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The Guardian
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Malala and Kiran faced violence, threats and shame. Now their fathers want ‘all men to stand with women'
The day Ranjit's daughter was born, he distributed sweets to the entire village – not just because he was thrilled to be a father for the first time, but because he was father to a girl. 'God heard my heart and granted my wish,' he says. His devotion to baby Kiran* was immediate and unshakeable. He would rush home from his work in the fields to spend time caring for her. Millions of fathers around the world will relate to the joy Ranjit felt, but in deeply patriarchal rural India publicly celebrating the arrival of a girl is an unusual, even defiant, act. Ranjit's love for and faith in Kiran is captured in the film To Kill A Tiger, which follows the poor rice farmer as he pursues justice for his daughter after she was gang-raped aged 13. Kiran is determined to see her attackers in court and Ranjit is determined to support her. Quietly but doggedly, he refuses to give up even in the face of threats and ostracism from his community. He credits Kiran and his wife, Jaganti, for giving him the strength to keep going. After a screening of the film this year in New York, Ranjit and Kiran were joined by another supporter of an extraordinary daughter: Ziauddin Yousafzai, better known as Malala's father. The screening was used to launch #StandWithHer, a global gender-justice campaign to support survivors of sexual violence. At the time, Yousafzai spoke of Ranjit as 'a man all men should be proud of – the father all fathers should look up to'. On Sunday, a short film will be released of the two men in conversation, discussing fatherhood, courage and their commitment to seeing their daughters become independent young women despite the social and political barriers they face. Nisha Pahuja, To Kill A Tiger's director and founder of #StandWithHer, says the film marks the start of a wider drive to invite men and boys to discuss the ways patriarchy limits both sexes. 'Power comes at a cost – not just to women and girls, but also, to men and boys,' says Pahuja. 'There is of course no denying the obvious, material benefits of this power imbalance or the violence it has permitted, but there's also no denying the suffering of men and boys. 'It's so clear today that men and boys are struggling to define themselves. I do feel Zia and Ranjit are powerful, unapologetic role models here.' Yousafzai describes how Malala was named after a 19th-century Afghan heroine 'because there was power in this name'. He says he knew it would suit her. 'In my mind, I associated a girl with strength, and I thought if I had a daughter she will be strong; she will have her own voice and she will be known by her name.' Yousafzai was adamant his daughter would be educated – something his own mother and five sisters had been denied. 'Education was the front door and it had to stay open,' he tells Ranjit. He recalls how he used to invite Malala to join discussions and debates with friends at home because he recognised that she had a great mind and always had something to contribute. Malala, he says, was not just a daughter but a 'comrade and a friend', so when, in 2012, she was shot in the head by the Taliban for standing up for her right to go to school, losing her was unthinkable. When she survived the attack and became a global advocate for education, Yousafzai campaigned alongside her. They are 'one soul in two bodies', he says. His nickname for her, Jaani, means soulmate. After Kiran was assaulted, Ranjit was expected to marry her off to one of her attackers – a common response to sexual violence that insists women and girls can only rid themselves of shame by becoming wives. Ranjit and Kiran refused to accept that shame and instead placed it squarely on the perpetrators. 'A real, caring father puts his daughter first,' he says. Yousafzai says he sees Malala in Kiran. 'It is as if Malala appears in front of me. Her voice will be a step against extremism, a step against violence; it already is.' The campaign, he adds, will spread the message that men should be allies, using their privilege to challenge long-held beliefs. 'Every father, every brother: all men must stand with women.' Resistance and change start at home, he says. 'This institution of the family is an agent of change, an informal one … there's no force more powerful than the family.' Ranjit agrees. 'We can convince men; it needs to enter their minds. As more and more people come together, I feel it will definitely have an impact on men and boys.' * Kiran is a pseudonym
Mail & Guardian
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Public health, social justice and feminist governance– visioning the next 25 Years: A farewell tribute to the work of Professor Olive Shisana
If Shakespeare were writing Marc Antony's famous eulogy from Julius Caesar today and in a South African context, he would probably have said, ' The good that South Africa and South Africans do is oft interred with their bones .' These adapted words from Shakespeare, shared by Professor Olive Shisana during her farewell tribute, reverberated across the room at the M&G Critical Thinking Forum on 9 May 2025—marking the end of a distinguished chapter in public service, but not the end of her mission. Professor Shisana, renowned for her fearless feminist leadership and scientific rigor, closed her formal role as Special Adviser to President Cyril Ramaphosa with characteristic humility and purpose. 'Today is a deeply emotional occasion for me—emotion is not a word often associated with scientists!' she quipped, striking a delicate balance between heartfelt reflection and resolute optimism. For over three decades, Professor Shisana has stood at the helm of South Africa's transformation efforts—shaping public health policy, advancing gender justice, and anchoring evidence-based governance. In her six-and-a-half-year tenure within the Presidency, she served not only as a technical adviser but as a moral compass on issues affecting the nation's most vulnerable. 