Why I’m Not Celebrating Blue Origin’s All-Female Spaceflight April 15, 2025
Today, headlines are dominated by Blue Origin’s historic all-female spaceflight, featuring celebrities like Katy Perry and Gayle King. While many are hailing this as a triumph for gender equality, I sit here in the UK—watching food bank queues grow and girls in my community skip meals to afford school supplies—and feel nothing but frustration. Here’s why:
The mission, dubbed NS-31, lasted 11 minutes and cost millions—funded by wealth or corporate marketing budgets. True empowerment would involve investing in programs that enable women to lead scientific missions, not brief joyrides for the ultra-rich. As someone who once dreamed of becoming an astronaut, I’m heartbroken. Instead of inspiring girls, this spectacle teaches them that access to space hinges on privilege, not passion or skill.
A $150,000 deposit is required just to reserve a seat—enough to feed a family in Yemen for decades or fund a lifetime of education for a girl in rural Pakistan. Why are we applauding millionaires floating in zero gravity while women worldwide are fighting for survival? In the UK ‘s deprived areas 1 in 5 mothers skip meals to feed their children. In Sudan, women walk miles through war zones for clean water. Think Gaza, Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, South Sudan , DR Congo and the plight of women and girls there currently. Celebrating this flight isn’t just tone-deaf—it’s a betrayal of solidarity.
Environmental Hypocrisy with a Human Cost Blue Origin claims its rocket emits only water vapor, but experts warn stratospheric water vapor worsens climate impacts. Meanwhile, women globally bear the brunt of ecological collapse. In Somalia, droughts force girls to abandon school to haul water. In the Philippines, typhoons—intensified by climate change—disproportionately kill women. Celebrating these flights ignores how elite extravagance fuels the crises trapping millions in poverty.
The crew’s composition—celebrities and Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sánchez—reeks of opportunism. What does this “representation” mean to a Syrian refugee girl or a mother working three jobs in London? Real empowerment isn’t hashtags or photo ops. It’s funding STEM programs in developing countries , protecting Indigenous land defenders in Brazil, or ensuring schools provide free menstrual products. Instead, we’re sold a glossy lie. As Malawian activist Memory Kachambwa tweeted: How many girls could escape child marriage with the cost of one
Blue Origin framed this as the first all-female mission since Valentina Tereshkova’s 1963 flight. But Tereshkova spent three days conducting experiments; NS-31 offered minutes of weightlessness. This isn’t progress—it’s a regression. Where are the investments in women like Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, the British space scientist advocating for accessible education? Or in engineers like India’s Ritu Karidhal, who helped launch missions to Mars on a fraction of Blue Origin’s budget?
The mission did have gestures: Amanda Nguyen carried a survivor’s bracelet, and Dr. Aisha Bowe conducted minor experiments. But imagine if Blue Origin had partnered with groups like Girls Who Code or Afghan Women’s Education Projects instead of celebrities. What if they’d funded scholarships for girls in Leeds or Lagos? This could have been a moment to bridge divides—instead, it widened them.
As a woman in the UK, I’m acutely aware of my relative privilege. But feminism that uplifts only the wealthy—while ignoring those battling hunger, war, and climate disaster—is no feminism at all. My friend, a single mother in Manchester, recently told me: “Empowerment? I just want my daughter to eat.”
Real courage isn’t buying a $150,000 ticket. It’s demanding that billionaires and corporations pay their fair share to end poverty. It’s amplifying the voices of women in Gaza, Haiti, and our own neighbourhoods who’ve never tasted privilege.
“Courage is doing something that scares you, "Gayle King said post-flight. True courage would be grounding these vanity projects and redirecting resources to the women keeping the world alive—while the powerful play astronaut.
Written in solidarity with the girls who dream bigger than this world lets them.
The Manosphere and Networked Misogyny: The Digital Undercurrents of Modern Hate
In the labyrinth of the internet, where anonymity breeds both creativity and cruelty, a sinister network has taken root: the manosphere. This sprawling ecosystem of online communities—ranging from self-proclaimed “men’s rights” forums to incel subcultures—peddles misogyny under the guise of empowerment, solidarity, or even humour. But what begins as venting about loneliness or frustration often metastasizes into something far darker. Fueled by algorithms, amplified by viral content, and weaponized through coordinated harassment, the manosphere has given rise to networked misogyny, a phenomenon where digital hate spills into the physical world with devastating consequences. To understand its grip on contemporary culture, we must unravel how these communities operate, why they resonate, and how society might counter their corrosive influence.
The manosphere is not a monolith but a mosaic of overlapping ideologies. At its core lies a shared antipathy toward gender equality, reframed as a battle against “feminist overreach.” Consider the incel (involuntary celibate) communities, where men languishing in loneliness blame women for their isolation, venerating figures like Elliot Rodger—a mass murderer who framed his 2014 rampage as retribution against women who rejected him. Nearby, Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs) decry false accusations of rape and custody bias, dismissing systemic issues like the gender pay gap as feminist fabrications. Meanwhile, pickup artists (PUAs) reduce relationships to transactional conquests, teaching men to manipulate women through psychological tactics. Though these groups differ in focus, they intersect in their reinforcement of toxic masculinity—a worldview that equates strength with dominance and vulnerability with weakness.
