Politicians Call for Model Gisele Bündchen’s “Sexist” TV Advert to be Banned

Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen has caused uproar amongst politicians appalled at her new “sexist” advert promoting her Hope Lingerie campaign.

Brazilian lingerie label Hope has come under fire from Brazilian Government officials after dubbing their advert starring model Gisele Bündhcen “sexist” with its stereotypical portrayal of women as “sexual objects” to men.

The 5ft 11in model was dubbed “The Return of the Sexy Model” by Vogue in 1999 and is known for her modelling career with fashion company Victoria’s Secret, as well as being named the 16th richest woman in the entertainment industry since 2004.

Ms Bündchen appears in several adverts for the campaign, dressed in provocative clothing while trying to comfort her husband after committing “marital blunders” such as crashing the car or spending too much on their credit card.

In one advert, aired on September 20, Ms Bündchen is pictured in a short, white dress explaining to her husband that she crashed the car when the word “WRONG” appears on the screen. In the next shot, she is wearing red underwear and high heels and explaining to her husband that she crashed the car again, when the word “RIGHT” appears at the bottom of the screen.

“Use your natural charm” can be heard in a voiceover on the adverts as the campaign’s tagline.

A Government official has said that the campaign promotes “misguided stereotype[s] of a woman as a sexual object”, which is ignoring the advances women have achieved in “deconstructing sexist thinking”.

Director of Hope Lingerie, Sandra Chayo, has reacted by stating that the advert “never intended to be sexist” and that Ms Bündchen can testify that the adverts were meant to come across as “jokes about daily life”.

“It would be absurd for us, who make a living off the preferences of women, to do anything to devalue our main consumer,” added Ms Chayo.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of gabriel_marchi ]

Welsh Designer Creates Own “Monkstone Knitwear” Collection

Welsh designer Anna Felton has created her own Monkstone Knitwear collection from her working farm home in Dyfed, West Wales.

Designer Anna Felton has created her own clothing collection titled ‘Monkstone Knitwear’ from her working farm home in Dyfed, West Wales, which is due to be launched online on Tuesday October 4.

Ms Felton lives on Trevayne Farm in Monkstone, Saundersfoot in West Wales, and is using the wool sheared from 70 sheep to create her knitwear collection. Local farmers have also donated wool from their own sheep to help with Ms Felton’s new business, and she is hoping she can pay them back once the business is launched.

The recent demand for wool has been low, but Ms Felton is determined that wool still has its place in the modern fashion industry.

“All of the wool is just washed and spun, without any chemicals at all, making it a really hardy material,” said Ms Felton. “It makes our products the kind that will last a lifetime because of the natural properties, designed to be on a sheep all year around.”

Her university degree in women’s wear helped her to decide to focus on creating knitwear as Ms Felton has worked with this particular material in the past and it was something she “loved working with”.

The 28-year-old has previous experience of working as a designer for Welsh clothing company Howies, and the global clothing company Fat Face.

The “Monkstone Knitwear” range consists of 100% Welsh products and is being created with the help of five hand knitters, and workers at the company Corgi Hosiery, based 46 miles away in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

Ms Felton hopes that her work with the local farmers will help to educate people about wool manufacturing, which she hopes will eventually lead to creating her own shearing collection.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of UK pictures

Artists Asked to Donate Work for Women for Women International

Women for Women International have called on female artist to donate their work to help support women survivors of war.

Artists have been invited to donate their art to the Gagosian Gallery by Women for Women International to raise money for female survivors of war and civil strife.

Nadja Romain is the key advocate for Women for Women International, and initiated this year’s project with artist Jenny Saville.

“The idea of the exhibition is to raise awareness,” Nadja Romain told The Fresh Outlook. “We want to establish Artists for Women for Women International as a recurrent project. It might change in its form, but the goal is to keep on raising awareness and funds to support the work of the organisation.”

Nadja Romain and Jenny Saville have co-organised this year’s event, and 23 artists have donated 23 art pieces to the auction.

Jenny Saville is a British contemporary artist and is known for creating paintings of naked women. Ms Saville contributed art last year, and is continuing to support the charity by donating another piece of art work.

