Latest news with #InternationalDay
Scoop
4 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Women And Girls Of African Descent: Celebrating Contributions, Recognising Challenges
It recognises their immense contributions to society, but also acknowledges the challenges they face due to the double burden of racism and sexism. Although woman and girls of African descent embody strength, resilience and untapped potential, they remain among the most marginalised groups globally due to the intersection of racial, gender and socioeconomic discrimination. For example, they suffer alarming maternal mortality rates, according to the UN's reproductive health agency, UNFPA. Oftentimes, cases are not related to income or education, but rather to racism and structural inequality stemming from a legacy of slavery and colonialism. 'The good news is these things are not irreversible,' Patricia DaSilva, a senior programme adviser with the agency told UN News. 'We can fix them. We have the solutions for many of the problems that we are facing in terms of maternal health for women and girls of African descent.' Data and solutions UNFPA advocates for stronger health systems and investment in midwifery programmes, culturally sensitive training for healthcare providers and improvements in data collection. The agency also invests in partnerships such as an initiative in the Pacific region of Colombia, home to large communities of people of African descent. 'We have worked with the traditional midwives for them to integrate ancestral knowledge with modern health practices. This includes supporting accurate birth registration,' she said. 'It sounds like a really simple thing, but when you are in a remote community without access to technology, without access to administrative offices, it becomes this really, really important issue.' Agents of change Ms. DaSilva upheld the theme for the International Day, which focuses on women and girls of African descent as leaders, not just beneficiaries. 'I think it is important that the international community, the global community, understands that women and girls of African descent are not recipients of aid. They are leaders. They are innovators. They are agents of change,' she said. 'We have an opportunity and even an obligation and a responsibility to support the efforts to resource their solutions, to elevate their voices and continue to really double our efforts to dismantle the structural barriers that continue to impede their progress.' The first celebration of the International Day coincides with the start of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs through 2034. The aim is to take concrete actions to confront the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, deliver reparatory justice, and secure the full human rights and freedoms of people from the African diaspora worldwide, building on the previous Decade, which ended last year.
New Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Mandela's enduring legacy: Vision, empathy and service
ONE day, a man was having lunch with his aide and invited another person eating at a table nearby to join theirs. The latter nervously obliged. Without ever raising his eyes, the invitee hurriedly ate and left, to which the aide commented that the man must be sick. The host corrected the aide, saying the man was his jailer who used to urinate on the host's head each time he asked for water after being tortured in prison. The jailer had expected the host to retaliate. But the host, who had now become the head of state, chose not to. That host was Nelson Mandela. Although apocryphal, the story epitomises the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation that Mandela displayed as the first black president of South Africa, who ended the evil of apartheid and paved the way for his country's peaceful transition to democracy. As we celebrate Mandela's birthday on July 18, a day the United Nations has declared Nelson Mandela International Day, it is well to reflect on who he was and what he stood for. Those who aspire to lead with courage, compassion, and integrity can learn three key lessons from one of the most influential figures of recent times. First, as with all visionary leaders who built their successful careers on an unwavering pursuit of their vision, Mandela was driven by his vision of a racism-free and equal South Africa. He courageously pursued his vision throughout his early activism in the armed wing of the African National Congress, or ANC. That earned him a life sentence in 1964, only to be freed after 27 years once apartheid became untenable. His vision inspired others to stay the course. It resulted in the first multiracial elections in 1994. With the win for the ANC, Mandela became the first black president. As he writes in his autobiography, The Long Walk to Freedom: "It always seems impossible until it is done", reminding us that challenges may appear intractable, but dedication to one's cause can lead to success. Second, he pursued his vision with high emotional intelligence — the capacity to understand the viewpoints of others, and an ability to communicate and resolve conflicts. He showed that effective leadership need not be offensive or aggressive. As he says, "If you want cooperation from humans around you, you must make them feel important." His cool, composed and humble demeanour inspired millions to rally to his cause of peace and reconciliation in a divided society. In walking his talk, Mandela shaped his nation's future. He focused on finding peaceful solutions with the apartheid government despite a widespread threat of civil war. Upon becoming the president, rather than assuming complete control, he invited other political parties, including old rivals, to join his unity government. By cooperating with his opponents, Mandela succeeded in reducing racial tensions. As he says: "Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in the front." And that brings us to the third lesson. Mandela's controversial decisions that advanced national peace over individual or party success are a classic illustration of servant leadership. As he writes: "Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people." During the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Mandela showed one of his most memorable leadership moments. The Springboks, the national rugby team, have long signified white supremacy. As such, the team was scorned by many black South Africans. Mandela, however, saw a chance for harmony. Not only did he openly back the team, but he even showed up for the final game wearing their jersey. Mandela believed that service to others is what life is all about. As he says: "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." In this, he echoes Albert Einstein's call for a life of significance. Mandela's legacy reminds us that when leaders act courageously with purpose and are guided by values, change is possible.
