In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about a landmark moment for women’s rights in Egypt, Colombia’s violence prevention hotline aimed at challenging machismo, and how care home residents in Germany are benefitting from alpaca and llama therapy.
Egypt swears in first female judges to judicial body
Nearly 100 women have been admitted to the Egyptian court, in a victory for equality activists who have long fought for the representation of both genders in the judicial system.
Colombia’s anti-machismo hotline aims to tackle male violence against women
The Calm Line attempts to not only stop violence before it happens, but also address the root causes of misogyny and sexism by engaging in active conversation with perpetrators.
Google Maps to show the lowest carbon route for car journeys
Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai said the initiative could save approximately one million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, with many drivers looking to reduce their impact on the environment.
Eco-score labels in UK supermarkets mark a shift towards sustainable food
A simple letter-grading system helps consumers to see the environmental impact of their food more easily, resulting in an increase in ecologically greener purchases.
The new legislation adds the act of stealthing – in which one partner removes their condom without the knowledge or consent of the other – to the state’s civil definition of sexual battery.
“Talking signs” are helping the visually impaired navigate their world more easily
The mobile app scans QR codes placed on signs before reading the information out loud to the user, removing an important barrier for those with difficulty seeing.
Abandoned school becomes urban farm and community hub for local residents
The Midtown Farm in Tucson, Arizona also fosters a connection to Latino and Indigenous cultures, breaking down barriers and celebrating the differences of local community members.
“Sioux chef” fights to bring back Indigenous food to the US diet
Oglala Lakota chef Sean Sherman is helping to return traditional Native American recipes to the forefront of US cuisine, highlighting the impact colonisation has had on food cultures.
Travelling darkroom allows Syrian refugee children to explore photography
The Sirkhane Darkroom programme provides young people with the opportunity to express themselves, document their experiences and tell their stories through photography.