Lindsay Clancy’s trial has sparked discussions around postpartum and mental healthcare – and bad actors are using this as a tool of women’s oppression, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Opinion
Part of our mission to elevate women's voices means featuring our own views and perspectives on news and culture. Here, we're gathering our insights and commentaries on the events and creations that drive our discourse and shape our society. Read on for op-eds that will make you think - and perhaps galvanize you into your own speech, and action.
Michelle Obama Celebrated Her Empty-Nest Life. Cue the Meltdowns
Conservatives engaged in much hand-wringing when the former FLOTUS said she didn’t miss having kids at home. But plenty of moms can understand, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
How the ‘Poop Parasite’ is Causing Headaches (And More) for Women
Thousands of cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed throughout the U.S. – placing another undue burden upon the shoulders of American women.
The Power of a Woman Who’s Not Sorry
During a podcast appearance, actress Geena Davis recalled learning something crucial from an unapologetic Susan Sarandon. We all need that energy, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Anne Hathaway’s Pregnancy Sparks a (Tired) Debate on Older Women’s Choices
The actress, now 43, announced that she’s having a baby. The public had much to say – because whatever older women do, it’s apparently wrong, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Joan Baez on the Silence of Celebrity Women Amid Attacks on Democracy
The musician and activist reminds the rich and prominent – and everyone else – that privilege is a platform, and should be used for more than seeking personal glory.
4 Astronauts Reminded Us What’s Possible When We Laugh, and Care, and Try
The Artemis II crew captured humanity’s hearts not just by making history, but also by embodying curiosity, warmth and intention. By showing us who we, too, need to be.
Aubrey Plaza Pregnancy Renews Old Question: How Long Are Women Expected to Grieve?
The actress is expecting a child. Her ex died by suicide just over a year ago, some noted in response. Society is still not OK with widows moving on, writes Candice Helfand-Rogers.
A Twinkle of Hope Found Amid the Artemis II Crew’s Playlist
Astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft were awakened this week by Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” – a queer anthem by a queer artist. Dr. Sally Ride would have loved it.
Pam Bondi Reminds Us: Women Can’t Save Themselves By Selling Their Souls
The former AG’s ouster follows years of loyalty to Donald Trump – the latest example of how kowtowing to sexist leaders will only take women so far, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
The U.S. Men’s Hockey Team Reminds Us How Complicit — and Lame — Men Can Be
President Donald Trump invited the team to appear as honored guests at this year’s State of the Union address. They accepted – and that’s the problem, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
It’s 2026, And The President is Telling Women to Smile — to Shut Them Up
It’s an age-old sexist refrain, and the Trump administration is using it to quiet women journalists who ask about the Epstein files, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
What Kehlani and Others Taught Us About Pushing Back at the 2026 Grammys
We don’t usually find inspiration on how to proceed in troubling times at award shows – yet there were lessons to be learned at this year’s Grammys, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
America Becomes a Horror Show
It’s impossible to sugarcoat the violent killings in Minnesota, Sue Williams writes.
Invading a Sovereign Nation Won’t Make People Forget About Epstein
Trump attacked Venezuela and deposed its dictatorial leader – as critical disclosure deadlines around the Epstein files lapsed, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Maria Shriver: ‘We Deserve So Much Better’ Than Trump’s Antics
The journalist spoke out against the president’s puerile bluster, on full display following Rob Reiner’s violent death, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
The Dangerous Annoyance of Lovely White Women’s Tears
Writer Olivia Nuzzi and student Samantha Fulnecky have been elevated because they enjoy a privilege that can cause real harm, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
These Little Piggies Won’t Be Quiet, Mr. Trump
The president referred to a female reporter as swine for asking Epstein questions. But insults aren’t stopping women from speaking up anymore, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Megyn Kelly Sold Out Girls to Downplay Epstein’s Crimes. It Helps the President
The conservative pundit chose complicity over courage when she minimized the abuses done by the deceased sex trafficker, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
The Only Planned Parenthood in Manhattan Closed. This is Why You Need to Vote
This now-empty building serves as a physical reminder of what can happen when we sit Election Day out, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Zohran Mamdani Did Something Men Don’t Do — But They Should
Men are reluctant, at best, to call out their peers for bad behavior. But during the second NYC mayoral debate, Mamdani did precisely that – and made it about more than winning votes.
Cardi B’s New Initiative Will Tackle Breastfeeding Stigmas. Yes, They Persist
The acclaimed rap artist and mom is partnering with formula maker Bobbie to “hype up every feeding journey, unapologetically.” It’s a necessary effort, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
What Do Women Want? Nothing We Aren’t Entitled To – And Yet
Women live in a world that isn’t designed to give us what we desire, or what we’ve earned – and so, we must take it for ourselves, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Are You Pregnant And In Pain? Trump Says ‘Tough It Out’
The president baselessly claimed Tylenol causes autism, and that pregnant people shouldn’t take it. It’s dangerous advice – and part of a legacy of women’s suffering being dismissed.
