Male (Maldives): As a journalist, the most disconcerting aspect of this sort of endeavour to seek justice is having to see ones own face on the news, day after day. We reporters are most comfortable behind the scene, secure in our mobility across the keyboard, shielded by our cameras, armed with the might of ink and microphones.

Nevertheless, when the highest office in the Maldives shirks its duty to protect the rights of citizens, it then becomes the duty of a journalist to call attention to the infraction, even if that means stepping into the forefront themselves or at least, thats how Ive chosen to view matters.

Unwelcome, uninvited and unreciprocated advances

In February 2019, I attended a meeting with the incumbent secretary of communications at the presidents office, Hassan Ismail, during which he propositioned me, offering special treatment for myself and the newsroom at which I serve as the editor, in exchange for time spent with him at either a resort or an apartment in Sri Lanka.

[The Wire reached out to Hassan Ismail for his response to these allegations. His denial is carried in full at the end of this article.]

Hassan Ismail. Photo: presidency.gov.mv

A sickly attempt to sweeten the deal, he suggested that he would also be able to alleviate the political standing of my now-retired father, former attorney general and founding member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), by extending an ambassadorship. Given my fathers fluency in Russian, a well-known fact, he went as far as to suggest an appointment in Moscow.

Having worked with Ismail before, at his family-owned Business Image Group (BIG), I had heard of uncouth behaviour and some lewd remarks directed at other women. The women I worked with always made a point of not working alone with him, myself included, though at the time I had not experienced more than an inappropriate comment.

Today, I do regret not pursuing the issue back then, more than I can say. However, that all took place in 2012 and though it doesnt seem like too long ago, things were different then. One had to wait a very long time and endure much hardship before being heard, let alone believed. It also took place in a private company, and while that does not make the situation any less wrong, earning off the taxpayers coin while serving in the position of a state minister, certainly paints a different context.

During this recent meeting, he himself acknowledged to an external party that this was in fact a formal sit-down between the secretary of communications and a managing editor, to discuss, in his words, matters related to media, collaboration and state action.

Lets stop discussing politics for a minute. Can I trust you? I am trying to organise a bit of a party crew, to enjoy myself. I think youd be perfect for this

It is difficult to put into words the thoughts that were running through my head at this time, though the memory remains raw. I have worked very hard, in an often dangerous field governed in the Maldives by all manner of machismo, to launch and propel a news product, develop a young, dynamic team and deliver unbiased, original news. The idea that all of those achievements could be condensed into an unflattering stereotype, by this crude older man, was and is, impossible to process.

Feeling dehumanised and distraught, I tried to swerve the conversation away from his torrent of innuendos, drawing his family into the conversation and inquiring about their wellbeing. However, he repeatedly resumed the topic, saying his children were grown up and he was being cool.

Returning to the unappealing invitation, he stressed that I came alone and that he just had a feeling Id be a lot of fun. Having already said I was busy for the following six months, I even pointed out that I was now 30 years old, to which he leered at me, I bet youre still the same young, wild thing, on the inside.

At that truly disturbing point, I excused myself and left the meeting.

Perks of the presidents office

Not only did I immediately report the experience to my present employer, I told my father the very next day. Both retellings were traumatising in themselves, particularly because my very traditional father and I dont usually converse about such matters, and appearing vulnerable in front of our senior editorial team does feel akin to weakening my authority.

My father, Dr Mohamed Munavvar, reacted like any parent he called every figure of authority he possibly could. Only in this case, that meant the president, the speaker and various cabinet members. Within 48 hours, I received certain confirmation that President Ibrahim Solih had indeed caught wind of this incident; he verified and inquired into the details, offering assurances that the matter was being looked into.

Mohamed Nasheed, former president and current speaker of parliament as well as ruling party leader, twice made personal calls to me, checking on my wellbeing and consoling me by saying that the MDP would see to it that justice was served.

While I appreciated his kindness, that the final decision rests solely in the hands of the incumbent, who had personally appointed Ismail to his post, was abundantly clear.

But briefly, I felt comforted. Justice would be served, my career intact and the likes of this man would no longer be in power.

Then a day passed. A month. And then, eleven.

During this time, I received a call from a female state minister at the presidents office. I had great faith in this woman, and when she asked me what I wanted and what had happened, I divulged all relevant details gladly, reiterating that in my opinion, a man such as Ismail should not be allowed to continue in a position of influence, nor allowed to discriminate against or attempt to bribe journalists.

Disappointingly, I did not hear back from her or anyone else in the presidents office.

Protestors march during the JaagaEhNeih demonstration held on July 12, 2020. Photo: Refty

Then in January of this year, out of the blue, the presidents chief of staff, Ali Zahir, summoned me to the presidents office. I was ushered into a dark room alone with him, the legally mandated independent committee for oversight of harassment cases nowhere to be seen. What followed was an awkward, undignified prodding-cum-justification for what had transpired.

Ali Zahir: He admitted he said some things. But he guarantees they werent sexual in nature.

Myself: Is that what you brought me all this way to say? I have not heard of and being a journalist I consume a lot of information any man across history, from any part of the world, that willingly and wilfully confessed to having harassed a woman.

If he meant to take me for an executive lunch to a resort, why in the world would he offer to instead take me to an apartment in Sri Lanka? What could possibly justify that being a professional request?

Ali Zahir: You have a point. What do you want?

Myself: At the very least, an apology. From the state, less from him. A guarantee that this will never happen again, to me or any other woman. A way to keep working with the PO (presidents office), without discrimination or difficulty.

Naively, at this point I thought the worst was over. A resolution, whether I was happy with it or otherwise, would surely be reached. But that was not to be. This barely constituted a beginning to my nightmare, for three hours later, the news would make front page on a small news website, one that I had no previous knowledge of and bears no affiliation to myself.

No matter, I now had a choice to make would I formally pursue this case, knowing the publicity that would gather? Or would I allow for the issue to die down, exercising my right to silence, allowing for the indiscretion to be swept under the rug, as similar events had been done so many times before?

The truth is, there was no real choice. Growing up in a political household and understanding the pain it can bring to a family meant that publicising such an issue was not a matter I took lightly but I had to do what I felt in my bones was right. Having lectured long and hard about safeguarding the truth and holding perpetrators accountable, I needed to make a decision that would allow me to sleep at night.

Of deliberate inaction and selective justice

On January 26, I filed an official letter of complaint to the presidents office. Three days later, I received a letter response that roughly translates to:

The aforementioned issue has been investigated and actions have been taken. We have identified that no information was disclosed from this office. The president has taken note of the matter.

The letter, which barely qualifies as such, was signed by an unnamed, as-yet-unidentified person, though it bears the official government stamp. A stamp that, it seemed, punctuated the indignity I felt as I read the letter. My disappointment in this system had reached its peak. It is the right of all victims to be notified of actions taken against the accused, and it is the responsibility of the state to have informed the accuser.

Was there a point, in reminding the president himself, of his constitutional duties and a citizens constitutional rights? Of this, I am not certain. I did, however, respond by pleading for him to reveal the above, to reconsider the decision, typing in tears over the lack of mere compassion the response held. The same day, a fire I never intended to stoke began running through my veins. Highlighting the attempted bribery of a journalist by a government official, I submitted another letter to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Then, having not heard from either entity, on February 4, I wrote to the Maldives Police Service. I was then summoned for questioning, and delivered my account of what happened. To my knowledge, they also interviewed one other former employee, whose information would likely begin to establish a pattern of behaviour.

Presidents Office, Maldives. Photo: Facebook page of the President of Republic of Maldives

Though it seemed time my tears ran dry, as I told the story to my parliament representative, MP for Galolhu South constituency Mickail Naseem, asking him to do all he can to ensure the president is informed, I embarrassingly broke down once more. I was tired, drained and hopeless. In solidarity, my mother did the same via her MP, Hassan Latheef, MDP chairperson and lawmaker for Henveiru-North, and received confirmation that he spoke with President Solih.

However, up till July this year, no word came from either the ACC or police. That is, until, fuelled by the selective justice indicated by the presidents abrupt dismissal of his tourism minister Ali Waheed, I finally came forward and tweeted that I had formally lodged a complaint that President Solih had not seen fit to attend to.

The commissioner of police, Mohamed Hameed, replied with the following, Hello. I have talked to my team and have been told that the case is being investigated. Have instructed to expedite the investigation.

I responded, Ive been waiting a long time, preCOVID, more than the allotted period. While Im glad this case is moving forward, the same access to justice must be given to all victims

Indeed, as these men bided their time, in consideration of the optics, the politics and the administrative repercussions, thus delaying and preventing any semblance of legal procedure or fair justice, a rage had begun running through the veins of this journalist.

A culture of mistreating and abusing women

Readers, Ive blindsided you a little bit. By now, you must be wondering what may have possessed this administration, elected on pledges of transparency, gender equity, zero tolerance for corruption, judicial and police reform to behave in this fashion.

While I cannot pretend to understand the inner workings of the leading administration, I can present you with the following facts:

This disappointing timeline indicates the success with which the Solih administration addressed its pledges to eradicate difficulties faced by women in social and economic participation, financial empowerment and just treatment in the face of the law.

Maldivian president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Photo: Reuters/Ashwa Faheem/File

And the letter of the law is clear.

Landmark laws, the Bill on Sexual Abuse and Harassment and the Bill on Sexual Offences, were ratified by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, on May 13, 2014.

Per the Sexual Abuse and Harassment Act (No. 16/2016), every office must establish an independent committee tasked with receiving, investigating and handling all complaints relating to sexual abuse and harassment in the workplace. However, the act does not extend to street harassment and is vague in the consideration of external official interactions.

At the time, gender advocates believed that the main issue keeping women silent was a failure to craft and enact relevant laws.

Six years later, evidenced by the actions of the highest office, the existing legislation continues to be treated as mere suggestion, and has failed to usher in the positive change for which it was drafted.

Systemised abuse and revictimisation

Having faced this injustice first hand, experiencing a system that is designed to victimise survivors a dozen times over, I can confidently say, if I had been assaulted or raped perhaps I would not have had the strength to fight this hard and this long.

Even once I had the letters and legal counsel, having to put on a brave face and reiterate my experience at institution after institution took a toll. After my claim was publicised, media outlets initial hesitation to report the story, out of fear of losing state sponsorship or blocks from the presidents office, felt like a betrayal.

So, you can see, without the access I have to multiple legal minds both from family and within my close circle of friends, devoid of contacts with multiple journalists in the country and around the globe, not having job security or savings, I certainly wouldnt have come this far.

I am, without a doubt, one of the 10% in the Maldives. If I cannot use my voice to give strength, credibility and validation to the thousands of women, children and men that have survived harassment, abuse, assault or rape, then there is very little hope for any of us.

This is by no means an easy battle. According to the study on womens health and life experiences conducted by the Maldives ministry of gender and family in 2007, one in every three women aged between 15-49 years have experienced physical or sexual violence or both at some stage of their life.

Unfortunately, it is thus apparent that there is an entire culture of sexual misconduct that prevails in our homes, our streets and our working environments. It did not appear with one party or president, it has snuck up and embedded itself into our society for decades, writhing and seeping into policy, profit and propinquity. Ancient island communities that worked in unity and cohesion, valued irrespective of gender, have become what it is forgotten history.

With regards to workplace harassment, with the civil service, such stories are worryingly common and date back many, many years the responsibility of not having eradicated this misconduct thus falling on the shoulders of several regimes.

In November 2018, the minister of foreign affairs, Mohamed Asim, was accused of sexual harassment by at least four female junior staff. Mohamed Fahmy Hassan served as chairman of the Maldives Civil Service Commission till he was dismissed in 2012 by parliament for sexually harassing his staff, but this incident did not affect his later appointment in 2015 as the Maldives high commissioner/ambassador to Malaysia, a position he enjoyed till 2019. A string of such complaints trail behind Fahmy, from as far back in his work life as when he was principal of Iskandhar School.

Similarly, the present director general of the Local Governance Authority, Adam Shareef, unpopularly known as woody, was previously reprimanded for making inappropriate advances to underage students in the all-girls Aminiya School during his designation as discipline supervisor. From an observational standpoint, this has not affected the trajectory of his career.

In 2012, global rights watchdog Amnesty International released a statement urging the Maldives to investigate sexual harassment of detained women protesters, arrested during the February 7 rallies over the alleged coup dtat that ousted former president Mohamed Nasheed.

Women journalists have also highlighted harassment to varying degrees, both outside and within their news organisations. Notably, a CEO of a large media group was accused of exchanging sexual favours for jobs and a male editor of another large news outlet was arrested for assaulting a female journalist. The aforementioned CEO has furthered his career uninterrupted, and in 2019, received the most prestigious national award in journalism.

Turning our glance toward the police, a quarter of female officers interviewed for the study Rough Roads To Equality: Women Police in South Asia conducted by the Delhi-based Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, said they faced recurrent harassment but did not report it to a higher authority. In one case, an officer was suspended after 11 girls complained of harassment, only to be later acquitted and reinstated. Lawyers that have worked with police, have also reported instances of crude misconduct, such as accused officers being assigned to oversee the cases.

Then-opposition, now ruling coalitions main party MDP was, predictably, at the time very vocal against the foul legacy of sexual offences that were both tolerated and ignored, within the public sector, as well as private.

A pity the same principles do not carry the same weight in the present day, especially as the courts too are blemished by the same terrible visage.

While sexual harassment allegations were raised against the chief magistrate of Maakuraathu court in 2015, this year an investigation was launched into chief magistrate of Kanduhulhudhoo Cout Hassan Didi for seven different allegations. In June, Judicial Service Commission moved to dismiss Thinadhoo courts magistrate, Ibrahim Rasheed, over a sexual harassment issue.

Small victories, but more telling of the depth to which these crimes are rooted. The examples above are only the tip of the iceberg, illustrating the unlikeliness of justice, even on the off chance that ones case makes it to court.

Revulsion fuels this revolution

Over the last month, it has been heartening to see a number of women rise up in solidarity, and come forward with their own horrific tales of harassment, assault, abuse and rape. As my story gives them power, so their words spur my strength to face these obstacles head on.

But the fight is far from over, this much is abundantly clear.

At the time of publishing, I have not yet heard from either the police, the ACC or the presidents office. On July 13, my all-female team of lawyers wrote once more to President Solih, demanding on my behalf that action taken be revealed in 10 days. Thus, we have another nerve-wracking week ahead.

In the space between when I first publicly revealed this issue on my personal Twitter handle, harassment-sympathisers have emerged from the cracks, subjecting me to a severe amount of scrutiny.

Religious leaders have, in response, stated that for safety, women should always be accompanied by a guardian, they have compared hijab-less women to candies without wrappers, iPads without covers and so on.

Some have questioned the legitimacy of my claim, assumed lack of evidence, stated this is all a ploy to further my familys political agenda and of course, have dragged my lifes journey into the conversation.

This battle is not politically motivated. To say so is to undermine the greater cause at stake. Doubtless though, this is an opportunity, and not just for me. It is a time when women have become emancipated to a degree where the volume of our concerns is more difficult to ignore, than ever before.

#JaagaEhNei No Room [For Us]

This marks the beginning of the #MeToo movement in Maldives, says Shafeea Riza, lawyer and founder of Family Legal Clinic, a nonprofit that provides free legal services to women, children and men in Maldives.

And she is not wrong.

Harassment victim Rae Munavvar (left) with organiser Shafeea Riza (right) address the JaagaEhNei protest held on July 12, 2020. Photo: Ahmed Awshwan Ilyas from Mihaaru News

Together with Shafeea rose a number of women, creating the #FundOurSafety program.

Soon after, another three attorneys; chief operating officer at the Maldives Stock Exchange and Bar Council member Noorban Fahmy, Public Interest Law Centre founder and partner at Shunana & Co LLP Mariyam Shunana, vice president of Women and Democracy NGO Aminath Aryj Hussain, along with well known advocate from the #Nufoshey (Do not harass) movement and research and communications officer at Transparency Maldives Sara Naseem and my humble self, banded together with Shafeea to form the #JaageEhNei collective, holding a protest against impunity for sexual predators on July 12, where the demands raised by #FundOurSafety was also represented.

Demands made by #fundoursafety.

The gathering was joined by Maldives newly formed Voice of Children movement, which has also held three protests in 2020, calling for the protection of young ones, to implement swift action on child-related issues and the injustices faced by them.

However, two days later, in a controversial move that has drawn much ire and scrutiny, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared that protests and all forms of public gatherings cannot be held without prior written approval by Maldives Police Service.