'Being Special Adviser to the President was not merely a role—it was a calling,' she said. 'Together, we navigated some of the most complex challenges of our democratic dispensation.' Transforming the Gender Landscape Her legacy is perhaps most visible in the national response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), elevating it to a national issue. From galvanizing the Women's March to the Union Buildings in 2018 to steering the development of the Ten-Year National Strategic Plan on GBVF, Professor Shisana helped elevate gender justice to a national priority. 'We fought for the rights of girls and boys, and even men, recognising GBV as a societal crisis that demands collective action.' Under her leadership, research into femicide and HIV prevalence studies gained traction, legal and policy reforms were catalysed, and accountability structures emerged across institutions. 'We must now double down on prevention,' she urged, reminding stakeholders that the work was far from over. Beyond our borders, her efforts rallied behind the AU End Gender-Based Violence Convention, which the African Union has now approved. The work continues to ensure its ratification in at least 11 countries so that it may take full effect. A Blueprint for the Future Her work extended beyond gender justice. 'We worked tirelessly on the National Health Insurance (NHI), ensuring it was thoroughly developed, consulted upon, submitted to Cabinet and Parliament, and signed into law—a significant leap toward universal healthcare access,' she recalled. It is no minor achievement. She continued reminiscing … 'we forged the Five-Year Presidential Health Compact to strengthen our healthcare system and then renewed our commitment with yet another Five-Year Compact.' The forum, which was more than a tribute—it was, as she called it, 'a blueprint' —brought together luminaries in health, education, gender equality, and governance. Their testimonies spoke to Shisana's ability to convene, to inspire, and to act. Tributes poured in on Professor Shisana's consistency in amplifying concerns of the most vulnerable populations and effectively elevating these issues to the highest levels of political decision-making, her unwavering advocacy ensured that the needs of marginalised communities were not only heard but also prioritised in national policy dialogues,' she stated. From co-leading ACT-A globally to advocating for children through the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), Shisana's fingerprints are all over South Africa's social development framework. Speaking highly of Professor Shisana's long-standing partnership with the UN system, Mr. Nelson Muffuh, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa, spoke to her visionary leadership, and the transformative role she played in advancing the health and rights of women, children, while stressing the urgency of addressing the 'unfinished business' she began: reducing maternal and child mortality, expanding access to sexual and reproductive health rights, and building inclusive health systems. Professor Shisana's role in establishing the Global Leader Network for Women, Children, and Adolescent Health, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, was acknowledged. Working together with the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), her 'pivotal voice' on global platforms, advocating for Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights, adolescent health, and gender equality moved the agenda forward. And yet, she was clear-eyed about the challenges. Indeed, the journey was never easy. Obstacles arose at every turn. Yet, at no point did she ever feel like stopping—'because all of you were there, pushing forward, moving the needle, ensuring progress. Indeed, as our beloved Madiba so often reminded us: 'If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.' 'Yes, we did all this together. These achievements stand as proof of what collaboration can accomplish. And as we confront the challenges of today and those yet to come, let us never forget that our strength lies in unity. The road ahead is long, but we will rise to achieve our goals together,' she retorted. 'We also did not always communicate our achievements effectively… and we are a nation preoccupied with negativity,' she noted. 'The refrain is often, 'Nothing was done.' But we know this is not true. The data, the policies, the lives changed—they tell another story.' A Call to Remember—and to Act Her remarks were not only a recollection of past work, but also a rallying cry for those who remain in the trenches. To civil society leaders like Masimanyane and the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA), she extended heartfelt appreciation. To global donors and development partners—from the Ford Foundation and the Gates Foundation to the United Nations agencies—she offered thanks on behalf of all South Africans whose lives were touched by their contributions. With grace and gratitude, she acknowledged her family—her husband of over 50 years, William, and their children Nkateko and Fumani—as her rock and reservoir of strength. To President Cyril Ramaphosa, she offered praise for his willingness to engage deeply, listen closely, and lead steadfastly during times of profound crisis. The Journey Continues While her formal role in government ends, Shisana's parting message was clear: 'My commitment remains unwavering.' Through her private organisations and continued advocacy, she will carry forward the work of transforming institutions, driving gender equality and building systems that leave no one behind. As she said: 'Even some of the world's most advanced democracies did not attain such progress in 32 short years. We must never lose sight of this.' Let this moment serve not as a goodbye, but as a continuation—of her example, her lessons, and her enduring belief that science, leadership, and humanity must work hand in hand.
