#Women in Leadership Australia

[businesswomenaustralia01]

Sydney to Melbourne: The Journey of Female Business Leaders in Australia's Dynamic Landscape Elevate your entrepreneurial journey with Women's Business Events, where Australian Female Entrepreneurs converge for inspiration and growth. Our platform goes beyond networking, providing invaluable Business Resources for Women to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

[australianwomensnews]

When it comes to Australia’s national regulators, women rule.

Women now dominate the leadership of federal regulatory and oversight agencies that enforce rules for business and the economy, with 33 women holding chief executive or chair roles. This signals a profound shift for the nation’s top watchdogs, once almost solely the domain of male enforcers.

Rapid digitisation and rising globalisation are making traditional black letter enforcement approaches less effective, leading to women with so-called solid soft skills, such as influence, collaboration and communication, winning top-tier regulatory roles.

Women are now at the front line of the battles against scams, identity and data theft, cyber ransomware attacks, electronic espionage, digital surveillance, misinformation, social media abuse and dark web criminality.

“It’s very different to the skills base you needed a decade or two ago where it was just about telling people what to do, and they would toe the line,” says Ann Sherry, a former head of the Office of Status of Women in the Hawke and Keating governments.

“Those jobs were filled by a particular sort of person cast as a regulator. So, in a way, it was almost an enforcement role, whereas the jobs have changed.”

The leadership of the federal public service reached gender equilibrium last year.

Sherry, who is now QUT chancellor and chairs Queensland Airports, digital marketing firm Enero and UNICEF Australia, says that the public sector has been better at promoting women through the ranks but that many women have also built relevant skills in the private sector.

“Many women have had to broaden their careers and build a broad set of skills to be successful. There is now a body of capability to draw up. The talent pool has changed, and the jobs require broader skills. It is a confluence of events,” she says.

The surge in women leading federal regulators compares with 19 women (10 per cent) chairing ASX200 companies and 26 women (9 per cent) who are CEOs across the ASX300, as at the end of 2023.

Competition chief Gina Cass-Gottlieb and Reserve Bank of Australia governor Michele Bullock (who also chairs the Payments System Board) are the first women to lead their institutions. Others, such as media watchdog Nerida O’Loughlin and energy regulator Clare Savage, have won second appointments.

A push to bring in new blood from outside the Australian public service helped veteran NSW regulator Elizabeth Tydd win an appointment as head of the Australian Information Commission. Carly Kind was tapped from a London think tank to be the new privacy commissioner.

They join a swag of women now overseeing vast swaths of the economy, including infrastructure (Gabrielle Trainor), aviation (Pip Spence), food (Sandra Cuthbert), petroleum (Sue McCarrey) and fisheries (Helen Kroger).

Others such as Rachel Noble (espionage), Julie Inman Grant (e-safety), Jayde Richmond (anti-scams centre) and Michelle McGuinness (cyber co-ordinator) are focused on rapidly emerging harms, including national security threats, identity and data theft, consumer abuse, online scams and fraud.

Workplace and safety regulators are now dominated by women too, including Anna Booth (Fair Work Ombudsman), Joanne Farrell (Safe Work Australia), Jeanine Drummond (maritime safety), Natalie Pelham (rail safety) and Janet Anderson (aged care).

The dominant role female regulators play has been part of a profound shift in the number of women in leadership roles in the Australian government. This has risen from a quarter of executive roles being held by women 20 years ago to over 50 per cent last year.

Battle ready

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb, who rose through the ranks as a competition lawyer at law firm Gilbert and Tobin, says her generation of leaders had battled their way through male-dominated workplaces.

“In those workplaces, to get ahead, we needed to target the areas we thought were most important to make an intervention and where we could most effectively make an impact.

“We actually had to build skills to succeed, which are beneficial skills in these roles.”

Ms Cass-Gottlieb says women have also had to differentiate themselves. “You needed to point to other ways of working, including creative and different solutions that drew from experience in various areas rather than a pure step-by-step standard career path.”

Australian Information Commissioner Tydd points to Columbia University research that measured creativity by analysing songs, finding that women created more songs than men.

“Digital government requires a creative use of proactive tools to identify and mitigate future harm. It’s the unforeseen or latent harms that are the most refractory and so we’ve got to look at diagnosis and predictive tools, and that’s where you start to get a bit creative.”

Tydd says she was attracted to regulatory work because of the value of promoting open government, transparency and accountability.

“I think that seeking service and purpose orientation are factors that drive people into this work and I do think seeking service is a very comfortable and well-established motivation within women.”

Demand for new approaches

According to ANU Crawford School of Public Policy director Professor Janine O’Flynn, the data on the importance of public motivation for women is mixed. However, she suggests that women’s more attuned risk and relationship skills help them to be more effective regulators.

“We certainly know that the most effective models of regulation are around how you can think about risk and how you build relationships with the parties that have been regulated.

“I don’t mean that in a sort of dodgy way. The higher the trust relationships you can get between regulators and those who are regulated, the more likely you are to get the outcomes that you’re looking for.”

Read the full article in the link above!

[slyandthefamilybook]

since we now know that all those "my blog is safe for Jewish people" posts are bullshit, here are some Jewish organizations you can donate to if you actually want to prove you support Jews. put up or shut up

FIGHTING HUNGER

Masbia - Kosher soup kitchens in New York

MAZON - Practices and promotes a multifaceted approach to hunger relief, recognizing the importance of responding to hungry peoples' immediate need for nutrition and sustenance while also working to advance long-term solutions

Tomchei Shabbos - Provides food and other supplies so that poor Jews can celebrate the Sabbath and the Jewish holidays

FINANCIAL AID

Ahavas Yisrael - Providing aid for low-income Jews in Baltimore

Hebrew Free Loan Society - Provides interest-free loans to low-income Jews in New York and more

GLOBAL AID

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee - Offers aid to Jewish populations in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in the Middle East through a network of social and community assistance programs. In addition, the JDC contributes millions of dollars in disaster relief and development assistance to non-Jewish communities

American Jewish World Service - Fighting poverty and advancing human rights around the world

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society - Providing aid to immigrants and refugees around the world

Jewish World Watch - Dedicated to fighting genocides around the world

MEDICAL AID

Sharsheret - Support for cancer patients, especially breast cancer

SOCIAL SERVICES

The Aleph Institute - Provides support and supplies for Jews in prison and their families, and helps Jewish convicts reintegrate into society

Bet Tzedek - Free legal services in LA

Bikur Cholim - Providing support including kosher food for Jews who have been hospitalized in the US, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Israel

Blue Card Fund - Critical aid for holocaust survivors

Chai Lifeline - An org that's very close to my heart. They help families with members with disabilities in Baltimore

Chana - Support network for Jews in Baltimore facing domestic violence, sexual abuse, and elder abuse

Community Alliance for Jewish-Affiliated Cemetaries - Care of abandoned and at-risk Jewish cemetaries

Crown Heights Central Jewish Community Council - Provides services to community residents including assistance to the elderly, housing, employment and job training, youth services, and a food bank

Hands On Tzedakah - Supports essential safety-net programs addressing hunger, poverty, health care and disaster relief, as well as scholarship support to students in need

Hebrew Free Burial Association

Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services - Programs include early childhood and learning, children and adolescent services, mental health outpatient clinics for teenagers, people living with developmental disabilities, adults living with mental illness, domestic violence and preventive services, housing, Jewish community services, counseling, volunteering, and professional and leadership development

Jewish Caring Network - Providing aid for families facing serious illnesses

Jewish Family Service - Food security, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support, refugee resettlement, chaplaincy, and disability services

Jewish Relief Agency - Serving low-income families in Philadelphia

Jewish Social Services Agency - Supporting people’s mental health, helping people with disabilities find meaningful jobs, caring for older adults so they can safely age at home, and offering dignity and comfort to hospice patients

Jewish Women's Foundation Metropolitan Chicago - Aiding Jewish women in Chicago

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty - Crisis intervention and family violence services, housing development funds, food programs, career services, and home services

Misaskim - Jewish death and burial services

Our Place - Mentoring troubled Jewish adolescents and to bring awareness of substance abuse to teens and children

Tiferes Golda - Special education for Jewish girls in Baltimore

Yachad - Support for Jews with disabilities

[imfoive]

The Youngest Son - Chapter 4

Minho x Reader (fem.) Genre: non-idol au!, Suspense, Angst, Romance, Mature Warnings: mentions of drugs, cursing, murder, death, somewhat proofread WC: 5.7k A/N: I'm really wowed by how quickly I planned this out. Feedback is always welcome, enjoy! ── MASTERLIST

Synopsis: The youngest son of the Lee family was stubborn, he was arrogant, he was conniving. Hiding it all behind the mask of a calm and collected man, the youngest son was a master at mind games. Playing a dangerous game where trust is a luxury and betrayal lurks around every corner. He had sworn once, to not let family ties or any feelings hold him back. Yet, against all odds, she had him completely wrapped around her fingers, and he had no desire to break free.

Missed a chapter? - Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3

CHAPTER 4 ───────────────────

Following the death of Lee Jae, the rest of the business circle remained oblivious to the secret project that Park Hyunmin had meticulously planned for quite some time. 

Rose Enterprises. 

Park Hyunmin was still young when he returned from Australia to embark on his entrepreneurial journey. Naming the company after his late Australian mother, who had passed away during his teenage years, held deep personal significance for him. Despite that he successfully transformed the Park family, who had initially started as hotel workers in Australia, into prominent figures in the hospitality industry almost immediately, even expanding into the restaurant business. 

Hyunmin’s reputation and influence were unparalleled, any collaboration with the Park Family and Rose Enterprises promised to catapult an entrepreneur’s importance in their society. However, Park Hyunmin wasn’t seeking just any entrepreneur for this ambitious venture.

L Corporation had solidified its position as a major player in the industrial industry, with its name attached to some of the largest malls, resorts, hotels, and even bridges. They were known for their wealth, intelligence, and strategic business ordeals. They were a perfect fit for Park Hyunmin’s ambitions. However, despite their success, the director harbored reservations about trusting them completely.

Since Chairman Lee’s retirement and the subsequent takeover by his sons, there had been a noticeable shift within L Corporation. The once formidable leadership of Chairman Lee, who single-handedly managed client needs, was replaced by his less competent sons. And despite their shortcomings, they somehow managed to maintain L Corp.’s top position in the industry. 

However, the next generation, the grandchildren, was a mixed bag. Only three out of six were deemed worthy of praise. Park Hyunmin saw potential collaboration with L Corporation as both an opportunity and a risk, weighing the benefits of their established reputation against the uncertainty of their internal dynamics.

The oldest, Jungshin. He was excelling, but mostly took care of their overseas branches. 