This digital ecosystem thrives on the architecture of modern social media. Platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and TikTok, designed to maximize engagement, inadvertently funnel users into radicalizing echo chambers. A teenager searching for dating advice might stumble upon a video critiquing “modern feminism,” only to have the algorithm nudge him toward increasingly extremist content: rants about male victimhood, memes mocking consent, or forums where misogyny is cloaked in irony. Over time, the line between satire and sincerity blurs. Memes like “feminazis” or jokes about women’s “hypergamous nature” serve as Trojan horses, normalizing sexist tropes under the veneer of humour. This casual bigotry is amplified by networked harassment campaigns, where hashtags like #Gamergate or #SaveTheChildren mobilize thousands to doxx, threaten, or silence women—particularly those in male-dominated spaces like gaming, politics, or STEM.
The repercussions of this networked misogyny extend far beyond screens. Incel ideology, once confined to obscure forums, has inspired real-world terrorism. The 2018 Toronto van attack, the 2021 Plymouth shooting, and the 2022 Seoul subway murder all bear the fingerprints of incel radicalization, with perpetrators citing online rhetoric to justify violence against women. Even those who never pick up a weapon suffer: women journalists, activists, and ordinary social media users report debilitating anxiety, self-censorship, and withdrawal from public discourse after enduring relentless cyber-mobs. Perhaps most insidiously, young men steeped in manosphere rhetoric internalize its toxic tenets—viewing empathy as weakness, relationships as power struggles, and self-worth through the prism of sexual conquest. The damage ripples outward, corroding friendships, families, and societal progress toward equality.
Why, in an era of unprecedented connectivity, does such regressive ideology flourish? The answer lies in a tangle of economic, social, and psychological factors. Globalization and automation have eroded traditional pathways to masculine identity—stable blue-collar jobs, sole-breadwinner status—leaving many men adrift in a world they perceive as hostile. Add the loneliness epidemic, exacerbated by pandemic isolation, and the manosphere’s promise of community becomes seductive. Here, alienation is reframed as righteous anger; personal failures are blamed on shadowy feminist agendas. Influencers like Andrew Tate, who turned misogyny into a lucrative brand, exploit this vulnerability, selling courses on “alpha male” dominance to audiences desperate for validation.
Yet defeatism is not inevitable. Combating networked misogyny demands systemic solutions that address its roots while dismantling its digital infrastructure. Legislators must hold social media giants accountable for recommendation algorithms that radicalize users, enforcing transparency and ethical design. Educators can inoculate younger generations through digital literacy programs that teach critical thinking—equipping students to dissect manipulative rhetoric and recognize healthy relationships. Concurrently, society must redefine masculinity itself, promoting role models who embrace emotional intelligence, collaboration, and respect. Initiatives like Men’s Sheds, community spaces where men bond over shared hobbies without toxic baggage, or campaigns like #HeForShe, which invites men to champion gender equality, offer blueprints for progress.
The fight against the manosphere is not a call to silence dissent but a plea to rebuild a digital landscape where empathy outweighs engagement metrics. Grassroots movements are already paving the way: feminist gamers reclaiming toxic spaces, parents organizing against online radicalization, and survivors of harassment advocating for stronger protections. These efforts remind us that the internet, for all its flaws, remains a reflection of our collective values. By refusing to cede its terrain to hatred, we can reimagine it as a tool for connection rather than division.
In the end, the manosphere’s greatest weakness is its reliance on despair. Its rhetoric flourishes in voids—of purpose, belonging, and hope. To counter it, we must fill those voids with something stronger: communities grounded in compassion, policies that prioritize human dignity over profit, and narratives that celebrate masculinity not as domination but as partnership. The path forward is neither simple nor swift, but it is possible. After all, the most viral force in history isn’t hate—it’s the enduring human capacity for change.
Violence Against Women: A Global Crisis?
Violence against women remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. It transcends cultural, economic, and social boundaries, affecting women in both the Global North and Global South. Despite international efforts to address gender-based violence, millions of women continue to experience physical, psychological, and economic abuse daily. The normalization of such violence, coupled with structural barriers to justice and protection, creates an environment in which women remain vulnerable and disempowered.
At the core of gender-based violence lies deeply ingrained patriarchal systems that position women as subordinate to men. In many societies, cultural norms, religious interpretations, and traditional practices reinforce male dominance, making it difficult for women to challenge their abusers or seek justice. In some parts of the world, practices such as honour killings, female genital mutilation, and child marriage persist despite international condemnation (UN Women, 2022). These acts of violence not only violate women’s fundamental rights but also contribute to cycles of oppression that limit their autonomy and opportunities for advancement.
Economic dependence is another critical factor that exacerbates violence against women. In many cases, financial insecurity prevents women from leaving abusive relationships, as they lack the resources to support themselves and their children. The gender pay gap, occupational segregation, and lack of access to land and property ownership further entrench this economic vulnerability (World Economic Forum, 2023). Without financial independence, women are forced to endure abusive environments, reinforcing a system that allows perpetrators to act with impunity.
Legal frameworks, though present in most countries, often fail to protect women adequately. Many justice systems are riddled with bias, inefficiency, and corruption, discouraging survivors from reporting abuse. In some cases, laws themselves are discriminatory, either failing to recognize marital rape, limiting women’s rights to divorce, or imposing burdensome requirements to prove abuse (CEDAW, 2021). Even in countries with progressive legislation, enforcement remains weak, leaving women unprotected and perpetrators unpunished. Police inaction, victim-blaming attitudes, and societal stigmatization further deter women from seeking justice.