Buzz Feed
30-06-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
People Shared Their Favorite Popular American Foods
When the world thinks of American food, I can't help but picture them imagining hamburgers, pizzas, and hot dogs. I mean, they're not exactly wrong. These are occasional treats from an American diet, but there is a wider range to consider here. When redditor RavenRead, who lives abroad, asked r/AskAnAmerican for suggestions for "traditional" American dishes to bring to their kid's International Day potluck, the responses rolled in. I have to say, I found myself nodding to the replies. They screamed, "America!" and I was even surprised by one or two of the answers. "Handheld apple pies." — AudrinaRosee"Apple crisp or crumble. I mean any fruit crisp, crumble, buckle, or pie will be a big hit."— IllyriaCervarro "Chicken pot pie." "I often make chicken pot pie when people visit [...] It's a real novelty for most people."— makerofshoes "Corn on the cob." "That was something that a German family we hosted were blown away by. "— IT_ServiceDesk"Sweet corn is very American."— merylbouw "Chocolate chip cookies!!!" — IllyriaCervarro"The thick, chewy, just barely cooked in the middle ones."— anyansweriscorrect"Use the Toll House recipe for authenticity."— themcp "Macaroni and cheese." — OranginaOOO"Mac & cheese (please don't make a box mix)."— ATLDeepCreeker"But the box, is about as American as it gets." — Hopsblues "Peanut butter and jelly is very American." — pdxrider01"I did this when I brought in American food for my students in Spain."— SnooEpiphanies7700 "Grilled cheese and tomato soup." — SnooEpiphanies7700 "Brownies were also invented in the US." — oldpooper "Banana bread is a fantastic option." — MuscaMurum"And maybe with some chocolate chips 👀👀👀"— Silent_Loquat_6057 "Chili." — mabutosays"Yes! Some with beans and some without beans, so kids can partake in the age-old American tradition of arguing about beans in chili!"— Playful_Dust9381 "Pulled pork barbecue sandwich." — McCrankyface"With coleslaw and baked beans ❤️"— Electronic_Dog_9361"I just had dinner and I still want this."— theragu40 "Biscuits and sausage gravy." — ruggerbear"This, IF you're good at it."— revengeappendage "You can't get more American than turkey." — Flat_Tumbleweed_2192"I usually pay $200-250 for a turkey in Australia when I host Thanksgiving. It's neither easy to find nor cheap."— SizzleSpud "Sloppy joes." — Blue387 "Meatloaf and mashed potatoes with gravy!" — LastDitchTryForAName "Succotash." "Just a mix of corn and Lima beans. Some may punch it up a bit by adding tomatoes or peppers."— ChessieChesapeake"Suffering?"— SignificantTransient"It is a truly American dish, it has its roots in the native American cooking traditions, uses ingredients originating on the continent, and is easily adaptable to various dietary and ingredient constraints."— feralgraft "California burrito." — SL13377"California Burrito is a deep pull. I made carne asada in Australia. I had to practice making tortillas for a while before I could pull it off. When I added 'chips' they were blown away."— DoubleDouble0G "Clam Choudah!" (Clam chowder) — ZephRyder"As someone from [New Hampshire], I appreciate this."— Traditional-Ad-8737 "Jambalaya is easy to make and tastes great." — Comfortable-Tell-323"Get a recipe from someone from South Louisiana."— Bigstar976 "Frito Pie." — orpheus1980"Found the Texan."— trustme1maDR "Ranch dressing. Just a bottle of it." — lfisch4 "Buffalo wings." — Mental_Freedom_1648 And finally, "Buffalo chicken dip with chips!" — MaddoxJKingsley Do these sound at all American? I know I'll be having mac and cheese for dinner followed by chocolate chip cookies.