Since then, rights groups, activists, parliamentarians and other local entities have slammed the governments decision as a clear violation of fundamental rights particularly at a time when travel and other restrictions have been lifted by the Health Protection Agency.

The same Tuesday, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment expressed concern that the narratives and initiatives of certain non-profit organisations were encouraging the violation of the law, claiming they posed a threat to national security. Though it was widely believed to have been issued over a series of migrant-worker demonstrations, the ambiguity with which civil society is chastised is deeply concerning.

Despite the governments current stance, as the main opposition during Yameens administration, MDP had lambasted the invocation of amended Section 24 (f) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2013, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of rights.

Strangely, post-election, Solihs government did not move to repeal the prickly law, even with MDPs super-majority in the parliament, but it was seldom enforced until this June-July.

At the same time, support from the international community has been helpful. On July 15, Reporters Without Borders issued a strong statement of support, which reads The shocking inaction in response to Rae Munavvars complaints is indicative of serious problems with the Maldivian administration and police.

We call on President Ibu Solih to intervene at once by firing his communications director and launching an internal investigation into this unacceptable case of sexual harassment combined with an attempt to bribe a journalist.

The Maldives Media Council then issued its own statement, calling on state institutions to conduct a transparent investigation into the case and highlighting the often discouraging challenges faced by the countrys female journalists and media personnel.

And so, it is with mounting optimism that I observe how the ripple cast by the series of avoidable horrific events that began in 2019, which eventually led to my own coming out, followed by the #JaagaEhNei movement and at least a dozen more voices filling the air, have themselves begun emitting waves of their own.

Today I stand one part incensed, two parts inspired and firmly determined powered by the knowledge that although this system is broken, change is crucial and better days seem far, there are thousands of women and men standing with me, declaring that Times Up.

Rae Munavvar is, at present, the Editor at The Edition in the Maldives. Having worked in different capacities across the media spectrum for a decade, Rae has reported extensively on current affairs, environment and gender issues. She can be contacted atrae@edition.mv.

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'I Was Sexually Harassed By a Senior Advisor to the Maldives President. This is My Story.' - The Wire

Photo Courtesy of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil

NEW YORK (PRWEB) July 22, 2020

Episcopal Relief & Development and Trinity Church Wall Street are partnering on a response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The partnership, supported by a $1,021,683 grant from Trinity Church Wall Street, will reach an estimated two million individuals with expanded relief efforts and strengthened resilience activities.

COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the communities where we work, both as an immediate health threat as well as a longer-term threat to the livelihoods and health of the vulnerable populations we serve, said Rob Radtke, President & CEO, Episcopal Relief & Development. We are deeply grateful for Trinity Church Wall Streets generous support which will catalyze our efforts to respond to an increased number of vulnerable people around the world.

The partnership is addressing the effects of COVID-19 in 43 countries, with a priority focus on Bangladesh, Brazil, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Madagascar, Pakistan, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, South Sudan and Sri Lanka. The specific priority countries were chosen in order to best leverage both organizations existing partnerships for the greatest long-term, sustainable results.

Trinity believes it is our responsibility to help our brothers and sisters not just here in New York City, but those around the world who are harmed by the pandemic, especially those in the most vulnerable regions, said the Rev. Phillip A. Jackson, Priest-in-Charge and Vicar of Trinity Church Wall Street. We are proud to partner with Episcopal Relief & Development and know that through their network, millions of people in need will be helped.

Episcopal Relief & Development, with Trinity Church Wall Streets support, is working with local Anglican and Episcopal dioceses and other partners, to create specific emergency programs tailored to the most urgent needs and the existing assets and networks in each community. Relief activities will include direct cash transfers to ensure vulnerable households can meet basic needs, the distribution of food, personal protective equipment and basic sanitation supplies such as soap, and/or educational campaigns to spread critical information related to COVID-19 prevention and control.

Additionally, the partnership is also supporting local communities in resilience-focused interventions to help them prepare for and manage the potential long-term economic and health effects of the pandemic. The organizations are working together to identify ways to increase income, while still maintaining physical distancing, and to contribute to immediate health and safety needs. These programs are focused on womens empowerment and ensuring that children, particularly those under age three, continue to be safeguarded and supported.

Episcopal Relief & Development and our network of faith-based partners have the experience and established relationships, structures and expertise to bring humanitarian support to communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Abagail Nelson, Executive Vice President, Episcopal Relief & Development. Our partners are already adapting and mobilizing to respond in ways to bring immediate relief while also creating long-term resilience.

To learn more about Episcopal Relief & Developments response to the novel coronavirus, visit episcopalrelief.org/covid-19-response. Donations to the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Fund will enable the organization to continue to provide emergency aid to vulnerable communities impacted by the pandemic, both in the United States and around the world.

About Episcopal Relief & Development:For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.

About Trinity Church Wall Street:Now in its fourth century, Trinity Church Wall Street is a growing and inclusive Episcopal parish of more than 1,200 members that seeks to serve and heal the world by building neighborhoods that live Gospel truths, generations of faithful leaders, and sustainable communities. The parish is guided by its core values: faith, integrity, inclusiveness, compassion, social justice, and stewardship. Members come from the five boroughs of New York City and surrounding areas to form a racially, ethnically, and economically diverse congregation. More than 20 worship services are offered every week at its historic sanctuaries, Trinity Church and St. Pauls Chapel, the cornerstones of the parishs community life, worship, and mission, and online at trinitywallstreet.org. The parish welcomes approximately 2 million visitors per year.

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Episcopal Relief & Development and Trinity Church Wall Street Announce Partnership in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic - PR Web

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The weeks of lockdown highlighted the massive importance that technology now has in our lives, personal and professional. But, as Laura Willis explains, our increasing reliance on technology has to come with an awareness of, and support for, its potential impact on our health and wellbeing too.

When lockdown was first rumoured back in March this year one thing became obvious our technology was going to play an invaluable role in helping us to get through the pandemic. As we were asked to stay indoors and minimise all contact people turned to their smartphones, laptops and tablets to find the connection, support and peace of mind they would need to survive the crisis. Thank goodness for digital technology.

But as people started to experience the changes to their digital behaviour one thing was at the forefront of the Shine Offline teams minds: the need to encourage and support positive digital habits.

If we allow habit, anxiety and reflex to drive our tech use we can easily overload and overwhelm with negative consequences for our wellbeing, work life balance, focus and relationships.

As someone who has numerous strategies to manage my potential for digital overload, I started to feel the pull to my smartphone in a way I hadnt since before we launched Shine Offline. I was suddenly checking news feeds, Whatsapp for updates from family and friends.

I brought my work devices home planning to base myself there to keep the business going. With these changes in my behaviour panic set in and the migraines started a clear sign that I needed to adjust my behaviour and get myself back on track. If I was struggling to use my devices in a healthy and sustainable way in this constantly changing situation how would other people cope?

In the work we do at Shine Offline we have found that although the vast majority of people really value the benefits their technology brings to their working and personal lives, many struggle with feeling they are in control of their technology. After experiencing our learning 95% of participants say they feel empowered to make positive changes to their relationship devices which tells me that most people feel the need for improvement.

Our vision is for a world where people feel truly in control of their own attention and turn towards their digital technology to use it with consciousness, purpose and intent. This ethos hasnt changed with Covid-19 but rather the urgency and need has been magnified with our increased screen time. Our digital technology has allowed us to stay connected and keep going throughout this unprecedented situation. But if we allow habit, anxiety and reflex to drive our tech use we can easily overload and overwhelm with negative consequences for our wellbeing, work life balance, focus and relationships.

The biggest change that has happened for businesses is a move to homeworking which many organisations are now considering maintaining to keep business overheads to a minimum and give people back their commuting time. This is great in a flexible world where people have the digital technology to allow them to do their jobs anywhere but it comes with challenges.

We ran a digital wellbeing and management programme for one of the big four in 2019. As a business that truly embraces flexibility most of the participants had some degree of autonomy within their work with a number being predominantly home-based. Many were finding it difficult to switch off and put boundaries in place around their digital technology usage. Guilt was one of the biggest issues as those who werent physically present in the office felt they needed to be digitally present and responsive at all times. Through the programme they were encouraged to create their own rules around their digital behaviour and communicate these to colleagues and other stakeholders.

As more businesses encourage their staff to work from home the lines of communication around digital availability need to be open. A more decentralised team will mean leaders will face challenges of adjusting their management style from command and control to one with trust and empowerment at its core. And employees must own the change and make the appropriate adjustments to their digital behaviour to make sure it is working for them, they arent available all of the time, they respect their own rest periods and create appropriate rituals to ensure their personal time is protected.

Shine Offline research has found that 93% of people say distractions from their digital technology impairs their ability to do their jobs. Now that more people are working remotely without their colleagues beside them it could be argued that attention management should be easier, managing your to do list and getting the job done when you have only yourself in your direct environment. However digital presenteeism where people feel the need to be digitally seen all day and respond immediately to digital communications is being experienced by many.

Employees need to be encouraged to take control of their own attention and know when it is appropriate to go offline to focus their minds. Also, personal notifications have historically been distracting for many and creating rules around when you are going to allow yourself to access news, social media and other personal comms will help people to work at their best and focus their minds.

Reliance on conference calls to stay in touch with colleagues and clients has become essential since March Zoom has reported 200 million daily users up from 10 million in December. This has been a saving grace but again comes with downsides. We need to embrace this technology whilst understanding the most effective way to use it to get the most out of exchanges and ensure we have time to get on with our work.

Video calls are found to be a more draining way to meet with colleagues as our brains need to work harder to process information and work out visual cues that we rely on in analogue exchanges. Seeing our own image can be distracting and there can be promises of intimacy that we often feel we dont experience.

Appreciating that conference calling can be difficult for those who are the less forthright in a team will help managers to facilitate online meetings, capping the number of attendees when appropriate and chairing calls. Employees who feel they are spending an excessive amount of time in virtual meetings need to be encouraged to voice concerns and have the confidence to ask to step out when required. And all virtual meeting attendees should habitually turn off all other digital distractions such as phone and inbox to help them be truly present and get the most out of the time on the call.

Many people we have been working with since lockdown started have reported a stronger pull to their devices, an increased desire to look at the news and social media for reassurance and answers.

Covid-19 forced us to increase our screen time to get through the pandemic. Data from productivity app RescueTime reported users in the US spending an average of 56 minutes extra every day on their devices whilst Italian desktop device use had increased by 21%. The abundant, ever-presence of our digital technology, especially when there is a sudden increase in reliance on it, needs to be managed.

Our research has shown that, pre-Coronavirus, 84% of people claimed that their digital technology caused them stress and overwhelm. Many people we have been working with since lockdown started have reported a stronger pull to their devices, an increased desire to look at the news and social media for reassurance and answers. Being mindful of the potential to feed bad habits of constant checking, the impact of too much news, and the panic and misinformation that social media can provide is more important than ever.

The pandemic has magnified many aspects of life and it could be argued that those of us who had good digital awareness and strategies to manage our digital habits pre-Covid-19 were able to put these to the test in a situation where we needed our devices more than ever. Our relationships with our inboxes, social media feeds, Whatsapp groups and Slack channels are complicated ones though and so constant evaluation and asking is my digital helping me at the moment or hindering me is vital.

As someone who lives and breathes digital wellbeing and management, I struggled back in late March as my anxiety around the uncertainty of lockdown situation increased and I was forced to start working from home something that triggered a period of severely poor mental health in 2013. By bringing some self-awareness and kindness to my situation and how I was feeling around my technology I have managed stay on course.

Every day is different though and I know I am not alone in needing to constantly adjust and adapt how I am existing. If businesses, managers and their employees bring the same attitudes to their digital behaviour at this time and moving forward we can ensure our devices play an enhancing role and help us to continue to do our best and thrive in what is likely to be an ever-changing future for many.

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Maintaining digital wellbeing in the time of coronavirus - Personnel Today

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2020 / Its well known that branding is a major component of business success. The branding industry is full of talent and creatives, however, there are some coaches whose skill sets are a cut above the rest. With world class talent everywhere, it can be overwhelming to know which coach is best aligned to you and your brand. Each with their own unique approach to their craft, here were present the 10 branding coaches leading the way in their industry:

1. Jacob Cass

@justcreative

Jacob Cass is a brand designer, strategist, educator and business coach for creatives. Jacob is the founder of JUST Creative, an award-winning branding and design firm, that is dedicated to helping brands grow.

Jacob coaches creatives in both a 1:1 and/or group setting, is his Inner Triangle Group Coaching Mastermind, where he has been able to help scores of clients achieve branding & business success.

Having recently been involved with the rebranding of San Francisco, Puerto Rico and also New Yorks Digital District, his other clients have included the likes of Disney, Nintendo, and Jerry Seinfeld, to name a few.

As one of the leading professionals in the design industry, Jacobs also had speaking engagements at TEDx, features in Forbes and Entrepreneur, and even awarded LinkedIns Best of for the Branding category.

Design is a lifelong journey for Jacob which has empowered him to continuously hone his craft and is part of what has helped him to attract and educate countless fellow designers.

Jacob consistently delivers high quality content and value to his audience through his Instagram, Web site and Podcast, The JUST Branding Podcast. Jacob has an astonishing reputation in the industry, where he has built his large and loyal following even amassing an enormous 60 million views on his website.

If youre wanting to build a thriving creative business, Jacob Cass, has the breadth of experience to get you there.

2. Suzanne Chadwick

@suzchadwick

Suzanne Suz Chadwick is a bold business, branding, and speaker coach based in Melbourne, Australia. With over 9 years in the branding industry and another 10 years in sales and leadership, Suz has worked with large multi-national businesses across the United Kingdom, the United States, and Asia Pacific to support them to create stand out brands in their market. Now working with female entrepreneurs globally, her mission is to support them to become bold and powerful voices in their industry and establish their brands in a unique way.. Since starting The Connection Exchange in 2014, Suz has partnered with over 700 clients globally through coaching, courses and events. Having worked with both corporate leaders and entrepreneurs, Suz has seen both sides of the business landscape when it comes to what is working in the market today. Through her signature online course, Brand Builders Academy and the other coaching and consulting services she offers, Suzs clients have come together to create a powerful community of women in business over the past five years. . Having also authored Play Big, Brand Bold, hosting a highly ranked podcast Brand Builders Lab, Suz has established herself as an industry leader in the branding space, and teaches practical strategies for building a profitable business with a mix of fun and creativity.

3. Travis John Brady

@coachtravisbrady

With the wisdom of over 17 years experience, including multiple degrees and certifications, Travis Brady applies his knowledge of human physiology and psychology to create transformations within businesses brands, marketing and culture of their organisations. Travis is the founder of Next Gen Coaching, which is where his passion comes to life, fulfilling his purpose of helping businesses bring out their creative, innovative and influential genius through their brands. Travis is a highly sought-after coach and mentor and with Next Gen Coaching, hes been able to help leaders and executives brand themselves to become more influential and impactful. Next Gen coaching helps businesses evolve their brand and implement that brand into their online presence, marketing, services, and sales process Travis explained. With a collective 50 years of experience between their team, Next Gen Coaching is helping their clients produce and finish immaculate videos, logos, graphics, websites and social media banners everything they need to create a professional uniform look. Having made philanthropy a part of his mission, Travis and his wife have created The Next Generation Foundation where they provide financial aid to adolescents who cannot afford to play sports. Travis also hosts the Next Gen Coaching Chronicles & Next Gen Sports Podcast, interviewing some of the top leaders in the business and coaching industries where he continues to have a huge impact.

4. Giselle Mascarenhas

@thebrandingprofessor

Born and raised on the border of South Texas, , Giselle Mascarenhas-Villarreal makes her living as an entrepreneur and personal branding coach. After making her debut as a public relations specialist in 2009, she spent many years perfecting her process, building brands for high and low profile clients alike. Founding Indigo PR firm in 2013, Giselle was looking for a more accessible, affordable, and effective way to help people brand themselves. Over the next 5 years, the vast boom of social media as well as her passion for small business inspired her to modernize her idea of what personal branding could be. With the immense untapped potential that social media presented, BOLD Insta-tute was born. Created for the everyday business person, the focus of BOLD is to teach them how to adapt to social media. With a specialty in helping people have the courage to show themselves, Giselle teaches her students that you cannot corporate your way into peoples hearts. Her numerous tips and tools explain that relatability and vulnerability are essential to building a fruitful and engaged social media community. Giselle continues to pursue her lifes passion of helping others succeed by extracting their magic and purpose, actively redefining what it means to be a branding coach.

