A BLOG BY SIMRAN VIRK
As a descendant of farmers from both Rajasthan and Punjab, the past few months, more particularly the past week, have been both troubling and inspiring. Growing up, my parents always shared stories about visiting their pinds (villages) during summer holidays and playing in the fields, enjoying the clean air, eating fresh fruit, making makhan (butter) [...]
As the 2010s come to an end, I cannot help but reflect back on how much has occurred in such a short amount of time. We experienced the desperate need for progressive policy in a time of heightened conservatism. We saw great movements demanding social justice for all people. We felt incredible pain and suffering [...]
The complicity of silence is a dangerous thing. Desmond Tutu rightfully said, "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." Staying quiet in moments of adversity and unfairness is something we cannot afford any longer. It is impertinent that we find our voices to echo, support and educate [...]
Whether you are having lunch at the office, sitting in a classroom, or watching the news, the term sexual violence is at the forefront of all conversations. It's safe to say that the #MeToo movement has affected the lives of both men and women around the world. However, for survivors of sexual violence, this movement [...]
In a time where we are finally holding people accountable for their actions, it is impertinent that we take steps to educate ourselves and future generations about sex education. The idea of respect, personal space, healthy relationships, consent, gender identity, and mental and physical health all need to be taught at a young age. Children need [...]
Looking back at the past year, I have been so incredibly blessed. From helping further girls' education in India, travelling to Greece, making memories in Las Vegas, and to meeting the Prime Minister of Canada, I have experienced so much. Although 22 years of life may not seem like a long time, each day I [...]
Violence against women is not a new phenomenon. Women of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, genders and abilities have always faced discrimination. However, women have fought tirelessly to have their voices be heard in all aspects of life. In particular, the global suffrage movement is one that has pushed societies worldwide towards a [...]
I may not be American, but by living in a border city with direct personal connections to people living in the US, makes American issues my issues. It's not just about having connections with Americans, but rather the fact that fellow human beings living across the border are faced with pain due to senseless violence. No matter where [...]
With increasing population growth, industrialization and urbanization, the world’s fresh water supply is being polluted and depleted faster than ever before. Water scarcity is not just a lack of safe water, but it is the lack of access to safe water. Although water covers 71% of our planet, 96% of it is saline water, thus leaving [...]
In a society that is fast-paced, competitive, and demanding, we tend to live our lives in urgency. We are told that we need to work harder, be better, do more, keep pushing and that anything less than perfect is not acceptable. This teaches us to set unattainable standards for ourselves, take on extra responsibilities, and [...]
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