Introductory note by Lynn Conway:

Germaine Greer is notorious among trans women as one of the feminist vigilantes who went on an anti-transsexual rampage in the 1980's and 1990's. Along with feminist academic Janice Raymond, author of the notorious book The Transsexual Empire: The Making of the She-Male, Greer went on a witch-hunt to find and 'out' stealthy postop women.

Raymond and Greer (and their ideological followers) especially targeted trans women who had successfully obtained good employment. They went after these women without remorse, in efforts to publicly defame them, cost them their livelihoods, and force them into social marginalization (which Raymond and Greer apparently thought they deserved).

Physicist Rachel Padman of Cambridge University became one of Greer's special targets in 1996 (Greer ruthlessly outed and attacked Rachel in the UK tabloids). Fortunately, Rachel was really well-liked at Cambridge, and was able to survive Greer's wrath.

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Nevertheless, Germaine Greer continues to viciously defame trans women even now, as we see below, and her books are still widely read and taken quite seriously in "women's studies" programs in many universities.

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http://ai.eecs.umich.edu/people/conway/TS/Rogue%20Theories/Greer/Exorcism%20of%20the%20mother.html

In her recent book, The Whole Woman, Ms Greer argued that attempts to outlaw the practice amounted to "an attack on cultural identity", adding: "One man's beautification is another man's mutilation."

She said that women should have the right to undergo genital mutilation as a form of "self-decoration" and posed the question: "If an Ohio punk has the right to have her genitalia operated on, why has not the Somali woman the same right?"

However, in a report published on Thursday - coincidentally the International Day Against Violence Towards Women - the select committee accused Ms Greer of a "misplaced sense of the sanctity of culture".

The MPs cited figures from the World Health Organisation which estimated that between 85 and 115 million women worldwide had undergone some form of genital mutilation which doubles their risk of dying in childbirth and can increase by three to four times the chances their children will be stillborn.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/535488.stm

Pamela Bone to Germaine Greer in Melbourne last week:

I then asked why it was that Western feminists seemed so reluctant to speak out against things such as honour killings.

Greer: "It's very tricky. I am constantly being asked to go to Darfur to interview rape victims. I can talk to rape victims here. Why should I go to Darfur to talk to rape victims?"

Questioner (me): "Because it's so much worse there."

Greer: "Who says it is?"

Questioner: "I do, because I've been there."

Greer: "Well, it is just very tricky to try to change another culture. We let down the victims of rape here. We haven't got it right in our own courts. What good would it do for me to go over there and try to tell them what to do? I am just part of decadent Western culture and they think we're all going to hell fast and maybe we are all going to hell fast."

http://moneyrunner.blogspot.com/2007/12/honor-killings-and-germaine-greer.html

Nestle© is the target of an international boycott because of its aggressive marketing of baby foods. A newspaper article and new film reveal how Nestle© continues to undermine breastfeeding, breaking international marketing standards, where laws have yet to be introduced and enforced.

Over 100 formula feeding mothers and their babies protested in front of infant formula manufacturers’ offices, claiming milk advertisements have deceived them into giving their babies infant formula instead of breastmilk.

“My message to the milk companies is to stop deceiving those who buy infant formula,” says Nadine Sylvano, mother of five children. “They say that their milk is good for children’s brains, will make children healthy, stout and give strong bones. But it’s not true.”

Baby Milk Action is a non-profit organization which aims to save lives and to end the avoidable suffering caused by inappropriate infant feeding. Baby Milk Action works within a global network to strengthen independent, transparent and effective controls on the marketing of the baby feeding industry.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.5 million infants die around the world every year because they are not breastfed. Where water is unsafe a bottle-fed child is up to 25 times more likely to die as a result of diarrhea than a breastfed child.

That is why a marketing code was introduced in 1981 to regulate the marketing of breastmilk substitutes. Companies continue to violate its provisions. Find out how Baby Milk Action works to stop them and how you can help.

Baby Milk Action is not anti-baby milk. Our work protects all mothers and infants from irresponsible marketing.