5. Diya Asrani

@diya_asrani

Starting out from scratch and fashioning her own unique approach to personal branding, Diya Asrani is a personal branding coach and the Founder & CEO of Design Your Presence. With an experimental and research centric approach towards her craft, she is passionate and creative, and has been able to help a number of brands, entrepreneurs and coaches to design their own personal brand presence. With a decade of experience in the industry, Diya has had a stellar last year where shes built her brand presence and elevated her reputation through confident storytelling, reputation building and thoughtful marketing much like she helps her clients. Design Your Presence is a program and brand for entrepreneurs, coaches, and trainers to build their personal brand presence by helping them convert their passion into a business creation while activating the necessary skills that position them as a trusted expert in their industry. I believe in simplicity in strategy. Keeping that in mind, I have designed a 6-step strategy that helps them dive deep into building a meaningful brand presence right from building a growth mindset of a creator, to storytelling, to managing their online presence and finally practicing hygienic marketing that helps them build a good reputation overall Diya explained. Offering a range of services, from 1:1 coaching, online courses and group coaching, she is also a regular for speaking engagements on the topic of personal branding for various companies. Diyas 6 step strategy is useful for anyone trying to create their personal brand as she is a true personal branding expert, having helped countless people unleash their capabilities, building their personal brand presence as trusted experts in the industry.

6. Marina Simone

@marinaannsimone

Starting from scratch with no real direction, it was a while before Marina Simone found her feet making a living on social media, through network marketing. In her second company she built an organization of 25,000 customers and distributors in less than two years, using online strategies with social media, which made her in the top 12 income earners in that company. Now, Marina is a branding coach, whos been helping her clients generate more sales and leads through branding themselves like a professional and helping their light shine brightest to the world. Marina is wife and mom to a beautiful 10-year-old little girl Anaiyah and 1-year old Madelyn, she is known for keeping it real with her audience she doesnt feel like she is better than anyone else and embraces women, taking them on the journey with her. Marina is the Founder and CEO of Moms And Heels where her mission is to teach busy moms how to slay online sales, by identifying their personal brand, story and mission on social media. Her unique persona and branding style make Marina a true standout and if she can do it, so can you.

7. Tanvi Jain

@tanvijainofficial

Tanvi Jain believes that investment in our own self pays the best interest so that you show the world how you see yourself and want the world to treat you. Her Doctorate degree in Luxury Brand Management combined with her experience as a Chartered Manager in Leadership, Life Coach and Image Consultant has allowed Tanvi to establish her own business as a Personal Branding Coach. Her core values are centered around sophistication, integrity, confidence, and empowerment, which she uses to cater bespoke services to anyone who wants to become the best version of themselves and establish an authority in their line of business. Her program covers three milestones to achieve results. The first one involves life coaching where she helps her clients believe in themselves, empower their strengths as individuals, and guide them in the right direction. The second is the one where she polishes their presence through image development and masterclasses based upon elegance and international etiquette protocol. The third milestone involves branding where she helps her members effectively shape their ideas and knowledge and tailor their business communications to their target audience. Tanvi believes that branding is all about framing how people perceive you as an individual or as a business. This way, She prepares you to step into the world of social climbing where you build a strong networking to send out the message you want, taste and appreciate the finer things in life and develop that Mystique Aura, that alluring individuality leaving a long-lasting impression. Personal Branding is the incredible power to lead ourselves in all aspects of our lives because you need to embrace your personal brand if you want to exercise control over it.

8. Daria Parkinson

@discoveringdaria

Daria Parkinson is a rapidly emerging coach in the branding community. In just two months, Daria was able to help over 200 entrepreneurs create a unique branding strategy. Utilizing color psychology in her branding ideas to help her clients stand out for countless businesses online, Daria understands that colors affect perceptions and behaviors of people, so she uses it to her advantage creating compelling marketing materials that make brands stand out. Daria has also been able to create various content materials; e-books, webinars, 90-minute intensive calls, and even built mini-courses, to extend her reach and help more clients. Remembering her first month, Daria couldnt believe how her passion for branding gave her the opportunity to make more money than she ever did in a year! I never thought that by simply doing what I love, Id be able to empower people to find their individuality through branding Daria Explained. Daria is an expert at what she does, and shes been able to help countless brands stand out and flourish.

9. Azalee Maslow

@azaleemaslow

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Azalee Maslow has over 10 years of experience in digital media and has completed her Masters degree in Journalism and Media Studies. Working as a branding coach, Azalee has embodied her experience as a digital marketing strategist in establishing The Babble Boutique, a digital media agency focused on helping female entrepreneurs. Through a 12-week 1:1 coaching program, she helps her clients create their personal brands using The B.A.B Branded Abundant Babe Method. Her background in journalism helps them improve the storytelling strategies they need to execute as they leave their digital footprints online. From Day 1, she empowers her clients to make all the decisions on their own while guiding them at every step of the way. Azalee knows what it feels like to not feel in control, so she commits herself to give her clients the complete control they need to be successful in their lives. Aside from coaching, Azalee is also a lifestyle blogger, writing about beauty, wellness, travel, philanthropy, and anything that helps people live their best lives. On her blog and podcast PrettyAF, she also talks about branding and interviews other female entrepreneurs. Azalees generosity extends well beyond her abilities to coach, as she also donates 20% of proceeds from PrettyAF to selected animal charities.

10. Jen Conrad

@jen_conrad

A passionate serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, Jen Conrad is a branding coach and strategist, who empowers women with her wisdom and wander-lust soul. Jens motivational spirit and heart for service, her authentic approach to her craft allows her to connect with her audience, encouraging them to take massive action for their brands and lives. Her company, The Conrad Company, is a lifestyle brand that exists to equip women with the tools to make a positive and lasting change in their lives, through building an online community, personal mindset development, and brand development. Jen uses a heart centred approach to help the everyday women to uncover her personal brand and monetize it. Jen speaks to the multi-passionate soul and shows them how to create a seamless brand that attracts people to their product or service. Offering both monthly bootcamps and 1:1 coaching, Jens 7 years of experience in branding coupled with her education as a therapist, help her clients brand themselves and put their best foot forward in the marketplace. Jens mission is to create an impact through her work and through the scores of clients shes been able to help, shes doing just that.

Make sure to follow each of these incredible coaches, as they continue to help their clients design world-class brands. Each of their Instagrams have been directly linked here. Finally, we would like to thank Boost Media Agency for taking the time to put this article together.

CONTACT:

Contact: Lewis SchenkCompany: Boost Media AgencyAddress: New York, New YorkPhone: 3106001787Email: operations@boostmediaofficial.pageWebsite: http://www.boostmediaofficial.page

SOURCE: Boost Media Agency

View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/598463/The-Top-10-Branding-Coaches-to-Follow-in-2020

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The Top 10 Branding Coaches to Follow in 2020 | - IT Business Net

Young people, residents and local youth workers have come together to highlight the positives going on throughout North Belfast each day.

The New Lodge area in particular has come under criticism after disturbances last summer and elements of anti-social behaviour over The Twelfth last week.

However, day in and day out there are community events and youth projects bringing joy to residents.

The short movie, '13 Days in August' which was commissioned by New Lodge Arts and funded by Belfast City Council has focused on those positives following on from the bonfire trouble in August.

Teenager Naomi Burns, from the New Lodge area said in August 2019 the area hit the headlines "for all the wrong reasons".

She added: "I am someone who is really proud to be from the New Lodge, and I can honestly say the scenes of trouble which took place here don't tell the real story about our community. Because at the very same time, just around the corner a fantastic community carnival was taking place where hundreds of local people were out enjoying themselves.

"Sure we have problems here in the New Lodge, but there is also a positive side to our story too. We are a proud community filled with talent, energy, creativity and passion. We have a hope for the future.

"The festival was just one example of this, building on the positives we can keep moving forward until we can make our community the best it can be."

And in a community magazine, which is usually issued to 3,000 homes in the Greater New Lodge area, the recent online publication highlighted some of the positive work that was sparked by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Ashton Community Trust paid tribute in this edition to the many groups and individuals in the Greater New Lodge and across wider society who sprung into action in response to the health crisis.

A spokesperson said: "The huge levels of community action undertaken have ensured that the basic needs of so many vulnerable people were able to be met. Without such action it would have been inevitable that the levels of isolation, suffering and neglect within the community would have been much, much more severe.

"It should never be forgotten that the many volunteers that have come forward and that have been working so hard to provide support during these terrible times have been putting themselves and their families at great personal risk. This type of self sacrifice and concern for others is the very essence of community.

"None of us can be sure of what the future holds or what type of social, political, economic changes will occur in the aftermath of this pandemic. However whatever our fears may be, we can certainly all take heart from the current resurgence of community spirit.

"When communities pull together to support each other we can deal with the toughest of challenges. And when public services such as our local Councils join forces with communities, as has just been shown, then really powerful, effective, positive social action is possible.

"We must all learn from this crisis and hopefully emerge from it all the stronger. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is the value of human co-operation. It is crucial that when this crisis has passed that this co-operation continues.

"Active collaboration within neighbourhoods supported by strong, resourced partnership working between communities and public service providers can ensure that the social cooperation we have witnessed during the pandemic is not just a flash in the pan but provides a pathway to a better future."

Local Sinn Fin councillor JJ Magee said the community empowerment in North Belfast over past months has shone a light of hope.

"The economic impact of the Covid-19 global health emergency has had a deep effect on communities bringing a level of anxiety and stress on an already tense climate," he wrote for the magazine.

"As businesses closed, many were made redundant with thousands of others being furloughed taking a 20% cut in their income.

"The old and vulnerable were asked to shield, making it difficult for them to obtain essential items and supplies. It is to this backdrop that North Belfast community activists shone a light of hope.

"The amount of work that has taken place by activists, volunteers and civic society in recent months has been nothing short of incredible.

"Thousands of food parcels, hot meals and essentials have been delivered to not only those most in need but to the frontline NHS staff that have been fighting against the virus on the frontline. The generosity and community empowerment that has been evident throughout North Belfast has shone a light of hope whilst we endure the harsh reality of this deadly virus."

Continued here:

New Lodge: 'We have problems here but there's a positive side to our story too' - Belfast Live

President and CEO Brian Porter participates in the BlackNorth Initiative Summit

TORONTO, July 20, 2020 /CNW/ - Today at the inaugural BlackNorth Initiative Summit, Scotiabank reaffirmed its commitment to combatting racism and discrimination of all forms to enable better futures for its employees, customers and communities at large.

"For too long, many members of our communities have felt excluded from economic opportunities because of systemic racism, unconscious bias, and discrimination," said Scotiabank President and CEO Brian Porter. "Our Bank is only as successful as the societies in which we operate. When there are individuals and communities that feel left out, we cannot be strong. By working with the BlackNorth Initiative, we're confident that we will see real and positive change across society, for the benefit of all Canadians."

Porter, alongside several leaders from corporate Canada, participated in the inaugural BlackNorth Initiative Summit earlier today. Scotiabank signed the BlackNorth Initiative CEO pledge, which outlines seven goals for organizations aimed at helping to end anti-Black systemic racism and creating opportunities for all of those in the underrepresented Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities. Porter was recently named to the BlackNorth Board of Directors. Scotia Capital Vice Chairman, Mark Mulroney, was also named to the Board.

"We are building a Bank that is strengthened by our differencesnot divided by themthat calls out injustice of all forms when we see it and that strives to use every opportunity to make better, stronger societies," added Porter.

"We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive culture and, as a whole, the Bank is moving to advance diversity and inclusion for our customers and employees through several important initiatives," said Barb Mason, Group Head and Chief Human Resources Officer. "We have a long history of championing diversity and inclusion in every market in which we operate, and we are committed to taking meaningful steps to support the advancement of members of BIPOC communities."

Recent Efforts to Increase BIPOC Employee Representation and Support

To strengthen its BIPOC efforts, the Bank has recently implemented several initiatives, including:

"We are proud of our diverse workforce and believe it helps differentiate as us a top employer, a leading financial services partner, and an integral part of the communities we serve," added Mason. "We know the work to build a more inclusive Bank is never done, and we are in the process of renewing our targets based on our current employee diversity survey. These commitments are in addition to our BlackNorth pledge.We remain more committed than ever to empowering inclusion and opportunity, for every future."

Scotiabank is here for every future

To reinforce the Bank's purpose for every future and unwavering commitment to inclusion, Scotiabank recently publisheda short filmfeaturing diverse voices of employees, customers, and community partners speaking about the real and positive impact made by Scotiabank across its footprint. The film has been shared with the Bank's tens of thousands of employees.

Fostering An Inclusive Workplace for Black and Indigenous and People of Colour The Bank is committed to building a workplace that is free of discrimination. In 2016, Scotiabank was the first Canadian bank to adopt its own Human Rights Statementat the highest level of the organization, and the Bank continues to further foster an inclusive workplace that is free of discrimination and provides equal access to opportunity for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour through the following:

Ensuring A Diverse Pipeline For Leadership Roles: The Bank is taking steps to ensure its leadership teams better reflect its customers and the communities in which it operates by:

Supporting Economic Inclusion For BIPOC Through Community Investment

Through a variety of partnerships and programs focused on advancement of BIPOC in the community, Scotiabank reinforces its commitment to real and positive change. Many of these partnerships are described in Scotiabank's 2019 Employment Equity report.

The Bank also recently announced a $500,000 commitment to several organizations recognized for their leadership in ending racial discrimination in Black communities within Canada and the U.S. Funds are directed toward providing tools and educational resources for those groups most at risk of being subject to individual, institutional and systemic racism, with a focus on Black youth and include organizations such as Careers Education Empowerment Centre for Young Black Professionals and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.

About ScotiabankScotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: "for every future,"we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of approximately 97,000 employees and assets of over$1.2 trillion(as atApril 30, 2020), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visitour websiteand follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.

SOURCE Scotiabank

For further information: For Media Enquiries Only: Erin Truax, Scotiabank, [emailprotected], 416-933-2592

http://www.scotiabank.ca

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Some people are swapping traditional beauty brands for "clean" versions -- here's why.

When I was in college about five years ago, I started doing more research about the ingredients in food and how they can affect your health. I did the Whole30 challenge, which basically forces you to read the label of everything you eat and focuses on eating mainly whole, unprocessed foods for 30 days. I felt really good after the 30 days of nixing processed food, even though I found the program pretty unrealistic for real life. Still I learned a lot and developed a new sense of empowerment about what ingredients I wanted to put in my body. Fast forward a few more years and I started to take the same approach to my skincare and cosmetics and largely started using "clean beauty" products or beauty products formulated without what are thought to be potentially harmful or toxic ingredients.

One of the big drivers in my desire to change my products was this one fact: your skin is the largest organ in your body. And it's largely thought that at least some of the ingredients that you put on it absorb into your bloodstream. Not to mention all of the (increasingly growing) science on how some ingredients in beauty products are endocrine disruptors, which means they can disrupt your hormones. For example, parabens are linked to hormone or endocrine disruption, which is linked to hormone disorders, thyroid disorders, obesity and even hormone-related cancers. So if ingredients I put on my body can be absorbed and potentially go into my bloodstream, why would I want to eat healthy but not care about the other chemicals coming in?

Subscribe to the How To newsletter, receive notifications and see related stories on CNET.

For many clean beauty brands, sustainability is a priority -- whether that means using sustainable ingredients or choosing packaging that is biodegradable and better for the environment. The Environmental Working Group is a key civic group known for providing groundbreaking research on how toxic ingredients and other practices can harm people and the environment.

It didn't make sense for me so I slowly made the switch and changed out all of the products one by one -- I didn't throw everything away, but when something ran out, I would replace it with a "clean" option. When I did this, I learned that even though clean beauty is largely made up of expensive luxury brands, more affordable brands are available now, especially as the demand for clean beauty increases.

When shopping for these products, I found that the labels in the industry can get really confusing: there's "clean," "natural," "non-toxic," -- and I could go on. So what do all of these terms actually mean and how do you know what products are worth investing in? The answer is complicated. Which is why I talked to two brands that are leaders in the clean beauty world -- Drunk Elephant, founded in 2012 by Tiffany Masterson and Beautycounter, founded in 2013 by Gregg Renfrew.

Keep reading to learn more about what clean beauty means, why Masterson and Renfrew decided to start their brands and how they choose ingredients plus more on how ingredients are regulated.