The intersectionality of violence against women must also be acknowledged, as race, class, disability, and sexual orientation compound the vulnerabilities women face. Women from marginalized communities often experience higher rates of violence and face greater barriers to justice. Indigenous women, for example, are disproportionately affected by violence and homicide, with little to no access to legal recourse (Amnesty International, 2022). Similarly, migrant women working in domestic and informal labour sectors are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, often without protection from labour laws.
Recommendations
Legal and Policy Reforms: Governments must prioritize the implementation and enforcement of laws that protect women from violence while ensuring that justice systems are accessible and free from bias. Legal frameworks must recognize all forms of gender-based violence, including marital rape and economic abuse, while eliminating discriminatory laws that prevent women from seeking justice.
Economic Empowerment: Policies promoting financial independence for women—such as equal pay, childcare support, and access to credit—are essential in dismantling structures that keep women trapped in abusive situations (World Bank, 2023). Ensuring that women have secure employment and ownership rights can provide them with the resources to escape violence.
Education and Awareness: Schools should incorporate discussions on gender equality, consent, and healthy relationships from an early age to challenge harmful stereotypes and empower young people to advocate for change. Public awareness campaigns can also help dismantle the stigma surrounding survivors and encourage communities to take an active role in preventing violence.
International Cooperation: Governments, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies must work together to ensure that policies protecting women are upheld and that perpetrators are held accountable. Countries must also recognize gender-based violence as a legitimate ground for asylum, offering protection to women fleeing violence in their home countries
While progress has been made in recent decades, the fight against violence against women is far from over. A world in which women live free from violence requires not only legal and policy changes but also a transformation of societal norms and power structures. Ending this crisis demands a collective effort, where every individual, community, and institution commits to breaking the cycle of violence and fostering a future of equality and dignity for all women.
# DO YOUR PART!
References:
UN Women (2022). The Shadow Pandemic: Violence Against Women During COVID-19
World Economic Forum (2023). Global Gender Gap Report.
CEDAW (2021). Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women: Annual Report.
Amnesty International (2022). Indigenous Women and Gender-Based Violence: A Global Perspective.
World Bank (2023). Women's Economic Empowerment and Gender-Based Violence Preventio
UNHCR (2023). Gender-Based Violence and Asylum Protection.
Mentoring in UK Higher Education: How Women of Colour Are Being Let Down by the System
Higher education in the United Kingdom prides itself on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Yet, beneath the surface of these ideals lies a systemic failure to adequately support women of colour, particularly in the realm of mentoring. Mentoring is a critical component of academic and professional development, offering guidance, networking opportunities, and emotional support. However, for women of colour in UK higher education, the mentoring system often falls short, perpetuating inequalities and leaving them to navigate institutional barriers largely on their own. This essay explores the challenges faced by women of colour in accessing effective mentoring and argues that systemic change is urgently needed to address these disparities.
What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is a professional relationship in which an experienced individual (the mentor) provides guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced individual (the mentee). In higher education, mentoring can take many forms, including academic mentoring, career mentoring, and personal development mentoring. Effective mentoring helps mentees build confidence, develop skills, and navigate the complexities of their academic or professional journey. It can also provide a sense of belonging and validation, which is particularly important for individuals from underrepresented groups. For women of colour, mentoring is not just about career advancement; it is also about survival in an environment that often feels exclusionary and hostile. A good mentor can help women of colour navigate the unique challenges they face, such as racial and gender bias, microaggressions, and isolation. However, when mentoring is inadequate or absent, women of colour are left to fend for themselves in a system that frequently makes them feel rejected, "othered," and as though they are not good enough.
Systemic Barriers to Effective Mentoring
1. Lack of Representation:
One of the most significant barriers to effective mentoring for women of colour is the lack of representation in senior academic and leadership positions. In UK universities, women of colour are disproportionately underrepresented in professorial and managerial roles. This lack of representation means that many women of colour struggle to find mentors who share their lived experiences and can provide culturally sensitive guidance. When mentors do not understand the intersectional challenges of race and gender, their advice may be misaligned with the realities faced by their mentees. This can leave women of colour feeling misunderstood and unsupported, exacerbating feelings of rejection and otherness.
2. Tokenism and Performative Allyship:
Even when women of colour are assigned mentors, the relationships can often feel tokenistic. Mentors may lack the time, resources, or genuine commitment to provide meaningful support. In some cases, institutions use mentoring schemes as a box-ticking exercise to demonstrate their commitment to diversity without addressing the deeper structural issues that perpetuate inequality. This performative allyship leaves women of colour feeling undervalued and unsupported, reinforcing the sense that they are not good enough to warrant genuine investment.
3. Unconscious Bias and Stereotyping:
Unconscious bias and stereotyping further undermine mentoring relationships. Women of colour are often subjected to stereotypes that portray them as less competent or less committed than their white counterparts. These biases can influence the quality of mentoring they receive, with mentors offering less encouragement, fewer opportunities, and lower expectations. This not only limits their career progression but also erodes their confidence and sense of belonging in academia. The constant messaging—whether overt or subtle—that they do not measure up can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
4. Isolation and Lack of Networks:
Women of colour often face isolation in predominantly white academic spaces. Without access to robust professional networks, they miss out on opportunities for collaboration, sponsorship, and career advancement. Mentoring can help bridge this gap, but many women of colour report feeling excluded from informal networks that are crucial for career development. This exclusion is compounded by the fact that many mentoring schemes fail to address the specific networking needs of women of colour. The resulting isolation can make them feel like outsiders in their own institutions, further reinforcing feelings of rejection and otherness.
