Latest news with #womenonly
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Gaza aid site offered a 'women only' day. It didn't stop the killing
The food distribution was announced in advance, like many before it, in a post on social media carrying an illustration of smiling Palestinians receiving boxes of aid. This time, however, the invitation shared by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was different, featuring illustrations of only women. "Tomorrow at our morning distribution at our location in the Saudi district, only women are welcome to come and receive a food box," the GHF post said. "Men should avoid the site during this distribution." Mary Sheikh al-Eid wanted to feed her seven children. Her husband had been killed earlier in the war and the family had been surviving on lentil soup for three weeks, said Mary's sister Khawla, but the last week had been a struggle. "Her children and mine told us not to go," Khawla told the BBC. "Mary told me she wanted to because it was a day for women and the numbers wouldn't be big." GHF's food aid distribution system has been marred by near-daily scenes of chaos and killing since it was implemented in May with Israeli and US support. Huge crowds are forced to walk long distances into Israeli military zones, entering fenced sites that are surrounded by private security contractors and Israeli troops. Palestinian men mostly take on the risk, jostling to secure a box of food for their family. For Gaza's two million people, there are just four GHF distribution sites but typically no more than two open on any given day. On Thursday, the sisters Mary and Khawla set off early for the aid point in the southern Rafah area. By the time they arrived, the scene was already chaos. "There was a huge crowd of women and the place seemed out of control, they couldn't offload and distribute the aid," Khawla said. "They started spraying the women with pepper spray, then they brought stun grenades and started throwing them on the women to force them backwards." The sisters got split up in the mayhem. Khawla's clothes were full of pepper spray and so she called her sister, agreeing to meet at their brother's house. Shortly after she called again, feeling something wasn't right. "This time a stranger picked up, he told me the owner of the phone was shot and was being taken to the Red Cross [field hospital]," said Khawla. "I called again and this time I was told she was shot in the head. I ran like crazy and called again, but this time I was told the owner of this phone had been killed." Since the GHF aid system was established in late May, the UN says over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military while trying to get aid mostly near GHF distribution sites, as well as near UN and other aid convoys. On Friday, one former US soldier who worked with the GHF said he had witnessed Israeli troops and security contractors firing on crowds. Anthony Aguilar told the BBC he had never seen such a level of "brutality and use of indiscriminate and unnecessary force against a civilian population, an unarmed, starving population". Israel has previously said that its troops have fired "warning shots", and that it was implementing "lessons learned". It accuses Hamas of instigating chaos near the aid points and disputes the number of deaths reported. Medics at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis said After Mary Sheikh al-Eid died from a bullet injury to the neck. She is one of two women known to have been killed on Thursday's "women's day". The BBC also spoke to the family of the second woman who was killed, Khadija Abu Anza. One sister, Samah, who was with her said that they were travelling to a GHF aid site when an Israeli tank and troops arrived. From a distance of just metres, the troops first fired warning shots as they told them to move back, Samah said on Friday. "We started walking back and then she was hit by the bullet," Samah said. "They shot her in the neck and she died immediately." "I tried to carry her and her blood fell on me, a man helped me carry her to Nasser hospital. The aid point was opened right after they shot her and they let people go in." In response to the BBC, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had "identified suspects who approached them, posing a threat to the troops" and "fired warning shots" early on Thursday, but added that it was unaware of casualties. It said the shots were fired 'hundreds of meters away' from the distribution site, before its opening hours. Until May, UN agencies, other international organisations and charities provided most of the aid to Gaza's population at 400 distribution sites throughout the territory. The introduction of the GHF has been criticised by many in the aid community as an attempt to undermine the previous humanitarian system and increase Israeli control over the distribution of food in Gaza, forcing people into dangerous military locations. The UN refuses to cooperate with the GHF system calling it unethical. In recent days, Israel's control over food deliveries to Gaza has been widely condemned by many European governments and the aid groups. Israel says that it introduced the GHF system because Hamas was previously diverting and profiting from aid under the United Nations-led system, though it hasn't provided evidence to show this happening on a systematic basis. Daily reports of death from malnutrition are gathering pace in Gaza. Humanitarian officials say that the territory must be flooded with aid in order to avert a total collapse. Under international law, Israel as the military power occupying Gaza has an obligation to protect civilian life - ensuring people can find food to survive. However Israel has blamed Hamas and aid agencies for the current shortages, while continuing to support the GHF distribution model. "I pray to God they get shut down, they are death traps," says Mary's sister Khawla. "She went to get food for her children but she returned by people carrying her body." Additional reporting by the BBC's freelance Gaza team and BBC Verify's Mohamed Shalaby
