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Middle East Eye
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Yemen crisis: How cuts to vital services are imperilling women
Yemen is currently facing one of its worst humanitarian moments in recent history. The cancellation of more than 80 percent of US foreign aid programmes, alongside cuts by other humanitarian donors, is having devastating ripple effects. In Yemen, lifesaving programmes have been shut down, leaving cholera-prone communities without clean water and millions of people without access to basic healthcare. Under 10 percent of the $2.5bn needed this year for the Yemen humanitarian response has been funded. Behind these statistics lies a hidden crisis: 6.2 million women and girls in Yemen are at risk of gender-based violence. But due to funding constraints, the UN's revised 2025 humanitarian response plan aims to reach only around 1 percent of those in need. Local organisations have reported being forced to shut down safe spaces, halt psychosocial care and suspend legal aid. These are not just service cuts. They represent the dismantling of a vital network of protection built over the years for and by Yemeni women. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters We need a broader conversation on this topic among a wider group of stakeholders, including donors and international non-governmental organisations, to recentre the leadership, expertise and solutions of Yemeni women-led and women's rights groups. Late last year, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) initiated a study to understand the challenges and barriers facing these women's groups in Yemen, aiming to devise ways to build a more equitable system of funding and partnerships. The funding cuts this year have only heightened the sense of urgency to collaborate across organisations in pursuit of solutions. Pushed to the brink What emerged from conversations with a wide range of Yemeni women's organisations was a clear warning: these groups are being pushed to the brink, with many left stranded after investing in projects that donors abruptly ended. Amani, a local NGO representative whose name has been changed to protect her privacy, told us that women 'travel for hours to reach a safe space, only to find an abandoned building because the funding ran out'. Such closures reverse years of progress made under global humanitarian reform efforts such as the Grand Bargain and Pledge for Change. Both have called for aid to be more locally led and equitable. Yet now, many of the very organisations these initiatives sought to uplift face collapse. Women's organisations in Yemen are closest to the crisis, but furthest from the resources needed to address it Women's groups in Yemen do far more than deliver emergency aid. They offer holistic, long-term supports - from shelters, trauma counselling to legal services and skills building - helping women both survive and recover. They are embedded in communities, where international actors often struggle to operate. Their ability to navigate local norms and gain trust allows them to deliver services that are culturally sensitive and survivor-centred. They are also drivers of long-term change. By working with community leaders and shaping social norms, they make space for conversations about gender-based violence in ways that others cannot. And yet, despite their reach and effectiveness, they remain underfunded and frequently excluded from decision-making spaces. Research led by the IRC found that these groups are too often treated as subcontractors rather than equal partners. They are expected to implement projects without shaping them. Short-term funding cycles, shortfalls in operational costs and exclusion from funding calls are all factors that contribute to making their work unsustainable. Meeting this moment This is not just a funding problem; it is a power imbalance. Women's organisations in Yemen are closest to the crisis, but furthest from the resources needed to address it. Until that changes, the humanitarian response will continue to fail those most in need. Solutions do exist - if we choose to act. First, the power balance needs to shift. Donors and international NGOs must embed local women's organisations in coordination and decision-making structures. Localisation is not about numbers; it is about who leads and who decides. Second, funding systems require reform. Calls for proposals must be transparent, inclusive and accessible to grassroots groups. Budgets must account for core needs such as rent, security and staff salaries - not just direct project costs. Yemen's women bear the brunt of war. Their demand for peace must be heard Read More » Third, there is a need to invest in local capacity. Support should reflect the self-identified priorities of local women's groups, rather than external metrics. Larger, well-established national groups should be resourced to mentor and elevate emerging organisations. Fourth, there should be a concerted effort to foster peer collaboration, including cost-effective platforms for knowledge sharing, innovation and solidarity. This would help to sustain women-led responses as international NGOs scale down. Finally, advocacy efforts must be strengthened. Women's organisations need to be recognised not only as service providers but also as leaders. Their perspectives must shape policies, programmes and reforms. In moments of crisis, the instinct is often to protect 'core' services, but a response to gender-based violence is not optional. For more than six million women and girls in Yemen, it is essential. Women's groups have long filled critical gaps, despite minimal resources. Imagine their impact if they were fully empowered as strategic partners and decision-makers. This is not just a funding challenge. It is a test of whether the humanitarian system is serious about solidarity, equity and long-term change. We must rise to meet this moment with commitment, collaboration and courage. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye.