The Impact of Inadequate Mentoring
The consequences of inadequate mentoring for women of colour are profound. Without effective support, they are more likely to experience burnout, imposter syndrome, and career stagnation. Many leave academia altogether, contributing to the persistent lack of diversity in higher education. This not only harms individuals but also deprives institutions of the diverse perspectives and talents needed to drive innovation and excellence. Moreover, the failure to support women of colour perpetuates a cycle of inequality. When women of colour are unable to progress into senior roles, they are less able to mentor and advocate for the next generation. This creates a self-reinforcing system where the barriers faced by women of colour remain unchallenged. The emotional toll of feeling rejected, "othered," and not good enough can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and career trajectories.
A Call for Systemic Change
To address these issues, UK higher education institutions must move beyond performative gestures and commit to systemic change. This includes:
1. Increasing Representation: Institutions must take proactive steps to increase the representation of women of colour in senior roles. This includes implementing targeted recruitment and retention strategies, as well as providing leadership training and development opportunities.
2. Culturally Competent Mentoring: Mentoring schemes must be designed with the specific needs of women of colour in mind. This includes training mentors to understand and address intersectional challenges, as well as creating spaces where women of colour can connect with mentors who share their experiences. Mentors must be equipped to provide not only career guidance but also emotional support, helping mentees navigate feelings of rejection and otherness.
3. Accountability and Transparency: Institutions must be held accountable for the outcomes of their mentoring schemes. This includes setting clear goals, monitoring progress, and making data on mentoring outcomes publicly available. Transparency is key to ensuring that mentoring schemes are effective and equitable.
4. Building Inclusive Networks: Institutions should actively work to build inclusive professional networks that connect women of colour with peers, mentors, and sponsors. This includes creating formal and informal opportunities for networking and collaboration. By fostering a sense of community, institutions can help women of colour feel valued and supported.
As someone who has observed and experienced the challenges faced by women of colour in higher education, I believe that the current system is failing them. Mentoring is not a panacea for all the inequalities in academia, but it is a crucial tool that can help level the playing field. The fact that so many women of colour are being let down by the mentoring system is a damning indictment of the institutional complacency that pervades UK higher education. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the problem; institutions must take concrete action to address it. This requires a commitment to systemic change, as well as a willingness to listen to and amplify the voices of women of colour. Only then can we create a higher education system that truly values and supports diversity. In conclusion, mentoring in UK higher education is a powerful tool that has the potential to transform the lives and careers of women of colour. However, for this potential to be realised, institutions must confront the systemic barriers that currently undermine mentoring relationships. By increasing representation, fostering culturally competent mentoring, and building inclusive networks, we can create a more equitable and supportive academic environment for all. The time for change is now. Women of colour deserve to feel valued, supported, and empowered—not rejected, "othered," or made to feel like they are not good enough.
When Did Women’s Suffering Become Entertainment?
Lately, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend across short dramas, books, and audiobooks—especially those being promoted on Facebook and other social media platforms. These stories revolve around one common theme: women suffering.
Whether it’s a video clip, a serialized audiobook, or a short story, the formula is the same:
A woman loves a man so much that she endures endless humiliation, betrayal, and abuse.
A pregnant wife loses her baby because of a cheating husband, yet she forgives him.
A mistress slaps and beats the wife while the husband stands by.
A mother-in-law treats the wife like a slave, making her life miserable.
A boss forces a woman into a relationship to secure a business deal.
And somehow, by the end of the story, the woman either accepts her fate or the man suddenly "realizes" her worth—usually after she has endured unspeakable pain.
But who is the audience for these stories? And what message are we really sending?
The Hook That Traps Viewers and listeners
These dramas and books have a way of keeping people hooked. You continue watching or listening, hoping that the woman will rise like a phoenix, that she will finally take control and turn the tables on those who mistreated her. But why does she have to be completely destroyed first?
Is it necessary for a woman to be humiliated before she can become strong? Why do these stories glorify revenge instead of showing women who simply walk away from toxic situations before they reach the breaking point? Strength doesn’t come from enduring pain—it comes from refusing to tolerate it in the first place.
The Problem With These Narratives
One of the most troubling aspects of these stories is that many of the women portrayed as helpless victims are actually educated, wealthy, or even heiresses. They have resources, yet they choose to stay in abusive relationships, constantly forgiving the unforgivable.
Is that what education has become? A tool that produces women who are willing to be treated like doormats? What message does this send to young girls who watch these dramas or listen to these audiobooks? That love means suffering? That wealth and education mean nothing if you don’t have a man by your side?
And what about young men? If they consume enough of this content, will they begin to believe that women exist to endure pain, that it’s normal for them to forgive abuse, and that a man can do anything as long as he regrets it in the end?
Is This True Love?
Can there be true love where there is violence and abuse? These stories often portray toxic relationships as grand, tragic love stories. But love should not be built on suffering. A man who truly loves a woman does not cheat on her, beat her, or force her to endure humiliation. He does not realize her worth only after destroying her.
Yet these stories keep repeating the same harmful message:
If a woman is patient, she will eventually be rewarded. If she suffers enough, the man will change. If she forgives, she will finally get her happy ending.
This is dangerous. In reality, abusers do not change just because a woman tolerates their behaviour. Endurance is not love. Silence is not loyalty. And suffering is not strength.
Who Is Behind These Stories?
What makes this trend even more concerning is that many of these dramas, books, and audiobooks are written and produced by women. If women are creating and promoting content that glorifies abuse, then we have a deep-rooted problem. Are they internalizing these harmful ideas, believing them to be true? Or are they simply selling what the market wants?
