Roe v Wade and Justice Jackson
3 July 2022
It's been a week since Roe v Wade was overturned, and I'm still finding it hard to process and understand. The United States Supreme Court decided after 50 years of guaranteed constitutional right to abortion, that this no longer applies to women. States are now given the right to decide themselves whether to legalise or to prosecute abortions, and as per my last story below, many States have already gone ahead and restricted completely or severely abortions. Nearly half of women of reproductive age in the US will soon be living in States where abortion is illegal (The Daily, 2022). Imagining myself to be one of those women, to be in a situation where I am not ready, able or willing to be a parent, and being forced to either carry it to term or travel to a State where it is legal to abort a baby - now that breaks my heart. As Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's Prime Minister, said "People are absolutely entitled to have deeply held convictions on this issue. But those personal beliefs should never rob another from making their own decisions" (The Guardian, 2022).
To understand what happened. I recommend this episode of The Daily by the New York Times. To hear what it was like to work in an abortion clinic in a State which since Friday 24th June no longer permits abortions, listen to this episode (this one got me crying!) And to get a better idea of which States allow, limit and pretty much completely banned abortions, check this episode out.
It is only fair to also mention the appointment of the first Black woman to ever serve on the US Supreme Court. As of this week, Ketanji Brown Jackson becomes the new member of the court, replacing Justice Stephen Breyer, and joining the court's three-member liberal minority. She was not there for the abortion votes, and her appointment by President Biden does not change the liberal-conservative balance on the court. Her historical achievement deserves a huge applause, and despite the recent controversial rulings of the court on abortion, guns and climate laws, it is with great hope that we all wish her a smooth sailing in her new role. More about her achievements here.
I am sad. I really am. I'm also angry. But most of all I'm grateful that my own country of birth, and my country of residence, allow abortions and respect my fundamental right to make a decision about my own body and faith.
It's been a week since Roe v Wade was overturned, and I'm still finding it hard to process and understand. The United States Supreme Court decided after 50 years of guaranteed constitutional right to abortion, that this no longer applies to women. States are now given the right to decide themselves whether to legalise or to prosecute abortions, and as per my last story below, many States have already gone ahead and restricted completely or severely abortions. Nearly half of women of reproductive age in the US will soon be living in States where abortion is illegal (The Daily, 2022). Imagining myself to be one of those women, to be in a situation where I am not ready, able or willing to be a parent, and being forced to either carry it to term or travel to a State where it is legal to abort a baby - now that breaks my heart. As Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's Prime Minister, said "People are absolutely entitled to have deeply held convictions on this issue. But those personal beliefs should never rob another from making their own decisions" (The Guardian, 2022).
To understand what happened. I recommend this episode of The Daily by the New York Times. To hear what it was like to work in an abortion clinic in a State which since Friday 24th June no longer permits abortions, listen to this episode (this one got me crying!) And to get a better idea of which States allow, limit and pretty much completely banned abortions, check this episode out.
It is only fair to also mention the appointment of the first Black woman to ever serve on the US Supreme Court. As of this week, Ketanji Brown Jackson becomes the new member of the court, replacing Justice Stephen Breyer, and joining the court's three-member liberal minority. She was not there for the abortion votes, and her appointment by President Biden does not change the liberal-conservative balance on the court. Her historical achievement deserves a huge applause, and despite the recent controversial rulings of the court on abortion, guns and climate laws, it is with great hope that we all wish her a smooth sailing in her new role. More about her achievements here.
I am sad. I really am. I'm also angry. But most of all I'm grateful that my own country of birth, and my country of residence, allow abortions and respect my fundamental right to make a decision about my own body and faith.
The End of Roe v Wade?
23 May 2022
In the beginning of May, we heard the devastating news that the United States Supreme Court is likely to overturn the Roe v Wade ruling which guarantees federal protection of abortion rights. A draft opinion of the Court was leaked and caused a huge reaction in US society and beyond. A 98-page document argued that abortion rights should be returned to States to decide on within their respective legislatures. When the official decision is made and announced (expected in July this year), assuming it aligns with the leaked draft, it will likely result in up to 22 States immediately banning abortions. An additional four Republican-controlled States are further expected to pass laws restricting abortion. That would mean that up to 40 million women of child-bearing age in the country will be affected. It is expected it will mostly affect women of lower socio-economic backgrounds, disabled women, women of colour and teenagers. The reality will be that women will either have to travel to States where abortion is legal, or purchase medicines to cause medical abortions online (likely on unregulated markets too), or carry their unintended pregnancies to term (where the future of these children is unknown).
In a political climate of extreme polarisation (on many issues, not just abortion), the fundamental human right to make decisions about one’s body and destiny is likely going to be taken away from women. To say this is devastating is an understatement. The US is one of only four countries in the world to have gone backwards on abortion rights in the last 30 years – the other three are Poland (posts on the change of law there and the reactions from the country are available on my blog stories below), Nicaragua and El Salvador. Many other countries, including religious and conservative societies like Ireland or many South American countries, have actually legalised it instead. Society too supports the right to abortion, with recent statistics showing that up to 80% of Americans are pro-choice. So why is it then, that Justices and some pro-life advocates are promoting the opposite?
Religion, protection of the fetus and concern for the pregnant woman's health and safety are the three most quoted arguments. Kathryn Kolbert, a reproductive rights attorney in the US, predicted that Roe v. Wade will get overturned in December last year. She then discussed these three arguments above, along with her recommended strategies what to do about the potential ruling, in a phenomenal TED talk in California. I highly recommend watching it, as not only is it inspirational, but also it gives hope that there IS something that can be done. Specifically, building a strong social justice movement, electing pro-choice representatives, and passing an amendment to the constitution to guarantee the rights to abortion, family, parenting and sexuality.
Additionally, I recommend following the @emilys_list account on Instagram, which connects women and elected women politicians to make progressive change. Another useful account is @ppact which shares useful and inspiring content from Planned Parenthood.
The Daily podcast by the New York Times made a series of episodes on the issue earlier this month which are worth listening to, so did John Oliver on Last Week Tonight, and so did any self-respecting newspaper and media outlet around the world which appreciated the devastation this is likely to cause. There is a lot of talk, a lot of writing, a lot of debate. And this is great. No change starts with silence. But it must not stop there. Because if the Land of the Free is removing basic human rights from women, and so have others like Poland (a member of the European Union after all), it is absolutely crucial that societies respond assertively and actively fight social injustice. Stay tuned for more on this topic.
In the beginning of May, we heard the devastating news that the United States Supreme Court is likely to overturn the Roe v Wade ruling which guarantees federal protection of abortion rights. A draft opinion of the Court was leaked and caused a huge reaction in US society and beyond. A 98-page document argued that abortion rights should be returned to States to decide on within their respective legislatures. When the official decision is made and announced (expected in July this year), assuming it aligns with the leaked draft, it will likely result in up to 22 States immediately banning abortions. An additional four Republican-controlled States are further expected to pass laws restricting abortion. That would mean that up to 40 million women of child-bearing age in the country will be affected. It is expected it will mostly affect women of lower socio-economic backgrounds, disabled women, women of colour and teenagers. The reality will be that women will either have to travel to States where abortion is legal, or purchase medicines to cause medical abortions online (likely on unregulated markets too), or carry their unintended pregnancies to term (where the future of these children is unknown).
In a political climate of extreme polarisation (on many issues, not just abortion), the fundamental human right to make decisions about one’s body and destiny is likely going to be taken away from women. To say this is devastating is an understatement. The US is one of only four countries in the world to have gone backwards on abortion rights in the last 30 years – the other three are Poland (posts on the change of law there and the reactions from the country are available on my blog stories below), Nicaragua and El Salvador. Many other countries, including religious and conservative societies like Ireland or many South American countries, have actually legalised it instead. Society too supports the right to abortion, with recent statistics showing that up to 80% of Americans are pro-choice. So why is it then, that Justices and some pro-life advocates are promoting the opposite?
Religion, protection of the fetus and concern for the pregnant woman's health and safety are the three most quoted arguments. Kathryn Kolbert, a reproductive rights attorney in the US, predicted that Roe v. Wade will get overturned in December last year. She then discussed these three arguments above, along with her recommended strategies what to do about the potential ruling, in a phenomenal TED talk in California. I highly recommend watching it, as not only is it inspirational, but also it gives hope that there IS something that can be done. Specifically, building a strong social justice movement, electing pro-choice representatives, and passing an amendment to the constitution to guarantee the rights to abortion, family, parenting and sexuality.
Additionally, I recommend following the @emilys_list account on Instagram, which connects women and elected women politicians to make progressive change. Another useful account is @ppact which shares useful and inspiring content from Planned Parenthood.
The Daily podcast by the New York Times made a series of episodes on the issue earlier this month which are worth listening to, so did John Oliver on Last Week Tonight, and so did any self-respecting newspaper and media outlet around the world which appreciated the devastation this is likely to cause. There is a lot of talk, a lot of writing, a lot of debate. And this is great. No change starts with silence. But it must not stop there. Because if the Land of the Free is removing basic human rights from women, and so have others like Poland (a member of the European Union after all), it is absolutely crucial that societies respond assertively and actively fight social injustice. Stay tuned for more on this topic.
Breaking The Bias
8 March 2022
On 8th March we celebrate International Women’s Day. Since 1911, the day is dedicated to the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. The origin of this day was in demanding better working conditions such as shorter hours and better pay, as well as voting rights for women. Since then, the scope of International Women’s Day has expanded drastically to cover women’s rights and gender equity beyond the workplace or politics, to also include our position at home and in society.
Every year there is a dedicated theme of the Day, and for 2022 that is Breaking The Bias. A simple Google Search defines Bias as an inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, particularly in ways considered to be unfair. There are many types of bias, which include affinity bias (when you unconsciously prefer people who share qualities with you or someone you like), conformity bias (it happens when your views are swayed too much by those of other people), confirmation bias (when you mostly search for evidence that confirms your existing opinions), and halo effect (focusing on one particularly great feature about a person and ignoring anything else that supports the contrary view). Gender bias is still very common in today’s world too, where deep-seated beliefs about gender roles and stereotypes can affect our decision making, language and behaviour.
To raise awareness and to encourage personal commitments to break those biases, this year I joined the global movement once again and committed to calling out sexist language and behaviours whenever I see them. I also led a session with HPE UK and Ireland’s Women’s Network this week and we discussed ways of recruiting more women in the technology industry and empowering them and retaining them there – including through ways of challenging our own biases in recruitment and promotions.
I encourage you all to educate yourselves on bias and how it shows itself at work and in our personal lives, to question your initial instincts where you can, to call out inappropriate language and behaviour, and to engage in conversations continuously with people as different to you as possible.
I would also like to dedicate today’s day to my mother, my grandmother and to the women of Ukraine – my heart is with you all!
On 8th March we celebrate International Women’s Day. Since 1911, the day is dedicated to the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. The origin of this day was in demanding better working conditions such as shorter hours and better pay, as well as voting rights for women. Since then, the scope of International Women’s Day has expanded drastically to cover women’s rights and gender equity beyond the workplace or politics, to also include our position at home and in society.
Every year there is a dedicated theme of the Day, and for 2022 that is Breaking The Bias. A simple Google Search defines Bias as an inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, particularly in ways considered to be unfair. There are many types of bias, which include affinity bias (when you unconsciously prefer people who share qualities with you or someone you like), conformity bias (it happens when your views are swayed too much by those of other people), confirmation bias (when you mostly search for evidence that confirms your existing opinions), and halo effect (focusing on one particularly great feature about a person and ignoring anything else that supports the contrary view). Gender bias is still very common in today’s world too, where deep-seated beliefs about gender roles and stereotypes can affect our decision making, language and behaviour.
To raise awareness and to encourage personal commitments to break those biases, this year I joined the global movement once again and committed to calling out sexist language and behaviours whenever I see them. I also led a session with HPE UK and Ireland’s Women’s Network this week and we discussed ways of recruiting more women in the technology industry and empowering them and retaining them there – including through ways of challenging our own biases in recruitment and promotions.
I encourage you all to educate yourselves on bias and how it shows itself at work and in our personal lives, to question your initial instincts where you can, to call out inappropriate language and behaviour, and to engage in conversations continuously with people as different to you as possible.
I would also like to dedicate today’s day to my mother, my grandmother and to the women of Ukraine – my heart is with you all!
International Day of Education
22 January 2022
Happy new year to all my readers! Hope it's a productive and successful one for you all, and most importantly - that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy!
I'd also like to give a shout out to my mum for her birthday two days ago. I am so incredibly lucky to have her as a super supportive parent, friend and life-long mentor. Love you loads, Gali!
Another important date soon is this upcoming Monday, 24 January, when we celebrate education’s role in peace and development. It is the International Day of Education, and a good occasion to raise awareness (yet again) about children's access to education and in particular, girls' access to schools. UNESCO estimated in 2018 that about 258 million children and youth are out of school globally, of whom at least 129 million are girls. Further, there are recent developments in Afghanistan, where since the return of the Taliban in 2021 girls are no longer allowed to get education, and in other parts of the world where civil conflicts, climate disasters, and COVID-19 deny children their basic right to education. There are 11 million girls at risk of not returning to school now because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is threatening decades of progress toward girls’ education and gender equality. The sad reality is, we are looking at specific challenges in the West, such as how to get more women into STEM subjects at school/ university and subsequently in STEM careers, while whole countries and regions may not guarantee education for girls in any subject whatsoever. To read more about the right to education and how it impacts young people around the world, visit this dedicated page here.
I will be back very soon with news and updates on a variety of new topics and latest developments. Until then, stay healthy and positive (not COVID-positive, but attitude-positive)! Talk soon!
Happy new year to all my readers! Hope it's a productive and successful one for you all, and most importantly - that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy!
I'd also like to give a shout out to my mum for her birthday two days ago. I am so incredibly lucky to have her as a super supportive parent, friend and life-long mentor. Love you loads, Gali!
Another important date soon is this upcoming Monday, 24 January, when we celebrate education’s role in peace and development. It is the International Day of Education, and a good occasion to raise awareness (yet again) about children's access to education and in particular, girls' access to schools. UNESCO estimated in 2018 that about 258 million children and youth are out of school globally, of whom at least 129 million are girls. Further, there are recent developments in Afghanistan, where since the return of the Taliban in 2021 girls are no longer allowed to get education, and in other parts of the world where civil conflicts, climate disasters, and COVID-19 deny children their basic right to education. There are 11 million girls at risk of not returning to school now because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is threatening decades of progress toward girls’ education and gender equality. The sad reality is, we are looking at specific challenges in the West, such as how to get more women into STEM subjects at school/ university and subsequently in STEM careers, while whole countries and regions may not guarantee education for girls in any subject whatsoever. To read more about the right to education and how it impacts young people around the world, visit this dedicated page here.
I will be back very soon with news and updates on a variety of new topics and latest developments. Until then, stay healthy and positive (not COVID-positive, but attitude-positive)! Talk soon!
Change is Constant
31 October 2021
It's been three months since my last post - probably the longest I've gone without blogging since launching this page in 2014. I made some life-changing decisions, such as quitting a well paid technology job and following my deep passion for Diversity and Inclusion drive me to a consultancy scaleup with exciting prospects and opportunities ahead. I also made some amazing connections in my personal life, along with losing some people to COVID in recent weeks. My family and friends are thankfully still by my side, and my dogs too - of which we now have three (Muffin and her two little puppies Maxi and Marti). I travelled and I looked to rebuild my comfort with being on my own. And this year, on World Mental Health Day, 10 October, I collaborated with my colleagues to create a piece for our company website on how organisations can best support their employees' mental health. I was also deeply troubled by the second high-profile murder of a woman on London's streets this year - that of Sabina Nessa. In the aftermath of this tragedy, and still shaken by Sarah Everard's murder back in March, I also shared my thoughts on what individuals and organisations can do to tackle misogyny at work. I sincerely hope there are takeaways here for all of us.
With so much change happening lately, I'm sharing below several links of interesting reads I recommend reading/ researching in the hope you'll find them thought-provoking:
Thank you for your ongoing support and readership. Stay well!
