The World by Us

While more women are graduating from university than men, very few of us are calling the shots. Of 190 heads of state, 19 are women. Globally women make up around 18% of parliaments and only 15% of corporate leadership. And while women represent around 73% of the non-profit sector, they only hold 20% of the leadership roles.

Facebook’s COO, Sheryl Sandberg, speaks passionately on TED about some of the factors she believes are holding women back and a few of them sounded rather familiar to us…

• Women systematically underestimate their own abilities. Men on the other hand, often have little trouble proclaiming their ‘awesomeness’. Men also tend to attribute success to themselves while women attribute it to other external factors. Ladies, if you too find this rings true, have a look at these 5 questions you may want to ask yourself!

• Research shows that unfortunately for women, calling the shots doesn’t always reap the same rewards it does for men. Success and likeability are positively correlated for men and negatively correlated for women. Perhaps this would be a different story if we moved toward a different kind of leadership that plays to our strengths.

• And finally, when that biological clock starts ticking women’s careers  tend to suffer. They begin worrying about the family responsibilities they’ll need to juggle and start ‘leaning back’ in their career. They stop looking for new opportunities, their career becomes less challenging, and they are less driven to strive for greatness.

The decision to have children may also have an effect on the confidence others have in you as a leader. Jessica Jackley, founder of Kiva, recently co-founded a new venture which she will lead as its CEO. One potential investor thought twice before investing when he heard she was pregnant. He decided to invest in the end, but candidly shares his doubts here.

It’s tough. With these and other obstacles still keeping the majority of women from reaching the top of their professions, we sometimes wonder whether we’re missing out on quality female role models. There are of course brilliant every day heroines around the world. We all know them. They are our friends, our mothers, our grandmothers, women in our communities. Women who live their lives with integrity, have devoted themselves to wonderful causes, or lead inspiring and fulfilling professional careers. But somehow these are rarely the women being portrayed in Hollywood or given attention in mainstream media. When we realise that less than 10% of films are written or directed by a female, the lack of quality, multi-dimensional female characters women have to emulate is no longer surprising.

We want to be part of breaking the cycle.

The remarkable women we all know deserve a bit of the spotlight, and we want to shine it on them.

Tell us about your heroine or a woman who inspires you by commenting below. Or even better – get your creative juices flowing and write a short piece to share your heroine’s story with the world! Send it to kaitlin@theworldbyus.com

A woman whose words and honesty we simply adore, Seema Duggal shares with us today her reflections on New York’s gay marriage victory and ‘the luck of the draw’:

When I was a child, I used to beg god not to make me gay. Sure, I got what I asked for, but I should never have had to want it in the first place.

Like many teenagers, I was DESPERATE to get laid, but had absolutely no way of actually accomplishing that. Save writing my carnal desires in the middle of my forehead and waiting for someone – ANYONE – to appease them (which I am sure would have been immediately successful), my sentiments about sexuality were by and large debated within my own head alone. My parents didn’t want to talk about the birds and the bees, let alone masturbation techniques, so my definition of what was actually “normal” rested in the hands of what society deemed it to be. In the movies, boy met girl, and so laid my sexual path before me. IF A BOY EVER DECIDED TO SPEAK TO ME.

But, wait a minute, I thought… girls are pretty, too. No they aren’t! Yes they are… But I don’t like them THAT way! But it might be kind of fun to try. NO IT WOULDN’T! Please God, don’t make me gay. –the morning after- WHY ON EARTH DID I DREAM ABOUT A WOMAN LAST NIGHT? No I didn’t! It doesn’t mean anything! I’m straight, I’m straight! AREN’T I?

So, many years later, it turned out I was indeed straight, much to my teenage self’s relief (although Natalie Portman does make me question this certainty at times). The truth is, I think perhaps all of us would be on the verge of hetero and homo if we didn’t have those labels in the first place, but I happened to fall in love with a man. Also, his sexy parts don’t make me want to lock myself in the closet until they go back inside again.

If my teenage self would have known that one day a woman named Ellen would make history by kissing another woman on television, or that one of the most successful sitcoms of all time would revolve around a gay man and his best friend, or that same-sex marriage would one day be legalised in New York City, she probably wouldn’t have been so damn frightened that she might fall in love with someone of the same gender. And her definition of what was actually “normal” sexuality would have been a lot healthier for it. (i.e., there is no such thing as “normal”.)