Nadja Romain and Jenny Saville united to invite artists to donate their work after hearing a speech given by Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International, at the House of Lords in London. Ms Romain has described the artists’ pieces as “beautiful works”, claiming their generosity is “amazing”.

They both asked female and male artists to donate their work to be auctioned by Christie’s, a saleroom that showcases “extraordinary art”, in their Post War and Contemporary Day Sale during the Frieze Art Fair which will open on October 13.

Ms Romain told us that she is definitely hoping to increase the amount raised last year, and as only five artist donated work in 2010, she has already seen a “big difference”.

“If the auction goes well this will make a difference to thousands of women’s lives, which extend then to their family and community,” said Ms Romain.

The exhibition runs until Saturday October 1 at the Gagosian gallery at 6 – 24 Britannia Street in London and the auction will take place on October 15.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Carsten Holler]

Saudi Arabia: King Abdullah Saves Muslim Woman from Lashing

King of Saudi Arabia cancels the lashings Shaima Jastaina would have received for opposing the driving ban in the country.

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has cancelled the punishment of Shaima Jastania after it was ruled on Tuesday September 27 that she would receive 10 lashings for driving in the country. The announcement came a day after King Abdullah promised to protect women’s rights and announced that women will be allowed to participate in municipal elections in 2015.

Shaima Jastania was found guilty of driving a member of her family to hospital without permission in Jedda, located close to the Red Sea, in July this year.

There is no law in Saudi Arabia stating that women cannot drive; however, police officers may stop and question Muslim women driving in the country, and will often make women sign a pledge stating they will not drive again before letting them go with a caution.

Princess Amira Al-Taweel, married to Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, is an active supporter of women’s right drive in Saudi Arabia.

“No matter how many great things we do [we will] always be judged as a country that suppresses women because we’re the only country in the world where women can’t drive,” said Princess Amira.

In a statement today, Change.org director Shelby Knox discussed how Saudi women have now built an international campaign through their petition, gaining support of thousands including US Secretary Catherine Ashton.

“Using Change.org, the Saudi Women for Driving coalition has exercised its voice and encouraged activists everywhere to stand up in solidarity,” Shelby Knox stated. “Change.org is about empowering anyone, anywhere to demand action in their communities, and it has been incredible to watch the campaign gain so much support and momentum throughout the world.”

Female activists in Saudi Arabia created a petition to stop the punishment, gaining almost 25,000 signatures from people in 150 countries.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Robert Reed Daly]

Shakira Honoured as Youngest Person to Become Latin Grammy Person of the Year

Colombian singer Shakira has made history becoming the youngest person to receive the Latin Grammy Person of the Year award.

Spanish singing sensation Shakira has been honoured as the youngest person to gain the Latin Grammy Person of the Year award at the age of 34.

CEO and president of the Latin Recording Academy, Gabriel Abaroa Jr, stated that they are honoured to award this “dynamic and socially conscious woman”, praising her talent and charity work for helping many people worldwide.

Born in Colombia, South America, Shakira is known for her song writing and singing voice, and won a Best Selling Single in the UK award for her single ‘Whenever, Wherever’ in 2002. She has also been awarded for her work with charities across the globe.

Shakira supports charities such as Live Earth and ONE campaign and has been awarded with the United Nations Humanitarian Award for helping children in the Barefoot Foundation.

During a speech at a charity event, she told the 400-member audience to help displaced children in her hometown of Colombia.

“This generation has so many ideas and technologies that my parents didn’t have access to, so let’s take advantage of this historical opportunity we have within reach to make this world a better place,” she said.

After hearing of her award, she said that it is an honour to be awarded amongst the “greatest artists and legends of Latin music”.

Previous Latin artists who have won the award include singers Julio Inglesias, Ricky Martin and Placido Domingo.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of sitemarca]

The Weight Watchers Jennifer Hudson Centre Opens in Chicago

On Tuesday September 27, performer Jennifer Hudson opened a Weight Watchers centre in her name, advocating healthy futures for children.

Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson opened The Weight Watchers Jennifer Hudson Centre yesterday in her hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Ms Hudson has been named “Chicago’s ambassador to the world at large” by town mayor Rahm Emmanuel for opening the centre.

After the birth of her son in 2009, Jennifer Hudson lost 80 pounds, and is now promoting the new Weight Watchers points plus programme. She has stated that she wants the centre to encourage children to lead healthier lifestyles.