It's been three months since my last post - probably the longest I've gone without blogging since launching this page in 2014. I made some life-changing decisions, such as quitting a well paid technology job and following my deep passion for Diversity and Inclusion drive me to a consultancy scaleup with exciting prospects and opportunities ahead. I also made some amazing connections in my personal life, along with losing some people to COVID in recent weeks. My family and friends are thankfully still by my side, and my dogs too - of which we now have three (Muffin and her two little puppies Maxi and Marti). I travelled and I looked to rebuild my comfort with being on my own. And this year, on World Mental Health Day, 10 October, I collaborated with my colleagues to create a piece for our company website on how organisations can best support their employees' mental health. I was also deeply troubled by the second high-profile murder of a woman on London's streets this year - that of Sabina Nessa. In the aftermath of this tragedy, and still shaken by Sarah Everard's murder back in March, I also shared my thoughts on what individuals and organisations can do to tackle misogyny at work. I sincerely hope there are takeaways here for all of us.
With so much change happening lately, I'm sharing below several links of interesting reads I recommend reading/ researching in the hope you'll find them thought-provoking:
- On average, Native American women in the U.S. are paid 40% less than white men and 24% less than white women. More info on the gender pay gap for Native Americans and why it matters can be found here.
- Women under the age of 25 will be eligible to receive access to free birth control in France starting on 1 January 2022. For women who cannot cover the cost of protecting themselves against unwanted pregnancy this is very welcome news. IUDs, birth control pills, and contraceptive implants, as well as medical appointments, tests, or other medical procedures related to procuring birth control will be covered. More info on this innovative programme is available here.
- Lean In recently launched a free digital program to empower all employees to identify and challenge bias at work head on. 50 ways to fight bias is available online here.
- If you're a podcast fan like me, and sometimes prefer listening to reading news, check out these 11 podcasts on gender equality and let me know your recommendations.
- You may have heard about the shocking new Texas law which came into effect in September and banned abortions after just 6 weeks. You may not know though that despite the initial refusal of the Supreme Court to intervene in the law, oral arguments will now begin starting tomorrow to address the issue in full. What is the law and what's happening in Texas - read here.
Thank you for your ongoing support and readership. Stay well!
A Summer of Sports
29 July 2021
It has now been a month since I moved jobs and I became a full time Diversity and Inclusion professional! I’m so pleased I made the move and decided to follow my heart and passion for creating a more just and inclusive world. I’ll be leading Business Development for a D&I consultancy moving forward, and will continue to be based in London. To everyone who encouraged me to focus my time where it’s needed most, a big thank you!
As I haven’t posted in several weeks, I also wanted to summarise the latest and greatest in the world of women’s sports:
It has now been a month since I moved jobs and I became a full time Diversity and Inclusion professional! I’m so pleased I made the move and decided to follow my heart and passion for creating a more just and inclusive world. I’ll be leading Business Development for a D&I consultancy moving forward, and will continue to be based in London. To everyone who encouraged me to focus my time where it’s needed most, a big thank you!
As I haven’t posted in several weeks, I also wanted to summarise the latest and greatest in the world of women’s sports:
- The Olympics has now started and Tokyo 2020/21 is center stage for the international media. The International Olympic Committee asked all countries to nominate a man and a woman to carry their nation’s flag at the Opening ceremony, which is largely regarded as a positive sign of equal treatment of athletes. In some countries, like Great Britain, it was even declared that “2021 is truly the year of the female Olympian” – just as Team GB took more women than men to the Olympics for the first time ever!
- In gymnastics, the German female team wore full-body suits at the Olympics qualifications in a stand against the sexualisation of their sport. Just a few days ago they put on their fuchsia unitards (combined leotards and leggings extending to the ankles) and made a statement that all sports players should be able to choose what to wear so they are comfortable and safe on the podium.
- Simone Biles stunned the world this week when she decided to withdraw from the gymnastics team finals due to mental health concerns. She is considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all times with a combined total of 30 titles from Olympics and World Championships. She chose to prioritise her mental health and not allow stress and anxiety impact her physical health and performance at the Tokyo Games. Not only a sports role model, Simone is also an incredible model of strength! Thank you for inspiring us all, Simone! Support poured in from around the world, including celebrities. Here is what some of them had to say.
- The Olympics does however shine a light on various acts of discrimination – including against nursing mothers, female runners, and black female swimmers. Read what my new boss, Stephen Frost, former Head of D&I at the London Olympics in 2012, has to say in this Forbes article here.
- And finally, in the non-Olympics world, the European Beach Handball Championships are taking place in my beloved Varna, Bulgaria. Just this week, Norway’s female players raised an alarm about a sexist rule the International Handball Federation imposes on women – i.e. to wear bikini bottoms “with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg.” The sides of the bottoms must be less than four inches (10 cm) for women, while men are indeed allowed to wear much longer shorts as long as they do not look “too baggy”. To protest the rule, Norway’s female players played in shorts in their match this week, which landed them a fine of 150 EUR each! A total of 1,500, this fine is now being offered to be paid by none other but celebrity and female superpower Pink! In a post on social media, she encouraged the sports team to stand for their values and against sexism in sports and offered to pay the fine. Beyond the monetary value, the rule itself is indeed sexist and must be reviewed – hopefully now that it’s in the public’s attention it will be, asap!
Pride 2021
29 June 2021
First things first - Happy Name Day to my grandad! The man who raised me to be the woman I am today. Thank you, grandpa!
Now, it’s nearly the end of June which is celebrated at Pride month in the US, UK and in other countries. It celebrates the achievements of the LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual) community. To educate myself on LGBTQIA identities I recently completed an educational course with the University of Colorado. The course is titled “Queering Identities: LGBTQ+ Sexuality and Gender Identity” and is available for free on coursera.com. It is highly informative and I do recommend it to anyone interested in learning more.
Another inspirational resource I would like to put forward is the “Women don’t owe you pretty” book by Florence Given. She’s a young queer feminist writer and illustrator from the UK and is very skillfully sharing her personal stories and those of others who are exploring their sexuality in a world of negativity and violence. You can buy it in all major book stores and online – hope you enjoy and please share your thoughts after.
And finally, please check out the Campaigns and Global Action section of the website for an invitation to an upcoming event from TedxLondon on queer conversations. Feedback and thoughts welcome as always!
Have a great week, everyone! Chat soon!
First things first - Happy Name Day to my grandad! The man who raised me to be the woman I am today. Thank you, grandpa!
Now, it’s nearly the end of June which is celebrated at Pride month in the US, UK and in other countries. It celebrates the achievements of the LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual) community. To educate myself on LGBTQIA identities I recently completed an educational course with the University of Colorado. The course is titled “Queering Identities: LGBTQ+ Sexuality and Gender Identity” and is available for free on coursera.com. It is highly informative and I do recommend it to anyone interested in learning more.
Another inspirational resource I would like to put forward is the “Women don’t owe you pretty” book by Florence Given. She’s a young queer feminist writer and illustrator from the UK and is very skillfully sharing her personal stories and those of others who are exploring their sexuality in a world of negativity and violence. You can buy it in all major book stores and online – hope you enjoy and please share your thoughts after.
And finally, please check out the Campaigns and Global Action section of the website for an invitation to an upcoming event from TedxLondon on queer conversations. Feedback and thoughts welcome as always!
Have a great week, everyone! Chat soon!
Passions and Determination
3 May 2021
I recently came across the story of Sue Kent - a foot masseuse who made history in the London Paralympic games in 2012. I was so inspired by it, that I thought I'd share it with you!
In the 60s and 70s in the UK, doctors used to prescribe thalidomide to pregnant women to help them with their morning sickness. However, they did not realise at the time that it had devastating effects on the development of babies (it has been banned ever since). Sue's mum took the drug and later on discovered that her child was born with abnormally short arms - only eight inches - and with seven fingers.
As a disabled child and woman, Sue faced discrimination and difficulties, but she went through them with determination and drive. This determination was particularly important when she found by accident that she really enjoyed giving massages to her son, who once suffered from a back injury. Sue felt she had a passion for massage therapy and wanted to study it - except, her tutors were teaching therapy with hands, and she could not use hers. Instead, what she decided to learn is how to give massages with her bare feet. In an interview with the BBC, Sue said: "I was keen to overcome all the challenges and worked out my own way of doing things".
Fast forward a few years, not only did she get qualified in massage therapy and developed her own practice, Sue also got selected by the GB Paralympic team to be their masseuse in the 2012 Games in London. She wowed her clients with just how good she was at her job, and this did not go unnoticed. Sue worked for top athletes and medallists and created history by becoming the first and possibly only sports massage therapist in the UK qualified to treat people with her feet.
Being born with a disability did not stop this phenomenal woman from pursuing her passions and building a life out of it. Her practice is based near Swansea and her website is available for bookings and to get in touch with her directly. Hearing such inspiring stories really does open one's thinking to limitless possibilities the world can offer us all, if only we're brave enough to look for them. Be brave, be bold and be open-minded, these are my words of the week.
I hope you all take away a bit of inspiration from Sue's story. Please also be reminded that 10-16 May is Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, and it's a great opportunity to look inwards at your own passions, aptitudes and desires, and what truly makes you happy and well. Learn more about mental health awareness week here.
I recently came across the story of Sue Kent - a foot masseuse who made history in the London Paralympic games in 2012. I was so inspired by it, that I thought I'd share it with you!
In the 60s and 70s in the UK, doctors used to prescribe thalidomide to pregnant women to help them with their morning sickness. However, they did not realise at the time that it had devastating effects on the development of babies (it has been banned ever since). Sue's mum took the drug and later on discovered that her child was born with abnormally short arms - only eight inches - and with seven fingers.
As a disabled child and woman, Sue faced discrimination and difficulties, but she went through them with determination and drive. This determination was particularly important when she found by accident that she really enjoyed giving massages to her son, who once suffered from a back injury. Sue felt she had a passion for massage therapy and wanted to study it - except, her tutors were teaching therapy with hands, and she could not use hers. Instead, what she decided to learn is how to give massages with her bare feet. In an interview with the BBC, Sue said: "I was keen to overcome all the challenges and worked out my own way of doing things".
Fast forward a few years, not only did she get qualified in massage therapy and developed her own practice, Sue also got selected by the GB Paralympic team to be their masseuse in the 2012 Games in London. She wowed her clients with just how good she was at her job, and this did not go unnoticed. Sue worked for top athletes and medallists and created history by becoming the first and possibly only sports massage therapist in the UK qualified to treat people with her feet.
Being born with a disability did not stop this phenomenal woman from pursuing her passions and building a life out of it. Her practice is based near Swansea and her website is available for bookings and to get in touch with her directly. Hearing such inspiring stories really does open one's thinking to limitless possibilities the world can offer us all, if only we're brave enough to look for them. Be brave, be bold and be open-minded, these are my words of the week.
I hope you all take away a bit of inspiration from Sue's story. Please also be reminded that 10-16 May is Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, and it's a great opportunity to look inwards at your own passions, aptitudes and desires, and what truly makes you happy and well. Learn more about mental health awareness week here.
Be Inspired
25 April 2021
I've always thought that it's very important for women to uplift other women. As such I'm thrilled to share the exciting news that my friend Viktoria has launched her first songs on Spotify this spring. Her debut "Breathe" has a beautiful sound and an ever deeper lyrics and meaning, and I highly recommend you all check her out. As a dear friend, I must say how proud I am of her and how impressive Viktoria's determination and dedication to music and art really is. Hope you enjoy it and get in touch with her, I'm sure she'd appreciate it!
I'd also love to do a shoutout to my friend Bertille's new career as a life coach. She started a new personal and professional journey and offers coaching on instagram. Check out her page coach.bertille and make use of her services through the convenience of online platforms. Good luck, girl, and I hope you and your clients get much fulfilment and joy!
I challenge all my readers to endorse at least one woman-owned business this week, or one woman in your life who's hustling and making it through challenges. Be inspired and grateful to have such amazing people in your lives!
Speak soon!
I've always thought that it's very important for women to uplift other women. As such I'm thrilled to share the exciting news that my friend Viktoria has launched her first songs on Spotify this spring. Her debut "Breathe" has a beautiful sound and an ever deeper lyrics and meaning, and I highly recommend you all check her out. As a dear friend, I must say how proud I am of her and how impressive Viktoria's determination and dedication to music and art really is. Hope you enjoy it and get in touch with her, I'm sure she'd appreciate it!
I'd also love to do a shoutout to my friend Bertille's new career as a life coach. She started a new personal and professional journey and offers coaching on instagram. Check out her page coach.bertille and make use of her services through the convenience of online platforms. Good luck, girl, and I hope you and your clients get much fulfilment and joy!
I challenge all my readers to endorse at least one woman-owned business this week, or one woman in your life who's hustling and making it through challenges. Be inspired and grateful to have such amazing people in your lives!
Speak soon!
Sarah
27 March 2021
Earlier this month, on 3 March, Sarah Everard was walking home in south London having just visited a friend. It was 9.30 pm. She had a phone call with her boyfriend and soon after she vanished. The boyfriend reported her missing and several days later Sarah's death was confirmed by the Police and her remains were found outside London. A police officer was arrested and charged with her murder. The court case is under way now, but what has also quickly escalated is the frustration and anger of people across the country who are fed up with the pervasive and often unpunished violence against women.
Protests have taken place across London (with ever more controversial Police reactions to these, including arrests being made). The Mayor of London has spoken. Politicians up and down the country are condemning violence against women. Society has woken up to the reality women face daily. And with all of that, Sarah's family are still grieving, and many women are trying to make sense of their own stories and experiences of harassment and assault on the country's streets, at work, at home and beyond.
Having experienced violence myself, multiple times in fact, I recall the fear and paralysing sense of helplessness that I felt in those moments. It is so incredibly sad that for some women, this ends their lives. On average, a woman in killed by a man in the UK every three days. 62% of all women killed by men in the past decade in the UK have been killed by a current or former partner. In nearly 60% of those cases, there had been a known history of abuse. There are however cases of unknown abusers and killers too, and Sarah's case is one of them. Based on the information released in the news, there had not been an immediate link identified between Sarah and her killer. Even then, women in the country, Sarah included, walk the streets daily and face kidnappings, assault, harassment and even murder.
Frustration, anger, sadness, desperation. I experienced all of these in the past few weeks, and I'm sure a lot of my readers and of women and men in the UK in general experienced the same. My thoughts and prayers are with Sarah's family, and I pray we work together to educate men, to bring in the required policies and laws and to ensure these news are the exception, not the 3-day rule.
Earlier this month, on 3 March, Sarah Everard was walking home in south London having just visited a friend. It was 9.30 pm. She had a phone call with her boyfriend and soon after she vanished. The boyfriend reported her missing and several days later Sarah's death was confirmed by the Police and her remains were found outside London. A police officer was arrested and charged with her murder. The court case is under way now, but what has also quickly escalated is the frustration and anger of people across the country who are fed up with the pervasive and often unpunished violence against women.
Protests have taken place across London (with ever more controversial Police reactions to these, including arrests being made). The Mayor of London has spoken. Politicians up and down the country are condemning violence against women. Society has woken up to the reality women face daily. And with all of that, Sarah's family are still grieving, and many women are trying to make sense of their own stories and experiences of harassment and assault on the country's streets, at work, at home and beyond.
Having experienced violence myself, multiple times in fact, I recall the fear and paralysing sense of helplessness that I felt in those moments. It is so incredibly sad that for some women, this ends their lives. On average, a woman in killed by a man in the UK every three days. 62% of all women killed by men in the past decade in the UK have been killed by a current or former partner. In nearly 60% of those cases, there had been a known history of abuse. There are however cases of unknown abusers and killers too, and Sarah's case is one of them. Based on the information released in the news, there had not been an immediate link identified between Sarah and her killer. Even then, women in the country, Sarah included, walk the streets daily and face kidnappings, assault, harassment and even murder.
Frustration, anger, sadness, desperation. I experienced all of these in the past few weeks, and I'm sure a lot of my readers and of women and men in the UK in general experienced the same. My thoughts and prayers are with Sarah's family, and I pray we work together to educate men, to bring in the required policies and laws and to ensure these news are the exception, not the 3-day rule.
International Women's Day - Challenge Yourself and Others
8 March 2021
Happy International Women's Day!
It's a beautiful sunny day outside, one that makes me feel optimistic and excited for spring and new beginnings. It's also a day of special recognition to the billions of women who work tirelessly in their workplaces, homes, communities, societies and beyond. Being an optimist however is not quite enough when it comes to achieving gender equality - based on data pre-COVID 19, it was estimated it would take 257 years to achieve that. Now evidence suggests the impacts of the global pandemic are hitting women disproportionately, so this estimate may get extended. Infuriating that is, isn't it!