And if men are behind these stories, then the issue is just as troubling—because they are profiting from the humiliation of women. Either way, the result is the same: another generation is being fed the idea that a woman’s greatest strength is her ability to endure pain.
The Power of Social Media
Thanks to social media, these toxic narratives are reaching a global audience. Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms are flooded with these stories, making them accessible to anyone. Young girls are watching. So are young boys. If we continue feeding them these narratives, how can we ever hope to achieve true gender equality?
Entertainment isn’t just entertainment—it shapes how people think. It influences culture, relationships, and self-worth. And if we keep romanticizing suffering, we are telling women that their pain is normal, even necessary, for love.
We Need Better Stories
If entertainment reflects society, then we need to ask: Why are these narratives being pushed so aggressively? And why is there such a huge market for women’s pain but so few stories about women’s strength?
It’s time to demand better.
Stop consuming content that glorifies abuse. If a drama, book, or audiobook pushes these toxic messages, call it out.
Support stories that empower women. Share and promote books and dramas with strong female leads who take control of their own lives.
Encourage better storytelling. If there’s an audience for suffering, then there’s an audience for strength too. Writers, producers, and content creators need to do better.
Women’s pain should never be entertainment. And suffering should never be mistaken for love. If these kinds of stories continue to dominate, we have to ask—who is benefiting from them? And at what cost?
Celebrating International Women’s Day: Reflecting on Progress and Envisioning the Future
International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th, is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also a call to action for accelerating gender equality and addressing the challenges that women continue to face worldwide. This year, as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action—a landmark agreement adopted in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women—we have an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the work that remains, and recommit ourselves to uplifting and empowering women through stories, songs, and other forms of creative expression.
The Beijing Conference was a turning point in the global fight for gender equality. It brought together 189 governments and thousands of activists to outline a comprehensive roadmap for advancing women’s rights. The resulting declaration identified 12 critical areas of concern, including poverty, education, health, violence against women, and participation in decision-making. Over the past three decades, significant strides have been made in many of these areas. More girls are attending school than ever before, maternal mortality rates have declined, and women’s representation in political and corporate leadership has increased. These achievements are a testament to the power of collective action and the tireless efforts of activists, policymakers, and ordinary individuals who have championed gender equality.
However, despite these gains, the vision of the Beijing Declaration remains unfinished. Gender-based violence continues to plague societies, with one in three women worldwide experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. The gender pay gap persists, with women earning, on average, 20% less than men for the same work. Women, particularly those from marginalized communities, still face barriers to accessing healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many of these inequalities, disproportionately affecting women’s employment, unpaid care responsibilities, and mental health. These challenges remind us that the fight for gender equality is far from over.
To address these persistent issues, we must harness the power of storytelling, music, and art to inspire change and empower women. Stories have the unique ability to humanize complex issues, challenge stereotypes, and foster empathy. By amplifying the voices of women—especially those from underrepresented communities—we can create narratives that celebrate their resilience, strength, and contributions to society. Films, books, and television shows that portray women as leaders, innovators, and change-makers can challenge traditional gender roles and inspire future generations.
Music, too, has the power to unite and uplift. From protest songs that fuelled the suffrage movement to anthems that celebrate female empowerment, music has long been a tool for social change. Artists today can continue this legacy by creating songs that address issues such as gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and the importance of self-worth. Collaborations between musicians and activists can further amplify these messages, reaching diverse audiences and sparking meaningful conversations.
Art in all its forms—visual, performance, and digital—can also play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality. Public art installations that honour women’s achievements, theatre productions that explore gender dynamics, and digital campaigns that raise awareness about women’s rights can all contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world. By supporting female artists and providing platforms for their work, we can ensure that their perspectives are heard and valued.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day and reflect on the progress since Beijing, we must also look to the future with determination and hope. The journey toward gender equality requires the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and governments. It demands that we challenge harmful norms, advocate for policy changes, and support initiatives that empower women and girls. It also calls on each of us to examine our own biases and take action in our daily lives—whether by mentoring a young woman, supporting female-owned businesses, or simply listening to and amplifying women’s voices.
In the words of Audre Lorde, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” This International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the progress we have made while recognizing that our work is not done. Let us strive to create a world where every woman and girl can live with dignity, equality, and opportunity. And let us use the power of stories, songs, and art to uplift, inspire, and empower women everywhere. Together, we can build a future that honours the vision of Beijing and ensures that no one is left behind
#WID2025 #Gender equality
Sexism, Misogyny, and Stalking: The Unseen Struggles of Women in Sports and Beyond
In the fight for gender equality, women in sports are confronted with unique challenges—especially the intersection of misogyny, harassment, and unwanted attention. The cases of Emma Raducanu, a rising star in tennis, and the recent Spanish football scandal, serve as stark reminders of how women are often treated as objects rather than athletes. Beyond the physical demands of their sports, female athletes must navigate a world where their talents are overshadowed by the constant barrage of sexism, objectification, and, as Emma Raducanu herself has experienced, stalking and sexual harassment.
Emma Raducanu: Stalked and Harassed, Yet Resilient
Emma Raducanu’s story is one of remarkable achievement, but it is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame in a world that often sees women as less than human. Since her triumph at the US Open in 2021, Raducanu has been subjected to unwarranted attention, not only from the media but from stalkers who crossed the line between admiration and harassment.
