Empowerment Evolution

Knight(s) in shining armour

Whenever you come across those older movies or even in some of the newer ones, television shows, the female characters are frequently depicted as weak, fragile, and as victims, with a prince charming always swooping in to rescue them from life’s perils. The concept of ‘beautiful’ was centred around being demure (mindful and cutesy, gah!) and drop dead gorgeous, with long eyelashes and doe eyes.

However, fast forward to the 21st century and 2024, our requirements of this ‘knight’ and ‘beauty’ have undergone significant changes. We have truly learned to be fiercely independent, strong-willed, outspoken, progressive, assertive, unserious about self-presentation and demanding. Some might question the term “demanding,” but let me assure you, being demanding is not inherently negative. It’s about what we demand that matters.

When I speak of being demanding, I refer to our rightful claim to fair pay, equal treatment, a voice that is heard, and the same level of care as our male counterparts. We don’t seek men to cover our expenses; we demand that they do not impede our progress as we pave our own way to financial independence. We no longer need men to hold the door; we need them to step aside and support our journey through those open doors.

Flowers and diamonds should yield to mutual respect and cooperation, while adjectives transcend boundaries. We can’t dismiss it as “boys being boys” and “girls being girls”. Biologically, we are different, and that’s a fact. However, when it comes to potential, aspirations, and opportunities, what works for a man must work for a woman too. So, if there are terms like trad wives (come on, it’s the 21st century, we need more rebellions and less of insipidity), then they need to be defined in a way that does not underestimate what women can do.

We are not helpless creatures waiting to be saved; we are a formidable force to be acknowledged. As women, we comprise half of the world’s population, and therefore, we rightfully claim half of this world. Our lives, our bodies, and our thoughts are ours to control, and no authority should dictate what we ‘should’ wear. When we dress in a way that expresses our sensuality, it is not an invitation for unwanted advances.

It is absolutely despicable and revolting for anyone to believe it’s their entitlement to harass and mistreat women. They are nothing but repugnant, loathsome predators thriving on the vulnerability of others. While the wheels of law enforcement and justice might turn slowly, true change begins at home. I’ve had countless conversations where my parents have begun sentences with “A good girl should…,” and now I implore the parents of boys to initiate discussions starting with “A responsible boy should…” or “The essential guide to thriving in a society that values the dignity of women.”

Whether it’s the rape and death of Sarah Everard by a police officer, or the junior doctor incident in Kolkata or the appalling torture and death of Mahsa Amini, these appalling incidents ignite an intense determination within us, fuelling a passionate call for a feminist revolution ( A Femininomenon) and a steadfast awareness that we cannot regress to primitive ways, for the sake of our society’s survival. It is becoming easier for women to encounter aliens and ghosts in some places, rather than men in dark alleys.

The stroke of the brush

Nice memories

These are some illustrations inspired by our summer vacation in Nice in the French Riviera.

Flower Market or Marché aux fleurs at the Cours Saleya simply captivates the soul of all who find themselves in Nice for the first time. Whether for a leisurely stroll or delightful shopping, this enchanting place promises to paint an exquisite beginning to everyone’s day. The vivid showcase of hibiscus plants for sale set against the backdrop of a classic French villa fills my heart with sheer delight.

The architecture of the Old Town in Nice exudes a captivating rustic charm that is simply beautiful. Every detail of the scenery outside our apartment window, from the flourishing succulents adorning the surroundings to the house plants indoors, inspired the illustrations below. I was determined to capture the vibrant greens and purples of these mesmerising plants with every stroke.

And whether in Brussels or the French Riviera, we never miss an opportunity to savour the exquisite delight of Moules marinière, accompanied by a chilled glass of our favourite libation. If the moment allows, gazing out at the sea only adds to the magic. This is a dish I will always cherish experiencing, leaving the preparation to the experts.

Lapwing

I wanted to capture the graceful beauty of the birds that inhabit waterside areas on paper. The Northern Lapwing, a once abundant breeding resident in the UK, has unfortunately experienced a concerning decline in numbers over the past 15 years, leaving us with only approximately 150,000 pairs at present. Despite appearing black from a distance, these birds reveal their true enchantment up close, displaying a mesmerising array of dark shimmering iridescent greens and purples.

At the cinema and theatre

Twisters (Drama/adventure)

Starring Daisy Edgar Jones and Glen Powell, this film follows tornado chasers in Oklahoma who fiercely compete while maintaining deep connections to the state and its intertwined history of tornadoes. I am captivated by its compelling storyline, exceptional performances, impressive special effects, and an exceptionally well-crafted country soundtrack. It starkly portrays the devastating aftermath of tornadoes and sheds light on the alarming shift towards extreme weather becoming the new normal. However, it pains me that such a masterpiece overlooks the crucial issue of ‘climate change’, neglecting to acknowledge that severe weather phenomena are increasingly influenced by human activities rather than natural occurrences.