So I challenge you to not just be optimistic and raise awareness around Women's Day, but to also go one step further and take action today and every day. This year's theme of IWD is around Challenges, so let's take this opportunity and educate ourselves, empower ourselves and challenge our own beliefs and biases, as well as those of others. For a dose of inspiration, check out these great podcasts below for practical advice on what leaders and individuals can do to make the world a better place for women.
Happy International Women's Day!
It's a beautiful sunny day outside, one that makes me feel optimistic and excited for spring and new beginnings. It's also a day of special recognition to the billions of women who work tirelessly in their workplaces, homes, communities, societies and beyond. Being an optimist however is not quite enough when it comes to achieving gender equality - based on data pre-COVID 19, it was estimated it would take 257 years to achieve that. Now evidence suggests the impacts of the global pandemic are hitting women disproportionately, so this estimate may get extended. Infuriating that is, isn't it!
So I challenge you to not just be optimistic and raise awareness around Women's Day, but to also go one step further and take action today and every day. This year's theme of IWD is around Challenges, so let's take this opportunity and educate ourselves, empower ourselves and challenge our own beliefs and biases, as well as those of others. For a dose of inspiration, check out these great podcasts below for practical advice on what leaders and individuals can do to make the world a better place for women.
Polish Unrest
31 January 2021
Happy Sunday and happy new year to my dearest readers! What an intense month it has been, and it is only just the start of the year! Following violent protests at the Capitol at the beginning of January, the US is now healing and is being led by a new team at the White House - Biden and Harris! Huge congratulations to Vice President Kamala Harris for becoming the first ever woman and person of colour in that position! 20 January 2021 truly was a historical day! Here's to a new start and new values at the heart of America!
20 January is also a historic day, because it's my mum's birthday - the one person whose values I fully align to, and who has taught me to inspire and be inspired. As with all other years I have posted for my mum's birthday on this blog, this note goes to her to recognise her special power to love, lead and empower - both me and others! Happy 50th, mum, and let there be at least 50 more celebrations!
And while the US is now healing, across the world, in Poland, protests are escalating. In Warsaw, Gdansk and other Polish cities there are mass demonstrations for four days in a row now over the near-total ban on abortions. It was decided back in October by the nation's Constitutional Court that abortions are not allowed in cases of fetal abnormalities, even severe and fatal ones, and this ruling became law this past Wednesday 27th January. Currently, the law only allows abortion in cases of rape, incest and when the mother's life is in danger. All other cases are limiting the woman's right to choose - which however is no issue for the government, who are in full support of the changes.
Poland is one of the countries in the European Union with strictest abortion laws and fewest such procedures annually. It is estimated that up to 200,000 women already seek help illegally or abroad every year, and the number is expected to rise with the introduction of this new text.
There is a battle for human rights in Poland and it's not as publicised as other current events globally. As a strong believer in women's right to choose, I urge you to read the background to the current situation and the stories from the ground - find more here and show your support for those affected.
Speak to you all soon, stay active and engaged!
Happy Sunday and happy new year to my dearest readers! What an intense month it has been, and it is only just the start of the year! Following violent protests at the Capitol at the beginning of January, the US is now healing and is being led by a new team at the White House - Biden and Harris! Huge congratulations to Vice President Kamala Harris for becoming the first ever woman and person of colour in that position! 20 January 2021 truly was a historical day! Here's to a new start and new values at the heart of America!
20 January is also a historic day, because it's my mum's birthday - the one person whose values I fully align to, and who has taught me to inspire and be inspired. As with all other years I have posted for my mum's birthday on this blog, this note goes to her to recognise her special power to love, lead and empower - both me and others! Happy 50th, mum, and let there be at least 50 more celebrations!
And while the US is now healing, across the world, in Poland, protests are escalating. In Warsaw, Gdansk and other Polish cities there are mass demonstrations for four days in a row now over the near-total ban on abortions. It was decided back in October by the nation's Constitutional Court that abortions are not allowed in cases of fetal abnormalities, even severe and fatal ones, and this ruling became law this past Wednesday 27th January. Currently, the law only allows abortion in cases of rape, incest and when the mother's life is in danger. All other cases are limiting the woman's right to choose - which however is no issue for the government, who are in full support of the changes.
Poland is one of the countries in the European Union with strictest abortion laws and fewest such procedures annually. It is estimated that up to 200,000 women already seek help illegally or abroad every year, and the number is expected to rise with the introduction of this new text.
There is a battle for human rights in Poland and it's not as publicised as other current events globally. As a strong believer in women's right to choose, I urge you to read the background to the current situation and the stories from the ground - find more here and show your support for those affected.
Speak to you all soon, stay active and engaged!
Stay Active and Engaged
29 December 2020
Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate! I hope you had a fantastic time with your families despite the current restrictions in most of the world! I'm blessed and grateful to still be healthy and covid-free, and the family home in Bulgaria certainly helped to cheer me up. I wish you all health, happiness and inner peace during this holiday season and into 2021!
If you are looking for some inspiration to close the year, head over to the Campaigns and Global Action page on my blog, sign the petitions and explore the sites/ ideas on there. I just signed Payzee Mahmod's petition to ban child marriage in the UK (link in the campaigns page) and I hope you will also take an action this week to actively express your position on important women' and children's rights issues facing our societies. Let's stay informed and engaged, it's important now more than ever!
See you all in the new year, and THANK YOU for staying with me on this journey!
Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate! I hope you had a fantastic time with your families despite the current restrictions in most of the world! I'm blessed and grateful to still be healthy and covid-free, and the family home in Bulgaria certainly helped to cheer me up. I wish you all health, happiness and inner peace during this holiday season and into 2021!
If you are looking for some inspiration to close the year, head over to the Campaigns and Global Action page on my blog, sign the petitions and explore the sites/ ideas on there. I just signed Payzee Mahmod's petition to ban child marriage in the UK (link in the campaigns page) and I hope you will also take an action this week to actively express your position on important women' and children's rights issues facing our societies. Let's stay informed and engaged, it's important now more than ever!
See you all in the new year, and THANK YOU for staying with me on this journey!
Inspiring Women in Technology, Chess, Parliament and Beyond
6 December 2020
Hope you're all healthy and safe, and getting excited for the winter holidays coming up! Today I thought I'd do a roundup of recent updates relating to the state of women's affairs in the UK and around the world. Click on the links below to learn more as always.
- The BBC has revealed its list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for this year. Check who made it on the list here. Did you know that the United Arab Emirates had a Ministry of Advanced Technologies? No, me neither. And I certainly didn't know it was led by a woman! Or did you know that there are now devices designed by women in Norway specifically to tackle loneliness among children, young adults and the elderly? Find out more about these incredible inventions, the creativity, drive and passion of women around the world - it's truly inspirational!
- If you're a fan of The Queen's Gambit - or even if you're not - you may be pleased to know that 15-Year Old Jessica Hyatt is about to become the first black female Chess Master! The record breaking Netflix TV show (the most watched one ever), sparked interest and enthusiasm to get more women into chess - as well as sharing more about the women who have already been breaking barriers in the game. Learn more about Jessica's amazing achievements here.
- Scotland has become the first country in the world to provide free and universal access to period products. After much campaigning, four years of it, the country lawmakers finally voted unanimously for the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act. Data shows that nearly one in five women in Scotland has experienced period poverty - which has led to clothes and even newspapers being used instead. How sad and unfair is it that women's hygiene must suffer because of deeply rooted inequality, not to mention the overall spend every woman has on period products in her lifetime - several thousand pounds that is! Wonderful leadership in Scotland and once again I'm impressed by the country's forward looking vision for a fairer and most just society. Way to go! Learn more about the latest developments here.
- We are soon coming to the end of #16DaysOfActivism - a worlwide campaign by the United Nations to raise awareness about violence against women. Every year, between 25th Nov (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10th Dec (Human Rights Day) the UN calls for action to end violence and abuse. This year the theme is "Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!" As challenging as 2020 has been, with the COVID pandemic hitting hard all households and especially those with domestic abuse, survivors need support now more than ever. Learn more about the campaign and take action on the official page here.
I hope we all acknowledge Human Rights Day next week Thursday (10th Dec) and remember that we are all human - men, women, abled, disabled, white, black, brown, in whatever shape or colour we come, with our unique skills and experiences. We should be mindful of our differences, acknowledge them and celebrate them. Because after all, it's our shared humanity that brings us together - remember that next week, and always. Thanks and chat soon!
Hope you're all healthy and safe, and getting excited for the winter holidays coming up! Today I thought I'd do a roundup of recent updates relating to the state of women's affairs in the UK and around the world. Click on the links below to learn more as always.
- The BBC has revealed its list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for this year. Check who made it on the list here. Did you know that the United Arab Emirates had a Ministry of Advanced Technologies? No, me neither. And I certainly didn't know it was led by a woman! Or did you know that there are now devices designed by women in Norway specifically to tackle loneliness among children, young adults and the elderly? Find out more about these incredible inventions, the creativity, drive and passion of women around the world - it's truly inspirational!
- If you're a fan of The Queen's Gambit - or even if you're not - you may be pleased to know that 15-Year Old Jessica Hyatt is about to become the first black female Chess Master! The record breaking Netflix TV show (the most watched one ever), sparked interest and enthusiasm to get more women into chess - as well as sharing more about the women who have already been breaking barriers in the game. Learn more about Jessica's amazing achievements here.
- Scotland has become the first country in the world to provide free and universal access to period products. After much campaigning, four years of it, the country lawmakers finally voted unanimously for the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act. Data shows that nearly one in five women in Scotland has experienced period poverty - which has led to clothes and even newspapers being used instead. How sad and unfair is it that women's hygiene must suffer because of deeply rooted inequality, not to mention the overall spend every woman has on period products in her lifetime - several thousand pounds that is! Wonderful leadership in Scotland and once again I'm impressed by the country's forward looking vision for a fairer and most just society. Way to go! Learn more about the latest developments here.
- We are soon coming to the end of #16DaysOfActivism - a worlwide campaign by the United Nations to raise awareness about violence against women. Every year, between 25th Nov (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10th Dec (Human Rights Day) the UN calls for action to end violence and abuse. This year the theme is "Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!" As challenging as 2020 has been, with the COVID pandemic hitting hard all households and especially those with domestic abuse, survivors need support now more than ever. Learn more about the campaign and take action on the official page here.
I hope we all acknowledge Human Rights Day next week Thursday (10th Dec) and remember that we are all human - men, women, abled, disabled, white, black, brown, in whatever shape or colour we come, with our unique skills and experiences. We should be mindful of our differences, acknowledge them and celebrate them. Because after all, it's our shared humanity that brings us together - remember that next week, and always. Thanks and chat soon!
Getting To Know Kamala Harris
22 November 2020
Hope you are all well and staying healthy, despite the ever growing numbers of COVID cases around the world! I did promise I'd be back with more on Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, and a lot of us had big hopes they would be elected as the next Vice President and President in the White House. Boy, am I happy to report that did indeed happen! Biden-Harris were announced winners of the 2020 US Presidential elections and we are hopefully soon going to enter a new era, one of tolerance, kindness, science and facts. How refreshing and how motivating to keep going despite the madness that the world has turnt into these past few years. Best of luck to the new team! While we are all waiting for Kamala Harris to take office on 20 January 2021 and become the first ever woman, black person and person of Asian descent as Vice President, you can learn more about her and her record as prosecutor and Senator in The Shit Show's episode dedicated to her earlier this summer. If you haven't heard about the Shit Show, it's a podcast hosted by young people in New Zealand who educate their peers about topics and events they should care about. In their PolitiCOOL episode they explain all about Harris and why she can truly make a difference - and make history too! Check it out on Spotify, and follow them on social media to get more updates on recent events in an easy and digestible form. Thanks all, chat soon! |
November Updates
6 November 2020
What a crazy week it’s been! As I write this we’re still awaiting the results of the 2020 US Presidential election and even though we may need to wait a while longer, it is looking increasingly likely that Biden and Harris will win. First female VP, a commitment to gender equality in government and in their policies, and an end to four years of misogyny – this is what’s coming! I am hopeful my next post will be one of congratulations to the Democrat winners!
Speaking of congrats and good news, I wanted to send a shoutout to my friend Bertille who’s celebrating her birthday today. Bertille is my first friend I ever met in London 10 years ago and ever since she’s been a source of wisdom and joy to my life. Here’s to many more years of friendship!
As a further update, I would like to recommend the “RBG” documentary on Netflix, which focuses on the life of the Notorious Ruth Bader Gingsburg – Supreme Court judge and women’s rights icon. Inspiring, funny and informative, this documentary from 2018 shows the life and career path of this incredible woman who recently passed away. Her seat has now been taken by Amy Coney Barrett, a conservative judge with much less impressive record of protecting women’s rights, and the court is expected to take a step to the right for the foreseeable future. In RBG’s memory, please do watch this fantastic documentary and let me know your thoughts on this recommendation.
Meanwhile in New Zealand they just appointed their first indigenous female foreign minister. Nanaia Mahuta, who is Māori, is a part of one of the most diverse parliaments in the world which is being led by Jacinda Ardern as PM in her second term (see the news in my post below). Also, almost half of parliament will be comprised of women, which is more than the world average (25%). How amazing! To learn more about Mahuta, read here.
And finally, I've started listening to the “Adulting” podcast with Oenone Forbat and a recent episode I quite liked focused on neurodiversity. I recommend you listen to it as it is an eye-opening account of the deeply personal experiences of autistic people living in today’s Britain. Neurodiversity as a term refers to the variation in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood and other mental functions. It encompasses a wide range of neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. In the UK it is estimated that one in seven people is neurodivergent; however recent research from the Institute of Leadership and Management also reveals high levels of bias in hiring decisions. People with Tourette Syndrome and ADHD/ADD are believed to be most discriminated against when interviewing for work, and the industries with highest discomfort for hiring neurodivergent people are construction, engineering and manufacturing. Over half of autistics (60 per cent) report that people in their workplace behave in a way that excludes neurodivergent colleagues – interestingly however, the corresponding number amongst neurotypical employees is only 29 per cent agreeing this is the case. Hiring and retaining diverse talent should indeed be a top priority for all workplaces today, not least because diversity of people means diversity of ideas and brings on numerous benefits for companies – from higher revenue, to better retention rates, to more productive employees. Read more about neurodiversity in the workplace and why it matters in the ILM’s research paper here.
That was me for today, hope you all have a great weekend. Speak again when Biden/ Harris win!
What a crazy week it’s been! As I write this we’re still awaiting the results of the 2020 US Presidential election and even though we may need to wait a while longer, it is looking increasingly likely that Biden and Harris will win. First female VP, a commitment to gender equality in government and in their policies, and an end to four years of misogyny – this is what’s coming! I am hopeful my next post will be one of congratulations to the Democrat winners!
Speaking of congrats and good news, I wanted to send a shoutout to my friend Bertille who’s celebrating her birthday today. Bertille is my first friend I ever met in London 10 years ago and ever since she’s been a source of wisdom and joy to my life. Here’s to many more years of friendship!
As a further update, I would like to recommend the “RBG” documentary on Netflix, which focuses on the life of the Notorious Ruth Bader Gingsburg – Supreme Court judge and women’s rights icon. Inspiring, funny and informative, this documentary from 2018 shows the life and career path of this incredible woman who recently passed away. Her seat has now been taken by Amy Coney Barrett, a conservative judge with much less impressive record of protecting women’s rights, and the court is expected to take a step to the right for the foreseeable future. In RBG’s memory, please do watch this fantastic documentary and let me know your thoughts on this recommendation.
Meanwhile in New Zealand they just appointed their first indigenous female foreign minister. Nanaia Mahuta, who is Māori, is a part of one of the most diverse parliaments in the world which is being led by Jacinda Ardern as PM in her second term (see the news in my post below). Also, almost half of parliament will be comprised of women, which is more than the world average (25%). How amazing! To learn more about Mahuta, read here.
And finally, I've started listening to the “Adulting” podcast with Oenone Forbat and a recent episode I quite liked focused on neurodiversity. I recommend you listen to it as it is an eye-opening account of the deeply personal experiences of autistic people living in today’s Britain. Neurodiversity as a term refers to the variation in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood and other mental functions. It encompasses a wide range of neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. In the UK it is estimated that one in seven people is neurodivergent; however recent research from the Institute of Leadership and Management also reveals high levels of bias in hiring decisions. People with Tourette Syndrome and ADHD/ADD are believed to be most discriminated against when interviewing for work, and the industries with highest discomfort for hiring neurodivergent people are construction, engineering and manufacturing. Over half of autistics (60 per cent) report that people in their workplace behave in a way that excludes neurodivergent colleagues – interestingly however, the corresponding number amongst neurotypical employees is only 29 per cent agreeing this is the case. Hiring and retaining diverse talent should indeed be a top priority for all workplaces today, not least because diversity of people means diversity of ideas and brings on numerous benefits for companies – from higher revenue, to better retention rates, to more productive employees. Read more about neurodiversity in the workplace and why it matters in the ILM’s research paper here.
