Author: Leslie Scotland-Stewart

The funding landscape for civil society organizations is currently facing significant challenges, particularly for women-led groups working amidst humanitarian crises. A recent study by UN Women indicates a dire situation: approximately 47% of women’s organizations could face closure within six months if the trend of international funding cuts continues. This scenario poses a severe risk to women and their families, highlighting the urgent necessity for increased, consistent support for women-led and women’s rights organizations in vulnerable regions. As outlined in the UN Trust Fund’s 2024 Annual Report, the initiative supported a total of 180 women-led organizations across 74 nations last…

Photo by Elizabeth Ragwar, used with permission. On June 7, 2025, I participated in an empowering conference in Denmark focused on African women in Europe. The energy I felt there inspired me to embrace the potential for impact. Originally from Ghana, I have spent the past two years advancing my education in Germany, where the loneliness of navigating a new culture often weighs heavy on me. The Start of the Journey Back to Germany As I prepared to leave Denmark on June 9, the gray Copenhagen sky set the tone for what would become a challenging journey. Arriving at the…

Recent Developments in Immigration Enforcement Targeting Iranian Asylum-Seekers LOS ANGELES — Iranian asylum-seekers in Los Angeles are facing detentions by immigration officials, even as they pursue credible-fear claims in court. This troubling trend is a reflection of the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Iran. Many of these asylum-seekers are Christians fleeing Iran, where non-Muslim religions are viewed with substantial intolerance. According to the Iranian Foreign Affairs Ministry, there are approximately 4 million Iranian exiles globally, with nearly a third residing in the United States as of 2021. The recent wave of arrests has led some Iranian detainees to…

By Philippa Roxby Health Reporter Charlie Beattie cradles her nine-week-old baby, June, after multiple miscarriages. Researchers at Warwick University in the UK have made significant strides in understanding miscarriages, revealing a new test that may help identify women with unusual womb linings associated with higher miscarriage risks. This advancement holds promise for developing effective treatments for those experiencing recurring pregnancy loss. According to the team’s findings, some women with a history of miscarriage may have a womb lining that fails to undergo necessary changes to create an environment conducive for embryo implantation. This discovery is seen as a breakthrough that…

NESCAC Names Nominees for NCAA Woman of the Year and D3CA Women’s Sport Student-Athlete of the Year Hadley, Mass. — The New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) has announced ten distinguished student-athletes who have been nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year and the Division III Commissioners Association (D3CA) Women’s Sports Student-Athlete of the Year awards. Among these nominees are Julia Jardina and Fiona Mejico, both representatives from Colby College. A Celebration of Excellence The NCAA Woman of the Year and D3CA awards recognize graduating student-athletes who have excelled in academics, athletics, community service, and leadership throughout their…

The NCAA has officially approved the format for the inaugural 2026 NCAA Women’s Freestyle Wrestling Championships, which will feature competition among NCAA Division I, II, and III teams. Currently, there are 112 NCAA programs offering women’s college wrestling, broken down as follows: Division I: 6 programs Division II: 36 programs Division III: 70 programs It’s important to note that while Division I and II programs provide athletic scholarships, Division III programs do not, placing them at a competitive disadvantage. The forthcoming 2025 National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships serve as a precursor to the NCAA Championships, allowing up to 15 national…

Welsh Women’s Football: A Journey of Resilience and Triumph In a groundbreaking documentary titled Euro 2025: Together Stronger, Jess Fishlock, the all-time leading scorer for Wales, along with her teammates, unveils the inspiring narrative of Welsh Women’s football. This film, produced by Barn Media, forms part of a larger series by BBC Cymru Wales that celebrates the team’s historic qualification for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. The Road to Euro 2025 The Welsh Women’s team has faced numerous obstacles on their journey to the European Championship, defying the odds and overcoming setbacks. The documentary depicts the team’s struggles, including the…

Getty Images Cited as a pioneering work in the representation of black queer culture, Ma Rainey’s “Prove It on Me Blues” is a significant song that has left an indelible mark on music history. In 1925, a police raid disrupted a gathering in a Chicago apartment where attendees were exclusively women, a stark deviation from typical speakeasy scenes common during Prohibition. Ma Rainey, known as the “Mother of the Blues,” was arrested but instead of concealing the incident, she transformed it into a bold musical statement with the release of “Prove It on Me Blues” in 1928. The song’s lyrics…

“We love football as much as any country in the world,” Ayah Hussein expressed to DW, highlighting the enthusiasm of female fans eager to support the Jordan men’s national team during their matches at Amman International Stadium. According to Hussein, the atmosphere in local coffee shops has transformed, with female patrons equally excited to cheer for the Jordan flag as the team approaches the World Cup. “I can’t wait to watch the games next year,” she added. “It’s going to be a big party, as we have waited a long time for this.” Jordan secured its place in the World…

Old Bats of Michigan Made’s Romi Mattson earned a win from the circle Monday in a game against Superior Service at the Boneyard in Lake Linden. (Eddie O’Neill/For the Gazette) Fastpitch Softball Roundup: Gold Standard’s Stellar Performance Highlights Evening In a thrilling night of Copper Country Women’s Fastpitch softball at the Boneyard in Lake Linden, the spotlight shone on Payton Goldsworthy of Gold Standard. Her remarkable achievement of hitting three home runs led her team to a narrow 7-6 victory over Finnish Coat, moving their season record to 3-0. Goldsworthy’s Dominance at the Plate Goldsworthy’s offensive display opened with a…