#Women’s Empowerment

[sbrown82]

So, not only did Harry and Meghan finance this trip with their own resources, their Archewell Foundation just announced three major contributions to support education, culture and community well-being in the areas they visited.

#ShowUpDoGood

[theogoracle]

there will be hard work ahead, but the oracle sees you coming out victorious 🔮

[warlocartebloc]

[eelwolfcrow]

let’s use the school water fountain as an example.

everyone uses the school water fountain. they go up to it, drink some water, and leave. they use the resource as necessary.

let’s say, i come along and start sitting at the water fountain, and punching everyone who comes to get a drink without my permission. I claim all of the water as mine, by force of violence, and nobody is allowed to have it.

After a while i start to get tired of refilling everyone’s water bottles for them, so i say that i will allow one student to refill their water bottle when i say it’s okay, only when i approve it.

and everyone gets so excited, they’re like “yaaay we have water!”

there’s no real reason i *should* have control of the water fountain. i might not even be good at managing it. im just the guy who managed to be the one inflicting the violence to maintain control of it.

so are they really receiving water? are they really receiving power?

no, they are just receiving temporary control over the power.

i might let some kids fill up two water bottles. i might let another kid attach a massive hose to the water fountain and create another fountain out of that. but do they really own the fountain? no. because the fountain hasn’t gone away. the fountain is still the ultimate source of power.

maybe it gets obfuscated through some layers, maybe more power investments sprung up into small capital, but the original aristocrats from feudal england are still the same feudal lords that rule over us today, or have close ties to the sources of power.

So, if someone were to sneak behind my back, and take some water without my knowledge, it would be a transgression on my very power itself.

[rumireed]

Womb Dreaming

The amniotic sac that surrounds the fetus is a protective boundary that holds the amniotic fluid. A watery dream realm within the uterus. When the fetus is born through the birth canal and has a face covered by the veil of the amniotic sac, it is considered to be a child protected and connected to the otherworld. One who sees with second sight beyond the veil, destined to be a healer, oracle, and…

[myobsessionsspace]

Women’s History

Credit: Liberal Jane

🖤

[iminmypeace]

T is a black woman avatar who is here to help you overcome imposter syndrome and achieve your dreams. She’s the perfect friend for anyone who is looking for support, motivation and inspiration. She is also the new temporary face of the inner peace planner, which is designed to help black women achieve their goals and leave their best lives. The planner is packed with helpful tools, and resources including: weekly and monthly planning pages, goal setting, worksheets affirmation and mantras self care tips, and more. The inner peace planner is the perfect offer. Any black woman who is ready to take her life to the next level sign up for the waitlist today and be the first to know when it’s available. #impostersyndrome #blackwomen #womenempowerment #selflove #selfcare #goalsetting #planners inspiration #motivation #blackgirlmagic #productivity #ai #chatgpt #midjourney

[wastewarriorsngo]

Empowering Communities in the Himalayas: Waste Warriors’ local heroes in Dharamshala

The Himalayan region continues to grapple with an under-recognized crisis: mountains of unmanaged solid waste. Despite a relatively low local population, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh attract a massive influx of tourists, generating alarming amounts of waste that harm local ecosystems.

In response, Waste Warriors, a non-profit organization working in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, collaborates with passionate individuals who inspire others and bring about change. Behind the impactful work, we celebrate the people who touch lives and serve as a constant source of inspiration in Dharamshala.

Here, we introduce some remarkable individuals who are actively contributing to restoring Himachal Pradesh’s pristine beauty by addressing the pressing issues of waste management.

Clean-Up Culture

When did the idea of clean-ups take root in Himachal? We posed this question to Vikas, a dedicated member of the Waste Warriors team who began mobilizing people in 2009. He credits our founder, Jodie Underhill, whose admiration for the state's beauty and concern over its waste crisis sparked weekly clean-up drives in and around Dharamshala.

For Vikas, however, it has been a bittersweet journey. He recalls his early days, disheartened by the lack of local participation in clean-up efforts. Working at a tea shop near Bhagsu Waterfall, he observed the surge of tourists and the mounting waste they left behind. He reflects: "Inside our homes, we ensure no garbage is left lying around. Women in particular are quick to clean up. But when we step outside, the same care is missing. It saddens and angers me to see people littering such a beautiful place."

