Archive | The Persistent

I Thought My Year of Yes Would Lead to More Paid Work. How Wrong I Was.

Organizations only truly value what they pay for. The rest they dispose of easily and forget. Don’t let that be you.

My Reluctant Feminist Hero

In a world in which wealth and opulence seem to beget political power, I long for a leader with un-showy discipline. I can’t help thinking of Angela Merkel.

by Josie Cox

Some Love Stories Start with a Glance. This One Starts with a Movement.

A love story doesn’t just have to be between two people, says Jana Naomi Smith, the creator of Red for Revolution.

by Patrice Peck

When Dreams Are Put On Hold

In Afghanistan, women's blocked opportunities to have a career, contribute to society and earn a living are creating a mental health crisis.

by Fariba Akbari, +1

Henrietta Lacks: A Moral Wrong That May Never Be Righted

Her name may not be a household name, but ‘HeLa cells’ from Henrietta Lacks's cervix changed the world.

by Josie Cox

I Never Saw Myself in Romance Novels. Then, One Day, I Did.

Enthusiastic readers of romance novels would very much like to see themselves reflected on the page. When will the industry fully catch on?

by Ruchika T. Malhotra

Coming to a Theatre Near You

Is Hollywood finally catching up with the real world? Maybe, sort of, yes.

by Josie Cox

Everyone Has Their View on Surrogacy. Few Actually Understand It.

When Lily Collins announced her child had been born via surrogate, the judgments and criticisms were swift and brutal. Many were just plain wrong.

by Emma Haslett

‘The Fantasy Can Be Dirty, But the Values Must Be Clean’

Can porn be beautiful and ethical? Erika Lust says yes—unequivocally.

by Anne Quito

On DEI, Here We Go Again.

It’s time to stop saying disabled people are less qualified. Evidence suggests that, far from making workplaces worse, disabled people make teams better.

by Lucy Webster

One Victorious Beyoncé Does Not Equality Make

It’s a great story, but women aren’t really ruling the Grammys. When they’re nominated just one-third of the time, how could they?

by Josie Cox

More Women Are Entering Medicine — And It's Good for Everyone

Improved social support, more role models, and reduced bias in medical schools have fueled the change. When it comes to patient outcomes, it makes a difference.

by Josie Cox

In a Deeply Divided World, Can Anything Unite Us? Perhaps a Comma Or Two.

Ellen Jovin is a grammarian whose conversations about language can help us connect in a world that feels broken.

by Josie Cox

DEI Is Something We All Rely On—Whether We Admit It or Not.

When companies are more inclusive, everyone profits. So when DEI gets shut down, it’s up to everyone to step up.

by Josie Cox

Are We Done Asking Women About Imposter Syndrome?

Apparently not. We keep raising imposter syndrome with women, and worse, telling them they ought to have it.

by Ruchika T. Malhotra

As Always With Davos, A Question of Who Gets to Be in the Room

This year, over 50 heads of state are in attendance, as well as about 1,600 business leaders.

by Josie Cox

Alexa, How Do I Stop This Meltdown?

AI can make our lives more efficient and streamlined, sure, but it can also make parenting easier.

by Haley Swenson

Can Chatbots Make You a Better Parent? Yes, Here's What to Ask.

AI can be as useful in the home as it can be at work. Sometimes it's just a question of getting started.

by Haley Swenson

Thank You, Cecile

The activist and former president of Planned Parenthood died on Monday, aged 67.

by Francesca Donner

A Handful of Reasons to Be Hopeful. (Yes, We Found Some!)

Wars, wildfires and felonious world leaders are dominating the news cycle. But also: Diseases are being treated, solar power is booming and some animals are back from the brink of extinction.

by Francesca Donner, +1

Deciding Which Way to Look

Two men will be honored on Monday. They couldn't be more different.

by Josie Cox

How Will Women Protest In a Second Trump Term?

Pussy hats and memes might provide some emotional relief, but the real work will take place behind the scenes.

by Holly Baxter

Yes, Los Angeles Is Burning. No, DEI Is Not to Blame.

Within a day of the California wildfires igniting, right-wing influencers and conservative media outlets had decided what was to blame for the deadly blazes: DEI. That’s utterly ridiculous.

by Josie Cox

Instagram is Home to Thriving Communities. Meta's Plans Risk Cutting Them Off.

Mark Zuckerberg's plans to change content moderation at Meta risk cutting off communities that have become vital lifelines for women.

by Emma Haslett

Why Can’t We Just Pass the ERA? It’s Complicated.

The Equal Rights Amendment is a simple 24-word piece of legislation. But it’s also a historic movement, more than a century in the making, that began with women’s suffrage and continues to this day.

by Josie Cox

Bright Light. Big Smile. Her Name Was Debrina Kawam.

The story of the woman set alight on the New York subway is a reminder that everyone, even when they’re anonymous, is a somebody.

by Josie Cox

Women Are Syria’s Best Hope for Lasting Peace. Will They Be Heard?

For years, Syrian women have fought to be heard in international negotiations. They aren’t about to give up ground now.

by Xanthe Scharff

'Ahh! Do I Have To?'— And Other New Year's Resolution Dilemmas

Read faster. Be present. Get organized. Choose joy. Eat this. Avoid that. Save money. Take risks. Make friends. Here’s a thought: Maybe you’re already just right, just as you are.

by Hyesu Lee

Giving Women the Last Word Since 2024

Our editor Francesca Donner looks back at The Persistent’s first year.

by Francesca Donner

Our Year In Books: Escape? Engage? Do Both?

The Persistent's editors round up their favorite reads of the year.

by Francesca Donner, +2

‘Women Should Have Children Instead of Poodles’—When Birth Control Came to Washington

The idea of birth control entered the national conversation in 1919, when an artist, activist, and single mother named Mary Ware Dennett brought the (quite shocking!) idea to Congress.

by Stephanie Gorton

How Can Equality Between Genders Still Be Up For Debate?

The Equal Rights Amendment is one of the most embattled pieces of legislation in the U.S. Supporters say it's just a question of publishing the damn thing.

by Josie Cox