Timothy Connor’s Post

Well this is a welcome step indeed for women's empowerment. Kawata received numerous messages from women of all ages telling her how her election gave them hope and courage. These kinds of role models for women, and young people in general, show that change can happen. That there is room in politics for younger people who can empathize with their constituents. Even if her victory was unexpected, it is no small matter that the three local political parties including the LDP all backed her, a nonstereotypical politician. The hurdles for women remain high, but step-by-step barriers are being broken. Gender parity in politics may be far off but we are going to see more and more women get frustrated with the status quo and enter politics to effect change. Bravo.

Talking about how change can affect you. Thank you, Her Nexx Chapter, for sharing this.

Today is International Women's Day. Unfortunately, on this Women's day I do not feel compelled to celebrate. Too many women all over the world do not yet have the opportunity to enjoy their human rights as they should. Whether they are living in a society lacking rule of law - such as in Russia where women can be persecuted simply for expressing feminist views... Or trapped living under an oppressive regime such as the Taliban (whose restrictions have effectively trapped women within their homes), or the government in Iran (where women like Mahsa Amini can be beaten to death simply for removing their head covering), or Hamas (where widespread discrimination against women exists in law and practice)... Or literally held captive and enduring ongoing sexual assault by ruthless terrorists in the tunnels in Gaza. Instead of feeling celebratory, I am feeling wishful. I wish that each and every one of these women can experience the privilege of enjoying human rights to the extent we American women enjoy. So I am wishing all women around the world, a year filled with progress and peace. Betty Friedan, a founder of the feminist movement, once reflected on American society: "As we approach the millennium, I find it astonishing that I have been part of a movement that in less than forty years has transformed American society -- so much so that young women today seem to find it impossible to believe that women were once not seen as equal to men, as persons in their own right." I am admittedly one of those women - who grew up finding it impossible to believe women were once seen as less than a man. Here's to wishing each woman around the world can one day look back at the progress in their society to the point where too can reflect back in astonishment, at the transformation they witnessed over the course of a generation. #internationalwomensday #internationalwomensday2024 #societalchange #unwomen #peace #tolerance #equality

The Jordanian and Arab Feminist Movement: Just as challenges exist, so do Hope and Inspiration Naqsh by Al-Nahda Women March of this year has passed with its various celebrations, reminding us of International Women’s Day, at a time when the Arab region is suffering from wars and crises and the subsequent poor political and economic conditions, which greatly affected all files of protecting and empowering women, with an influx of reports of systematic violence committed against women and girls as a result of these conditions. Meanwhile, the most notable women’s reactions were limited to holding celebrations, regular conferences, meetings, and hundreds of similar seminars, as well as celebrating women reaching leadership positions in government and civil institutions, as a formality in most cases, while the role of the Jordanian and Arab women’s movement in major political, social, and economic issues remained absent, and their voice was marginalized at the decision-making table in many situations related to wars and conflicts, despite Queen Rania’s attempts to deliver messages to the United Nations about double standards, providing moral and financial support to Gaza, and leading the demands for rights and accountability for the positions of some countries towards our region. However, according to many observers and current periodic reports issued by various official and unofficial bodies, there is a decline in the influence of the Jordanian women’s movement and the Arab women’s movement in general, despite the great and valued efforts by some, which today raises the alarm about the reasons for this decline and its withdrawal from the public scene, and tries to search for ways to rectify their situation and strengthen the role of the relevant institutions Here, members of Al Nahda Women’s Network, one of the networks of the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), presented, in its monthly dialogue (Naqsh), contrasting topics and views on adapting the status of the feminist movement, how to spread hope and inspiration to new generations, finding the momentum that is supposed to contribute to society with the active participation of women, and continuing to work on issues related to women at the national and regional levels. According to the members, there is a decline in feminist discourse and a move away from real participation in political life, which is a regression rather than a decline, especially with the escalation of the current that is limited to development demands at the basic level, or in response to simple community projects and initiatives put forward by foreign institutions, which creates a lot of buzz, but without any benefit or impact on society, or even raising awareness of women’s issues. https://lnkd.in/eDgWFr_f