Culture, as Vikas explains, is a shared responsibility. It’s easy to blame others, but as his story shows, meaningful change starts with individual action.

Inclusivity in Waste Management

Incorporating a gender perspective in waste management is essential for creating inclusive and effective development programs. Deepmala, one of our long-standing green workers, is a shining example of resilience and dedication. Working in partnership with the Municipal Corporation, Deepmala has won the affection and respect of the residents in her ward.

Originally a waste picker in Maharashtra, she has spent over three years in Himachal Pradesh. Despite the challenges of her work, she appreciates the dignity and support she has found. Yet, she hopes her children will not have to face the same societal discrimination she endures. Her story underscores the importance of addressing gender equality and empowering women in the waste management sector.

The Paryavaran Sakhi model by Waste Warriors champions these ideals, combining women’s empowerment with climate action to drive change.

Trash for Education

To explore the intersection of education and environmental activism, we met Tenzin Pelma, an English Resource Teacher at the Tibetan Children's Village in Upper Dharamshala. "I get paid for teaching, but environmental work is my calling," says Tenzin, who runs a Facebook page called Trash for Education. She repurposes discarded items into teaching tools, such as a chessboard made from sunboard and bookmarks crafted from Tetra Pak cartons.

Inspired by her, students at TCV collect single-use plastics to create eco-bricks, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the planet. Since 2009, guided by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin has empowered youth to envision and work toward a sustainable future.

Similarly, Baby Guleria, an Anganwadi teacher since 2013, has witnessed the transformative effects of improved waste management in her village. For the past three years, she has partnered with Waste Warriors to establish the Young Warriors Club, where children participate in clean-ups, painting, and upcycling projects. Teaching preschoolers about waste management is a vital step toward fostering lifelong environmental stewardship.

Upcycling to Foster Sustainability

Anita Batsal, Past Chairman of the Inner Wheel Club Dharamshala, has been instrumental in introducing sustainability initiatives. The Inner Wheel Club, an international women’s organization, focuses on education, financial support, and skill-building for women. Inspired by their mission, Anita has started conversations about waste recycling and sustainable practices.

By distributing free cloth bags made from donated fabrics to local vegetable vendors, she is encouraging the community to adopt eco-friendly habits. Small steps like these create ripples of positive change.

Celebrating Local Heroes

The Waste Warriors community thrives on the collective efforts of individuals from diverse backgrounds—be they from quiet villages or bustling cities. These agents of change are the backbone of our solid waste management initiatives, and their stories inspire us to continue building a sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more tales of transformation from our journey toward a cleaner, greener Himalayas.

[pallavivyas]

Cultural Roots of Women’s Safety in Mumbai and Gujarat

Discover why Mumbai and Gujarat are often seen as safe havens for women, where deep-rooted cultural values foster respect, security, and empowerment. #WomensSafety #CulturalRoots

“Empowered by the cultural roots of women’s safety, Mumbai and Gujarat stand as examples where tradition and respect create spaces where women feel secure, valued, and free.” A Cultural and Historical Perspective In a country as diverse as India, where women’s safety varies widely from state to state, Mumbai and Gujarat stand out as notably safe regions for women. Both these areas are…

[compassionateminds]

Rewriting the Rules: Women’s Empowerment Through Legal Innovation In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the pivotal role that laws play in advancing women’s empowerment and how design thinking can provide fresh perspectives to reform and enhance these legal frameworks. Our guest, an expert in gender rights and legal systems, provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of women's rights, focusing on both the strengths and limitations of existing laws.

