Feminist Weekly August 27
News clippings and #FeministWins curated by Contributing News Editor Annie Wu Henry, The Recount, and Good Good Good Co. From feel good news to headliners keeping you on the pulse. Here is the round up for the week!
Haiti is in a humanitarian
crisis after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake and tropical
storm, Grace.
The Haitian government declared a state of emergency after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the country. At least 1,297 people have died and more than 5,700 are left injured according to the country's civil protection agency. The quake destroyed thousands of homes and damages are seen across the country. The destruction has also pushed hospitals to the brink and blocked roads that would carry vital supplies. (Via CNN) — In the same weekend, as the country struggled to recover from the earthquake, Haiti’s resources were exasperated by Tropical Depression Grace. The heavy rains and powerful winds raised the risk of floods and mudslides hampering relief efforts for quake victims. With thousands of homes destroyed and thousands of Haitian citizens displaced. (Via Wall Street Journal)
Kathy Hochul was sworn in as New York’s first female Governor.
Kathy Hochul became New York's governor just minutes after Governor Andrew Cuomo left office on Tuesday Aug. 24. NY's now-former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned after many sexual harassment allegations and an investigation that found that he had sexually harassed at least 11 women. In his televised address he said, “The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing." Cuomo was additionally under fire over the discovery that his administration had concealed thousands of COVID-19 deaths among nursing home patients. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a 62-year-old Democrat and former member of Congress, assumed the role, becoming the state's 57th governor and first woman in this position. (Via AP)
A centrist Democrat from the Buffalo area of New York state, Hochul joined the previous governor's team in 2014 and has held the role of lieutenant governor. Throughout her career, she has been an advocate for women facing domestic and sexual violence, establishing a transitional home for domestic violence victims in 2006 and leading the "Enough is Enough" campaign to fight sexual assault on college campuses. Hochul denounced Andrew Cuomo's actions saying his resignation was the "right thing to do", calling his behavior "repulsive & unlawful." She has assured the public she is ready to step up and said, "It's not something that we expected or asked for, but I am fully prepared to assume the responsibility."
The Taliban took over Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul after the government collapse. The embattled president fled along with an exodus of his fellow citizens and foreigners, signaling the end of a costly two-decade U.S. campaign to remake the country. Heavily armed Taliban fighters spanned across the capital, several entering Kabul’s abandoned presidential palace. Suhail Shaheen, a Taliban spokesman and negotiator, told The Associated Press that the militants would hold talks in the coming days aimed at forming an “open, inclusive Islamic government.” AP reported that earlier, a Taliban official said the group would announce from the palace the restoration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the formal name of the country under Taliban rule before the militants were ousted by U.S.-led forces in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, which were orchestrated by al-Qaida while it was being sheltered by the Taliban. But that plan appeared to be on hold.
The city of Kabul is overwhelmed with panic, as citizens and foreign military personnel are evacuating from the country. Many are fearful that the Taliban will reimpose the intense and brutal rule that essentially eliminated women’s rights. In fear, many Afghans have urgently attempted to leave the country, lining up at cash machines to withdraw their life savings and the desperate even clinging to planes taking off. (Via AP)
👉 Visit this resource guide to support the people of Afghanistan
ICYMI
World's climate scientists issue 'code red for humanity' in the IPCC Report. — A landmark study from The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was just released and the UN Chief says, “it’s a code red for humanity.” The study warns that the world is already certain to face further climate disruptions for decades, if not centuries, to come, including but not limited to increasingly extreme droughts, heatwaves, and floods. According to the study, the world is likely to hit a terrifying 1.5C warming limit within 20 years. (Via Reuters)
The people of the Tigray region in Ethiopia are facing Famine, war, and violent ethnic cleansing.— With the ongoing civil war in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, a man-made famine designed by the Ethiopian government is now expected to affect over 900,000 Tigrayan people. (Via AP) While, sexual violence against women and girls in Ethiopia's Tigray region amount to war crimes, Amnesty says, officials on the ground say the violence shows signs of ethnic cleansing. (Via CNN) The United States has been aiding with food in the region, but this week the aid will run out for millions of people as the Ethiopian government is obstructing humanitarian aid and personnel, including land convoys and air access to the region.The famine conditions in the Tigray region has been called the world’s worst hunger crisis in a decade. Learn more about the war and ways to get involved at 👉 Omni Tigray.