That was me for today, hope you all have a great weekend. Speak again when Biden/ Harris win!
Female Power
17 October 2020
Happy Saturday! I am back this week with an overview of recent feminist and liberal news to bring to your attention. I’ll focus this time on big female names from around the world:
This is me for today. Thank you all for the continuous readership and for the supportive messages for World Mental Health Day. Stay tuned for my next post on autism and neurodiversity. Chat soon!
Happy Saturday! I am back this week with an overview of recent feminist and liberal news to bring to your attention. I’ll focus this time on big female names from around the world:
- US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died aged 87 in September. She was “a history-making jurist, feminist icon and national treasure” in the US. Read here an obituary of the Justice by the BBC, and listen to The Daily podcast by the New York Times covering two episodes about her career and legacy as a lawyer, judge, liberal thinker, and a female role model, and what next for the US Supreme Court and democracy overall.
- Just today Jacinda Ardern won decisively her second term as Prime Minister of New Zealand. She won her nation’s love and trust with her calm response to COVID, strong leadership and long-term view to build a nation and economy based on wellbeing and sustainability. As The Guardian shares, New Zealanders have realised how lucky they are to have her, and having won their trust, it’s Ardern’s job to take the country through strong economic recovery in a post-Covid world and to keep the nation united in what will undoubtedly be challenging years ahead. What’s also important to note is that her partner, Clarke Gayford, has long been supporting her throughout her pregnancy in office, maternity leave and numerous high-responsibility decisions to be made since she became a PM. He also offered plates of cooked fish and venison to the gathered media last night when the results came through – well, here’s to supportive partners and sharing the love! Well done, Clarke!
- Speaking of supportive couples, US VP candidate Kamala Harris recently took to Instagram to celebrate the birthday of her husband, Doug Emhoff. She shared a wonderful story of the hard work the two of them have put in to make their relationship work and how supportive he has been in her own journey in law and politics. It’s Kamala’s own birthday next week and one can only hope it’ll soon be a triple celebration for her and her family with also a VP mandate voted for by the American people! More on the first ever black woman to run for VP in the US, please see here.
- Finally, Bulgarian superwoman Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, joined the London School of Economics for their 125th anniversary event. The full podcast of the session is available here and I highly recommend a listen, it’s inspiring and thought-provoking!
This is me for today. Thank you all for the continuous readership and for the supportive messages for World Mental Health Day. Stay tuned for my next post on autism and neurodiversity. Chat soon!
World Mental Health Day
10 October 2020
Today, 10 October, we acknowledge World Mental Health Day. This year specifically has been a shocking year for us as individuals and for the world as a whole, and today’s day is a perfect occasion to pause and reflect on what helped us get through 2020 so far.
For me, starting yoga in March set me on a journey to heal my back and hips and to commit to 30 mins every day for my mind and soul. Before I started yoga, I thought it was all about the asanas (body poses) and staying fit and flexible physically speaking. But since I did Yoga with Adriene for 30 days (check out her YouTube channel) and read a dozen books on yoga and Tibetan medicine, I really got to learn the overall power of yoga as a philosophy. It’s far from just asanas, it involves breathing techniques, meditation and mindfulness. It teaches you to unite your body, mind and energy and to achieve full alignment, a complete peace with all that comprises You. Yoga is not a religion and never has been, it’s a philosophy and one I wish I had found earlier in my life. But everything falls in its place when it’s meant to, so here I am – tackling 2020 with a yoga mat in hand.
Apart from yoga, podcasts is my other big passion these days. Here I’d like to recommend Michelle Obama’s podcast whose first season dropped on Spotify this summer. She spoke about relationships – in all their forms, with a partner, with parents and siblings, with friends, mentors and mentees. Mrs Obama explored deeply personal issues such as infertility and experiences she has been through, think menopause and raising children in the White House. Her personable accounts and relatable tone really did leave me thinking she truly is just one of us, normal people. With the ups and downs of dating, marriage and parenting, of finding your true calling and work and aspiring for more in your career, it really felt I could see myself in her stories. As a young woman experiencing life’s challenges with lots of emotions in between, it’s honest and vulnerable stories like Michelle Obama’s that really do make a difference to my motivation and attitude towards setbacks. I highly recommend this podcast and look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.
Finally, my friends and family helped me get through this year more easily than I would have otherwise managed. My mother and grandparents, who never failed to call me and check on me, despite bans on travel back home for months. They also kept sending me pictures of gorgeous Muffin who is growing so fast yet is just as naughty as day 1 (our dog’s turning 3 in a few days, yay)! My flatmate Antonia who kept me entertained throughout lockdown with daily doses of laughter and positivity (and sometimes G&T). My other besties in the UK, Bulgaria, Ireland, Turkey, the Netherlands and beyond (you all know who you are) who stayed 2 meters apart from me in the park yet wouldn’t cancel a rare opportunity for us to socialise and remind each other of the strong bond we share for life. Or would call me for virtual coffee from wherever they are in the world and put a smile on my face instantly. Or would send me daily pictures of their gorgeous babies or pets and overwhelm me with cuteness. These are all friendships that I am so grateful for, that no amount of words could ever express fully.
I thank the universe for what I have today on this mental health day and I dedicate the remainder of this year and beyond to self-care, and care for my family and friends. For my loved ones who keep me going!
Hope you all have a great day and weekend, and I’ll be back next week with summary updates from the world of feminism. Talk soon!
Today, 10 October, we acknowledge World Mental Health Day. This year specifically has been a shocking year for us as individuals and for the world as a whole, and today’s day is a perfect occasion to pause and reflect on what helped us get through 2020 so far.
For me, starting yoga in March set me on a journey to heal my back and hips and to commit to 30 mins every day for my mind and soul. Before I started yoga, I thought it was all about the asanas (body poses) and staying fit and flexible physically speaking. But since I did Yoga with Adriene for 30 days (check out her YouTube channel) and read a dozen books on yoga and Tibetan medicine, I really got to learn the overall power of yoga as a philosophy. It’s far from just asanas, it involves breathing techniques, meditation and mindfulness. It teaches you to unite your body, mind and energy and to achieve full alignment, a complete peace with all that comprises You. Yoga is not a religion and never has been, it’s a philosophy and one I wish I had found earlier in my life. But everything falls in its place when it’s meant to, so here I am – tackling 2020 with a yoga mat in hand.
Apart from yoga, podcasts is my other big passion these days. Here I’d like to recommend Michelle Obama’s podcast whose first season dropped on Spotify this summer. She spoke about relationships – in all their forms, with a partner, with parents and siblings, with friends, mentors and mentees. Mrs Obama explored deeply personal issues such as infertility and experiences she has been through, think menopause and raising children in the White House. Her personable accounts and relatable tone really did leave me thinking she truly is just one of us, normal people. With the ups and downs of dating, marriage and parenting, of finding your true calling and work and aspiring for more in your career, it really felt I could see myself in her stories. As a young woman experiencing life’s challenges with lots of emotions in between, it’s honest and vulnerable stories like Michelle Obama’s that really do make a difference to my motivation and attitude towards setbacks. I highly recommend this podcast and look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.
Finally, my friends and family helped me get through this year more easily than I would have otherwise managed. My mother and grandparents, who never failed to call me and check on me, despite bans on travel back home for months. They also kept sending me pictures of gorgeous Muffin who is growing so fast yet is just as naughty as day 1 (our dog’s turning 3 in a few days, yay)! My flatmate Antonia who kept me entertained throughout lockdown with daily doses of laughter and positivity (and sometimes G&T). My other besties in the UK, Bulgaria, Ireland, Turkey, the Netherlands and beyond (you all know who you are) who stayed 2 meters apart from me in the park yet wouldn’t cancel a rare opportunity for us to socialise and remind each other of the strong bond we share for life. Or would call me for virtual coffee from wherever they are in the world and put a smile on my face instantly. Or would send me daily pictures of their gorgeous babies or pets and overwhelm me with cuteness. These are all friendships that I am so grateful for, that no amount of words could ever express fully.
I thank the universe for what I have today on this mental health day and I dedicate the remainder of this year and beyond to self-care, and care for my family and friends. For my loved ones who keep me going!
Hope you all have a great day and weekend, and I’ll be back next week with summary updates from the world of feminism. Talk soon!
Mum
6 September 2020
My annual post for my mum is here - just as I'm about to turn one more page of the book of life. My birthday's coming and I continue to pray for more years to come, more wisdom, maturity and happiness. Happiness is something we all want, yet rarely state as a goal in life. We say we want money, we want properties, a good and secure job, long lasting friendships, healthy family and kids, travel, all of it. But ultimately, whatever material possessions you have and however long your relationships in your life are, it all comes down to how satisfied you are with your life and with yourself! Happiness.That's what I wish for myself for the next 365 days and beyond!
My mum's gone through many hardships in life, and the older and wiser she gets, the more she keeps telling me - to be happy, you have to let go of bad influences and bad energy. Don't listen to negative people and if you absolutely have to, then let negative information out of your memory as quickly as possible. Occupy your long-term memory with happy memories and important information only. Focus on family and friends, people matter more than things. Go on adventures and live life fully because it'll eventually come to an end and you don't know when that'll be. Take good energy in and don't release negativity on others, they don't deserve that. Read books and practice calmness. Find your special someone, love them fully and believe in the good in people. It exists and if you search you will always find it!
I promise myself I'll continue looking for the good in people every day that comes. And I'll always remember my mum's good advice. My admiration to her big heart and kind, loving soul will always light my days with positivity. Thank you mummy for the life lessons and the great example of strength and independence! Obicham te!
My annual post for my mum is here - just as I'm about to turn one more page of the book of life. My birthday's coming and I continue to pray for more years to come, more wisdom, maturity and happiness. Happiness is something we all want, yet rarely state as a goal in life. We say we want money, we want properties, a good and secure job, long lasting friendships, healthy family and kids, travel, all of it. But ultimately, whatever material possessions you have and however long your relationships in your life are, it all comes down to how satisfied you are with your life and with yourself! Happiness.That's what I wish for myself for the next 365 days and beyond!
My mum's gone through many hardships in life, and the older and wiser she gets, the more she keeps telling me - to be happy, you have to let go of bad influences and bad energy. Don't listen to negative people and if you absolutely have to, then let negative information out of your memory as quickly as possible. Occupy your long-term memory with happy memories and important information only. Focus on family and friends, people matter more than things. Go on adventures and live life fully because it'll eventually come to an end and you don't know when that'll be. Take good energy in and don't release negativity on others, they don't deserve that. Read books and practice calmness. Find your special someone, love them fully and believe in the good in people. It exists and if you search you will always find it!
I promise myself I'll continue looking for the good in people every day that comes. And I'll always remember my mum's good advice. My admiration to her big heart and kind, loving soul will always light my days with positivity. Thank you mummy for the life lessons and the great example of strength and independence! Obicham te!
Disclosure
14 August 2020
I am one of the billions of people around the world who do not personally know a transgender person. In the US, this statistic is 84% of all Americans - and somehow I am not surprised. Around 1% of Americans identify as transgender but it's highly uncommon to see them on TV and film, and this is exactly what a new documentary produced by Laverne Cox is looking to address. The history of trans representation in media is the subject of a much celebrated show, "Disclosure", which premiered right before Covid hit, and is now available on Netflix since late June. It shows tens of trans actors, actresses, producers and TV stars, many of whom I had no idea were transgender, and explores their own reflections of life in Hollywood and what it's like being trans there. Laverne - herself a famous actress from "Orange is the new black" - shared deep stories in the documentary, as well as a recent episode of Brene Brown's podcast "Unlocking us" (highly recommend it, by the way!). I do recommend this hour+ documentary as it does open our eyes to the minimal, and almost always negative depiction of trans characters on TV, and the desperate need to increase their visibility as well as realism in how they are portrayed. It's also important to combine more visibility with new policies and shifts in institutional and individual behaviours for that is the only way 1,5 million people in the US, and many more millions worldwide, will ever be given an equal chance in life. It's time change began, check out more here.
As a reminder, earlier this summer, on 15 June, the US Supreme Court finally made it illegal for employers to fire their employees on the grounds of gender identity and sexual orientation. Yes, that is right - the world's freest country was still sacking people because they're gay or trans until two months ago. But after a historic decision of 6-3 votes, the employment law now finally treats LGBT employees as equal! Despite fears of an increasingly more conservative leaning Court, ever since Trump's nominations for judges tilted the balance towards replublican/ conservative in the past few years, this summer's decision clearly indicated LGBT rights are not to be stalled Well done, judges, and now it's time for employers to start applying the law in practice!
With these positive news I'll leave you to a joyful weekend in summer weather and sunshine, talk soon ladies and gents!
I am one of the billions of people around the world who do not personally know a transgender person. In the US, this statistic is 84% of all Americans - and somehow I am not surprised. Around 1% of Americans identify as transgender but it's highly uncommon to see them on TV and film, and this is exactly what a new documentary produced by Laverne Cox is looking to address. The history of trans representation in media is the subject of a much celebrated show, "Disclosure", which premiered right before Covid hit, and is now available on Netflix since late June. It shows tens of trans actors, actresses, producers and TV stars, many of whom I had no idea were transgender, and explores their own reflections of life in Hollywood and what it's like being trans there. Laverne - herself a famous actress from "Orange is the new black" - shared deep stories in the documentary, as well as a recent episode of Brene Brown's podcast "Unlocking us" (highly recommend it, by the way!). I do recommend this hour+ documentary as it does open our eyes to the minimal, and almost always negative depiction of trans characters on TV, and the desperate need to increase their visibility as well as realism in how they are portrayed. It's also important to combine more visibility with new policies and shifts in institutional and individual behaviours for that is the only way 1,5 million people in the US, and many more millions worldwide, will ever be given an equal chance in life. It's time change began, check out more here.
As a reminder, earlier this summer, on 15 June, the US Supreme Court finally made it illegal for employers to fire their employees on the grounds of gender identity and sexual orientation. Yes, that is right - the world's freest country was still sacking people because they're gay or trans until two months ago. But after a historic decision of 6-3 votes, the employment law now finally treats LGBT employees as equal! Despite fears of an increasingly more conservative leaning Court, ever since Trump's nominations for judges tilted the balance towards replublican/ conservative in the past few years, this summer's decision clearly indicated LGBT rights are not to be stalled Well done, judges, and now it's time for employers to start applying the law in practice!
With these positive news I'll leave you to a joyful weekend in summer weather and sunshine, talk soon ladies and gents!
I May Destroy You
3 July 2020
In the space of 24 hours I watched all available episodes of “I may destroy you” – a collaboration of BBC and HBO, starring Michaela Coel. This show is one of the most realistic and relatable depictions of living as a survivor of sexual assault that I have ever seen on TV. If you’ve not seen the series, which premiered in early June, please do check it out on BBC iplayer – it will not disappoint!
Michaela plays an aspiring writer Arabella who goes out drinking with friends but is struggling to remember any details of the night afterwards. She later realises she’d been drugged and raped. In the aftermath of this experience, she is raped a second time – by a guy who takes the condom off in the middle of the act and does not get her consent or even tell her about it. While Bella is the main character and the story revolves around her experience and how she lives with flashbacks and inner voices, there are also other characters in the show who also experience assault. For example, a black gay guy is assaulted, and this is perhaps the first time I have seen a member of the LGBTQ community going through such pain and being vulnerable on TV. The show is refreshingly real and shows the intersectionality of being a black woman or a black gay guy in an unjust and unfair world of physical and mental power dynamics. Michaela’s acting is exceptional but it’s not the main factor in the greatness of this show – it is the story line which simply has to be told!
In the tv series there is also a referral to The Receipts Podcast – an excellent show available on Spotify which will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Check it out for an insightful analysis of topical events by three black girls from London, including a review of the sexual assault topics discussed in “I may destroy you”. Episode 98 talks about the importance of consent and why everyone needs to be better educated – women to be empowered to voice their uncomfortable feelings, and men to not put women in such situations in the first place.
