Amplifying Narratives: An Inside Look at Ananke's Women in Literature Festival 2024

Are young people in Europe choosing not to have children out of choice or constraint?

Exploring the Deep Roots of Pay Disparity and the Road to Change

The issue of inequality in fame and prize money between male and female tennis players is a longstanding and complex problem.

When navigating the nuances and complexities of marital rape, the first question that comes to mind is: Is it rape if it involves a husband and a wife?

"Recessions are like natural disasters: they're inevitable, but smart preparation may reduce the damage they do." - Raghuram G. Rajan

Mental toughness is a crucial skill for tennis players, but acquiring it is a dynamic process. Can players inherently possess this trait from the beginning, or is it something that can be learned and developed throughout their careers?

“States relentlessly seek power and security because they exist in a self-help system, and most of all they seek autonomy, because in a world where you can never trust anyone you don’t want to be interdependent”  -Randall Schweller

"We do not live single-issue lives." 

– Audre Lorde

Within our WOMENTUM network, our monthly peer-to-peer exchange sessions provide a platform for thought-provoking discussions. In our latest session hosted by WEPO, we explored the intricate realm of women’s mental health during times of crisis. Inspired by the insightful presentation, we bring you an article to delve deeper into understanding the multifaceted layers of mental health, especially in challenging circumstances.

 In the international system of global governance, International Law and the different Humanitarian standards are often pursued as norms and pillars of justice and equality. Nevertheless, beneath the surface, one might argue that their effectiveness is shaped by a complex interplay of factors, generating in the process a narrative of limitations and biases.

I hope... I hope one day I could play like other children with those large smiles that stay on their faces every time, go to school and learn new things, be happy and not scared of anything..." This is the wish of more than 446 million children every day and every night in war zones. The prevailing climate of death that envelops these children destroys and kills them. Faced with this, one might ask: What is the meaning of their lives if not the death they are granted to be alive?

Gender-based violence, entrenched in gender inequality, constitutes a severe threat to health and well-being. A feminist global health policy bears the potential to reduce and eventually end GBV through a transformative, intersectional approach.

Crypto has great potential to help bridge the financial gap, but trying to strip it out of its main characteristics might turn this the other way around.

In the realm of the written word, I often find myself veiled in the mystique of anonymity, intricately entwined with the artistry of SEO writing. As a woman navigating this intricate world of words, I grapple with the distinctive challenge of crafting content that ascends the ranks of search engine results, all the while my name remains a closely guarded secret amidst the digital currents.

For young people in politics, participation comes with its own set of responsibilities.

The sphere of Cyberactivism has emerged as a paramount channel through which the voices of the youth population and the new generations resonate with remarkable potency and influence.

Embrace the unique experience of solo travel as a woman in Rwanda, where safety, enriching culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes come together for an unforgettable adventure.

"One is not born but rather becomes a woman," said Simone de Beauvoir.

I repeat that superior races have a right because they have a duty. They have the duty to civilize inferior races…” (Jules Ferry)

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is more than just a historical remembrance; it is a call to recognize the impact of slavery on today's world as well as a reminder of our joint responsibility to resist its current manifestations.

If you have graduated recently, congratulations on your hard work and dedication! You might have found that university is indeed challenging for you need to rely more on yourself, manage the heavy academic workload, meet deadlines, skip a few hours of sleep, etc...

On August 12, the world comes together to celebrate International Youth Day, LEED Initiative joins in the celebration by shedding light on the issue of climate anxiety and its impact on the younger generations. 

“It is troubling to see Tunisia, a country that once held so much hope, regressing and losing the human rights gains of the last decade” - Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“No woman can call herself free who does not control her own body.” Margaret Sanger

Historically, women have always been condemned to stay home, take care of their husbands and children in order to be the ultimate winner of the “good woman” award accorded by the society. Whilst those who work outside of their household were considered “rebels”. This narrative has been persistent for years, endorsed by many countries.

