of your insomnia during pregnancy.
Resting can be almost as good for you as sleeping. Although it can be frustrating and exhausting, loss of sleep does not do damage to you or your baby.
Herbal remedies. The ones promoted as being helpful with Insomnia During Pregnancy usually contain humulus lupulus, valerian, and passiflora, either alone or in combination. Try them, but as I don't have any clinical trial evidence on their safety during pregnancy, read the label carefully and tell the shop or pharmacy that you are pregnant.
Non-herbal remedies that you can get over the counter to help sleep contain antihistamines, which cause drowsiness. They are not terribly effective, but, some find them helpful. It would be safe enough for you to try them in modest amounts, the commonest being diphenhydramine and promethazine.
Philip Jubb
http://www.tryour.biz
THE Insomnia Solution
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Sexy Bodysuits and Teddies: The Leotard's Naughty Cousin
By Amanda Cotterill
Sexy bodysuits aren�t your typical lingerie. Bodysuits are much more of a walk on the wild side. If you�re in the mood to try something different, give bodysuits a try. Bodysuits go by a couple of other names. You might also hear them referred to as bodystockings or catsuits.
Bodysuits are sort-of like a leotard that covers your whole body. That is, they have long legs and long sleeves. You might be wondering how bodysuits can be sexy if they�re covering you up from head to toe! Sexy bodysuits are sexy because of the fabric they�re made from � or perhaps we should say lack of fabric! Almost all bodysuits are 100% see-through, and many of them are made from fishnet.
But not all bodysuits have long sleeves. Some have short sleeves or even spaghetti straps. You can even find halter top-style bodystockings.
Bodysuits are popular fetish-wear lingerie. When made from black leather, sexy bodysuits can help you achieve a dominatrix-style look. They also come in rubber and PVC.
The classic bodysuit, however, is made from black fishnet or other panty-hose like material. Red is another popular color for bodysuits. You�ll often find bodystockings made from stretchy red lace. These days, though, anyone shopping for lingerie in the uk can find a bodysuit in any color they like. Pink, purple, green�you can buy one in all of your favorite colors.
Sexy bodysuits are fun because it�s like being dressed and undressed at the exact same time. It�s the strange (but seductive!) paradox of showing everything while covering everything. Bodysuits certainly top the list of erotic lingerie. It takes total confidence to pull off this look. Before you put on a bodysuit, look in the mirror and say, �I�m a tempting tigress!� Grrrrr!
As with lots of lingerie, bodysuits are sometimes worn as regular clothing. When worn for fashion they�re usually called �catsuits.� Simply paired with a blazer or worn under skirt, catsuits are a trend that continues to come and go.
Sexy teddies are the skimpier cousin of the bodysuit. Teddies are often described as a combination of a camisole and panties. Basically, they�re comparable to a one-piece bathing suit. Like bodysuits, most teddies are made from sheer fabric.
Perhaps the sexiest teddies are those called the �deep V� teddy. These teddies have a plunging neckline � in fact, it plunges all the way to your navel! If you want to show a little less skin, you can buy a teddy with peek-a-boo keyholes in the front.
Sexy teddies can be revealing in all sorts of places. All you have to do is decide what you want to reveal! For instance, if you�ve got a great derriere, buy a thong-back teddy. To show off toned shoulders, select a backless teddy when you shop for lingerie in the uk.
A slight variation on the teddy is the teddiette. A teddiette is much like a teddy, except a teddiette also has detachable garters. Teddiettes are popular because matching garters make for a very sexy accessory.
Next time you�re in the market for sexy lingerie, dare to bare it all (yet simultaneously cover it all) with a sexy bodysuit. And don�t forget a teddy � they�re hot, hot, hot and surprisingly comfortable.
Amanda Cotterill has been involved in the exotic womens lingerie market for many years. This article outlines the benefits of women wearing sexy bodysuits as if that needed much explaining!
Sexy bodysuits aren�t your typical lingerie. Bodysuits are much more of a walk on the wild side. If you�re in the mood to try something different, give bodysuits a try. Bodysuits go by a couple of other names. You might also hear them referred to as bodystockings or catsuits.
Bodysuits are sort-of like a leotard that covers your whole body. That is, they have long legs and long sleeves. You might be wondering how bodysuits can be sexy if they�re covering you up from head to toe! Sexy bodysuits are sexy because of the fabric they�re made from � or perhaps we should say lack of fabric! Almost all bodysuits are 100% see-through, and many of them are made from fishnet.
But not all bodysuits have long sleeves. Some have short sleeves or even spaghetti straps. You can even find halter top-style bodystockings.
Bodysuits are popular fetish-wear lingerie. When made from black leather, sexy bodysuits can help you achieve a dominatrix-style look. They also come in rubber and PVC.
The classic bodysuit, however, is made from black fishnet or other panty-hose like material. Red is another popular color for bodysuits. You�ll often find bodystockings made from stretchy red lace. These days, though, anyone shopping for lingerie in the uk can find a bodysuit in any color they like. Pink, purple, green�you can buy one in all of your favorite colors.
Sexy bodysuits are fun because it�s like being dressed and undressed at the exact same time. It�s the strange (but seductive!) paradox of showing everything while covering everything. Bodysuits certainly top the list of erotic lingerie. It takes total confidence to pull off this look. Before you put on a bodysuit, look in the mirror and say, �I�m a tempting tigress!� Grrrrr!
As with lots of lingerie, bodysuits are sometimes worn as regular clothing. When worn for fashion they�re usually called �catsuits.� Simply paired with a blazer or worn under skirt, catsuits are a trend that continues to come and go.
Sexy teddies are the skimpier cousin of the bodysuit. Teddies are often described as a combination of a camisole and panties. Basically, they�re comparable to a one-piece bathing suit. Like bodysuits, most teddies are made from sheer fabric.
Perhaps the sexiest teddies are those called the �deep V� teddy. These teddies have a plunging neckline � in fact, it plunges all the way to your navel! If you want to show a little less skin, you can buy a teddy with peek-a-boo keyholes in the front.
Sexy teddies can be revealing in all sorts of places. All you have to do is decide what you want to reveal! For instance, if you�ve got a great derriere, buy a thong-back teddy. To show off toned shoulders, select a backless teddy when you shop for lingerie in the uk.
A slight variation on the teddy is the teddiette. A teddiette is much like a teddy, except a teddiette also has detachable garters. Teddiettes are popular because matching garters make for a very sexy accessory.
Next time you�re in the market for sexy lingerie, dare to bare it all (yet simultaneously cover it all) with a sexy bodysuit. And don�t forget a teddy � they�re hot, hot, hot and surprisingly comfortable.
Amanda Cotterill has been involved in the exotic womens lingerie market for many years. This article outlines the benefits of women wearing sexy bodysuits as if that needed much explaining!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Wedding Hair - Quick Steps To Decide On A Wedding Day Hairstyle
By Sumantha Dutta
1. Face Shape � your face shape will determine what style will compliment you. Oval shape is the ideal as it suits any style so always aim to achieve the oval shape. For example, if your face shape is round, aim for a style that will slightly elongate your face towards a more oval shape for instance, hair down or partially down, with volume at the crown, will automatically stretch your face shape in that direction.
2. Outfit � your outfit is a huge part of the overall look so you mustn�t separate it from your decision on a hairstyle. Different necklines suit different hairstyles. For example, a high neck compliments hair up, low neck compliments hair down or half up, half down. Also the look of the outfit, for example traditional, trendy, glamorous etc will also influence which style is the most suitable.
