Amira Adawe has been an outspoken advocate against the harmful skin lightening industry for more than 10 years. Crazy as it seems, this industry brings in a staggering $8.6 billion worldwide. She shines a light on the dangers of toxic creams with dangerous levels of mercury. As a result, their continued use has resulted in debilitating health impacts for countless users. As one victim, Annet Negesa explained the painful weight of mercury poisoning on her life, “I knew that my life is over. Adawe’s work helps to build awareness and bring an end to this harmful and discriminatory practice, especially against women.
In Lucknow, India, one shelter has transformed into a life-saving resource for transgender people. It provides them with community and resources to empower them to take action against the threat of homelessness. This single initiative fills part of a huge gap that covers the widespread discrimination and marginalization experienced by this community. Women everywhere are being exposed to the increased danger of doxxing. This dastardly maneuver puts their personal information on the internet, frequently leading to threats and acts of intimidation and physical harm.
Mental health is the third largest contributor to the burden of disease and injury for women worldwide. In India, a maternal mental health hotline has provided assistance to hundreds of women, offering much-needed support during challenging times. The effects of climate change make these problems even worse. Research indicates that climate change disproportionately affects women for four key reasons, including economic disparities and increased caregiving responsibilities.
In Mexico City, violent chauvinism emerges in brutal ways for female taxi drivers within a hypermasculine field. In response, a women-only taxi cooperative was created to make sure women are safer and more empowered in this growing profession. This global movement calls attention to the need for safe spaces for women, especially with the backdrop of increasing violence.
Finally, period poverty remains a critical concern in Kenya. Women in the region experience worse and more debilitating menstrual periods. This is on top of the increased costs of sanitary products and the negative effects of air pollution. This combination makes the already difficult lives of women even harder.
In a cultural revival, some African women are reclaiming tattoo traditions that were suppressed during colonization, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity and self-expression. Hijras in Rohingya communities, like other hijras, endure extreme marginalization. They face daily, transphobic abuse and sexual violence, making this juxtaposition incredibly stark.
Transgender people have been accessing medical care for gender affirmation in increasing numbers. One woman who went to Thailand for gender-affirming surgery summed it up with a quote that shows just how determined people are, it is my dream. These journeys illustrate the fight and hopes of scores of LGBTQ+ people and the queer communities they are part of.
The sadly personal impact of postpartum depression has hit home within our families. One husband recounted his devastating experience of losing not only his wife, but his son to this cruel disease. His journey underscores the dire lack of accessible mental health resources for new parents.
In Indonesia, women have been at the forefront in resisting the encroachment of corporations. They are claiming just compensation as their farms are being expropriated to make way for nickel mines to feed the electric vehicle transition. This fight is a testament to the continued fight against climate destruction and its disproportionate effect on women’s lives and livelihoods.