Drunk Elephant is a highly popular clean beauty brand founded by Tiffany Masterson.

In the United States, the beauty and cosmetics industries are largely unregulated when it comes to what ingredients they can and cannot use, and also how they can market and label products as "clean," "natural" or "non-toxic."

Compared to 40 other nations in the world, in a recent Environmental Working Group report, the US is lagging behind when it comes to enacting measures for safety in ingredients in personal care products. The FDA currently only bans nine Ingredients from beauty products for safety reasons, and Congress has not updated laws on personal care and beauty product safety in about 80 years. By contrast, the European Union bans over 1,300 ingredients from personal care products. The FDA also has no standards or guidelines that require personal care and beauty brands to test ingredients for safety before they are sold and marketed.

More than 40 nations around the world have tighter restrictions on the ingredients used in personal care products than the United States.

Since there is little regulation for ingredients in the US and no standard definition for clean beauty -- then what does it mean? The answer varies depending on each brand.

"Since there is not one industry wide definition of 'clean' beauty, every brand defines it a little differently. To me 'clean' means using only ingredients that are safe and not known or thought to be linked to internal disease or disruption if they are able to get into the blood stream," Masterson tells CNET. She developed the "Suspicious Six," a list of six potentially harmful ingredients, as a guideline for what the company will never use in their products.

But for Masterson, those six ingredients aren't just about safety in terms of potential links to endocrine disruption or other health issues, it's also about "respecting and supporting the healthy function of skin. The ingredients in Drunk Elephant products won't cause irritation or congestion and they keep the acid mantle intact that's what makes them biocompatible. My mission is to help people by delivering products that work and can improve the quality of their skin when the philosophy is strictly adhered to," Masterson says.

For Beautycounter, "clean beauty" means much more than the list of ingredients that the company bans from their products, which they call the Never List. "For Beautycounter, it's more than just formulating safe ingredients. It means we look at how we are sourcing the ingredients, and how people are treated along the supply chain and how we select packaging, making sure that we keep sustainability in mind and that we screen all of the packaging materials for potential ingredients that could leach into our clean formulas.," says Lindsay Dahl, SVP of Social Mission at Beautycounter.

One common misconception in the clean beauty space is just because something is labeled "natural," does not necessarily mean it's totally safe to put on your skin. This is why it's helpful to research ingredients and know a company's standards before purchasing a product if you are concerned with ingredient safety.

"I've always found it odd that natural is associated with safety, because nature creates some of the most powerful toxins and poisons," Masterson says. "Not all natural ingredients are good for you (poison ivy and arsenic) and not all synthetics are bad. The concept of synthetic gets a bad rap, but your body is synthesizing ingredients all the time from the nutrients you feed it. Vitamin C, for example (as ascorbic acid) is synthesized from citrus fruits. The Vitamin C we use in C-Firma and C-Tango is nutritionally identical to the C that comes from an orange, but the synthesis that we use creates a more stable and concentrated version for skin," Masterson says.

Another example of this is the reason why Drunk Elephant does not use essential oils in their products, even though you might deem them relatively harmless. "We believe their purported benefits are far outweighed by their ability to sensitize and inflame the skin. When you can use non-fragrant plant oils and extracts that deliver the same and better benefits, why risk it? For Drunk Elephant it isn't about natural vs. synthetic, it's about effectiveness, compatibility and safety," Masterson says.

Since the US does not ban many ingredients, it can be helpful to read labels before purchasing products if you are concerned with ingredient safety.

Even though there are over 1,300 ingredients that are commonly banned in clean beauty products, there are a few specific ones that are most commonly called out as harmful and left out of clean products.

Phthalates: Phthalates are commonly used in nail polish, hairspray and perfume to make fragrance stick to the skin. They are linked to endocrine disruption and may cause birth defects.

Parabens: Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in beauty products like makeup. These mimic estrogens in the body, which is why they are known to disrupt the endocrine system.

Triclosan: An anti-microbic pesticide that is found in antimicrobial and antibacterial products like soap and toothpaste. Triclosan was banned by the FDA in 2016 and companies are not allowed to use it without a premarket review. It is also known as an endocrine disruptor.

Fragrance: Manufacturers don't technically have to say what chemicals are in fragrance since according to Beautycounter, "Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law's classification of trade secrets and therefore can remain undisclosed." But most clean brands ban fragrance since they can contain allergens or other chemicals that disrupt hormones.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is used as a preservative in some personal care products like body wash. It's a carcinogen, meaning it's known to cause cancer, and also linked to other health problems like asthma and neurotoxicity. Formaldehyde-releasers can also be found in some products, and sometimes they are not labeled on the ingredient list.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant or cleansing agent found in products like shampoos. They are known to be irritating to the skin and harsh, which is why many clean companies remove them.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG): PEGs are commonly used in beauty products for a variety of functions, including to thicken products or as moisture-carriers. According to Beautycounter, depending on how the product is manufactured, the PEGs can be contaminated with known carcinogens.

Since there is little regulation in the beauty industry, many people are working to pass laws that would help take more ingredients off the market that are scientifically linked to adverse health effects like endocrine disruption. It's one of the causes that Beautycounter is most known for.

"Our ultimate goal as a company is not only providing people safer options today, but to pass legislation to make sure that the entire beauty industry is cleaner and safer. We know that not everyone is going to have access to find or afford our products, so our ultimate goal is to disrupt the beauty industry once and for all, through passing meaningful legislation," Dahl says.

In fact, Beautycounter's CEO, Gregg Renfrew, testified as an expert witness at a hearing on cosmetic reform in Congress in 2019.

Clean beauty is definitely trendy in the wellness space. But the appeal can lose its luster if you are skeptical about the science behind the claims or if the luxury branding for many brands seems out of reach for your budget. At the end of the day, it's up to you to read labels and make the decision since there are no official health authorities regulating ingredient safety for you (at least, not yet). Personally, I'd rather clean up my products and not risk the chance that they could lead to problems down the line -- I'd rather use products I don't have to worry about vs. potentially problematic ones or ones with controversial ingredients.

Clean beauty has a bad rap for being expensive and inaccessible, but as the trend continues to rise, it's clear that clean beauty is now expected from consumers -- it's not just something only a few people demand. Case in point: Target adopted a clean beauty seal in 2019, and Sephora launched a "Clean at Sephora" category and seal in 2018 to help shoppers decipher which products are formulated without controversial ingredients. The market has room for more affordable and accessible brands for sure, but long gone are the days of clean beauty products solely sitting on a luxury product shelf.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Clean beauty products: What it means and why brands ban certain ingredients - CNET

Leader of the Opposition Andrew Scheer removes a face mask as he makes his way to the podium for a news conference, Wednesday, July 8, 2020 in Ottawa.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA The Opposition Conservatives accused the Liberal government of either corruption or ignorance Monday as they pressed for more answers around a decision to hand control over a major student grant program to an organization with longtime ties to the Trudeau family.

The House of Commons was sitting to pass a new bill to extend the wage subsidy program, send a special COVID-19 top-up to some people with disabilities and to extend legal deadlines for court cases.

While those measures were expected to pass with the support of all opposition parties, the same collegial spirit did not extend to question period.

There, the dominant line of inquiry was around the Liberal governments decision to award WE Charity the responsibility for a $900 million student job program.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus mother, in particular, has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees for participating in WE events, and Finance Minister Bill Morneaus daughter works for an arm of the WE organization.

The organization has handed the program back to the government and both Trudeau and Morneau have said they should have recused themselves from the decision.

But the international development and youth empowerment group is now under scrutiny for its internal practices, adding further fuel to the oppositions charges that the decision to grant the contract to WE was suspect.

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer pointed Monday to a report by Canadaland that red flags had been raised in 2018 by auditors reviewing WEs financials, as well as the fact that their board had undergone a major shakeup earlier in the year as evidence the Liberals had not done their due diligence in deciding to sign off on the contract.

Either the Liberals were aware of these issues and still approved the decision or they were incompetent, he said.

Its either corruption or incompetence, which is it?

It is neither, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland replied repeatedly, nearly reading verbatim from a sheet of paper with the Liberals current top-line talking point on the issue: that the idea of having WE run the Canada Student Services Grant was brought forward by the non-partisan public service.

The way this unfolded was regrettable and the charity will not longer be administering the project, she said.

The House of Commons had been recalled to pass the latest suite of COVID-19 measures.

The Liberals are seeking to extend the wage subsidy program to December and have its criteria loosened a little, so business can reopen and employ workers, even if trade is slow at first as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The original program covered 75 per cent of wages, up to a weekly maximum of $847, for eligible companies and non-profits. Companies had to show a 30 per cent drop in revenues.

The proposed changes will see the program pay on a sliding scale based on revenue drops due to the pandemic, with the hardest-hit businesses eligible for a 25 per cent increase to the previous maximum payment.

The Tories said the new approach is too convoluted.

We have major concerns around the wage subsidy, weve highlighted ideas to make it simpler, Scheer said ahead of the Commons sitting.

You need a degree in mathematics to fully understand all the permutations and combinations theyve come up with.

Since the Bloc Quebecois has said its MPs will support the bill, the Liberals have the majority of votes required to ensure it passes the Commons.

Scheer said the Tories do support the elements of the bill that grant up to $600 for people with disabilities and allows the court extensions and dont want to hold those up.

But all parties have now agreed to turn what was supposed to be a one-day sitting to pass the bill into two days to allow for more time to debate the measures.

That could also open up an opportunity for the Conservatives to do something else they were hoping to achieve Monday, but couldnt press the prime minister himself.

Trudeau did not show up for the sitting Monday, his itinerary listing him as taking a personal day.

Scheer suggested Trudeau was deliberately ducking any questions on the ongoing controversy around his personal connections to WE.

(Trudeau) picked today to come back to debate this bill and also to participate in question period, then he decided to take a personal day, Scheer said.

Well, its completely unacceptable that he doesnt show up for work on the day that he chose, its an insult to Canadians who have very serious questions about the WE scandal and who still are suffering because of the gaps in Mr. Trudeaus programs.

Trudeau is expected to be in the Commons on Tuesday, as well as for the special COVID-19 committee of MPs that is scheduled to meet Wednesday.

A lingering question is whether Trudeau will also appear at the House of Commons finance committee, where MPs want to grill him on the WE issue.

Read the rest here:

Scheer says Liberals' choice to give WE contract was 'corruption or incompetence' - The Province

Soaries promises that attendees will leave this live virtual experience with solid steps for collective mobilization and individual action items to begin or continue their journeys toward financial freedom. Also joining the conversations will be Shane Harris, VP Social Responsibility & Partnerships and President of the Prudential Foundation, as well as Michellene Davis Esq., EVP & Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of RWJ Barnabas Health to discuss the stances their respective corporations have on the state of Black America. Both Prudential Financial and RWJ Barnabas Health serve as sponsors of the virtual event.

Black America is experiencing a catharsis moment and weve got to move! said Soaries, CEO and Founder of dfree, who has worked on civil rights issues for the Urban League as a community organizer and Operation PUSH as the national coordinator. These two national crises COVID-19 and the continuation of racial injustices that weve experienced over the last few months have made it abundantly clear that we must control our own narrative. Until we control whats ours our communities, our politics, our economics well never be truly free. dfree is armed to combat social reform on behalf of Black people because real social justice is impossible without economic empowerment!

The dfree From Crisis to Clarity Virtual Conference will include power-packed panels and discussions featuring change agents in the Black community, solid steps for attendees to begin their journeys toward financial freedom including access to the free dfree classes and curriculum, resources and tools to help attendees achieve their financial goals and more. The event will feature special guests from different sectors of the Black community including leadership from national fraternities and sororities, major corporations, pastors and clergy, as well as dfree Members who have adopted dfree principles into their lifestyles and have had major success.

Highlights include:

Attendees will also be able to chat live with the dfree Team on activating curriculum and principles into their personalize lives, community groups and churches. dfree Partners from across financial and lifestyle industries will be on hand in the virtual exhibition hall with tools and services to help attendees achieve their personal goals.

Weve been led to believe that knowing more makes us do better. But when it comes to finances, having a plan and sticking to it is what makes us do better. Knowledge is power, but knowledge without strategy is just acquired information, continued Soaries. We are on a critical mission to annihilate the wealth gap statistics that have been placed on us as a race. And, thats just what were going to do.

dfree is the premier financial freedom movement designed specifically for African Americans that focuses on cultural, spiritual and psychological spending influences. Through training, content, curriculum, tools and resources, dfree offers solid strategy on how to become debt free and provides the blueprint to build legacy and secure a positive financial future. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the dfree movement has grown globally and is used by more than 4,000 churches and organizations, and 200,000 individuals. The organizations strategies are effective and proven. More than 6,000 people have taken the free online dfree course which has resulted in true life transformation. Through the dfreeBillion Dollar Challenge alone, the organization has guided more than 10,000 African Americans to rid themselves of nearly $25 million of consumer debt.

Admission to the dfree From Crisis to Clarity Virtual Conference is free. For more information to reserve tickets, please visit mydfree.org.

About the dfree Financial Freedom Movement: As the only faith-based, wealth-building system specifically designed with the black community in mind,dfree delivers access to financial freedom.dfreeuses a variety of tools to educate, motivate and support people who make the choice to achieve and sustain financial freedom. Featured in CNNs Almighty Debt: A Black in America Special, dfreebegan as a faith-based initiative to help stem an epidemic of overspending, particularly in the African-American community.dfreehas grown into a movement that gives participants the: ability to handle their own financial responsibilities; willingness to help others do the same; and, capacity to leave assets for future generations.

In the tradition of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,dfree also is a movement to help achieve economic justice in America. Rev. Dr. King once said, We must never let it be said that we spend more for the evanescent and ephemeral than for the eternal values of freedom and justice.dfree emphasizes controlling money matters so that individuals have the freedom to focus on more purposeful pursuits.

About DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. is known as an active agent for change and is a widely requested speaker. He is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey, former chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and former New Jersey Secretary of State. His pastoral ministry focuses on spiritual growth, educational excellence, economic empowerment and faith-based community development. Soaries is the founder and CEO of the dfreeGlobal Foundation and author of several books including Say Yes When Life Says No. Soaries currently serves as an independent director at three companies: Independence Realty Trust, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and Ocwen Financial Corporation.

SOURCE dfree Global Foundation

http://mydfree.org/

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The Revolution will be Televised: Pioneer of Black Economic Empowerment Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. to be Joined by Media Mogul Tarik Brooks, Media...

The discussion on population control is omnipresent in India and quite so often strengthened by the discussions on law and policy. The author explores the parliament and Supreme Courts approach to population control policies.

On the occasion of World Population Day recently, we witnessed the all too familiar chorus of demands for a population control law. Unfortunately, most of these demands involve making the two-child norm compulsory such that a wide gamut of individual rights and benefits can be denied in case of non-compliance, thus allowing for unreasonable state interference in the private sphere.This rhetoric has also become a potent tool for blaming religious minorities and economically weaker sections, leaving little room for a nuanced discussion based on the changing socio-economic realities of India.

Since Independence, more than 35 bills have been tabled in Parliament by MPs from various parties urging the government to enact a law to control the rising population.

As recently as March 14, Congress MP and Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi moved a private members bill in the Rajya Sabha for enforcement of the two-child norm through a host of incentives like a preference for admission in higher education institutions and selection in government jobs and disincentives like barring the non-compliant couple from contesting elections, receiving government subsidies, etc.

Not long before, in February, Shiv Sena MP Anil Desai introduced a private members bill which proposes to insert Article 47A into the Constitution as follows: The State shall promote small family norms by offering incentives in taxes, employment, education, etc., to people who keep their family limited to two children and shall withdraw every concession from and deprive such incentives to those not adhering to small family norms, to keep the growing population under control. The insertion of Article 47A had also been recommended in 2002 by the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC).

In July 2019, a private members bill titled, The Population Regulation Bill, 2019, had been introduced by BJP MP Rakesh Sinha in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill proposed that the two-child norm be compulsorily enforced and that failure to comply be penalised with higher interest rates on loans, debarment from contesting Parliamentary elections, and reduced government benefits. It also proposed income tax rebates, free healthcare, subsidies, and loans for housing and plots for those who complied with the two-child norm.

In 2018, around 125 parliamentarians wrote to the President of India asking for the implementation of the two-child norm.

In 2016, another BJP MP Prahlad Singh Patel had also tabled a private members bill on population control.