And so this weekend, I couldn’t help but think of the victory that has been achieved for all the kids who weren’t so “lucky” – who happened to be more attracted to their own sex than the other, and who DID feel the need to hide in the closet because the world wasn’t catered to them. There have been many moments in my life where I have felt that I don’t belong, and these have always been some of the most difficult in my life. To feel that way about such a profound part of my identity as my sexuality would have left me heartbroken, and desperate to change.

Ultimately, we can’t change who we are, and we should never have to – and who we are shouldn’t ever hinder us from all of the entitlements that we are granted by the mere chance of being born a human. Equality doesn’t have a limit, because at the end of the day, any one of us could have been born a different way.

And so I hope that New York’s marriage bill is the start of an evolution of self-acceptance, and that years down the track, when my own sons and daughters are exploring their own sexuality, they will never be terrified of what it might be.

You can read this article and many more wonderful words from Seema on her personal blog This is not Pretty.

You can also buy beautiful things from Seema’s online shop, Final Episode.

Some new sounds we like. You might like them too.

The original is better here, but alas, it is nowhere to be found so this remix will have to do. Go buy the album. It is beautiful:

A young Australian man and Canadian woman share a passionate kiss during recent riots in Vancouver. According to CBC, the woman had been knocked down by riot police and her boyfriend was attempting to comfort and protect her. A stunning image…

Photographer – Rich Lam

Last week was World Oceans Day, so today (a little belated!) we’re reflecting on the state of our seas and what we can do to help ensure that they remain healthy and abundant for everyone to enjoy for years to come.

Experts say the warning signs are clear. Due to global fishing practices, pollution, warming sea temperatures, and ocean acidification (caused by fossil fuel CO2), the world’s oceans are in a state of ‘silent collapse,’ threatening our food supply, marine economies, recreation and the natural legacy we leave our children.

Did you know?

• The ocean gives us life. Oceans supply us with food and 50 – 70 percent of the oxygen we breathe. They help regulate our climate, and are important sources of biodiversity.  They provide recreation and a livelihood for millions of people.

• Scientists estimate that 90% of the large predatory fish such as shark, swordfish and cod have been removed from the world’s oceans due to advanced technologies, allowing us to fish farther, deeper and more efficiently then ever before. Our fishing practices are simply not sustainable.

• There are currently 405 known dead zones in the oceans of the world where there is no oxygen due to fertiliser run off and pollution. Very few marine animals can survive in these areas. Acidification and pollution is killing ocean wildlife at devastating rates. We have lost 25% of coral reefs, and 40% of the ocean’s phytoplankton.

• Not all fish sold in your local market is caught using environmentally friendly practices. Be aware of where your local seafood comes from (see links below).  Purchase ocean friendly seafood and learn what fish to avoid eating.

Educate yourself & join us in supporting organizations that are working tirelessly to protect our ocean resources:

www.seafoodwatch.org

Download printed pocket guides or link to apps with fish buying guidelines

www.OneWorldOneOcean.org.

Inviting you to learn and join the movement to restore and protect the health of the world’s oceans.

http://www.pewenvironment.org/

Working globally to establish pragmatic, science-based policies that protect our oceans.

http://www.seaweb.org/about.php

The only international nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to strategically communicating about ocean issues.

http://na.oceana.org/en/living-blue/seafood-guide

The largest international organization working solely to protect the world’s oceans.  Listed here, a sustainable seafood guide for the individual buyer.

And for some educational entertainment: The Cove is a brilliant documentary that follows a high-tech dive team hoping to uncover the truth about the dolphin capture and trade in Japan. Also check out Home – a beautiful film exploring the state of our planet and the challenges we will have to face if we do not protect it. Watch the trailer below and the full film on YouTube here.

‘The Cove’ Trailer

‘Home’ Trailer:

Remember the days of the personalised mixtape? Well they’re back, and in modernised form. Handpicked tunes, digital cover art, and a personal message all created by you and shared with the world via 8tracks – our favourite source for ‘handcrafted internet radio.’

There are plenty of options out there when it comes to internet radio, but what we love most about 8tracks is its personal touch. The user-friendly interface allows you to browse and stream mixes created by real people (rather than computer- generated lists of songs you may like) or set up a profile and begin creating and sharing your own.

