In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re covering groundbreaking progress in maternal mortality rates, how needs-based salaries are changing workplace dynamics for the better, and cognitive behavioural interventions are reducing gun violence rates in Chicago.
Maternal mortality drops by 50% over the past 35 years
Although 300,000 women still lose their lives to pregnancy-related causes every year, the global community has made significant strides in reducing this number. According to recently published WHO data, maternal mortality has decreased by half since 1985, thanks to improvements in access to care.
Needs-based salaries are shaking up workplace practices
From innovative social justice policies to “Happy Money Stories,” a growing number of companies are rethinking how they pay employees. Socially just pay policies aim to recognise different needs and backgrounds, with these models ensuring each employee receives the same base salary, with additional “uplifts” for those with financial dependents or living in cities.
Cognitive behavioural intervention lowers gun violence rates in Chicago
In 2023, INVC outreach workers and victim advocates addressed 391 shooting incidents in Chicago – with 97% of these interventions occurring within 60 minutes of the incident. “We successfully engaged and supported 78% of the victims and their families, with 56% of victims subsequently enrolling in our programmes,” states the organisation’s 2023 Impact Report.
Home voting for elderly and disabled introduced in India for 2024 elections
For the first time, India’s Election Commission has introduced a home voting facility for elderly and disabled citizens in the 2024 national elections. Voters aged 85 and above, as well as those with a physical disability, now have the option to vote from home. Over 17 million voters have registered for this new option nationwide, according to the commission.
Southern white rhinos return to South African wilderness
In a new initiative spearheaded by the NGO African Parks, dozens of southern white rhinos have been reintroduced to the wild across South Africa. This marks the first phase of a larger plan to release 2,000 rhinos into conservancies across the continent.
How a Connecticut middle school beat cellphone distraction
At Illing Middle School, a bold initiative to ban cellphones sparked resistance from both students and some parents – but the results have been remarkable. The initiative highlights a growing trend in education, where some administrators are implementing drastic measures to curb the pervasive and distracting influence of technology.
Behind the scenes: the environmental lawyers suing Shell’s board of directors
The lawsuit against Shell’s 11 board members accuses them of neglecting legal obligations by not implementing a transition strategy that complies with the Paris Agreement. ClientEarth is not alone: they have the support of investors owning 12 million shares in Shell. Notably, ClientEarth itself became a Shell shareholder in 2016.
How refugee women in Uganda are thriving against the odds
Stella, Dawa, and Salome arrived at the Bidi Bidi refugee camp in north-western Uganda with only the clothes on their backs. Today, they’re successful entrepreneurs and businesswomen, spearheading enterprises that sustain their families and educate their children.
A therapy practice pioneering cultural and linguistic connections
Accessing mental healthcare can pose unique challenges for first-generation immigrants within the Latino community. The stigma surrounding seeking help often persists through subsequent generations, leading many to forego therapy altogether. Latino Talk Therapy aims to address this gap by offering bilingual services delivered by Latino therapists.
In Zambia – where an estimated 25 psychologists and psychiatrists are registered as of 2020 – women are stepping forward to facilitate grassroots group therapy sessions, fostering healing dynamics within families and communities.