A slew of petitions has also been filed before the courts. In November 2019, BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyaya had filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order which dismissed his PIL seeking implementation of the two-child norm. In his plea, Upadhyaya sought directions to the centre to enact a law that makes the two-child norm a criterion for government jobs, aids, and subsidies. The plea had also sought withdrawal of statutory rights like the right to vote, right to contest elections, right to property, right to free shelter, right to free legal aid, for those who failed to comply. In January this year, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court issued notices on the SLP to the centre and state governments.

The demands for a population control law are based on Entry 20-A in the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule, inserted through the 42ndconstitutional amendment in 1976, which permits both union and state legislatures to enact laws on population control and family planning matters. They further derive legitimacy from various state laws which set the two-child limit as a criterion for certain government jobs and elected posts and have been upheld as constitutionally valid by the courts.

In the last two decades, around 12 state governments have enacted such laws.

The two-child norm was first tested before the Supreme Court in the 2003 case ofJaved vs State of Haryanawhich involved a challenge to Section 175(1) of the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. The impugned provision read as follows: No person shall be aSarpanchor aPanchof aGram Panchayator a member of aPanchayat SamitiorZila Parishador continue as such who has more than two living children. In effect, it disqualified a person having more than two living children from holding specified offices in Panchayats.

The petitioners argued that it violated the right to equality under Article 14 as it did not disqualify persons with two or less than two children and right to life and also personal liberty under Article 21 as it prevented persons from freely choosing the number of children they want of the Constitution.

A three-judge bench of the SC upheld the law, saying that the classification created by it was founded on intelligible differentia and based on the objective of controlling population growth. With respect to the Article 21 argument on reproductive autonomy, the SC said that the lofty ideals of social and economic justice, the advancement of the nation as a whole and the philosophy of distributive justice cannot be given a go-by in the name of undue stress on fundamental rights and individual liberty.

This precedent has ensured that similar state laws on eligibility forPanchayatelections have passed muster when challenged before courts. It also provides fertile ground for the government to further entrench the two-child norm by making it compulsory for all citizens and imposing a range of penalties on those who do not comply, as has been proposed on numerous occasions.

In order to curb such attempts, the SC must revisit its earlier position on the two-child norm, especially in light of the 2017 case ofJustice KS Puttaswamyvs Union of India. ThePuttaswamyjudgment recognised the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution and defined privacy to include personal autonomy relating to the body, and by extension, the right to reproductive choices. It further held that any State action which interferes with the right of privacy must meet the threefold requirement of (i) legality; (ii) the need for a legitimate aim; and (iii) proportionality.

Admittedly, unbridled population growth must not go unchecked but restrictions like the two-child norm interfere with the free exercise of the right to privacy and dont adequately satisfy the three-pronged privacy test since less coercive measures like promotion of contraceptive use, access to abortions, reduction in infant mortality rate, eradication of child marriage, promotion of female literacy and empowerment can be implemented to achieve the same ends.

(The author is a lawyer and legal journalist. Views expressed are personal.)

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Supreme Court must revisit its earlier position on the legitimacy of the two-child norm - The Leaflet

A journey of inner strength, heartache, and self-love, St. Souths stunning RED off her debut album Get Well Soon is as raw as it is empowering.for fans of Gordi, Amy Shark, G FlipStream: Red St. South

Ive got things to do, things to do, today

Tinges of pain, sorrow, heartache, and nostalgia color St. Souths stunning RED, a raw breakup song capturing a powerful moment of leaving the point of no return. Saying goodbye to someone youve loved is never easy, whether or not your feelings remain as strong as they once were. Yet RED is not merely about the loss of love, or the destruction of a relationship; rather, its pulsing bedroom pop sounds and St. Souths intimate performance highlight a journey of inner strength, self-empowerment, and self-love.

Atwood Magazine is proud to be premiering the music video for St. Souths song RED, starring New York-based new style hip-hop dancer Diavion. The third track off St. Souths recently-released debut albumGet Well Soon(July 17, 2020 via Nettwerk Music Group), RED is a subtle and stirring outpouring of heartfelt emotion. Though not one of the records four pre-release singles, the song captures much ofGet Well Soons ethos as an inwardly-focused breakup album thats not really about the breakup, but rather about independence, self-growth, and self-love.

<

p style=text-align: justify;>I guess on a surface level, Get Well Soon feels like a break-up album, Gavranich explains. But really, its a self-care album a soundtrack to self-empowerment. Its me coming out of a really rough time, and knowing that Im going to be okay, even though it really hurts in the moment. And now, a year later, when I listen back to the whole album, I realise that each song has a hopeful energy to it. But not the kind of hope that suggests youre getting your girlfriend back, but the kind that says youre getting yourself back. And in a way that makes it more about replacing hope with acceptance. Its about growing up and into yourself. Its about finding beauty in mundane routine, and being able to relax into loss without letting it envelop you. Its about pulling yourself together and holding your own hand through it all. Maybe its not a break-up album at all; maybe its about falling in love with yourself again.

While RED reads as a sort of breakup letter to an ex, the song is really more focused around the narrators learning to act in self-interest and break out of a cycle of abuse. We feel the ache of her experience come and go in lyrical flashes: Id barely woken up to not being strong enough to withstand your painful love, You have your eyes on red, I might just phone a friend if you hadnt sheltered me from them. These and more memories paint a vivid portrait of an unhealthy situation one the artist finally unshackles herself from in a fervent chorus:

These words symbol a realization that there is more to life than serving someone else; that love should be uplifting, not anchoring an inspiration, not a chore. Sometimes people we love dont treat us how we hope they will, Gavranich says of the song. Sometimes we accept their love due to lack of love for ourselves. RED is about realising this very sentiment, and mustering the strength to walk away from someone who doesnt treat you how you deserve to be treated.

Its new video is just one more way of experiencing the songs tremendous emotion as interpreted through Diavions provocative dance. I discovered Diavion on Instagram and fell in love with his movement style immediately, says Gavranich. I messaged him to see if hed be keen to choreograph or improvise something for RED. A week later, after a few back and forth messages of getting to know each other, this is what he sent back. I never thought that someone elses interpretation of this song would be so aligned with my own, but when I first watched it I welled up and got full body goosebumps because it felt so accurate. I feel super lucky to have him dancing on the official music video hes incredibly talented, and genuinely the kindest dude.

Watching Diavion manipulate his body in response to the music is an absolute thrill. His performance is controlled, yet free-flowing and smooth; he moves naturally, responding to St. Souths rhythms and beats with precision and ease. Its the kind of dancing that comes both from natural talent, as well as hours and hours worth of work, training, and dedication as is evidenced by Diavions YouTube channel, which hosts well over 500 dance videos as of this writing. Those interested can watch a seemingly endless stream of dance covers, as theyre called each a unique interpretation of another piece of music.

Per Diavion, working with St. South was a no-brainer. This song is not only inspiring to break free of abusive relationships, but to let go of anything in general that doesnt serve you, the dancer shares. And just hearing St. Souths song about it, feels like a soundtrack to personal evolution. Its addicting to listen to as well.

Like Diavion, St. Souths current art is the result of persistence, practice, and perseverance. She debuted with the now-hit single Slacks in 2014 (the track currently boasts over 35 million streams on Spotify alone), and released a debut EPNervous Energy two years later. Get Well Soons release heralds a long-awaited return for an artist who has seen tremendous growth in four years time. Its an immersive thirty-five minute soundtrack to self-empowerment, as she herself described it a musical escape and embrace that finds St. South carving out her own space in the music world.

Its a space full of light, buoyant sounds, evocative emotions, and intimate depths.Fans of artists like Gordi, Amy Shark, G Flip, and more will find a safe haven within St. Souths musical folds. Whereas vibrant numbers like If Its Not You (featuring N.Y.C.K.) and Growing Up dazzle with bright, uplifting soundscapes, RED is a reserved, candid reflection full of turbulence and bittersweet grace.

Its a diary-like entry brought to life with a heavy heart and gentle touch a song made only strong by Diavions captivating performance. Watch RED exclusively on Atwood Magazine, and streamGet Well Soon out now!

Original post:

Premiere: St. South's Intimate, Aching "RED" and the Emotional Toll of Leaving - Atwood Magazine

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Feminist movements have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche, based on their own challenges and needs. The digital revolution has paved the way for a new iteration of feminism. The digital space can bolster feminist activist movements by encouraging inclusion and improving accessibility in organising collective action. It also helps weave local stories with global narratives to highlight common structural inequalities. At the same time, however, the digital space can also become a breeding ground for sexism and misogyny. This brief attempts to analyse how digitisation can affect womens movements, especially in emerging economies like India. It does so by viewing contemporary cyberfeminism through postcolonial and postmodern feminist theories. The brief also highlights the strengths and deficits of digital activism.

Attribution: Shruti Jain, The Rising Fourth Wave: Feminist Activism and Digital Platforms in India, ORF Issue Brief No. 384, July 2020, Observer Research Foundation.

Feminism consists of social, economic and political movements and theories that are concerned with gender inequalities and gaining equal rights for women. In the West, the evolution of the feminist struggle is often referred to as waves of change, reflecting peaks and troughs of the movement. The first wave of feminism began in the late 19th and early 20th century in the West, with the primary goal of securing voting rights.[1] The second wave emerged in the 1960s amid a rising self-consciousness for minority groups, and against the backdrop of civil rights and anti-war sentiments. The movement largely focused on empowering minority groups over issues like reproductive rights and sexuality.2 The third wave of feminism began in the early 1990s, surging from the new postcolonial and neoliberal world order. The third wave deconstructed the idea of universal womanhood, with the focus moving from communal objectives to individual rights.[2]

This brief borrows the wave analogy to establish the chronology of Indian feminist politics. The foundation of Indian feminismthe first wavewas laid by the reform and anti-colonial movements of the 19th century. The aims of the movement centred around including women in public life with better political rights, access to education and employment in the context of the colonial state.[3] Various social reformers took up specific issues to improve the status of women. Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, for instance, argued against the ideas of sati, polygamy, early marriage and permanent widowhood.[4] Further, the Brahmo Samaj gave impetus to mass education of girls and women. The movement for education and social reform was largely led by upper-caste Bengali Women.[5] The reformist movement, as a result, led to various social gains such as the legalisation of widow remarriage in 1856 and the abolition of sati.[6] The later part of the struggle remained preoccupied with the issues on property and inheritance, limiting the composition of the movement to upper-caste and elite class women.[7]

After independence, India began to look inward to resolve social issues and create a systematic development plan for women. This second wave of feminism became broader as the intersectionality of caste, class and culture were recognised by the state. The movement entered the private sphere to claim equal rights pertaining to marriage, divorce, succession, justice for dowry and sexual violence, and economic opportunities.[8] An exemplification of this can be found with the passing of Hindu code bills in 1950s, which provided equal rights to women through laws on divorce, marriage, adoption and inheritance.[9] With the improvement in literacy levels and free movement, Indian women were beginning to determine their place in society and develop identity-consciousness. The key difference between the first and second wave was that the former was espoused by men on behalf of women and did not seem to challenge the hegemony of the Indian patriarchal social structure, instead focusing on specific cultural issues that conflicted with the idea of Western liberalisation. The latter was largely led by women and womens organisations. The lines between womens social, economic and political rights became blurred in this period. The Chipko movement in 1973, for instance, saw women protest for their rights against environmental and economical calamities.[10] This movement is key in Indian feminism because not only was it a demand for constitutional rights, it also stood against the patriarchal social structures at a grassroots level.

In 1980, the Five-Year Plan decided to focus on the health, employment and education of women, marking the beginning of the third wave of Indian feminism.[11] Women-led non-government organisations proliferated in a bid to provide support to other women. The movement also took up the rights of Dalit and marginalised women.[12] The developmental programmes and womens groups largely directed their effort to raise the economic and social status of women. Principally, womens groups sought the empowerment of women to integrate them into the mainstream.

With the effects of economic liberalisation and the advent of modern technology, by the 2000s, women in India witnessed a cultural shift that stressed on rights such as womens freedom, choice and independence. Although the term fourth-wave feminism originated in the West, it emerged in India almost synchronously due to the widespread use of social media.

The merging of technology with the physical world has revolutionised the global economic, social and political landscape. In theory, technologyas embodied by the digital revolutionprovides an opportunity to policymakers to create a more inclusive future. Tools like blogging and social media have led to the democratisation of the feminist movement by providing accessibility, encouraging diversity, and inspiring leadership in a movement that has historically been lacking these elements. Online or cyberfeminists make use of blogging and social media as a measure of political mobilisation and community building.[13] Social media allows for the swift dissemination of knowledge and information across borders, and thus enables transnational feminist networks. Using digital tools, feminists have appropriated the internet culture with the use of humour and other creative satirical formats as a mode of communication.[14]

In 2014, two US-based feminists created the #FeministsAreUgly hashtag on Twitter to satirise the notion that feminists are unattractive, and to allow women of colour to speak about cultural privilege and the dominant norms of beauty. This challenged the prevailing body-shaming practices online, as well as the perceptions of what is considered beautiful or attractive.[15] The discourse around sexual harassment has also gained momentum around the world, and has the potential to expose the latent toxic culture of sexualised power in peoples everyday encounters. For instance, the Me Too movement against sexual harassment, led by American activist Tarana Burke, gained worldwide popularity through Twitter in 2017.[16] Several bloggers have called for micro-rebellions, spreading feminism in the free pathways of cyberspace. The When Women Refuse blog, for instance, was started after several women were killed in California, US, for rejecting the advances of men, and has since been used to report womens experiences with sexual violence.[17] In countries like Saudi Arabia, these micro-rebellions engage with issues beyond sexuality and body, such as those against discriminatory state regulations.[18]

Historically, feminism has been viewed within a restricted Western lens. Third world women are often seen as a powerless victimised group in comparison to liberated Western feminists, creating an impediment to an inclusive, transnational feminist movement. However, as more women of different nationalities, races, classes and cultures gain digital access, the feminist discourse expands to include the voices of those who have previously been excluded. This promotes a postmodernist and postcolonial perspective of feminism, which acknowledges diversity in the movement and accepts multiple truths, roles and realities as part of its focus. It lets marginal groups of women reconceptualise feminism based on their own experiences and beliefs.

According to a study by Pew Research Center, 39 percent of internet users engage in social and political issues on social media. About 45 percent are between the ages of 18-29 years.[19] Young cyberfeminists also make use of the internet and pop culture references to connect with their contemporaries. The youth are thus made to feel a part of something larger, by not only consuming this content but also creating it.[20]

At the same time, digital feminist activity can also be exclusionist because dominant cultures and languages have a significant role in selecting those who can be heard, included and seen in the movement. Disparity in internet access within geographical locations and socio-economic class structure is often a barrier in reaching out to the masses.[21]

The digital space has also become a hotbed for online harassment, bullying and sexual exploitation. It not only facilitates prevailing forms of misogyny but also gives rise to new ones that are intricately connected with the algorithmic politics of certain platforms, the cultural bias that permeates while producing these technologies, and the communities that use them.[22]

The internet separates the women from their material selves and has been considered as a promising new avenue. According to feminist activist Faith Wilding, there is a tendency though among many cyberfeminists to indulge techno-utopian expectations that the new e-media will offer women a fresh start to create new languages, programs, platforms, images, fluid identities and multi-subject definitions in cyberspace; that in fact women can recode, redesign, and reprogram information technology to help change the feminine condition.[23]

Traditional offline activism mobilised people through street or door-to-door campaigning, with the help of existing social networks and membership of organisations, political parties or educational institutions.[24] Digital activism, on the other hand, can mobilise a large number of people within minutes, far quicker than offline activism. It also fosters an interactive approach, where diverse groups of people can participate through online blogs, petitions and articles while connecting with others. Prior to the advancement of digital tools, global feminist movements were largely shaped by a few through academic discourse.[25] Although academia continues to form the backbone of most movements, cyberfeminism has paved a new path for feminist activism.