Reports of Raducanu being stalked both in Dubai and the UK shed light on a serious issue: the harassment and violation of women’s boundaries, especially those in the public eye. These incidents are far from isolated. Many female athletes, from tennis players to footballers, have been targeted by individuals who think their fame grants them the right to invade their privacy. Stalking is a form of sexual harassment, and it is important to recognize that these women should not have to endure such behavior. The fact that such harassment often goes unchallenged only perpetuates the idea that women’s bodies, even in the context of sport, are there for public consumption.
For Raducanu, as well as countless other women, these violations speak to a broader issue: misogyny is not just about verbal insults or physical violence; it is about the constant, often invisible, attempts to control women’s lives. This is a form of violence—psychological and emotional—that disrupts not only their work but their personal well-being. The stalking of Emma Raducanu is a symptom of a culture that fails to respect women’s autonomy and personal space.
The Spanish Football Case: Consent and Power Dynamics
The troubling actions of former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales, who kissed Jenni Hermoso without her consent during the Women’s World Cup celebrations, further exemplify the misogyny that women face in sports. This incident, while deeply disturbing, also sheds light on the power dynamics that often go unchallenged. Rubiales’ actions were not just a breach of personal boundaries; they were a manifestation of how women are often seen as objects for men to act upon. Even when women voice their discomfort, as Hermoso did, they are often met with skepticism, victim-blaming, or dismissal.
This case highlights the need for a cultural shift in how women’s bodies are viewed, both in sports and society at large. Women should have the agency to determine who touches them, when, and how. The ongoing backlash and legal proceedings following the Rubiales incident are a positive step, but they also show how deeply ingrained sexism is, not just in the field, but in the systems that govern the sport.
The Unseen Struggles: The Tragic Story of a Soldier’s Suicide
The devastating reality of sexual harassment and violence extends beyond the sports arena and touches the lives of women in all professions. One such tragic case is that of a soldier who, after enduring relentless sexual harassment, took her own life. As a gunner in the military, she was subjected to sexual abuse and bullying, which escalated over time. Despite reporting the abuse, she was ignored, and the harassment continued to the point where she felt there was no way out.
Her tragic death is a stark reminder that sexual harassment isn’t just a fleeting issue—it can have life-altering consequences. This soldier’s story, like that of so many others, highlights the systemic failure to protect women in male-dominated spaces. When institutions fail to respond to the cries for help from those facing harassment, the impact can be devastating. Women shouldn’t have to endure sexual abuse at any cost, yet this soldier’s experience is all too common, particularly in male-dominated professions like the military.
Her story, like the stories of many women lost to violence and harassment, serves as a call to action. It is a plea for accountability, for stronger systems of support, and for a world where women are not just seen as victims of circumstances, but as individuals deserving of respect and protection. Her death, like so many others, underscores the importance of addressing harassment in every arena—from sports to the workplace—and ensuring that no woman is ever left to face such a battle alone.
Harassment and Violence Against Women: The Need for Change
The stalking and harassment faced by Raducanu, the sexual harassment by Rubiales, and the suicide of the soldier are part of a much larger issue that transcends the boundaries of sports. Women are routinely subjected to unwanted attention, both in public spaces and online. From unsolicited messages and sexual comments to physical stalking, the problem is widespread and far-reaching. It’s not just about individual incidents; it’s about a cultural acceptance of women being treated as less than equal, as bodies to be commented on, touched, and controlled.
This type of harassment is not limited to famous athletes. Women everywhere experience varying forms of sexual harassment and violence, whether it’s in the workplace, on the streets, or online. It is crucial to recognize that all forms of harassment—whether verbal, physical, or psychological—are violence. They are part of a continuum of misogyny that seeks to undermine women’s agency and autonomy.
What Can Be Done?
Addressing harassment, stalking, and violence against women requires collective action at every level—society, institutions, and individuals. Here’s how we can move forward:
1. Comprehensive Legal Frameworks:
Governments must enact and enforce laws that protect women from harassment, stalking, and violence. These laws must be robust, addressing not just physical assaults but also emotional and psychological abuse. Laws surrounding sexual harassment in the workplace and on the street must be clear, and consequences for perpetrators must be swift and just.
Education and Awareness:
We must start educating the next generation about consent, respect, and gender equality from an early age. Teaching boys and girls about boundaries, empathy, and respect for women’s autonomy is key to dismantling the cycle of violence. Sports institutions should also provide mandatory training on gender equality, emphasizing that no one—no matter their status—should feel entitled to a woman’s body.
Support for Victims:
Women who experience harassment or stalking should be offered a clear, supportive path to seek help. This includes accessible reporting systems, counseling, and legal assistance. Institutions must also create safe spaces for women to speak out without fear of retaliation or damaging their careers.
Accountability for Institutions:
Sports organizations, media outlets, and sponsors must be held accountable for their role in perpetuating a culture that tolerates sexism. They must ensure that women’s sports are given the same respect and resources as men’s, and that issues of harassment are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
Collective Responsibility:
The responsibility to challenge misogyny, harassment, and violence should not fall solely on the women affected. Men must also be allies in these efforts, speaking out against inappropriate behaviour, calling out sexism when they see it, and ensuring women are respected in every space.
The struggles faced by Emma Raducanu, Jenni Hermoso, the soldier, and countless other women highlight the systemic issues of sexism, misogyny, and violence against women in sports and beyond. It’s not enough to simply condemn these behaviours; we must work together to create environments where women can thrive, both on and off the field. Women deserve respect, protection, and the freedom to exist without the constant threat of violence or harassment. Until society addresses these issues head-on, we will continue to fail women—especially in spaces like sports, where their talent should be the focus, not their gender or their vulnerability.
