CSW 61 Parallel Event On its fifth anniversary of hosting Side and Parallel Events at the United Nations, Commission on the Status of Women, Montage Initiative celebrated the role of youth leadership in advancing gender equality by showcasing its student immersion trip to India. Youth speakers from the Student Advisory Board discussed how the inclusion…
Author: k-co squared
Widows
Originally published for Montage Initiative and the Student Advisory Board. Rolling into Ma Dham shelter was one of the most emotional and memorable moments of the trip. Under the clear sky and bursting sun of midday, the sheltered widows lined up to greet us with flower necklaces in their hands. As we got off the…
Patriarchy and Women in India
Experiencing Patriarchy Originally published for Montage Initiative and the Student Advisory Board. India is a strongly patriarchal society, of different degrees depending on the level of development of individual states, cities, and regions. Going around to the cities of Vrindavan, Delhi, Agra, and Japiur, virtually every public space in India, one thing stands out to…
Paris Attacks 2015
Written for Fairfield University: http://thinkspace.fairfield.edu/post/134059608218/reflections-on-paris-before-and-after-november
Book Review: Bottom Billion
Book review written for the George Washington University International Affairs Review: https://www.iar-gwu.org/blog/2017/04/07/book-review-the-bottom-billion.
A Sanctuary for the Homeless in Paris: Emmaüs Solidarité
He explained, passerbys and society too often regard people on the street with indifference, deeming them invisible, or worse. As such, the homeless feel shame and disconnected from the rest of the world. Ali’s opening up showed a need to connect and share his situation. Ali, Diop, Mike, Toni, and others who I met exemplify what it means to brave rough times and lead their lives with dignity through the challenges.
On Starbucks
Jetting off to faraway lands can seems more romantic than in actuality. What struck me most in Hong Kong was not the display of ancient porcelain tea sets at the airport, but the full Starbucks. Indeed, American franchises like Starbucks have taken over globally. But is there anything wrong here?
Commemorating Women Worldwide
“No more being afraid to speak the truth, no more fending off sexual advances from an employer or person in power, no more pay disparity. The time is now.” “We are not waiting to be saved. We are saving ourselves.” In a quest to find the stories and voices missing, Danai Gurira went to war-ridden places to learn from some of the women who had suffered the most. Gurira’s inspiration for her character and work was the bravery and strength of these women to carry on no matter what, and to continue to make a difference for those around them – to rebuild communities and nations, thereby becoming leaders in their own way.
China: On Teamwork
The chemistry and human interaction forces that lead to synergy are hard to pinpoint. I saw these forces in action at their best during my most epic team experience in China. So what are the ingredients for a strong team that survives and thrives? Why are they hard to achieve at times?
K-squared 