Hans India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Films like ‘Dokka Seethamma' deserve great success: Murali Mohan
Veteran actor Murali Mohan and acclaimed actress Amani headline the upcoming film Andhrula Annapurna Dokka Seethamma, a biopic celebrating the life of the legendary humanitarian. Produced by Valluri Rambabu and Matta Srinivas under the Usha Rani Movies banner and directed by T.V. Ravi Narayan, the film features music by Karthik Kodakandla, cinematography by Rahul Srivatsav, and art direction by M. Ravi Kumar. On the occasion of Murali Mohan's birthday, a special poster and teaser were unveiled, building on the positive response to the earlier title poster. At the event, Murali Mohan shared heartfelt sentiments, recalling his tradition of celebrating birthdays with the underprivileged. 'I'm honored to be part of a film about a woman like Dokka Seethamma, who fed the hungry and refused honors abroad for her service at home,' he said. Director Ravi Narayan credited Murali Mohan for inspiring and supporting the project, calling him 'my first hero and guiding force.' The event saw warm wishes from several industry figures, including music director Karthik, who said, 'When I think of Dharma, I think of Murali Mohan Garu.' Producer Rama Satyanarayana praised the film's meaningful theme, contrasting it with today's commercial formulas. Other well-wishers like Bekkem Venugopal, Relangi Narasimha Rao, and Lion Sai Venkat expressed admiration for Murali Mohan's versatility and lasting impact on cinema and society. Andhrula Annapurna Dokka Seethamma is shaping up to be a soulful tribute to an iconic figure, with a message that resonates far beyond the screen.
CairoScene
16-06-2025
- Politics
- CairoScene
WATCH: Amani Al-Khatahtbeh on ‘The Muslim Girl' Reckoning
'We lost a lot of sponsorships and partners that claimed to be allies after October 7th,' the Muslim Girl's founder shares. For over a decade, Muslim Girl has been the internet's loudest answer to a simple, loaded question: What does it mean to be a Muslim woman online? Founded by Palestinian-American Amani Al-Khatahtbeh at just 17, the platform has grown into a living archive of Muslim identity in the digital age. 'The most powerful thing about social media and being online is that it completely removes the borders between us,' author, activist, and Muslim Girl founder Amani Al-Khatahtbeh tells CairoScene. She knows those borders well. Raised in New Jersey with Palestinian roots, Amani experienced firsthand how Western media distorted her sense of self. 'I grew up through a lot of media propaganda trying to shove down my throat who I was, where I came from.' Being a visibly Muslim girl in the West, the platform was born from a deep need to see herself reflected in media, to find other girls like her. Muslim Girl became more than a blog; it became a communal space and a cultural record. 'We created a real-time chronicle of the evolution of our identities from the past decade,' she reflects. Today, Amani is not just a founder; she's a media force. Named a media titan by The New York Times, she leads what is now the largest platform for Muslim women in the U.S. But everything changed after October 7th. In the wake of Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza, Muslim Girl took a firm stand, centring Palestinian human rights. That choice came at a cost. 'We lost a lot of sponsorships… partners that claimed to be allies suddenly took a step back,' Amani says. 'It created a very big reckoning for us, about what our values and priorities as a company really are.' The censorship, defunding, and corporate silence didn't quiet her; they sharpened her. Amani is now leading Muslim Girl into a new era, one rooted in justice, international law, and lasting advocacy. 'We live in a world where we have international court cases using social media and blogs as actual evidence for the first time… We are setting new precedents.' What started as a personal blog is now a legal tool. Once laughed at for referencing it in job applications, Amani is now using that same blog as the foundation for her academic work, currently earning a degree in international human rights law at Oxford University. She's interrogating policy, one post at a time. 'I'm excited about entering into this new era,' she says, 'where we can really strengthen the advocacy work… and push for the sanctity of our communities moving forward.' With over 1.5 million followers across platforms, Muslim Girl has become a global voice for Muslim women. And as narratives shift and institutions are challenged, it stands firm in its day-one ethos: to represent—and become—that Muslim girl, both online and on the ground.