Then came Joohyeon. He was always falling short, but still did well. He was once married to some mayor’s daughter, but even that didn’t last.

Jookshin was the only daughter of the family. She was married off early to another big name family in the medical field, she still did her part. 

Jihoon was the oddball. He was never present for anything, people sometimes forget he was also part of the family. 

Jae did somewhat of a decent job, barely hitting the line. The only time he actually hit, was women and drugs. Although he did have everyone fooled that he had changed.

Finally Minho. The youngest son.

He kept his life extremely private. He was always present, yet didn’t have any scandals to his name. It’s surprising that he was able to avoid being corrupted by the not so pretty deeds of his older brothers.

Minho was a frequent topic of conversation for Y/N. Despite being the same age, their personalities couldn't have been more different. Y/N, spirited and carefree, stood in stark contrast to Minho’s stoicism. This contrast intrigued Park Hyunmin.

As a young man, Minho often went unnoticed in rooms filled with older, more established figures. However, his capabilities became glaringly apparent during the press conference following Jae’s scandal involving drugs and an escort a few years back.

At just twenty-one, Minho had adeptly managed the fallout almost single-handedly, impressing Park Hyunmin with his poise and skill.

It dawned on Park Hyunmin then.

Lee Minho was their secret weapon in damage control. A role he seemed to excel in more with each passing challenge.

He was young enough to navigate situations with unnoticed ease, often slipping under the radar without drawing undue attention to himself. Minho maintained a reserved demeanor, always composed yet aware, easily finding solutions to various challenges and obstacles.

However, Park Hyunmin harbored a growing dissatisfaction with the amount of time his daughter spent in Minho’s company.

He noticed how Minho attempted to avoid Y/N’s advances at social gatherings, only to find himself inevitably drawn into her orbit. Despite his efforts to maintain distance, their paths seemed to cross frequently, leading to speculation and rumors about their dynamic.

The gossip mill labeled Minho as Y/N’s “boy-toy,” a rumor that had gained momentum over the past years due to their peculiar relationship. From Park Hyunmin’s perspective, there wasn’t even enough substance to define what they had as a relationship, adding to his unease about their closeness.

They were Business friends.

And everyone knew what that term meant. But he was starting to wonder if his daughter did.

A few months before the grand engagement announcement, during Park Hyunmin and his wife’s anniversary celebration, Y/N’s father had observed Minho being pulled away from a group and disappearing with Y/N onto the terrace overlooking the garden. It wasn’t an uncommon sight but it caught the father’s eye. Concerned, he found Minho later, getting some fresh air along the stairway, or so he claimed.

With a directness typical of him, the father posed a question to Minho that caught him off guard. 

   “Do you see yourself marrying my daughter?”

Minho’s bewildered expression was enough for Y/N’s father to discern that romantic interest was not the reason behind their closeness. So, he pressed further, pointing out the societal gossip surrounding them. 

   “Then what is it? Isn’t it a bit unusual for you two to always be together? People in this society talk.”

Maintaining his composure, Minho stood upright and faced Y/N’s father squarely. 

   “People in this society always talk.” He replied calmly with a polite smile.

   “Y/N and I are simply classmates who have become acquaintances. It’s difficult to find trustworthy acquaintances in our circle. We’ve known each other for years, learned together, so it’s natural for her to seek me out. That’s all.”

Park Hyunmin took a sip of his drink, adjusting his glasses, he mused. “Acquaintances, huh?”

   “Yes, acquaintances.” Minho affirmed. 

They weren’t even friends.

Y/N’s father would be lying if he said he didn’t think of proposing for Lee Minho to get engaged with his daughter, especially when considering how Minho could be an asset in dealing with L Corporation. However, the conversation he had with Minho by the stairwell weighed heavily on his mind.

Besides, pursuing an engagement with Minho would mean entering into a deal with the second son of Chairman Lee, whose capabilities fell short in Park Hyunmin’s estimation. While both brothers had their strengths and weaknesses, and claimed there was no disparity between the sub families within the Lee line, Rose Enterprises’ grand project demanded the best, and the director was inclined towards the more competent option.

Everything had seemed to be going according to his plans, until it went awry somewhere along.

With Jae’s recent death and the sudden decision to delay announcing the broken engagement, Park Hyunmin’s ambitious “Rose Garden” project had to be put on hold.

Despite the circumstances, his daughter Y/N had to maintain the facade of being Jae’s fiancée, a role she reluctantly played for the time being. Other families offered condolences and sent gifts, but beneath the surface, they were all calculating the right moment to propose alliances for the hand of the sole heiress.

In the competitive world they inhabited, Y/N’s engagement had been seen as a significant social event, marking her availability for marriage. Now, as they awaited the appropriate period of mourning to pass, other families were poised to make their moves, eager to secure advantageous unions with the prestigious Park family.

Y/N scoffs at the gift that some no-name nobody had sent her in efforts to woo her. A token of sympathy adorned with pretty flowers and hollow offers of support. The messages always carried the same undertone “if you ever needed someone to talk to” they were always ready to listen.

It’s been six months since Jae died. Initially, it was all the news would talk about for weeks on end, trying to dig deeper, trying to come up with theories of how he died.

But then someone else in high society did something stupid and the media was all over that.

Y/N’s mother was another headache, who just couldn’t catch a hint. Surprisingly her nice mother hadn’t been corrupted, even after having lived in high society for over twenty-five years, but she was easily trusting. She was a simple woman really, who Park Hyunmin had met when he was still trying to make The Rose Enterprises bigger than it was. They had risen together, but that woman didn’t change.

However, Y/N found her mother’s continuous efforts to set her up with potential suitors exasperating. These men were often charming and polite in social settings, but Y/N saw through their facade, politeness merely a pretense to curry favor. But despite Y/N’s attempts to shut down these setups, her mother persisted in her well-meaning, but misguided approach.

   “Isn’t Kim Seungmin the nice young man from the mall?” The mother read the gift card.

   “Yeah, the one whose family owns the Star Mall chain.” She retorted dryly, clearly unimpressed by her mother’s matchmaking efforts.

The mother hesitated, then suggested, “What about giving it a chance? He seemed polite and well-mannered.”

   “Really? Jae seemed like a good person too, until he attacked me in our own hotel parking lot.” Y/N countered sharply.

The mention of Jae’s actions visibly hardened her mother’s expression, acknowledging the truth in Y/N’s words even if reluctantly. It was truly a bad decision that her husband had made, blinded by ambition and the lies about Jae changing for the better.

There’s a knock on the glass door to her office, and a few seconds later Y/N’s father entered, brightening up at the sight of both ladies.

   “Ah, what are you doing here?” He asks his wife.

   “Trying to convince this one to meet someone for a blind date.”

Her father was used to her mother’s naivety, chuckling as he nodded and took a seat next to. His attention immediately drew to the colorful basket of flowers on the table. He picked up the card attached to it, glancing over its contents with curiosity.

   “You know, having the Kim’s at our side isn’t a bad idea. They’re established and even have a few more small projects planned.” Her father begins to say, glancing up at her, cautiously.

   “Just tell me if we’re already engaged. I seem to be the last one to find out about my own engagement anyway.” She muttered.

Her father glanced guiltily at her mother once before looking at her. His expression hardened.

   “If you’re waiting in hopes that Lee Minho will suddenly take an interest in you, you can forget it.”

The mention of Minho’s name brought her attention automatically to look at her father. Brows narrowed.

   “What do you mean?”

   “That young man has a clear set of goals. And you aren’t one of them.” Her father’s words were stern, warning.

Y/N blinked back, taking in his words. She bit back, jaw tightening as she frowned angrily.

Just who did he think he was to reject her? She hadn’t even confessed.

As Minho sat in his office, engrossed in his work, the door suddenly swung open and his mother sauntered in, her gaze sweeping critically around the room.

   “Love what you’ve done to the place. Very…minimalistic.” She remarked, her tone carrying a hint of judgment.

Minho stood up, setting aside his work with a slight frown.

   “What brings you here?” He asked curtly, not eager to engage in an unnecessary conversation with her.

   “That’s not of any importance to you.” She replied dismissively.

He couldn’t help but let out a sarcastic laugh, rolling his eyes in exasperation. It was clear she was here to babble nonsense, trying to get information or even a rise out of him.

   “If you’re in the mood to waste someone’s time, I’m sure father is taking his lunch break.” He retorted, starting to walk back towards his desk.

   “Y/N’s mother has been asking around for decent young men in our circle. Poor woman doesn’t realize we have no decent men in our society, bless her.” His mother continued casually, a smile playing on her lips.

She watched his stoic composure, leaning against his desk, unbothered, unsurprisingly.

   “Does Y/N know anything about it?” She continued.

He turned to face his mother, his expression guarded. She was sharp and well-educated, yet she had a penchant for gossip like any other high-society woman.

   “How would I know what Y/N is or isn’t aware of?” Minho replied coolly, sliding his hands into his pockets.

His mother shrugged nonchalantly. “Well, I assume you would, since you two are always together. Maybe she’d have mentioned it to you.”

   “Y/N and I are not close.” Minho stated firmly, turning his attention back towards his desk, his fingers idly playing with the pens lined up.

   “I have absolutely no interest in her or what she thinks. Her desperation keeps me entertained, that’s all. She’s of no importance to me.”

Just as he looked up, his expression suddenly fell, his eyes widening as they passed his mother and landed on the figure standing in the doorway.

There stood the woman who was of no importance to him.

───────────────────────

The memories of a first kiss are something that a person typically doesn’t forget. Whether it’s was a bad kiss, a fleeting peck, or a passionate embrace, the fluttering feeling in their hearts are etched into memory.

But for Y/N, her first kiss was with a complete stranger.

She dubbed him her “cross-chain kisser.” Amid the pulsing lights of the club, the only detail she could vividly recall was the silver cross pendant hanging from his neck.

Y/N had just turned nineteen, and her father had spared no expense in throwing a grand party at one of their hotels. It was his only daughter’s birthday after all. He always made a big deal out of her birthday, but this one was different. This was her first birthday back home. 

Of course for a few hours of the evening she had to act prim and proper, dressed elegantly in a shiny dress to greet her father’s guests. They all wished her for her grand day, expensive gifts lining up that seemed more intended to impress her parents than please her. She forced a smile, something she still couldn’t get used to after spending the last seven years out of the country for her academics. She felt more like a show-piece standing in between her mother and father, smiling and absolutely tired from greeting all the unfamiliar faces that came up to her. 

The Lee family arrived sometime into the party, each member eager to catch a glimpse of Y/N Park, the heiress to all of Park Hyunmin’s wealth. They showered her with the usual lines of compliments, praising her beauty and noting how she had matured into a proper young woman. That she would finally be able to help with the company and showcase her talent. They didn’t even know her well enough to know of her so-called talent. 

