News wrap

• Last week, Australian Federal Government approved a measure to allow women to join the front line infantry units in combat.

venus&eve: I believe men and women are different, that’s pretty obvious. But we are also individuals. Meaning that some women like stuff that boys do and some men like stuff that girls like. I don’t believe in war, in fact I find the whole concept abhorrent. However, whatever the differences between men and women I believe that we can all do ANYTHING we set our minds to. So, if some women want to join the front line then I can’t see why they shouldn’t be allowed to. I can’t believe its 2011 and this is still an issue.

• Last week, Saudi Arabian Women given the right to vote… in the next election in 4 years time.

venus&eve: In my research on this seemingly big step forward for women (human) rights in Saudi Arabia, it appears that many of the news articles forgot to mention this little caveat: A woman’s right to vote will ONLY be exercised if they have the permission of a male relative. Therefore, ultimately women will still be ruled by a male’s decision whether she is able to vote or not. So, is this really a huge step forward for women?

• Ghent University researchers, Belgium, determined the secret women's super immune system lies in their extra X-chromosome, which re packed with molecules called microRNAs, which are the key to regulating the immune system.

venus&eve: This explains the man-flu!

• This week, Dr Barry Walters, an obstetrician from the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth, has come out and said that women older than 37 years are selfish for having children.

venus&eve: Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I do think it’s a bit harsh of Dr Barry Walters to tarnish all older women having/wanting children with the same brush. Every women, every person, has a different story. I’m sure there are women who consider their career before having children, but I’m also sure there are many women who don’t met their life partner until later in life, or may struggle for years to get pregnant, or another 101 other reasons for having a child later in life. If the child is really wanted and loved then I don’t believe any child is worse off just because their parents are older or younger that a certain age.