Pope endorses same sex partnerships, sustainable radio for Indian fishermen, female presidential candidates in Iran

Photo: Catholic Church England and Wales via Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about the pope’s endorsement of same sex partnerships, India’s first sustainable fishermen’s radio channel, and Iran’s approval of women to run for presidency.

Pope Francis backs same-sex civil unions

As pope, Francis has never previously publicly backed civil unions for same-sex couples.

Source: The Guardian

India’s first and only radio channel for fishermen

The four-year-old channel has become well known for its on-ground impact, with an outreach that goes further than just fishermen.

Source: The Better India

Starting 2021, women will be allowed to run for presidency in Iran

After four decades of barring women from presidency, Iran has made the decision to include female candidates in presidential elections from 2021 onwards.

Source: Asia Times

Cities are giving paid leave to government employees that work on the polls

Before COVID, 60% of poll workers were older volunteers that resigned earlier this year. Now, governments are giving paid leave to their employees who volunteer to serve as election officers.

Source: Next City

Colleges across the US are helping their students find resources

In spring it was revealed that 3 in 5 students in the US experience needs insecurity. Thus, colleges across the country have taken matters into their own hands by providing support including food and housing.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

This designer wants to make fashion more inclusive for disabled and queer individuals

Rebirth Fashion, founded by Sky Cubacub, specializes in fashion forward clothing intended for a diverse range of bodies and gender identities.

Source: Fast Company

This organisation makes doulas available to minority communities in San Francisco

Sisterweb provides free training and fair wages for doulas, while simultaneously offering free services for clients who include pregnant Black, Latinx and Pacific Islander women.

Source: Next City

Farming communities in the US are making mental health a priority

In the US, suicide incidences have notoriously increased in farming groups. To counter that, initiatives such as The Farmer Angel Network aim to address and spread awareness about psychological safety in their communities.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

26 scarlet macaws have been released back into the wild in Guatemala

The endangered bright red birds face threats including habitat loss, poaching, and forest fires. The lastest conservation efforts in Guatemala saw 26 birds released into the wild in efforts to boost their numbers.

Source: Treehugger

Australia: the role indigenous knowledge plays in climate change resilience

Indigenous people, whose calendars are based on ecological signs, are bound by spiritual beliefs to protect their communities. Organisations have turned to their gems for fire and biodiversity management.

Source: The Inkline

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