3. Your Partner � what will your partner be wearing? Your hair will be a big determining factor of the �look� and you and your partner want to compliment each other so bear this in mind. If your partner looks traditional and sober, then a glamorous hairstyle may not look right when you are standing side by side.
4. Hair Type � different hairstyles suit different hair types. For example, if you have extremely thin hair, then a full bodied look simply isn�t achievable. Similarly it may not be realistic to want a sleek style if your hair is thick and there is a large amount of it. Whether your hair is long, short, thick or thin, there are plenty of styles that will suit your hair so be realistic when thinking about potential styles.
5. Make-Up � your hairstyle will go hand-in-hand with your make-up so if you have already decided on your make-up look, ensure that the style follows so that you don�t look mismatched. For instance, heavy make-up with strong colours partnered with a big full bodied hairstyle may look too overpowering. But a simpler hairstyle may be the perfect fit.
The real trick in all of this is to decide on an overall look which matches your partner, your wedding theme and your taste. This way you will look picture perfect as you will look great and feel beautiful and confident.
Sumantha Dutta, trained stylist and make-up artist. Founder of ANYA, specializes in wedding and special hair, make-up and beauty.
experienceanya.com
Copyright @ ANYA. All rights reserved.
1. Face Shape � your face shape will determine what style will compliment you. Oval shape is the ideal as it suits any style so always aim to achieve the oval shape. For example, if your face shape is round, aim for a style that will slightly elongate your face towards a more oval shape for instance, hair down or partially down, with volume at the crown, will automatically stretch your face shape in that direction.
2. Outfit � your outfit is a huge part of the overall look so you mustn�t separate it from your decision on a hairstyle. Different necklines suit different hairstyles. For example, a high neck compliments hair up, low neck compliments hair down or half up, half down. Also the look of the outfit, for example traditional, trendy, glamorous etc will also influence which style is the most suitable.
3. Your Partner � what will your partner be wearing? Your hair will be a big determining factor of the �look� and you and your partner want to compliment each other so bear this in mind. If your partner looks traditional and sober, then a glamorous hairstyle may not look right when you are standing side by side.
4. Hair Type � different hairstyles suit different hair types. For example, if you have extremely thin hair, then a full bodied look simply isn�t achievable. Similarly it may not be realistic to want a sleek style if your hair is thick and there is a large amount of it. Whether your hair is long, short, thick or thin, there are plenty of styles that will suit your hair so be realistic when thinking about potential styles.
5. Make-Up � your hairstyle will go hand-in-hand with your make-up so if you have already decided on your make-up look, ensure that the style follows so that you don�t look mismatched. For instance, heavy make-up with strong colours partnered with a big full bodied hairstyle may look too overpowering. But a simpler hairstyle may be the perfect fit.
The real trick in all of this is to decide on an overall look which matches your partner, your wedding theme and your taste. This way you will look picture perfect as you will look great and feel beautiful and confident.
Sumantha Dutta, trained stylist and make-up artist. Founder of ANYA, specializes in wedding and special hair, make-up and beauty.
experienceanya.com
Copyright @ ANYA. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Shopping For Breastfeeding Tops
By Apurva Shree
Shopping for Breastfeeding tops can be fun and enjoyable as you decide to stay trendy even while you become a nursing mom. Breastfeeding is gaining popularity as mothers realize that the best way to ensure the health of the infant is to breastfeed the baby. Breastfeeding is recommended as it helps prevent health complications in the mother too.
Selecting Breastfeeding Tops
Breastfeeding tops are usually made of 100% lycra and are extremely elastic. The tops can be stretched to a maximum yet retain their shape and style, making them ever so popular with nursing moms. The tops have an overlapping fabric that can be pulled to provide cover while feeding the infant. They are extremely comfortable and convenient and it is no wonder that they are very popular with expectant mothers who plan ahead for their nursing days.
Some expectant mothers enjoy visiting malls, trying on varieties of tops and selecting from them, while others find the internet an invaluable tool as there are several online stores offering a wide range of tops to choose from. There are tops to suit every budget, from comfortable and lasting ones to those that are trendy and gorgeous, letting the mother stay stylish and in fashion even during her lactating period.
There are tops available in a wide variety from sleeveless to long sleeve tops. There are different patterns and different neck designs to choose from. The range of colors and fabrics they are available in could mean many hours of fun spent in selecting and displaying the right tops.
Care for the breastfeeding tops is rather easy as they can be laundered without much fuss. The one fact that has to be considered is to wash them in cold water and to hang them up to dry. Washing in hot water is usually not recommended and has to be avoided as far as possible.
Most mothers-to-be prefer to do their shopping online as it saves them considerable amount of time and energy as well as gives them a wider selection of tops to choose from. If they shop from a reputed online store, they do not have to worry about the quality of the tops.
The tops can be purchased based on how nursing mothers want to look, some like a snug, close fitting top, others like a regular fit yet others like to have a little bit of room. There are short, medium and long tops to choose from.
There are seasonal maternity tops that are available in a variety of styles too. So consider the time of birth of the child and the season you will be nursing the infant to ensure you select the right kind of tops.
The pregnancy period can be made fun and enjoyable by spending time in carefully selecting things that will make pregnancy, child birth and nursing enjoyable periods that can be thought back with a smile. Make your pregnancy or that of your loved one special and comfortable by selecting the appropriate breastfeeding tops that are available in such variety. Visit Pregnancy-Period.Com for more.
Shopping for Breastfeeding tops can be fun and enjoyable as you decide to stay trendy even while you become a nursing mom. Breastfeeding is gaining popularity as mothers realize that the best way to ensure the health of the infant is to breastfeed the baby. Breastfeeding is recommended as it helps prevent health complications in the mother too.
Selecting Breastfeeding Tops
Breastfeeding tops are usually made of 100% lycra and are extremely elastic. The tops can be stretched to a maximum yet retain their shape and style, making them ever so popular with nursing moms. The tops have an overlapping fabric that can be pulled to provide cover while feeding the infant. They are extremely comfortable and convenient and it is no wonder that they are very popular with expectant mothers who plan ahead for their nursing days.
Some expectant mothers enjoy visiting malls, trying on varieties of tops and selecting from them, while others find the internet an invaluable tool as there are several online stores offering a wide range of tops to choose from. There are tops to suit every budget, from comfortable and lasting ones to those that are trendy and gorgeous, letting the mother stay stylish and in fashion even during her lactating period.
There are tops available in a wide variety from sleeveless to long sleeve tops. There are different patterns and different neck designs to choose from. The range of colors and fabrics they are available in could mean many hours of fun spent in selecting and displaying the right tops.
Care for the breastfeeding tops is rather easy as they can be laundered without much fuss. The one fact that has to be considered is to wash them in cold water and to hang them up to dry. Washing in hot water is usually not recommended and has to be avoided as far as possible.
Most mothers-to-be prefer to do their shopping online as it saves them considerable amount of time and energy as well as gives them a wider selection of tops to choose from. If they shop from a reputed online store, they do not have to worry about the quality of the tops.
The tops can be purchased based on how nursing mothers want to look, some like a snug, close fitting top, others like a regular fit yet others like to have a little bit of room. There are short, medium and long tops to choose from.