Lebanon is in darkness with severe fuel shortages and wide power cuts. — Lebanon is currently sinking into a humanitarian catastrophe, as the World Bank has described the crisis as a “deliberate depression” with more than half of the population likely below the national poverty line. Most Lebanese people are currently struggling every day due to inflation and acute shortages of fuel, electricity, medicine and water, which makes them in great need of direct emergency assistance to have access to these basic services. (Via Egypt Streets) Top security officials met to discuss the situation, while leaving much of the nation with major roads jammed and citizens rushing to purchase food in fear that businesses would close. Many of the problems with electricity cuts have occurred for decades due to widespread corruption and mismanagement. Even now, the Seattle Times reports that the situation has been made worse by the failure of political leaders to agree on a new government to chart a path out of the crisis and negotiate a recovery package with the International Monetary Fund. Protestors have taken action against the power cuts and fuel shortages. The Lebanese citizens because are currently receiving an average of two hours of electricity a day from the notoriously corrupt state company that has cost state coffers more than $40 billion over the past three decades. As the situation worsens, some hospitals have warned they will be forced to close if they are not supplied with diesel. (Via Seattle Times)
Australia to pay reparations to ‘Stolen Generations’. — Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a reparations fund for some members of the “Stolen Generations” – the Indigenous Australians who were forcibly removed from their homes as children – three months after a group of Indigenous people began legal action for compensation. Morrison told Parliament on Thursday that 378.6 million Australian dollars ($279.97m) would be allocated to redress the human damage of the policy, including one-off payments of 75,000 Australian dollars ($55,462.50) for its victims. The funds will cover those who were under 18 and taken from their families while living in the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory, as well as the Jervis Bay territory in New South Wales. “This is a long called-for step, recognizing the bond between healing, dignity and the health and wellbeing of members of the Stolen Generations, their families and their communities,” the prime minister told Parliament. “To say formally, not just that we’re deeply sorry for what happened, but that we will take responsibility for it.” (Via Aljazeera)
Woman sues Prince Andrew, accusing him of sexual assault when she was 17. — Virginia Giuffre sued Prince Andrew, saying he sexually assaulted her when she was 17. In a statement, Giuffre said the lawsuit was brought under the Child Victims Act to allege she was trafficked to him and sexually abused by him. She was also one of the women who accused convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, a man who has been photographed with Prince Andrew on multiple occasions. "I am holding Prince Andrew accountable for what he did to me," she said. "The powerful and rich are not exempt from being held responsible for their actions. I hope that other victims will see that it is possible not to live in silence and fear, but to reclaim one's life by speaking out and demanding justice. I did not come to this decision lightly," she added. "As a mother and a wife, my family comes first — and I know that this action will subject me to further attacks by Prince Andrew and his surrogates — but I knew if I did not pursue this action, I would be letting them and victims everywhere down." (Via NPR)
July 2021 was officially the world’s hottest month ever recorded, according to new global data released today by NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information. “In this case, first place is the worst place to be,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “July is typically the world’s warmest month of the year, but July 2021 outdid itself as the hottest July and month ever recorded. This new record adds to the disturbing and disruptive path that climate change has set for the globe.” In a statement from NOAA, Spinrad also said “Today, scientists from across the globe delivered the most up-to-date assessment of the ways in which the climate is changing. It is a sobering IPCC report that finds that human influence is, unequivocally, causing climate change, and it confirms the impacts are widespread and rapidly intensifying. It is clear that inaction to mitigate climate change is making it worse. The impacts of climate change are being felt in every U.S. state, territory, community and sector. People are in harm’s way, infrastructure is increasingly outdated and in many places not designed for the new environmental realities, and extreme weather events continue to occur one after another. We have a narrow window of time to avoid very costly, deadly, and irreversible future climate impacts. It is the consensus of the world’s scientists that we need strong, and sustained reduction in greenhouse gases." (Via NOAA)
#FeministWins
Pete and Chasten Buttigieg became parents.