Conservatives Want More Kids — Yet Offer Only Prayers When Kids Are Gunned Down
In the wake of another school shooting, we’re reminded that Trump and others won’t protect children from gun violence – but they still want women to have more, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ — The Kids’ Movie Adults Need
Beneath the film’s pop-tastic exterior lies a timely message about the power of women’s voices – and what we lose when they’re silenced, ensemble singer Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
‘Barbie’ Was Always Supposed To Be The Beginning, Not The End
Two years ago, “Barbie” debuted, exposing the world to feminist ideas (and lots of pink). Today, people are spouting off their retroactive displeasure at the once-celebrated film.
On Connie Francis, Whose Powerful Voice Reached Far and Wide
Connie Francis was an internationally loved musician who made Billboard Hot 100 history. She was a survivor, advocate and author. And she touched generations of people – myself included.
White Women: The Government is Using Us to Stoke Hatred (Again). We Must Fight Back
Those in power have grown increasingly bold about how narrow (and pale) their definition of “American tradition” is. So what are we white women going to do about it?
We Love to Hate Complicated Women Characters. We Should Ask Ourselves Why
Our writer Candice Helfand-Rogers, on a heat-wave TV binge, found herself fuming over fan hatred of fictional women who commit the crime of being imperfect.
What 2 Women Learned Breaking Stuff in a Rage Room, As a New Conflict Begins
We went to The Ragery before Trump bombed Iran. It made us think: Men approach destruction differently than us – and women should break much of what they built.
Bi Women Who Date Men Aren’t Just ‘Faking It’
Bisexual women, especially, are often accused of being LGBTQ phonies or “tourists.” But there is no burden of proof for queerness, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
We’re Forgetting How to Accept — and Love — Fat Bodies
Our increasingly conservative political landscape is sparking a tolerance regression, including around fat acceptance, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Shame on Women Who Abandon Fellow Women. We Need Each Other
What anti-abortion legislators and transphobic celebrities don’t get is: Women have a unique responsibility to one another, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Worried Over Women’s Disinterest in Motherhood? Make It Something We’d Want
Team Trump wants to galvanize women into having kids. Perhaps they should consider making “mom life” even the least bit easier, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Sabrina Carpenter is Not Actually the Problem
The singer’s provocative persona and performances have drawn online ire. But then, we’ve never been fond of overtly sexual women, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Beware the Allure of Low-Hanging, Body-Shaming Fruit
There’s been a rise in memes about Vice President JD Vance and his ilk that target looks. It’s important to remember that how we fight back matters, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
In Defense of So-Called ‘Slacktivism’
Some critiqued the recent economic blackout, noting that such one-off actions won’t effect change. But they were always designed to be a beginning, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Musk, ‘Zuck,’ Vance and Bannon — The Men I Fear My Son Hearing
Fascism is the political ideology of the selfish and small, and our leaders prove it. All the same, they are the ones who have the mic – and I know my kid can hear them, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Trump’s Ban on Trans Women in Women’s Sports
The latest executive order signed by President Donald Trump targets trans athletes and swipes at the “radical” left, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
‘DEI’ is Not to Blame for What Ails Us — Dumb, Arrogant Men Are
Women and minorities didn’t start the fires that burn around us, metaphorically or literally. No, those were lit by the ones who have always been in charge, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
It’s (Beyond) Time for Women to Reclaim Our Anger
We aren’t frenzied, irrational monsters – we’re furious, and we should be. Now let’s use that, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Love as a Bold and Intentional Thing
Donald Trump’s inauguration marks the dawn of a troubling era. We must have our own dreams now, of how we become fighters in creating the world King envisioned, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
‘The Artist’s Way,’ and the Limitations We Place on Women’s Imaginations
A 12-week exercise in nurturing my “inner artist” became an extended contemplation of how our society cuts off women’s genius at its knees.
How an Assassination Reminds Us That Nothing is Normal
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder is born of a world that went haywire years ago. If we want to solve anything, we must acknowledge that, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
This Holiday Season, Won’t You Consider Fighting With Family and Friends?
We’re about to see a lot more of one another. We should be ready to disagree when we do, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Dear Black Men, Please Do Better
Many Black men could have chosen the side of democracy. But instead, they favored a man giving a fake promise of a future he doesn’t intend for them, Claretta Bellamy writes.
At Least It’s Not 8 Years Ago
We know what to expect. But the future isn’t written. And there is some solace to that, writes Colleen DeBaise.
Vote — and Remember That Your Choice Has Consequences
Election Day 2024 is upon us. Candice Helfand-Rogers writes about why getting to the polls is, quite literally, a matter of life and death.
Fellow White Women — Please Do the Right Thing
In 2016 and 2020, broad swaths of white women cast their ballots for former President Donald Trump. We cannot make the same mistake again, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.