News.com.au
02-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Beauty clinics collapse around Sydney, staff and customers left in limbo
Authorities are investigating a beauty chain after it abruptly shut its doors, leaving staff unpaid and customers hundreds of dollars out of pocket. can reveal that Future Laser and Body Clinic, which had three stores in Sydney, has ceased trading. Customers had forked out hundreds of dollars in prepaid laser sessions while staff who spoke to on condition of anonymity said they are owed thousands in unpaid wages and superannuation. Future Laser and Body Clinics is currently the second most complained about business in the state according to the NSW Fair Trading register, receiving 49 complaints from customers in the past month. The only business that has received more complaints is Mos X, a struggling moss selling business founded by ex Married At First Sight star Brent Vitiello, with a total of 68 customer reports. NSW Fair Trading confirmed they are investigating Future Laser and Body Clinic. knows several employees who have also made complaints to the Fair Work Ombudsman. Staff claim they were subjected to a 'toxic' work environment where they were pushed to meet ambitious business targets or be fired, and that issues with the company's solvency had cropped up as early as last year. 'Therapists weren't showing up because they weren't being paid,' said Amani, a 19-year-old beauty therapist who estimates she is owed between $7000 and $10,000 in unpaid wages. Aesthetic Laser and Body Clinic Pty Ltd is the holding entity of Future Laser and Body Clinics. Ibrahem 'Ibby' Sabra, a 33-year-old from Sydney's west, is listed as the sole director and owner of the holding company, according to ASIC documents. The business is still registered. Bizcap AU, which provides loans to small businesses, lodged winding up proceedings against the business and three other company Mr Sabra directs in May. Court documents state the businesses cumulatively owe $79,000 after a debt was taken out last year. understands Bizcap AU had made several efforts to recover their funds before taking legal action. They were contacted for comment. This is not the first time a beauty business run by Mr Sabra has sensationally collapsed; in 2023, Elan Laser Clinics, with stores in Sydney and the Gold Coast, also bit the dust. The Elan business was transferred to another man from Western Sydney. Although Elan is still a registered company on ASIC, it does not appear to be trading. Its emails bounced and its phone number is disconnected and it hasn't made a post on social media since 2023. Elan Laser Clinics and Mr Sabra have been contacted for comment. Elan Laser was offering up to 80 per cent off laser services for customers who prepaid before it shut down with no explanation. And a similar occurrence has happened at Future Laser. Customers told they were coaxed into handing over hundreds of dollars in prepayments because of a series of promotions that was advertised in the months leading up to Future Laser's shut down. Do you know more or have a similar story? Get in touch | Amira Hussein, 30, said she was a regular customer and used to drive more than an hour to get to a Future Laser clinic in Granville. Ms Hussein, a single mum, saw a deal where if she bulk bought four sessions minimum, she got everything for half price – $150 instead of $300. 'I thought that's actually good,' she told 'I said I'll do it. They said they would like my payment straight away.' Although she paid for the treatments at the end of last year, Future Laser told her they were fully booked out until April. But by the time her appointment date came and went, the business had shut up shop. 'Closer to the date I tried to call them so many times,' she lamented. When calls, texts and messages on social media went unanswered, she went to their Granville branch and saw it had shut down. 'That's $720 down the drain. I haven't even had one facial or laser,' Ms Hussein said. Then there's Tatjana Nikcevic, who jumped at the opportunity to get a full body laser treatment for $75 a session as normally it would cost at least $300. The 24-year-old paid for 10 sessions upfront as part of the promotion in January. Ms Nikcevic managed to get to one laser session but after that, every time she tried to lock down an appointment time, she received a text message informing her the treatment had been cancelled 'due to unforeseen circumstances'. She tried to call the business but its number had been disconnected. And when she visited the clinic, its roller doors were shut for good. 'I'm currently working in a warehouse. I work hard for my money,' Ms Nikcevic said. She's been left more than $600 out of pocket. Staff claim they've had trouble getting paid as far back as last year – and have said the writing was on the wall given the pressure they were under to make money. A number of women who worked at Future Laser – most of them aged between 19 and 21 – claim they were 'verbally abused' during their shifts and were threatened with termination to incentivise them to push more treatments on customers. Jacinta* has lodged a claim with the Fair Work Ombudsman claiming she is owed as much as $5000 in unpaid wages from November. 'I left in November,' Jacinta said. 'They stopped paying me, so I stopped showing up to work. We were begging for our pay.' Future Laser then began launching promotions to customers the following month. Another beauty therapist, Amani, said the business set them insane KPI targets to meet. 'They threatened us. If we don't make $1500 a day we'd get fired, we had to make that much money or we'd get told off or screamed at,' she said. Amani is owed the most that knows of – which could be as high as $10,000 – and has lodged a claim with the Fair Work ombudsman. She said her contract stated that if she burned a customer, or if they otherwise left a complaint about a negative experience, then Future Laser would deduct $200 from her pay. So when she ended up resigning after months of not being paid, she was shocked the discover the business was deducting more than $2000 from her final wages. 'When I was quitting, I had no customer complaints. I was not aware of anything (like that),' Amani said. Emma*, 19, another beauty clinician who is owed thousands, claims the only payment she ever received was done through PayID, which she found 'weird'. She also said she sometimes worked 9am until 9pm with no breaks. And she was expected to get to work half an hour early, so was supposed to be there by 8.30am. If she got there at 8.35am, she was told off for being late. It led to long, exhausting 12.5 hour days. Emma also said staff would be berated if they didn't make video content of the work they were doing. 'It wasn't the best environment.' Staff were informed that the Wetherill Park clinic was undergoing renovations – but Emma said she later found out it had simply shut down.