The new centre has also pledged to donate money to the Hudson-King Foundation Ms Hudson created in memory of her late seven-year-old nephew who was shot in 2008.

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame by appearing on reality television show American Idol after impressing audiences with her singing ability. Ms Hudson has also starred in Hollywood films, and won a Golden Globe award for ‘Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in the Motion Picture’ for her role in Dreamgirls.

She said that when she was growing up she was inspired by the success of other women, and would hope to be an inspirational role model for young children.

“I love to target children, because that’s the thing that makes a difference,” Ms Hudson said. “We hope to do the same thing and start here at home in Chicago with health, with education, with dreams.”

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Wikimedia commons]

Women’s Summit Held in Chicago to Help Women Advance in their Careers

Jones Lang Laselle real estate firm held their first women’s summit on Tuesday to help women to advance their careers.

On September 27, the first ever women’s summit was held by real estate service firm Jones Lang Lasalle, based in Chicago, Illinois, to help find better ways for women to advance in their careers.

The firm invited 40 female managers from its offices across the United States to attend the training session, as the firm hoped these women would become mentors to young female employees.

After falling pregnant with her second child, Chief Diversity Officer at Jones Lang Lasalle, Angela Roseboro was told she would now be put on the “mommy track”, a career path offering her fewer opportunities to advance in her line of work. Ms Roseboro was determined to prove him wrong.

Angela Roseboro has over 18 years of experience in leadership and in building best in class human resources, diversity and engagement platforms for global corporations.

“Diversity can not be seen as a programme, it must be a strategic enabler,” said Ms Roseboro. “Diversity has to be embedded in process, so when you think about how you hire, how you retain, diversity can not be in a side programme; it has to be in the process all the time.”

According to a survey by Commercial Real Estate Women Network, 36% of professional women in 2005 were working in the commercial real estate industry.

Angela Roseboro hopes that the women attending the session would help each other to reach the “executive ranks” of the company, and hopes that by the time her own children face the corporate world they won’t have to deal with these issues.

“I want to see people be given the opportunity to succeed based on their merits,” she said.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of high performance advocates ]

Coronation Street Storyline Increases Rape Crisis Calls By 800%

Rape Crisis calls have increased by an outstanding 800% after Coronation Street character Carla Connor was raped by her fiancé.

Rape Crisis have reported that calls to their helpline have increased by an extraordinary 800%, as 10 million viewers tuned in to see the ordeal faced by Coronation Street’s Carla Connor after she was raped by fiancé Frank Foster in an episode aired last week.

The charity had to bring in more volunteers to cope with the increase in calls during the past week.

10 years ago, Coronation Street was criticised by the Independent Television Commission for their first attempt at a rape storyline when Toyah Battersby, played by actress Georgia Taylor, was brutally attacked in the middle of the night.

The storyline caused controversy amongst viewers and the soap was ridiculed for not offering proper advice or any information for female victims of rape.

The most recent storyline has also caused controversy as the scenes were shown before the 9pm watershed, but Rape Crisis praised the episode for its “well researched” storyline, as they believe that it is important for mainstream television programmes to tackle issues such as rape.

Yvonne Traynor works at the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, and spoke to The Fresh Outlook about the reaction they have had from the horrific yet honest storyline.

“We were told by ITV as to when it was going out, so we are already alerted for extra calls,” said Ms Traynor. “It shows people that there is somewhere that they can call, as we advertise our helpline on the television, as I think it is the first time anybody has realised that there is a number they can call and talk to what’s happened to them.”

Ms Traynor said that this particular storyline outlined the reality of rape, and that “portraying rape in a realistic fashion is what is important”.

This particular storyline is different as Carla, played by actress Alison King, was raped by her fiancé Frank, played by Andrew Lancel, whereas in other rape storylines, the attacker is not always so well known to the victim.

Men who rape women often do so to take control of a situation, and in this case it was clear that the character of Frank Foster felt everything was slipping away from him; he was losing control and to regain power over Carla he raped her.

“Rape is about being in control, having power of women and these feelings are finally showing people the true reasons behind these attacks, and ignoring the myths that men can’t control themselves,” said Ms Traynor.

