Today on Squirrel News, Namibia elects its first female president, a steady leader with roots in the independence movement, Kigali transforms into Africa’s cleanest city, and women-led taxi services in Bolivia improve safety while empowering women to achieve economic independence.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, a former member of Namibia’s underground independence movement in the 1970s, has been elected as the country’s first female president. She is widely regarded as a steady hand and not tainted by corruption scandals.
Faced with waste management challenges common in many urban areas, Rwanda’s capital Kigali transformed into Africa’s cleanest city through a ban on plastic bags, public education, and a monthly event called Umuganda.
London fashion week makes landmark move with ban on exotic animal skins
London fashion week will be the first of the four major fashion events to ban exotic animal skins from shows starting in 2025. The move, praised by animal rights campaigners, encourages designers to embrace innovative and ethical alternatives.
New greenhouse tech helps farmers combat extreme heat, save water
As rising global temperatures threaten crops, a startup developed a nanotechnology-based greenhouse covering that reduces heat by 7°C while conserving up to 30% of water. This enables sustainable agriculture in extreme climates.
Women-led taxi services boost safety, independence in Bolivia
In Bolivia, where rates of sexual violence are among the highest in Latin America, women-led taxi services provide safe transportation for women, children, and elderly passengers. These services also offer income for women, empowering them to escape abusive situations and achieve financial independence.
Beaked hazelnut research supports First Nations’ land rights claims
New research shows Indigenous peoples in British Columbia cultivated hazelnut forests 7,000 years ago. This evidence provides a powerful case study for land rights disputes as it traces a genetic signature so far back in time.
Majority of UK universities pledge to divest from fossil fuels
Over 75% of UK universities have committed to excluding fossil fuel companies from their investment portfolios, withdrawing £17.7 billion from the industry. This milestone follows years of student and staff activism.
How a Salt Lake City library is transforming support for the unhoused
To address homelessness and related challenges, the Salt Lake City Public Library employs full-time social workers and partners with local organisations to provide mental health support, housing assistance, and essential resources.
College-focused rapid rehousing helps students overcome homelessness
In response to a rising housing crisis among US college students, programmes like California’s rapid rehousing initiative connect students with stable housing and support services.
Low-carbon kitchens in Nairobi address child hunger with school meals
Kenya’s Food4Education provides 60,000 subsidised meals daily through eco-friendly kitchens. The programme plans to expand nationwide, reaching millions by 2030.