Nestlé Chairman brings shame to the University of Alberta

Press release 10 February 2012

In the media:

Edmonton Journal 10 February: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Professors+fear+honorary+degree+Nestle+will+harm+international+reputation/6136088/story.html

- EJ 14 February: http://www.canada.com/news/Simons+Albertans+must+judge+whether+Nestle+executive+good+choice+honourary+degree/6153385/story.html

- EJ 29 February:http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Updated+Debate+continues+swirl+over+honorary+degree+Nestle+exec/6229038/story.html

Baby Milk Action mentions: Vue Weekly 15 February - CBC radio 28 February.

Update 29 February: Over 70 organizations from more than 20 countries condemn Brabeck-Letmathe honorary degree

Update 1 March: Protests outside (CBC News) and inside (Edmonton Journal) degree ceremony.

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The University of Alberta is receiving messages of protest from around the world as it plans to award Mr. Peter Brabeck-Latmathé, the Chair and former Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé, an honorary degree for contributing to "the preservation, distribution and management of one of humanity’s most vital resources: water." The protests are because the company, which is the holder of a "Least Ethical Company" award (left), is criticised for practices including destruction of water resources, marketing baby foods inappropriately, trade union busting and other issues (click here). Campaigners warn that the University of Alberta will make itself a laughing stock if it goes ahead with presenting the honorary degree to Mr. Brabeck on 1 March.

Baby Milk Action's partners in the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), Infact Canada, stated: "INFACT Canada joins the Council of Canadians in condemning University of Alberta’s plans to award Mr. Peter Brabeck-Latmathlé an honorary degree. Instead, the University should criticize Nestlé’s destructive business practices and inform the company that there is no honour for the CEO!" - click here.

Click here for the page for emailing the University of Alberta, organised by the Council of Canadians.

Click here to join the campaign event on Facebook.

Click here to register to attend the degree presentation at the University of Alberta - the event will also be live streamed.

Baby Milk Action has first-hand knowledge of Nestlé's shameful behaviour regarding its Pure Life brand of bottled water and the harm caused to the historic water park in the spa town of São Lourenço in Brazil (click here). One of the Brazilian campaigners appeared as a witness in January 2012 in a court case brought against Nestlé in Switzerland for spying on campaigners - click here.

A new film, Bottled Life, examines one aspect of Nestlé's exploitation of water: its Pure Life brand. The trailer is below:



Baby Milk Action is in ongoing commucation with Mr. Brabeck regarding violations of international baby milk marketing standards, which he refuses to stop. Accordingly, Baby Milk Action is asking supporters to email the University of Alberta to call on it to withdraw the honorary degree and instead suggest to Mr. Brabeck that he respond to campaigners' concerns. Nestlé's Global Public Affairs Manager admits that Nestlé is "widely boycotted". An independent survey has found it to be one of the four most boycotted companies on the planet - click here.

Mike Brady, Campaigns and Networking Coordinator at Baby Milk Action, said:

Mr. Brabeck has a cabinet full of shaming awards for the way he runs Nestlé, putting profits before human rights and the environment. In my view, Mr. Brabeck deserves to be in court, not receiving an honorary degree. Indeed, Nestlé is in court in India for failing to label baby milk correctly and sanctions include the possibility of imprisonment for the Managing Director - not surprisingly Nestlé has been fighting the case for nearly two decades. More recently, as part of the Nestlé Critics coalition, we have reported Nestlé to the UN Global Compact for egregious violations of the Global Compact Principles, including for its impact on water. Did the University of Alberta carry out any form of due diligence when selecting Mr. Brabeck for an honorary degree?

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Notes for editors

1. Nestlé Chairman, Peter Brabeck-Letmathé, is spearheading the Water Resources Group, a joint venture with the World Bank. According to Corporate Accountability International: "In order to be eligible for support from this new fund, all projects must 'provide for at least one partner from the private sector,' not simply as a charitable funder, but 'as part of its operations.'" The US-based group commented: "Global water corporations must not be allowed to tap into public ‘development funds’ to promote their private agenda because case after case shows that profitability and fulfillment of human rights in the water sector are at odds."