India Gazette
26-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
International Day against Drug Abuse: Amit Shah vows ruthless war on narco cartels
New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): On the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse on Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended greetings to all those fighting against substance abuse and reaffirmed the government's commitment to a drug-free India. In a post on X, Shah said, 'On International Day Against Drug Abuse, warm wishes to all our warriors and allies in our battle for a drug-free Bharat.' Calling drugs the 'biggest scourge for our youth,' Shah emphasised the Modi government's 'whole-of-government approach' in tackling the threat. He said the Centre had taken strong steps not only to dismantle drug networks but also to rehabilitate affected individuals. 'The Modi government is heading with a whole-of-government approach to this threat, striking narco-cartels ruthlessly and bringing back addicted youth to normal life with empathy,' the Home Minister wrote in the post. 'May this day further fortify our resolve against the menace of drug abuse,' he added. Earlier in the day, addressing the state event to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that Delhi Police have arrested at least 1100 people involved in the drug trade in 2025. CM Gupta said, 'This year, in 2025, our Delhi Police has arrested at least 1100 people involved in the drug trade, cases have been registered against them, and all the narcotic drugs found have been seized...' She urged the government, police and society to work together against the drug menace in the national capital. 'The government, police, and society are all working to eradicate this, but we all need to work together as a team. I believe that when we all work together, the menace of drugs will be completely eliminated from society,' Rekha Gupta said. June 26, observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is a United Nations International Day. This day aims to spread awareness regarding the harmful effects of drug use and to fight against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. This day has been observed since 1989. June 26 was chosen to commemorate Lin Zexu's (Chinese political philosopher and politician) dismantling of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong, ending on June 25, 1839, just before the First Opium War in China. Every year, a theme is chosen, and this year's theme is 'The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.' (ANI)
India Gazette
26-06-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami talks about harmful impact of drug use not just on the individuals, but family and state as well
Uttarakhand [India], June 26 (ANI): As the world celebrates the International anti-drug day today, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami reminded the harms of drug consumption and said that drug addiction not only affects the mental and physical condition of a person, but also hinders the progress of the families, society and the state. The Chief Minister shared his commitment to making Uttarakhand drug-free and further added that efforts are being made to make Uttarakhand drug-free, and to ensure success, the participation of all is very important. On the occasion of International Anti-Drug Day, he urged all to spread awareness in society about the harmful effects of drug addiction. June 26, observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is a United Nations International Day. This day aims to spread awareness regarding the harmful effects of drug use and to fight against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. This day has been observed since 1989. June 26 was chosen to commemorate Lin Zexu's (Chinese political philosopher and politician) dismantling of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong, ending on June 25, 1839, just before the First Opium War in China. Every year, a theme is chosen, and this year's theme is 'The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.' Earlier, CM Dhami directed the officers of the Indian Administrative Service to adopt the villages where they started their service to accelerate the development of the state's remote villages. Under the scheme, the officers have started working for the development of the adopted villages. Many officers have closely understood the lives of the villagers and their problems by staying overnight in the villages. After the officers make the action plan, the state government will run a campaign for the development of villages. CM Dhami had expected the officers of the Indian Administrative Service with grade-pay of Rs 8700 or more to adopt the work area of their first appointment. On this basis, 40 senior IAS officers of the state have adopted their first place of appointment. On May 20, 2025, an order to this effect was also issued by Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan. (ANI)