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
The New York Women's Foundation Creates 'Power and Possibility' at the 2025 Annual Celebrating Women® Breakfast
Event raised over $1.2 million to support community-led grantmaking, fueling grassroots solutions advancing gender, racial, and economic justice NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, May 21, 2025 / / -- The New York Women's Foundation (NYWF) gathered more than a thousand advocates, partners, and supporters at the New York Marriott Marquis for its 2025 Celebrating Women® Breakfast. This year's event centered on a powerful theme: 'Together, we create power and possibility.' The annual Breakfast raised over $1.2 million in vital funds to support the Foundation's community-led grantmaking, which fuels grassroots solutions advancing gender, racial, and economic justice throughout New York City and beyond. Ana L. Oliveira, President and CEO of The New York Women's Foundation, reminded attendees of the collective strength at the heart of the Foundation's mission: 'The Foundation will continue in the discipline of hope, in the commitment of determination, focus, and possibility. We're going to come together because it is important to show that our acts of generosity and solidarity matter,' said Ana L. Oliveira, NYWF President and CEO. The Celebrating Women® Awards honored individuals and organizations who exemplify how shared action can shift power and unlock possibility: Fran Drescher, actor, author, and founder of Cancer Schmancer, was honored for her bold leadership in health advocacy, labor rights, and civil liberties. Now President of SAG-AFTRA, she has spearheaded efforts like The American Music Fairness Act and The CROWN Act. 'The more we practice empathy, the better the world will be. All the woes of the world connect to a lack of empathy and a heightened irrational attachment to greed. This has to be flipped if we want to survive,' she said. Jacqueline Woodson, acclaimed author and founder of BALDWIN FOR THE ARTS, was recognized for her visionary work in literature and support for artists of the Global Majority. 'All we are trying to do is to make this world safer so that people can walk through it in their whole lives. We are gender-expansive people, we are women, we are activists, and we are doing this work to keep this world safe even as folks wake up every morning trying to figure out how to make this world unsafe for us,' Woodson said. ERA Coalition and the Fund for Women's Equality (ERA Coalition Forward) received honors for building a national movement of nearly 300 partner organizations working across racial, gender, labor, LGBTQ+, and reproductive justice—amplifying shared efforts to enshrine equality in the U.S. Constitution. Zakiya Thomas, President and CEO of the ERA Coalition, accepted the award alongside Carol Jenkins, Carolyn Maloney, and Jessica Neuwirth—demonstrating the power of multi-generational collaboration for long-term change. New Yorkers for Equal Rights, a coalition of over 500 organizations, was recognized for its advocacy to pass the New York Equal Rights Amendment (Proposal 1), which expands and strengthens anti-discrimination protections in the state's constitution. Sasha Ahuja accepted the award alongside coalition leaders Donna Lieberman, Robin Chappelle-Golston, and L. Joy Williams—showing the strength of a broad, united front for justice in New York. The Vision Award was presented to JPMorganChase, recognized for its steadfast commitment to building inclusive pathways to opportunity and equity. When accepting the award, Michelle Henry, East Region Executive for Community Engagement in the Office of Corporate Responsibility at JPMorganChase, said: 'The strength of our business is linked to the vitality of our communities. Our investments in the people and places we serve show that our business is stronger when opportunity is accessible for all.' The Foundation also honored its 2024–2025 community partners, with special acknowledgments of The Brooklyn Economic Justice Project and The Informed Consent Coalition for their intersectional leadership and community-based solutions. Board Member and Steering Committee Co-Chair Lola C. West reflected on why she continues to champion The Foundation's mission: 'I have fallen in love with The Foundation because they are true visionaries and can see the problems and figure out the solutions before the city, country, or world see it.' Fellow Board Member and Steering Committee Co-Chair Victoria Chu Pao added: 'Investing in our future is most powerful when we at The New York Women's Foundation fund collective action work.' The event also featured presentations from Foundation Board Members Mary Baglivo and Danielle Moss Cox. Notable Attendees included: Ana L. Oliveira, Jacqueline Woodson, Fran Drescher, Adrienne Adams, Anne Delaney, Michelle Henry, Devika Gopal Agge, Carrie Malcolm, Zoran Mamdani, Sasha Ahuja, Donna Liberman, Zakiya Thomas, Carol Jenkins, Carolyn Maloney, Antonique Smith, Jean Shafiroff About The New York Women's Foundation: The New York Women's Foundation The New York Women's Foundation creates an equitable and just future for women, girls, gender-expansive individuals and their families by investing in bold, community-led solutions to ignite action for gender, economic, and racial justice. Since 1987, The Foundation has invested $133 million in 518+ organizations, creating a vibrant community of grantees, philanthropists, advocates, innovators, and change-makers. To learn more about The New York Women's Foundation or see highlights from the event, visit IG: @ nywomensfdn | F: NewYorkWomensFoundation | X / T: @nywomensfdn Norah Lawlor Lawlor Media Group, Inc. +1 212-967-6900 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
