Bend It Like Tibet, Real Beauty and There’s An App For That: Spark’s News Digest

Bend It Like Tibet, Real Beauty and There’s An App For That:  Spark’s News Digest

Read, Discuss, Share.

—–

GLOBAL: Tibetan’s First Women’s Soccer Team Blazes a Trail

Bend It Like Tibetan Women. Last year, Tibet formed their first women’s soccer team, receiving praise and concern from the community. Traditionally, Tibetan women have a very respected role in the house, but not always in society. The team’s coach vision was to create a team who can speak their truth as a tool for peace and equality. David Beckham would be proud.

Read the full story

—–

HUMAN RIGHTS: In Human Rights, What Does ‘Access to Remedy’ Really Mean?

Suing corporations for human rights violations just got harder. The Supreme Court ruled on Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum that cases under the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) will now be presumptively dismissed when the alleged human rights abuses occur outside the United States. To ensure conflicts don’t escalate, it’s now even more essential that civic organizations like Accountability Counsel and BSR, are brought in to provide non-legal support. Considering the large capacity gap, how will civic groups be able to provide the support needed?

Read the full story

—–

GLOBAL: Inequality in the Pursuit of Feminism

Is being a feminist an elite proposition? While feminist advances are often measured by counting women in senior positions, the shrinking power of women at the other end of the income spectrum is too often ignored, a report says. Leaning In is important, but so is understanding the huge inequalities and increased insecurity at the bottom.

Read the full story

—–

TECHNOLOGY: Can An App Stop Rape in India?

Is it possible for an app to save lives? Circle of 6 let’s your friends know when you are in a situation that you want to get out of. It has pre-set messages that go to a pre-selected group of friends in just two taps. The White House recognizes this app as a tool in sexual assault prevention and there has been a surge of uploads in India since the rape and murder of Jyoti Singh. If a legal system is not protecting you, it’s nice to know that your friends and technology can help.

Read the full story

—–

OPINION: The Confidence Questions

Dove’s recent “Real Beauty” campaign has received a lot of press for portraying women’s self-confidence issues. When asked to describe themselves, the self-descriptions are sadder, less attractive and more closed-off than how others perceived them. Dove’s campaign propelled David Brooks to ponder the issues of self-criticism and self-assertion. He wonders if marrying the two stereotypically female and male traits could produce better results.

Read the full story

—–

Spark’s News Digest

The coolness of coding, using contraceptives and men leaning in. This is your Spark news digest.

Read, discuss and SHARE. 

BUSINESS: Opening a Gateway for Girls to Enter the Computer Field

The secret’s out, coding is cool. Women earn just 12% of computer science degrees and that needs to change. Girls Who Code and other similarly focused organizations are aiming to increase the amount of girls in tech. These groups open up the gateway for young women by teaching them how to code at a young age.

Read the full story

—–

WORLD REPORT: Contraception is good for the economy, everything else

Janet Jackson is not the only one who thinks control is a positive thing. A new study finds that giving women access to control their own fertility is a really good thing for themselves, their relationships and the economic state of the world.

Read the full story

—–

BUSINESS: Career Advice from Sheryl Sandberg and Amex CEO Chenault

Work place dilemma’s are not just when someone takes your stapler. 64% of men are afraid to be in a room alone with a female employee. In this video, Amex CEO and Sheryl Sandberg discuss creating informal mentoring programs for male bosses and female employees without feelings of discomfort.

Read the full story

—–

GLOBAL: In country of sustained conflict, two DRC women work toward peace

Spark member’s don’t just show up, they create change. Spark’s own Larkin Callaghan authored a piece about gender justice in the DRC.

Read the full story

—–

GLOBAL: Malawi’s Leader Makes Safe Childbirth Her Mission

1 out of every 36 women are at risk of dying from childbirth in Malawi. Joyce Banda, the country’s new president is out to change that. Despite a national ban on childbirth at home, most Malawians ignore it in favor of customs that have governed their lives for as long as they can remember. In order to shift the norms, Banda is working with the real power brokers of Malawi, the 20,000 village chiefs, explaining the dangers of home births while still respecting tribal traditions.

Read the full story

SparkNYC Member Profile: Megan Lynch

Megan Lynch is a program coordinator at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)— an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher—where she manages corporate relationships for the Council’s Corporate Program. Megan graduated from New York University in 2010 with a Masters degree in Politics and a concentration in International Relations. She serves on the Membership Committee for Women in Development and the Investment Committee for SparkNYC. She talks to us about how she got involved with Spark, penguins, and a wrong turn in Europe.

Megan’s Spark Story:

A friend invited me to attend a SparkNYC membership mixer, and I immediately felt like I connected with the organization’s mission and community. I’ve long had an interest in women’s empowerment, international development, and effective philanthropy, and SparkNYC allows me to invest in all these areas alongside an incredible group of young professionals. Spark has provided me with a unique opportunity to learn about the grant-making process and to think about philanthropy from a funder’s perspective. I’m continually inspired by the innovative grassroots organizations that we support and by Spark’s energetic and committed members.