There are seasonal maternity tops that are available in a variety of styles too. So consider the time of birth of the child and the season you will be nursing the infant to ensure you select the right kind of tops.
The pregnancy period can be made fun and enjoyable by spending time in carefully selecting things that will make pregnancy, child birth and nursing enjoyable periods that can be thought back with a smile. Make your pregnancy or that of your loved one special and comfortable by selecting the appropriate breastfeeding tops that are available in such variety. Visit Pregnancy-Period.Com for more.
Monday, May 21, 2007
How Is Crime Data Collected - What Are The Statistics Today - And How Can A Crime Be Prevented
By Susan Eaton
In 1929, the International Association of Chiefs of Police started a program called the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. This program was created to meet the need for reliable, uniform crime statistics in the nation. A year later, the FBI was responsible for collecting and publishing these statistics. Today, crime statistics are produced from data received by almost 17,000 law enforcement agencies in the nation. This data is then published through several annual statistical publications. This data is also used for special studies and reports on an annual basis.
Law enforcement agencies reported preliminary statistics for 2006, which resulted in an increase of 3.7 percent in violent crimes in the first six months of 2006 compared to the first six months in 2005. Violent crimes include murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
Property crimes, which include burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, actually fell 2.6 percent in the first half of 2006 when compared to the same period in 2005.
Arson, which is also a property crime but not included with the property crime data, increased 6.8 percent in the first six months of 2006 when compared to the first six months of 2005.
Crime in the U.S. is overwhelming. We have to help our law enforcement agencies, as well as ourselves and focus on the PREVENTION of crime.
There are a couple of ways you can help prevent the unthinkable. Couple these together for maximum safety. The first way is to read, recite and remember the do�s and don�ts when in public. A few suggestions are listed below. The second way is to deter an assailant if a crime is about to happen. Deterring an assailant can be difficult if you are not prepared. Preparedness means personal protection. Personal protection can be purchased in different ways. The most popular personal protection item is Mace or pepper spray, which comes in various sizes. Stun devices are also popular. Stun devices include stun guns and stun batons and come in various voltages and sizes. And there are many types of personal alarms including Electronic Pocket Whistles, 130 decibal alarms and combination flashlight alarms.
Here are a few tips to remember:
AVOIDING VIOLENT CRIMES
Sexual Assault
1. Use initials instead of first names on mailboxes and phone listings. 2. Avoid remaining alone in an apartment laundry room or parking garage. 3. Never admit on the telephone or at the door that you are alone. 4. It is risky to accept a ride home from someone you have just met. 5. If you decide to physically resist assault, remember that your goal is to incapacitate the attacker long enough to run to safety and get help. 6. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, call police immediately. Do not bathe or change clothes or you may destroy evidence.
Robbery
1. Avoid carrying valuable items or large amounts of money. 2. Always think ahead. For example, when traveling at night, have your keys ready to enter the house or to start the car. 3. If you are confronted by a robber, the best advice is to cooperate. 4. If you resist, there is a greater chance that you may be hurt.
Bank Machines
1. When using an automatic bank teller, always be watchful of any suspicious people around you.
2. The chances of being robbed at night are much greater, especially if you are alone.
3. If you find someone waiting and watching outside in the area of an ATM machine, do not use it. Leave the area and report the incident to the police immediately. You could save someone else from being a victim of crime.
Street Safety (Use Common Sense)
1. Stay in well-lighted, busy areas. Avoid walking alone and avoid known trouble spots.
2. When you carry a purse, hold it close to your body rather than by the handles. Do not wrap purse straps around your wrist, because you can get hurt in a struggle.
3. Carry only what you need in a purse or wallet, not everything you have.
4. Avoid using shortcuts through dark alleys, fields, or vacant lots.
5. If you think you are being followed, cross the street and change directions a few times. Go quickly to a well-lit area with lots of people. Do not go home. You do not want an attacker to know where you live.
Always remember, if you think a crime is about to be committed or you are in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation, dial 911
http://WomenOnGuard.com was designed by two women who deeply believe in combatting violent crimes against women before they happen by empowerment and prevention. http://WomenOnGuard.com sells non-lethal, self-defense products such as Mace, pepper sprays, personal alarms and stun devices such as stun guns and stun batons. Protect yourself or a loved one and visit http://www.womenonguard.com and purchase a safety product. These products make great gifts that show you care.
Susan Eaton http://www.womenonguard.com
In 1929, the International Association of Chiefs of Police started a program called the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. This program was created to meet the need for reliable, uniform crime statistics in the nation. A year later, the FBI was responsible for collecting and publishing these statistics. Today, crime statistics are produced from data received by almost 17,000 law enforcement agencies in the nation. This data is then published through several annual statistical publications. This data is also used for special studies and reports on an annual basis.
Law enforcement agencies reported preliminary statistics for 2006, which resulted in an increase of 3.7 percent in violent crimes in the first six months of 2006 compared to the first six months in 2005. Violent crimes include murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
Property crimes, which include burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, actually fell 2.6 percent in the first half of 2006 when compared to the same period in 2005.
Arson, which is also a property crime but not included with the property crime data, increased 6.8 percent in the first six months of 2006 when compared to the first six months of 2005.
Crime in the U.S. is overwhelming. We have to help our law enforcement agencies, as well as ourselves and focus on the PREVENTION of crime.
There are a couple of ways you can help prevent the unthinkable. Couple these together for maximum safety. The first way is to read, recite and remember the do�s and don�ts when in public. A few suggestions are listed below. The second way is to deter an assailant if a crime is about to happen. Deterring an assailant can be difficult if you are not prepared. Preparedness means personal protection. Personal protection can be purchased in different ways. The most popular personal protection item is Mace or pepper spray, which comes in various sizes. Stun devices are also popular. Stun devices include stun guns and stun batons and come in various voltages and sizes. And there are many types of personal alarms including Electronic Pocket Whistles, 130 decibal alarms and combination flashlight alarms.
Here are a few tips to remember:
AVOIDING VIOLENT CRIMES
Sexual Assault
1. Use initials instead of first names on mailboxes and phone listings. 2. Avoid remaining alone in an apartment laundry room or parking garage. 3. Never admit on the telephone or at the door that you are alone. 4. It is risky to accept a ride home from someone you have just met. 5. If you decide to physically resist assault, remember that your goal is to incapacitate the attacker long enough to run to safety and get help. 6. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, call police immediately. Do not bathe or change clothes or you may destroy evidence.
Robbery
1. Avoid carrying valuable items or large amounts of money. 2. Always think ahead. For example, when traveling at night, have your keys ready to enter the house or to start the car. 3. If you are confronted by a robber, the best advice is to cooperate. 4. If you resist, there is a greater chance that you may be hurt.
Bank Machines
1. When using an automatic bank teller, always be watchful of any suspicious people around you.
2. The chances of being robbed at night are much greater, especially if you are alone.
3. If you find someone waiting and watching outside in the area of an ATM machine, do not use it. Leave the area and report the incident to the police immediately. You could save someone else from being a victim of crime.
Street Safety (Use Common Sense)
1. Stay in well-lighted, busy areas. Avoid walking alone and avoid known trouble spots.
2. When you carry a purse, hold it close to your body rather than by the handles. Do not wrap purse straps around your wrist, because you can get hurt in a struggle.