Not sure where to start? Try searching for a genre or an artist. Or better yet, search for your current state of mind. Whether you’re enjoying a lazy sunday at home, indulging in a rainy day, dancing by yourself, or settling in for some late night study, there is sure to be a mix to accompany your mood. Love a particular mix? ‘Like’ it and easily find it again. Appreciate the musical taste of certain users? ‘Follow’ them and be notified when they’ve created a new mix.

If you’re anything like us, you quickly tire of your itunes library and find it mildly difficult to go through life without an accompanying soundtrack. Which is why we love the way 8tracks’ is able to satisfy our perpetual desire for fresh and continual tunes!

We encourage you to go explore, but we’ll leave you with a few of our go-to mixes:

For a quiet evening at home, glass of red and good book in hand…

Run yourself a hot bath and relax with this one…

For your next ‘pretentious party’….

And for those of you in the northern hemisphere, one for a hot summer’s day…

Enjoy!

The latest in our ‘My World in 5′ series, Courtney lets us in on New York’s jazz scene, the joys of the subway, and where to pick up that pastrami sandwich…

My World in 5 – New York

Courtney Allen, 27, International Educational Development student, Columbia University

I don’t leave home without my: Subway card. Living in Manhattan, the subway is the best and cheapest way to get around. Beyond its efficiency and convenience, I can’t think of a better place to people watch and catch up on the latest fashions!

My last night out involved: An intimate dinner party accompanied by good wine, cheese, olives and chatter in a tiny apartment near Harlem followed by a visit to Arthur’s Tavern – an old-school jazz club in the Village with live music 7 nights a week. The tiny candle-lit tables are placed so close together, I almost always end up chatting with my neighbors. There’s a full dance floor near the band where the regulars (who have been turning up since the 70s!) always steal the show. We of course topped off the night in true New York fashion…with a slice of thin-crust pizza from a street vendor.

I make sure to take visiting guests to: Bar 55 for laid-back jazz, Lansky’s on the Upper West Side for the quintessential Jewish deli experience, Central Park for a wander around (I still manage to get myself lost almost every time!) and of course, a little tour of Columbia University’s gorgeous campus.

At a recent happy hour my friends and I discussed: The way many cities are distinguished by a dominant stereotype – often linked to the city’s main industry. New York for example, is known for the finance and creative industries, and attracts those seeking money or individuality. Los Angeles is of course the film industry and fame. San Francisco has the tech industry and attracts innovation. It’s interesting to think about each of the world’s cities and realize the assumptions we make about its residents. While the stereotypes in New york are evident, there is so much more to the city… so next time you are there, talk to someone not wearing a suit and find out what the city means to them!

One word to describe my city: Movement. New York is constantly lit up and happening. There are people on the streets at all hours. I love wandering around the city, seeing the vibrant cultures and revelling in the hustle and bustle! Two of my favorite features of NYC are its sidewalk fruit stands and street food carts. And don’t be deceived…despite the pace of the city, New York is quite friendly.

If that didn’t inspire your next getaway to the big apple, check out this brilliant time lapse video by Mindrelic.

Manhattan in Motion

Rustic interiors & tree stump tables.

Images via jjjjound, French by Design, and Emma’s Design Blog.

GOOD Magazine has put forth a worthy challenge to us all for the month of June: to give up meat. It’s better for your body and better for the earth!

According to a 2006 report from the U.N., livestock production accounts for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a larger contribution than driving cars (14%). So, the fewer cows we eat, the happier our planet is!

Eating less meat and more veggies also has a number of health benefits including:

• Lower risk of heart disease
• Lower blood pressure
• Control of Diabetes
• Prevention of Cancers
• Elimination of toxins
• Easier digestion

For those who are already vegetarian, GOOD suggests trying to go vegan. And if the thought of 30 days sans meat sounds daunting, try reducing your intake. One GOOD staff member is limiting his meat consumption to weekends.

Are you up to the challenge?

Not used to cooking veg? Try these recipes. And these. We promise, they’re so yummy you’ll barely miss the meat!

Falafel, avocado & tomato sandwich

Jamie’s baked vegetarian cannelloni – delicious!

Aubergine & red lentil curry