Who is your favorite grantee?

The Komera Project, a leadership incubator in rural Rwanda that facilitates educational opportunities for young women.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A good book, cinnamon scone, coffee, and an unscheduled afternoon.

What talent (or superpower!) would you like to have?

Flying would be fun, but I think the power to teleport might be even better. It would definitely cut down on my commute.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Curiosity. I grew up pestering my parents with questions, and I still have that eagerness to learn and understand.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?

A penguin?

What is the quality you most like in a fellow human being?

Compassion.

What is your favorite journey?

Last summer, I traveled through Europe for two weeks with my three sisters. One of my favorite unplanned moments of the trip was when we took a wrong turn on the highway from Basel to Munich and ended up in Liechtenstein. Despite being lost, it made for great sister bonding. Plus, we got to see a tiny yet stunningly beautiful alpine country.

Who are your heroes in real life?

I have a long list of heroes, but some that come to mind include my mom, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Madeleine Albright, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.

From Lake Wobegon to Lake Havasu, Donut Security and Progress Made In China: Spark News Digest

From Lake Wobegon to Lake Havasu, donut security and progress Made In China: This is your Spark News Digest.

Read, Discuss, Share.

—–

NATIONAL: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Calls Out Military Leaders For “Good Order And Discipline”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in a word, ROCKS. Our Senator will not accept rhetoric for an answer. Last week Sen. Gillibrand questioned military leaders on sexual assault, demanding zero tolerance in the military justice system.”I appreciate the work you’re doing, but it’s not enough,” Sen. Gillibrand told military officers during a recent Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee. We appreciate your leadership, Senator. Rock on.

Read The Full Story

—–

NEXT GENERATION PHILANTHROPY:  NPR Wants To Click With Those Who Tweet

Pivoting from Lake Wobegon to Lake Havasu, NPR is taking a crack at the under 30 crowd. Their presence at South by Southwest Interactive Conference (SXSW) was part of their Generation Listen campaign. Their aim is to inspire a new generation of listeners to support local stations to keep public programming alive and out of retirement.

Read The Full Story

—–

INTERNATIONAL: Empowering Women To Improve Food Security – What Works and Why

Food security is not just hiding the last donut from your co-workers. In Olivier De Schutter’s report to the UN on Gender and the Right to Food, he notes that one of the most promising approaches to alleviating poverty is to include gender-sensitive elements to existing food security programs.

Read The Full Story 

—–

INTERNATIONAL: China Signals Greater Role For Private Nonprofits

Social progress – Made in China. Last week, China declared  that it will allow nonstate groups to take a bigger role in tackling economic and social issues within the country. This is a big, positive step for a government that has been repressive to social sector actors.

Read The Full Story

—–

WOMEN IN BUSINESS: Speak Up, Believe In Yourself, Take Risks

Lean In closer to the debate. In this opinion piece and video, Sheryl Sandberg takes notice of the conversation swirling around her book and movement, Lean In, explaining that we need a national dialogue in order to break the barriers holding women back from achieving true equality in the workplace. Can Lean In help create a world where passions, interest, and talent are king, and stereotypes take a backseat?

Read The Full Story

Celebrating Women’s History Month. Spark’s News Digest

The Day, Month, and Year of Women: Spark’s News Digest

Read, Discuss and Share.

*****

“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights” - Gloria Steinem

March – Women’s History Month – is a our favorite time of year. It’s a time to reflect, celebrate, and move.

Over the past century, we have seen great strides in the advancement of women’s human rights.  Women are chefs and CEOs, educators and engineers, Prime Ministers and mothers. Women have more choices than ever before.  While there is still work to be done to close the equality gap, this news digest is dedicated to our movement leaders. Thank you for getting us this far. We are ready to work with you to carry us the distance.

*****

UNITED STATES: House Passes Violence Agaisnt Women Act 

The House approved the expanded Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act last week. Originally passed in 1994 and reauthorized since, the Act provides support for organizations that serve survivors of domestic violence. The new version increases protections of particular at-risk groups — Native Americans, undocumented immigrants, and the LGBTQ community.

Read the full story

*****

GLOBAL: Join Spark in asking the UN to End Rape Now

As tens of thousands took to the streets across India to express outrage over the brutal gang rape and subsequent death of a 23-year-old student in Delhi, smaller protests were held in Ohio to condemn the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl, allegedly by members of small town’s beloved high school football players. Millions of women are not safe in their homes, on the streets, or the workplace. We must speak out.

Spark’s partner The Global Fund for Women along with partners in India, and activists around the globe are demanding the United Nations pressure world leaders to make ending sexual violence a top priority. Join us.

Sign the petition

*****

MEDIA: Makers: Women Who Make America

Did you know the single greatest impact of Title 9 is not on sports fields but in our medical and law school classrooms? We didn’t until we watched Makers. This documentary shares the story of the most sweeping social revolution in American history. Women like Hillary Rodham Clinton, Ellen DeGeneres, and Oprah Winfrey share their memories, as do countless women who challenged the status quo in industries from coal-mining to Congress. Makers captures the memories and emotion of a movement that changed America forever. 