She was bored, she was tired.

Until Lee Minho came forward, his father and mother in front of him, the older woman’s arm was linked around her husbands. Y/N’s gaze brightened up, smiling at the familiar face, dressed impeccably well in his black formal wear and not his school uniform. Y/N’s father was surprised to see Minho, unable to recall they even had a third son. Minho greeted the man, telling him he’ll make sure to leave an impression on him so he won’t forget next time. The birthday girl couldn’t help but smile at his remark, which had made both sets of parents break into a light chuckle.

A natural charmer, that one.

She saw the quick glance he gave her while their parents engaged in conversation. She waited for him to come forward, they hadn’t gotten a chance to meet after returning back from school. It had been weeks. Much too long for Y/N, who had gotten into a habit of bothering him for the past four years. But he didn’t come forward. 

She frowned, refusing to give in and be the one to walk up to him. Y/N crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at him and not hiding her displeasure. He looked in her direction, watching as she bites the inside of her cheek, her disappointed expression not leaving her face. With a sigh, Minho slid his hands into the pockets of his slacks before finally walking towards her. Y/N couldn’t help but smirk, her head tilting cockily, silently asserting her victory to the one-sided battle she was having. He didn’t really see what was so wrong in coming up to your greet your guests, but it was her birthday party after all, and he didn’t need her complaining. Especially if her complaints reached his parents’ ears, something he didn’t need right now.

Putting on his polite smile, the kind Y/N had learned to recognize after years of observation, Minho greeted her.

   “Happy Birthday, Miss Park.” Minho’s tone dripped of formality. 

The way he addressed her had irked the heiress, as if he was putting a distance between them, emphasizing to any onlookers that they were mere acquaintances.

   “You clean up well.” She responded instead, her arms still crossed, eyes glancing over him.

He cleared his throat, muttering a low “hmm.”

   “How do I look?” Y/N inquired, lifting one side of her dress slightly to show it off.

Minho watched the fabric shimmer under the bright lights before meeting her expectant gaze. Obvious, she wanted a compliment.

   “Like a disco ball.” He coolly stated.

She rolled her eyes, expecting that sort of response from him. Instead she looked around, then stepped in closer. Her actions garner him to instinctively pull his head back stunned, watching her lean closer before glancing side-to-side, she starts speaking in a low tone. 

   “Some of the other kids and I are going clubbing later. They want to give me a big welcome back, join us.” Y/N whispered, smiling and nodding towards a group of young adults in their circle who were mingling at a nearby table.

   “Have fun.” He said instead, making her blink back a little surprised.

Minho back in Australia would have said he’d be there if she pressed. He would have ultimately agreed to go together even.

Minho back in Australia wouldn’t have called her Miss Y/N.

He nodded politely and smiled, glancing briefly at his parents who had already moved on to socialize among the other wealthy guests. With a slight smirk, Minho took a few steps backward, his gaze and smile almost taunting her, before turning and walking away. As if he had won.

He did in fact not show up that night.

Y/N even wore a black dress, slit daringly higher than appropriate, but enough to tell everyone that she was an adult. A grown woman. But he didn’t show, like he had said. 

She was upset.

More angry than upset really, not that she should have been because he had already declined the invite. His words were clear. But imagining his smug expression as he walked away earlier that evening, pissed her off even more.

The other kids kept offering shots. She downed them one after another, pretending to be a seasoned drinker while inwardly cringing at the burning sensation and bitter taste that threatened to overwhelm her, a taste she was not used to. She couldn’t let them see that, her brave face smirking confidently at every other shot and drink coming at her. 

At some point in the night, Y/N found herself on the dance floor with someone’s arm around her waist, though she couldn’t quite distinguish whose it was. The dim lights and the haze of alcohol made faces blur together. It might have been Chunyang or Chaeyoung, she couldn’t remember and didn’t really care. Everyone was starting to look the same to her.

Y/N had never gotten drunk before, she didn’t know what being drunk felt like. But if the inability to stand still and the blurry vision were any indication, she was a little more than drunk. The guy and girl in front started making out on the dance floor, something Y/N almost looked at curiously.

Something she hadn’t gotten a chance of doing yet.

She was drunk, but her brain wracked. The kids here have so much more experience. They’d down alcohol like juice, kiss and dance like experts. The academy back in Australia was much more strict, she guessed.

Suddenly, Chunyang or Chaeyoung screamed something in her ear, which made Y/N flinch. It was something about throwing up, but she couldn’t quite grasp the details. She realized soon after that the group she had arrived with had dispersed throughout the nightclub. The couple that had been dancing and kissing intimately had moved to a different part of the floor, and the girl who had been dancing closely with Y/N had disappeared. 

Squinting through the colored lights and the darkness of the dance floor, Y/N struggled to find any familiar faces. Eventually, she managed to squeeze her way off the dance floor and make her way to the bar. The bartender yelled something over the music, smiling as they handed her another birthday shot of whatever she had been downing all night.

Just as Y/N was about to bring the shot to her lips, another hand intercepted it, and he drank it without a word. Y/N watched his adams apple bob as he swallowed the drink, a silver chain glistened around his neck. Her eyes linger on the cross pendant hanging with a tinge of fascination. He almost slams the shot-glass down, bringing her back to reality.

A reality where he had drunk her birthday shot.

She frowned, her words slurred as she pointed at him.

Something along the lines of “why’d you drink my drink?”

He probably replied with “what are you gonna do about it?”

   “You’ll pay for it.” She replied defiantly, brows furrowed in anger.

Y/N grabbed his collar firmly, pulling him close, their lips meeting in a sudden and unexpected kiss. In the haze of alcohol and emotions, she couldn’t recall the exact details of the kiss. 

Did she perhaps lick his lips in a stupid attempt to reclaim her drink?

The thought made her cringe inwardly for weeks afterwards.

Or maybe it was a subconscious response to witnessing the couple on the dance floor earlier, a display of intimacy that had sparked something in her?

It was her first kiss, and her drunk mind thought kissing a stranger was a good idea!?

Another thought lingered, one that she still thought about from time to time.

Did he kiss her back?

Y/N woke up disoriented in the back of her car, immediately hit by the unpleasant sight and smell of vomit on one side of the seat. It made her gag involuntarily. Hastily fumbling with the door, she stumbled out, clutching her pounding skull in pain. Groaning loudly, she leaned against the car, trying to gather herself. The bright lights of The Rose hotel parking lot only made her headache worse.

Bits and pieces of the previous hours flashed through her mind, but the majority of it was a blur.

She was sure a designated driver service was called, dropping off what’s-her-face as well. But beyond that, the details were fuzzy. The irony of being at one of her family’s hotel did not escape her, but she was too busy staring mortified as she suddenly recalled something.

Embarrassment flooded over her as she tried to piece together the events, particularly the memory of kissing someone. Her fingers instinctively touched her lips, the sensation vivid against her fingertips. She blinked, wondering if she had truly been bold enough to act on impulse like that. Her heart beat rapidly.

A persistent thought in her mind whispered.

Call him.

Y/N didn’t even need to second guess her thoughts, she turned back to open the door, immediately backing away because of the vomit stench. She really had to do something about that. Clasping her nostrils with one hand, the other searched the back seat for her cellphone. Body half in, half out, she managed to fish it out from underneath the seat.

Her eyes hovered at his contact. It was 3:56 AM. She must be crazy. But the badgering thoughts in her mind made her heart beat faster at each passing second.

It rang, and she stood straight, foot tapping anxiously. By the sixth ring she was about to hang up, but the click on the other side made her freeze.

   “Hello?”

His voice sounded groggy, as if he’d just woken him up.

   “If you’re not gonna talk I’ll hang up.”

   “No wait!” She shouted immediately.

   “What do you want?” He muttered.

She bit her lip, nerves and a strange tingle of memory swirling within her.

   “Did you come to the club?” She asked.

There was a pause on the other end, prolonging her anxiety.

   “Do I look like the type of person to go drinking and dancing at a club?” He retorted.

She hated when he counter questioned her as a response, frustration bubbled within her.

   “Hey! Did you show up or not?!” She snapped, her patience wearing thin.

   “I didn’t.” He calmly responded.

Silence fell between them, Y/N sank back against her car, absorbing the revelation.

   “Did I kiss you?” Her voice was barely a whisper, filled with uncertainty.

   “You must’ve had a really wild night to call someone who wasn’t there at four in the morning to ask what happened.” He remarked dryly.

   “Go back to sleep, jackass.” She shot back sharply, ending the call almost immediately.

Minho sat on the edge of his bed, still dressed in outside clothes, the cross necklace dangling around his neck.

He set his phone down on the nightstand and rubbed his face with both hands, letting out a weary sigh. Hearing Y/N’s voice had brought him a sense of relief, despite the chaotic night they both had.

She seemed oblivious to what had transpired, and Minho was grateful for that.

He didn’t want her to remember.

And he would continue to deny it. He didn’t want to get entangled with her, despite his unspoken desires. Minho didn’t want to be in a mess created by her.

But he always ended up in Y/N’s messes.

As he sat there in the dim of his bedroom, thoughts circled back to that fleeting moment under the colorful lights, one that he couldn’t easily shake off. Even if he decided he would deny it ever happening. He brought his fingers to his mouth, the phantom feeling of her warm lips against his left a tingling sensation.

Did she know he kissed her back?

───────────────────────

   “I have absolutely no interest in her or what she thinks. Her desperation keeps me entertained, that’s all. She’s of no importance to me.” Minho’s words were cold.

Y/N stared at him, her hurt clearly visible. She had overheard his cruel words, which he had thought were shared in private, just between him and his mother.

The carelessness of his remark, her sudden appearance, and his fleeting remorse hung in the air.

Minho caught his mother’s glance from the corner of his eye and swiftly masked his regret, but Y/N saw the shift in his expression. His face hardening in the midst of the whirlwind of her emotions.

She looked at the older woman, who offered an awkward smile, clearly trying to pretend they hadn’t just been discussing her.

   “Y/N, dear! What brings you here?” Minho’s mother greeted warmly, her arms outstretched in a practiced show of affection.

Y/N glanced between Minho and the suddenly quiet room, then focused on his mother. 

   “I was in the area and thought I’d share some news before you heard it from someone else.” She avoided Minho’s gaze, offering a polite smile to his mother instead.

   “I’m going to New York for some time.”

Minho’s expression remained unreadable and Y/N didn’t care to decipher it this time.

His mother looked taken aback.

   “Really? Why—I mean, so suddenly?”

Y/N smiled softly and touched the mother’s hand that rested on her shoulder.

   “I just made the decision.” She attempted to keep her smiling composure.

His mother raised a brow.