Here are my biggest takeaways from the show and the podcast review:
I feel particularly strongly about this topic and having had several experiences as portrayed in “I may destroy you”, I can only wish this does not happen to anyone else. Sadly, approximately 85,000 women and 12,000 men (aged 16 - 59) experience rape, attempted rape or sexual assault by penetration in England and Wales every year. Just in the time it took me to reflect and write this post (approximately one hour), roughly 11 of the most serious sexual offences (of adults) were performed in this past hour alone. Please do NOT stay a silent witness or a quiet survivor – speak up, even if it’s just to your closest family/ friends. If you have the courage to share with the police, please do that too – because offenders and repeat offenders can only be caught if survivors speak up! It’s in our hands to fight for justice!
With warm wishes – talk to you next week, and please stay strong!
In the space of 24 hours I watched all available episodes of “I may destroy you” – a collaboration of BBC and HBO, starring Michaela Coel. This show is one of the most realistic and relatable depictions of living as a survivor of sexual assault that I have ever seen on TV. If you’ve not seen the series, which premiered in early June, please do check it out on BBC iplayer – it will not disappoint!
Michaela plays an aspiring writer Arabella who goes out drinking with friends but is struggling to remember any details of the night afterwards. She later realises she’d been drugged and raped. In the aftermath of this experience, she is raped a second time – by a guy who takes the condom off in the middle of the act and does not get her consent or even tell her about it. While Bella is the main character and the story revolves around her experience and how she lives with flashbacks and inner voices, there are also other characters in the show who also experience assault. For example, a black gay guy is assaulted, and this is perhaps the first time I have seen a member of the LGBTQ community going through such pain and being vulnerable on TV. The show is refreshingly real and shows the intersectionality of being a black woman or a black gay guy in an unjust and unfair world of physical and mental power dynamics. Michaela’s acting is exceptional but it’s not the main factor in the greatness of this show – it is the story line which simply has to be told!
In the tv series there is also a referral to The Receipts Podcast – an excellent show available on Spotify which will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Check it out for an insightful analysis of topical events by three black girls from London, including a review of the sexual assault topics discussed in “I may destroy you”. Episode 98 talks about the importance of consent and why everyone needs to be better educated – women to be empowered to voice their uncomfortable feelings, and men to not put women in such situations in the first place.
Here are my biggest takeaways from the show and the podcast review:
- What was acceptable 20 years ago as I was growing up (boys lifting girls’ skirts, looking underneath, grabbing their breasts and bums and running down the school corridor), is simply not ok and should have never been seen as ok either. We need to teach the next generations of students from a young age what is acceptable and what is not, because it’s through conversation and education that we can make the world safer in future.
- A lot of victims today do not even realise what has happened to them and do not know what behaviour is deemed criminal or not. As a society we need to speak more about it and to share factual information on legal matters so we have a better understanding and know where to report it.
- The police also needs to respond immediately in cases of assault and rape, with effective investigations, support networks and counselling for the survivors, and a fair justice system to prosecute the perpetrators timely and to rehabilitate them.
- We need to believe survivors! I would have said we need to believe Women, and that is true. But really it’s also about believing men, gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans men and women and everyone who finds the courage to speak about a deeply traumatising experience they have been through. It takes an extra level of vulnerability, openness, and emotional strength to share your survival story and as a society we must not dismiss it.
- As far as false accusations are concerned, stats show these are less than 5% of all rape allegations in the UK, Europe and the US. So let’s not use that as the number one excuse why we don’t take a claim seriously. We must approach the situation with understanding, empathy and acceptance that it’s 95% likely to be true, not that it’s a false claim to grab attention.
- And finally, as far as nights out are concerned and drugs and drinks being consumed, it should never be the girls’ fault if she’s raped. Neither is it her fault for wearing a short skirt, having an attractive physique or a provocative voice. It’s entirely the decision of the perpetrator and it cannot be explained through the victim’s actions!
I feel particularly strongly about this topic and having had several experiences as portrayed in “I may destroy you”, I can only wish this does not happen to anyone else. Sadly, approximately 85,000 women and 12,000 men (aged 16 - 59) experience rape, attempted rape or sexual assault by penetration in England and Wales every year. Just in the time it took me to reflect and write this post (approximately one hour), roughly 11 of the most serious sexual offences (of adults) were performed in this past hour alone. Please do NOT stay a silent witness or a quiet survivor – speak up, even if it’s just to your closest family/ friends. If you have the courage to share with the police, please do that too – because offenders and repeat offenders can only be caught if survivors speak up! It’s in our hands to fight for justice!
With warm wishes – talk to you next week, and please stay strong!
Pride
28 June 2020
This week’s post is dedicated to PRIDE month which we celebrate in June every year in the UK, US and other countries. LGBT is an abbreviation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender and it's often used as an umbrella term to refer to the community as a whole. It is often followed by QA+ at the end, which stands for Queer and Asexual, and Allies. This last word Allies is perhaps one of the most important ones today where no cause can thrive on its own without the support and active encouragement of others. It applies to LGBTQA but also to BlackLivesMatter, to gender networks, disability forums and virtually everything else.
The history of the LGBTQA movement places a particular importance on the Stonewall riots on 28 June 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn bar in NYC. Before that day, LGBTQA individuals were not generally open publicly about their sexual orientation or identity, but this event became the steppingstone for political and social activism of the community. Ever since, Pride parades are organised by many cities globally in June/ July every year and these involve a series of events and colourful parades.
This year my company launched our own LGBTQA network, Spectrum, and proudly hosted an event earlier this week. In Europe, we also organised an LGBTQA awareness event with Oliver Reiche – a lawyer and LGBTQA advocate. In our Lunch and Learn session this Friday we spoke about the importance of allies and ways in which companies can become more inclusive, as well as each of us individually. Earlier on this month, I was also pleased to see our company had changed its logo on all social media to include the Pride colours and posted a series of warm messages to our LGBTQA employees and allies. With this week’s events we’re taking more active steps to promote inclusion and I sincerely hope all employers are doing the same. At hard times like these, we are reminded that certain communities are still marginalised and mistreated, but also that we’ve come a long way with change. And change will continue as long as we work together to proactively identify and address inequalities and extend our compassion towards those less privileged than us.
With positivity and love, I leave you until next week! Happy Pride month!
This week’s post is dedicated to PRIDE month which we celebrate in June every year in the UK, US and other countries. LGBT is an abbreviation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender and it's often used as an umbrella term to refer to the community as a whole. It is often followed by QA+ at the end, which stands for Queer and Asexual, and Allies. This last word Allies is perhaps one of the most important ones today where no cause can thrive on its own without the support and active encouragement of others. It applies to LGBTQA but also to BlackLivesMatter, to gender networks, disability forums and virtually everything else.
The history of the LGBTQA movement places a particular importance on the Stonewall riots on 28 June 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn bar in NYC. Before that day, LGBTQA individuals were not generally open publicly about their sexual orientation or identity, but this event became the steppingstone for political and social activism of the community. Ever since, Pride parades are organised by many cities globally in June/ July every year and these involve a series of events and colourful parades.
This year my company launched our own LGBTQA network, Spectrum, and proudly hosted an event earlier this week. In Europe, we also organised an LGBTQA awareness event with Oliver Reiche – a lawyer and LGBTQA advocate. In our Lunch and Learn session this Friday we spoke about the importance of allies and ways in which companies can become more inclusive, as well as each of us individually. Earlier on this month, I was also pleased to see our company had changed its logo on all social media to include the Pride colours and posted a series of warm messages to our LGBTQA employees and allies. With this week’s events we’re taking more active steps to promote inclusion and I sincerely hope all employers are doing the same. At hard times like these, we are reminded that certain communities are still marginalised and mistreated, but also that we’ve come a long way with change. And change will continue as long as we work together to proactively identify and address inequalities and extend our compassion towards those less privileged than us.
With positivity and love, I leave you until next week! Happy Pride month!
Mental Health and Race
21 June 2020
I am pleased to share I have successfully achieved a Level 4 Award in Managing Equality and Diversity in an Organisation with the Institute of Leadership and Management in the UK. After completing a training and an assignment, I am now officially qualified to do even more of what I love doing every day!
I would also like to follow up on an earlier post about Black Lives Matter, and to encourage you to look at the Taraji P Henson Foundation’s website which provides free mental health therapy for the African American community in the US. Taraji is a winner of multiple international acting awards and is an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, BLM and mental health. Her foundation provides free resources particularly in the context of COVID-19, as well as being very relevant in the current racism debates in the US.
Finally, please take a moment of reflection for Juneteenth which we celebrated this Friday. It was the 155th anniversary of the day the last slaves were freed in Texas after the American Civil War, and it is a significant day in African American history. Given the current situation it can be easy to fall into despair, but the reality is that hopelessness does not bring on change – determination and drive do that! Let us be active and express our beliefs and demands in a safe and democratic way and let us not lose hope that change will come soon!
Talk next week when we’ll be recognising the LGBT movement in the UK and PRIDE month! Stay safe!
I am pleased to share I have successfully achieved a Level 4 Award in Managing Equality and Diversity in an Organisation with the Institute of Leadership and Management in the UK. After completing a training and an assignment, I am now officially qualified to do even more of what I love doing every day!
I would also like to follow up on an earlier post about Black Lives Matter, and to encourage you to look at the Taraji P Henson Foundation’s website which provides free mental health therapy for the African American community in the US. Taraji is a winner of multiple international acting awards and is an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, BLM and mental health. Her foundation provides free resources particularly in the context of COVID-19, as well as being very relevant in the current racism debates in the US.
Finally, please take a moment of reflection for Juneteenth which we celebrated this Friday. It was the 155th anniversary of the day the last slaves were freed in Texas after the American Civil War, and it is a significant day in African American history. Given the current situation it can be easy to fall into despair, but the reality is that hopelessness does not bring on change – determination and drive do that! Let us be active and express our beliefs and demands in a safe and democratic way and let us not lose hope that change will come soon!
Talk next week when we’ll be recognising the LGBT movement in the UK and PRIDE month! Stay safe!
#BlackLivesMatter
7 June 2020
I'm writing this with a heavy heart - it's been two weeks of protests in America against racism and police brutality, after African American George Floyd found his death at the hands of a white policeman. His murder, widely condemned in the US and internationally, has triggered a wave of marches and violence in almost all major US cities. London too is having marches in solidarity, and so is Sofia - my very own capital where gypsies have long faced hatred and discrimination on ethnic grounds.
I'm well aware that as a white person it is my responsibility to contribute to the solution, and not wait on the black community to fix a problem they didn't create. Which is why I am posting on here and asking all of my blog readers, to show compassion and understanding in a difficult time, and to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement. You can donate to:
- Campaign Zero which works to end police brutality in the US (https://www.joincampaignzero.org/).
- Colorofchange.org works to engage the US government and make it more responsive to racial inequality in the country.
- George Floyd's family official gofundme page.
I am blessed to work for an American company which took a strong position on the recent events in the US and declared Juneteenth (June 19th) a company wide holiday in the States. This is the day the last slaves were freed in the state of Texas in 1865 after the end of the American Civil War. It is an important day in African American history and I'm so very proud to see my company take a stance and support our black colleagues in the US and internationally.
I'd like to leave you with the words of one of my idols, former first lady Michelle Obama: “If we ever hope to move past it, it can’t just be on people of color to deal with it. It’s up to all of us—black, white, everyone—no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out. It starts with self-examination and listening to those whose lives are different from our own. It ends with justice, compassion and empathy that manifests in our lives and on our streets.”
Stay strong, my friends, we're in this together!
I'm writing this with a heavy heart - it's been two weeks of protests in America against racism and police brutality, after African American George Floyd found his death at the hands of a white policeman. His murder, widely condemned in the US and internationally, has triggered a wave of marches and violence in almost all major US cities. London too is having marches in solidarity, and so is Sofia - my very own capital where gypsies have long faced hatred and discrimination on ethnic grounds.
I'm well aware that as a white person it is my responsibility to contribute to the solution, and not wait on the black community to fix a problem they didn't create. Which is why I am posting on here and asking all of my blog readers, to show compassion and understanding in a difficult time, and to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement. You can donate to:
- Campaign Zero which works to end police brutality in the US (https://www.joincampaignzero.org/).
- Colorofchange.org works to engage the US government and make it more responsive to racial inequality in the country.
- George Floyd's family official gofundme page.
I am blessed to work for an American company which took a strong position on the recent events in the US and declared Juneteenth (June 19th) a company wide holiday in the States. This is the day the last slaves were freed in the state of Texas in 1865 after the end of the American Civil War. It is an important day in African American history and I'm so very proud to see my company take a stance and support our black colleagues in the US and internationally.
I'd like to leave you with the words of one of my idols, former first lady Michelle Obama: “If we ever hope to move past it, it can’t just be on people of color to deal with it. It’s up to all of us—black, white, everyone—no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out. It starts with self-examination and listening to those whose lives are different from our own. It ends with justice, compassion and empathy that manifests in our lives and on our streets.”
Stay strong, my friends, we're in this together!
The Gut Health Doctor
31 May 2020
On 19 May the world recognised World IBD Day. IBD stands for inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) which are little known conditions in today's society. More than 10 million people live with IBD worldwide, but there is no cure and no known cause. IBD affects women in unique ways - for example symptoms can get worse during their menstrual period and can cause problems getting pregnant.
I have rarely written about health issues and women's experiences in the past, and even less so about women who are in the healthcare sector in fighting these diseases. As I've long had gut health issues, I wanted to raise awareness today about the work of Dr Megan Rossi - known as the Gut Health Doctor. Dr Rossi is an Australian registered dietitian based in London, and specialising in gut health. She is popular on instagram (@theguthealthdoctor) where she shares useful info for our gut health, and often collaborates with Women's Health Magazine in the UK. She also published her first book late last year - "Eat Yourself Healthy". I read the book couple of weeks ago and was super impressed with the easy to understand conversational tone of the book which skillfully teaches you the key concepts and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In addition to diet, Dr Rossi analyses fitness, sleep and stress as major factors for our gut health, and offers excellent recommendations for yoga exercises, gut massage and delicious healthy vegan recipes.
We're closing off mental health awareness month today and I wanted to mention that there's a proven link between the gut and the brain - so it's essential we stay mentally strong and care for our minds as much as we care for ourselves physically.
Stay well and stay safe! Talk soon!
On 19 May the world recognised World IBD Day. IBD stands for inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) which are little known conditions in today's society. More than 10 million people live with IBD worldwide, but there is no cure and no known cause. IBD affects women in unique ways - for example symptoms can get worse during their menstrual period and can cause problems getting pregnant.
I have rarely written about health issues and women's experiences in the past, and even less so about women who are in the healthcare sector in fighting these diseases. As I've long had gut health issues, I wanted to raise awareness today about the work of Dr Megan Rossi - known as the Gut Health Doctor. Dr Rossi is an Australian registered dietitian based in London, and specialising in gut health. She is popular on instagram (@theguthealthdoctor) where she shares useful info for our gut health, and often collaborates with Women's Health Magazine in the UK. She also published her first book late last year - "Eat Yourself Healthy". I read the book couple of weeks ago and was super impressed with the easy to understand conversational tone of the book which skillfully teaches you the key concepts and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In addition to diet, Dr Rossi analyses fitness, sleep and stress as major factors for our gut health, and offers excellent recommendations for yoga exercises, gut massage and delicious healthy vegan recipes.
We're closing off mental health awareness month today and I wanted to mention that there's a proven link between the gut and the brain - so it's essential we stay mentally strong and care for our minds as much as we care for ourselves physically.
Stay well and stay safe! Talk soon!
Another Crisis During The Crisis
27 May 2020
I heard on the news this week that since the start of lockdown in March, there have been 7 women killed in Bulgaria by their partners. Similarly, in the UK calls on the national domestic helpline have increased 66% since stay-at-home measures were enforced, and visits to the Refuge national website have gone up 950%.
Considering the limited opportunity women have to contact support services or the police under normal circumstances, this opportunity is even more limited when their abusers are home with them 24/7. Not only are partners finding themselves on the receiving end of aggression, but this also signals increased risk for children in those households as well. The London Metropolitan Police reported that in the first six weeks of the country's lockdown from 23 March to end of April they had made 4,000 domestic abuse related arrests.
It’s not just the UK or Bulgaria though - the situation worldwide is increasingly dangerous for women and their children, and in April, the United Nations Population Fund, estimated that six months of lockdown measures globally could lead to 31 million more cases of domestic abuse.
