The stated goals of the Feminist Majority Foundation are commitments “to empowering women and winning equality through research, the sharing of information of value to feminists everywhere, and effective action.” The Website is designed “for all who care about equality” to “learn what important issues affecting women are hot and then take action to defend your rights through our Urgent Action section. Our critical issues were set up so that you can Contact Your Member of Congress or send a FREE FAX right from here. Our News and Press Release selection will keep you up to date with breaking developments affecting women. The Feminist Events Calendar enables you to select by date, or conduct a search by topic or geographic location for those events of interest to you. You’re also encouraged to let us know of important events in your area, so we can then post them to our Events Calendar… You can also join us as a Member of The Feminist Majority or as a Contributor to the Feminist Majority Foundation.”
The top level page has a captivating slide show which alternates between a colorful photo of Afghan women in the full body covering of a burqa and a headline, “Free Afghan Women from ‘Living Death’.” The dominant color of the Website, purple, is very appropriate because it represents women’s suffrage. The text only viewing alternative is superior. Copyright is current.
However, there are some serious flaws in the overall design of the site. The top level page alone has over 50 links grouped in eight entirely diverse styles, creating an almost impenetrable labyrinth relieved only slightly by the provision of an index feature on the bottom navigation bar. The 16 button‐links on the vertical, left‐hand navigation bar have no apparent grouping and mostly do not match the six button horizontal navigation bar at the bottom in design or function, forcing the user to scroll up and down. Text links on the right side of the page are colored purple, which as already stated, is appropriate for the Website’s theme, but is also the universal default for followed links, creating user confusion. Several text links are also over two lines in length, which is likewise confusing to the user. In addition, there is a pop‐up menu on the right with yet another link list similar to, but not identical with, the vertical left button bar. Links which lead to the same subpage do not always have the same label, which is also confusing. There is no top level text, which would benefit first time visitors and search engine functionality. There is good meta text.
In addition, subpages do not have a consistent design theme. This lack of consistency is particularly evident in the designs of the various sub‐page navigation bars which are confusing and potentially frustrating for users.
Despite the stated design flaws, this Website provides a valuable and well documented resource on feminist issues.