   “My father and I believe I need more exposure to learn how The Rose Enterprises work. I’m going to be in charge of it one day after all.” Y/N’s forced smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, masking the tears she had been holding back.

The older woman nodded in understanding, but the tension between Y/N and Minho was heavy. She looked back at Minho, who neither smiled nor frowned. His usual stoic demeanor made her roll her eyes, expecting nothing else. The mother turned back to the young lady close to her with a grin.

   “Would you like to join me for lunch? It’s about time everyone steps out for their lunch break.” She glanced at her watch and then back at Y/N.

   “You go ahead. I have a lot of preparations to make.” Y/N said, clearly intending to speak with Minho alone.

His mother nodded and, though she didn’t look back at Minho, she had caught on. She gave a final smile as she left, clearly amused by the situation.

The door closed behind her, and the room fell into a heavy silence. Minho and Y/N stood a few feet apart, but the distance between them felt far greater all of a sudden.

   “I…” Y/N broke the silence, and Minho realized he had been holding his breath.

   “I ran here to ask you something.” She said, meeting his gaze with a mixture of confusion and pain.

The forced smile she had worn earlier was gone, replaced by the hurt she had felt from his harsh words.

   “My dad asked if I wanted to get married and take charge of his grand project, or go to New York and put his dream on hold.”

Minho’s expression hardened. He already knew what she had chosen.

   “I thought, ‘Why marry some other jackass when I already have my eyes set on one?’” Y/N laughed bitterly at her delusions, struggling to hold back her tears.

   “I’m not sure why I came here, really. I thought maybe you’d tell me not to go or you’d find some solution. You’ve always been good at that… But of course, I’ll never hear that from you. I forgot for a moment.” She couldn’t hold back the tears any longer, they began to fall freely.

Her words pierced him deeply, yet he struggled to find the right response, staring at her with an intensity he had never shown anyone before.

   “I’m glad you were entertained, Lee Minho. I’m glad that I got to hear what you really thought of me.” Her face contorted.

   “My father was right. You have clear goals, and I’m not one of them.” 

   “Y/N—” Minho began, his voice just a faltering whisper.

   “I knew you didn’t like me clinging to you. I know my behavior makes you uncomfortable sometimes. I’m even aware that I can be overbearing—But I didn’t know you hated me.” She finally broke down in a sob.

Minho felt his face flush with heat and his throat tighten painfully as Y/N’s words cut through him. Before he could gather himself, Y/N continued with words that made him stare in shock.

   “Maybe I should accept what my dad had proposed, maybe I’ll marry that stupid Kim Seungmin.” She declared, her tone resolute.

His figure stiffened at her proclamation, eyes glistening with shock.

   “Or I can just go to New York, away from you. Either way, you can rejoice. You won’t have to worry about how you can avoid me.” She muttered, her mind coming to her own unknown conclusion, expression hardening. 

Y/N took a deep breath, wiping the tears from her chin with the back of her hand.

   “I’ll hate you like you hate me.” She spat bitterly, turning away to leave.

Minho’s hand instinctively reached out to stop her, but he hesitated, paralyzed by his own conflicting emotions. 

Like a coward.

The door closes behind her with a soft click.

Outside, the desks of Minho’s team, now deserted for lunch, mocked Y/N with their vacancy. The absence of witnesses should have been a relief, shielding her from the embarrassment of leaving Minho’s office in tears. Yet, she couldn’t shake the overwhelming sense of being so alone.

Her mind was in a frenzy, her walk to the elevator felt longer than it usually took, the silence of the halls was deafening. 

How could she forget about Lee Minho?

It was a question that gnawed at her, as she struggled to comprehend when and how she had even fallen so deeply for him.

The realization cut deep.

Y/N couldn’t move on. Unable to fathom marrying anyone else while her heart still yearned for him. 

Her eyes welled up again at the thought of Minho hating her. It was obvious yet she had always ignored it. She thought even if he didn’t like her like she did him, he would’ve at least gotten used to her constantly at his side.

So used to her, that he wouldn’t be able to see a life without her in his sights. 

Pathetic.

The elevator’s ding shattered Y/N’s thoughts, abruptly pulling her back to the present moment. She looked up, hastily wiping away the traces of tears from her cheeks, suddenly aware that there might be others sharing the lift with her. But as the doors slid open to reveal an empty interior, a wave of emotion overwhelmed her.

Her lips quivered involuntarily, betraying the facade she struggled to maintain. There was no hiding her heartache now, no reason to pretend she was anything but defeated. With a heavy sigh, Y/N stepped inside the elevator, shoulders slumped with the weight of everything that just happened.

You’ll be happy right, Lee Minho? 

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ to be continued.

── ask to be tagged! - @minh0scat, @qwonyoung23

[pitchsidestories]

If I was a man II Mapi León/Alexia Putellas x Readers

warnings: talk about the Rubiales case and it's a longer oneshot than usual

a/n: based off this request

barcelona women masterlist

OCs are sisters, face claims are the women in the picture underneath: Luisa Ruiz Moreno is a journalist and is dating Mapi Leon, Elena Ruiz Moreno is a football player for Barcelona and Spain, she's in a long-term relationship with Alexia Putellas

Her heart was beating fast against her chest while Luisa Ruiz Moreno tried to videocall her girlfriend Mapi León before the final game of the World Cup 2023 in Australia.

The journalist could not help but smile as Claudia Pina spotted her with a wide grin on her face from the small phone screen of the defender: “Lu!” “Move over, Claudia. I want to talk to my girlfriend in peace.”, Mapi asked her to but even she was smiling because the positive energy of the younger player was infectious.

Watching this all too familiar scene play out, Elena could not help but long to be reunited with them again, but choose to greet the footballers for now: “Hi love, Hi girls.” “Shut up, we want to talk to her too, Claudia rolled her eyes, before she excitedly waved into the direction the phone was standing, Hello Lu!”

“How are you all doing?”, Elena asked in a curious tone, trying to braid her dark hair at the same time.

Truthfully Patri answered the question smirking: “We could be doing good if there wasn’t this final coming up.” “Will you watch it later though?”, the Journalist wanted to know from them.

With a tortured smile her girlfriend replied: “We’re planning on watching it together. Claudia already organized the snacks.” “And Sandra got the alcohol, it might be needed.”, Patri added with a mischievously grin. “However, it ends, it will be needed.”, Claudia clarified.

Slowly Mapi nodded: “Exactly, so..” “So, what?”, Elena interrupted her softly. Slightly annoyed Patri looked at her: “Mapi, hurry up. We don’t have all day.”  “I need to talk to her under four eyes for a second.”, the defender decided quickly and went into a room without any persons in it.  

Amused Elena teased her: “So what do you want to ask without your girls in the background?” “Can I not just talk to my girlfriend?”, Mapi asked back, adding a playful frustrated groan for the dramatic effect.  More seriously, the brunette continued: “Of course you can. I miss you; it’s been a month apart from you now.”  

To be fair Elena felt extremely grateful for the opportunity to write about the sport she loved the most on the biggest stage that existed for it, and what an unforgettable tournament it has been so far, but equally could not wait to see and hold her girlfriend again. 

“I know, I miss you too.“, Mapi replied into the front camera of her phone. “But you know, I have to look after my sister now too.“, Luisa stopped her girlfriend, laughing.

Mapi had to stop herself from rolling her eyes, “Your sister is an adult.“ With a shrug, Luisa answered, “Yes, I know but…“ A small smile tugged on Mapis lips as she finally gave in, “Go and take care of your sister.“ Luisa suddenly turned serious, “You don’t think it’s silly, right?“ „No. I think it’s good that you’re close by and can have an eye on her. I don’t trust this.“

Luisa nodded slowly, taking her girlfriends hint immediately, “You don’t trust him.“ “No, I don’t.“ Everything in Mapi refused to believe that things have changed since the players protested in September of last year. And her former teammates gave her more than enough evidence that they still weren’t happy with the leadership of their head coach. And apparently, her girlfriend must have seen the same because she agreed, “I don’t either.“

“You will tell us if you find out that something weird is going on, right?“, Mapi asked now. “Of course.“ “Good.“ Mapi watched her girlfriends gaze shifted towards the time on her screen before she smiled, “I’ll call you after the game, okay?“ “Okay, enjoy the final.“

Mapi ended the call with a smile and a feeling of uneasiness at the same time but there was no time to think about it because Patri was yelling from her living room, “Hurry up, León, or you won’t get any snacks!“ “You can’t eat all the snacks before the game even started!“, Mapi protested while hopping over the backrest of her sofa and landing right between Claudia and Patri. Claudia was now holding an empty bowl in her hands by, “Oops.“

"Claudia!", Mapi shot a playful accusing look to the younger player. With a red face Claudia tried to cheer her teammate up:" There's still a little bit left for you." "Thanks, appreciate it.", Mapi smiled at her. Softly Claudia answered: "You're welcome."

"Can you guys shut up now.", Patri begged them, because the final just started. With big eyes the younger midfielder decided to apologize: "Sorry." "There's a game going on.", she stated, gesturing her hands into the direction of the TV screen.

A few minutes later Mapi mumbled under her breath: "Shit, Olga scored." With a curious look Claudia turned her head to the defender:" I thought we were neutral?"  "Yeah one of your best friends and your girlfriend's sister is in the final.", Patri reminded her.

Not even that reminder from her friend could stop Mapi from swearing:"I still don't want this disgusting asshole to win anything." "Trust me no one does her.", Sandra tried to reassure her. The latter one let out a loud sigh:"I know. Or else you would be on the pitch right now."

Hesitantly Claudia proposed a question to all of them:"True.. do you guys feel like you're missing out?" "No.", was the defenders quick answer. Comforted by it the younger midfielder added:" Me neither, I'm in good company." "Pina, you're adorable.", Patri commented touched by the statement of her teammate. "I know." "But I'd like to watch the remaining part of the game in peace now.", the woman who was born on the Island of Callorca finished her sentence by staring at the two of them.

Laughing Mapi asked:"Why you're looking at us like that?" "Because you two are distracting from the action.", Patri groaned. Swiftly Claudia got to her feet:"I'll get more snacks!"

"It's not our fault you've the attention of a goldfish, Patri.", the defender mocked her friend. "Rude"

In a serious tone Mapi turned to her other teammate:" Claudia, come back. You don't have to get more snacks. It's over."

"Get the alcohol instead!", Sandra requested.

Claudia stopped in the door frame of Mapis living room. With a frown on her face, she turned back towards the TV where the final whistle was just blown. The Spanish player were hugging each other tightly and Claudia understood immediately. “Alright.“, she mumbled before disappearing into the kitchen.

