The Menopause Revolution 

Words: Jadesola Oginni 

‘The menopause revolution will bring an end to women’s suffering’ – Caroyln Harris MP 

Menopause is when regular monthly periods cease and is a natural part of a woman’s life. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and typically starts between 45-55 years of age. There are some exceptional cases where women experience menopause in their 30’s or even younger, which is often known as Premature Menopause. It is estimated that 63% of women are being negatively affected by their menopausal symptoms, preventing them from doing their normal activities. Menopause can be crippling for some and common symptoms often include hot flushes, night sweats, low sex drive, vaginal dryness and problems with memory and concentration. Carolyn Harris, a local MP, is amongst many women - such as Sophie, Countess of Wessex; Alexia Inge; Dr Shahzadi - working towards providing support for women who deal with menopausal symptoms within their day to day life. 

On the 9th of June 2021 Carolyn Harris MP led a Westminster Hall debate on support for menopausal women and shared the experiences of women directly affected by this within their workplace, care settings and beyond. The stories were horrendous, with women spending large amounts of money on prescriptions that lacked the correct information and education from GP’s on the topic, and how they’ve felt discrimination within the workplace. 

Whilst all women will experience menopause one day, it is important to understand that each experience will be different. Topics explored in the debate discussed the lack of education medical professionals have on menopause. It was estimated that 41% of professionals did not have menopausal education within their curriculum. This statistic is shocking, as half of the population will experience this at some point in their lives, and these individuals will require support and advice from medical professionals. 

A significant proportion of women experience both physical and mental symptoms of menopause, and it is reported that almost 900,000 women within the United Kingdom have left their jobs due to menopausal symptoms. Shared experiences discussed the lack of workplace policies surrounding menopause and how this has negatively affected their working environment. Workplaces can help by offering counselling sessions within their benefits, adequate staff training and detailed policies to ensure safe and effective environments are in place for such women. Women shouldn’t feel inferior within the workplace because of menopausal symptoms. 

Treatment is often offered if menopausal symptoms are interfering with everyday life. These include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and having a balanced diet and lifestyle. HRT is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms and it’s a way of replacing oestrogen which is lost during menopause. Many women find that purchasing HRT can cause a financial strain, as each supply can range from £8-14 each time. The menopause revolution is vital in ensuring fairness for women requiring additional backing. The retailer 'Timpson' announced on World Menopause day (18th October)  that employees would now be able to claim prescription cost for HRT as a work expense. This is outstanding and already shows the progress within the workforce; we hope other employers will follow suit. 

Inequalities within women’s care have been a long debate and there have been long-term commitments to reduce this and close the gap. Women are grateful that their experiences on menopause are now being heard and hope the government considers supporting them and bringing about change. The Government Equalities Office 2019 'roadmap' commits to conducting research into the improvement of women’s reproductive health across their life course and how to better support these women. 

COVID-19 Mental Health Response: Are we doing enough?

Words Yetunde Bankole

The stressors of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and the isolation experienced due to a succession of lockdowns around the world, has had a devastating impact on mental health globally.

In the UK alone NHS data showed a 29% increase in people being referred to mental health services, with a suspected first case of psychosis.

Researchers of a recent global study have estimated an extra 76m cases of anxiety, and 53m extra cases of a major depressive disorder due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How are different countries responding?

Spain introduced the ‘crying room’ , a project in Madrid aimed at reducing the stigma attached to mental health and crying. It is a safe space for those struggling to be able to express themselves and there is also access to psychologists via telephones.

The Spanish prime minister also announced that there will be a 100 million euro budget for mental health services, which will include mental health training and a 24hr suicide helpline.

The UK government has proposed a budget of £500 million aimed at improving and expanding the NHS mental health services.

The Australian government has also announced a federal budget allocation of A$2.3 billion for the establishment of new mental health centres, expansion of youth services and provision of therapy and treatment.

Most African countries allocate less than 1% of their healthcare budget to the provision of mental health services, with some reporting having no funding at all for their COVID-19 mental health response plans. Whilst a recent study of available mental health services in South Asia found the resources ‘lacking’ to tackle the issues arising from COVID-19.

There is a varying response across the nations globally, but with an estimated cost of $2.5 trillion a year to the world economy as a result of poor mental health, I believe this is a public health concern that we cannot afford to ignore.