2. Nestlé has rolled out labels in 120 countries claiming its formula "protects" babies, although babies fed on formula are more likely to become ill than breastfed babies and, in conditions of poverty, more likely to die (left, a promotional leaflet distributed to health facilities in Armenia by Nestlé in 2011). It also refuses to bring instructions into line with World Health Organisation guidelines to reduce the risks to babies fed on formula. According to UNICEF: "Improved breastfeeding practices and reduction of artificial feeding could save an estimated 1.5 million children a year."

Mr. Brabeck has been closely involved in the UN Global Compact CEO Water Mandate, which received the Greenwash Award 2010 prior to the World Economic Forum - click here.

3. Other shaming awards received by Nestlé included:

Black Planet Award 2007: Awarded by Ethecon for the irresponsible marketing of baby food contaminated by genetically manipulated nutrition, their tolerance of child labour and monopolisation of water resources - click here.

Public Eye Award 2005: Overwhelming winner of the "People's Choice" award for "for its practice of marketing baby food and formula in the developing world by encouraging women to use their products instead of nursing their children."

Least Ethical Company Award 2003: Awarded by Ethical Consumer Magazine after a public vote - click here.

UK Food Group World Food Day Shaming Award 1998: The "Lot of Bottle" award for promoting baby milk to mothers in the Philippines with staff presented as "Health Educators" - click here.

This list is incomplete. Please add details of other shaming awards to the comments.


http://info.babymilkaction.org/pressrelease/pressrelease10feb12

FEBRUARY 10, 2012

EDMONTON - University of Alberta president Indira Samarasekera is facing heat for the decision to give an honorary degree to the CEO of controversial global food giant Nestle Corporation, the world’s largest producer of bottled water and promoter of water privatization.

To honour experts for their contribution to water management, the U of A will give honorary degrees next month to Nestle CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe along with U of A professor emeritus Steve Hrudey, and from India, Sunita Narain, an expert in water security, conservation and pollution control.

Nestle, a major promoter of water privatization, was for years been under fire for the way it markets infant formula in Third World countries where mothers do not have access to clean water and literacy is low.

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As recently as 2011, Nestle was cited in Laos for violating the World Health Organization code of the marketing of breast milk substitutes, Kaler said.

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http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Professors+fear+honorary+degree+Nestle+will+harm+international+reputation/6136088/story.html

SISTERSPACE 35TH ANNIVERSARY DETAILS ANNOUNCED
The women's festival to host a tea dance at ICandy in anticipating of the popular three-day weekend

by Natalie Hope McDonald on 2/29/2012 at 9:34AM


SisterSpace Weekend, one of the longest-running women’s festivals in the country, may not be kicking off its three days of art, music and education until Sept. 7, but the organizers are sponsoring a fundraiser next month – The Lavender Menace: A Women’s Tea Dance – on March 31 (5 – 9 p.m.) at ICandy where revelers will have a chance to support the cause and have a little fun with other like-minded lesbian feminists.

SisterSpace Weekend is one of the longest running women’s festivals in the country – and this year it’s celebrating it’s 35th anniversary. Beginning with only a small group of women converging for what was then called the “Lesbian Feminist Weekend” in the Pocono Mountains in 1977 for mostly self-defense workshops, the festival now attracts hundreds of women annually to hear female musicians, attend workshops, swim, hike and connect with each other. This year the festival will feature such performers as Voices of Africa and comedian Mimi Gonzalez (we met her in Provincetown a few years ago at the since defunct Vixen).

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Women’s music festivals rose to their heights in the 1970s as a welcomed alternative to the bars, coffeehouses and protest marches of the time. Over the years, the event grew – and it wasn’t until the late 1990s that the current location was settled upon at Camp Ramblewood in Darlington, MD., just a short distance from the Susquehanna River. A few of this year’s sponsors include Giampolo Law Group, Mazzoni Center, Tabu, Tavern on Camac and Janet L. Gold.