The Everyday Sexism Project, an online initiative launched in 2012 by British feminist writer Laura Bates, is one of many online movements that marked the beginning of the fourth wave of feminism. It has encouraged tens of thousands of women around the world to write about the sexual harassment, workplace discrimination and instances of body shaming they encounter in their everyday lives. About 6,000 of these stories, related to cases of sexual harassment, were used to train 2,000 police officers to prevent harassment cases in London.[26] It has also helped create public awareness, with the reporting of sexual harassment cases on London public transport increasing significantly after the initiative.[27]

Although the fourth wave of feminism is still in its nascent stage in India, women are using digital tools to demand accountability from their governments, corporations and leaders. In India, digital feminist movements largely rely on social media platforms. In 2017, the #LahuKaLagaan hashtag took over on Twitter to campaign against the 12 percent tax on sanitary napkins, with the period tax being scrapped in 2018 as a result of the movement.[28] In 2012, in the aftermath of the death of a 23-year-old rape victim in Delhi, widespread protests broke out under the Nirbhaya movement. The protests spread to social media as well. Hashtags like #Delhibraveheart were used by millions in support of justice for the victim. This online rage coupled with the street protests garnered global attention and compelled an otherwise apathetic government to take quick action.[29] Subsequently, Indias rape laws were amended to expand the definition of rape, the punishment for rape convicts was revised to a prolonged life term and even the death penalty, and stringent punishments were determined for offences like acid attacks, stalking and voyeurism.[30] A special fund and fast-track courts were also made available for the safety and security of women, to be administered by the Indian government.[31]

The Delhi rape incident brought womens safety in public places to the forefront of policy discourse. In the ethnographic work Why Loiter, feminist sociologist Shilpa Padke showed that the act of loitering is more prevalent among men, while women are rarely alone in public spaces like parks and beaches.[32] In 2017, this culminated in the #WhyLoiter hashtag trending on Twitter, with women posting pictures and stories of how they were reclaiming public spaces, creating the narrative of resisting male domination and patriarchy in the physical and virtual spaces. By 2018, the #MeToo movement gained momentum in India, enabling women to share their stories of sexual harassment on social media. It also led to activists successfully lobbying the government to strengthen theSexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which previously had many weaknesses.[33] Several activists also raised concerns over the discriminatory defamation laws in India that enable women to be prosecuted if they are unable to prove their accusation.[34]

The virtual nature of the Internet and its interconnectedness allows people to participate in ongoing dialogues on various issues, from patriarchy and gender politics to personal experiences. With cyberfeminism becoming the norm, it is increasingly important to consider who controls the discourse and how it relates to race, class and other social structures. Transnational and postcolonial feminists, such as Chandra Talapade Mohanty, recognise that western forms of feminism tend to homogenise and universalise the experiences of all women, no matter where they are. Mohanty writes, Western feminists appropriate and colonise the fundamental complexities and conflicts which characterise the lives of women of different classes, religions, cultures, races and castes in these countries. It is in the process of homogenisation and systemisation of the oppression of women in the third world that power is exercised in much of recent Western feminist discourse and this power needs to be defined and named.[35]

Even in India, several feminist scholars provided the intellectual representation but held on to Western ideas.[36] They failed to address the needs of the minority. For instance, with the Shah Bano case, which sought to discuss the controversial maintenance of aggrieved divorced Muslim women, despite having a strong intellectual representation, womens groups failed to garner unanimous support on the issue because they were unable to envisage the predicament and limitations of Indian Muslim women. The issue turned political instead of remaining one of womens rights, and several womens groups held polarising views, further fragmenting the support for it.[37] Consequently, the passing of The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, represented the massive failure of the Indian government to enforce equal rights for Muslim women. It also showcased the inability of womens groups to mass mobilise and arrive at a consensus on the cause.

Digitisation, to a certain extent, allows for wider feminist discussions to occur, overcoming spatial limitations and redefining what activism and social movements can look like. It provides an outlet for new opportunities for the empowerment of other marginalised women. For instance, in 2013, acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal gathered 27,000 signatures through an online petition, StopAcidSale, to curb the sales of acid and took the issue to the Supreme Court. The campaign gained nationwide attention and allowed several other acid attack survivors to voice their support for the ban on acid sale. In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the plea and introduced restrictions on the sale of acid, and recognised it as a crime under Section 326 of the Indian Penal Code, which categorises acts voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.[38]

Another study of women's movements on social media by Sujatha Subramanium, who interviewed a Dalit feminist activist, noted, "In Kerala, the voices of subaltern groups are very prominent on social media, especially sexual minorities and Dalit groups. On social media, all of us are publishers. Only some communities get the space to get published in mainstream media. Social media allows marginalised voices the possibility of being heard in the public discourse.[39]

On the internet, the option of anonymity enables women to construct their identity on their own terms. They can discuss issues that are otherwise considered too sensitive for the public domain. For women of colour, the online political organising of African American women globally reflects how cyberfeminism can transcend nations, states and economic classes. For instance, #SolidarityIsForWhiteWomen was initiated by digital feminists to counter the discrimination present in online feminist debates, which highlight issues only related to middle-class white women. The hashtag went viral and gave women of colour an opportunity to reclaim their narratives online.[40] For many, the Internet is a "safe space" to vent against a repressive gender regime in the offline world.[41] The rise in global awareness and opposition to the repressive Taliban regime by the Revolutionary Association of Women of Afghanistan is another example of the successful use of the Internet by a global feminist organisation.[42]

However, cyberfeminism has created a rift between the ideologies of the older and younger generation of feminists. In India, the divide mainly emerged due to the structural difference of power between feminist groups. A Facebook page managed by Dalit women (Dalit Women Fight) states the importance of recognising the unequal caste structure that exists in feminist discourses and academia.[43] It stresses that there are linkages between caste and patriarchy, and that the Me Too movement will not be relevant for Dalit women unless intersectional marginalities are acknowledged.[44]

Postcolonial feminists like Mohanty claim that Western feminists tend to rely only on their value system and view themselves as saviours for other women.[45] By assuming that global sisterhood exists, they fail to realise that the women across the world do not necessarily share the same conditions of discrimination as women in Western countries. Like most other feminists in the Global South, Indian feminists borrow from mainstream Western feminism on social media to advance their agenda, typically addressing upper and middle-class women. However, often without recognising that the movement does not affect all women equally, such an agenda conversely defeats the very purpose of the movement by silencing the marginalised. The movement must, therefore, mould itself whilst considering the historical and cultural context of the issue. For instance, feminism may hold a different meaning for rural Indian women who struggle to access necessities like food, healthcare and education. Issues like equal pay, sexual harassment and reclaiming public spaces will mean little to them.

Further, language barriers not only make grassroots-level research difficult, but also challenge the assimilation of marginalised voices into the larger global movement. As most mainstream online feminist movements are Anglicised, the lack of content in local languages limits womens participation at the grassroots.[46] The digital age is characterised by fault lines that restrict women at grassroots level from accessing the same privileges as other women.

Cyberfeminism cannot be viewed as the panacea for a universal claim of gender equality. The issue of a digital-divide continues to be a concern for cyberfeminism. The gap between those with and without digital access, including digital devices and internet, creates a schism in the idea of a universal cyberfeminist movement. The poorest and most marginalised are least likely to have internet access; until 2018, only 30 percent of women had access to the internet, of which only about 12 percent were from rural areas.[47] Hence, India still has a long way to go for democratic online feminism to function independent of offline activism.

To realise the full potential of digital activism, it is necessary to recognise the importance of accessible and affordable information and communication technologies. The focus needs to be on creating educational programmes to teach underrepresented groups how to access and use these technologies. To reach the women who are not yet online, it is also necessary to forge a connection between online activism and offline on-ground initiatives. In Gender and the Politics of Possibilities: Rethinking Globalization, Manisha Desai demonstrates how women use the internet to network horizontally and vertically to organise into their own networks and communicate with transnational agencies.[48] Desai also illustrates how online activism is closely intertwined with on-ground resistance movements. For instance, Mexican activists repackage cyber information into radio and print information to make it available to women who lack access to the internet.[49]

In 2014, following the kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Nigeria, an international campaign (#BringBackOurGirls) was launched to pressurise the authorities to do more. The campaign was embraced by former US First Lady Michelle Obama and gained tremendous international media coverage.[50] The movement not only helped rehabilitate some students after their rescue, but also grew to highlight some of Nigerias most important issuescorruption, invisibility of the poor, and lack of security.[51] This women-led social movement then extended its focus to include the demand for good governancethe safety of citizens, better healthcare, better infrastructure and a better economy.[52] Traditional feminist movements and online activism have a symbiotic relationship. The #BringBackOurGirls campaign illustrates how online networks can enable large-scale offline decentralised movements with participation of different communities, identities and voices.

The rise in the number of women on the internet has been accompanied by a similar growth in online hate and attacks against them. About 41 percent of women in the US have been sexually harassed online.[53] Studies also indicate that those who face such backlash suffer a range of psychological, professional and financial impacts.[54] Across all countries, 61 percent of those who said they had faced online abuse or harassment also said they had experienced loss of self-confidence or lower self-esteem as a result.[55] Digital misogyny in the form of hate speech, physical threats and obscene language have a deep impact on womens voices online, that results in self-censoring, assuming an anonymous identity or a pseudonym, or withdrawing from online domains altogether.[56]

Online abuse is also linked to domestic violence against women. According to research by Womens Aid, 48 percent of women in the UK who had experienced violence at the hands of a partner also reported experiencing online abuse once they had left the relationship. The study also revealed that 38 percent of women had been stalked online after they had left their partners.[57] Such data indicates that the internet not only allows violent ex-partners to use it as another tool to abuse women, but also to incite others to join in their attacks. Technology, thus, enables the continuation of assault beyond the scope of physical space.

According to research conducted by UK think tank Demos, women in the public eye received the most abuse on Twitter.[58] The research also found that, surprisingly, much of the online abuse is perpetrated by women themselves. About 55 percent of the propagators were found to be women and were almost as likely to use the same derogatory language as had been used by their male counterparts against them.[59]

The digital space enables one to assemble country-specific resources and data that can help victims and survivors of domestic violence to empower themselves. Several survivor forums and groups have enabled women to seek support, help and advice on domestic and gender-based violence.[60] Online technologies are key in terms of disseminating information. Online forums often play a crucial part for many women to realise that their relationship may be abusive. Access to the internet helps the victim to find the right information regarding the legal system, financial support and refuges. It also enables them to reintegrate into society, share their knowledge, offer peer support, and raise awareness about domestic violence. In this way, women traverse through public and private boundaries that are mostly local and community-based but also, increasingly, transnational.

Although online misogyny may be a new phenomenon, it resonates with patriarchal attempts to limit womens public presence and stifle their voices, viewing them as inferior. Patriarchal systems also warn that women who overstep their mark will be punished. Cyberfeminism is in many ways a direct response to the toxic offline and online space, and perhaps a way through which the cycle can be broken. Speaking publicly about these issues offers women the benefits of catharsis, as well as a sense of solidarity. The presence of online misogyny could be symptomatic of the widespread gender disparity, that is being replicated in the cybersphere, making it a profoundly inequitable space. Cyberfeminism still follows the patterns of third-wave feminism, wherein individual action and emancipation are highlighted. The call-out culture focuses on micro-rebellions and shifts the onus for change onto the individual instead of society. Highly individualised forms of feminism encourage intersectional differences and varied voices to emerge. Yet, it can also make the potential of a wider and more united transformation difficult to achieve.

For some feminists, the digital space replicates oppressive hierarchies that are embedded in a global political economy. For others, it represents a new avenue for global feminist networking and an opportunity to be active participants in their own revolution, irrespective of geographical boundaries. For still others, the internet offers a safe space and a way to not just share common experiences, but also to organise and resist repressive gender regimes. Despite the positive contributions of digital activism in building a new movement of feminism, it is often perceived to be myopic in its vision. Instances such as the Nirbhaya movement indicate that digital feminism is typically episodic or in response to an event; cyberfeminism is more reactive while offline movements are proactive. Short-term planning and high incidence of online hate could lead to a higher burn-out rate among online participants as opposed to traditional on-ground participants. Cyberfeminist movements can gain momentum quickly and can die down just as fast.

Cyberfeminism goes beyond previous feminist waves that conceived women as a homogenous group, whose interests could be represented by a singular agenda. To avoid replicating the damaging universalism of old-style feminism, it is essential that cyberfeminism becomes more diverse, decentralised and democratic. Narrowing the existing digital divide can play a crucial role in increasing the participation of marginalised women. India currently lacks the tools to encourage inclusive online movements independent of on-ground activism. There are several cultural impediments, such as language barriers, that restrict the participation of women at the grassroots level. Other factors such as the extent of digital or internet penetration and the degree of freedom of speech may influence the effectiveness of the movements. Online activism should be able to translate into offline participation, wherein they form a symbiotic relationship to support and boost each others cause. The voices of the marginalised must be represented in a fair manner to broaden the agenda. Feminist groups and organisations must consider assimilating local cultural and sociological factors while advocating for rights online. Further, increased pressure should be applied to governments, corporations and other public institutions to step up and assist in building the legislative and social structures required to recognise and deal with online misogyny. It is important to recognise that although online misogyny appears new, the problem is deep-rooted in the gender mechanisms of power and control. Digital spaces are not end goals but are means to further the agenda of making feminist resistance more inclusive and transparent.

Shruti Jain is a Research Intern at ORF, Mumbai.

[1] Martha Rampton, "Four waves of feminism,"Pacific University Oregon, October 25, 2015, 1-10.

[2] Ibid

[3] Kalpana Misra,Indian Feminism and the Post-Colonial State,Women & Politics (October 2008).

[4] Barbara Southhard. "Colonial politics and women's rights: Woman suffrage campaigns in Bengal, British India in the 1920s, Modern Asian Studies27, no. 2 (May 1993): 397-439.

[5] Ibid

[6] Ibid

[7] Ibid

[8] Kalpana Misra,Indian Feminism and the Post-Colonial State,Women & Politics (October 2008).

[9] Chandrakala S Halli., and Shridhar M. Mullal. "Dr. BR Ambedkar and Hindu Code Bill, women measure legislation,"Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR)2, no. 3 (2016): 7-10.

[10] Radha Kumar, "Contemporary Indian Feminism,"Feminist Review33, no. 1 ( November 1989): 20-29.

[11] Rekha Pande, The History of Feminism and Doing Gender in India, Revista Estudos Feministas( November 2018), 26(3).

[12] Ibid

[13] Joute Josiane, "Digital feminism: Questioning the renewal of activism,"Journal Of Research In Gender Studies vol 8, no. 1 (April 2018): 133.

[14] Emelie Lawrence and Jessica Ringrose, "@Notofeminism, #Feministsareugly, And Misandry Memes",Routledge (January 2018).

[15] Ibid

[16] Andrea Giribet, "Tarana Burke: The Woman Behind Me Too",Amnesty International, August 21, 2018.

[17] "Heart-Rending: Blogger Deanna ZandtS Blog Highlights Stories Of Women Abused By Men They Rejected", The Indian Express, November 4, 2015.

[18] Salime Zakia, 2014, "New Feminism As Personal Revolutions: Microrebellious Bodies,"Journal Of Women In Culture And Society40 (1) (September 2014): 14-20.

[19] Monica Anderson, Toor Skye, Aaron Smith, and Rainie Lee. 2018, "Activism In The Social Media Age," Pew Research Center.

[20] Martin Courtney E., and Vanessa Valenti, "#Femfuture: Online Revolution," Barnard Center for Research on Women, (2013).

[21] Melhem Samia, Claudia Morell and Nidhi Tandon, "Information And Communication Technologies For Womens Socio-Economic Empowerment",World Bank Group Working Paper Series, The World Bank, (2009).

[22] Josh, Feast, "4 Ways To Address Gender Bias In AI".Harvard Business Review, November 20, 2019.

[23] Faith Wilding, "Where Is Feminism In Cyberfeminism?",NEME, March 28, 2006.

[24] Anna, Rees, "Digital And Online Activism",RESET, May, 2020.

[25] Oglesbee Jill M, The Shah Bano Controversy: A Case Study of Individual Rights, Religious Tolerance, and the Role of the Secular State, Inquiries Journal/Student Pulse7 (2015).

[26] Kira Cochrane, "The Fourth Wave Of Feminism: Meet The Rebel Women",The Guardian, December 10, 2013.

[27] Ibid

[28] "Big And Bold Move: India Lifts Tax Over Sanitary Napkins",Shethepeople TV, July 21, 2018.

[29] "Delhi Nirbhaya Death Penalty: What do Hangings mean for Indias women",BBC, March 20, 2020.

[30] Press Trust of India, "Post-Nirbhaya Changes In Laws Not Yielded Results Due To Poor Implementation, Say Experts," India Today, March 20, 2020.

[31] Press Trust of India, "Govt Has Approved Projects Worth Rs 7000 Cr Under Nirbhaya Fund: Smriti, Business Standard, December 20, 2019.