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Gaza aid site offered a 'women only' day. It didn't stop the killing
The food distribution was announced in advance, like many before it, in a post on social media carrying an illustration of smiling Palestinians receiving boxes of time, however, the invitation shared by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was different, featuring illustrations of only women. "Tomorrow at our morning distribution at our location in the Saudi district, only women are welcome to come and receive a food box," the GHF post said. "Men should avoid the site during this distribution."Mary Sheikh al-Eid wanted to feed her seven children. Her husband had been killed earlier in the war and the family had been surviving on lentil soup for three weeks, said Mary's sister Khawla, but the last week had been a struggle."Her children and mine told us not to go," Khawla told the BBC. "Mary told me she wanted to because it was a day for women and the numbers wouldn't be big." GHF's food aid distribution system has been marred by near-daily scenes of chaos and killing since it was implemented in May with Israeli and US crowds are forced to walk long distances into Israeli military zones, entering fenced sites that are surrounded by private security contractors and Israeli troops. Palestinian men mostly take on the risk, jostling to secure a box of food for their Gaza's two million people, there are just four GHF distribution sites but typically no more than two open on any given Thursday, the sisters Mary and Khawla set off early for the aid point in the southern Rafah area. By the time they arrived, the scene was already chaos."There was a huge crowd of women and the place seemed out of control, they couldn't offload and distribute the aid," Khawla said. "They started spraying the women with pepper spray, then they brought stun grenades and started throwing them on the women to force them backwards."The sisters got split up in the mayhem. Khawla's clothes were full of pepper spray and so she called her sister, agreeing to meet at their brother's house. Shortly after she called again, feeling something wasn't right."This time a stranger picked up, he told me the owner of the phone was shot and was being taken to the Red Cross [field hospital]," said Khawla."I called again and this time I was told she was shot in the head. I ran like crazy and called again, but this time I was told the owner of this phone had been killed." Since the GHF aid system was established in late May, the UN says over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military while trying to get aid mostly near GHF distribution sites, as well as near UN and other aid Friday, one former US soldier who worked with the GHF said he had witnessed Israeli troops and security contractors firing on Aguilar told the BBC he had never seen such a level of "brutality and use of indiscriminate and unnecessary force against a civilian population, an unarmed, starving population".Israel has previously said that its troops have fired "warning shots", and that it was implementing "lessons learned". It accuses Hamas of instigating chaos near the aid points and disputes the number of deaths reported. Medics at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis said After Mary Sheikh al-Eid died from a bullet injury to the neck. She is one of two women known to have been killed on Thursday's "women's day".The BBC also spoke to the family of the second woman who was killed, Khadija Abu sister, Samah, who was with her said that they were travelling to a GHF aid site when an Israeli tank and troops a distance of just metres, the troops first fired warning shots as they told them to move back, Samah said on Friday."We started walking back and then she was hit by the bullet," Samah said. "They shot her in the neck and she died immediately.""I tried to carry her and her blood fell on me, a man helped me carry her to Nasser hospital. The aid point was opened right after they shot her and they let people go in."In response to the BBC, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had "identified suspects who approached them, posing a threat to the troops" and "fired warning shots" early on Thursday, but added that it was unaware of casualties. It said the shots were fired 'hundreds of meters away' from the distribution site, before its opening hours. Until May, UN agencies, other international organisations and charities provided most of the aid to Gaza's population at 400 distribution sites throughout the introduction of the GHF has been criticised by many in the aid community as an attempt to undermine the previous humanitarian system and increase Israeli control over the distribution of food in Gaza, forcing people into dangerous military locations. The UN refuses to cooperate with the GHF system calling it recent days, Israel's control over food deliveries to Gaza has been widely condemned by many European governments and the aid groups. Israel says that it introduced the GHF system because Hamas was previously diverting and profiting from aid under the United Nations-led system, though it hasn't provided evidence to show this happening on a systematic basis. Daily reports of death from malnutrition are gathering pace in Gaza. Humanitarian officials say that the territory must be flooded with aid in order to avert a total international law, Israel as the military power occupying Gaza has an obligation to protect civilian life - ensuring people can find food to survive. However Israel has blamed Hamas and aid agencies for the current shortages, while continuing to support the GHF distribution model."I pray to God they get shut down, they are death traps," says Mary's sister Khawla. "She went to get food for her children but she returned by people carrying her body."Additional reporting by the BBC's freelance Gaza team and BBC Verify's Mohamed Shalaby