The UN also predicts that within 6 months, "up to 47 million women in low- and middle-income countries may be left unable to use modern contraceptives, leading to a projected 7 million additional unintended pregnancies. The pandemic is also expected to cause significant delays in programmes to end female genital mutilation and child marriage, resulting in an estimated 2 million more cases of FGM over the next decade than would otherwise have occurred".
In the UK, charities further warn that as lockdown eases off, more girls will be left exposed to forced marriage because “social workers lack proper training and do not keep records of the children most at risk”. Diana Nammi, the founder of IKWRO says, “At present with schools closed and restrictions on movement, many at-risk children are not interacting with professionals who should be able to spot the signs and refer them to social services for protection”. Indeed, if currently that is not at the top of the agenda for the state or local government, how do we expect there will be help given to those vulnerable children once the lockdown measures are lifted?
With all the above examples, it is clear than women and girls are severely affected by the current crisis and it remains to be seen what resources will be invested by our governments in protecting them and providing them with access to services. I wonder what the top priorities for politicians will be over the coming weeks and months though...
Talk soon!
I heard on the news this week that since the start of lockdown in March, there have been 7 women killed in Bulgaria by their partners. Similarly, in the UK calls on the national domestic helpline have increased 66% since stay-at-home measures were enforced, and visits to the Refuge national website have gone up 950%.
Considering the limited opportunity women have to contact support services or the police under normal circumstances, this opportunity is even more limited when their abusers are home with them 24/7. Not only are partners finding themselves on the receiving end of aggression, but this also signals increased risk for children in those households as well. The London Metropolitan Police reported that in the first six weeks of the country's lockdown from 23 March to end of April they had made 4,000 domestic abuse related arrests.
It’s not just the UK or Bulgaria though - the situation worldwide is increasingly dangerous for women and their children, and in April, the United Nations Population Fund, estimated that six months of lockdown measures globally could lead to 31 million more cases of domestic abuse.
The UN also predicts that within 6 months, "up to 47 million women in low- and middle-income countries may be left unable to use modern contraceptives, leading to a projected 7 million additional unintended pregnancies. The pandemic is also expected to cause significant delays in programmes to end female genital mutilation and child marriage, resulting in an estimated 2 million more cases of FGM over the next decade than would otherwise have occurred".
In the UK, charities further warn that as lockdown eases off, more girls will be left exposed to forced marriage because “social workers lack proper training and do not keep records of the children most at risk”. Diana Nammi, the founder of IKWRO says, “At present with schools closed and restrictions on movement, many at-risk children are not interacting with professionals who should be able to spot the signs and refer them to social services for protection”. Indeed, if currently that is not at the top of the agenda for the state or local government, how do we expect there will be help given to those vulnerable children once the lockdown measures are lifted?
With all the above examples, it is clear than women and girls are severely affected by the current crisis and it remains to be seen what resources will be invested by our governments in protecting them and providing them with access to services. I wonder what the top priorities for politicians will be over the coming weeks and months though...
Talk soon!
Mental Health Awareness Week
20 May 2020
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week! From 18 to 24 May the UK is focusing on kindness which is this year’s theme. The Mental Health Foundation shares helpful resources, ways to get involved and other people’s kindness stories on its website here.
I have been open about my struggles with mental health and have written many articles about it in this blog’s Archive. It all started 5 years ago for me, on 16 May 2015, when I was hit by a car while crossing the road in Bulgaria. I miraculously survived without any broken bones but the mental scar it left on me lasted for months, even years – much longer than the physical bruises. I used help from CBT professionals for months and it wasn’t until a year later that I finally felt positive again and excited about life. The diagnosis of depression, anxiety and PTSD left me hopeless for a long time which also means that today, years later I still struggle with traumatic life events. Breakups, health problems and work stress impact me greatly and I need to work on my resilience to be stronger mentally in the long-term. I believe it’s incredibly important to raise awareness of mental health issues, and to feel comfortable as a society to talk about it. My story of kindness are my friends who supported me greatly in 2015, and ever since, and who remind me of the beauty of life and why it’s worth living. Thank you!
Mind, another charity I have long supported, also has a dedicated page to this week’s activities. You can download pictures for your profile on social media, learn how to participate in a Tik Tok challenge or see tips to keep well. As we’re living in an unprecedented time, the lockdown can have profound effects on our health and wellbeing and Mind’s pages are a good place to start with tips what to watch out for and how to help others in need.
I would also like to recommend a free, 20-min long suicide prevention training which I recently completed with the Zero Suicide Alliance. It’s a practical tool to help you recognise signs someone is struggling and how to start a conversation with them if you suspect they may be considering suicide. More than 6,000 people commit suicide in the UK every year, 75% of whom are men and mostly middle aged. Globally 800, 000 people die every year! However, suicide is preventable – it’s critical we inform ourselves so we can save someone’s life – or our own!
I hope you join this week’s activities, and I hope you stay healthy and safe in this current crisis. Be well and be strong!
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week! From 18 to 24 May the UK is focusing on kindness which is this year’s theme. The Mental Health Foundation shares helpful resources, ways to get involved and other people’s kindness stories on its website here.
I have been open about my struggles with mental health and have written many articles about it in this blog’s Archive. It all started 5 years ago for me, on 16 May 2015, when I was hit by a car while crossing the road in Bulgaria. I miraculously survived without any broken bones but the mental scar it left on me lasted for months, even years – much longer than the physical bruises. I used help from CBT professionals for months and it wasn’t until a year later that I finally felt positive again and excited about life. The diagnosis of depression, anxiety and PTSD left me hopeless for a long time which also means that today, years later I still struggle with traumatic life events. Breakups, health problems and work stress impact me greatly and I need to work on my resilience to be stronger mentally in the long-term. I believe it’s incredibly important to raise awareness of mental health issues, and to feel comfortable as a society to talk about it. My story of kindness are my friends who supported me greatly in 2015, and ever since, and who remind me of the beauty of life and why it’s worth living. Thank you!
Mind, another charity I have long supported, also has a dedicated page to this week’s activities. You can download pictures for your profile on social media, learn how to participate in a Tik Tok challenge or see tips to keep well. As we’re living in an unprecedented time, the lockdown can have profound effects on our health and wellbeing and Mind’s pages are a good place to start with tips what to watch out for and how to help others in need.
I would also like to recommend a free, 20-min long suicide prevention training which I recently completed with the Zero Suicide Alliance. It’s a practical tool to help you recognise signs someone is struggling and how to start a conversation with them if you suspect they may be considering suicide. More than 6,000 people commit suicide in the UK every year, 75% of whom are men and mostly middle aged. Globally 800, 000 people die every year! However, suicide is preventable – it’s critical we inform ourselves so we can save someone’s life – or our own!
I hope you join this week’s activities, and I hope you stay healthy and safe in this current crisis. Be well and be strong!
"The Feminism Question"
3 May 2020
We're in week 7 of lockdown here in the UK. The longer it goes on, the harder it gets to be away from family and our dog Muffin. But while I can't fly home and see them, I have decided to use every day for a beneficial purpose and to learn something new. With that, I've now read more than 10 books in the past few months, the latest one being the focus of this blog post.
"Why I'm no longer talking to white people about race" was recommended to me by a Diversity and Inclusion trainer I met this winter. She said if she had to pick one book that is most impactful to her life and work, this is the book. So I ordered it, read it in 2 days, and I totally understand now why she said that. The book discusses race relations in the UK with honesty and passion, it's written in a language that is easy to understand yet impactful enough to make you raise an eyebrow, and it asks the hard questions - those many of us may not have dared to ask out loud.
Reni Eddo-Lodge is a British journalist who writes about structural racism and black feminism. This book starts with the history of black people in the UK, moves on the analyse the roots of structural racism, explains white privilege as well as societal fears of a black planet, looks at the intersection of feminism and race, then the link between race and class, and finally focuses on justice. Justice in fact is the prevailing theme throughout - justice in the legal sense but also in the every day unfair treatment black people receive in this country, and justice in a system structured in such a way so as to give power to the (white) majority.
I wanted to write about this book in my blog, because as I was reading through chapter 5 (titled "The Feminism Question") I realised that I myself am a part of the mainstream white feminist movement. Not purely because of the colour of my skin, but because of my ideas, concerns, fights and aspirations - all of which are influenced by what I as a white woman need or want. I worry about female representation in the IT profession, but frankly I more often than not thinking of white women in IT when I speak about it. Despite only having one black female colleague in my team I rarely explicitly call that out as an issue. I work with many other women from ethnic minorities but do I always consider their specific needs or concerns - I can certainly improve on that. Then looking at my blog posts, the last time I specifically spoke about black women was on 31 August 2018 - over a year and a half ago, with tens of posts since then! Reading Reni's book was eye-opening because despite considering myself very liberal, left-wing, inclusive, open, tolerant, etc etc I also sometimes subconsciously assume that white is the default and what we white women want is what is good for all women. Maybe that is true in some respects - like justice for sexual harassment survivors or demanding equal pay for equal work with men... But what about black pregnant women being 3.2 times more likely than white women to die in child birth in the US? Or that black people are at much higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and subsequently dying, and with that black women are not only hit with infections but also with higher rates of unemployment due to the COVID-19 crisis (60% of all layoffs in March in the US were women, with women of colour most severely affected).
My takeaway is that everyone's got areas for improvement, and this book (and the author whom I'm now definitely going to follow online) showed me an aspect I need to improve on - to be more inclusive in my feminist agenda and to offer different perspectives in my writing, whether that is of black women, or Asian, or Hispanic, or Eastern European, or disabled, or lesbian, or Muslim, or many other groups not always represented in the mainstream discourse. And I commit to myself and my readers to do that.
I highly recommend the read - you can thank me later!
We're in week 7 of lockdown here in the UK. The longer it goes on, the harder it gets to be away from family and our dog Muffin. But while I can't fly home and see them, I have decided to use every day for a beneficial purpose and to learn something new. With that, I've now read more than 10 books in the past few months, the latest one being the focus of this blog post.
"Why I'm no longer talking to white people about race" was recommended to me by a Diversity and Inclusion trainer I met this winter. She said if she had to pick one book that is most impactful to her life and work, this is the book. So I ordered it, read it in 2 days, and I totally understand now why she said that. The book discusses race relations in the UK with honesty and passion, it's written in a language that is easy to understand yet impactful enough to make you raise an eyebrow, and it asks the hard questions - those many of us may not have dared to ask out loud.
Reni Eddo-Lodge is a British journalist who writes about structural racism and black feminism. This book starts with the history of black people in the UK, moves on the analyse the roots of structural racism, explains white privilege as well as societal fears of a black planet, looks at the intersection of feminism and race, then the link between race and class, and finally focuses on justice. Justice in fact is the prevailing theme throughout - justice in the legal sense but also in the every day unfair treatment black people receive in this country, and justice in a system structured in such a way so as to give power to the (white) majority.
I wanted to write about this book in my blog, because as I was reading through chapter 5 (titled "The Feminism Question") I realised that I myself am a part of the mainstream white feminist movement. Not purely because of the colour of my skin, but because of my ideas, concerns, fights and aspirations - all of which are influenced by what I as a white woman need or want. I worry about female representation in the IT profession, but frankly I more often than not thinking of white women in IT when I speak about it. Despite only having one black female colleague in my team I rarely explicitly call that out as an issue. I work with many other women from ethnic minorities but do I always consider their specific needs or concerns - I can certainly improve on that. Then looking at my blog posts, the last time I specifically spoke about black women was on 31 August 2018 - over a year and a half ago, with tens of posts since then! Reading Reni's book was eye-opening because despite considering myself very liberal, left-wing, inclusive, open, tolerant, etc etc I also sometimes subconsciously assume that white is the default and what we white women want is what is good for all women. Maybe that is true in some respects - like justice for sexual harassment survivors or demanding equal pay for equal work with men... But what about black pregnant women being 3.2 times more likely than white women to die in child birth in the US? Or that black people are at much higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and subsequently dying, and with that black women are not only hit with infections but also with higher rates of unemployment due to the COVID-19 crisis (60% of all layoffs in March in the US were women, with women of colour most severely affected).
My takeaway is that everyone's got areas for improvement, and this book (and the author whom I'm now definitely going to follow online) showed me an aspect I need to improve on - to be more inclusive in my feminist agenda and to offer different perspectives in my writing, whether that is of black women, or Asian, or Hispanic, or Eastern European, or disabled, or lesbian, or Muslim, or many other groups not always represented in the mainstream discourse. And I commit to myself and my readers to do that.
I highly recommend the read - you can thank me later!
Pregnancies
13 April 2020
Happy Easter! May it bring you health, calm and hope - what we all need these days...
In my last post below I wrote about the unequal effects the coronavirus has on female health workers, pregnant women who need or want to get an abortion, and women in abusive relationships stuck at home with their abusers. What I failed to drill into was the crisis impacts on pregnant women due to give birth, as well as pregnant healthcare staff. As one of my good friends gave birth almost three weeks ago, I've not stopped thinking what the current pandemic must feel like for a woman and her partner awaiting their much anticipated and loved baby.
Pregnancy can be a wonderful period full of positivity and high expectations, but also can be full of anxiety, physical symptoms and complications for the woman's body and mind. It also affects the father and those closest to the couple, and if we add to the "normal" anxiety the uncertainty of a global pandemic - I can only imagine the mental stress and pressure! When my friend gave birth, she was not allowed to have family visitors in the hospital, nor was she allowed to see her family for 2 weeks after being discharged - so that herself and the baby can be safely quarantined at home. Staying away from parents and loved ones must be triggering intense emotions for women affected this year! Not only that, but how accessible are baby products and basic necessities at a time when going into the nearest supermarket takes on average an hour. After waiting at long queues, getting into the shop does not guarantee availability of the products either as shelves are often empty. Other times popular products are highly overpriced - so an already expensive time becomes even more so with the pandemic effects on prices.
And while my friend was lucky and thankfully herself, the baby and her husband are all healthy, there are many others who risk their lives daily while caring for patients - pregnant doctors and other healthcare staff. As the impact of coronavirus on pregnant women is still unknown, guidance by the National Health Service to pregnant staff has been unclear, inconsistent and confusing. Some trusts urge female staff beyond 28 weeks to stay at home, and same for pregnant women with underlying conditions. Other trusts are asking doctors to work, which is what provoked dozens of doctors to write an open letter reading: "There is currently no evidence on the effects of the virus in the first or second trimesters of pregnancy, and very sparse data in those in the third. It appears that this advice is being given on the absence of evidence, rather than in the absence of risk." After some back and forth between doctors, the NHS and other bodies, it appears now that staff over 28 weeks are to be shielded from contact with the virus, and my thoughts are with all the others in their early pregnancy stages who are still expected to show up at work in these terrifying times!
Finally, a recent study on Chinese mothers showed that it may be possible to transfer the virus from a pregnant woman to her baby. There are very small sample sizes of these studies however (e.g. four women, as per a study published in the European Respiratory Journal) so there is no clear evidence indicating that is the case.
I'd like to leave you all on a positive and appreciative note - at a scary time for many, there are still brave NHS staff on the frontlines despite their own risk factors. And there are also brave women who mentally battle through all of the uncertainty, give birth and show immense love to their newborns. I can only admire that!
Have a wonderful week, talk soon!
Happy Easter! May it bring you health, calm and hope - what we all need these days...
In my last post below I wrote about the unequal effects the coronavirus has on female health workers, pregnant women who need or want to get an abortion, and women in abusive relationships stuck at home with their abusers. What I failed to drill into was the crisis impacts on pregnant women due to give birth, as well as pregnant healthcare staff. As one of my good friends gave birth almost three weeks ago, I've not stopped thinking what the current pandemic must feel like for a woman and her partner awaiting their much anticipated and loved baby.
Pregnancy can be a wonderful period full of positivity and high expectations, but also can be full of anxiety, physical symptoms and complications for the woman's body and mind. It also affects the father and those closest to the couple, and if we add to the "normal" anxiety the uncertainty of a global pandemic - I can only imagine the mental stress and pressure! When my friend gave birth, she was not allowed to have family visitors in the hospital, nor was she allowed to see her family for 2 weeks after being discharged - so that herself and the baby can be safely quarantined at home. Staying away from parents and loved ones must be triggering intense emotions for women affected this year! Not only that, but how accessible are baby products and basic necessities at a time when going into the nearest supermarket takes on average an hour. After waiting at long queues, getting into the shop does not guarantee availability of the products either as shelves are often empty. Other times popular products are highly overpriced - so an already expensive time becomes even more so with the pandemic effects on prices.