[32] Shilpa Phadke, Unfriendly bodies, hostile cities: Reflections on loitering and gendered public space, Economic and Political Weekly, 48, (2013): 50-59.

[33] Vidhi Doshi, "After A Deluge Of #Metoo Allegations, Indian Men Claim They Are The Ones Under Attack",The Washington Post, October 15, 2018.

[34] Ibid

[35] Chandra Talpade Mohanty, "Feminism without Borders: Decolonizing Theory, Practicing Solidarity," Duke University Press (Februrary 2003): 499-535.

[36] M Chaudhuri, Feminism in India: The Tale and its Telling,Revue Tiers Monde 209(1) (2012 ): 19-36.

[37] Oglesbee Jill M, The Shah Bano Controversy: A Case Study of Individual Rights, Religious Tolerance, and the Role of the Secular State, Inquiries Journal/Student Pulse7 (08 ) (2015).

[38] "Campaign Against Acid Attack",Human Rights Law Network (HRLN).

[39] Sujatha Subramaniam, From the Streets to the Web: Looking at Feminist Activism on Social Media, The Economic and Political Weekly 50 (71) (2015).

[40] Holm, Malin, and Jorge Humberto Ojeda Castro, "#solidarityisforwhitewomen: Exploring the Opportunities for Mobilizing Digital Counter Claims,"PS, Political Science & Politics51, no. 2 (2018): 331.

[41] Nouraie-Simone, Fereshteh, On Shifting Ground: Muslim Women in the Global Era (Revised Edition ed., New York: The Feminist Press, (2014).

[42] Loretta Kensinger, "Plugged in praxis: Critical reflections on US feminism, internet activism, and solidarity with women in Afghanistan,Journal of International Women's Studies5, no. 1 (2003): 1-28.

[43] Srila Roy, "#Metoo Is A Crucial Moment To Revisit The History Of Indian Feminism",EPW Engage, October 20, 2018.

[44] Ibid

[45] Chandra Talpade Mohanty, "Feminism without Borders: Decolonizing Theory, Practicing Solidarity," Duke University Press (Februrary 2003): 499-535.

[46] Ingrid Bachmann & Valentina Proust, Old concerns, renewed focus and novel problems: feminist communication theory and the Global South,Annals of the International Communication Association 44:1(June 2019): 67-80.

[47] Shruti Mohan, 12 million women across 110,000 Indian villages are becoming tech savvy, thanks to Internet Saathi,YourStory, Jan 23, 2018.

[48] Manisha Desai, Gender and the Politics of Possibilities: Rethinking Globalization (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2009).

[49] Ibid

[50] Ojebode Ayo, "How Bring Back Our Girls Went From Hashtag To Social Movement, While Rejecting Funding From Donors",Oxfam Blogs (2018),

[51] Ibid

[52] Ibid

[53] Kearl Holly, Virginia, "Facts Behind The #Metoo Movement: National Study On Sexual Harassment And Assault", Stop Street Harassment 2018 Study, Accessed March 3 2020.

[54] Jane Emma, Flaming? What Flaming? The Pitfalls and Potentials of Researching Online Hostility, Ethics and Information Technology 17 (1)(2005): 6587.

[55] Ibid

[56] Elizabeth Day, Caroline Criado-Perez: I Dont Know If I Had a Kind of Breakdown, The Guardian, December 8, 2013.

[57] Lydia Smith, Domestic Violence and Online Abuse: Half UK Survivors Experience Trolling in Tidal Wave of Hate,International Business Times, March 1, 2014.

[58] "This Research Reveals The Full Extent Of Online Misogyny And A Surprising Fact About Who's Responsible", World Economic Forum (2016).

[59] Ibid

[60] "Safelives 2019 Survey Of Domestic Abuse Practitioners In England And Wales,"Safelive, Ending Domestic Abuse, Accessed March 14 2020, http://safelives.org.uk/sites/default/files/resources/SafeLives%E2%80%99 2019 survey of domestic abuse practitioners in England %26 Wales.pdf

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The Rising Fourth Wave: Feminist Activism on Digital Platforms in India - Observer Research Foundation

PENN YAN The Penn Yan Community Garden has added a sun shelter, built by Lester Hoover and funded by a grant from the J.M. McDonald Foundation.

At 10-by-10 feet, the wood structure serves as an open-air retreat for garden gazing and a place to take a break protected from the sun. It will also help the Yates County Master Gardeners to host programs and activities. As the garden receives full sun throughout the day in the hot summer months, the sun shelter will serve as an outdoor classroom for gardening or food preparation demonstrations, guest speakers, and group discussions.

Located at the end of Pleasant Avenue a short distance from downtown Penn Yan, the Penn Yan Community Garden mission is to improve access to garden space and nutritious, affordable, local food, to provide gardening and environmental education for kids and adults, and to promote cooperation, self-sufficiency, and personal empowerment in a greener and more beautiful community.

An annual garden membership is pay-as-you-can sliding scale from $0-$25, and membership entitles participants to one 4-foot-by-10-foot raised garden plot, compost, water supply, access to the tool shed and garden tools, fencing, a share of compost (when available), and use of a dedicated member parking lot. Many vegetable varieties can be planted in July and August for fall harvest.

Members and visitors can also pick up helpful hints about what to grow next year by viewing the Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners demonstration beds. Labeled with informational signs, these beds are tended by the Yates County Master Gardeners as part of our support of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Gardeners of all skill levels are welcome.

Continued here:

Sun shelter added to PY Community Garden - Finger Lakes Times

July 18, 1861. In Bihars Bhagalpur was born Kadambini Ganguly, who along with Anandi Gopal Joshi, became the first female doctors to qualify for practicing western medicine. Fraught with controversies, the 62 years of Kadambinis life had all the elements for making an engaging biopic in Tollywood. Yet, it was Bengali television that drew inspiration from her life. Currently, Solanki Roy and Ushasi Ray extremely popular faces of Bengali television are playing Kadambini in two different serials for Zee Bangla and Star Jalsha.

Two channels exploring the life of one character can be a coincidence of sorts. But beyond that, does this choice of subject say anything about the content of Bengali television?

To some extent, it does.

Not just Kadambini, Bengali television is now relying heavily on empowered female characters to rule the TRP. Rani Rashmoni another extremely popular megaserial is based on the life of Bengals pathbreaking revolutionary and social reformer. On July 24, the serial will be airing its 1000th episode with viewers being glued to the screen to watch the rise of a simple girl named Rani to become an effective leader who worked for social and womens reforms and even dared to go against the British traders.

Even serials based on contemporary plots are following the same path. Jaba Sengupta the protagonist of one of the longest-running Bengali serials titled Ke Apon Ke Por is a domestic help-turned-lawyer whose sole aim now is to deliver justice.

From Subarnalata and Goenda Ginni to Dwip Jele Jae and Saudaminir Sangshar women fighting for themselves, their dreams or those who have been forever deprived have been grabbing eyeballs on Bengali television for some time now. Many who had moved away from television because of its preference for melodrama-laced plots are slowly connecting with stories that highlight the aspiration of female protagonists. If the protagonist of Alo Chhaya aspires to be a scientist, Jamuna Dhaki is about a village girl who grows up to become a successful female dhaki. Bokul Katha, the recently-concluded serial, was about the protagonist becoming an IPS officer. The USP of Krishnakoli has been the empowering story of the popularity of a kirtan singer who breaks the taboo of skin colour and wins hearts through her talent to become an RJ and a singer.

Kora Pakhi, yet another popular serial with Parno Mittra playing the protagonist named Amon, is about a tribal girl who aspires to be a print journalist. Phirki the story of a girl saved by a transgender is championing the protagonists fight for the trans community. An oven-fresh serial Titli is about a hearing-impaired girl who is aiming to become a pilot. Mohor, one of the most popular serials running on Bengali television now, is about a student with a voice of her own who speaks her mind even if that means countering the director of her college.

But then, this certainly doesnt mean that the saas-bahu tussle has been completely done away with. The irritating thunderclap in the background still hurts the ear every time there is a tiff between rivals. Women decked in tacky gold-plated necklaces still pace down drawing rooms. And of course, Chitra Sen, as the evil mother-in-law, still rolls her eyes at every occasion she gets to counter her daughter-in-law, Sreemoyee (Indrani Halder). Then there is the much-hated mischief maker June Aunty. She is at loggerheads with Sreemoyee the ex-wife of her husband. These venom-spewing female characters add spice to the narrative that curiously revolves around a man living in the same house with both his ex and present wives. But what is reassuring amidst all the chaos is the current track of Sreemoyee that highlights Indranis search and struggle to create an identity for herself in the professional world.

The number of these serials with empowered female protagonists might not yet be in the majority. But the sheer popularity of most of them on the popularity charts makes for an interesting case. It indicates a subtle change in the preference of viewers who dont appreciate regressive content. Makers have understood that tracks highlighting only a love triangle and the high-voltage tu tu main main in a joint family cant be the central focus of a Bengali serial if it has to win the TRP race. A misogynist character like Bishan Nandy, who is regressive to the core, is written in a way that he doesnt get any sympathy from the viewers of Ke Apon Ke Por. The working mother, Aditi Roychowdhury, who had to once leave her family for wanting to pursue her career of a professor, finally gets support from her husband in Mohor.

To do away with regressive content and usher in the rise of empowered women can lead to two conclusions. It can indicate that the profile of those watching Bengali serials is changing and hence forcing the makers to churn out content accordingly. Or, it might suggest a change in the preference of existing viewers. The former is a little too early to expect. The latter is more likely in the current circumstances. Having faced various challenges within the four walls of their house, viewers of Bengali serials are now raring to go and conquer the world outside. They can easily connect with the lonely battles of homemakers who have sacrificed their all for the family and now want to carve a niche for themselves in the professional world. It wouldnt be fair to say that the serials show these protagonists revolting against their families. Not every protagonist is a fighter ready to take on the patriarchal world. Many are just waiting for their turn, hoping to get support of some family members to realise their dreams.

Dealing with dalliance and discord, the viewers understand, will remain a constant part of their daily struggles as they are for the protagonists of the favourite serials. But for now, they are ready to believe that being doormats is not their only option. Most importantly, they are liking the idea of Bengali serials slowly rewriting the rules for the middle class female viewers and showing them that it is fair to be in pursuit of their dreams, balance personal and professional lives and also expect support to make them come true.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

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Small is big: Is Bengali television rewriting the rules of womens empowerment? - The Times of India Blog

As the natural hair movement forges on more Black women are rediscovering their love for box braids, faux locs, and other styles that have been in the community for decadesfor some, centuries. And in the last ten years theyve also begun to group these hairdos under a new title: protective styles. But weve seen from countless destroyed hairlines that when executed poorly, or not cared for, these beautiful styles can cause traction alopecia and other damage to the hair.

In her new short documentary Pretty Shouldnt Hurt: An Overdue Conversation About Protective Styles, presented by Un-ruly.com and Dark & Lovely, avid protective style wearer Antonia Opiah explores the dangers that can come with these beloved dos. ESSENCE tapped two of the experts in the film, board certified dermatologist Crystal Aguh, M.D. and celebrity hairstylist and Dark & Lovely spokesperson Derick Monroe, for tips on how women can protect their hair from their protective style.

Be vocal. Hairstyling shouldnt cause you pain, so if it does, tell your stylist immediately. As many of us grow up being taught to respect our elders (with that respect often being shown in the form of silence), this can translate to loss of empowerment while in a stylists chair, says Aguh. Additionally, many people develop very personal relationships with their stylist and are careful not to offend them, even when they are in pain. I understand these feelings and encourage my patients to seek out a new stylist if they dont feel like their current one creates a safe space for feedback. Women should feel just as empowered to seek out a new stylist as they would seeking a new doctor if they felt their needs were not being met.

Be careful with the ratio of added hair to natural hair. While alopecia happens on an individual basis, Aguh identifies certain hairstyles as high risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk for tension. All hairstyles are not created equal according to her study and any style that incorporates additional hair requires a proper measurement. One inch of your hair should have no more than one inch of added hair. Excessive extensions adds weight and puts tension on the hair follicles, causing eventual breakage.

Proper removal of protective styles will prevent breakage and unnecessary hairline damage. Removal of protective styles is a combination of patience, adetangling brush and conditioner such as Dark & Lovelys Detangling Cream, Derick explains. Its enriched with peppermint oil and is great because it melts all the debris that builds up on the base. The important point is to have slip and make sure you get all the hair that may have shed out before shampooing, or else you can end up with serious knots and tangles.

Take breaks from protective styles. Dr. Aguh suggests a four weeks in, four weeks out method. And if youve stopped putting tension on your hair and still see damage, seek professional help. Women should seek medical evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist if they are dealing with any form of progressive hair loss to make sure they receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, she says. Most people do well with over the counter treatments, like minoxidil, but some women may require more aggressive treatment that involves prescription medication. If there is no response to any form of medication then surgery is often required to fully restore the hairline.

Invest in products specifically to care for protective styles. Products can make or break your natural style, Derick adds. Gels and sprays full of alcohol can dry the scalp and the hair out. Some that arent soluble can sit on the hair causing flaking and build up. Dark and lovely has created the first line dedicated to protective styles and with ingredients that soothes and moisturizes such as peppermint oil, aloe, and avocado oil.

Pretty Shouldnt Hurt: An Overdue Conversation About Protective Styles premieres on July 22 on Un-rulys YouTube and Facebook pages.

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Is That Protective Style Actually Protecting Your Hair - Essence

PORTLAND, Ore., July 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Internationally recognized spiritual teacher, Isabeau "Beau" Maxwell, recently announced the release of her updated memoir, "Cracking Open: Adventures of a Reluctant Medium." A rich and compelling narrative, "Cracking Open" describes Beau's journey through the process of "cracking open" into the realm of mediumship, after the death of her beloved grandmother. The book also serves as an introduction into Beau's practice and her comprehensive training course: The SAGE Method (Spirituality, Alignment, Growth, Empowerment). The former-skeptic turned medium has worked since 2005, using her abilities to help thousands of others, serving as a spiritual bridge to help facilitate communication between those on the other side and the living. Beau also trains others to "crack open" themselves through her practical and unique intuitive development course, and global spiritual community.

From the Introduction to "Cracking Open":

"Yes. This book is for you. As you will discover, you are not alone and you certainly are not crazy. There is more to this life than is commonly perceived. For some, this book may be an invitation to open up to new possibilities. For others, it will be confirmation that your experiences are valid and real. I invite you inside this journey of mine as I experience hours of frustration, moments of debilitating fear, and times I wondered if the brain I had relied on for so many years had finally put itself out to pasture. Join me as all of this is also met with moments of pure bliss, when life unfolds to demonstrate the spectacular beauty of human potential."

Reader Reviews for "Cracking Open: Adventures of a Reluctant Medium"

Over the years, Beau's autobiography has moved many readers, receiving numerous 5-star reviews and testimonials on both Amazon and her personal webpage:

"Compelling story, inside perspective. I have never read an account of someone realizing and experiencing that they are a psychic or a medium. While I still have a hard time imagining the things she describes happening to me, I am certain after reading her book that she is authentic. In reading the book, I found myself pulling for her. I would not be surprised if her account got turned into a movie of some sort in the future." J. McCormack

"More than a must-read, and beyond what I would call a page-turner. If you are having things happening, things you can't explain, and you don't know what to do because you don't want to tell anyone for fear of judgment, fear no more. Get 'Cracking Open' and begin the Journey that is the rest of your REAL life." David

Testimonials for the SAGE Method

The SAGE Method is a 7-week psychic-medium course, based on Beau's own lived experiences of cracking open. More than just a course though, The SAGE Method also offers access to a dedicated, supportive, vibrant inner-circle of people who share similar vision and purpose.

"Wow, Beau! What a beautiful, clear, concise exposition! I love how you illustrate with stories from your experience. I, too, have learned some of these lessons the hard way. But that way sure does make the lesson stick!" Daye

"I really like your style so practical, logical, down to earth. Until I found you, everything was 'woo-woo' and very hard for me to feel or buy into" "Thank you for your kindness and expertise." Bernadette

For more information on The SAGE Method, go online at http://www.TheSageMethod.com. Or follow the author on social media: Facebook, Bloglovin', Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest.

Press Kit

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Media Contact:

Isabeau Maxwell, Founder503-572-5681243488@email4pr.com

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Celebrated Medium Isabeau Maxwell Releases Her Compelling and Updated Memoir, 'Cracking Open: Adventures of a Reluctant Medium' - Offers Worldwide...

