Come next Monday you might be curious as to why the world is treating you more equally to the opposite sex - the reason being because March 8, 2010 will mark International Women's Day.

The theme of this year will be "Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all" as the United Nations ready for the upcoming International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Hundreds of events occur not not only on March 8 but throughout the month to praise the economic, political and social achievements of women. The YEN team will be keeping you posted on any activities relating to the upcoming celebration so be sure to check back here soon.

xoxo

Unless, you've lived under a dictatorship or communist government, you would not know the pleasures of living with your internet censored. Lucky for us here in Australia we can now share the joys.

Apparently most of the Federal Government agreed on censoring the internet in Australia, by filtering through all sites being accessed here.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, it isn't even clear how, or if, the planned internet filter will distinguish between illegal and legal material acceptable to view.

An old blacklist created by the Australian communications regulator's, was leaked earlier this year and contained many sites that were not related to offensive or unacceptable web pages. There were online poker sites, YouTube links, Wikipedia entries, and of course Satanic and fetish approving sites among those that made the list.

Regardless of the odd Satan worshipper, the hardcore porn addict, and the online poker player, we need to think that this is a democracy, and as a democracy we are meant to believe in freedom. Censorship is not freedom.

Away from the Liberal party's newest leader election, the global financial crisis, climate change, petrol prices, rate increases, unemployment, the obesity epidemic and swine flu! I came across the GMH blog.

It stands for Gives Me Hope, and people post tidbits about a moment that gives them hope.

So smile, because there's hope! Maybe Tony Abbott will believe in the choice of abortion, the use of IVF and stem-cell research, and the practice of no-fault divorce. I'm hoping.

The Portmans Spring Racing Capsule collection will hit selected Portmans stores this Saturday October 3.

The collection is inspired by French atelier and is rich with girlish aesthetic and a touch of elegance.

Prices will range between $250 and $350 so hopefully you won't have to choose between the festival tickets and these amazing outifts!

Step right up this summer to the not-for-profit Seen and Heard Women's Film Festival.

The festival aims to make films about females 'seen and heard', and to emphasise talented women making them too.

A full programme of the event running January 2010 is available for your anticipatory pleasure!

Make sure to check on more news  to come about Seen and Heard.

So every year there is a big hoo-ha about the Russian Resurrection Film Festival and with good reason we are announcing it again!
It is at this film festival where Russians get recognition for more than high-cheekbones, great hair, and good vodka.
Russian Resurrection will be touring nationally so keep an eye out for future YEN posts to find out when your shot of Russia will be hitting you!

This week I am taking you back to the material world, the era where it was cool for women to compete over who had the biggest shoulder pads, men wanted to be woken up before they go-go, and a guy named George wore an excessive amount make-up but was famously known as Boy... I'm taking you back to the 80s just because I can!