She came back with a bottle of tequila and four shot glasses that she quickly filled up with the alcohol. Mapi took the first one and lifted it towards the screen, “Cheers.“ Patri was following suit immediately, rolling her eyes, “To the World Cup.“ With a hard swallow and glassy eyes, Claudia joined them, “To our friends. Here and there.“ “And definitely not to this clown.“, Mapi added as their head coach was shown. “Honestly.“, agreed Patri. The four women tipped their heads back to take their tequila shots and then continued to watch the celebrations in silence. They all were following the live pictures with mixed emotions.

Until the Spanish players were awarded their medals. In stunned silence, they watched the president of the football federation grab and then kiss Jenni Hermoso on the lips. Patri was the first to find her voice, so she yelled out, “He did not just do that!“ Claudia was shaking her head over the few seconds that the cameras captured this moment, “Please tell me this only looked weird…“ “I will ask Lu about it later.“, stated Mapi, knowing that if her girlfriend had seen this, she would be just as disgusted as they were. Patri nodded, “Please.“

Mapi was still looking at the screen in disbelief, “This man!“ Sandra, in the mean time, filled their shot glasses again, “Way to ruin a perfect night for the girls.“ “They deserve so much better than this.“, agreed Mapi, taking the offered tequila. “Fit rights into their shitty behaviour!“, Patri spat, her shock now turning into anger. Mapi watched with a set jaw as the president lifted another player, touching her bare leg, “But now everyone can see their real face and why we striked.“

Hopeful Patri turned to her:"Not when people ignore it. Do you think Lu could do something?" "I'm sure she can.", the defender answered, knowing her girlfriend and her skills in writing about the ills in society and her calls for change with the use of powerful words. "That would be perfect.", Patri mumbled. Still Mapi did not want to get her hopes too high, knowing the spanish federation all too well, so she said:"We'll see."

"Lu just texted and told me that she's too tired to call but she said the kiss will blow up in the news tomorrow. During a locker room interview Jenni stated that she did not like the kiss.", the defender informed her teammates. Excitedly Claudia stood up:" Yeah, I just saw it on instagram live!" "Guess now they will believe us.", Patri concluded with a bitter undertone.

Truthfully Mapi confessed:"I don't believe it's going to be that easy." "Probably not.. because when was this ever.", the older midfielder sighed. Slowly Sandra nodded:" You've got a point there." "But we keep on fighting.", Claudia tried to stay combatitive. A weak smile showed up on the defenders face:"Of course we do, we did not miss out on the World Cup for nothing."  "Exactly.", Patri agreed. That's when Mapi felt the calm before the storm which one could already see up on the horizon:"We'll wait and do whatever the other girls need us to do."

A few hours before the conversation of their teammates in Barcelona, Alexia Putellas hugged her girlfriend from behind with a joyful smile on her face while they were lining up in the players tunnel, anticipating the start of the final:"Ready to write some history, El?" "History, huh?", Elena smirked at her. In a solemn tone the famous midfielder replied:"That's what this is. Spains first World Cup final." "Right.", the brunette woman whispered in awe. That final was full of firsts and they could not wait to make it into the history books as the champions of tonight and the world.

“Let’s go. It’s showtime, lovebirds!“, Jenni called them. Elena furrowed her brow, “Lovebirds?! We were just talking about making history, Jenni.“ “Sure, you two. Stop staring at each other and let’s kick some ass.“, the striker rolled her eyes. Alexia did the same, defending herself, “We were about to.“ “I bet so.“, Jenni answered laughing. Elena smiled at her two teammates, “Can’t wait.“ “We only got a few more minutes, so go.“, Jenni replied, pushing the two of them into the tunnel where they waited for the game to start.

While they waited, Alexia casually slipped her hand into Elenas and hooking their pinkies into each other. Irene, who was standing behind them, leaned forward to call over the row of players, “Jenni, they do the hand thing again!“ “The hand thing?“, Jenni repeated as she turned around. “Yes, look!“ The corner of her mouth quirked upwards while she turned her eyes upwards in feigned disgust, “Annoying.“ “We heard that!“, Alexia yelled out, offended. “Good. I hope you did!“, Jenni laughed as they finally walked out onto the pitch.

For ninety minutes they put everything they had into the game. England fought hard but they fought harder. And when the final whistle blew, one goal was enough to secure them World Cup title. Irene was the first one to speak after the game, still breathing hard and with tears in her eyes, “Girls, we won…“ Elena stood close to her, hugging her from the side, “Yes, we did.“ Her voice was a whisper. She still hadn’t realized what had just happened. Jennis beaming face appeared in front of the two, “I’m so proud of you all!“ “We’re proud of you too.“, Elena smiled back at her. But then her sister caught her eye. She was standing outside of the pitch with the other journalists, her face blank. “If you excuse me, my sister is over there.“, Elena added, turning away from her team mates and making her way over to her sister.

Proudly Luisa smiled at her:"El, hi." "Hi.", the older of the sister greeted back. Nervously the journalist pulled a loose hair behind her ear:"I don't know how to feel, but how are you?" "I'm happy that we pulled that off, Lu.", Elena confessed.

Cautiously Luisa asked her:"Even after all the things that happened? What about the girls at home?" "Lu, we just won the World Cup.", the football player gave the younger sister a grave look. Guiltily Luisa bit her lip:"Sorry, you're right, enjoy your celebrations and lifting the trophy you girls deserve it." "Lu.."

Apologizing she gave her a rushed hug:"El, I'm really proud of you, see you later in the changing room." "Alright.", Elena nodded slowly. 

With a smile, Alexia joined them, clearing her throat to get their attention:" Come on, time to get the medal love." "Coming... Lu wasn't happy with us winning.", her girlfriend sighed.

Empathetically the midfielder strode her shoulder:" Don't think about it right now. This is a moment to enjoy." "You're right." A big grin showed on Alexia's face as she catched the sight of Irene's son:" Look at Mateo." "A cutie.", Elena whispered. The mother of the child came up and beamed:"Right?" "Definetly.", the sister of the journalist agreed, knowing that she would want something like that with her girlfriend at some point in the future too. "He's not even tired yet.", Irene giggled.

Softly Alexia called her girlfriend:"El?" "Yes?" "You can be happy now. No matter what Lu says.", the midfielder reminded her. Unhappy Elena looked at her:"It's hard when your little sister is clearly disappointed in you." "She isn't disappointed in you.", Alexia disagreed.

After the ceremenonial part of the evening was over,Jenni excitedly shouted:"Time to party, girls.""We're coming.", Alexia answered with a huge grin on her face. 

Immediately Elena started dancing and singing with her teammates. Enchanted by that view her girlfriend was shouting to be heard over the loud music:"El! Smile for the camera." "Where did you get the Polaroid camera?", the blonde football player asked curiously. Casually Alexia shrugged:"Some of the girls."

"Come on you need to be in the picture too.", Elena requested, the highly decorated midfielder followed her demand swiftly as she placed a kiss on her cheek while the couple was taking the photo. "And ? is it a good one?",  Alexia wanted to know.

"Yes, I'll put it in my journal."  "I want one for me too.", the woman with the pink hair smiled sheepishly. The blonde nodded and took another picture for her, the girlfriend thanking her with a sofr kiss. "Here you go."  Alexia was admiring the photo in her hand:"Beautiful, I'll keep it with my medal." "You're welcome."

Like her sister Luisa was in the changing room and approached one of the players in her journalistic manner: "Jenni, can I ask you something?" "Sure", the striker nodded. Before proposing her next question, the journalist cleared her throat:"The kiss from rubiales, was it consensual?"

"It was..I mean..I did not enjoy if that's what you mean?", Jenni answered hesitantly.

The journalist blushed, aware how terrible it was to ask her something like that during the glorioust moment in her career:"Sorry, if you don't want to talk about it, I absolutely understand that."

"I should go and celebrate with the other girls."

"Yes, you should. Thanks for your time, I appreciate your honesty.", Luisa thanked her.

The striker sighed: "Lu?" "Yes?" Jenni took a deep breath before she said: "He grabbed me and kissed me. That's the truth." "And you did not like it?" "No.", the striker answered without a doubt in her voice.

She could see the younger woman opposite of her swallowing hard:"You know this will be a big story by tomorrow, right?"

"Does it have to be?", Jenni asked, clearly uncomfortable about those news. In an honest voice Luisa replied calm:"It depends on his reaction."

[hoe4sports]

“The world stops turning”

Caroline Graham Hansen x reader

AN: No trigger warning. This has been re written as of 31st of May.

You were fresh out of University, and for sure done with anything related to lectures, studying and assignments. You grew up in this silly little Norwegian town, Tromsø. You know, a place where you can see the northern lights, reindeers and polar bears! Well, the latter is not entirely true. It is just a dead polar bear stuffed for tourists to see and take pictures of. Regardless, you grew up here with your grandparents. Your father left when you were a baby, and your mother? You went no contact a few years ago as she put you through a lifetime of trauma. That is exactly why you decided that when you was finished with your bachelors degree in sports leadership, you needed to get out of this sad little town. It is always cold, and the town has winter for 9 months a year. Three of them are in complete darkness, no sun or no daylight. It’s just as bad as it sounds. That’s why you decided to apply for jobs pretty much anywhere but here. Places like Oslo, London, Greece, Australia (hello Sam Kerr) and even the us. You however ended up getting a job offer from the women’s department in the club known as Barcelona. It was just what you needed; Sun, beaches and Spanish women.

You decided to go to Barcelona a week early, you figured you had to take advantage of checking out the city and the nightlife! Barcelona had arranged this beautiful apartment for you downtown. It was a decent sized apartment in a new building with spectacular views from your bedroom window in the 23rd floor. You had never seen anything like this as you grew up very poor, and only lived in an apartment with your grandparents. You spent the first week checking out bars, restaurants and beaches. You also found a huge mall with all of your favourite stores! Naturally, you had to purchase new clothes as I was told that there would be an athletic dress code. Lululemon for the win!

You didn’t really meet a lot of hot Spanish women during your first week, but yoy made a few friends in the building. One of your closest neighbours, Ingrid Engen lived two doors away from you. She recognised me from a talent camp for 13 year olds in Norway. You had spent the first week getting to know each other, and when she found out you were going to be working for Barcelona; she was beyond excited. You two clicked naturally, and you went out to all her favourite bars, restaurants and shops. She really gave you the full experience! 

Fast forward to today, Monday morning. The first of August. At 5.30. Let’s just say that you regretted the last bottle of wine from last night. But today was the day! The day were you finally start your first “big girl job” and you bet you were feeling excited. You got your tired body out of bed and opened up the blinds in your apartment. The views were simply breathtaking. It was stunning! A beautiful sunrise with the most beautiful colors that you could possibly imagine. You made myself an iced coffee, and wrapped your fuzzy around yourself so you could sit outside on your private balcony. It felt relaxing. The air was crisp, the sound of the ocean was lingering in your ears and you could smell the salty beach. It was like a dream come true.