Watch the full documentary

*****

INTERNATIONAL: Afghanistan’s First Female Mayor Proves Critics Wrong

The first female mayor of Nili, Azra Jafari, has been nicknamed “Mr. Mayor” by her community. At the start of her term, she received threats from a high powered mullah who later thanked her for all the work she’d done for the community.  This nickname is a sign of respect. As Afghanistan’s first and only women mayor, Jafari is determined to continue changing attitudes towards women while improving the quality of life for all in Nili.

Read the full story

*****

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A Titan’s How To On Breaking The Glass Ceiling

Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, is launching a book called “Lean In,” about women finding themselves at work. In her book, Sandberg argues that women are sabotaging themselves in the workplace; “we hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in,” she writes, and the result is that “men still run the world.” She hopes the book will spur the creation of “Lean In” conscious-raising groups where women use self-awareness exercises to increase their confidence in the workplace.

Read the full story

Millennials, Women, and Impact: Spark News Digest

Next gen donors, a girl’s battle at home, and contraceptive prowess. This is your Spark News Digest.

Read, Discuss, Share.

PHILANTHROPY: Next Generation Donors And Their Plan For Greater Impact

Next generation donors, Gen Xers and Millennials are shaking up the state of philanthropy. A new report on our understudied generation states that next generation donors  ”perceive their parents and grandparents as driven by obligation, recognition, and tradition, [and] they see themselves as driven by strategy and impact.” Once criticized for being cynical and entitled, next generation donors are proving their worth by pushing philanthropic strategy to be more effective.

Read the full story

*****

INTERNATIONAL: Girl Soldiers Face Tougher Battle On Return To Civilian Life

40% of child soldiers around the world are girls, and while programs are in place to help soldiers reintegrate into society, these programs are not addressing the needs of girl soldiers. This articles discusses the alarmingly low enrollment rate of girls into disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) programs.

Read the full story 

*****

EDUCATION: Women – The World’s Best Investment

Who runs the world…GIRLS! Although research links the success of women with increased GDP,  women in developing nations face limited access to education and economic advancement. Programs’s like Gap Inc.’s P.A.C.E. (Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement) help narrow this gap by teaching women factory workers in developing countries technical and life skills.

Read the full story

*****

INTERNATIONAL: Justice Is Blind, But Not In The Case of Gender Violence

Famous South African paralympian sprinter Oscar Pistorius was charged with premeditated murder of his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day. Similar to the gang-rape in India, this case has rightly attracted massive public attention and may be a catalyst for fighting violence against women in South Africa.

Read the full story 

*****

GLOBAL: Sexularism and The Female Body

Should there be compromises in contraceptive governess? In her opinion piece, feminine theorist, Zillah Eisentein discusses the blurred lines between public and private; political and religion; church and state; and secular and religious divides and what we can do as a worldwide community to stand for a women’s rights to her own body.

Read the full story 

In solidarity we trust. Spark News Digest

Maternal Mortality in Malawi & Texas,  Tabloids & the Men who Write Them, and a Flash Mob for LOVE. This is your Spark News Digest.

Read, Discuss, Share.

GLOBAL: The ‘One Billion Rising’ on the Streets of Delhi

In almost 200 countries around the world, people took to the streets on Valentine’s Day to rise and dance. These flash mobs are part of One Billion Rising, a campaign initiated by Eve Ensler, author of “The Vagina Monologues” to end violence against women. The mob message resonated in India which is still reeling from a highly publicized gang rape. Hundreds of men and women took the streets of Delhi to demand a JUST love grounded in equality for all.

Delhi Rising Promotional Video:

Read the full story 

*****

GLOBAL: Searching for Gender Equality

A new study found that mobilizing grassroots women’s groups may have the most long-term impact on policies to eradicate violence against women around the world.

Read the full story 

*****

GLOBAL: Boys: The Trouble with Female Celebrity Profiles and the Men Who Write Them.

The sex, the fantasy, the minimization, the disillusionment. This opinion piece illustrates the inherent sexism male writers continue to use to portray female celebrities in glossy magazines.

Read the full story

*****

GLOBAL: Malawi’s Leader Makes Safe Childbirth Her Mission

In Malawi, 1 out of 36 women are at risk for maternal mortality. The country’s new president, Joyce Banda,  is out to change that horrifying ratio. Banda has a plan to sensitize Malawi’s 20,000 village chiefs, the country’s power brokers, to the dangers of childbirth, while still respecting tribal traditions.

Read the full story 

*****

NATIONAL: Pregnant? Watch Your Risks In Great Texas State

When one think’s of maternal mortality rates, Texas is not the first place that comes to mind. No place in the US should be the first place that comes to mind. However, Gov. Perry’s budget cutting support for Texas’s women’s health services coincides with a shocking increase in maternal mortality rate in the Lone Star state.

Read the full story