Category Archives: Human Rights

Lane Beachley

Beachley has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the community and I love that her continued involvement with charity work, public motivation speaking and coaching are just extensions of the endless energy and passion she demonstrates in her actions and career.

Huwaida Arraf

Her resilience in the face of possible repercussion is admirable, her tenacity to maintain her stance on non-violent responses after being privy to all too many examples of the opposite is, in its very essence, inspiring.

Book Review: Because of You by Dawn French

“Sometimes you applaud the people who write with such meticulous accuracy – they’ve researched where every tile was placed and mapped out every metre of the football pitch. That’s one version of fiction. And then there is this. A book that focuses on the emotions. On the choices and the complexity of human life, and how quickly things can go from incredible to devastating in the blink of an eye.”

Grace Lee Boggs

When there is discussion about what makes the perfect leader, this is the kind of person I think should come to mind first. A person who is incredibly influential and makes waves and waves of progress, is educated and informed and knows how to generate and execute positive social movement, yet is humble enough to know that they never cease learning.

Manizha Wafeq

There is so much desperation, sadness, fear and misunderstanding flowing from Afghanistan. You can see emergent news and analysis of the situation here, but this blog was created to celebrate influential and wonderful figures of history and so that is what I will do here. Everyone should know the name Manizha Wafeq, and here’s why.Continue reading “Manizha Wafeq”

Book Review: The First Stone by Helen Garner

There can be a lot of conviction in our opinions and beliefs as young people, but before I had experienced some of my own experiences in the workplace and general life I simply didn’t have the depth and ability to articulate myself that I have today.

Book Review: There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura

Any book that brings forward these types of conditions in society are welcomed by me. For many reading this book it will seem inconceivable, but then for so many it will resonate and hit home, and both parties I think will wholly benefit from reading this.

Weekend Read: Handling the Bully

Bullying is one of those things that you hope you will leave behind at the school gates when you walk out of them for the last time. Unfortunately, however, it rears its ugly head again and again as we walk through life. Children bullies sometimes grow into adult bullies. It’s as simple as that. LotsContinue reading “Weekend Read: Handling the Bully”

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Young people in politics is always very exciting to me. It is one thing to have a young voice, it is another entirely to have that voice represent the “lay person”. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) gives us a lot to be interested by, as the youngest elected Congresswoman and as someone representing the voices of theContinue reading “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez”

Huda Shaawari

“When I read summaries of these incredibly brave women acting in ways divergent to the social norms it always strikes me what isn’t said. When all we have are public works or interviews to draw on, we do not get to hear about the hours spent in self-doubt, or the moments of fear over repercussion or backlash.”

Tituba

Tituba may have been painted to be the “scary” woman who started the Salem Witch Trials, but really it was the misunderstandings of a series of young girls’ physical health poorly stirred into a pot of mistrust of slaves, misunderstandings of alternative faiths and mistakes by little girls to push attention away from them onto an easy target.

Anna Burns

I do love me a good read of the latest Manbooker Prize winner. Author Anna Burns has taken out this year’s prize with her novel “Milkman“. I’m yet to get into the novel but I’m excited to! Prior to receiving the £50,000 prize money for her efforts, Anna was on welfare. She suffers chronic painContinue reading “Anna Burns”

Jennifer Smith

I always feel such inspiration when I hear about a person who has managed to write their own book. Then I hear about Jennifer Smith, who decided to write a book at 12 years old, publishing at 16 years old and I am flat out in awe. Let’s just add in that she is dyslexiaContinue reading “Jennifer Smith”

Special Feature: Gaby Judd

A personal note to Gaby: thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to you about your efforts. Despite the draining and intensely sad nature of the information you are exposed to through your work with Grandmothers, you are a positive, forward-looking person invested in getting lessContinue reading “Special Feature: Gaby Judd”

Eleanor Roosevelt

Thank you to my wonderful friend Rachel for providing me with Eleanor for this week’s focus. It is always great to hear who inspires my friends and family and I encourage you to reach out if you have a beautiful human that I could feature! ** Eleanor Roosevelt is niece to the former President ofContinue reading “Eleanor Roosevelt”

Stephanie Kwolek

Ever wondered who invented Kevlar? It’s a pretty niche thing to ponder on at any given time but luckily I have the answer for you! Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar. Stephanie was born in 1924. She was a Chemist. She discovered the correct fibers that led to the creation of Kevlar when she was in herContinue reading “Stephanie Kwolek”