This blog is dedicated to every woman who has lost her life due to sexual harassment, violence, or the inability of society to protect them. Let us stand together, push for change, and ensure that no woman has to endure these struggles in silence.
The Forgotten Pain: How the World Erases the Suffering of African Women (DR Congo, February 2025)
When 150 women were raped and burned alive in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in early February 2025, the world barely noticed. The atrocity, which took place in Munzenze prison in Goma during a mass jailbreak, was one of the most horrifying instances of sexual violence in recent years (The Guardian, 2025). Yet, despite its scale and brutality, global media coverage was limited, international outrage was muted, and advocacy groups remained largely silent. This pattern of neglect is not new—African women’s suffering often remains in the shadows of global discourse. The lack of attention given to these injustices raises critical questions about racial bias in humanitarian response, the devaluation of African lives, and the systemic erasure of Black women’s suffering.
The absence of widespread outrage following the Goma massacre is a stark contrast to the response to similar crimes in other parts of the world. When Yazidi women were subjected to mass sexual violence by ISIS, global media extensively covered their plight, leading to policy interventions, international trials, and advocacy campaigns (Human Rights Watch, 2016). When sexual violence was used as a weapon of war in Ukraine, global institutions swiftly condemned the acts and committed resources to support survivors (BBC, 2022).
Yet, in the case of African women, the world reacts differently. Reports on mass rape in the DRC have been documented for decades, but they rarely generate sustained global action. Instead, these incidents are treated as unfortunate byproducts of war rather than crises that demand urgent intervention (Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2021). This selective response reinforces the idea that Black women's suffering is less deserving of attention, sympathy, and justice.
One of the main reasons African women's suffering is overlooked is media bias. Research shows that Western media disproportionately covers crises in Europe and North America while underreporting conflicts in Africa (Al Jazeera, 2023). The framing of African conflicts as "inevitable" or "tribal" diminishes the urgency of the violence and contributes to global apathy.
Moreover, when African women are victims of sexual violence, their stories are often reduced to statistics, stripped of their humanity, and presented without the personal narratives that evoke empathy. This contrasts sharply with the way violence against white women is reported—often with in-depth personal stories, images, and urgent calls for action (Gallup & Porticus, 2023).
Beyond media bias, there is a broader systemic failure in global advocacy. While international organizations have made progress in addressing gender-based violence, African women remain at the margins of these efforts. The #MeToo movement, which revolutionized conversations around sexual violence, had minimal impact in African contexts. African women's voices were largely absent from the mainstream #MeToo discourse, despite the fact that gender-based violence is rampant across the continent (The Independent, 2025).
Organizations such as the United Nations and Amnesty International have issued reports on sexual violence in conflict zones like the DRC, but these reports rarely translate into sustained advocacy or policy change. In contrast, when sexual violence is used as a weapon of war in Europe or the Middle East, there is immediate mobilization of resources, investigations, and calls for justice (BBC, 2022). The lack of similar responses for African women suggests that their suffering is not viewed as equally urgent or worthy of intervention.
Who Speaks for African Women?
One of the most glaring aspects of this erasure is the absence of African women’s voices in global conversations about their own suffering. International organizations and Western activists often take the lead in discussing gender-based violence, sidelining African women who have firsthand experience of these atrocities. This not only perpetuates the narrative that African women are voiceless victims but also results in solutions that do not address the realities of their lived experiences.
African women activists and grassroots organizations have long been at the forefront of fighting against gender-based violence, but their efforts receive little recognition. Groups like the Congolese Women’s Fund and Women for Women International have been working tirelessly to support survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones, yet they receive a fraction of the funding and attention that Western-led initiatives do (Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2021).
The tragedy in Goma is a brutal reminder of how African women’s suffering is systematically erased from global consciousness. The world cannot continue to ignore these atrocities while rallying behind similar causes elsewhere. Media organizations must do better in covering these crises with the same urgency they afford to other conflicts. International advocacy groups must center African women’s voices and prioritize their suffering. And most importantly, global institutions must recognize that the pain of Black women is as real, as urgent, and as worthy of action as that of any other group.
The lives of the 150 women who were raped and burned alive in Goma matter. Their pain matters. Their erasure is unacceptable. Until African women's suffering is treated with the same gravity as that of others, the fight for gender equality and human rights remains incomplete.
References
Al Jazeera. (2023). Media bias in global conflict reporting: The African exception. Retrieved from www.aljazeera.com
BBC. (2022). War crimes in Ukraine: International response and legal action. Retrieved from www.bbc.com
The Guardian. (2025). 150 women raped and burned to death in Goma prison attack. Retrieved from www.theguardian.com
The Independent. (2025). The forgotten victims: Why African women are left out of global feminist movements.Retrieved from www.independent.co.uk
Gallup & Porticus. (2023). Gender power imbalances in Africa: A study on women’s rights and representation.Retrieved from www.gallup.com
Human Rights Watch. (2016). Yazidi genocide: Sexual violence as a weapon of war. Retrieved from www.hrw.org
Inter-Parliamentary Union. (2021). Widespread sexism and violence against women in African parliaments.Retrieved from www.ipu.org
The Rise of Corporate Feminism: Is It Helping or Hurting the Gender Equality Movemen
In the past decade, feminism has gone from a grassroots social movement to a mainstream marketing tool. Once seen as radical, it is now a trendy, consumer-friendly concept that brands eagerly embrace. From t-shirts with “Girl Power”slogans to makeup campaigns promoting self-love, corporations have rebranded feminism into a profitable aesthetic.