3. Carry only what you need in a purse or wallet, not everything you have.
4. Avoid using shortcuts through dark alleys, fields, or vacant lots.
5. If you think you are being followed, cross the street and change directions a few times. Go quickly to a well-lit area with lots of people. Do not go home. You do not want an attacker to know where you live.
Always remember, if you think a crime is about to be committed or you are in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation, dial 911
http://WomenOnGuard.com was designed by two women who deeply believe in combatting violent crimes against women before they happen by empowerment and prevention. http://WomenOnGuard.com sells non-lethal, self-defense products such as Mace, pepper sprays, personal alarms and stun devices such as stun guns and stun batons. Protect yourself or a loved one and visit http://www.womenonguard.com and purchase a safety product. These products make great gifts that show you care.
Susan Eaton http://www.womenonguard.com
Saturday, May 19, 2007
The Beautiful Woman in the Mirror
By Cassandra George Sturges
She didn't know I was looking. And I had never seen her before. I was bewildered by the suppleness of her moist skin and the contrast of the darkness of the areola surrounding the nipples of her full breasts in contrast to the rest of her body. Her tummy bulged with sexiness, I had never seen on any other woman before; and her hips and thighs were round, mature and graceful. I found myself mercifully staring in disbelief. Her eyes were engaging and innocent. And her lips invited me to stay. "Who is she?," I wondered to myself as I studied her reflection in the mirror.
While on a business trip in another state, my soul reveled in its new surrounding. My hotel chamber was exquisitely decorated, room service was exceptional, and the only thing I had forgotten to bring with me -- was my self. The self who instinctively knew where all of my body's flaws were hidden and each morning she effortlessly reminded me of each one. Even though I was away from home, she was still there making sure that the children were cared for and the bills were paid. This is the self whom I had always depended on and she had never lied to me.
She never meant to hurt me. The purpose of her criticisms was to chisel me into the image of beauty approved of by society. "When you lose weight -- you can buy this dress--you can have that man and I'll even throw in the job you have been dying for," she would sternly, but gently whisper in my ear. I believed her. She helped me find creative ways to put my dreams on hold and quiet my desires. I missed her voice of reason. I needed her advice, because the presence of the beautiful woman in the mirror looked like me, and she didn't look like any other woman I have ever known. If indeed this woman in the mirror was me, then I had no idea of who I was.
Contrary to me, the woman in the mirror was sensuous, bold and confident. Unclad, unadorned and undisguised she was certain of her femininity. The mirror reflected but only her body; no make-up, no earrings, no shoes and no clothing; yet nothing was missing. With nothing she appeared complete, and I envied her. Whereas, my beauty was assembled by garments, accessories and perfumes and without these, I felt bare and unattractive. I was daunted, though aroused by her immodesty and the way she freely exposed herself in front of me. I wanted her to be me. I longed to hear the same music that propelled her to passionately sway as if she believed in herself. I desperately needed to feel what she was feeling and see what she was seeing.
"Who are you!," I boldly insisted as tears streamed down my face. Her silence forced me to listen as I watched my trembling hand wipe the tears from my eyes. I beseeched her to answer my plea for acceptance. "Has anyone ever told you that you have beautiful hands, mystical eyes and a pleasing smile," the reflection murmured to me. Spellbound and mesmerized by her beauty, I let her take my hand on a guided tour of my body. My fingers fumbled as they explored previously forbidden places. Places marred by cellulite, stretch marks and blemishes. Places I was reluctant to ever let anyone see or feel because I was so ashamed and embarrassed by its imperfections. I trusted the beautiful woman in the mirror and I let her take me there. I discovered that my body was radiant, soft and lovely. It was me as I had never seen me before. I held a mental picture of the beautiful woman in the mirror close to my heart.
Upon returning to town, I was eager to share my experience with the woman in the mirror with the self I had left at home. We were going to start a new, more exciting life together, I promised. I was going to tell her of our plans to buy new clothes and finally go to the mall for a makeover. Monday morning I would enroll in the ballet class we dreamed about. But, when I tried to tell her; she was always too busy, too weary and too tired to listen.
She couldn't hear me because she longed to see her beauty reflected through the eyes of others. I was anxious to let her know that she is perfect just the way she is, if only she could see herself through her own eyes and not the clouded vision constructed by others. I wanted her to know that her true beauty would never be seen in the eyes of others, unless it was reflected from within her own soul. Sometimes when the world is quiet and her mind is free, I still invite her to glimpse the beautiful woman in the mirror.
Cassandra George Sturges MA, MA, Psy.D is a mother of two teenagers, a full-time psychology instructor, advice columnists for Today's Black Woman Magazine, Seminar facilitator, author of "A Woman's Soul on Paper" ISBN: 0595171435. Dr. Sturges is the author and publisher of Authentik Beauty Magazine. A 1 year subscription to Authentik Beauty Magazine is only $49.99 for 6 issues; mail request to: Authentik Beauty Magazine, P.O. Box 980679, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Caution: Articles and clipart are sensuously and beautifully designed for a mature audience only. We accept cash, checks & all major credit cards. If you are seeking retail therapy or the perfect gift for someone else, I am an independent AVON representative, shop my website at http://csturges.avonrepresentative.com
She didn't know I was looking. And I had never seen her before. I was bewildered by the suppleness of her moist skin and the contrast of the darkness of the areola surrounding the nipples of her full breasts in contrast to the rest of her body. Her tummy bulged with sexiness, I had never seen on any other woman before; and her hips and thighs were round, mature and graceful. I found myself mercifully staring in disbelief. Her eyes were engaging and innocent. And her lips invited me to stay. "Who is she?," I wondered to myself as I studied her reflection in the mirror.
While on a business trip in another state, my soul reveled in its new surrounding. My hotel chamber was exquisitely decorated, room service was exceptional, and the only thing I had forgotten to bring with me -- was my self. The self who instinctively knew where all of my body's flaws were hidden and each morning she effortlessly reminded me of each one. Even though I was away from home, she was still there making sure that the children were cared for and the bills were paid. This is the self whom I had always depended on and she had never lied to me.
She never meant to hurt me. The purpose of her criticisms was to chisel me into the image of beauty approved of by society. "When you lose weight -- you can buy this dress--you can have that man and I'll even throw in the job you have been dying for," she would sternly, but gently whisper in my ear. I believed her. She helped me find creative ways to put my dreams on hold and quiet my desires. I missed her voice of reason. I needed her advice, because the presence of the beautiful woman in the mirror looked like me, and she didn't look like any other woman I have ever known. If indeed this woman in the mirror was me, then I had no idea of who I was.
Contrary to me, the woman in the mirror was sensuous, bold and confident. Unclad, unadorned and undisguised she was certain of her femininity. The mirror reflected but only her body; no make-up, no earrings, no shoes and no clothing; yet nothing was missing. With nothing she appeared complete, and I envied her. Whereas, my beauty was assembled by garments, accessories and perfumes and without these, I felt bare and unattractive. I was daunted, though aroused by her immodesty and the way she freely exposed herself in front of me. I wanted her to be me. I longed to hear the same music that propelled her to passionately sway as if she believed in herself. I desperately needed to feel what she was feeling and see what she was seeing.