And while my friend was lucky and thankfully herself, the baby and her husband are all healthy, there are many others who risk their lives daily while caring for patients - pregnant doctors and other healthcare staff. As the impact of coronavirus on pregnant women is still unknown, guidance by the National Health Service to pregnant staff has been unclear, inconsistent and confusing. Some trusts urge female staff beyond 28 weeks to stay at home, and same for pregnant women with underlying conditions. Other trusts are asking doctors to work, which is what provoked dozens of doctors to write an open letter reading: "There is currently no evidence on the effects of the virus in the first or second trimesters of pregnancy, and very sparse data in those in the third. It appears that this advice is being given on the absence of evidence, rather than in the absence of risk." After some back and forth between doctors, the NHS and other bodies, it appears now that staff over 28 weeks are to be shielded from contact with the virus, and my thoughts are with all the others in their early pregnancy stages who are still expected to show up at work in these terrifying times!
Finally, a recent study on Chinese mothers showed that it may be possible to transfer the virus from a pregnant woman to her baby. There are very small sample sizes of these studies however (e.g. four women, as per a study published in the European Respiratory Journal) so there is no clear evidence indicating that is the case.
I'd like to leave you all on a positive and appreciative note - at a scary time for many, there are still brave NHS staff on the frontlines despite their own risk factors. And there are also brave women who mentally battle through all of the uncertainty, give birth and show immense love to their newborns. I can only admire that!
Have a wonderful week, talk soon!
Corona Fears
31 March 2020
Wow, what a different world we live in today compared to two weeks ago when I posted my last blog post! Since then we've learnt to distance ourselves socially, to work from home, to use the HouseParty app and to only leave the house for one of four very strict reasons.
What the current coronavirus situation has shown us is that women, once again, are more affected by global crises - it's estimated that globally over 70% of health workers are women, and naturally they're at higher risk of catching the virus. In China's Hubei province where the coronavirus originated, this percentage is as high as 90% of healthcare workers. Women are also more likely to occupy nursing roles - i.e. have more direct exposure to patients than doctors do, as nurses are more heavily involved in intimate care. This puts them even more at risk of catching it. The New York Times recently published research on the virus through a gender lens and I highly recommend reading their piece here.
Not only are health workers at high risk globally, but women are also more at risk at home since the crisis began. For victims of domestic abuse, there is no escape now that we're all ordered to stay indoors. The Guardian reports that in Hubei province domestic violence reports to police during February more than tripled in some counties. Data suggests more than 90% of these cases with coronavirus related. Around the world, in Catalonia calls to helplines rose by 20% in the first few days of enforced quarantine. In Cyprus, calls rose 30% in the week after 9 March, when the country had its first confirmed case of COVID-19. What are prosecutors and politicians doing to address this distressing trend? Read here.
And finally, women are also getting affected in their access to critical services - for example, Texas is one of a few US states to ban abortions during the coronavirus crisis in the state, as they are considered "not essential". Leaving aside the intense emotional stress a woman goes through while waiting for an appointment, the physical consequences are simply ignored and the state thinks it's acceptable to delay these procedures to protect public health - a move widely criticised by abortion rights groups. Importantly, today on 31 March, the courts in the US struck down the Texas, Ohio and Alabama rules and pronounced them illegal, so abortion clinics were ordered to stay open. Yes to justice! For a little while anyway - a few hours later, a higher court overruled and let the state keep its services closed. What a dramatic change to circumstances and how disappointing for women!
While I wanted to provide a gender lens to the ongoing crisis, I also want to put some positivity into this blog post. Specifically, let me share about a few inspirational women that I'm following and getting advice from during this crisis.
Wow, what a different world we live in today compared to two weeks ago when I posted my last blog post! Since then we've learnt to distance ourselves socially, to work from home, to use the HouseParty app and to only leave the house for one of four very strict reasons.
What the current coronavirus situation has shown us is that women, once again, are more affected by global crises - it's estimated that globally over 70% of health workers are women, and naturally they're at higher risk of catching the virus. In China's Hubei province where the coronavirus originated, this percentage is as high as 90% of healthcare workers. Women are also more likely to occupy nursing roles - i.e. have more direct exposure to patients than doctors do, as nurses are more heavily involved in intimate care. This puts them even more at risk of catching it. The New York Times recently published research on the virus through a gender lens and I highly recommend reading their piece here.
Not only are health workers at high risk globally, but women are also more at risk at home since the crisis began. For victims of domestic abuse, there is no escape now that we're all ordered to stay indoors. The Guardian reports that in Hubei province domestic violence reports to police during February more than tripled in some counties. Data suggests more than 90% of these cases with coronavirus related. Around the world, in Catalonia calls to helplines rose by 20% in the first few days of enforced quarantine. In Cyprus, calls rose 30% in the week after 9 March, when the country had its first confirmed case of COVID-19. What are prosecutors and politicians doing to address this distressing trend? Read here.
And finally, women are also getting affected in their access to critical services - for example, Texas is one of a few US states to ban abortions during the coronavirus crisis in the state, as they are considered "not essential". Leaving aside the intense emotional stress a woman goes through while waiting for an appointment, the physical consequences are simply ignored and the state thinks it's acceptable to delay these procedures to protect public health - a move widely criticised by abortion rights groups. Importantly, today on 31 March, the courts in the US struck down the Texas, Ohio and Alabama rules and pronounced them illegal, so abortion clinics were ordered to stay open. Yes to justice! For a little while anyway - a few hours later, a higher court overruled and let the state keep its services closed. What a dramatic change to circumstances and how disappointing for women!
While I wanted to provide a gender lens to the ongoing crisis, I also want to put some positivity into this blog post. Specifically, let me share about a few inspirational women that I'm following and getting advice from during this crisis.
- I've embarked on the 30 Day Yoga Challenge with Adriene. She's a yoga teacher whose YouTube channel rocks up millions of subscribers. Check out her amazing yoga work here.
- Another YouTube star is pilates teacher Jessica Valant. She's inspiring, positive and works up your abs big time! See more on her channel.
- If you follow instagram stars, Pamela Reif is one you could get workouts with.
- Magazine I read is Women's Health. My favourite read to get nutrition advice and mental health articles from.
- My most inspiring podcast is "Going For Goal" by Women's Health. It's available on Spotify and the 30 mins episodes cover all things corona- or non-corona related, from mental health to fitness, nutrition and more.
Solace
15 March 2020
March is dedicated to women globally, with Women's History Month in the US and UK taking place and also International Women's Day this past week on 8 March. With that, there are a lot of social events taking place themed around women, despite the growing fears of coronavirus these days.
I had the pleasure of attending Solace's Women's Aid annual charity event for IWD (International Women's Day) this past Monday 9th March. It's the third year I attend their fundraiser and social event celebrating women's resilience in the face of domestic violence in England.
Two women are murdered each week by their partner/ ex partner in England and Wales, and 1 in 4 women experiences domestic violence in her lifetime. This includes both physical and emotional abuse, and unfortunately leaves 1 in every 5 children in this country living in the homes of a domestic abuser. Not only is the situation shocking in our homes, but also on the streets - with research showing 82% of women aged 13-21 having faced sexual harassment in public, and 85,000 rapes happening every year in England and Wales.
With such appalling statistics, it's logical to ask what help is available for people experiencing abuse - and sadly, despite over 60% rise in demand, the funding for life saving services has been reduced in half in the past few years! Solace is a specialised charity that works with women and children survivors of abuse and provides safe accommodation, legal, financial and psychological support, and other vital services to rebuild the lives of those affected. Their work is so inspirational, despite the financial challenges they've been facing, and the dedication of their staff is second to none. In their annual event "Together We Are Powerful" survivors shared their stories and a panel discussed what challenges there are and ways the government and society can address them. If I could make one appeal this Women's month, it is to support a charity of your choice, Solace or otherwise, and donate so those affected can escape and rebuild their lives.
As someone who's been assaulted previously, it's especially important for me to promote this cause and I've already donated to Solace. Check out their page here and help if you can. You can also sign up to volunteer or fundraise on their behalf.
Thanks all and talk soon!
March is dedicated to women globally, with Women's History Month in the US and UK taking place and also International Women's Day this past week on 8 March. With that, there are a lot of social events taking place themed around women, despite the growing fears of coronavirus these days.
I had the pleasure of attending Solace's Women's Aid annual charity event for IWD (International Women's Day) this past Monday 9th March. It's the third year I attend their fundraiser and social event celebrating women's resilience in the face of domestic violence in England.
Two women are murdered each week by their partner/ ex partner in England and Wales, and 1 in 4 women experiences domestic violence in her lifetime. This includes both physical and emotional abuse, and unfortunately leaves 1 in every 5 children in this country living in the homes of a domestic abuser. Not only is the situation shocking in our homes, but also on the streets - with research showing 82% of women aged 13-21 having faced sexual harassment in public, and 85,000 rapes happening every year in England and Wales.
With such appalling statistics, it's logical to ask what help is available for people experiencing abuse - and sadly, despite over 60% rise in demand, the funding for life saving services has been reduced in half in the past few years! Solace is a specialised charity that works with women and children survivors of abuse and provides safe accommodation, legal, financial and psychological support, and other vital services to rebuild the lives of those affected. Their work is so inspirational, despite the financial challenges they've been facing, and the dedication of their staff is second to none. In their annual event "Together We Are Powerful" survivors shared their stories and a panel discussed what challenges there are and ways the government and society can address them. If I could make one appeal this Women's month, it is to support a charity of your choice, Solace or otherwise, and donate so those affected can escape and rebuild their lives.
As someone who's been assaulted previously, it's especially important for me to promote this cause and I've already donated to Solace. Check out their page here and help if you can. You can also sign up to volunteer or fundraise on their behalf.
Thanks all and talk soon!
#EachForEqual
8 March 2020
Happy International Women's Day! I wish health, emotional strength and drive and motivation to never leave you - today, and in the next 365 days. Be bold and ambitious and open doors even when they're closed. Persevere, stay positive and demand what you deserve. Don't give up and remember we only live one life - let's make it better for ourselves and for our daughters!
This year's theme is Each for Equal and it centers around collective responsibility and individual action. It puts emphasis on the importance of everyday actions each and every one of us can and should take to make our societies more gender equal. Let's call our inappropriate jokes. Let's say No to catcalling on the street. Let's question stereotypical statements and expectations. Let's raise a glass for the women who make the impossible happen and celebrate their achievements!
As per tradition, I'd like to thank my mum and grandma for setting up an amazing example for me growing up, and for still supporting me today! The best and most amazing role models I could ever ask for - thank you Gali and Rachi!
In many respects I'm privileged to live in a safe and stable country, where I get access to resources to fulfill my needs, one where the standard of living is high and the opportunities I have far exceed those of many women south or east of me. That is why this Women's Day I'd like to direct you to a great resource which brings together research on women in the workplace, society and beyond. McKinsey's Gender Equality page is the one stop shop for all things gender equality, check it out here. Today I'd like to specifically call out their new piece on Women in the Middle East - read through their latest findings here. If you'd like to learn about other regions and their progress on gender equality too, check out this article on Girls' Globe on women in Latin America as well.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day of appreciation and internal reflection. Talk soon!
Happy International Women's Day! I wish health, emotional strength and drive and motivation to never leave you - today, and in the next 365 days. Be bold and ambitious and open doors even when they're closed. Persevere, stay positive and demand what you deserve. Don't give up and remember we only live one life - let's make it better for ourselves and for our daughters!
This year's theme is Each for Equal and it centers around collective responsibility and individual action. It puts emphasis on the importance of everyday actions each and every one of us can and should take to make our societies more gender equal. Let's call our inappropriate jokes. Let's say No to catcalling on the street. Let's question stereotypical statements and expectations. Let's raise a glass for the women who make the impossible happen and celebrate their achievements!
As per tradition, I'd like to thank my mum and grandma for setting up an amazing example for me growing up, and for still supporting me today! The best and most amazing role models I could ever ask for - thank you Gali and Rachi!
In many respects I'm privileged to live in a safe and stable country, where I get access to resources to fulfill my needs, one where the standard of living is high and the opportunities I have far exceed those of many women south or east of me. That is why this Women's Day I'd like to direct you to a great resource which brings together research on women in the workplace, society and beyond. McKinsey's Gender Equality page is the one stop shop for all things gender equality, check it out here. Today I'd like to specifically call out their new piece on Women in the Middle East - read through their latest findings here. If you'd like to learn about other regions and their progress on gender equality too, check out this article on Girls' Globe on women in Latin America as well.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day of appreciation and internal reflection. Talk soon!
January Highlights
13 February 2020
2020 has arrived and in January alone there were a number of big highlights:
With that, I'm going to leave you and continue with the planning of our Family Day in our London office next week. Exciting times and more and more Diversity and Inclusion work on the horizon! #Cantwait
2020 has arrived and in January alone there were a number of big highlights:
- I visited the HPE offices in Bristol for a confidence building workshop. Male and female staff in the firm attended my interactive session on the confidence gap and how to overcome it - namely, the different factors that impact our self confidence and how they differ between genders. We spoke about our brains and hormones, our upbringing, school experiences and early work days, pressures we all face at home and from society, as well as our self-imposed body image and confidence. All of these aspects of life impact us in the workplace too and here's a great TED talk to inspire you of small ways to support each other at work.
- In my work we hosted a healthy eating and post holiday recovery event - we spoke about healthy eating tips and tricks and common myths about foods. My favourite - add some apple cider vinegar (with the mother) to your first glass of water for the day; you'll feel energised and hydrated in no time!
- TEDxLondonWomen published all of the talks from the December TEDx event online. They're now available here.
- The Scottish government rejected a bill that would have guaranteed free period products - so disappointing! Scotland is indeed progressive in that it became the first country to invest in free products for all students in August 2018, but did not require this by law. Now the government was unable to gather enough support and the bill failed.
- China finally ended forced labour for sex workers - up until this year the country was allowing police to hold sex workers and their clients in custody for up to two years in "education centres". This punishment system was introduced more than 20 years ago to maintain social order, and while it's no longer to be applied, prostitution still remains illegal in China and is punishable by 15 days in prison and a fine of over 500 GBP.
- And finally, Jersey agreed at the end of Jan/ early Feb that married women should have the same income tax rights – and responsibilities – as their husbands. You may wonder, what on earth does that mean? Well, since 1928 an archaic law on the Island required wives to have their husband's permission to talk to the revenue agency, and if you were in a same sex couple, the younger partner was considered the Wife, while the older was enjoying more rights and deemed the Husband. If you're into tax matters, or simply interested how is it 2020 and we're still discussing such matters, read the news piece here.
With that, I'm going to leave you and continue with the planning of our Family Day in our London office next week. Exciting times and more and more Diversity and Inclusion work on the horizon! #Cantwait
#ShowingUp
30 December 2019
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. This year I’d also like to wish health, happiness and joy to one person in particular - Senior Nurse Monica from St Thomas’ Hospital in London who showed me kindness and compassion in a difficult moment. Some people have clearly followed their true calling and this woman showed me how big her heart is - not only because it’s her job to care for patients but because it is truly within her to care. Thank you Monica!
I’d like to close 2019 with a summary of TEDxLondonWomen – a conference I visited in London this month with my friend Emily. In line with the global TED and TEDWomen conferences, TEDxLondonWomen brought together 16 speakers and performers who showed up to tackle challenges and build a brighter future for all of us, men and women.
During the day there were 15 talks split into 3 sessions. Some of the topics included living as a woman with a disability (Stefanie Reid), working to preserve the environment (Angela Francis), developing reporting mechanisms for harassment in the workplace (Dr Julia Shaw) and what it’s like to be a young mother at 17 in the UK (Poppy Wells). The overall theme for the day was #ShowingUp – for those who push boundaries and make change happen.
While I was impressed by all talks, my favourite one was the deeply touching personal story of Payzee Mahmod, campaigner against child marriage. Her sister, Banaz, was killed in an honour killing by her own family in 2006, and both sisters were indeed married as children in London. Payzee’s story was so powerful that it was hard to hold one’s tears in the 15 min TED talk she was giving. I have previously written about her family on this blog (see the Archive tab) and researched in detail honour killings in the UK as part of my work at the Henry Jackson Society in 2014. While it’s a serious crime present in today’s Britain it is sadly not receiving the level of media and societal attention it probably should. To learn more about honour killings read my co-researched paper by the Henry Jackon’s Society here, and for more info on child marriage visit the Girls Not Brides website.