The UNAIDS new Global Report, Seizing The Moment: tackling entrenched inequalities to tackle epidemics, shows that there were 690,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2019 and 1.7 million new infectionsfar from the global targets of fewer than 500,000 deaths and 500,000 new infections a year that were set for 2020.

The UNAIDS new Global Report, Seizing The Moment: tackling entrenched inequalities to tackle epidemics, shows that there were 690,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2019 and 1.7 million new infectionsfar from the global targets of fewer than 500,000 deaths and 500,000 new infections a year that were set for 2020.

OPINION

By Winnie Byanyima

Like the HIV epidemic before it, COVID-19 is exploiting the extreme inequalities between countries and within them to take root among disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.

I am proud that decades of experience in responding to HIV are being used in the fight against the coronavirus and that activists all over the world are working hard to make sure that the disruption to HIV services is minimized.

But I am also deeply concerned.

Even before the onset of COVID-19, the world was failing in its commitment to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.

The UNAIDS new Global Report, Seizing The Moment: tackling entrenched inequalities to tackle epidemics, shows that there were

690,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2019 and 1.7 million new infectionsfar from the global targets of fewer than 500,000 deaths and 500,000 new infections a year that were set for 2020.

The collective failure to implement and sufficiently invest in comprehensive, rights-based HIV responses has come at a dreadful price. There were 3.5 million more HIV infections and 820,000 more AIDS-related deaths from 2015 to 2020 than the world had aimed to achieve.

This is unacceptable when we have medicines to keep people living with HIV alive and well and an array of prevention tools to stop new infections. We are being held back by entrenched inequalities that put vulnerable and marginalized groups of people at higher risk of becoming infected with HIV and dying of AIDS-related illnesses.

Of course, there are bright spots. South Africa has massively expanded the numbers of people on treatment in the last decade, from 1.4 million people in 2010 to 5.2 million people in 2019. Countries such as Eswatini and Lesotho are showing that new infections can be driven down by rolling out combination prevention options.

But in too many countries the epidemic is worsening. Infections have risen by 72% in Eastern Europe and Central Asia since 2010, with rises of 22% recorded in the Middle East and North Africa and 21% in Latin America.

As ever, it is the most vulnerable who pay the price. Every day, marginalized groups such as gay men, sex workers, transgender people, people who use drugs, prisoners and migrants are prevented from receiving proper health care and are criminalized and marginalized. Denied their right to health, these groups and their sexual partners comprised 62% of all new adult infections in 2019.

Meanwhile, women and girls are too often denied their sexual and reproductive health and rights, while gender-based violence and gender inequalities continue to drive the epidemic forward among young women and girls. In 2019, young women and adolescent girls accounted for 1 in 4 new infections in sub-Saharan Africa, despite making up about 10% of the total population.

It is estimated that globally 243 million women and girls aged 1549 years have been subjected to sexual and/or physical violence perpetrated by an intimate partner in the past 12 months.

Meanwhile, we know that women who experience such violence are 1.5 times more likely to acquire HIV than women who have not experienced violence. Among marginalised groups, a high prevalence of violence is also linked with higher rates of HIV infection. Female sex workers have a 30-times greater risk of acquiring HIV than the general population.

All this must change, and we have to act on multiple fronts. A multisectoral approach that respects the rights and dignity of women and of all marginalized groups is urgently needed to reduce HIV infections and guarantee their right to health and other essential services.

For example, completion of quality secondary education reduces the HIV vulnerability of adolescent girls and young women by half and also yields multiple other social and economic outcomes for advancing health, gender equality, economic empowerment and addressing gender-based violence.

Increasing economic opportunities and the financial asset base for young women between 20 and 24 years improves their health-seeking behaviour, reduces their vulnerability to sexual- and gender-based violence, and directly impacts on their choice of sexual partners.

Access to appropriate, quality and affordable financial services has been documented as essential in influencing personal life choices, attitudes, and behaviours to prepare for life events, set personal goals and develop strategies to achieve them.

Just like HIV, COVID19 holds up a mirror to the stark inequalities and injustices that run through our societies. The COVID-19 pandemic will also be exacerbated unless we address the human rights impact on vulnerable people and their lack of access to health services, education, protection from violence and social, economic and psychological support.

And we need a global commitment that diagnostics, medicines, and an eventual vaccine against the coronavirus are available free at the point of use to everyone everywhere. When a vaccine becomes available it must be a People's Vaccine.

Successful pandemic responses are grounded in human rights, implement evidence-based programming, and should be fully funded to achieve their targets.

Unfortunately, the funding gap for HIV responses is widening. Increases in resources for HIV responses in low- and middle-income countries stalled in 2017, and funding decreased by 7% between 2017 and 2019 after adjusting for inflation. The total HIV funding available in these countries in 2019 amounted to about 70% of the 2020 target set by the United Nations General Assembly.

HIV has been slipping down the international agenda for some years. Now, I am calling on leaders to convene a new United Nations High-Level Meeting On Ending AIDS next year to address with urgency the outstanding issues that are holding us back from ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

We cannot drop the ball on HIV. The futures of millions of people are at stake.

The UNAIDS 2020 global report is a call to action. It highlights the terrible scale of the HIV epidemic and how it runs along the fault lines of inequalities.

We can and must close the gaps.

The writer is the Executive Director, UNAIDS

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Seizing The Moment: Tackling Entrenched Inequalities To End Epidemics - New Vision

Eugene Canavan, medical design director at Design Partners, explains why pharmaceutical packaging should be created with the end user in mind.

In todays world of increasingly complex medication kits, multi-tablet regimens and drug delivery devices, it can be difficult to stand out and differentiate your brand. Often, to patients and various healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists) one offering appears to be much the same as another.

Pharmaceutical packaging is primarily designed to achieve quality standards, meet regulations and to be delivered utilising a lean manufacturing process. Little consideration is given to the end user and their needs. As a result, many packaging formats tend to be austere and dull. Little in this offering promotes patient engagement or encourages adherence over time. In addition, not realising the role of packaging as a tool to enhance and promote a therapeutic alliance between the patent and healthcare professional is a missed opportunity.

The therapeutic alliance recognises that the healthcare professional is expert in the medical field, but that the patient is expert on their own illness and what it means to live with it 24/7. The quality of engagement between healthcare professional and patient is key. The therapeutic alliance is a mutually beneficial relationshipbetween the healthcare professional and patient. It builds trust, patient engagement, and patient empowerment. This relationship which has quality patient and healthcare professional engagement at its core is shown to greatly effect beneficial change for the patient and achieve a positive therapeutic outcome.

In drug development programmes, the purpose of clinical trials are to establish the safety profile and clinical efficacy of the compound and how it is primarily delivered. This process does not focus on patient on boarding, the patient experience or how its effected over time. As a result, not enough consideration is given to the physical presentation of the drug packaging and the positive affect it can have on patient and health care professional engagement, and by extension the therapeutic alliance. With no strategy to consider enhancing quality of engagement and communication with the patient, usability barriers are often overlooked or at worst inadvertently designed in. Usage barriers lead to poorly engaged patients and product dissatisfaction, despite any clinical improvements.

In the transition tooutcomes-based payments, governments, health plans anddrugmanufacturers are now looking to adjusted revenue reimbursement,basedon how well themedicationperforms in a real-world population. This shift from volume to value is a major incentive to drug manufacturers to understand patient needs and promote positive patient engagements, in an effort to improve the treatment outcome.

There are significant areas for differentiating innovation in pharmaceutical packaging relating to the engagement of the healthcare professional and patient, while also considering the relationship or alliance that is required between both parties to optimise the outcome.

For innovation at the front end of packaging design, we need to consider the following:

Clearly identify and contextualise user needs and attitudes:While the primary user is generally the patient, this research must also encompass the pharmacist, prescribing physician, nurses and carers; often including parents, spouses and other family members. Understanding the needs of each respective user group is the key starting point of packaging innovation. While research methodologies such as surveys and questionnaires have value, first-hand voice of customer data gathered through methodologies such as ethnographic studies and contextual enquiry are immensely more powerful tools.

Map the patient journey and perform task analysis at each stage of treatment administration: Understanding the patient journey leads to valuable insight related to barriers to use and the intersection points with healthcare professionals. Gaining an understanding of what is complex in the eyes of the respective user is invaluable. This allows for simplification of each individual task. While also mitigating risk related to usability uncertainty, that may cause the patient to stop treatment or not start in the first instance. This task analysis should also include the initial personal interactions with carers, healthcare professionals and pharmacists.

Create desirability and empathy: Creating a quality, tactile and visually appealing aesthetic will appeal to the senses leading to greater levels of engagement. A simple communication hierarchy will result in less visual clutter and reduced cognitive load for the user. Packaging, which is delivered in a positive and empathetic manner, will have a more impactful out of box experience, emotionally bonds the patient and bringing a greater sense of value to their treatment.

Bring design language consistency across all packaging and support materials: Creating a consistent look, feel and messaging across all patient touch points is something that can be easily overlooked but can have significant consequences that disrupt patient continuity. This also supports the therapeutic alliance by bringing consistency of message at each engagement with healthcare providers. Ensuring continuity of branding and visual design is core to this process, but also at the component level. Variation in pill formats, injectors or kit components can be a source of doubt, efforts to bring consistency will be rewarded.

First impressions count: In our experience, winning the first engagement with the patient is critical to successful on-boarding and increases adherence to the treatment programme. While we can create consistency at the packaging level, efforts must also be made with healthcare professionals and prescribing pharmacists to ensure continuity of messaging and positive reinforcement.

Utilise Human Factors Engineering (HFE) methodologies and processes to de-risk usability: HFE is a process where the usability of the packaging solution can be systematically assessed, tested and refined. Early in the development process HFE formative usability testing is used to assess the merits of concepts and the insights from the testing is brought into the next stage of development.At a later point, usability validation in the form of summative usability testing is used confirm that the packaging is safe and optimised for use. Utilising HFE process will contribute to the regulatory approval and provide an effective risk management tool. These processes will also serve to provide strategic advantage and brand differentiation, while effectively containing costs.

As we progress on a journey to innovate in the world of pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery, the essential quality and regulatory pillars will remain, as will the requirement for lean and value-based manufacturing processes. We also need to innovate our thinking and approach to include users and healthcare professionals as fundamental starting points of the packaging design and creation. This will allow us to deliver products that enhance patient engagement with healthcare, promoting a therapeutic alliance that will ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients and healthcare providers.

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Why pharma packaging should be focused more on the patient - EPM Magazine

Six months into the most unexpected year, it has been a journey of its own

The pandemic brought out a new digital lifestyle we are all forced to embrace, while uncertainty and chaos looms over our heads. But as everybody is accepting the new normal, we have some exciting news to share. Women in Cloud and SHEROES are announcing a collaborative partnership to advance women tech founders and leaders in India to drive economic development goals.

SHEROES is the worlds first and largest women-only social network, exclusively designed around the needs, goals and aspirations of women Internet users. Based out of New Delhi, SHEROES leverages technology to solve the problem of gender disparity in India. Accessible via Sheroes.com and the SHEROES app, the platform is the largest online ecosystem of 20 million users, supporting women. Their offerings can be accessed over communities, a free-to-use counselling chat helpline, resources, mentorship, peer-to-peer conversations, a marketplace, a reproductive health tracker and opportunities for women. SHEROES is reimagining how women use, experience and benefit from the internet.

Women in Cloud is extremely happy to announce this partnership, which will help our network to gain access to the vast and talented women-only SHEROES network. We are also looking forward to achieving the following joint goals:

This partnership is also an effort to carry forward the Global Expansion Plan in India, where the curtain-raiser took place in August 2019.

According to Nasscom, the cloud market in India will grow 3-fold to USD 7.1 billion by 2022, one of the fastest in the world, yet women tech founders are not well presented in driving economic changes. Female Entrepreneurship Index is 70 out 77 as presented by the DWEN Research. Policy makers in India are currently investing in entrepreneurship & economic empowerment for self reliance. This partnership allows Women in Cloud to provide women tech founders exclusive access to Microsoft Cloud Accelerator, to help build inclusive solutions and influence technology-focused job creation in the India market.

What makes Women in Cloud powerful is our community. By sharing our stories, we inspire innovation. By banding together, we change laws. By leveraging our personal networks, we create new opportunities. said Chaitra Vedullapalli, Co-founder and President, Women in Cloud.

It is through collective action that we will help women entrepreneurs access $1 billion in economic access by 2030. We are thrilled to join forces with SHEROES to reach our goal while also helping female tech entrepreneurs in India create economic opportunities,.

Our network has unparalleled reach and depth with women users across India. SHEROES is also helping enhance womens social, economic and digital footprint, and part of this mission has always been to support more women building and owning the technology that runs the world. Were extremely excited to partner with Women In Cloud as part of their plan to expand their footprint in India, and co-curate initiatives that can further move the GDP and gender index here, commented Sairee Chahal, Founder & CEO, SHEROES on the partnership with Women in Cloud.

Both our communities are absolutely elated with this partnership and we are determined to help our society and community be a better space for women entrepreneurs and leaders to find their success.

This is a huge step towards ensuring economic access to women tech founders in both India and the United States. Stay tuned for more updates!

Find out more about Women in Cloud: http://www.womenincloud.com

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A New Partnership is in Town! Women in Cloud and SHEROES Join Forces to Create Economic Impact - TechNative

Womens rights in Kenya remain under threat.

Despite the few successes realised in empowering them, numerous issues still exist in the country, ranging from cultural, political, social to economic disenfranchisement, all which negatively affect their well being as well as girls.

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has made it worse, with deeply entrenched women and girls rights violations in the trenches and dungeons of the very homes meant to be safe havens.

According to a recent United Nations report, five in every 10 women in the age bracket of 15 and 49 in Kenya have suffered one form or another of violence.

Besides physical violence on women, recent reports have showed girls suffer other forms of rights violations, including teenage pregnancies and early marriages.

Various reports have also made reference to high numbers of children being forced into sex tourism. In a report titled The Dark Side of the Internet for Children, over 10,000 children from various parts of the country are trafficked to Mtwapa alone for sex tourism in the coastal town.

The same report further showed 25 per cent percent of commercial sexual exploitation of children victims in the Kenyan Coastal region had migrated from upcountry to engage in commercial sex work.

Culture and tradition, particularly in rural Kenya, have played a major role in contributing to gender rights violations.

For example, the belief that a girl should not be educated since doing so will only benefit her in laws has led to many girls ending up out of school. The few who start schooling drop out at early ages, mostly to allow parents to concentrate their efforts on educating the male sibling.

Economic disenfranchisement, including lack of ownership of and access to land by women, further depreciates womens roles in development process of the nation. Such factors hit women hard and renders them vulnerable to all sorts of abuses.

Domestic violence has been on the rise particularly during this Covid-19 pandemic.

The Kenyan law defines domestic violence as violence against a person, or a threat of violence or imminent danger by someone who that person is in or has been in a domestic relationship with.

Domestic relationships are marriages, relationships between divorced couples, people who live together, and those who were in marriages that have been dissolved or declared null and void.

This relationship includes someone you have a child with and any person you have a close personal relationship with. Domestic violence acts include and are not limited to sexual and physical abuse, defilement, child marriage and incest.

Unfortunately, the violence is not only on adults but children too. According to HAKI Africa, which recently went round the rural counties to find out the cause of women battering in homes, the organisation confirmed that most of the women are expected to fend for the families, including their husbands.

When they fail to put food on the table, they are beaten by their husbands and in a few cases, also by other members of the family, including sons.

For the younger girls, they are forced to work as house girls to raise resources to cater for their families basic needs. In the process, they end up being physically and sexually abused by their employers.

It is obvious that women and girls in Kenya are undergoing tremendous challenges.

While generally all the people are faced with trials and tribulations emanating from the pandemic, women and girls situation is further compounded by abuse of their rights.

As a country, we must wake up and address the issues hindering emancipation of our woman and girl. To begin with, we must do away with cultural and traditional beliefs that impede their empowerment in the country.

Poor parenting and societal behaviours that render the girl child susceptible to manipulation must also be done away with. The national and county governments should also work to improve womens rights with the support of faith leaders and civil society.

More importantly, women and girls must refuse to be the weaker sex. They must rise up and defend their rights, by any means necessary.

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Defend women rights by any means necessary - The Star, Kenya