But beneath the surface, many of these same companies continue to exploit female workers, uphold gender pay gaps, and fail to promote women into leadership roles. This contradiction raises an important question: Is corporate feminism truly advancing gender equality, or is it just another way for brands to profit off empowerment without making real change
What Is Corporate Feminism?
Corporate feminism, also known as "femvertising" or "marketed empowerment," occurs when companies use feminist messaging to sell products while failing to challenge structural inequalities within their own organizations.
Unlike grassroots feminism—focused on policy change, economic justice, and dismantling patriarchy—corporate feminism often reduces the movement to individual empowerment, self-confidence, and buying the right products. The message becomes:
· “Buy this lipstick and feel empowered.”
· “Wear this t-shirt, and you’re smashing the patriarchy.”
· “Use this brand, and you’re supporting women everywhere.”
While this messaging might seem harmless, it often deflects attention from real gender justice issues—like workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, and wage inequality.
The Business of Feminism: Why Companies Are Doing It
Brands have realized that feminism sells—especially to younger consumers.
· A 2023 study by Deloitte found that 75% of Gen Z consumers prefer to buy from brands that align with their social values, including gender equality.
· A Nielsen report showed that brands using feminist messaging saw a 10-20% increase in sales.
In response, companies have launched campaigns that celebrate female empowerment, promote self-confidence, and encourage women to break barriers. However, many of these same companies fail to uphold feminist values within their own corporate structures.
When Feminism Becomes Just a Marketing Strategy
1. T-Shirts Made by Underpaid Female Workers
o In 2014, luxury fashion brand Dior released a t-shirt reading “We Should All Be Feminists” (inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s essay).
o The shirt cost $710—but was produced in low-wage factories where female garment workers earn poverty-level wages.
o Similar feminist slogan shirts sold by high-street brands have been linked to sweatshops in Bangladesh, where women work in unsafe conditions with little pay.
2. Makeup Brands Selling "Self-Love" While Promoting Unrealistic Beauty Standards
o Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign encourages women to embrace their natural beauty, but its parent company, Unilever, also owns Fair & Lovely (now Glow & Lovely)—one of the world’s leading skin-lightening brands that profits off colorism and insecurity.
o Many makeup brands push “self-confidence” while still heavily using airbrushing, filters, and unattainable beauty ideals to sell products.
3. The Gender Pay Gap in “Empowerment” Companies
o In 2021, the U.S. company Glossier, which brands itself as feminist and “for women,” was exposed for mistreating employees and having a lack of diversity in leadership.
o A 2022 UK government report showed that many fashion and beauty companies with feminist marketing still had significant gender pay gaps.
These examples highlight the hypocrisy of corporate feminism: celebrating women in advertisements while exploiting them behind the scenes.
How Corporate Feminism Distracts from Real Gender Justice Work
The biggest danger of corporate feminism is that it shifts focus away from structural change.
1. Individual Empowerment vs. Systemic Change /p>
· Corporate feminism often promotes the "you can do anything" mindset—but real gender inequality isn’t just about confidence.
· Women face institutional barriers like:
o Workplace discrimination
o Unpaid labor (women still do 75% of the world’s unpaid care work)
o Sexual harassment in professional spaces
o Maternity discrimination
But instead of addressing these issues, corporate feminism tells women that the solution is buying empowering productsor just “believing in themselves.”
2. Selling the Idea That Feminism Is Achieved
· Corporate messaging often implies that gender equality is already here and that women simply need to “lean in” or “take charge.”
· This ignores the fact that women still face major inequalities, including:
o The gender pay gap (women in the UK earn 14.3% less than men on average).
o The lack of female CEOs (only 8% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women).
o Workplace harassment (one in three women in the UK experience sexual harassment at work).
When companies celebrate feminism without acknowledging these barriers, they create a false sense of progress that slows down real change.
What Needs to Change?
1. Pay Women Fairly
· Companies should disclose gender pay gap data and take active steps to close it.
· Governments should enforce stronger pay transparency laws.
2. Improve Workplace Policies for Women
· Companies must provide equal opportunities for promotion and remove bias from hiring practices.
· Paid maternity leave, flexible working hours, and protection against pregnancy discrimination should be standard.
3. Stop Exploiting Female Workers in Supply Chains
· Many “feminist” brands still rely on sweatshops where women work in unsafe conditions for low wages.
· True feminism means fair pay and safe conditions for all workers, not just well-paid executives.
4. Support Women Beyond Marketing Campaigns
· Instead of just making feminist ads, companies should fund gender equality initiatives, donate to women’s organizations, and advocate for policy change.
Final Thoughts
Feminism is not a brand—it’s a movement. True gender equality doesn’t come from buying the right lipstick or wearing a slogan t-shirt. It comes from systemic change, legal protections, and economic justice.
Corporate feminism isn’t all bad—it has helped normalize feminist conversations and make gender equality a mainstream issue. However, when feminism is reduced to just another marketing tool, it loses its power to challenge real injustice.
As consumers, we have a choice. Instead of just supporting brands that “say” they care about women, we should demand that they prove it—with fair wages, equal opportunities, and real action.
Because feminism should never just be about selling empowerment—it should be about achieving justice.