"Who are you!," I boldly insisted as tears streamed down my face. Her silence forced me to listen as I watched my trembling hand wipe the tears from my eyes. I beseeched her to answer my plea for acceptance. "Has anyone ever told you that you have beautiful hands, mystical eyes and a pleasing smile," the reflection murmured to me. Spellbound and mesmerized by her beauty, I let her take my hand on a guided tour of my body. My fingers fumbled as they explored previously forbidden places. Places marred by cellulite, stretch marks and blemishes. Places I was reluctant to ever let anyone see or feel because I was so ashamed and embarrassed by its imperfections. I trusted the beautiful woman in the mirror and I let her take me there. I discovered that my body was radiant, soft and lovely. It was me as I had never seen me before. I held a mental picture of the beautiful woman in the mirror close to my heart.
Upon returning to town, I was eager to share my experience with the woman in the mirror with the self I had left at home. We were going to start a new, more exciting life together, I promised. I was going to tell her of our plans to buy new clothes and finally go to the mall for a makeover. Monday morning I would enroll in the ballet class we dreamed about. But, when I tried to tell her; she was always too busy, too weary and too tired to listen.
She couldn't hear me because she longed to see her beauty reflected through the eyes of others. I was anxious to let her know that she is perfect just the way she is, if only she could see herself through her own eyes and not the clouded vision constructed by others. I wanted her to know that her true beauty would never be seen in the eyes of others, unless it was reflected from within her own soul. Sometimes when the world is quiet and her mind is free, I still invite her to glimpse the beautiful woman in the mirror.
Cassandra George Sturges MA, MA, Psy.D is a mother of two teenagers, a full-time psychology instructor, advice columnists for Today's Black Woman Magazine, Seminar facilitator, author of "A Woman's Soul on Paper" ISBN: 0595171435. Dr. Sturges is the author and publisher of Authentik Beauty Magazine. A 1 year subscription to Authentik Beauty Magazine is only $49.99 for 6 issues; mail request to: Authentik Beauty Magazine, P.O. Box 980679, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Caution: Articles and clipart are sensuously and beautifully designed for a mature audience only. We accept cash, checks & all major credit cards. If you are seeking retail therapy or the perfect gift for someone else, I am an independent AVON representative, shop my website at http://csturges.avonrepresentative.com
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The Real Life Stay At Home Mom Success Stories
By Lee Butler
The Real Life Stay At Home Mom Success Stories are about key elements that real moms have experienced an used to over come many circumstances in their lives that have transformed them into leaders in their family, community and the world. Many stay at home moms do not have a solution to many of the circumstances they face on a daily bases in the world today. Moms there are some amazing life changing success stories, and unlimited income opportunities verses the online jobs for stay at home moms out in the world today. For confidentiality reasons the stay at home mom names will not be disclosed in this article content, however you will be able to go view, and listen to the moms testimonials on another site that will be provided to you at the end of this article.
The stay at home mom success stories are about key elements that many mothers have used in their lives such as seeking career information, career advice, reading articles on personal development, joining businesses for moms, learning what it takes to become debt-free and developing life changing skills that have transformed their lives forever. Stay at home moms that seek career information are the first ones to accomplish their goals in their life because they are constantly looking to improve the current circumstances in their environment. Many stay at home moms that have the amazing success stories always looked to get good career advice from successful people that already have the results that they wanted in their own life. The real life success mothers in today�s society are always reading articles on personal development to super charge them to achieve far beyond they could ever imagine in life. There are success stories of mothers that have became successful by joining businesses for moms that allowed them to spend more time with their parenting, and families at home.
Many real life success stories of stay at home moms comes as a result of them learning what it takes to become debt-free in their lives today. Many stay at home moms are a success story because they took time in developing life changing skills that have transformed their lives forever. To all the stay at home moms that are at home wondering what am I going to do with the life I have now today? You are exactly right because the designs that you make on a daily bases will determine how your future will be in your life forever. A stay at home mom has a great opportunity being at home to learn new skills, personal development, and make life changing designs that will further advance a mother in having what she truly desires in life. On a more personal note with my own mother who I have seen work more than 20 moms put together have achieve some amazing adversities in her own life over the years. I will always admire my mother for her courage, friendship, and determination to be more, do more, and have more in her own life as well as her children. Stay at home moms you can be, do, and have anything you want in life, but it all starts with a simple design in your heart today.
These are the key elements that created real life stay at home mom success stories that they experienced and used to over come many circumstances in their lives that have transformed them into leaders in their family, community and the world. For more information on the stay at home moms click on the link to listen: http://www.beandlivesuccessful.com
The Real Life Stay At Home Mom Success Stories are about key elements that real moms have experienced an used to over come many circumstances in their lives that have transformed them into leaders in their family, community and the world. Many stay at home moms do not have a solution to many of the circumstances they face on a daily bases in the world today. Moms there are some amazing life changing success stories, and unlimited income opportunities verses the online jobs for stay at home moms out in the world today. For confidentiality reasons the stay at home mom names will not be disclosed in this article content, however you will be able to go view, and listen to the moms testimonials on another site that will be provided to you at the end of this article.
The stay at home mom success stories are about key elements that many mothers have used in their lives such as seeking career information, career advice, reading articles on personal development, joining businesses for moms, learning what it takes to become debt-free and developing life changing skills that have transformed their lives forever. Stay at home moms that seek career information are the first ones to accomplish their goals in their life because they are constantly looking to improve the current circumstances in their environment. Many stay at home moms that have the amazing success stories always looked to get good career advice from successful people that already have the results that they wanted in their own life. The real life success mothers in today�s society are always reading articles on personal development to super charge them to achieve far beyond they could ever imagine in life. There are success stories of mothers that have became successful by joining businesses for moms that allowed them to spend more time with their parenting, and families at home.
Many real life success stories of stay at home moms comes as a result of them learning what it takes to become debt-free in their lives today. Many stay at home moms are a success story because they took time in developing life changing skills that have transformed their lives forever. To all the stay at home moms that are at home wondering what am I going to do with the life I have now today? You are exactly right because the designs that you make on a daily bases will determine how your future will be in your life forever. A stay at home mom has a great opportunity being at home to learn new skills, personal development, and make life changing designs that will further advance a mother in having what she truly desires in life. On a more personal note with my own mother who I have seen work more than 20 moms put together have achieve some amazing adversities in her own life over the years. I will always admire my mother for her courage, friendship, and determination to be more, do more, and have more in her own life as well as her children. Stay at home moms you can be, do, and have anything you want in life, but it all starts with a simple design in your heart today.
These are the key elements that created real life stay at home mom success stories that they experienced and used to over come many circumstances in their lives that have transformed them into leaders in their family, community and the world. For more information on the stay at home moms click on the link to listen: http://www.beandlivesuccessful.com
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Breastfeeding as Female Liberation
By Theda K. Rogers
Have you ever thought of breastfeeding as an empowering, even liberating, experience?
I'm doing something for my child that can't be duplicated (no matter how hard they try). I can go anywhere with my child�I'm not tethered to the house where sterilized bottles are kept for formula. When we're out and about, if she's hungry or thirsty I can feed her.
My breasts are givers of life. Talk about a feeling of superiority.
Before I breastfed, I was self-conscious about my breasts, always concerned about what men thought of them. Either I didn't want to flaunt them, or I wanted to show them off for men's pleasure.
As a breastfeeding woman, though, I don't feel ashamed of my breasts or my body. I'm not concerned about what men think of them one way or another.
They're perfect! How do I know? Look at how well my daughter's growing. Tall. Strong. Happy. Healthy. I find myself wanting to brag to everyone that I'm breastfeeding.