Your daydreaming soon became interrupted as you knocked myself intro reality. First day of your first job, right. You quickly made it to the bathroom and had a steaming shower. The smells of the floral soap felt like a full on aroma therapy session. You quickly got out of the shower and patted your body dry. Your blonde long hair dried and put in a half up half down bun and you did light makeup as your skin was tanned from the week in the sun. You always used some mascara, it really made your icy blue eyes pop. You got dressed up in what you had been requested to wear; Black athletic shorts, a black athletic top, your trusty black hokas and a hot pink lululemon jacket. It felt wrong, but your new boss had insured you that any athletic wear was good.  You grabbed my bag and you took a deep breath. One look in the mirror, some lip balm and you were out the door. This was going to be the first day of the rest of your life. 

*fast forward to being with your boss*

“Ah, and this office is where you will be working from! Feel free to decorate however you like.” The Spanish woman said. You nodded and listened as active as you could. “Here is your work phone, your laptop and your camera. If there is anything you need, you let me know.” she said as she handed over what looked like a tower of apple and canon products. You felt stunned. “Wow, this is amazing, thank you so much! I’m so excited to get to know the team, and I’m eager to get to work.” You replied as you sat down your new gear and followed the tall woman as she talked enthusiastically about Barcelona and their work culture. 

*Caroline POV*

Jonathan was going on, and on and on and on about what this season was gonna look like. I was tying up my white Nike cleats, they were brand new as the team wanted us to start fresh. I however, hated fresh and new and change. I liked stability, routine and same old. Why change something that isn’t broken?

The door to the hallway suddenly swung open. There was the head of staff, Maria. She was always so bright and shiny and talkative. Not really my way of life. “Ah, Maria, just in time!” Jonathan called out. “Come, come!” He urged and a blonde petite woman popped up from behind Maria. “This, ladies, this is Y/F/N. She is one of the new assistant coaches, and she will be primarily working with the wingers. With her, we will be unstoppable!” Jonathan said enthusiastically. The girl blushed, and smiled. “Hi squad, Im looking forward to kicking your asses on a daily basis”  she said with a cheeky grin. I was staring at her as I couldn’t remember why she seemed so familiar. “Caro, stop staring!” Mapi hissed at me. I rolled my eyes. “I wasn’t staring” I hushed, but with no luck as the team was already making their way onto the pitch.

[magz]

(Alternatively: march 11 to 17, 2024 week summary for palestine on instagram)

March 15 to March 19, 2024 Palestine Summary. From "Let's Talk Palestine" (instagram broadcast channel). Quote,

March 15, 2024.

Day 161

• UNICEF: 1 in 3 children (31%) under the age of 2 in northern Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition, an escalation from 15.6% in January

• 149 Palestinians killed, 300 injured in Gaza in the past 24 hours

• Netanyahu dismisses Hamas’s ceasefire proposal, despite US stating that it is “within the bounds” of what was discussed + announces war cabinet approved plans for Rafah ground invasion. Israel continues to send mixed signals as they are also set to send delegates for truce talks in Qatar

⚖️ ICJ to begin hearings in early April on Nicaragua’s case against Germany for complicity in genocide in Gaza, per Nicaragua’s request for emergency rulings

🇦🇺 Australia to resume UNRWA funding of $6 million, following internal determination that “UNRWA is not a terrorist organization” despite Israel’s accusations

🔻 Hamas claims 4 Israeli soldiers killed in central Gaza + ground fighting continues in Khan Younis (south Gaza) & targeting of an Israeli armored troop carrier and tank

March 16, 2024.

🗞️ The Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister and his cabinet resigned on Feb 26, while PA President Abbas will stay; a move towards a post-genocide plan to create a ‘unity’ PA gov’t across West Bank & Gaza.

Set up in the 90s, the PA operates as a subcontractor of Israel’s occupation, lessening its financial and political burdens. Today, PA is controlled by Abbas’s US-backed Fatah party, after Gaza split from its control under Hamas in 2007.

Since Oct, US has pushed for Gaza’s return to the governance of a reformed PA, but without elections, as Fatah would likely lose. Rather Abbas claims he’ll appoint a “technocratic government of officials & experts”. He chose a new PM 2 days ago.

But the rhetoric of “Palestinian unity” covers up the plan’s dismissal of popular demands for representative leadership. Palestinians doubt the reforms, overwhelmingly demanding the PA’s dissolution, Abbas’ resignation & PLO elections.

👩‍🏫 Confused about the PA? Read our post: tinyurl.com/4yhr7k67

Day 162

• 1st aid shipment departing Cyprus arrived in Gaza yesterday carrying 200 tons of food, marking 1st Gaza sea shipment since 2005 + planned 2nd ship coordinated by US, UAE, Spain & Japan; but unclear on distribution of aid across Gaza

• Massacre in central Gaza as Israel destroys home, killing 36 Palestinians, incl. kids & pregnant women

🔻 Senior Hamas & Houthi officials hold rare meeting to discuss coordinated action against an Israeli Rafah ground invasion

• Israeli settlers attack homes in Nablus (West Bank), throwing stones & shooting the air + 20 Palestinians abducted in West Bank, incl. some released in Nov. hostage exchange deal

•⁠ ⁠Palestinian Authority (PA) president Abbas accuses Hamas of causing “return of Israeli occupation of Gaza”, essentially blaming Hamas for the ongoing genocide. Was prompted by Hamas criticism of ‘unilateral’ appointment of new PM of the PA (see our last broadcast)

• 63 Palestinians killed, 112 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

March 17, 2024:

Day 163

🇺🇸⁠ NBC: Biden frustrated over drop in poll numbers in swing states Michigan & Georgia due to his handling of Gaza genocide. Shouting and swearing in a White House meeting, saying he’s doing what is right

•⁠ 19 aid trucks arrive in north Gaza — first convoys to reach the north without incident in 4 months. But aid remains scarce as Israel keeps blocking entry of aid as trucks pile outside Rafah crossing + rate of malnutrition among children under 2 in north doubles in past month

•⁠ 14th Palestinian dies since Oct 7 in Israeli prison following multiple allegations of extreme abusive conditions for Palestinian hostages

🇪🇺⁠ ⁠EU President condemns an Israeli Rafah invasion, joining countless nations to do so like the US & Arab countries

•⁠ Israeli forces abduct 25 Palestinians, incl. a woman with cancer from Gaza & a child in overnight raids in West Bank

•⁠ ⁠92 Palestinians killed, 130 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

March 18, 2024

Day 164

🚨⁠ Israeli forces raid al-Shifa Hospital, where 30,000 Palestinians are sheltering, shooting snipers at those fleeing despite ordering an evacuation. Al-Shifa has regained minimal functionality since Nov seige, but now unable to treat the injured due to siege. 200+ civilians abducted, incl. Al Jazeera journalist Ismail al-Ghoul & his crew — stripped, blindfolded & taken to unknown location, reporting abuse & beatings

•⁠ 81 Palestinians killed, 116 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

•⁠ Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC): Famine imminent, expected in north Gaza by May as 70% of its population subject to “catastrophic” starvation; while famine in Khan Yunis, Rafah & Deir Balah by July

•⁠ ⁠Israel recaptures Rawda Abu Ajmiyeh, previously released in Nov hostage exchange deal; 13 Palestinians recaptured, a clear violation of the deal

•⁠ West Bank: 300 homes demolished + 1,640 Palestinians displaced since Oct 7

🇪🇺 EU announces plans to sanction Israeli settlers

👆 Graphic from IPC report on the levels of starvation and food insecurity in Gaza. On the left: current levels of food insecurity in Gaza; on the right: projected food insecurity levels by July

March 19, 2024

📣 We’ve just launched a dedicated page to fundraising for Gazans via our linktr.ee/fundsforgaza initiative. We’ve already facilitated tens of thousands of dollars in donations in the past weeks to families in Gaza.

The people we’re helping fundraise for are not numbers. This is a matter of life or death for people with dreams, passions, and stories like you.

Follow the new page @ fundsforgaza (instagram) to get updates on the fundraisers, share content with others to help fundraisers, and support people in Gaza ❤️🇵🇸

Https://instagram.com/fundsforgaza

[themainspoon]

I’ve seen a lot of support for Palestine on this site, and that’s great, but much of it has been targeted towards Americans and what people in the US can do to help. I believe we need to also be sharing what people in other countries can be doing to help, and so I have compiled a small list of links relevant to those in Australia. If you aren’t Australian I would still ask that you reblog not only this post (in order to ensure that more Australians see it), but I also ask that you consider making posts like this for people in your own nations, and also share other posts like this one targeting a wide range of international audiences.

If you are an Australian Citizen, and you want to do something to help support Palestine, here are a few links to orgs and petitions:

Firstly, APAN, The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network:

https://apan.org.au/

Text from site:

“APAN is a national coalition harnessing the passion of Australians for Palestinian human rights, justice, and equality”

This site contains many important things, such as:

An events portal that lists planned protests and other solidarity events being held soon:

https://apan.org.au/events/

A page that you can use to not only donate to them, but also to find a list of other trusted charities you can donate too:

https://apan.org.au/civicrm/mailing/view/?id=2375&reset=1

ActionAid Australia, a charity focused on Women’s Rights, is also currently running an appeal to provide aid to citizens in Gaza that you can donate to:

Their approach “will prioritise the leadership and needs of women and girls”[direct quote], this is an approach not many other charities are taking, and you can read more about it on their website.

There are also several currently open petitions you can sign, this is not an exhaustive list:

A petition being run by ActionAID, a charity group partnered with APAN:

From their website:

“Join the call to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, for an immediate ceasefire and increase in humanitarian assistance to Gaza. It is time to speak out and say that every life – Palestinian and Israeli – should be valued and treated with humanity. We refuse to be divided in our call for lasting peace and justice. We are calling on our government to hear us and act:

1. We will not be bystanders. Immediate ceasefire now.

2. Nothing can justify violence towards any civilians. Anyone held captive must be released.

3. End the siege that is preventing civilians in Gaza from accessing food, fuel and water and increase our humanitarian assistance. The collective punishment of civilians in Gaza must end.

4. Call for a path to real and lasting peace for Palestinian and Israeli people. “

Petition EN5622 - Call for a Ceasefire and an End to Israeli Occupation:

Text from the e-petition site:

“Petition Reason

The Palestinian people have suffered occupation, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid for over 7 decades, and the state of Israel has consistently disregarded international law according to the UN - most evident recently in their indiscriminate carpet bombing of the Gaza Strip and use of the illegal white phosphorus powder. Yet, the US, UK and Australia (among others) have aided Israel through funding and defense packages, and have never publicly denounced their many transgressions. There must be an end to the atrocities against innocent civilians and a move towards a peaceful resolution.