In light of the pressing climate crisis, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for rallying communities and raising worldwide consciousness regarding environmental issues.

“We need to invest to build a culture of prevention around mental health at work, reshape the work environment to stop stigma and social exclusion, and ensure employees with mental health conditions feel protected and supported,” Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General.

For many, the idea of weddings is superbly romantic, a celebration of unity and love. Meanwhile, others view it as simply an outdated ritual ingrained in societal shackles.

'Taht El Wesaya'(Under Guardianship) continues the tradition of Egyptian TV dramas created to fight patriarchy through scripted performances as it discusses the guardianship role in the Code of Personal Status in Egypt.

“No medium is excessively dangerous if its users understand what its dangers are.”- Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business

As Africa has become a chronic victim of climate change-related disasters, the role of development organizations in supporting the recovery and relief efforts of smallholder farmers has become increasingly important.

As Kenyans continue to grapple with the high cost of living, the government seeks to impose more taxes potentially inflicting more pain and suffering. It seems as if the priorities of the government are not aligned with the realities of its citizens. Something needs to be done.

Same-sex marriages have been a topic of debate and controversy in India for a long time. While homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018, same-sex marriage remains illegal in the country.

While significant progress has been made on climate justice; more needs to be done to salvage the lives of people who are the most affected by it.

As the world becomes more connected, cultural diversity and representation in the media have become increasingly important.

“Oh, if I had done nothing, simply from laziness! Heavens, how I should have respected myself, then.  I should have respected myself because I should at least have been capable of being lazy; there would at least have been one quality, as it were, positive in me, in which I could have believed myself.” –Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“All animals are equal but some are more equal than others” - George Orwell

The problems of the world are increasingly becoming interconnected and interdisciplinary.
While the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals is meant to make the world a better place and
alleviate suffering; much progress is yet to be made.

In 2033, 98 percent of the global population will have regular and quality access to the Internet. Being offline is no longer a circumstance but a personal choice.

Have we ever thoroughly examined the intricacies of climate change, or have we merely been skimming the surface? Within the layers of this inquiry lies an acute necessity to introspect further on the idea that the climate crisis is not gender-neutral.

Under the Fig Trees presents a breath of fresh air for Tunisian cinema, offering a new genre to the movie scene with regard to the chosen theme and the director’s artistic approach.

As a UNWomen Arab States young peacebuilder and Gender Innovation AGORA member, I would like to highlight youth and women’s mediation and peacebuilding efforts and argue the potential of having effective participation in decision-making and peace negotiation processes. 

With technology and social media and citizen journalism, every rock that used to go unturned is now being flipped, lit and put on TV. - LZ Granderson  

LEED Initiative joins the celebrations for International Women’s Day, recognizing the power of the digital sphere in both advancing and curtailing gender equality.

As the world celebrates Zero Discrimination Day, I wanted to highlight the struggle of Sub-Saharan refugees and migrants in Tunisia and decry the mounting racism and discrimination against these communities.

LEED Initiative celebrates World Day of Social Justice, reflecting on the significance of social justice for world peace, security, and advancement.

LEED Initiative celebrates Black History Month, shedding light on the intersection of climate change and environmental injustice affecting the livelihood of black communities.

"Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say." -Edward Snowden

Even though there has been significant use of Artificial Intelligence in various industries; relying too heavily on AI-powered technologies can turn against users, perpetrating injustices and restricting people’s rights.

“The power of the media to make and unmake the image of women, to hasten or retard the progress of women in society, cannot be denied or underestimated.”- Molara Ogundipe-Leslie

People keep stocking clothes and following trends yet do they even know or consider the impact of fast fashion on the environment?

Politics is being pursued in the EU at the expense of refugees in distress in the middle of the Mediterranean who were left in limbo.

LEED Initiative joins the celebrations for Heritage Treasures Day, commemorating the efforts put into preserving monuments and raising funds for iconic landmarks all over the globe. 

