Sometimes it’s easier to ignore things that are difficult to see. Fortunately, there are journalists who bring light to the things that must be addressed. One such reporter was Nellie Ble, a 19th- century journalist who went undercover to expose the asylum system in which women (with or without mental illness) were often abused or neglected. More than a century later, Bly’s work was honored with a monument near the site of the asylum she investigated. @AtlasObscura has more:

https://flip.it/K9Eg2p

#Culture #InternationalWomensMonth #Equality #EqualRights #Women #WomensRights

https://youtube.com/live/Db8kF-FXVSE?si=3MoR8P9ZJBSKo3IA

Join me as I celebrate #InternationalWomensMonth by helping #laracroft do what she does best in #tombraiderremastered #videogames #gaming #retrogames #livestream #youtube

«Objectifying Women Is Not Empowerment”

“Objectifying Women Is Not Empowerment”

Original Statement in Filipino:
“Minsan nasa Shangri-La ako, nakita ko si Anne Curtis, ang ganda-ganda pala niya, you know my desire sa loob ko na, nag-iinit talaga at na-imagine ko na lang kung anong pwedeng mangyari, pero hanggang imagination na lang yun. Di naman siguro ako pwedeng kasuhan dahil kung ano-ano naimagine ko eh.”

English Translation:
“One time, I was at Shangri-La, and I saw Anne Curtis. She’s really beautiful, and you know, my desire inside just stirred, and I started imagining what could happen, but it was all just in my imagination. I don’t think I can be sued because of the things I imagined.”

The remark made by one of the congressmen during the impeachment proceedings was not only shocking but also deeply troubling. He openly objectified Anne Curtis, reducing her to nothing more than an object of desire based solely on her physical appearance. To make matters worse, he seemed to believe that there was no harm in sharing such thoughts, even arguing against the motion to strike his words from the record. His refusal to acknowledge the harm in his statement reveals a profound disregard for the basic principles of respect and human dignity.

We are in March, Women’s Month, a time to celebrate the empowerment of women and to acknowledge their value beyond their physical appearances. However, the congressman’s words do the exact opposite—they dehumanize women and undermine the very ideals of empowerment.

Why this statement does not empower a woman:

• Objectification: This congressman focuses entirely on Anne Curtis’s physical beauty and openly expresses desire without considering her humanity. The comment reduces her to her looks, disregarding her as an individual with her own agency, achievements, and personal identity. When a woman is only seen for her appearance, her full worth as a person is overlooked.

• Disrespect of Boundaries and Consent: The statement goes beyond admiration of physical beauty to fantasizing about what “could happen,” without any mention of respect or consent. It reveals a mindset where a woman’s autonomy is ignored, and her personal boundaries are disregarded. It is not just inappropriate; it is a blatant violation of the respect every individual deserves.

• Dismissal of Achievements: Anne Curtis is a talented actress, a philanthropist, a TV host, and a role model. She has worked hard to build her career and contribute positively to society. Empowerment means recognizing women for their talents, skills, achievements, and contributions—not merely how they affect someone’s personal desires. The congressman’s words strip away Anne’s accomplishments and reduce her to an object of fleeting attraction.

• Perpetuating Harmful Stereotypes: Such statements are not just disrespectful to the individual woman involved but also contribute to a wider, harmful narrative about the role of women in society. They reinforce outdated stereotypes that women exist solely for men’s pleasure or validation, which perpetuates the cycle of inequality and disrespect.

True empowerment for women lies in seeing them as fully realized individuals—people with their own dreams, goals, and worth. This congressman’s remark does the opposite by diminishing Anne Curtis to a mere object of fantasy. It ignores her humanity and her right to be treated with respect.

This kind of rhetoric has no place in any setting, let alone in the halls of power. The fact that this congressman not only made such a comment but also refused to accept that it was wrong speaks volumes about the mindset that still exists in some circles of leadership. I commend the justice committee members who voted to strike his statement from the record and take a stand for dignity and respect.