I remember when I went back to work while still nursing. I requested, as was my right, that there be a place where I could pump milk in private (to protect my co-workers' sensibilities). I was told there was a large bathroom available. A bathroom?! Do people prepare food in bathrooms? I politely declined. "I don't prepare food for my child in the bathroom," I told my boss.
Never in my life have I felt so empowered and liberated as when I became a breastfeeding mother. As I watch my daughter grow, sometimes I stare at her in awe, thinking, "I grew her." From conception to birth to nourishment, I grew her.
How awesome is that?
Theda K. Rogers is a freelance copywriter, article writer, and work-at-home-mom to a young toddler.
Visit her blog at http://www.crayonwriter.com
and her website at http://www.thedakcommunications.com
Have you ever thought of breastfeeding as an empowering, even liberating, experience?
I'm doing something for my child that can't be duplicated (no matter how hard they try). I can go anywhere with my child�I'm not tethered to the house where sterilized bottles are kept for formula. When we're out and about, if she's hungry or thirsty I can feed her.
My breasts are givers of life. Talk about a feeling of superiority.
Before I breastfed, I was self-conscious about my breasts, always concerned about what men thought of them. Either I didn't want to flaunt them, or I wanted to show them off for men's pleasure.
As a breastfeeding woman, though, I don't feel ashamed of my breasts or my body. I'm not concerned about what men think of them one way or another.
They're perfect! How do I know? Look at how well my daughter's growing. Tall. Strong. Happy. Healthy. I find myself wanting to brag to everyone that I'm breastfeeding.
I remember when I went back to work while still nursing. I requested, as was my right, that there be a place where I could pump milk in private (to protect my co-workers' sensibilities). I was told there was a large bathroom available. A bathroom?! Do people prepare food in bathrooms? I politely declined. "I don't prepare food for my child in the bathroom," I told my boss.
Never in my life have I felt so empowered and liberated as when I became a breastfeeding mother. As I watch my daughter grow, sometimes I stare at her in awe, thinking, "I grew her." From conception to birth to nourishment, I grew her.
How awesome is that?
Theda K. Rogers is a freelance copywriter, article writer, and work-at-home-mom to a young toddler.
Visit her blog at http://www.crayonwriter.com
and her website at http://www.thedakcommunications.com
Monday, May 14, 2007
Moroccan Women and Gender Inequality in the Workplace
By Kaoutsar Entifi
Women in Morocco are a very good representation of the country�s paradoxes. While they make up at least half of the local workforce they also face surprisingly strong salary inequality in the workplace. In this essay I will address the particular issue of gender inequality, focusing on women in Moroccan urban areas and drawing on personal experiences and general knowledge of the local environment.
Morocco�s multiculturalism seems to be reflected in women�s condition and lifestyle. After a few years away from my home country it was a lot easier for me to spot the different social disparities than when I was part of the system. After my return to Morocco in 2003 my attention was immediately drawn to the increasing number of women wearing hijab (headscarf/veil), a reaction partially triggered by post 9/11 backlash on Muslims, although no official statistics are available about that. Interestingly, most women who had chosen to wear the veil perceived themselves as modern, educated and emancipated. In fact their decision was and is still often explained as a need to assert their identity as Muslim women. It is important to note that veiled women in Morocco walk side by side with other women dressed in the latest Western fashion. While some consider piousness as their main guideline in life others are waiting for the newest night-club in town to open and do not hesitate to head for Morocco�s famous beautiful beaches as soon as the temperature starts rising.
Moroccan women, backed by the policy King Mohamed 6th, seem to enjoy more rights and freedom now than a few years ago. They are significantly more visible today in the workplace, in politics as well as in entrepreneurial activities and associative sector. They can be seen in almost every field of activity and Morocco prides itself for having women pilots, judges and even �murshidat�, (religious preachers) a job strictly reserved for men in the past in Morocco, and which is still so in most Muslim countries today.
Still, a serious issue remains to be fully addressed and resolved: while women in Morocco seem to be preferred as employees and enjoy a certain level of informal affirmative action (discrimination positive) their salaries have remained surprisingly low when compared to those of their male counterparts. According to a Unicef study, in this day and age, Moroccan women continue to make in average 40% less than men with similar degrees and positions all while being perceived by their employers as more productive and more trustworthy.
Within my own professional experience I vividly remember when I willingly left my position as Sales Manager of a multinational corporation in Morocco in 1996 to be replaced by a man whose title was suddenly upgraded to that of Director of Sales, whose office was renovated to match the new status, and whose salary was doubled. It took me a while to fully understand the reasons why he was treated differently, while my letter of recommendation and other assessment forms told me that my General Manager was very satisfied with my work within the company.
Today, I realize that I probably contributed for that situation. My attempts for salary increase negotiations were very weak, to say the least, and I truly believed that being as woman head of department in a male-dominated society was quite an achievement already, so the money was not so important after all. Moreover, I was single and my salary was my pocket-money since I still lived in my parent�s house, following the Moroccan tradition. On the other hand, the person taking over my position was a husband and a father and therefore was �entitled� to a better pay, a much better pay that annoyed me a great deal.
I would like to add that the General Manager who made these decisions was a Southern European who seemed to have embraced local convictions about salaries in the workplace since they suited his cost control strategies. But the responsibility does not lie on his shoulders, it lies on ours, Moroccan women who have bought into the idea that we are worth much lower salaries than our male counterparts simply because we are women and they are men. This kind of mindset is very common in Morocco even today, where a woman�s good salary is perceived as a bonus while a man�s good salary is perceived as a necessity. For a long time, women in Morocco have worked outside of their homes while carrying the guilt that they were taking a man�s position, a man who was, at least in theory, the main bread-winner of the family. The consequences of that way of thinking are felt every day by Moroccan female professionals and workers as well as their families.
It is important to point out that this was a reality of the grand-parents generation in Morocco. At that time, the Islamic instructions that the husband/father was the provider of the family regardless of his wife�s wealth were strictly followed. Men considered using their wife�s money as humiliating and shameful. Muslims have always taken pride for having granted women the right to own property since the dawn of Islam, a basic right granted to most Western women only relatively recently. Muslim women are often also offered substantial dowry when they get married. On the other hand they only inherit half of the share of their male siblings. The reasoning behind this is that women do not have to bear the burden of providing for the family. Whatever they earn is theirs and theirs only. The only problem with this logic, is that it no longer applies to today�s reality.
Modernity has brought about some significant social changes in the Moroccan family. Starting from the sixties the divorce rate kept rising until it reached the staggering figure of 50% in the eighties. It remained this high until the enforcement of the new family code in 2004. The new family code guarantees fair treatment of women after divorce by forcing husbands to pay decent alimony to their ex-wives and to provide accommodation for them if they have children. Before that women who had gone through a divorce often found themselves in a dire financial situation. Custody was systematically given to them while their salary, when they had a job, was often not sufficient to cover all the family expenses. That is how the image of the husband/bread-winner got shattered in the real world.
However, coming to terms with this new reality was and is still a challenge. It is difficult for most Moroccans to bridge the gap between the idealistic Islamic concept of the close-knit family relying on the husband as the pillar of the family and the facts on the ground. Pre-conceived ideas also resist change especially when they suit the needs of business owners and even simple individuals. In middle-class households a maid would often work much harder and longer hours than a guard and yet would be paid less. In the same fashion, in the corporate world female professionals make almost half the salary of male professionals.