Borderlands (Sci-fi/fantasy)

With a cast full of stars, Borderlands came in with a big promise. I didn’t play the game, so I had absolutely no expectations when I wandered into the movie theatre for this one. To my surprise, I only checked out the gaming community’s critique after watching the movie, and I actually had a good time. It’s a mix of fantasy and science fiction about treasure hunters on the hunt for a so-called vault that would free the fictional planet of Pandora. There are quite a few action scenes and special effects to keep an eye on, making it a decent choice for a fun night out during the week.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare on Amazon prime (Historical drama)

Based on Winston Churchill’s world war files, this Guy Ritchie offering delivers slick action and rapid dialogue, immersing you in the thrilling mission of a group of outcasts determined to sink German U-boats off the coast of Fernando Po. Now known as Bioko, an island of Equatorial Guinea, this is where the Nazis are wreaking havoc on the Allied forces with their devious mass destruction vehicles. While it may not sweep awards season, it is undeniably worth a tub of popcorn and a bottle of fizz for a captivating and unforgettable evening!

Alien Romulus (Sci-fi horror)

Alien: Romulus takes us back to the core of the Alien universe, with a thrilling story set in a space station where a group of runaway teens are fighting for survival. Their goal? To secure cryo pods from the station and embark on a nine-year journey to a new and promising planet. As they navigate through the station, they encounter unexpected challenges, adding intense suspense to the plot. The standout performances of Rain’s Cailee Spaeny and Andy’s David Jonsson bring depth to the film, while the director ingeniously brings back Iain Holm’s character through AI as the synthetic from the original movie. This is the kind of movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, urging you to avoid holding any hot or cold liquids due to the gripping nature of the storyline.

Bibliophile

Good girl Bad blood

A sequel to “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” (now available on both BBC One and Netflix) absolutely lives up to the hype and suspense of its predecessor! Holly Jackson excels in crafting captivating characters, an enthralling storyline, and nail-biting cliffhangers. While categorised as Young Adult fiction, there’s no shame in devouring it even if you’re not a youngster. This book was part of my daughter’s summer reading list, and it held her spellbound until the very end. We’re now eagerly diving into the final book of the trilogy and can hardly wait to reach the exhilarating conclusion!

The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon

Michael Chabon’s wild imagination leads us down the path of ‘What if’ Jerusalem wasn’t promised to the Jewish community as their homeland after the second world war, but instead they were allowed to settle in Alaska. With characters like Inspector Landsman, his ex-wife, current boss Gina, and the mysterious rebbe, this cleverly crafted book is more than just a whodunnit. It’s a journey into the quirky societal dynamics of the Jewish community in Alaska, with a generous sprinkle of Yiddish and American slang. Better keep that slang dictionary handy!

The Seventh Son by Sebastian Faulks

A profound and enduring quote from the book that truly resonated with me was: “It was only molecular chance that had led to the existence of modern humans … it could have been subtly otherwise, with a similar but saner and more integrated creature evolving from the same raw material.” The story revolves around a cash-strapped academic named Talissa Adam who selflessly agrees to become a surrogate mother for a childless English couple, Mary and Alaric. The entire procedure unfolds at an institute overseen by the maverick Silicon Valley tycoon Lukas Parn, a man reminiscent of Elon Musk, albeit without the cage fighting, and with a deep interest in the human genome rather than space exploration. At a pivotal moment, Lukas’s employees intervene in a manner that will lead the child Talissa bears, named Seth by Mary and Alaric, to grow up distinctly different from others. I refrain from spoiling the mystery here, as this is a story that must be experienced firsthand. Like other masterpieces by Sebastian Faulks, this book is a source of profound contemplation, enriching one’s perspectives and broadening horizons about humanity.

Lasting thoughts

Summer is not just about warm weather, but it’s also a celebration of individual comfort and confidence. So, as we conclude this edition of the newsletter, let’s emphasise the importance of choosing kindness over judgment. We must remember that all bodies are unique and beautiful, regardless of whether they fit into the misconstrued standards of perfection. It’s time to embrace the dresses, bikinis, tankinis, and swimsuits that make us feel fabulous, because everyone deserves to flaunt their personal style with as much confidence as any fashion icon.

And before we sign off this edition, please ‘Choose Kind’.