The very essence of Women’s Month is to celebrate women’s empowerment—recognizing their full humanity and achievements. But remarks like these, from an individual who should be setting a higher standard, only serve to perpetuate the objectification and degradation of women. It’s essential that we continue to call out and challenge such unacceptable behavior to ensure a future where women are celebrated for who they truly are.

*This also appears on my personal Blog

I forgot to repost my thing about #InternationalWomensDay that I have shared every year for many years

I have some horrendous things to add to it for this year, but haven't got around to it yet.

Tl;dr don't wish me a 'happy women's day', it's meaningless and empty.
Do something.

https://noodlemaz.wordpress.com/2021/03/08/international-womens-day-action/

#international_womens_day #InternationalWomensMonth #sexism #misogyny #feminism #VAWG #maleViolence

1-year anniversary of After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology.

Today marks the 1-year anniversary of After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology. What began as a powerful vision quickly became something extraordinary—reaching #1 Amazon Bestseller in less than 24 hours after its release and remaining on the bestseller list for over a month and a half.

This milestone is a beautiful reminder that when a book carries both heart and purpose, people show up to support it. Stories with advocacy, meaning, and authenticity truly resonate with readers around the world.

I am also deeply grateful to the wonderful and inspiring writers from across the globe whose stunning contributions brought this anthology to life. Your voices, courage, and creativity made this book truly meaningful.

To our friends in Malaysia, the book is also available at the Perak Women for Women Society shop in Ipoh. 100% of the proceeds from copies sold there go directly to their initiatives supporting distressed and abused women—helping them find their footing and rebuild their lives.

Grateful for everyone who believed in this project and helped amplify its message. Here’s to the power of storytelling and the impact a single book can make.

Lastly, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, may we continue to empower women, uplift their voices, and support initiatives that help them rebuild, thrive, and lead with strength.

After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology is the third installment in the After Rain Skies series,
bringing together writers, poets, and storytellers from around the world to speak out against all
forms of abuse and violence. Each poem and prose piece is either a personal story or one that
inspired the writer—a voice raised in solidarity with those who have endured hardship. These are
raw, real stories of resilience, courage, and the search for light after darkness, told through
powerful prose and poetry.

Michelle Ayon Navajas, The Curator
Published by Michelle Ayon Navajas Publishing House

The Contributors

Nigel Byng, USA
Precious Magdaleno, Philippines
Joni Caggiano, USA
Mike Utley, USA
Kritika Tanvi, India
Norj Joseph, Philippines
Kristine Joy Verdeflor Scianneaux, USA
Scarlet Rose, Japan
Maggie Watson, Scotland
Bianca Alina, Romania
Selma Martin, Japan
Maria Michaela, Philippines
Rowena Liwanag Suarez, Philippines
Friscia Magbanua, Philippines
Karlyn Miraflor, Philippines
Sheila Henry, USA
Danna Garbida, Philippines
Dawn Pisturino, USA
April, USA
Robbie Cheadle, South Africa
Elena Maria Mana-ay Parcon, Philippines
Myca Paga, Philippines
Minette Aralar, Philippines
Gurpreet Dhariwal, Canada
Sadje, Pakistan
Arshein Deticio, Philippines
Gloria Byng – Cornwall, Trinidad and Tobago
Jenna Gee, USA
Michael Cheadle, South Africa

Amazon.com: After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology eBook : Navajas, Michelle Ayon: Books https://share.google/QP7qI0tk6sqcqeFLp

March is a time to celebrate the women who shape our game, our communities and our future. It is a time to recognise that progress towards gender equality requires action from us all.

Anchored by International Women’s Day on 8 March, our Empowering Every Woman. Every Season. campaign highlights how we support women through every stage of life.

This week, we’ll spotlight the work across our organisation, including Chelsea FC Women and Chelsea Foundation, as we continue creating lasting impact in sport and beyond.

#InternationalWomensMonth #GiveToGain 💙