These disparities have finally come under scrutiny in recent years and in May 2006 Morocco launched a national strategy for gender equality aimed at reducing the gap between men and women through their full participation in the development process in all fields. The strategy, which was presented by the State Secretariat in charge of the Family, Childhood and Handicapped People, headed by Yasmina Baddou, with the technical support of the German Co-operation for Development (GTZ) organization, proposed five intervention fields, namely civic rights, decision-making, socio-economic rights, and individual and collective behaviors to face sexist stereotypes. Moreover, a recent report by Unicef, although not failing to point out to the substantial earnings gap between women and men in the Middle East and North Africa region and to the disastrous consequences of women and their families has also singled out Morocco, together with Algeria and Tunisia as countries that have progressed in strengthening the rights of women and children.
Although overcoming a 40% salary difference between men and women appears to be a daunting process I would like to think that progress has began. Morocco is starting to work on its paradoxes in order to provide a decent life to the weakest components of its society: women and children. Results are starting to show in the political and family life and they are expected to expand to the professional sector.
Kaoutsar Entifi
Travel & Network International
http://www.travelandnetwork.com
About the Founder of Travel & Network International:
Kaoutsar Entifi is a natural networker and a professional career woman. She has benefited from substantial experience in the Sales and Marketing departments of world renowned international hotel chains such as Sheraton and M�ridien. Driven by the desire to explore new horizons and further her studies, Kaoutsar relocated from Morocco, her home country, to the United States, where she spent four years. There, she obtained an MBA in Management and got involved with several networks and associations which enriched her life and gave her a new perspective on business, community and social relations. She later moved to Paris where she joined the European Professional Women's Network (EPWN) and was inspired to become an entrepreneur. Kaoutsar is also happily married and a mother to a beautiful daughter
Women in Morocco are a very good representation of the country�s paradoxes. While they make up at least half of the local workforce they also face surprisingly strong salary inequality in the workplace. In this essay I will address the particular issue of gender inequality, focusing on women in Moroccan urban areas and drawing on personal experiences and general knowledge of the local environment.
Morocco�s multiculturalism seems to be reflected in women�s condition and lifestyle. After a few years away from my home country it was a lot easier for me to spot the different social disparities than when I was part of the system. After my return to Morocco in 2003 my attention was immediately drawn to the increasing number of women wearing hijab (headscarf/veil), a reaction partially triggered by post 9/11 backlash on Muslims, although no official statistics are available about that. Interestingly, most women who had chosen to wear the veil perceived themselves as modern, educated and emancipated. In fact their decision was and is still often explained as a need to assert their identity as Muslim women. It is important to note that veiled women in Morocco walk side by side with other women dressed in the latest Western fashion. While some consider piousness as their main guideline in life others are waiting for the newest night-club in town to open and do not hesitate to head for Morocco�s famous beautiful beaches as soon as the temperature starts rising.
Moroccan women, backed by the policy King Mohamed 6th, seem to enjoy more rights and freedom now than a few years ago. They are significantly more visible today in the workplace, in politics as well as in entrepreneurial activities and associative sector. They can be seen in almost every field of activity and Morocco prides itself for having women pilots, judges and even �murshidat�, (religious preachers) a job strictly reserved for men in the past in Morocco, and which is still so in most Muslim countries today.
Still, a serious issue remains to be fully addressed and resolved: while women in Morocco seem to be preferred as employees and enjoy a certain level of informal affirmative action (discrimination positive) their salaries have remained surprisingly low when compared to those of their male counterparts. According to a Unicef study, in this day and age, Moroccan women continue to make in average 40% less than men with similar degrees and positions all while being perceived by their employers as more productive and more trustworthy.
Within my own professional experience I vividly remember when I willingly left my position as Sales Manager of a multinational corporation in Morocco in 1996 to be replaced by a man whose title was suddenly upgraded to that of Director of Sales, whose office was renovated to match the new status, and whose salary was doubled. It took me a while to fully understand the reasons why he was treated differently, while my letter of recommendation and other assessment forms told me that my General Manager was very satisfied with my work within the company.
Today, I realize that I probably contributed for that situation. My attempts for salary increase negotiations were very weak, to say the least, and I truly believed that being as woman head of department in a male-dominated society was quite an achievement already, so the money was not so important after all. Moreover, I was single and my salary was my pocket-money since I still lived in my parent�s house, following the Moroccan tradition. On the other hand, the person taking over my position was a husband and a father and therefore was �entitled� to a better pay, a much better pay that annoyed me a great deal.
I would like to add that the General Manager who made these decisions was a Southern European who seemed to have embraced local convictions about salaries in the workplace since they suited his cost control strategies. But the responsibility does not lie on his shoulders, it lies on ours, Moroccan women who have bought into the idea that we are worth much lower salaries than our male counterparts simply because we are women and they are men. This kind of mindset is very common in Morocco even today, where a woman�s good salary is perceived as a bonus while a man�s good salary is perceived as a necessity. For a long time, women in Morocco have worked outside of their homes while carrying the guilt that they were taking a man�s position, a man who was, at least in theory, the main bread-winner of the family. The consequences of that way of thinking are felt every day by Moroccan female professionals and workers as well as their families.
It is important to point out that this was a reality of the grand-parents generation in Morocco. At that time, the Islamic instructions that the husband/father was the provider of the family regardless of his wife�s wealth were strictly followed. Men considered using their wife�s money as humiliating and shameful. Muslims have always taken pride for having granted women the right to own property since the dawn of Islam, a basic right granted to most Western women only relatively recently. Muslim women are often also offered substantial dowry when they get married. On the other hand they only inherit half of the share of their male siblings. The reasoning behind this is that women do not have to bear the burden of providing for the family. Whatever they earn is theirs and theirs only. The only problem with this logic, is that it no longer applies to today�s reality.
Modernity has brought about some significant social changes in the Moroccan family. Starting from the sixties the divorce rate kept rising until it reached the staggering figure of 50% in the eighties. It remained this high until the enforcement of the new family code in 2004. The new family code guarantees fair treatment of women after divorce by forcing husbands to pay decent alimony to their ex-wives and to provide accommodation for them if they have children. Before that women who had gone through a divorce often found themselves in a dire financial situation. Custody was systematically given to them while their salary, when they had a job, was often not sufficient to cover all the family expenses. That is how the image of the husband/bread-winner got shattered in the real world.
However, coming to terms with this new reality was and is still a challenge. It is difficult for most Moroccans to bridge the gap between the idealistic Islamic concept of the close-knit family relying on the husband as the pillar of the family and the facts on the ground. Pre-conceived ideas also resist change especially when they suit the needs of business owners and even simple individuals. In middle-class households a maid would often work much harder and longer hours than a guard and yet would be paid less. In the same fashion, in the corporate world female professionals make almost half the salary of male professionals.
These disparities have finally come under scrutiny in recent years and in May 2006 Morocco launched a national strategy for gender equality aimed at reducing the gap between men and women through their full participation in the development process in all fields. The strategy, which was presented by the State Secretariat in charge of the Family, Childhood and Handicapped People, headed by Yasmina Baddou, with the technical support of the German Co-operation for Development (GTZ) organization, proposed five intervention fields, namely civic rights, decision-making, socio-economic rights, and individual and collective behaviors to face sexist stereotypes. Moreover, a recent report by Unicef, although not failing to point out to the substantial earnings gap between women and men in the Middle East and North Africa region and to the disastrous consequences of women and their families has also singled out Morocco, together with Algeria and Tunisia as countries that have progressed in strengthening the rights of women and children.