[theogoracle]

become an alchemist and turn the pain of misogyny into your power 🗡️

[bebs-art-gallery]

Female Rage in Paintings

Judith Slaying Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi | Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio | Judith Beheading Holofernes by Caravaggio | Jael and Sisera by Alessandro Turchi | Judith with the Head of Holofernes by Louis Finson | Jael slays Sisera by Ottavio Vannini | Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes by Orazio Gentileschi | La Douce Résistance by Michel Garnier | Timoclea Kills the Captain of Alexander the Great by Elisabetti Sirani | Untitled by Jose Gabriel Alegría Sabogal | Salome Bearing the Head of Saint John the Baptist by an unknown copyist after c. 1631, originated from Guido Reni

[psalm40speakstome]

‘The power I exert on the court depends on the power of the power of my arguments, not my gender” Sandra Day O'Connor

“I think the important thing about my appointment is not that I will decide cases as a woman, but that I am a woman who will get to decide cases.” Sandra Day O'Connor

[ruralwomenday]

Recognize the achievements & contributions of women towards rural development and agriculture.

Digital financial services promote women’s empowerment, economic participation, and food security. On October 15th, we celebrate the International Day of Rural Women to recognize the achievements & contributions of women towards rural development & agriculture.

25% of the world's working women are employed in agriculture.

[girltalkcollectives]

Double Standard Dictionary: A Guide to Things That Are Only "Problems" When Women Do Them

Let's have an honest conversation about something that drives me absolutely crazy. You know those little comments and judgments that somehow only seem to apply to women? Yeah, we need to talk about that.

The Professional Edition

When men vs. when women do the exact same thing:

He's assertive → She's aggressive

He's focused → She's cold

He's passionate → She's emotional

He's dedicated → She's obsessed

He's confident → She's arrogant

He's strategic → She's manipulative

He's busy → She's neglecting her life

The Dating Double Standards

The classics that never seem to die:

He's dated around → She has "a past"

He's a bachelor → She's "left on the shelf"

He's selective → She's picky

He's career-focused → She's married to her job

He's a social butterfly → She's attention-seeking

He's "finding himself" → She needs to settle down

He's direct → She's desperate

The Appearance Police

The endless contradictions:

Look professional, but not too try-hard

Be attractive, but not attention-seeking

Wear makeup, but keep it "natural"

Be fit, but not too muscular

Dress well, but not too sexy

Look youthful, but not immature

Age gracefully, but never look old

The Emotion Edition

How it's perceived:

His anger is justified → Her anger is hysteria

His sadness is deep → Her sadness is dramatic

His stress is from hard work → Her stress is from "not coping"

His excitement is enthusiasm → Her excitement is over-the-top

His concerns are valid → Her concerns are paranoid

His anxiety is pressure → Her anxiety is weakness

The Family Chronicles

The never-ending judgment:

He's babysitting → She's just parenting

He's helping around the house → She's doing her job

He's focused on work → She's neglecting family

He needs time to himself → She's selfish

He's weighing his options → She's wasting time

He's figuring out what he wants → Her clock is ticking

The Office Politics

Things I'm tired of seeing:

Men get mentored → Women get hit on

Men network → Women "sleep their way up"

Men are busy → Women "can't handle it"

Men are thorough → Women are perfectionists

Men delegate → Women are lazy

Men need work-life balance → Women are uncommitted

The Social Scene

The ridiculous expectations:

Be fun but not too wild

Be social but not too friendly

Be smart but not intimidating

Be successful but not threatening

Be independent but not difficult

Be strong but still need help

Be confident but still humble

The Success Paradox

What we're dealing with:

Be ambitious but not threatening

Lead but don't be bossy

Achieve but don't outshine

Negotiate but don't be demanding

Succeed but stay likeable

Excel but remain modest

Win but make it look effortless

The Reality Check

What this actually means for us:

Constant second-guessing

Walking on eggshells

Energy drain from overthinking

Imposter syndrome

Reduced authenticity

Limited self-expression

Unnecessary stress

The Way Forward

What we can do about it:

Call it out

Name the double standard

Question the logic

Point out the inconsistency

Support other women

2. Break the patterns

Reject unfair labels

Define success personally

Set our own standards

Celebrate authenticity

3. Change the narrative

Share success stories

Highlight achievements

Create new networks

Mentor others

To Every Woman Dealing With This

Remember:

You're not "too much"

Your achievements are earned

Your feelings are valid

Your ambitions are worthy

Your standards are important

Your voice matters

Your path is yours