Pete Buttigieg (U.S. Secretary of Transportation) and husband Chasten Buttigieg (author and teacher) announced that they will be expanding their family. In a statement on social media, the couple said, "For some time, Chasten and I have wanted to grow our family. We're overjoyed to share that we've become parents! The process isn't done yet and we're thankful for the love, support, and respect for our privacy that has been offered to us. We can't wait to share more soon." (Via @pete.buttigieg via instagram and twitter)
For the first time, the average pay for restaurant and grocery store workers is over $15 an hour.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for the first time in history, the average pay for both restaurant and grocery store workers in the U.S. has surpassed $15 an hour. Overall, nearly 80% of U.S. workers now earn at least $15 an hour, up from 60% in 2014. Restaurant workers in particular saw the largest jump from pre-pandemic wages — with non-manager workers earning $13.86 on average in January 2019, and $15.31 as of June 2021. While this trend is encouraging, it's important to remember that it's still the *average* pay — some make more, and some make less. As the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 an hour, it's encouraging to see employers and entire industries recognizing the need to compensate employees with an adequate wage for the cost of living throughout the country. ⠀ (Via Good Good Good)
Britney Spears' father agrees to step down as conservator of her estate.
Britney Spears' father, Jamie, says he is willing to step down from his role in her conservatorship "when the time is right," according to court documents. For years, the pop star has pushed to remove her father from the court-appointed arrangement that has controlled her career and finances for 13 years."Mr. Spears is willing to step down when the time is right, but the transition needs to be orderly and include a resolution of matters pending before the Court," the filing said. (Via CBS News)
Naomi Osaka says she will donate her tournament prize money to relief efforts for Haiti.
Haiti was drenched by a tropical storm and has been awaiting vital widespread assistance from the earthquake that killed more than 1,400 people and injured nearly 7,000. Tennis star Naomi Osaka, whose father is Haitian, said that she will be donating any prize money she wins at the Western & Southern Open tournament to support earthquake recovery efforts there. In a tweet she said, "Really hurts to see all the devastation that’s going on in Haiti, and I feel like we really can’t catch a break. I’m about to play a tournament this week and I’ll give all the prize money to relief efforts for Haiti. I know our ancestors blood is strong we’ll keep rising." (Via @NaomiOsaka via twitter)
Amanda Pritchard was appointed as the first woman to head NHS England.
Amanda Pritchard became the first female chief executive of the NHS in England. Pritchard, NHS England's chief operating officer, replaced Sir Simon Stevens and stepped up to the position August 1. She was previously head of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust in London and an adviser in Tony Blair's government. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said her experience and expertise made her "perfectly placed" to lead the NHS. "I am delighted Amanda has been appointed the new NHS chief executive, the first woman in the history of the health service to hold this post," he said. (Via BBC)
Austrailia successfully evacuated the Afghanistan women’s national soccer team with family member
“Afghanistan women’s national soccer team players are among a group of more than 75 people evacuated on a flight from Kabul. Global soccer players’ union FIFPRO has thanked the Australian government for making the evacuation of players, team officials and family members possible.”
Thanks to fire crews, 3 large wildfires in the Pacific Northwest U.S. are now 100% contained.
