Branching Out
Periodical profile published 1979

Publisher:  New Women's Magazine Society, Edmonton, Canada
Year Published:  1979
Resource Type:  Serial Publication (Periodical)
Cx Number:  CX2011

Abstract: 
Branching out is published every three months in magazine form by the New Women's Magazine Society, a Canadian charitable organization in Alberta. Articles are written by Canadian women only, although the content can relate to situations outside the country. Reviews of the new women's fiction, poetry, art and film appear regularly, while articles focus on a wide range of issues in their relationship to women - politics, the law, health, architectural design, work, etc. Although the thrust of the whole publication is primarily feminist, there is much room for discussion of individual viewpoints within. For example, this particular issue continues the debate concerning censorship of pornographic material and the effect of such a move, in response to a former article on the subject.

Another article discusses the operations of genital mutilation on women, still commonly practiced in Africa and the Middle East to ensure virginity. These operations of "female circumcision" are more widespread today than ever before and in some countries both West-trained physicians and hospitals receive money to perform the operations. Until very recently there has been a wall of silence around these cultural practices and even development agencies such as World Health Organization and the Canadian International Development Agency have been hesitant to discuss them. An address is given in the article for women who want to take further action.

Another article analyzes two legislative changes in Cuba, one dealing with women and labor, the second with relations between men and women in the home.