News & Blog

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DM Weekly Digest 01/12/2023

Italy protests growing number of femicides, urges Meloni government to step up

Italian cities have witnessed protests against the rise in the number of femicides with protesters demanding more action from the Meloni government. Read more here.

 

Russian court bans 'LGBT movement'

Russia's Supreme Court has declared what it calls "the international LGBT public movement" an extremist organisation and banned its activities across the country. No such organisation exists as a legal entity. Read more here.

 

Nepal becomes first South Asian country to register same-sex marriage

It is a landmark moment in a largely conservative country which earlier this year cleared the way for the legalisation of gay marriages. Read more here.

 

Ethnicity pay gap: White employees earning up to 18.5% more

Employees with a mixed ethnicity of White and Black Caribbean background had the lowest median gross hourly earnings in 2022 (£11.75) compared with White British employees (£14.42), according to the Office for National Statistics. Read more here.

The ONS report can be read here.

 

The oil boss, the islander, the ecofeminist: Five people to watch at COP28

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s bold oratory and climate advocacy have catapulted the charismatic leader of tiny Barbados to the forefront of the battle against climate change. Read more here.

 

Trans human rights activist named on BBC’s 100 Women list

Rukshana Kapali, who is from Nepal, has appeared on the list alongside other “influential and inspiring women” from across the globe including former US First Lady Michelle Obama, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and Hollywood star America Ferrera. Read more here.

The BBC 100 Women 2023 list is here.

 

Doctor Who's disability representation proves why small moments matter

The portrayal of a wheelchair user in Doctor Who is an extraordinary step forward for representation in the beloved series — but amid the fantastical, fairytale things, there can still be hard realities. Read more here.

 

Manchester launches five-year plan for Age-Friendly City

The strategy will focus on four themes: Being heard and age equality; Age-friendly neighbourhoods where citizens can all age in place; Age-Friendly services that support citizens to age well; and Age-friendly work skills and money. Read more here.

 

Events in December:

3rd December: International Day of People with Disabilities

On this Day, World Health Organisation joins partners around the world to call for action to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for, with, and by persons with disabilities. Read more here.

 

7th-15th December: Hanukkah

The Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. Read more here.

 

8th December: Bodhi Day

A Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha (Shakyamuni) is said to have attained enlightenment. It is celebrated by meditation, carrying out kind acts and eating a traditional meal of cake, tea and readings. Read more here.

 

10th December: Human Rights Day

The anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. Read more here.

 

25th December: Christmas Day

The Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated around the world in a more secular way to bring some festive cheer to the cold winter months and dark nights. Many faiths, for example Eastern Orthodox Christianity observe the festival in January.