» Listings for 2024

1. International Womens Day 2024

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 8th Mar 2024

   

   International Women's Day: A Celebration of Progress and Inclusion

   Each year on March 8th, the world comes together to recognise the remarkable achievements and power of women and all those who identify along the gender spectrum. I'm sure you've come across it by now as I've noticed it gaining more momentum in recent years, which is wonderful.

   IWD's roots stretch back over a century to 1909, a time when the fight for women's voting rights and improved working conditions was gaining momentum. The Socialist Party of America commemorated a garment workers' strike in New York. A year later, Clara Zetkin, a trailblazing socialist feminist, proposed an international day for women's rights at a socialist conference. March 8th 1911, saw the first official IWD celebrations across Europe, with over a million people rallying for voting rights, better working conditions, and an end to war.

   The focus on peace became even more prominent during World War I, with women across Europe using IWD to protest the violence. The United Nations officially recognized IWD in 1975, during International Women's Year.

   In recent years, IWD has expanded its focus to include and celebrate transgender and non-binary individuals recognising that the experiences of womanhood are beautifully diverse, and striving to uplift all voices.  This is echoed in this year's theme, which is "Inspire Inclusion," a call for understanding and valuing the importance of including everyone in the journey toward a more equitable world.

   Celebrating in the UK

   I couldn't find a large-scale, nationally organized Women's March today, so I don't think there is one this year, but there will be plenty of local events today and probably over the weekend. The fact that it's Mothering Sunday this weekend will probably encourage a lot more events to run. Expect to find engaging talks, workshops, marches, film screenings, and art exhibitions that shine a light on the contributions of women and non-binary individuals across the country. Many organizations also host insightful online events for wider accessibility. Fingers crossed for good weather for all the outside events! 

   IWD offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the progress we've made and to envision a future where equality is the norm. While we set aside this special day, let's remember that we can champion the spirit of IWD every single day. I certainly try to, as it's so close to my heart. I'm sure you can all see from my site that championing Women's empowerment, across the entire spectrum, is as the heart of what I do. 

    xxxx

2. Breast Health Checks

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 1st Mar 2024

   Breast Cancer Awareness: The Importance of Self-Checks

   It's been a while since I did a reminder about breast health and checks, so it's time for a refresh. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, with early detection being absolutely crucial in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. Regular breast self-examinations are a simple yet important step in increasing awareness of your body and potentially catching any concerning changes early on.

   Why Breast Self-Checks Matter

   • Familiarity with your body: Self-checks help you understand what feels normal for your breasts. This makes it easier to spot any potential changes or abnormalities.
   • Early detection: While self-checks don't replace professional mammograms, they can play a role in finding breast changes early when treatment may be most successful.
   • Empowerment: Taking charge of your own breast health can be empowering and reassuring.

   How to Perform a Breast Self-Check

   Here's a step-by-step guide:

   1. Visual Check:

      • Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms at your sides.
      • Look for any changes in the size, shape, or color of your breasts.
      • Check for any dimpling, puckering of the skin, unusual redness, or nipple discharge.
      • Repeat with your arms raised above your head.

   2. Lying-Down Check:

      • Lie down on your back and place a pillow under your right shoulder.
      • Use your left hand to examine your right breast. Use the pads of your three middle fingers, moving in small circular motions with varying levels of pressure (light, medium, firm) to feel all the breast tissue.
      • Start at your armpit and slowly sweep across to your cleavage, then move down to the edge of your ribs. Continue this in an up-and-down pattern until you've covered your entire breast.
      • Repeat on your left breast, using your right hand.

   3. Shower Check:

      • The warmth and wetness of the shower can make it easier to feel your breast tissue.
      • Using a soapy hand, use the same technique as the lying down check to examine both breasts.

   What to Look For:

   • New lumps or thickening in your breast or armpit
   • Change in breast size or shape
   • Changes to the skin of the breast – dimpling, rashes, redness
   • Nipple changes - inversion (turning inward), unusual discharge

   Important Reminders

   • Frequency: Many experts recommend performing breast self-checks monthly.
   • Timing: It's ideal to do self-checks a few days after your period ends, when breasts are likely to be less tender.
   • Don't Panic: Most breast changes are not cancer. However, if you notice anything unusual, consult your doctor promptly. Don't self-diagnose, seek professional evaluation.

   Beyond Self-Checks

   While breast self-checks are important, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Remember:

   • Mammograms: Regular mammograms, as recommended by your doctor based on age and risk factors, are the gold standard for breast cancer screening.
   • Listen to your body: Report any new, persistent changes in your breasts, even if not found on a self-check, to your healthcare provider.

   Let's Spread Awareness

   Share this information with the women in your life! Early detection saves lives.

   Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor about breast health concerns and appropriate screening schedules.

3. Poem - A Journey Unfolds

   Posted on 5:00pm Tuesday 6th Feb 2024

   In the hushed whispers of a searching soul,
   A voyage unfurls, a tale to extol.
   A spirit adrift, seeking its true form,
   Amidst the tumultuous seas, weathering the storm.

   In the mirrored depths, reflections distort,
   A kaleidoscope of identities sought.
   For within, a truth murmurs softly,
   A gender unseen, yet yearned for loftily.

   Through winding paths and trials profound,
   Resilience thrives, where doubts abound.
   Each stride forward, a triumph of will,
   Embracing the journey, undeterred still.

   From society's gaze to inner contemplation,
   Navigating complexities, a transformation.
   With every heartbeat, a soul finds its tune,
   In the symphony of self, beneath the moon.

   The world may resist, with ignorance rife,
   But within the spirit, a beacon of life.
   Transcending boundaries, breaking through,
   A testament to courage, tried and true.

   Acceptance blooms like a sacred vow,
   In the garden of love, here and now.
   For in embracing oneself, wholly and free,
   Lies the essence of existence, unconditionally.

   So let the currents of change guide the way,
   As the journey unfolds, day by day.
   For in the embrace of authenticity's grace,
   Resides the profundity of a trans soul's embrace.

   By Shaz

4. Feminist Icon - Dr Jane Goodall DBE

   Posted on 12:00pm Sunday 14th Jan 2024

   "Every single day that we live, we make some impact on the planet. We have a choice as to what kind of impact that is."

   Jane Goodall

   I often seek inspiration from trailblazers who have broken barriers and made a lasting impact on the world, and try to include them here on my blog. I want to celebrate people by sharing their story whilst I learn about them. One such remarkable figure is Dr. Jane Goodall, whom I had heard about many times, but not fully known about, until today. I like to write about it here so that I can cement it in my mind, and in the hope that it might be of interest to you. 

   

   Jane Goodall's journey serves as a beacon of resilience and determination, and that's what struck me the most. Born in 1934 in London, England, her early fascination with animals laid the groundwork for a lifelong dedication to understanding and protecting wildlife. Her decision to study chimpanzees in their natural habitat in Tanzania was groundbreaking, challenging established scientific norms, especially for female scientists, and redefining our understanding of primates.

   Despite facing numerous challenges, including limited resources and societal expectations, Jane's unwavering commitment to her research led to groundbreaking discoveries. Through her patience, keen observation, and deep empathy for the chimpanzees she studied, she shattered misconceptions about animal intelligence and behavior, fundamentally reshaping our understanding of the natural world.

   Here are some of the things that Jane enlightened us on:

   1. Tool Use: Jane observed chimpanzees using tools, such as sticks, to extract termites from their mounds for food. This discovery challenged the notion that tool use was exclusive to humans, highlighting the cognitive abilities of chimpanzees and reshaping our understanding of primate behavior.

   2. Social Structure: Through her long-term observations, Jane documented complex social hierarchies among chimpanzee communities. She observed behaviors such as dominance displays, grooming rituals, and alliances, revealing similarities to human social dynamics and providing valuable insights into the evolution of social behavior.

   3. Hunting Behavior: Contrary to previous beliefs, Jane observed chimpanzees hunting and consuming meat, including small mammals like monkeys and birds. This discovery challenged prevailing ideas about chimpanzees as solely herbivorous and shed light on the diverse dietary habits of these primates.

   4. Communication: Jane documented a wide range of vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions used by chimpanzees to communicate with one another. Her studies revealed the complexity of chimpanzee communication and its role in maintaining social cohesion within groups.

   5. Emotional Complexity: Through her observations, Jane demonstrated that chimpanzees experience a range of emotions, including joy, grief, and empathy. Her research challenged the notion of humans as the only species capable of complex emotional experiences, highlighting the rich inner lives of chimpanzees and fostering greater empathy for our primate relatives.

   What sets Jane apart is not just her scientific contributions but also her ability to translate her research into meaningful action. Through the Jane Goodall Institute and programs like Roots & Shoots, she has empowered individuals around the globe to become advocates for conservation and social change. Her work has inspired countless people, from scientists to activists to everyday citizens, to take up the cause of environmental stewardship and make a positive difference in their communities. We don't all have to go to Tanzania to make a positive change for this planet. 

   Jane's legacy reminds us of the power of perseverance, empathy, and collaboration in creating meaningful change. The use of her voice to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves is something so powerful, and something to inspire all of us. 

   Here is the link to her foundation, where you can read all about her and her institute, along with a donation page if you are able. 

   the Jane Goodall Institute Homepage

   

   "The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves."

   Jane Goodall