A shocking 90% of rapes are committed by people that the survivors know, whether it is someone you met in a pub, or a friend of a friend, or even a husband as it is still illegal in a marriage. Men who attack women they are in a relationship with are less than likely to be found guilty, as many men say it was consensual.

Rape Crisis have been overwhelmed by the number of calls, and are hoping more women will be encouraged to speak out. Women can find support by visiting the website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Toni Blay]

Artists Asked to Donate Work for Women for Women International

Women for Women International have called on female artist to donate their work to help support women survivors of war.

Female artists have been invited to donate their art to the Gagosian Gallery by Women for Women International to raise money for female survivors of war and civil strife.

Nadja Romain from Women for Women International and artist Jenny Saville have asked female artists to donate their work to be auctioned by Christie’s, a saleroom that showcases “extraordinary art”, in their Post War and Contemporary Day Sale during the Frieze Art Fair which will open on October 13.

Jenny Saville is a British contemporary artist and is known for creating paintings of naked women. She is a committed supporter of Women for Women International, and donated a piece of work to their TANK Art Attack project last year, which was auctioned for £190,000.

Last year Ms Romain launched the TANK art attack project, which raised over £240,000 for Women for Women International, and is hoping that this new exhibition will not only raise more money but will unite artists worldwide.

The annual Frieze Art Fair takes place every October in Regent’s Park, London. In 2010 the Gallery had 60,000 visitors as it holds over 170 galleries.

The new exhibition will be open from 10.00 – 18.00, on September 27 until October 1, and tickets are at a reduced price of £20 per adult before the exhibition ends.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of steve.wilde]

Michelle Obama: “We Need to Clear Hurdles for Girls Pursuing Careers in Science and Math”

Michelle Obama spoke at the White House on Monday September 26, encouraging women to work in science and maths roles.

First Lady Michelle Obama spoke in the East Room of the White House yesterday, encouraging women and young girls to pursue roles in science and maths given the new rules by the National Science Foundation, allowing women and men to suspend grant research if needed due to urgent family matters.

The NSF is an independent federal agency dedicated to promoting work towards the progress of science. Michelle Obama praised the NSF at the White House, saying that they understood that both men and women should not be “penalised or lose a chance to advance in your career” due to family issues.

Mrs Obama was introduced by graduate medical student and president of the Association of Women in Science, Michelle Del Rio.

Michelle Del Rio is a prime example of what young women can achieve. Coming from a poor family in Texas, she was expected to get a job and care for her younger siblings, but instead she decided to go to college to study science and declared she was “proud to be a woman in a scientific field”.

Mrs Obama praised Michelle Del Rio’s achievements and said that it was important to help children believe they can achieve like she did.

“Today is about helping every little girl in this country to believe that she can be the next Michelle De Rio,” said Mrs Obama. “A scientist isn’t just something you hear about in biology class, our girls need to understand that our doctors and scientists are something that anyone can become no matter how much money you have or where you come from.”

Mrs Obama encouraged the public, lecturers and family members to encourage young children, especially women, to pursue an interest in science or maths from a young age. She stated that in this modern age, people can’t afford to “throw barriers” in the way of young children who have the “hunger” to pursue a career by preventing them from going to college and succeeding

“We need to educate the scientists who will make the next big discoveries that will fuel our economy for decades to come,” Mrs Obama said.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Barack Obama]

University of Edinburgh Honours JK Rowling for £10m Donation

Author JK Rowling was honoured yesterday at the University of Edinburgh, for donating £10 million to fund MS research clinic.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling was honoured on Monday for her extraordinary £10 million donation to fund research at a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) clinic based at the University of Edinburgh.

The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic has been created in memory of Ms Rowling’s mother, Anne, who died from MS at the young age of 45.

The clinic will open in 2013 and will focus on developing treatment. It is hoped that it will come to be known as a world centre of excellence in its field.

Princess Anne awarded the honour to Ms Rowling as her first duty as the eighth Chancellor of the University in over 150 years.

Head of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Professor Sir John Savill, spoke at the ceremony, saying how Ms Rowling’s donation will have a “major impact” on the college, and has already given hope to those affected by the disease.

Sir John explained that Multiple Sclerosis would be the main focus of research at the clinic, but he hopes that people suffering from neurodegeneration diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, will also benefit from research found by the clinic.

