Alma Castro

New York, NY

As a victim advocate, my role was to assist sexual assault and secondary victims at the emergency room. I've participated in a peer education program where the purpose was to discuss sexual assault and unveil how our society indirectly promotes a violent/rape culture through the media, gender roles, and entertainment that ultimately fosters violence. I was in the Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler for four years. Worked at Women Alive Coalition, where I learned the unique factors that put women at risk for HIV infection. Activism and advocacy can easily consume my life. I'm attempting to achieve a successful career in the non-profit world. I am not ashamed to say the word VAGINA, and try to use it at least twice a day (its good for the spirit). I spend my nights searching for people who are vagina haters and report them to the feminist mafia. I'm here to meet people who are passionate about making their world a better place.

Alma signed the petition | 9 months ago

Nevada's First Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Strategy
Alma commented on the article | almost 2 years ago

More Women Peacekeepers Needed in Africa

Great article! I am aware that UNIFEM is currently working on women and security issues. Here are some resources/stories from UNIFEM Open Day events and a petition that people can sign from UNIFEM. Thanks! Please pass this along.

Say No to Violence in Conflict: http://www.saynotoviolence.org/make-women-count-for-peace

Inés Alberdi, Executive Director of UNIFEM on Women, Peace and Security http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=1109

Global Open Day: Sudanese Women Call for Increased Representation in Decision-Making http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=1108

Global Open Day: Timor-Leste Women Call for Gender Parity in the Police
http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=1107

Global Open Day: Working for Sustainable Peace in Nepal by Addressing Social Injustice http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=1110

Global Open Day: Afghan Women Concerned about Security and Justice
http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=1111
Alma commented on the article | about 3 years ago

Response to 'Criminalized Prostitution Isn't Working'

I wanted to first address that I appreciate Amanda's efforts in discussing both sides to this issue. It's important to discuss and clarify the differences between legalizing, decriminalize, and criminalizing prostitution. Thank you Amanda for facilitating that.

My first point I would like to discuss is that Las Vegas is not an example or constitutes as a form of decriminalization. Prostitution is criminalized in Clark County which puts sex workers in a position to be abused and experience violence by law enforcement, clients, and businesses. Criminalizing prostitution creates a perfect breeding ground for human trafficking such as xenophobic immigration laws creates a perfect opportunity to continually human traffic and exploits un-documented farm workers.

Decriminalizing prostitution isn’t legitimizing that it’s ok to, degrade or condone violence against women. Prostitution isn’t the foundation of the oppression of women, transgender, and homophobia. The foundation of this rape culture is how we view women’s role in their purpose of receiving and giving pleasure. I believe the sex industry has many layers to it. There are groups of people who challenge the mainstream sex industry that gives voices to populations of sex workers that do not fall into the hetero normative paradigm of sexuality. They contribute so much to how we view sexuality. Sex workers and some parts of the sex industry in my opinion attempts to challeng and transcend traditional views on sex, which does condone violence against women.

I look forward in continuing this discussion and reading everyone’s posts. Were discussing some deep points here!
Alma commented on the article | about 3 years ago

Can We Legalize Pot But Not Prostitution?

Legalizing prostitution in all the counties and states will increase positive efforts to combat human trafficking. There I said it; I know it’s not what some people would like to hear! A challenge the way we as feminist come together to tackle an issue that is so critical such as human trafficking.
Alma commented on the article | about 3 years ago

The Feminist Queries: Ann Cashion

How do you define feminism? or What books do you read?
Alma commented on the article | about 3 years ago

Ohio Teens Tackle Trafficking

Sending a shout out to the students who organized this amazing event!
Alma commented on the article | about 3 years ago

One Mother’s Perspective on Reproductive Rights

This was an interesting article coming from A mother's perspective on reproductive rights. I choose to see reproductive rights more of an issue of reproductive justice. I do feel that the state/federal/county should make policies that will directly affect the long term health of mother and child. Such as HIV Testing which is crucial for the health of the baby and mother if she is to be HIV +. HIV treatment is 100% necessary for an HIV + mother during pregnancy, not giving a mother an anti-body test for HIV is malpractice.

What is clear is that the US does have the responsibility to increase women's knowledge of their own reproductive health. Infertility treatments will especially need to be reviewed carefully before putting a direct policy restricting the practice. But let’s face it, not all women have the privilege to infertility treatments, not all women have the access to make their own decision to keep a pregnancy or not. Not all mothers feel the same way concerning reproduction health.
Alma signed the petition | over 3 years ago

Sign the RAISE Hope for Congo Petition to the President
Alma signed the petition | over 3 years ago

Eliminate Violence Against Women
Alma signed the petition | over 3 years ago

Tell the Health Dept: Contraception is NOT Abortion!