The iWoman Report: Female Crash Test Dummies, Athlete Refuses to Compete Against Trans Woman, Olivia Munn Gets Candid

Car Safety Disparities Spark Legislative Action Following Devastating Crash

Maria Weston Kuhn's life was forever changed when a head-on collision during a family vacation left her with severe injuries. Kuhn, then 19, endured emergency surgery and months of recovery after her seatbelt pinned her intestines to her spine. In a surprising twist, Kuhn learned that her injuries were the exact type women are most likely to suffer in car crashes. A clipping from Consumer Reports detailing gender disparities in vehicle safety was placed on her bed by her grandmother after the accident, igniting Kuhn's passion for change.

Studies reveal that women are 73% more likely to be seriously injured in head-on car crashes compared to men, largely due to cars being designed with male crash test dummies as the standard. Despite modern advancements, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) still uses outdated dummies that fail to accurately represent female body types. This disparity in safety testing has led to increased injury risks for women, especially in areas like leg injuries, where females are at nearly an 80% higher risk than male drivers.

Kuhn, now 24, has partnered with the organization Drive US Forward to advocate for the She DRIVES Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing these safety issues by mandating the use of more accurate female crash test dummies. The bill is gaining momentum, having already passed a vote in the Senate Commerce Committee. Kuhn's efforts, alongside lawmakers like Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), highlight the urgent need to update vehicle safety standards to better protect women. “Everybody deserves to feel safe in a car,” Kuhn said, as she continues to push for legislative action that could save lives.

USA Fencing Defends Disqualification of Female Athlete Who Refused to Compete Against Transgender Opponent

USA Fencing defended its decision to disqualify female fencer Stephanie Turner after she protested against competing with a transgender opponent at a regional tournament in Maryland on March 30. Turner, who refused to fence against Redmond Sullivan, took a knee and discarded her mask before being issued a black card by the referee, leading to her expulsion from the event. USA Fencing stated that the disqualification was in accordance with the International Fencing Federation’s (FIE) rules, which prohibit athletes from declining to compete against eligible opponents, regardless of personal beliefs.

Turner explained in an interview with Fox News Digital that she made the decision to protest after learning she would be facing Sullivan. She expressed her discomfort with the matchup, stating she could not compete against a transgender athlete in a women’s tournament. The incident has sparked significant discussion on social media, with notable figures like tennis legend Martina Navratilova expressing outrage, criticizing USA Fencing for upholding what she called an unfair policy that affects women in sports.

USA Fencing's transgender and nonbinary athlete policy, enacted in 2023, has been the subject of ongoing debate. The organization emphasized that its approach is grounded in inclusion, citing the evolving nature of research and discussions surrounding transgender participation in sports. USA Fencing reiterated its commitment to reassessing its policy as new evidence and research emerge, ensuring that its practices remain in line with the broader Olympic and Paralympic movement's guidelines.

Olivia Munn Returns to Acting After Cancer Recovery and Welcoming Baby

Olivia Munn is making her highly anticipated return to acting after taking time off to recover from breast cancer and welcome her second child. In her first role in more than three years, Munn stars as Samantha Levitt in the upcoming Apple TV+ series Your Friends and Neighbors, set to debut on April 11. The drama, led by Jon Hamm, follows a hedge fund manager who turns to burglary after losing his job, with Munn's character having a secret affair with Hamm's character. Despite initial concerns about her body after undergoing a double mastectomy, Munn shared that her recovery has given her a deeper appreciation and confidence in herself.

Munn, who was diagnosed with aggressive luminal B breast cancer last year, expressed how her body has become a source of strength following her surgery. While she initially felt insecure about topless scenes in the show due to her scars, she now feels empowered and more secure than ever. "My body is the thing that got me through this," she said, reflecting on her journey of survival. Her personal experiences, including the birth of her daughter, Mei June, with husband John Mulaney, have made her more selective in choosing acting projects. Munn now prioritizes her health and family, carefully considering the impact of stress and time away from her children on her well-being.

Munn was drawn to Your Friends and Neighbors for its compelling portrayal of ambition, privilege, and the chaos beneath the surface. Her character, Samantha, is entangled in a messy divorce while secretly involved with her friend's ex-husband. Munn found the show's exploration of greed, power, and the facade of wealth particularly powerful. Initially signed on for just one season, Munn later agreed to return for a second season after a positive experience working with Hamm and co-stars Amanda Peet. She noted that the opportunity to further explore her character made sense both personally and professionally, offering a chance to challenge herself in a new and meaningful way.