“All neurodegenerative disorders are progressive and currently incurable,” said Sir John. “The work we are conducting in these areas could have a profound and lasting effect on hundreds of thousands of patients and their families worldwide.”

Sir John praised Ms Rowling for writing the successful Harry Potter books, and described her donation as a “wonderful and most remarkable act of philanthropy”.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Beacon Radio]

18-Year-Old Student Jailed after “Psycho” Style Stabbing on Ex-Girlfriend

Student Sam Tomlinson has been jailed after attacking his ex-girlfriend outside her school in the West Midlands five months ago.

On Saturday September 24, A* student Sam Tomlinson was jailed for thirteen years after driving to Ridgewood High School and attacking his ex-girlfriend repeatedly with an eight-inch knife.

Five months ago, Tomlinson, 18, attacked ex-girlfriend Chloe West, 14, in a style reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s infamous move ‘Psycho’ after undergoing a drastic change in his appearance and stabbing her twenty times in her face and neck outside her school; Ridgewood High in Stourbridge.

Tomlinson disguised himself by dying his hair black and wearing dark coloured contact lenses and attacked his ex-girlfriend after she rejected him months ago.

Tomlinson was considered a bright boy at school and was due to study veterinary medicine at university this September.

He created two false Facebook accounts in order to contact her, but Ms West told him to stop his actions and chose to ignore him.

Seeing the attack, fellow student Ben Hudson tackled Tomlinson, helping Ms West to break free. Tomlinson wounded Mr Hudson and then fled the scene.

Fortunately, Ms West survived the attack, receiving 48 stitches after being admitted to hospital.

After the court hearing on Saturday, her parents, Nigel and Rose West stated that they felt justice had been done.

Wolverhampton Crown Court jailed Tomlinson for attempted murder on Ms West and for wounding Mr Hudson.

“We can now move on to enjoy life and watch Chloe grow into a young woman who is full of life.” said Mr and Mrs West in a joint statement.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of geogrpah.co.uk]

Liza Minnelli hosts Annual “White Rose Charity Ball” in London

Singer Liza Minnelli hosted and performed at the White Rose Charity ball on September 25, fundraising for the Holocaust Centre.

The White Rose Charity ball took place on Sunday September 25 at Park Plaza in London, and Liza Minnelli was among many performers providing the evening’s entertainment.

The ball was created in order to raise money for the upkeep of the Holocaust centre based in Laxton, England.

Founded by former Marketing Director Linda Larder, the White Rose ball includes an evening of entertainment by celebrity performers, a three-course meal cooked by award-winning chefs and an auction, selling items such as dance lessons and the chance to make a cameo role in a West End London musical.

Ms Lauder decided to create the fundraiser after hearing that the Holocaust centre may close due to a lack of money, and stated she insisted on doing something as she centre was “filled with passion, hope and peace.”

The Centre needs £400,000 each year, and the White Rose Charity ball does all it can to keep it open, and the remembrance still alive.

Ms Minelli visited the Holocaust centre in Laxton last week and told reporters at the BBC that she was attending and would “try and do the best job I can” while performing at the event, and even recalled her memories immediately after the war.

“I was born in 1946. I remember it so vividly, the horror everybody still felt at what had been done,” Ms Minnelli said during her visit. She described the Holocaust as a memory that should never be forgotten.

Alongside Ms Minnelli, entertainment was given from the musical ‘Jersey Boys’. Singer Damien Floyd performed and flutist Lisa Friend was praised for playing “beautiful music”.

The Holocaust centre is the only one in the UK dedicated to the remembrance and the survivors, with over 200,000 visitors each year.

Many celebrities, activists and admirers from across the world have paid tribute to the centre. African activist Desmond Tutu described the centre as an “important institution in helping the world to take steps to prevent human tragedy”.

The annual White Rose ball raises money to keep the centre open in order to “ensure its future, for the sake of all our futures”.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Daves Portfolio]

Shadow Home Secretary states “Heinous Crime” of Stalking should be Prevented

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the law needs to strengthen the Protection Against Harassment Act to protect women.

On Saturday September 24, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper spoke at a conference held by women of the Labour Party, stating that the current protection against harassment law should be “corrected”, and police officers should review attacks thoroughly in order to keep the public safe from violent attacks.