According to the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest, thanks to the work of fire personnel, 3 large wildfires in the region — including the Bootleg Fire — are now 100% contained. The #BootlegFire had burned across 413,000 acres in 39 days — it's one of the largest wildfires in Oregon's history. At one point, more than 2,000 fire crew members were assigned to it alone. This is really good news as we hear reports daily of heat waves, wildfires, and toxic air conditions throughout the western United States. However, there are still 26 active wildfires not contained in Washington and Oregon spanning 473,000 acres. As we think of the firefighters, forest service staff members, and all those working to contain the wildfires and protect both people and animals — we also need to be mindful of each of our part in what's happening around the world. Wildfires, heat waves, and other extreme weather events have intensified (and will continue to) in recent years due to the impact of climate change caused by human activity. Be mindful of the daily choices you make, the policies you support, and the leaders you vote for and hold accountable in how they are — or aren't — considering the health of the planet! (Via Good Good Good)
ON THE PANDEMIC FRONT…
For the first time in nearly 7 weeks, the U.S. gave over 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in one day. — According to the White House, for the first time in nearly 7 weeks — the U.S. had a one-day total of 1 million COVID-19 vaccines administered! Among those 1 million: 562,000 newly vaccinated people. We're celebrating this news that more and more people are making the decision to get vaccinated! (Via Good Good Good)
Half of the U.S. population is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. — As of August 8, 2021, 50.1% of the total U.S. population is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to data from the CDC. The country reached the halfway mark on Friday. Tap this post at the link in our bio to see the latest data! According to the White House's COVID-19 data director, Cyrus Shahpar, the seven-day average of new vaccinations is up 11% from last week and up 44% over the past two weeks. This is really good, hopeful news as the Delta variant continues to impact areas with fewer safety restrictions and lower vaccination rates. More people are getting the vaccine, and getting it quickly. If you're able, the COVID-19 vaccine is an incredible way to protect not only yourself, but to be a good neighbor to those around you! We still have work to do to get that percentage even higher — and we need vaccination percentages to get to equitable levels around the world. Let this good news inspire that good work! We can all do our part to help us get there: be a vaccine advocate, help people who are unsure find the information they need, tell your elected officials to make sure COVAX (the global vaccination program) has all the resources it needs, wear a mask when you're indoors, and keep being kind to each other.⠀⠀⠀ (Via Good Good Good)
Florida gives school districts 48 hours to reverse mask mandates or lose funding. — Two Florida school districts that defied state rules and imposed mask mandates for students have been given 48 hours to reverse course or lose state funding equal to the salaries of their school board members. In an order sent Friday to the districts in Alachua and Broward counties — the first of five districts in the state to impose mask requirements this month — the State Board of Education said that if they do not reverse their mandates in two days, the districts will have to provide Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran the current salaries of each school board member. Leaders in both school districts told ABC News Friday that they will not reverse their mask mandates and will take legal action against the state. "It's not legal what the governor is doing. We think he has overstepped his purview," said Dr. Rosalind Osgood, chair of the Broward County School Board. (Via ABC News)
Republican Lindsey Graham gets mild COVID case, says vaccines are why he is okay. — In a statement issued by his office, Graham said he began experiencing flu-like symptoms on Saturday night. He said he went to the doctor Monday morning and "was just informed" of his positive test result. "I feel like I have a sinus infection and at present time I have mild symptoms," Graham said. "I will be quarantining for ten days." “I am very glad I was vaccinated because without vaccination I am certain I would not feel as well as I do now," Graham said. "My symptoms would be far worse.” (Via USA Today)
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tests positive for COVID-19. — Texas Governor Abbott spoke at a GOP event in which he tweeted photos of him addressing a maskless, non-distanced crowd. The following day, he posted photos meeting with guitarist Jimmie Vaughan. Hours later he was diagnosed positive for COVID-19. Abbott has been fully vaccinated and according to a statement from his spokesperson, was not experiencing any symptoms and isolated himself at the Governor's Mansion. He recieved Regeneron's monoclonal antibody treatment which is not widely available to the public. Public health officials also noted that while breakthrough cases like Abbott's are occurring, vaccines are still proven to be effective at reducing the severity of the virus. (Via Texas Tribune)
Biden administration plans to to vaccinate migrants at border facilities. — The Biden administration will potentially begin offering the coronavirus vaccine to migrants in U.S. custody along the Mexico border. Health officials in these areas are struggling with soaring numbers of infections, according to two Department of Homeland Security officials with knowledge of the plan, and unitl now, only a limited number of migrants have received vaccine while held in longer-term U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities. Under the broad outlines of the new plan, DHS would vaccinate migrants soon after they cross into the United States as they await processing by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (Via Washington Post)