The Economic Consequence of the Nigerian Twitter Ban

Words Vanessa Osinlaru

Nigeria is the most populous African country and has the biggest economy in the continent. The indefinite ban of Twitter in the country was announced officially by the Nigerian government last week.

President Muhammad Buhari, previously a military leader and politician who served as Nigeria’s head of state from 1984–85 posted a tweet that was later taken down by the social media platform resulting in the ban of the leading social media giant and a negative response from Nigerian citizens and viewers across the globe who criticised President Buhari’s cabinets decision. 

The Twitter ban hasn’t had a significant effect on the majority of Nigerians simply because many citizens downloaded Virtual Private Network (VPN) which gives users access to Twitter despite the governments effort to block it through network providers, however businesses and citizens afraid of receiving scrutiny from authorities and have stopped actively using the app which will leave Nigeria facing serious economic consequences. 

Industries currently showing significant growth opportunities in Nigeria include consumer goods, retail, e-commerce, real estate due to the high growing population, urban migration, information, communication technology, agriculture and infrastructure. The industries and the Nigerians working to keep them running use social media platforms to support their daily work. Social media give users immediate interaction. With a strong social media strategy, businesses have the ability to create engaging content and hard working marketers can engage their audience. 

Majority of entrepreneurial coaches giving advice today would say a business not using social media to improve their services probably isn’t a business at all. 

Twitter is a tool used by many Nigerians to improve their personal, business and professional lives. 67% of Nigeria’s population is under 24 years old. Twitter is perfect for e-commerce stores that want to improve the visibility of their products. The microblogging site  allows users to follow the work of other experts in their field, build relationships across the world and keep up-to-date with the latest news, developments and also allows users to share information with others instantly. 

It is a well known fact that globalisation increases improves countries. Twitter is a significant tool for globalisation in Nigeria and the country should be ready to face the consequences of detaching themselves from a platform most countries are still using to remain globalised. The NetBlocks.org, launched in 2017 that monitors cybersecurity and the governance of the Internet. The Nigerian government’s Twitter ban has already cost the country £25 million (N13 Billion) since the ban came into effect six days ago.

Twitter, founded and launched in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey has 300 million monthly active users. Buhari’s cabinet argue that Twitter is undermining “Nigeria’s corporate existence" and believe the removal of the app will be best for Nigeria and it’s foreign investors. Nigeria has amazing resources, most of which are yet to be fully exploited which gives Nigeria great investment opportunities. Many people are apprehensive that the  Nigerian government has failed to consider the positive impact Twitter has on the livelihood of the large youth population and the effect not having access to it will have on the economy. 

 Nigerian youth unemployment currently stands at 35% and will only rise with the new Twitter ban. The social platform is a great way for Nigerian employers to attract active candidates looking for employment and is also used by users  to share opportunities amongst themselves. 

Nigeria isn’t the only country battling with the democratisation of information. Fake news is a universal issue. A issue the world will most likely always have. Most democratic countries have been able to manage the situation using constructive engagement as opposed to banning platforms completely and making all citizens face the punishment of a few. 

Twitter plays a huge role in the Nigerian economy. Did you know that  60% of our economy comes from the consumer universally? What would happen if the British government issued a Twitter Ban? Just think about the amount of business sales that would fall and all the interaction, culture, trends and opportunity millions of people would miss out on. Overall, the Twitter ban in Nigeria has already started to have a negative effect on the economy and may continue too until the government officially changes their decision.

Black Lives Matter activist left in critical condition following ‘unknown’ shooting

Words Sarah Adama

Sasha Johnson, 27, a Black Lives Matter activist, has sustained a gunshot wound to her head at a garden party in Peckham, South London. Sasha Johnson became one of the most prominent voices in the protests that swept the U.K last summer following the murder of George Floyd and was one of the main organisers of the first ever Million People March. Ms Johnson is a senior member of the Taking the Initiative Party (TTIP) which has been called the “Britain’s first Black-led political party” and put forward its first candidates in May’s local elections. The party said she had received “numerous death threats” because of her activism. “Within the last four weeks prior to this attack, Sasha’s car was vandalised, and the windows were smashed, nothing was stolen from the vehicle apart from Sasha’s megaphone, which she uses during protesting,” TTIP said they believe this was a symbolic attack.