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
New dating advice app Tea rockets to No. 1 app spot: What to know
A dating advice app called Tea has rocketed to the top of the free apps chart in Apple's App Store after it went viral on Reddit, TikTok and across social media. The app varies from traditional dating apps because it's only for women, and instead of looking for dates, women go on the app to share information about and look for tips on potential male partners. The company behind Tea said in an Instagram post that it had reached over 4 million female users and has a waiting list of approximately 900,000 new, prospective users. Get to know the viral new app below. New dating app says it helps women identify red flags in dating What is the Tea app? The Tea app is marketed as a "women-only" app that offers "dating tools for women" and lets women anonymously share and search for information, advice, and photos of men they say they have dates with or are looking to date. According to the Apple App Store, to use the Tea app, users must be 17+. The purpose of a woman adding a man's "dating data" and "dating history" would, in theory, build community and help other women share "red flags" or warnings about people they say they've dated or any "green flags" or vouch for men. Women can share noteworthy dating experiences, both positive and negative. Matchmaker has dating advice for people seeking romance in 2025 The Tea app is available for iOS on Apple's App Store and for Android on the Google Play Store. What does Tea let users do? In one promotional Instagram post, Tea compared itself to the user review app Yelp. "An app that's like Yelp, except for it's reviews of men," the text in the video post reads. After creating an account by logging in through an Apple or Facebook account, a Tea user can use the app's tools to check phone number lookups, do background checks, check criminal records, check if someone is listed on sex offender registries and reverse image search photos to see if photos are used elsewhere, according to explanations posted on the Tea app's social media pages. Users can also search for others based on their location. Tea users can also share first names, photos, and reviews of men they've dated and their date experiences. What are the concerns behind Tea? On Reddit, some users have called for the deletion and removal of the Tea app, calling it a platform that "can be used to spread misinformation," a platform that allows for easy doxing, or the sharing of someone's identity and private information publicly, and a "privacy blindspot" that doesn't let men search for themselves or verify what is shared about them. The Tea app claims to verify all potential users and calls safety its "No. 1 priority." "Because this is a women-only app, our approval process is extremely tedious, to protect the women in Tea," the app stated in an Instagram post. "We pride ourselves on being very thorough, which takes extra time (real human team, no shortcuts!)," the message continued in part. The Tea app's developer, Tea Dating Advice Inc., declined to weigh in on how the app works, how the app's vetting process works, privacy concerns or comment for this article. Solve the daily Crossword
Travel Weekly
18-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Solos introduces women-only tours
Tour operator Solos has launched women-only itineraries this week with plans to unveil more tours soon. The itineraries will be led by women and include experiences with women-focused nonprofits, advocacy groups, businesses and artists. Solo said it created the itineraries after seeing a demand for solo travel from women ages 50 and up. The tours will not have a single supplement fee. The tours follow a trend toward women-only or women-focused tours, especially those with a solo component. The "Women-only India- The Golden Triangle & Rajasthan" itinerary will explore India's Golden Triangle, Jodhpur and Udaipur on a 12-night tour. It includes sunrise yoga at the Taj Mahal, a safari to the Bishnoi Villages and a visit to Sheroes Hangout, an initiative operated by women who have survived acid attacks. Participants will also ride through Jaipur in a rickshaw through Access Development Services, which trains low-income women to become drivers. Travelers on the 12-night "Women-only Morocco: Medinas, Mountains & Coast" itinerary will visit Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakesh and Essaouira. They will meet with women entrepreneurs in Fes and artisans in Essaouira, and they will visit with Berber women in the Atlas Mountains. They will also visit a rural women's cooperative that produces embroidery, pottery and argan oil. The 10-night "Women-only Greece: Ancient Wonders & Island Hopping" itinerary will take travelers to the archaeological highlights of Athens, the Cycladic islands and historic sites like Mycenae, Epidaurus and Olympia. Travelers will take a pottery class led by a woman at her Paros studio. "These unique experiences allow travelers to interact directly with women's groups in destinations across the globe and to give back to local women's initiatives," said Kendra Guild, the vice president of North America for Solos.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Daily Mail