Petition Request

We therefore ask the House to call for a ceasefire, and promote a constructive discourse into addressing the root cause of this conflict, and move towards a peaceful resolution. We urge the House to publicly condemn any actions that do not align with international law, and call for a solution that will minimise civilian casualties. We ask for an end to the occupation of the Palestinian’s land that was stolen from them over 70 years ago.”

Petition EN5639 - Expulsion of Israeli Ambassador, call for urgent ceasefire in Palestine.

Text from the e-petition site:

“Petition Reason

The current conflict in Palestine has degenerated into a situation tantamount to an ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. As Australians we must condemn Israels actions, which are in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. Since October 7, Over 10,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and Gaza, they have been denied access to water, electricity and fuel and have been prevented access to humanitarian aid. Hospitals and refugee camps have been deliberately targeted and white phosphorous has been used against civilian populations. Each of these things constitute a breach of international law, and yet our government has not upheld the values of the Australian people by condemning this. Now is the moment in history to do the right thing, it is not too late to save lives in Palestine. For this reason, we the undersigned call on the Australian government to condemn in the sternest terms Israels actions in Palestine and call for an immediate ceasefire as well as the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador to Australia.

Petition Request

We therefore ask the House to move a motion to condemn in the sternest terms Israels actions in Palestine and call for an immediate ceasefire, along with the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador to Australia.”

Petition EN5628 - Retract Governmental Support To Israel, and Demand Ceasefire In Palestine

Text from the e-petition site:

“Petition Reason

In 1948, Palestinians were violently uprooted from their homes, initiating decades of conflict with the Israeli government. Recent escalations in violence have reached a critical point, particularly in Gaza, where Israeli leaders have broken international law. This is evident by the denial of vital resources like water, food, electricity, and fuel, jeopardizing the lives of millions of Palestinians, including a significant portion of children in Gaza. Despite extensive evidence of Israeli war crimes, the Australian government has consistently supported Israel. These crimes encompass the use of White Phosphorus (classified as illegal by the UN) in civilian areas, direct attacks on non-military targets, forced population transfers, ethnic cleansing, and the deliberate starvation of civilians, as reported by Human Rights Watch and the UN. Australia's unwavering support, even after the UN labelled Israeli military actions as "ethnic cleansing" and "egregious violations of international law," is not supported by the Australian public.

Petition Request

We therefore ask the House to reject the notion that colonization should be supported, especially through a genocide. This petition calls for Australia to withdraw its support for the Israeli government, condemn its actions, impose sanctions, and work within the UN to secure a ceasefire and allow delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. It is irrational for the Australian government to preach its values of 'freedom, respect, fairness, and equality of opportunity' with its hypocritical treatment of Palestinians. Providing military aid to the state of Israel contradicts these values. Let’s stop Australia in it’s tracks of repeating the history of Indigenous colonisation.”

Petition EN5603 - Condemnation of Israeli aggression in occupied Palestine

Text from the e-petition site:

“Petition Reason

Palestinian civilians, many of whom are young children, have been subject to cruel and vicious collective punishment at the hands of Israel in Gaza. Israel has escalated the blockade by cutting off supply of water, power, fuel and international aid all while indiscriminately bombing civilians. The actions of Israel are considered war crimes under the Geneva Conventions and must be condemned by the House of Representatives.

Petition Request

We therefore ask the House to condemn Israeli aggression in occupied Palestine”

[horizon-verizon]

Kamala Harris literally calling out Biden for being a rapist and a racist when she was running against him in 2020 and then calling him a friend and partner as VP is the the 1:1 ratio of morals and backbone the people of America have.

Yeah, I've been pretty disappointed & unimpressed by people here. Like I get that people need hope. That Trump is tied to Project 2025 and there is some merit to at least affording ourselves some time by installing Kamala, but we also haven't created any means to ubiquitously work against whatever policies and changes Kamala were to enact during her said presidency. Which will not likely include succor for Palestinians or stopping pipeline expansion.

And as a Black woman myself, I also very much feel the desire for some PoC/Black female leadership and creating history and inspiration for girls...but this feels a lot like Obama-love and look where that got us. Like fuck Fannita of TikTok--who said that Kamala wasn'tg going to win bc Black women can never win (she projected her own disappointments about her career)--but her deal was the self hatred and anti-Black/PoC womenness, not criticizing policy and political actions Kamala may or may not take.

IDK, it's a mess over here. Because yeah, the way the system 's set up, Trump will win if there is no strong candidate to oppose him and the officially non-conservative side of U.S. politics doesn't have the trust or passion from its own nonpolitician party members OR the numbers of devoted voters.

I guess I'm saying that we are so not prepared it's not even funny. We can't not vote, but neither can we expect to be guaranteed to win with anyone but Kamala to prevent Project 2025 and other conservative fascist policies from speedrunning the U.S. into worse fascism...but if we don't vote at all?

Now some may wonder why Americans don't band together in political stuff? Because very strong race, education, class divides and history across a country that is so huge containing degrees of isolated populations while also being much more populous than say Australia (which seems more or less a similar size as the country), that's why.

[cognitivejustice]

An International Labour Organization (ILO) report found that:

More than 86% of Indigenous peoples globally work in the informal economy, compared to 66% for their non-Indigenous counterparts.

Indigenous peoples are nearly three times more likely to be living in extreme poverty compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts.

The share of wage and salaried workers is considerably lower among the Indigenous (27.9%) than among the non-Indigenous (49.1%) population.

Globally, Indigenous peoples are earning 18.5% less than non-Indigenous people.

Workers’ unions are enhancing the representation of Indigenous peoples in their organisations and building alliances with Indigenous peoples’ organisations to address mutual concerns, including compliance with ILO C169:

New Zealand: Unions are advocating for legislation to make ethnic and gender pay gap reporting mandatory. This transparency is crucial to closing the significant gender pay gap faced by Indigenous women. While overall the gender pay gap between women and men in New Zealand is 8.6%, Pacific women in New Zealand earn around 26.5% less than non-Indigenous men.

Australia: Unions are working to ensure strong union representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, empowering them to achieve just wages, social protection and self-determined, fulfilling employment.

Norway: The Norwegian Trade Union Confederation (LO Norway) promotes Indigenous culture and identity through leadership, cultural outlets and support for the truth and reconciliation process

Latin America: To hold governments to account, trade unions are using the ILO’s supervisory mechanisms. This includes highlighting issues such as occupational safety and forced labour.

[harryandmeghansussex]

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex is a feminist, champion of human rights and gender equity, and global role model. Her lifelong advocacy for women and girls remains a constant thread she weaves through both humanitarian and business ventures. She is noted as one of the most powerful and influential women in the world, topping lists such as TIME Magazine’s Most Influential People, The Financial Times’ 25 Most Influential Women, Variety Power of Women, and British Vogue’s Vogue 25. She and her husband, Prince Harry have also been the recipients of the NAACP President’s Award as well as the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award. Meghan’s global impact, and strong stance on resilience, equality, and compassion through action, have made her one of the most iconic public figures of this generation.

Born and raised in Southern California, Meghan attended Los Angeles based all-girls Catholic School, Immaculate Heart, which she continues to support as an alumna, before moving to Chicago to attend the prestigious Northwestern University. While there, she double majored in Theater and International Relations, and went on to intern at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as to study abroad in Madrid, Spain. After graduation, Meghan turned her focus to the entertainment industry, landing her big break as a lead actor on the hit series, ‘Suits’ which she starred in for seven seasons. During her time off between filming, Meghan travelled to Rwanda, India, and across the globe working on humanitarian missions, and serving in key roles such as: UN Women’s Advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership, a World Vision Global Ambassador, and a leading Counsellor to One Young World, where she inspired youth and women around the world through her passionate advocacy and hands-on approach to being of service. She also travelled to support the military community on a USO Tour, visiting six military bases in seven days including Bagram, Afghanistan. In 2018, Meghan married Prince Harry, becoming The Duchess of Sussex.

An accomplished writer, she has contributed pieces to publications in the UK, US, and Ireland, and parlayed that skill into the creation of the successful lifestyle website, ‘The Tig’, where her thoughtful and inspiring op-eds cultivated a global fanbase. The Duchess of Sussex was the first guest editor in the history of British Vogue for their July Issue in 2019, which was the fastest selling copy in the history of the publication. She and Prince Harry founded The Archewell Foundation in 2020 to support communities in need at a micro and macro level, in both moments of crisis as well as for long term aid. At The Archewell Foundation, they hold the value that charitable work should not simply be ‘a handout, but rather a hand held’, a phrase which Meghan first coined when supporting UK charity Smart Works, of which she is patron, that uplifts and prepares underserved women to enter the workforce. Meghan and her husband also founded and oversee production company, Archewell Productions and podcasting arm, Archewell Audio. In 2022, Meghan launched ‘Archetypes’, a record-breaking podcast exploring the labels that try to hold women back; ‘Archetypes’ debuted at Number 1 in The US, UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, and topped the charts as the Number 1 podcast in 47 countries, demonstrating her unparalleled global reach. After its first season, Archetypes was awarded was awarded The People’s Choice Award in the podcast category.

She is a NY Times Best Selling author, publishing her highly celebrated children’s book, ‘The Bench’, and “Together: Our Community Kitchen” a publication she spearheaded with the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen in the UK, who were displaced after the tragic Grenfell Fire. True to her character, The Duchess of Sussex mobilized to turn pain into purpose, working alongside this dynamic group of women to help them heal, grow, and develop their own business enterprises in the face of adversity. In addition to topping the NY Times Bestsellers list, “Together,” also debuted as number one on the UK’s Sunday Booklist, with proceeds going to the Kitchen. Meghan’s influence in fashion has been coined “The Meghan Effect” with items selling out within hours of her wearing them. Her ‘effect’ has transcended fashion, shifting cultural conversations as seen with her op-ed for the NY Times “The Losses We Share.” The piece detailed a heartbreaking personal loss which spiked the conversation surrounding miscarriage to the highest it had been spoken of in over two decades at the time of publishing.

Meghan is a passionate advocate for mental health and family care, the holistic support of women and children’s rights, and the immeasurable value of one’s self worth. Her core belief that representation matters, and her connection to community through the lens of learning, healing, and inspiring have helped define her as a cultural catalyst for positive change. Meghan resides in California with her husband and their children Prince Archie Harrison and Princess Lilibet Diana, and their three dogs.