Ms Johnson, who called herself the ‘Black Panther of Oxford’ following her studies at Ruskin College Oxford, is a mother of three who works to deliver food and groceries to families in need, according to the party. The TTIP has accused the met police of ‘playing down’ the shooting in stating that there was no evidence to suggest a targeted attack or the woman “had credible threats against her prior to this incident.” Though, a close friend of hers Imarn Ayton whom she met at the BLM protests last summer has reason to believe that Ms Johnson was not the intended target, and the incident was “more related to rival gangs as opposed to her activism.” She believes it was a matter of wrong place, wrong time.

At a vigil on hosted Black Lives Matter UK hosted a vigil on Monday evening outside Kings College Hospital South London brought supporters and activists alike together to show their support and solidarity. Many describe Ms Johnson as a warrior, a mother and a fearless campaigner who was thrust to the forefront of the struggle for justice in the U.K. “No Justice, No Peace,” the crowd chanted.

A friend of Ms Johnson, Leo Muhammad said that “whether it [the shooting] was targeted or [whether] she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, the fact is, nobody is spraying bullets into white communities, but it’s a regular occurrence within the black community. We should be very concerned about that kind of activity.” Since then, five men between the ages of 17 and 28 have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The People vs. Derek Chauvin 

Words Sarah Adama

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14 days of testimonies and 45 witnesses later, ex-police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with the murder of George Floyd, whose death last year May sparked Black Lives Matter protest across the U.S and the world. 

This has been one of the most closely watched trial since O.J Simpson’s in the 1995, as the world tuned in to hear the verdict for the man whose knee placed on the neck of George Floyd was caught on camera by onlookers on 25 May 2020. This isn’t the first time that video evidence has been presented before a jury, but it is the first time that this has been the outcome. This is the first time that a criminal trial has been televised in the State of Minnesota. Derek Chauvin’s conviction comes as a shock, and a relief to Americans and allies everywhere, perhaps signalling a move towards more accountability for police abuses.

Had the verdict gone the other way, politicians across America were prepared for backlash. With tensions already high in Minnesota following the death of Daunte Wright earlier this month, who was shot by a policewoman who claimed she intended to use her taser but pulled out her handgun instead, the governor called for the National Guard as businesses boarded up gearing for protests. The National Guard were also called out in Chicago, following the shooting of a Latino teenager in March and footage of the killing of Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old boy chased into an alleyway at night and shot by a police officer.  

The prosecution’s case was damning, reminding the jury they could believe what they had seen with their own eyes. Police officers were called up as witnesses, something that has never happened before as the force is known for banding together. Police officers are rarely charged for killings in their line of duty, let alone convicted. Coupled with the video evidence, similar footage recorded by police themselves and testimonies by witnesses, including a 9-year-old, it was hard to imagine a jury would conclude anything other than a murder had taken place that day. Another compelling testimony was given 17-year-old Daniella Frazier who shot the video of the event. if she hadn’t recorded that day, Mr Floyd’s death would have been recorded as a medical incident, the narrative the Minneapolis police department painted. Whilst police officers confirmed that Chauvin’s act of kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck was not part of his training.

The main issues facing the jury were: whether Chauvin’s use of force was justified and the actual cause of George Floyd’s death. 

The defense argued poorly, perhaps because there was really no case to fight, so much so that they claimed George Floyd has an underlying health condition. Chauvin’s lawyers argued that his use of force was lawful, the reasonable amount of force expected from a reasonable officer, and that Floyd’s pre-existing health conditions and drug overdose were the cause of his death. Yet, medical examiners ruled that Mr Floyd did not die from any cause (such as opioids or drugs) but this was a clear case of “homicide”.

A jury of nine women and six men took no more than 10 hours to find Chauvin guilty on three counts of second-degree unintentional murder, Third-degree murder and Second-degree manslaughter. The ex-police offer faces 40 years in jail.

This is not just about George Floyd but about the numbers of black men and women, young and old, killed by police officers across America. When Jamar Clark and Philando Castle were killed in Minnesota in 2015 and 2016, one officer was acquitted whilst no charges were filed against the officers in Clark’s case. Without the video evidence and brave witnesses, it’s not a foregone conclusion that this case might have ended up like the others. 