How solo female travellers are embarking on trips of a lifetime to bucket-list destinations - from Antarctica to Uluru
Are you craving adventure beyond the tourist trail, but have no one to travel with? You're not alone. For many women, the idea of solo travel is exciting, but the reality can be overwhelming. Between the daunting task of planning an itinerary, safety concerns, and a fear of feeling lonely, that dream trip often stays just that: a dream. But a boutique travel company is redefining the way women explore the world, curating women-only journeys to awe-inspiring, bucket-list destinations, far from the crowds and the same old tourist traps. From camping in Uluru, swimming with Manta Rays in the Great Barrier Reef, or journeying to Antarctica for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, OceanZen Travel is making dreams a reality for Australian women. The best Bucket List Trips with OceanZen Travel Antarctica Set foot on the seventh continent, taking in the breathtaking frozen landscape, braving a polar plunge in the icy ocean, and witnessing majestic wildlife in their natural habitat. The Antarctica Expedition is a rare opportunity to experience the untouched beauty and mystery of this magical part of the world. Ready for a once in a lifetime adventure? Find out more here. Dive into the mesmerising marine wonderland on a getaway to Lady Elliott Island in the Great Barrier Reef. The most popular of OceanZen Travel's expeditions, the tour includes a fully guided diving experience swimming with Manta Rays. Ready to escape winter with an island paradise escape to reconnect with nature? Find out more here. Tonga Five days of snorkelling and swimming with pods, mums and calves, or lone males singing for a mate makes for an unforgettable experience. The Tonga expedition takes place in September, when whales seek warmer waters to mate and birth their calves. Can you imagine swimming alongside a magnificent humpback whale? Find out how you can join this trip here. Uluru The Northern Territory's sacred centre is a must-visit destination. Uluru is more than one of the world's most iconic landmarks, it is the spiritual heart of Australia. Sleep around a campfire while gazing at a starlit sky, hearing the stories of the Anangu people, hike the Kings Canyon Rim Walk and dine under a canopy of stars at the famed sounds of silence dinner. Dream of a soul stirring journey to the Red Centre? Find out more here. OceanZen Travel was Founded by Steph Gabriel in 2017. The entrepreneur owned a swimwear company and while in Tonga in 2016 for a campaign shoot, she shared videos swimming with whales on social media. Followers responded asking how they could have the same experience, and the idea for a travel company was born. 'Seeing the profound impact that these soul-stirring experiences has on the women that come away, lights my soul up,' Steph told Empower Her. 'It's so important for women to step outside their comfort zone and travel the world... and discover a new version of you that you didn't even know existed. Other incredible trips include a ski tour in New Zealand, a 4WD adventure on Fraser Island, and a Northern Lights expedition to Greenland. Facebook reviews recommending the company are simply gushing, praising the quality of the service and the 'magical' sense of community the trips cultivate. 'The OceanZen retreats are an unforgettable experience- once you've been on one you'll realise that one isn't enough!' one past traveller wrote on Facebook. 'To be surrounded by incredible, supportive and like-minded girls for a weekend is so soul nourishing, and you'll come back feeling so fulfilled - and with the amazing trip locations which help too! 'To share these experiences with people who are just as stoked to be there as you are creates lifelong friends and memories. Facebook reviews recommending the company praise the 'magical' sense of community the trips cultivate 'Steph is amazing, and truly cares about each and every one of the girls on the trip. There's no one else I'd want to go on a trip with!' Another client raved: 'Hands down best travel agency ever. Steph is amazing and really makes sure you have the best time possible on your trip. It is such a great experience and being able to go to these incredible and breathtaking places is such a blessing. 'If you have ever considered solo travelling and don't know where to start don't look further than OceanZen, trust me you will not regret it. So thankful to have met Steph and gone on a trip with her; I'm already booking my next trip and can't wait to go.' 'It's so important for women to step outside their comfort zone and travel the world... and discover a new version of you that you didn't even know existed,' Steph says of the trips 'I cannot recommend travelling with OceanZen enough! I recently went on a retreat to Lady Elliot Island and it was simply amazing,' another traveller commented. 'Steph organises everything to perfection. You don't have to lift a finger the whole time and it was just such a fun experience. 'Steph makes you feel so welcome from the get go, and it was great meeting the other ladies who were also on the trip. I truly can't wait until I can go on another retreat with Steph. I promise you won't regret travelling with OceanZen Travel!'