According to the British Crime Survey from 2010-2011, over 50,000 cases of harassment were reported, yet only 2.2% of these resulted in conviction.

Ms Cooper has only recently become an MP, and has already been given the role of Shadow Home Secretary after replacing her husband, MP Ed Balls.

She said that stalking is an area that needs to be assessed properly and action should be taken to clarify the harassment law in order to “prevent it from leading to more serious crimes”. She stated the law needs to address areas where “criminal justice” does not seem to protect people.

“There have been too many tragic cases of women and men being stalked, and a lack of clarity in the law has allowed this to go on for too long and led to heinous crimes – and this must end.” said Ms Cooper at the conference on Saturday.

She  also stated that she wanted to see the law implement a new risk assessment system, which is able to thoroughly asses the stalkers convicted for crimes, and offer counselling to victims of attacks.

MP’s are now investigating reports of stalking, as it is not currently an illegal offence in the UK, and reports of harassment will be reviewed in early 2012 as to whether the law will change its policies.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Pensiero]

France Fines First Women for Opposing Burqa Ban

Courts in Meaux, Paris has convicted the first Muslim women for opposing the burqa ban set in April this year.

On Thursday morning, French courts decided to fine two Muslim women for wearing their burqas in public areas, despite the ban set in April this year.

When the ban was first suggested 2,000 Muslim women were proudly wearing the burqa and veils on the streets of France.

Courts in Meaux, Paris fined Hind Ahmas, 32, 120 euros (£104) and Najate Nait, 36, 80 euros (£70) after they were caught wearing the niqab outside the town hall in May this year. The court decided to fine the women rather than make them attend a citizenship course as had been requested by the prosecutor.

Both women have vowed to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

Both women arrived late too late to attend the ruling. Lawyer Gilles Devers represented both women, and told the German Press Agency that he would still appeal their conviction, as it still is a “violation of women’s rights”.

“The problem is not the fine. The problem is that these women are effectively under house arrest. That’s the real punishment,” said Mr Devers.

Many arrests have been made since the ban was imposed. However, no fines had been given until today.

Ms Ahmas told the German Press Agency that she had hoped she would be fined today in order to enable her to challenge the law which she describes as “an attack on her freedom of religion”.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of siobh.ie]

Palestinian Bid an “Absolute Necessity”, Says Dame Helen Mirren

Actress Helen Mirren is supporting the Palestinian bid for independence as UN members are discussing the county’s future this week.

At the premier of her film ‘Debt’, Dame Helen Mirren spoke out about the bid for Palestinian independence, stating it was a necessity for the country’s future.

“”I think it’s a necessity that Palestine has a state,” said Dame Helen.”It’s an absolute necessity certainly for the future of that part of the world.”

The UN’s Annual General Assembly General Debate in New York started on Tuesday in order to discuss Palestine’s bid for statehood in the UN.

Palestinian authorities have fought for independence since Israel occupied the country in 1967, and last year Palestinian officials decided to begin pursuing a new strategy by asking other countries to support Palestine’s bid for freedom.

The Palestinian President Mahumoud Abbas stated on September 16 that they were going to the UN to ask for the right and to obtain a “full membership for Palestine in this organisation”.

World leaders have spoken out on the bid, and the majority, including Barack Obama and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, are backing the bid.

“I am convinced that there is no short cut to the end of a conflict that has endured for decades,” said Mr Obama. “Ultimately, it is the Israelis and the Palestinians – not us – who must reach agreement on the issues that divide them.”

Nine out of the 27 European Union countries have recognised Palestine as a state, and others are looking favourably towards the bid. The Palestinian people are hoping for a decision within the next week.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of sgosh 30]

Oscar Winner Meryl Streep to Receive Kennedy Center Honour

Actress Meryl Streep will be awarded at the Kennedy Center Honours for her contribution to performing arts in American culture.

Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep has been told she will receive a Kennedy Center Honours award at a gala ceremony hosted later this year in recognition of her contribution towards American culture. The announcement was made on Thursday and is considered the highlight of the Washington cultural Year.

The Kennedy Center Honours celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and has announced its five honourees for their contribution to the performing arts. A State Department dinner hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will take place on Saturday December 3, and the honourees will receive medallions the night before the gala.