AsiaOne
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Double trouble: Singapore's first tag-team twins make their pro wrestling debut, Lifestyle News
As a long-time pro wrestling fan, I've always followed WWE religiously, but my passion doesn't stop there. I've long been an advocate for the local wrestling scene, cheering on the talent at shows hosted by promotions such as Grapplemax and Singapore Pro Wrestling (SPW), all while sharing my thoughts and analysis on my podcast, Kick To The Gut (cheap plug). But it wasn't until earlier this month that I found myself attending Grapplemax's New Wave Evolution (NWE) developmental show. This show wasn't just another night of in-ring action for me; it was the pro wrestling debut of Singapore's first-ever twins tag team: Amani and Alani. Training at Grapplemax: From fans to wrestlers [embed] Meet Amani and Alani, recent university graduates in their early 20s who have spent the last year training at Grapplemax Pro Wrestling to realise a childhood dream — to step into the ring as professional wrestlers. When I heard that they would be debuting at the NWE showcase, I knew I had to be there to witness it firsthand. "We've been training since last July," Amani shared, reflecting on how their childhood love for the sport shaped their decision to pursue it seriously, "When we were kids, we grew up watching wrestling together with our dad." From those early moments of playing wrestling in their living room to deciding they wanted to do it properly, it's clear that this was always their calling. Twin magic in the ring: A debut to remember [embed] Walking into the Grapplemax Studio, located at the industrial district of Ubi, I could feel the crowd buzzing with excitement over the historic moment on the horizon. These weren't just two fresh faces in the ring; they were pioneers. The pressure on them to perform well was immense, yet they seemed to embrace it. Their debut match was a tag team showdown against Sarah Coldheart, one-half of the Grapplemax Tag Team Champions, and Radiant Rui, a formidable opponent in her own right. These women had years of experience in the ring and were much larger in size compared to the twins. Yet Amani and Alani, despite being rookies, held their own with a combination of speed, athleticism, and fiery babyface comebacks. From the very start, it was clear that Amani and Alani weren't just relying on their skills in the ring — they were winning the crowd over with their personalities. The twins were clearly the underdogs, but their sheer likeability shone through. There was a fluidity to their teamwork that was almost uncanny for rookies. Despite a Herculean effort, Amani and Alani fell short and suffered a loss on their debut. However, their chemistry was undeniable, and it felt as though they knew exactly what the other was thinking when it came to their performance. "We tend to think the same way," Amani explained after the match. "Then we can push each other to achieve the same things." Talk about twin magic! Bonding with their dad through wrestling What struck me most about their debut was the emotional resonance it held for the twins and for their family. Their dad, the one who first introduced them to the world of wrestling, was in the front row, cheering them on. Seeing his pride, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. It wasn't just a match; it was a family legacy in the making. "Yes, he was proud of us," Amani said with a smile. "He was excited to see us finally perform." Their father's support wasn't just about being in the crowd — it was about the shared love for the sport that had been passed down through the generations. Wrestling was more than just a career for Amani and Alani — it was something that brought them closer to their roots. Overcoming self-doubt: A bond that pushed them forward Despite their impressive debut, Amani and Alani's journey hasn't been without its struggles. Alani opened up about her personal challenges, particularly with self-confidence, and how wrestling has helped her overcome them. "Personally, I have very low self-confidence," she admitted. "In wrestling, you need to have confidence first to do your moves well and look good doing it. We will always check in with each other after training, telling each other what we can improve on." Their ability to support each other through the tough moments, especially when self-doubt crept in, has been a critical factor in their progress. It's clear that their bond as twins extends far beyond the ring. It's a partnership that fuels their shared dream. Looking toward the future: Ambitions beyond their debut [embed] While their debut was a significant milestone, Amani and Alani aren't stopping there. As much as the win over the crowd and the success of their first match meant to them, they have their eyes on bigger goals. "Definitely we want to face the current tag team champions (Ships Ahoy). We want to win the championship if possible. Watch out tag team champions! Stay tuned if you wanna see Twin Magic," Amani shared, her eyes sparkling with ambition. Their message to the fans is clear: they're just getting started, and they're ready for more. "Maybe win championships? Haha," Alani added with a laugh. "I want to show people that it doesn't matter your size or how little experience we have. Just take the first step. This has been my childhood dream, and now we're actually here doing it. I'm sure people can see that, so just work towards your dream." A milestone for Singapore wrestling Watching Amani and Alani take their first steps into the professional wrestling world in a weird way, felt like a proud dad moment for me. It wasn't just about the match; it was about what they represented — new possibilities for women in wrestling, for twins defying the odds, and for local wrestling making its mark on the global stage. The night was more than just a debut; it was a celebration of family, perseverance, and dreams coming true. Amani and Alani have proven that no dream is too big, no challenge too great. The newly christened "A2" (like the Maths equation) have the potential to take the wrestling world by storm. You guys heard it here first! [[nid:715389]] This article was first published in