TODAY, March 8th, marks the observance of International Women's Day, a time when we spotlight the achievements and contributions of women worldwide—those who have gained fame, those leading nations, steering corporations, advocating for civil rights, and many more who deserve accolades. However, it is crucial on this significant day that we also turn our attention to a grievous situation: the plight of 19 brave women currently detained in Gaza. These 19 valiant individuals have faced severe trials for 153 days, suffering for their identities, their beliefs, and their mere existence in their homeland, all while standing firm against daunting challenges. As we honor the spirit and strength of women globally on this International Women's Day, let us also hold these 19 resilient souls in our thoughts. Let us remember them not only in our prayers and hopes but also in our actions. We must call upon organizations, governments, and world leaders to intensify their efforts for justice and freedom, embodying the true essence of this day by advocating for every woman's dignity and rights.

SK-II’s new campaign has sparked passionate discussions about how women are expected to look and act when they grow older in China. The campaign highlights the choices that everyday Chinese women are making to defy social expectations and norms and pursue their truest selves with courage. Read more about the pressures and expectations on women and how SK-II is challenging them on LS:N Global: https://lnkd.in/eGutCGuG

"When Agbowo and Liberation Alliance Africa collaborated to host the Arts and Women event in March, the conversations explored points of intersection on womanhood: Who is a woman? How does a woman represent the self and her embodiment of humanity in a society that constantly attempts to relegate, shame, and define her as less-than? What does it mean to navigate a world that has politicised womanhood for capitalist extraction of labour? What does diversity mean in the context of being woman and feminine? How do women remain authentic and relevant in the face of patriarchal expectations of “good womanness”? What does representation look like in daily life, in the arts, politics, and leadership? While hetero-patriarchal capitalist structures continue to demand the subjugation of women, conversations and organising like this one, at the Arts and Women event, contribute to the resistance, and promote women as worthy of respect, dignity, humanity, and rest. Safe spaces for women to share experiences and deliberate on ways to liberate themselves foster solidarity and bolster our dream of collective liberation." Thanks to Open Country Mag for publishing this joint article by Agbowó and Liberation Alliance Africa which shares highlights from conversations at the Arts and Women event earlier this year.

Great article Gemiene Mueni your journey’s amazing so far and - you’re just getting started #OnwardsAndUpwards #PR #Winning I absolutely love “The Man In The Arena” [spoiler alert] "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt PS: It delivers so much better when you read it in his voice. 😉

🎙️ In our new episode of Voice for CHOICE, we're joined by Ivana Karásková from AMO - Association for International Affairs to introduce #WiCH (Women Insight on China). WiCH is tackling the underrepresentation of women in China studies by creating opportunities for connection, professional development, and collaboration. 👩💼🌍 Find out about their envisioned activities, from skill-building workshops to mentorship programs, and how they're striving to create a more inclusive understanding of China in Europe. 👉 Listen to the full episode! (link in the comments)

Women have always faced a lot of obstacles. Throughout history, our gender has made us easy to dismiss or ignore, and easy targets. And sometimes, the process of truly achieving equality feels heavy. This morning, we’ve woken up in a world where our U.S. cousins have chosen, for the second time, not to elect a highly qualified woman as President. We’re not making a judgment call on that. We believe firmly in democratic processes. But it’s also a world where the Taliban regime has so reduced the place of women in Afghanistan that they cannot even pray out loud in each other’s company. And it remains a world where, in every region where there is conflict, sexual violence against women of all ages remains a tool of war. As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted earlier this year: “Patriarchy is far from vanquished; it is regaining ground.” So, we acknowledge that these are heavy times for a lot of people around the world who wonder what’s ahead for women and for the rights that so many have fought so hard to achieve. Here at The Honest Talk, all we want you to know today is that you are not alone. If you’re feeling sad or worried today, we understand. But let’s not allow ourselves to be sidetracked. Let’s remember that women will continue to lead – in ways big and small, in communities here and abroad – and the world will be better for it. As Helen Keller once said: "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." So, ladies, let’s go into this day with hope and confidence and optimism, because we have important things to do. We have discoveries to make, glass ceilings to break, and a better world to keep building.