Once the TED talks are uploaded online I will share links and recommendations from the day. Until then, I wish you all a positive and fun celebration of the New Year – may it be peaceful and successful for all of us!
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. This year I’d also like to wish health, happiness and joy to one person in particular - Senior Nurse Monica from St Thomas’ Hospital in London who showed me kindness and compassion in a difficult moment. Some people have clearly followed their true calling and this woman showed me how big her heart is - not only because it’s her job to care for patients but because it is truly within her to care. Thank you Monica!
I’d like to close 2019 with a summary of TEDxLondonWomen – a conference I visited in London this month with my friend Emily. In line with the global TED and TEDWomen conferences, TEDxLondonWomen brought together 16 speakers and performers who showed up to tackle challenges and build a brighter future for all of us, men and women.
During the day there were 15 talks split into 3 sessions. Some of the topics included living as a woman with a disability (Stefanie Reid), working to preserve the environment (Angela Francis), developing reporting mechanisms for harassment in the workplace (Dr Julia Shaw) and what it’s like to be a young mother at 17 in the UK (Poppy Wells). The overall theme for the day was #ShowingUp – for those who push boundaries and make change happen.
While I was impressed by all talks, my favourite one was the deeply touching personal story of Payzee Mahmod, campaigner against child marriage. Her sister, Banaz, was killed in an honour killing by her own family in 2006, and both sisters were indeed married as children in London. Payzee’s story was so powerful that it was hard to hold one’s tears in the 15 min TED talk she was giving. I have previously written about her family on this blog (see the Archive tab) and researched in detail honour killings in the UK as part of my work at the Henry Jackson Society in 2014. While it’s a serious crime present in today’s Britain it is sadly not receiving the level of media and societal attention it probably should. To learn more about honour killings read my co-researched paper by the Henry Jackon’s Society here, and for more info on child marriage visit the Girls Not Brides website.
Once the TED talks are uploaded online I will share links and recommendations from the day. Until then, I wish you all a positive and fun celebration of the New Year – may it be peaceful and successful for all of us!
Kindness
15 December 2019
This Christmas I would like to make an appeal to you all.
Let's be inclusive this Christmas, us as people - let's be human and kind to one another, let's help each other out and especially those less fortunate than us. Please donate your time or funds if possible and help those in need. If you have followed my blog in previous years you'd know mental health is incredibly important to me and every year I donate to the Samaritans - and this year without exception I have already done my Christmas donation to them. Please help them save lives of those considering suicide - for as little as £5 a life can be saved!
Alternatively, my chosen women's charity this year is the British Pregnancy Advisory Service - please donate so they can continue to support women's reproductive choices, campaign for our rights, and provide safe and free abortions for women in the UK.
I wish you all a healthy and happy holiday season with your families and loved ones!
This Christmas I would like to make an appeal to you all.
Let's be inclusive this Christmas, us as people - let's be human and kind to one another, let's help each other out and especially those less fortunate than us. Please donate your time or funds if possible and help those in need. If you have followed my blog in previous years you'd know mental health is incredibly important to me and every year I donate to the Samaritans - and this year without exception I have already done my Christmas donation to them. Please help them save lives of those considering suicide - for as little as £5 a life can be saved!
Alternatively, my chosen women's charity this year is the British Pregnancy Advisory Service - please donate so they can continue to support women's reproductive choices, campaign for our rights, and provide safe and free abortions for women in the UK.
I wish you all a healthy and happy holiday season with your families and loved ones!
Inclusion
10 December 2019
I am so thrilled to conclude 2019 with yet another successful Diversity and Inclusion event in our office in London. Last week we had Sunny Dhadley visit us and talk to our employees about wellbeing in the holiday season. Sunny shared his deeply personal story of recovery after drug use for over a decade. Since his recovery, he has been working for a charity helping addicts and homeless people break the cycle and rebuild healthy and happy lives. He offered a different perspective on life and especially on the holiday season being a source of joy for many, but a really isolating and stressful event for others.
Wellbeing and mental health events have really proven to be a favourite in our office this year - so many of our employees tune in and actively participate in the conversations in the office and online. That is what inclusion is about, at the end of the day diversity matters but inclusiveness is even more important - making the workplace an open and accepting environment for everyone, event in times of personal struggles. In our concluding survey of 2019, 100% of the Europe team agreed that the company should continue to invest in and expand our diversity and inclusion initiatives. We received some excellent ideas and will continue to organise special events on a monthly basis. As the lead of this initiative in Europe, I am incredibly blessed to work for a company that values differences and embraces them. We are not just diverse, we are also incredibly inclusive - and events like the one last week just prove our open mindsets and the importance we place on perspective and world view beyond our own.
If you workplace does not have a D&I initiative in place already, please consider setting one up yourself. Every little action helps and builds a more inclusive environment for you and your colleagues. Let's all make 2020 more accepting and let's all be kind to each other!
I am so thrilled to conclude 2019 with yet another successful Diversity and Inclusion event in our office in London. Last week we had Sunny Dhadley visit us and talk to our employees about wellbeing in the holiday season. Sunny shared his deeply personal story of recovery after drug use for over a decade. Since his recovery, he has been working for a charity helping addicts and homeless people break the cycle and rebuild healthy and happy lives. He offered a different perspective on life and especially on the holiday season being a source of joy for many, but a really isolating and stressful event for others.
Wellbeing and mental health events have really proven to be a favourite in our office this year - so many of our employees tune in and actively participate in the conversations in the office and online. That is what inclusion is about, at the end of the day diversity matters but inclusiveness is even more important - making the workplace an open and accepting environment for everyone, event in times of personal struggles. In our concluding survey of 2019, 100% of the Europe team agreed that the company should continue to invest in and expand our diversity and inclusion initiatives. We received some excellent ideas and will continue to organise special events on a monthly basis. As the lead of this initiative in Europe, I am incredibly blessed to work for a company that values differences and embraces them. We are not just diverse, we are also incredibly inclusive - and events like the one last week just prove our open mindsets and the importance we place on perspective and world view beyond our own.
If you workplace does not have a D&I initiative in place already, please consider setting one up yourself. Every little action helps and builds a more inclusive environment for you and your colleagues. Let's all make 2020 more accepting and let's all be kind to each other!
Football Gals and Men of Quality
18 November 2019
Earlier this month we heard the breaking news that Australia's women's football team have agreed a historic deal which will see them earn equal pay to their male counterparts. The Matildas are currently ranked 8th in the world (while the Aussie men are 44th). Both sides will receive equal share of revenue relating to streams like advertising, and enjoy the same business benefits like flying first class. However despite players being valued equally, the men will continue to receive more overall simply because prize money for male tournaments is significantly higher than female's.
You may be wondering how many countries in the world actually treat male and female footballers equally? Well turns out it's only Norway, New Zealand and Australia. Earlier this year the Women's World Cup highlighted some significant gaps in both pay and other forms of compensation such as prep funds for world tournaments. It can't sit well with anyone that each women's team this year received $800,000 for preparation costs and club compensation while the same activities brought each men's team last year $1.5m! More on the overall gap in football can be found in this handy article.
The weather outside is becoming colder and colder and it's increasingly difficult for some of us to find joy in playing football or exercising outdoors - well at least for me it is. Down in warm Jordan though, one of my friends is out and about spending his weekend marching in support of women's rights! Shout out to Ray for going on the streets and showing men of quality support gender equality!
Earlier this month we heard the breaking news that Australia's women's football team have agreed a historic deal which will see them earn equal pay to their male counterparts. The Matildas are currently ranked 8th in the world (while the Aussie men are 44th). Both sides will receive equal share of revenue relating to streams like advertising, and enjoy the same business benefits like flying first class. However despite players being valued equally, the men will continue to receive more overall simply because prize money for male tournaments is significantly higher than female's.
You may be wondering how many countries in the world actually treat male and female footballers equally? Well turns out it's only Norway, New Zealand and Australia. Earlier this year the Women's World Cup highlighted some significant gaps in both pay and other forms of compensation such as prep funds for world tournaments. It can't sit well with anyone that each women's team this year received $800,000 for preparation costs and club compensation while the same activities brought each men's team last year $1.5m! More on the overall gap in football can be found in this handy article.
The weather outside is becoming colder and colder and it's increasingly difficult for some of us to find joy in playing football or exercising outdoors - well at least for me it is. Down in warm Jordan though, one of my friends is out and about spending his weekend marching in support of women's rights! Shout out to Ray for going on the streets and showing men of quality support gender equality!
Still Intact
10 November 2019
I've always liked TI as an artist so you can imagine my surprise when I came across this piece of news that he takes his daughter to the doctors every year to check her hymen and confirm she's still a virgin. He made the statement on a podcast where he was asked about sex education for his children and confirmed as of age 18 (his daughter's current age) her hymen is "still intact".
While it's common knowledge that a woman's hymen can be broken by other forms of physical activity and not solely by having a sexual intercourse, it appears this is lost on TI who openly claims his daughter is not athletically active and as such can't break the hymen that way. What's more concerning, that a young 18 year old girl is not physically active, or that he father is going to the doctors with her and evades her privacy - I find it hard to decide.
Virginity checks have been condemned by at least three United Nations agencies, including the World Health Organisation, which says: "this medically unnecessary, and often times painful, humiliating and traumatic practice must end … WHO states that there is no evidence that either method can prove whether a woman or girl has had vaginal intercourse or not."
This is not the only outrageous sexist statement TI has made in his days as a public figure. He also claimed back in 2015 that he wouldn't vote for a female presidential candidate, because "Every other position that exists, I think a woman could do well. But the president? It’s kinda like, I just know that women make rash decisions emotionally. They make very permanent, cemented decisions – and then later, it’s kind of like it didn’t happen, or they didn’t mean for it to happen. And I sure would hate to just set off a nuke. [Other world leaders won’t be able to negotiate] foreign policy; the world ain’t ready yet. I think you might be able to get the Lochness Monster elected before you could [get a woman elected].”
Research states that women leaders in fact consider a longer term view when deciding, unlike male leaders who may think of an isolated short-term situation as their primary decision making factor. This is also part of our genes where women are pre-disposed to deeper analysis of situations so the rash decision making that TI is talking about, now that's pure stereotyping not backed by biology or actual figures. Not only that but claiming the Lochness monster had higher chancees that Hillary Clinton (candidate in the US at the time) is quite literally tragic!
On that note, I'll leave you with no further comment about this rapper as his shocking comments deserve no further coverage.
Have a good eve, all, and talk soon!
I've always liked TI as an artist so you can imagine my surprise when I came across this piece of news that he takes his daughter to the doctors every year to check her hymen and confirm she's still a virgin. He made the statement on a podcast where he was asked about sex education for his children and confirmed as of age 18 (his daughter's current age) her hymen is "still intact".
While it's common knowledge that a woman's hymen can be broken by other forms of physical activity and not solely by having a sexual intercourse, it appears this is lost on TI who openly claims his daughter is not athletically active and as such can't break the hymen that way. What's more concerning, that a young 18 year old girl is not physically active, or that he father is going to the doctors with her and evades her privacy - I find it hard to decide.
Virginity checks have been condemned by at least three United Nations agencies, including the World Health Organisation, which says: "this medically unnecessary, and often times painful, humiliating and traumatic practice must end … WHO states that there is no evidence that either method can prove whether a woman or girl has had vaginal intercourse or not."
This is not the only outrageous sexist statement TI has made in his days as a public figure. He also claimed back in 2015 that he wouldn't vote for a female presidential candidate, because "Every other position that exists, I think a woman could do well. But the president? It’s kinda like, I just know that women make rash decisions emotionally. They make very permanent, cemented decisions – and then later, it’s kind of like it didn’t happen, or they didn’t mean for it to happen. And I sure would hate to just set off a nuke. [Other world leaders won’t be able to negotiate] foreign policy; the world ain’t ready yet. I think you might be able to get the Lochness Monster elected before you could [get a woman elected].”
Research states that women leaders in fact consider a longer term view when deciding, unlike male leaders who may think of an isolated short-term situation as their primary decision making factor. This is also part of our genes where women are pre-disposed to deeper analysis of situations so the rash decision making that TI is talking about, now that's pure stereotyping not backed by biology or actual figures. Not only that but claiming the Lochness monster had higher chancees that Hillary Clinton (candidate in the US at the time) is quite literally tragic!
On that note, I'll leave you with no further comment about this rapper as his shocking comments deserve no further coverage.
Have a good eve, all, and talk soon!
Dear Prime Minister
27 October 2019
In this new page I'll be posting my latest blog entries on current affairs and everything and anything gender-related. I've archived my previous News and Updates page now into an Archive in order to optimise the speed of the site. So here we go, fresh new start :)
This past month has been incredibly busy on the political scene in the UK with Brexit taking center stage. Prime Minister Johnson has been very much preoccupied with ensuring the UK leaves the European Union on the 31st October, or else - as he said - he'd die in a ditch. So, with him being at the centre of attention, I thought I'd dedicate a piece to him.
A year ago, Boris Johnson was reported to the Equality and Human Rights Commission for comparing Muslim women wearing burkas to "letter boxes" and "bank robbers". Back then he said it was "ridiculous" that people would choose to go around looking like letter boxes and that he was "fully entitled" to expect women to remove their face coverings when talking to him at his MP surgery and also that schools and universities should expect the same. Back in August 2018 I was surprised to hear a popular political figure like him make such Islamophobic comments publicly, in his very own column in The Telegraph. Unfortunately, he'd already been doing this for over two decades.
This article compiles a number of stories and comments made by Boris Johnson in the past 20 years which refer to women, Muslims and gay people in demeaning ways. I was disappointed to read up that he used to hang nude calendars on his desk despite complaints from female colleagues, that according to him "voting Tory will cause your wife to have bigger breasts", and that Female Malaysian students only want 'men to marry' (amongst many other gaffes).
While I may not sympathise with Boris Johnson's policies and political stance on every issue, it is nevertheless disappointing to hear the leader of our government dismissing and disrespecting more than half of the population of the country. He's still the leader of the largest party in Parliament and is the one person who may determine Britain's faith beyond Brexit. I can only hope that the pressures of this high-profile job, as well as the good advisers he may have on his team, would influence his future behaviour and remarks and make him reconsider how that is coming across to his very own female supporters, as well the broader UK population. In today's age it's almost expected to be controversial and unconventional, but with sexism and racism and islamophobia this should never be accepted at any level of government or outside.
Hope you all have a good eve and talk soon!
In this new page I'll be posting my latest blog entries on current affairs and everything and anything gender-related. I've archived my previous News and Updates page now into an Archive in order to optimise the speed of the site. So here we go, fresh new start :)
This past month has been incredibly busy on the political scene in the UK with Brexit taking center stage. Prime Minister Johnson has been very much preoccupied with ensuring the UK leaves the European Union on the 31st October, or else - as he said - he'd die in a ditch. So, with him being at the centre of attention, I thought I'd dedicate a piece to him.
A year ago, Boris Johnson was reported to the Equality and Human Rights Commission for comparing Muslim women wearing burkas to "letter boxes" and "bank robbers". Back then he said it was "ridiculous" that people would choose to go around looking like letter boxes and that he was "fully entitled" to expect women to remove their face coverings when talking to him at his MP surgery and also that schools and universities should expect the same. Back in August 2018 I was surprised to hear a popular political figure like him make such Islamophobic comments publicly, in his very own column in The Telegraph. Unfortunately, he'd already been doing this for over two decades.
This article compiles a number of stories and comments made by Boris Johnson in the past 20 years which refer to women, Muslims and gay people in demeaning ways. I was disappointed to read up that he used to hang nude calendars on his desk despite complaints from female colleagues, that according to him "voting Tory will cause your wife to have bigger breasts", and that Female Malaysian students only want 'men to marry' (amongst many other gaffes).
While I may not sympathise with Boris Johnson's policies and political stance on every issue, it is nevertheless disappointing to hear the leader of our government dismissing and disrespecting more than half of the population of the country. He's still the leader of the largest party in Parliament and is the one person who may determine Britain's faith beyond Brexit. I can only hope that the pressures of this high-profile job, as well as the good advisers he may have on his team, would influence his future behaviour and remarks and make him reconsider how that is coming across to his very own female supporters, as well the broader UK population. In today's age it's almost expected to be controversial and unconventional, but with sexism and racism and islamophobia this should never be accepted at any level of government or outside.
Hope you all have a good eve and talk soon!