CBS News
11-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
"Lilly": Patricia Clarkson on playing equal pay activist Lilly Ledbetter
If you don't know the name Lilly Ledbetter, how's this for an introduction? "Lilly Ledbetter did not set out to be a trailblazer or a household name," said President Obama in 2009. "She was a good hard worker who did her job, and she did it well for nearly two decades before discovering that for years she was paid less than her male colleagues for doing the very same work." Forty percent less, by most accounts. Now, a new film, "Lilly," starring Patricia Clarkson, chronicles Ledbetter's David-and-Goliath-type fight for equal pay against her employer, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, in Alabama. Asked what she knew about Ledbetter before reading the script, Clarkson replied, "Well, that she was one of the most remarkable human beings ever put on this Earth, a true, true American hero. A grave injustice had been committed against her. But she was also dealing with misogyny, ageism. But yet, she was this amazing manager. She rose." A female manager at a tire factory in the 1970s was almost unheard of. But Ledbetter needed the money to help her husband support their two kids. In 1998, she found a list of names and salaries of her male counterparts, all of whom made far more than she did. As the movie depicts, Ledbetter found an anonymous note, left for her in her locker, that detailed the pay discrepancies. "And she was devastated," said her daughter, Vickie Ledbetter Saxon. "She told me she didn't know how she was going to get through the shift. She was humiliated." Ledbetter filed suit, and was awarded $3.8 million in back pay and damages. But a court of appeals overturned the verdict. She never saw a dime. Patricia Clarkson as Lilly Ledbetter in the film "Lilly." Blue Harbor Entertainment Her case made it all the way to the Supreme Court, where a 5-4 ruling in favor of Goodyear stated that she had waited too long to file a discrimination claim (the statute of limitations was just 180 days). "She was extremely devastated by that," said Saxon. "And I thought it was over, I really did." It wasn't. By then, Ledbetter was nearly 70, and became a symbol of unequal treatment in the workplace. She made it her life's mission to correct pay disparity, and she maintained her activism well into her 80s. In a speech to the Democratic National Convention in 2008, Ledbetter said, "Equal pay for equal work is a fundamental American principle." On January 29, 2009, President Obama signed his first piece of legislation: the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which effectively ended the statute of limitations on fair-pay claims. President Barack Obama introduces Lilly Ledbetter, at the signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009. CBS News Clarkson said, "People care about her journey. It's like: I get you. I know who the hell you are. I know what you went through. I've been through it, too. And whether you're a man or a woman or you're Black or White or young or old, whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, whether you were gay or straight, everybody struggles in this way." Clarkson has played a string of memorable characters, from a heroin addict in "High Art," to the mom in "Easy A." She says Hollywood is no exception. Asked if she believes she was paid equally throughout her career, Clarkson replied, "Oh, no. Oh, no. No. When I was first working, I was paid scale, which is just the barest of minimum. Young men in the movie with me who had the same amount of words or scenes that I had were making a salary. But I was being paid scale. I didn't know that I was making way less to the dollar. But not anymore, baby!" Clarkson says to become Lilly, she spent time in a New York City park: "Every time I went somewhere, or I just would walk around the street, I was like, 'That's Lilly, that's Lilly, that's Lilly.' I mean, everybody, she's everywhere." Jackie Clarkson and Patricia Clarkson. Family Photo She especially found Lilly in her own mother, Jackie Clarkson, a New Orleans City Councilwoman and Louisiana state representative. "What I brought forth was the best of me, my mother, to play Lilly, because I had this shining example," she said. "It's very hard for me to watch 'Lilly.' My mother is there. My mother is a very kindred spirit with Lilly." When she got the part, her mom was her first call. "You know, 'cause I've played a lot of complicated women, and she was like, 'Oh, Patty. Oh, Patty. This is so glorious. This is wonderful. You're finally gonna be in a movie everybody can see!'" Clarkson says playing Ledbetter is the privilege of her life. Asked what she learned about herself by playing Lilly, Clarkson said, "I need to always strive to care more, to be better, to try to be a better human being, to be a better citizen." I said, "I think an experience that one has watching this film and seeing her story is to think, 'Would I rise to the occasion over and over? If I were called upon, would I be that brave?'" "I don't know that I would," said Clarkson. "If I had lost the settlement, I would have been like, 'I'm done.'" Both Jackie Clarkson and Ledbetter died last year. Lilly Ledbetter screened the film just days before her death, before Clarkson could meet her. Asked what she would say to Ledbetter if she could, Clarkson replied, "You lived an exceptional life with very little. And that people can be exceptional with very little. My mother was, too. They're gonna be dancing. Happy Mother's Day, Lilly, Mom!" To watch a trailer for "Lilly" click on the video player below: For more info: "Lilly" is now playing in theaters Story produced by Robbyn McFadden. Editor: Jason Schmidt.