Although overcoming a 40% salary difference between men and women appears to be a daunting process I would like to think that progress has began. Morocco is starting to work on its paradoxes in order to provide a decent life to the weakest components of its society: women and children. Results are starting to show in the political and family life and they are expected to expand to the professional sector.
Kaoutsar Entifi
Travel & Network International
http://www.travelandnetwork.com
About the Founder of Travel & Network International:
Kaoutsar Entifi is a natural networker and a professional career woman. She has benefited from substantial experience in the Sales and Marketing departments of world renowned international hotel chains such as Sheraton and M�ridien. Driven by the desire to explore new horizons and further her studies, Kaoutsar relocated from Morocco, her home country, to the United States, where she spent four years. There, she obtained an MBA in Management and got involved with several networks and associations which enriched her life and gave her a new perspective on business, community and social relations. She later moved to Paris where she joined the European Professional Women's Network (EPWN) and was inspired to become an entrepreneur. Kaoutsar is also happily married and a mother to a beautiful daughter
The Far Side of Perfect: Facing Forty
By Diane Danielson
�I�m turning 40 this year,� I say out loud to my reflection in the bathroom mirror. Fortunately, the woman in the mirror shrugs her shoulders and laughs because for some reason it�s just not a big deal. Sure there are a few things that do give me pause about entering into the Fortysomething zone. Like the fact that I�m older than Daniel Craig, the newest James Bond. While I fully comprehend that he is portraying a �younger� James Bond, there is just something so totally wrong with 007 being born in 1968, a full six years after Sean Connery first introduced himself on-screen as �Bond, James Bond.�
Nevertheless, thanks to the Boomers who have crossed this threshold before me, at least we now have all sorts of products, surgical procedures, diets and exercise regimes to maintain (or regain) youthful appearances. But, I like to think Mother Nature already had her own remedy to reduce the appearance of aging. Why else would we all need reading glasses? It�s her way of preventing us from seeing the wrinkles and imperfections when we get up close to each other. (She is a woman, after all!)
But there are the other tell-tale signs of aging that can�t be helped by Botox or bad vision. Each year I discover a new food that doesn�t agree with me, and my knees don�t seem to work quite the same way they used to. Then there�s the fact that my friends and I can�t carry on a conversation without discussing mortgage rates and the housing market or referring to news anchors and presidential candidates as �hotties.� On top of that, I had a shock the other day when I hopped into my car only to find that all the radio station buttons had been set to talk radio. When did I do that?
There are, however, some things that I am truly thankful for as I turn 40, like not having a husband who will throw me a surprise birthday party. I�m sure having a husband would actually be quite nice, but I�m definitely not a fan of the surprise 40th birthday party. I don�t know about the rest of you, but if I�m going to celebrate, I want to look spectacular, not surprised. And, unfortunately, �spectacular� takes a lot more work than it used to.
One benefit of aging I truly enjoy is that my ability to embarrass myself continues to lessen each year as one gets either too tired, or too busy, to care what other people think. But at the same time, my ability to embarrass my son is on the upswing, and it�s proving to be a rather useful behavioral management tool. I hear that in a few years, I�ll be able to embarrass him simply by existing.
More than anything, having a good sense of humor makes the whole aging process a lot easier. (They�re called �laugh lines� for a reason.) Otherwise, I might not find funny the statement in a recent novel, The Starter Wife, about how men at age 41 are still considered young in business, but their female peers are �middle aged.� Ironic, isn�t it, especially when you look at life expectancies Or, perhaps I wouldn�t see the comedy in the fact that the very same men who I consider too old for me to date, likewise consider me too old for them to date. That�s o.k., too, because in a few more years, thanks again to Mother Nature, we�ll all be having too many �senior moments� to remember we ever met in the first place.
But perhaps the absolute best thing about turning 40 this year is to truly be able to understand the saying, �Success is getting what you want; but happiness is wanting what you get.� Hmmmmm. Maybe that�s the real secret to living �happily ever after.� I�ll let you know how it's going on my 50th.
Diane K. Danielson is the CEO of http://www.DowntownWomensClub.com, a business network and career website for women. For more of her random musing, check out her blog at http://www.womensDISH.com
�I�m turning 40 this year,� I say out loud to my reflection in the bathroom mirror. Fortunately, the woman in the mirror shrugs her shoulders and laughs because for some reason it�s just not a big deal. Sure there are a few things that do give me pause about entering into the Fortysomething zone. Like the fact that I�m older than Daniel Craig, the newest James Bond. While I fully comprehend that he is portraying a �younger� James Bond, there is just something so totally wrong with 007 being born in 1968, a full six years after Sean Connery first introduced himself on-screen as �Bond, James Bond.�
Nevertheless, thanks to the Boomers who have crossed this threshold before me, at least we now have all sorts of products, surgical procedures, diets and exercise regimes to maintain (or regain) youthful appearances. But, I like to think Mother Nature already had her own remedy to reduce the appearance of aging. Why else would we all need reading glasses? It�s her way of preventing us from seeing the wrinkles and imperfections when we get up close to each other. (She is a woman, after all!)
But there are the other tell-tale signs of aging that can�t be helped by Botox or bad vision. Each year I discover a new food that doesn�t agree with me, and my knees don�t seem to work quite the same way they used to. Then there�s the fact that my friends and I can�t carry on a conversation without discussing mortgage rates and the housing market or referring to news anchors and presidential candidates as �hotties.� On top of that, I had a shock the other day when I hopped into my car only to find that all the radio station buttons had been set to talk radio. When did I do that?
There are, however, some things that I am truly thankful for as I turn 40, like not having a husband who will throw me a surprise birthday party. I�m sure having a husband would actually be quite nice, but I�m definitely not a fan of the surprise 40th birthday party. I don�t know about the rest of you, but if I�m going to celebrate, I want to look spectacular, not surprised. And, unfortunately, �spectacular� takes a lot more work than it used to.
One benefit of aging I truly enjoy is that my ability to embarrass myself continues to lessen each year as one gets either too tired, or too busy, to care what other people think. But at the same time, my ability to embarrass my son is on the upswing, and it�s proving to be a rather useful behavioral management tool. I hear that in a few years, I�ll be able to embarrass him simply by existing.
More than anything, having a good sense of humor makes the whole aging process a lot easier. (They�re called �laugh lines� for a reason.) Otherwise, I might not find funny the statement in a recent novel, The Starter Wife, about how men at age 41 are still considered young in business, but their female peers are �middle aged.� Ironic, isn�t it, especially when you look at life expectancies Or, perhaps I wouldn�t see the comedy in the fact that the very same men who I consider too old for me to date, likewise consider me too old for them to date. That�s o.k., too, because in a few more years, thanks again to Mother Nature, we�ll all be having too many �senior moments� to remember we ever met in the first place.
But perhaps the absolute best thing about turning 40 this year is to truly be able to understand the saying, �Success is getting what you want; but happiness is wanting what you get.� Hmmmmm. Maybe that�s the real secret to living �happily ever after.� I�ll let you know how it's going on my 50th.
Diane K. Danielson is the CEO of http://www.DowntownWomensClub.com, a business network and career website for women. For more of her random musing, check out her blog at http://www.womensDISH.com
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