Culture, Current Affairs
India’s Pink War
They wear pink saris, wield sticks and don’t hesitate to use violence in their fight for women’s rights. These are the ladies of the Gulabi Gang, an association created by Sampat Pal Devi to eradicate gender violence in India
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Leaena the Lioness
This is the story of a woman and her devotion to improving the lives young disabled individuals in Singapore. Through her determination, she has developed spaces in which these children and youth can rise out of adversity to live normal, fulfilling lives. The legacy of Leaena Tambyah continues to inspire and empower.
Read MoreTravel and Adventure
Conquering Great Heights
In conjunction with International Women’s Day on 8 March this year, five brave women from Singapore’s Ace Adventure Expeditions went on a trekking adventure – and not just for a good challenge, but to raise funds for a good cause.
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Cash in Hand
Conflict and displacement often lead to food and nutrition insecurity of vulnerable populations. Once the conflict is over, families sometimes find it difficult to get back on their feet. Meanwhile, WFP works with the national and local government in the Philippines to bring about social protection programmes, including cash-based transfers.
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Institutions that Empower
There is a fresh current of optimism flowing from multilateral, development institutions these days and it’s taking the form of the new 17-point, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of these vital benchmarks, one in particular, Sustainable Goal No.5, pledges to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls throughout the world.
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New Stream of Life
The women’s group, Women of War helped change the reputation of Matanog and Marayag Lake from a danger zone to a tourist haven. Amidst family feuds, regionally known as ‘rido’, the women are beacons of peace and reconciliation.
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Freya Stark, the Passionate Nomad
You should be careful which books you give your daughters, because you never know what irrepressible, adventurous spirit they might engender. For Freya Stark (1893–1993), the desire to escape and explore was sown on her ninth birthday when she was given One Thousand and One Nights, the famous collection of Arabian tales.
Read MoreEnvironment
Rivers of Life
China and India’s race to fulfil hydroelectric dreams has seen over 150 dams planned for River Brahmaputra and its tributaries – and this number is just from India alone. The 2,900 kilometre river, which runs through China, India and Bangladesh, is at the epicentre of flash floods, environmental degradation and loss of livelihoods, borne by rural villagers and their homes which stand in the way of meeting energy demands.
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