Meryl Streep, 62, is known for her work in film, theatre and television. She has received more Academy Award nominations than any other actress, receiving 16 nominations since 1979.

In 2010 she received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree by Harvard University, after being elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, only has 250 members.

Performers Yo yo Ma, Sonny Rollins, Neil Diamond and Barbara Cook, will also be recognised for their work in the arts in the gala on December 4.

Chairman of the Kennedy Center, David Rubenstein, has praised Meryl Streep’s performances as “”the most exhilarating cultural spectacles of our time”.

Her most recent film will show her taking on the role of former PM Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Iron Lady’, which is currently in post production.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Wikimedia commons]

Haitian Women Still Neglected Almost Two Years Since Devastating Earthquake

Women in Haiti are still suffering from neglect, violence and lack of healthcare two years after the Earthquake hit.

The earthquake that hit Haiti in January 2010 left a trail of devastation across the country, and as the two-year mark nears, women are still affected by poor health care and sexual violence towards them in the recovery efforts.

The earthquake destroyed over a million homes, causing 200,000 deaths and over 300,000 people were injured.

US$ 5.3 billion was raised by international donors to help the inhabitants of Haiti after the earthquake, and US$ 258 million was dedicated to supporting the healthcare of men and women in Haiti.

January 2012 will mark two years since the earthquake hit and yet only US$118.4 million of the donations has been disbursed.

On August 30, Human Rights Watch released a report titled ‘Nobody remembers us’, detailing how Haitian women have been, and are still, affected by the aftermath of the earthquake.

Haiti has one of the highest maternal mortality rates, meaning the death of a woman during or shortly after pregnancy. The report showed that maternal mortality rates in 2010 are at a high, with over 630 women dying per 100,000 births in Haiti.

According to the report, there are “serious gaps” in women’s access of healthcare to women and young girls affected by the earthquake.

Pregnant women are suffering from a lack of healthcare, transportation and health tests, including sonograms, which are vital to check the baby’s health and development. The lack of facilities available is causing women to give birth on the street in poor and dirty conditions. Some women are even resorting to form relationships with men for the sake of security, causing rates of sexual violence, including rape, to increase.

“I don’t have money to get the blood test and stool sample. The doctor said to come back, but he advised me to come back with the test results…. I don’t have a mother or father, I live with an ‘aunt’ [her employer] but she doesn’t take care of me now. Now I live in the camp with someone else since I was raped,” said Florence, according to the report.

An extended rights based approach has been suggested by a UN independent expert in order to help the reconstruction of the country. The expert argues that women should receive a “greater focus” in the efforts to reconstruct the country and ensure that labour programmes are not focused in the “economic sectors traditionally occupied by men”.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons]

9/11: United by Tragedy 10 Years On

10 years on, the 9/11 aftermath has united men and women with similar stories and experiences of the harrowing events.

Ayesha Qazi and Sukhraj Beasla are both young women who have united to share their experiences of 9/11, both with each other and the world, as this Sunday will mark 10 years since the terrorist attacks on America.

September 11 2001 will forever be an important date in history as terrorists attacked America, resulting in the collapse of the Twin Towers in New York, and an attack on the Pentagon in Washington DC.

Ayesha is a Muslim woman and Sukhraj is a Sikh woman, and both started questioning their religions and themselves as people, as some people started to enforce stereotypes on both young women based on their ethnicity and religious backgrounds.

On September 11 2001, Ayesha Qazi remembers sitting in class at her elementary school in Chicago, when the planes hit the Twin Towers, and her teacher being unsure of what to do as she was “confused whether to show us ffith graders what was going on”.

On the same day in Chicago, Illinois Sukhraj Beasla was sleeping in her college dorm when her father called her in the middle of the night shouting: “New York is burning!”

Sukhraj grew up on a farm, where her parents kept her life “sheltered” and was unaware of the “dangers and complexities of life”.

As a Sikh woman living a “sheltered” life, Sukhraj was not aware of society’s attitudes towards religious women until the aftermath of 9/11 showed her how society can often judge people based on their gender, clothing, race, ethnicity and religion.

“I had to sit there and explain myself to people who should just understand that you shouldn’t just hate everyone, you shouldn’t just judge,” said Sukhraj.