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For this anniversary year, SisterSpace is planning a series of events to reconnect with women who have been a part of the organization’s history and invite new women to join. “I hope all women who have been a part of our past and those who want to be part of our future plan to attend the weekend to help us continue the tradition and celebrate a very special 35 years,” says Jordan Pascucci, president of SisterSpace. Tickets go on sale in May and prices are on a sliding scale based on income and desired accommodations.

The Lavender Menace: A Women’s Tea Dance, March 31, 5 – 9 p.m., iCandy, 254 S. 12th St., 888-294-1110.


http://blogs.phillymag.com/gphilly/2012/02/29/sisterspace-35th-anniversary-details-announced/

2012 SisterSpace Weekend - Get Involved!
Welcome to 2012, SisterSpace friends! This year is going to be big - it’s our 35th anniversary, and we’ve got lots of surprises in store. If you’ve never been, read on to find out more about the SisterSpace Weekend; if you’re an old pro, scroll down to find out how you can get involved.

What Is It?
Since its beginnings as a feminist self-defense retreat in the 1970s, the SisterSpace Weekend has been a place where lesbians of every stripe and their female friends have gathered to create community, exchange ideas, learn from each other, forge new friendships, and just relax.

For so many, the lure of the Weekend is the opportunity to spend 3 glorious days completely immersed in women-only space - and the passion, enthusiasm and camaraderie the Weekend inspires is what keeps us strong and coming back year after year. You’ll walk away with a renewed appreciation for lesbian culture and a deep desire for more!

If you’ve never been, we’d love for you to join us - and if you’re a veteran, we look forward to seeing you again!

Where Is It?
Camp Ramblewood is a beautifully rustic and private camp located in rural Darlington, Maryland. It’s incredibly easy to get to - I-95 is just minutes away, and we run frequent shuttles to and from the Amtrak station in nearby Aberdeen. The cabins include beds and feature complete bath and shower facilities - but if you’d prefer to bring a tent, there are plenty of places to camp. Space for RV camping is available, too.

The camp is accessible, and boasts a full-sized Olympic pool, among other amenities. The majestic Susquehanna river is just a short hike away, and there are plenty of scenic trails that will lead you there.

What Goes On?
Each year’s agenda is like a living, breathing thing - evolving and taking shape up until the moment the Weekend opens. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Live Music: Each year we bring together a stellar lineup of established and up-and-coming artists to entertain and inspire you. On both Friday and Saturday nights, and at our Day Stage on Saturday afternoon, you can kick back and enjoy some of the finest performances you’ll ever hear.

Workshops: The Weekend offers a complete array of workshops on subjects that are important to us, such as sexuality, spirituality, feminism, intergenerational issues, creativity, and more. Our workshop schedule is participant generated, so we invite you to share your knowledge and passion while you learn from others.

Socialize: From our welcome pool party on Friday afternoon to our dance party on Saturday night, the opportunities to mingle and meet new people are numerous.

Exert yourself: The camp boasts athletic facilities including tennis and basketball courts, softball fields, a ropes course, and more - and a full schedule of athletic activities, both planned and spontaneous, will allow you to fully indulge your inner athlete.
Creativity: The Arts Space has the stuff you need to explore your creative side. Attend a creative workshop, or come and play on your own.

Shopping: Our merchants and craftswomen will be ready with a wide variety of unique and beautiful items for you to take home as the perfect gift or your new favorite treasure.

How much does it cost? How do I register?
Registration is based on a sliding scale fee - in other words, “more if you can, less if you can’t.” For complete information, join our mailing list to be notified the moment that registration opens (early May, 2012), or scroll down to find out how you can get involved right now.

One more thing...
The SisterSpace Weekend is produced by SisterSpace of the Delaware Valley - a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, PA. The event is planned, produced, and staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers. Even if you can’t join us this year, please consider making a donation to help us keep the Weekend rolling for years to come. Thanks!

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More details here http://www.sisterspace.org/2012.html