“Let’s continue to stand up for those who are vulnerable to being left out or marginalized.”- Hillary Clinton

"Freedom of expression thrives through practice and becomes an empty word without the arts, culture, heritage and creativity, while without freedom of expression, the arts, culture, heritage and creativity wither”. - Jaroslav Andel

Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it. – Mahatma Gandhi

“Women are the only oppressed group in our society that lives in intimate association with their oppressors.”

― Evelyn Cunningham

LEED Initiative joins the celebrations for Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of one of the first major international instruments affirming individual rights...

COP conferences are seen by many as an opportunity for world leaders and lobbyists to greenwash the tonnes of carbon emissions they emit into the atmosphere.

Even though mental health issues are extremely common; the stigma associated with deeply rooted gender roles makes it difficult to talk about them.

While digital activism is often celebrated as a milestone for the feminist movement, anxiety about new technologies is increasing among communities, driving public opinion in a different direction and playing a major role in influencing women’s body images.

On November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, LEED Initiative will launch its campaign for the 16 Days of Activism highlighting activists from all over the world to talk about violence against women and girls. Stay tuned!

For a far better world and more sustainable and inclusive peace in which the eternal dignity of all people is firmly respected, women’s voices need to be amplified.

LEED Initiative joins the celebrations of United Nations Day, stressing the importance of addressing food security and peace at home and abroad.

Washing is a kind of wholesome action related to restorative cleansing. Yet, in this context, washing has nothing to do with cleanliness; but everything to do with cover-up and advertising.

LEED Initiative celebrates the International Day of Rural Women, commemorating the achievements and contributions of these women towards rural development and agriculture.

When all the real senses disappear, can we remain digitally alive?

Women of all ages, classes and faith are demanding justice for Mahsa Amini, urging the end of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its despotic rule.

How many more women, like Meriem, are going to die for Morocco to change its legal
framework on abortion?

Prisons are distressing settings, especially for LGBTQI+ people and anyone who doesn’t fit the stereotypical gender norms.

The prevalence of new HIV infections has scaled up swiftly in the last decade across the MENA region, despite falling numbers on a global scale.

As we celebrate today International Literacy Day, the definition of being literate has changed over the centuries based on human, cultural, and technological evolution…

"Freedom of opinion and expression are fundamental rights of every human being. Indispensable for individual dignity and fulfillment, they also constitute essential foundations for democracy… ".

EU Guidelines on Human Right Defenders

According to the UDHR, family is entitled to protection by society and the State. However, by the end of 2021, 89.3 million are forced to flee their homes.

With an exceptional track record of leadership, youth are bringing their voices, hearts and actions to propel global leaders to live up to their environmental commitments.

''Why does the eye see more clearly when asleep than the imagination when awake?''
Leonardo da Vinci

Human trafficking poses a serious threat to human rights, shattering lives, families, and dreams; however, trafficking in women still operates unabated in the MENA.

The female driving forces of the digital industry have been present in our minds for a long time now. The awareness is high, but the number of female digital leaders remains low. 

The rate of femicide has been snowballing in the SWANA region. How can women thrive in countries where it is believed that women must fully cover up or be met by death?

Liberal outcry, conservative jubilation. The beginning of the end of women's rights on the one hand, victory over life on the other. 

Social media has utterly transformed how modern advocacy campaigns are run. As a perquisite for NGOs work, it implies that the messages should be meticulously planned. 

Although the gender gap in entrepreneurship has been reversed for many MENA countries in recent years, this advance has not translated into a narrowing of the gap in the job market.

Imagine having to flee your home country in pursuit of personal freedom and dignity only to be met with suspicion and rejection in the so-called “progressive countries”. 

Although human rights have been declared universal, women in the MENA region still face numerous societal constraints, putting their women’s rights agenda under scrutiny. 

Digital activism has taken the advocacy landscape by storm; but research has shown that it comes with its own host of shortcomings.