Sukhraj felt that she needed to search her own roots and question who she was as judgment kept falling on her as a Sikh woman.

Ayesha described her life before 9/11 as “perfectly normal”, as opposed to the “sheltered life” Sukhraj experienced.

The events of 9/11 affected Ayesha’s whole life, as even her own neighbourhood started “watching” her and her family. During a trip to her local store with her mother, they were stooped by security and had their bags checked.

“Being picked out to have our bags checked, why? I grew up here, why was I being checked at such an early age?” asked Ayesha.

After 9/11 many people believed she was associated with terrorist groups, and she had to defend herself in order to break the stereotype. Now when people question her religion, it is due to curiosity rather than the judgement she experienced 10 years ago.

“People question what my religion is now from curiosity but back then [2001] it was more “Oh, so you’re a Muslim,” said Ayesha.

Ayesha believes that America is founded on religious freedom and believes that people should be allowed to believe what they want to believe, and not be questioned or judged on their own opinions.

In their discussion with each other, Sukhraj expressed how she wished that people could have “reached out” to Ayesha, during her college days, describing the judgment she faced as “painful”.

“This 10 years, instead of feeling hatred in your heart, wherever you happen to be, just talk to the person next to you. Let’s slowly stop the hatred and start spreading a message of peace,” said Ayesha.

10 years on since the disaster, both girls have moved on with their lives, but still remember their ordeals.

Ayesha graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago, and is now studying to become an oncologist. Sukhraj graduated from the University of Redland with a brand and retail marketing degree and is now a writer for a social media site.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Wikimedia commons]

Bollywood Actress Launches Website for Female Victims of Violence

Bollywood actress Nandita Das and Dr Shahani of Mumbai College have created a confidential website that “reaches beyond a nation”.

Stand up Against Violence is the title of a new website launched by Bollywood performer Nandita Das and Dr Indu Shahani, the principal of HR College in Mumbai with the aim of helping women to stand up against violence and abuse.

The Akshara Centre is a women’s organisation and society, established in 1995, in response to a “material for a gender perspective”. The Centre works “towards gender justice”, and has worked on and helped to launch the website.

Dr Nandita Gandhi, Co Director of Akshara, told The Fresh Outlook about the aims of the website. Dr Gandhi stated that it is “very reader friendly” and has a “simple manner”.

The website, which is primarily based in India, also offers additional information on other programmes they have, such as educational scholarships and help from counsellors.

“Nandita Das has been a supporter of women’s rights for a long time and we are happy to have had her launch our website,” said Dr Gandhi.

The Ashkara Centre offers training for local women to handle cases of domestic violence in their neighbourhoods, and has so far trained 40 women to counsel domestic violence victims in India.

Over 100 interviews have already taken place, as a safety audit is being conducted to decide which areas in India are prone to violence.

Safety walks are happening throughout the country in order to overcome and prevent further violence to Indian women.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Wikimedia commons]

Marta Silva: “When Women Succeed, We All Win”

Female football star and ambassador Marta Silva visited Sierra Leone to promote women’s empowerment to young women across the country.

Brazilian footballer Marta Silva visited Sierra Leone last week to spread the message of empowerment to women, stating: “When women succeed, we all win.”

The Brazilian footballer is also known for her work as a Goodwill Ambassador at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The UNDP advocates change and helps to develop knowledge, experience and resources in poorer countries worldwide. In Sierra Leone, the work by UNDP aims to help women to receive justice and security away from violence.

The UNDP hopes that Silva’s visit in the country will inspire young women who are facing “challenges and discrimination”.

Silva spent her time visiting women’s groups, young female footballers and university students in order to deliver the message of female empowerment.

“I am definitely convinced that women’s empowerment is essential for peace and development,” she said during her visit. “Keep the motivation, keep the enthusiasm, united we can make a difference.”

Silva also met with four female MPs who are fighting to increase the number of women in parliament. These women are hoping that a bill will be passed to ensure an increase in the number of women in parliament from 13% to 30%.

Silva ended her visit by watching a football match by the national team, and then took part in coaching a match by Sierra Leone women’s teams, the Diamond Queens and the Sierra Queens, which eventually ended it a tie.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of United Nations Development Programme]