NYC began requiring proof of vaccination for dining indoors. — New York City has begun to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all indoor dining, perfomances and gym activities. While it is the first major city in the U.S. to impose such restrictions, many other metro areas may follow with similar protocols. The new requirement, will be phased in over several weeks in August and September, is a step the city is taking to curb a surge in cases caused by the delta variant. People will have to show proof that they have had at least one vaccine dose. (Via NY Eater)
Canada opens border to fully vaccinated Americans. — As of Aug. 9, fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents have been allowed to enter Canada without quarantining, as long as they show a negative coronavirus test result. The policy will be expanded to fully vaccinated people from elsewhere Sept. 7. (Via Washington Post)
The Pentagon will require a COVID-19 vaccination for all military personnel. — Members of the U.S. military will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine beginning next month under a plan laid out by the Pentagon Monday and endorsed by President Joe Biden. In memos distributed to all troops, top Pentagon leaders said the vaccine is a necessary step to maintain military readiness. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the mid-September deadline could be accelerated if the vaccine receives final FDA approval or infection rates continue to rise. (Via AP)
California requires teachers to get vaccinated or undergo weekly testing. — California will become the first state in the nation to require all teachers and staff in K-12 public and private schools to get vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced. The statewide vaccine mandate comes as schools return from summer break amid growing concerns of the highly contagious delta variant. The new policy will affect the state's 320,000 public school teachers, more than 250,000 support staff — from cafeteria employees to cleaners — and at least 80,000 private school employees, according to the California Department of Education and labor unions. It will also apply to school volunteers. (Via NPR)
CDC: COVID-19 vaccine doesn't increase miscarriage risk. — On August 11, the CDC released the following statement: CDC has released new data on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant people and is recommending all people 12 years of age and older get vaccinated against COVID-19. “CDC encourages all pregnant people or people who are thinking about becoming pregnant and those breastfeeding to get vaccinated to protect themselves from COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. “The vaccines are safe and effective, and it has never been more urgent to increase vaccinations as we face the highly transmissible Delta variant and see severe outcomes from COVID-19 among unvaccinated pregnant people.” Read the rest of the statement (Via CDC)
FDA approves COVID-19 booster shot for immunocompromised. — On August 12, the FDA released the following statement: Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for both the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for the use of an additional dose in certain immunocompromised individuals, specifically, solid organ transplant recipients or those who are diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise. Read the rest of the statement (Via FDA)
COVID-19 cases hit record highs in 5 states: Florida, Hawaii, Oregon, Louisiana, Mississippi. — Five states broke records for the average number of daily new Covid cases as the delta variant strains hospital systems across the U.S. and forces many states to reinstate public health restrictions. Florida, Louisiana, Hawaii, Oregon and Mississippi all reached new peaks in their seven-day average of new cases per day as of Sunday, according to a CNBC analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. On a per capita basis, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida are suffering from the three worst outbreaks in the country. (Via CNBC)
New Zealand imposes nationwide lockdown over 1st COVID case since February. — After identifying several locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, New Zealand has been on a full country lockdown. This level 4 lockdown, the country's strictest level, began over a single infection, the first transmitted locally in the country since February 2021. Now with an additional 30 active cases, including 11 locally transmitted infections, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has extended the lockdown. According to the Director General of Healht Ashley Bloomfield, the patient at the center of the most recent cluster was an unvaccinated 58-year-old man who had traveled to other parts of the country, and had no obvious link to the border. (Via CNN)
Annie Wu Henry is a journalist, social media expert and politics + pop culture junkie. On the cusp of being a gen-z and millennial she understands the power and privilege that social media holds and chooses to use her platform to utilize these tools for good. Through sharing news in digestible, entertaining and easy to understand content, Annie seeks to promote the message that anyone can be an activist and make an impact. She believes people are important and thrives on building meaningful connections with others through sharing our stories and perspectives. As a proud adopted Asian-American, her work focuses on equality, mental health, intersectionality and education.