[ambuschool]

Personal Statement

I started my career as a monitoring and evaluation associate at NICE Indonesia in 2019. We provide a 5-year grant to 12 CSOs in Indonesia to develop their organizations. During those 5 years, we evaluate their performance annually based on the training and financial interventions provided. Some of the organizations I directly supervised include Yayasan Gerak Bareng, Yayasan Munashoroh Indonesia, and Yayasan Gema Insani.

In addition to the annual reviews I conducted, I also took on side jobs to measure the impact of several organizations. My team and I have measured the impact for Schneider Electric Foundation Indonesia, Yayasan Infra Digital Indonesia, Perkumpulan Ibu Pembelajar Bahagia (Lab Belajar Ibu), Komunitas Happiness Family, and wrote impact reports for the SMK Pusat Keunggulan assistance program in 2023 on behalf of the Directorate of Vocational High Schools, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. I attached some files here : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mbhbs0wAkwZtBzbxgJ-1xzdZhXMX3XdJ/view?usp=sharing 

Apart from working in monitoring and evaluation, as a registered nurse in Indonesia, I am also active in several health education initiatives, particularly regarding the impact of the environment on health. My friends and I founded the Emcekaqu Sehat Berdaya Foundation, which campaigns for open defecation-free zones in Pandeglang, Banten. We observed the impact of poor sanitation on children's health, especially given the high stunting rates in the area, and we actively campaign for behavior change to eliminate open defecation. From this work, I had the opportunity to participate in several fellowships related to the environment, such as the Young Water Fellowship in Belgium in 2017, the Young South East Asia Leadership Initiative in Environmental Management in the USA in 2018, and the International One Health Camp in Vietnam in 2019.

Besides my professional life, I experienced a turning point in my personal life when my first daughter died during the delivery process. As a nurse, I know it's not just me but thousands of mothers in Indonesia who have experienced this. Since then, I pledged to contribute to reducing neonatal mortality. I decided to become a breastfeeding counselor, and now I have more than 50 clients, both online and offline.

Pursuing an MPH at the University of Melbourne, I blend my interest in planetary health and maternal and child health. Last semester, I took nutrition policy and politics as my elective because nutrition issues are currently rising in Indonesia, and I wanted a broader perspective beyond health. This semester, I took Planetary Health and Women’s and Global Health as my electives to accommodate my interests. As an Australia Awards Awardee, I know my studies are not just for me but for the greater good of Indonesia.

My grades might not be very good because the first semester of my MPH was the first time I lived abroad with only my family of three. I juggled academic life, being a wife, and being a mother to a 2.5-year-old daughter. Therefore, this semester, I strategized to take courses with shorter durations, so I can better balance my work and life. Thus, being involved in evaluation studies in maternal and child health excites me greatly. Furthermore, 1000 Days Of Fund is one organization I keep an eye on because they address issues holistically, from cadre training to providing growth blankets to parents.

ceritanya bikin personal statement untuk ngelamar jadi research assistant gitu di kampus, hwaa bismillah ya Allah dengan panduan dan pendampinganmu :" laa hawlaa walla quwwata illa billah

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Meghan in the nudes: the First Lady of Nigerias speech and some headlines from mainstream media by u/Mickleborough

Meghan in the nudes: the First Lady of Nigeria’s speech, and some headlines from mainstream media As reported in this sub a couple of days ago, Senator. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, made a speech on 25 May at the ‘Celebrating the Woman’ event, marking the first year of her husband’s administration.These words set the tone for her speech: ‘The message here is that we have to salvage our children.’She goes on to say: ‘We don’t accept nakedness in our culture.’The Meghan moment - where she alludes to the Meg is below (with my intepretation, based on logic): ’Even they [Nigerian children / girls] are mimicking and trying to emulate film stars from America. They [American film stars] don’t know where they come from. Why did Meghan come here looking for Africa? That is something we have to take home with us. We know who we are, and don’t lose who you are. God bless you.’ [Speech ends.]In my view, the literal interpretation‘s that the First Lady’s citing Meghan as an example of an American film star who doesn’t know where she comes from (her roots, her identity, sense of self - take your pidk). So - no criticism of Meghan’s flashing her flesh on her recent Nigeria visit.However it’s a logical inference, from the First Lady’s speech, that American film stars who don’t know where they come from flaunt their nakedness. And as Meghan‘s American film star in search of her roots, ergo Meghan goes around naked.In any event, Meghan’s nakedness has made the nudes:https://ift.tt/T6Jfr7y Sun (UK), 26 May.The Daily Mail (UK), 27 May.The Hindustan Times (India), 27 May.https://ift.tt/F5Iwei6 New York Post (US), 27 MayPakistan Today (Pakistan), 27 May.https://ift.tt/bAFxMUy Independent (UK), 28 May.India Today (India), 28 May.NDTV (India), 28 May.Scottish Daily Express (UK), 28 May.Sky News (Australia), 28 May.The Telegraph (UK), 28 May.The last word:Attendees at ‘Celebrating the Woman’.https://ift.tt/3iVuhvy and Meghan at ‘Women in Leadership’.Meghan exercising her Second Amendment right. post link: https://ift.tt/FsuSU15 author: Mickleborough submitted: May 29, 2024 at 10:54PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

There has been a lot of discussion about improving safety for women in Australia of late. And safety for women, particularly the vulnerable with their children, is an important test of how civil society is. Put bluntly, women should never be bashed or abused.

But there has also been a lot of blindness in these discussions, and I suspect sometimes, that it is blindness driven by wilful ignorance. I suggest this because there is a narrow-mindedness about the causes of this relational horror, and therefore, what are realistic longer-term approaches become...

[rotgospels]

Is dificult to be a minister in the place you live? Any special plus due to the thing of being a female minister? I'm from a catholic country but i would love to be a priest, or minister,( indk how u call it), but I'm a girl so i'm always just wondering and imagining about being anglican in new Zealand or something like that, but idnk how really acepted is in the end the religious autority or leadership of womens in this places. Or homosexuality, what is your experience or pov? Also do you think an anglican female bishop can be married to another woman and be acepted and practice her spiritual labor without problems in this communitys?

Yes and no - i started in ministry (in a formal, paid role) in the middle of the pandemic so theres a whole lot involved in that which has made it a very weird time to be working for the church. Australia isn't a very religious country, i think its over 50% of people who aren't affiliated with any religion, and the anglican churches here are relatively small in number (especially since covid). I've been lucky to serve in churches with strong female presence, but the reality is that I've only met 3 female priests in all the years I've been attending churches/networking in this space. Although there are female priests and incredible young women being called into ministry here, we still regularly encounter and deal with misogyny, belittlement and sexual harassment from men. 

I do still believe you can always find a community which will be safe and accepting, but it will always be fight to be in leadership as an out lgbt person. If you are being called into this though, listen to that voice and trust in where God will take you. Have faith in the impossible.

[ingek73]

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex is a feminist, champion of human rights and gender equity, and global role model. Her lifelong advocacy for women and girls remains a constant thread she weaves through both humanitarian and business ventures. She is noted as one of the most powerful and influential women in the world, topping lists such as TIME Magazine’s Most Influential People, The Financial Times’ 25 Most Influential Women, Variety Power of Women, and British Vogue’s Vogue 25.

She and her husband, Prince Harry have also been the recipients of the NAACP President’s Award as well as the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award. Meghan’s global impact, and strong stance on resilience, equality, and compassion through action, have made her one of the most iconic public figures of this generation.

Born and raised in Southern California, Meghan attended Los Angeles based all-girls Catholic School, Immaculate Heart, which she continues to support as an alumna, before moving to Chicago to attend the prestigious Northwestern University. While there, she double majored in Theater and International Relations, and went on to intern at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as to study abroad in Madrid, Spain. After graduation, Meghan turned her focus to the entertainment industry, landing her big break as a lead actor on the hit series, ‘Suits’ which she starred in for seven seasons. During her time off between filming, Meghan travelled to Rwanda, India, and across the globe working on humanitarian missions, and serving in key roles such as: UN Women’s Advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership, a World Vision Global Ambassador, and a leading Counsellor to One Young World, where she inspired youth and women around the world through her passionate advocacy and hands-on approach to being of service. She also travelled to support the military community on a USO Tour, visiting six military bases in seven days including Bagram, Afghanistan.

In 2018, Meghan married Prince Harry, becoming The Duchess of Sussex.

An accomplished writer, she has contributed pieces to publications in the UK, US, and Ireland, and parlayed that skill into the creation of the successful lifestyle website, ‘The Tig’, where her thoughtful and inspiring op-eds cultivated a global fanbase. The Duchess of Sussex was the first guest editor in the history of British Vogue for their July Issue in 2019, which was the fastest selling copy in the history of the publication.

She and Prince Harry founded The Archewell Foundation in 2020 to support communities in need at a micro and macro level, in both moments of crisis as well as for long term aid. At The Archewell Foundation, they hold the value that charitable work should not simply be ‘a handout, but rather a hand held’, a phrase which Meghan first coined when supporting UK charity Smart Works, of which she is patron, that uplifts and prepares underserved women to enter the workforce. Meghan and her husband also founded and oversee production company, Archewell Productions and podcasting arm, Archewell Audio.

In 2022, Meghan launched ‘Archetypes’, a record-breaking podcast exploring the labels that try to hold women back; ‘Archetypes’ debuted at Number 1 in The US, UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, and topped the charts as the Number 1 podcast in 47 countries, demonstrating her unparalleled global reach. After its first season, Archetypes was awarded The People’s Choice Award in the podcast category.

She is a NY Times Best Selling author, publishing her highly celebrated children’s book, ‘The Bench’, and “Together: Our Community Kitchen” a publication she spearheaded with the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen in the UK, who were displaced after the tragic Grenfell Fire. True to her character, The Duchess of Sussex mobilized to turn pain into purpose, working alongside this dynamic group of women to help them heal, grow, and develop their own business enterprises in the face of adversity. In addition to topping the NY Times Bestsellers list, “Together,” also debuted as number one on the UK’s Sunday Booklist, with proceeds going to the Kitchen.

Meghan’s influence in fashion has been coined “The Meghan Effect” with items selling out within hours of her wearing them. Her ‘effect’ has transcended fashion, shifting cultural conversations as seen with her op-ed for the NY Times “The Losses We Share.” The piece detailed a heartbreaking personal loss which spiked the conversation surrounding miscarriage to the highest it had been spoken of in over two decades at the time of publishing.

Meghan is a passionate advocate for mental health and family care, the holistic support of women and children’s rights, and the immeasurable value of one’s self worth. Her core belief that representation matters, and her connection to community through the lens of learning, healing, and inspiring have helped define her as a cultural catalyst for positive change.

Meghan resides in California with her husband and their children Prince Archie Harrison and Princess Lilibet Diana, and their three dogs.