In the three weeks of the Chauvin’s trial, more Americans have been murdered by police officers “acting in their line of duty.” Moments after the guilty verdict, protesters gathered in Columbus, Ohio after 16 year-old Ma’Khia Bryant was shot dead by police. 

It’s expected that just like the Simpson trial, Chauvin’s conviction will leave a public deeply divided along racial lines. Though this seems to be the police v. the People, the court of Law v. the court of public opinion. One can only wonder, although it doesn’t require much imagination, whether Derek Chauvin would have been convicted if onlookers didn’t film the event on 25 May 2020. One thing is certain, George Floyd received justice not because of the American Justice system but in spite of it. 

“We went big, we went early but there is more to come.”

Words Sarah Adama

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This year’s budget may be the most important for a generation. As the Chancellor is braved with the task of dealing with the economic fallout from the pandemic, all eyes are on one man. As we await the budget to be delivered on March 3, Rishi Sunak has expressed that he will use the budget to “level with people” over big strains in the public finances. In his view, the Covid-19 crisis is far from over and the statement will not include any new targets for government borrowing or debt. Warning that a bill with have to be paid for the country’s exposed finances, alongside the increased obligation to protect jobs, he seeks to address the challenge in the public finances and the budget will align with the Prime Minister’s roadmap for lifting coronavirus restrictions on June 21.

The budget is a financial statement delivered by the Chancellor to the House of Commons; the statement sets out how the government will spend the country’s money, proposals for changes to taxation and an overview of the state of the country’s economy. The Treasury is required by law to deliver two economic updates each financial year, usually in a budget or a spring or autumn statement. 

At the same time, the Office of budget responsibility publishes an independent forecast on what it thinks will happen to the economy over the next five years. The Chancellor’s budget is delivered yearly, partly because income and corporation tax are annual taxes and are subject by yearly review by legislation. 

On March 3, the Chancellor will leave 11 Downing street, carrying the famous ‘red box’, here he carries the speech and travels to parliament to deliver the statement. The speech is then debated by the house and the peers then vote on whether to approve a Finance bill. Once a bill is approved, the proposals are passed into law. 

Here’s what we already know: 

The Chancellor remains committed to the promise he made at the beginning of the crisis – to do whatever It takes to protect people, families and businesses. 

“I want to make sure people realise that we are going to be there to support them and if you look at our track record, we went big, we went early and there is more to come this week.”

Previously, Rishi Sunak has insisted that the country must return back to “sustainable” levels of spending as he considered a six-week extension to the stamp study holiday but is said to have rejected a longer extension as he looks to recover tax revenues lost due to number of emergency measures during the pandemic. It is predicted that the government will extend Help to Buy Equity loan scheme to the end of May.

In reiterating his determination to “level” with people over exposed public finances, he has also indicated an increase to corporation tax – one of the most contested taxes in the U.K - as the first step to repairing the public finances and is prepared for criticism from the Conservative party on tax rises. Of course, this would be subject to major Conservative criticism which he is braced for, urging Tory colleagues to support his message on public finances, as the Tories are “now the party of public services.” However, Tory MPs have been warned they will be thrown out of the party if they vote against budget measures. 

On Friday evening, Rishi Sunak announced an early package in his plans for jobs to reduce the rise in unemployment, introducing measures to strengthen training and apprenticeships. Businesses taking on an apprentice will receive an increased temporary cash bonus of £3000 and the scheme will be extended to the end of September. The plan breaks the restriction of the 16 to 24 age limit and will cover all hires. Other support schemes for businesses and individuals will be extended until the end of June. 

He is also to announce a £5bn “restart” grant scheme to aid the recovery of the British High Street and there is “more to come”. The grants will be aimed at shops, pubs, hotels and other businesses most affected by the crisis, worth up to £18,000 each. Government spending on these measures will total £25bn, according to Financial Times. 

The Chancellor’s plan is to spend big in the short-term before raising taxes later, in an attempt to cushion the country’s economy. 

New Codeword Scheme for Domestic Abuse Survivors

Words Sarah Adama

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The coronavirus crisis has had great impact on the rising numbers of domestic violence cases. The Government-backed scheme allows survivors to seek help discreetly, without the knowledge of their abusers or other members of the public.

Domestic abuse survivors of any gender will be able to walk into a participating pharmacy and ask for ‘Ani’, an acronym for ‘action needed immediately’. They will be taken by a member of staff into a private room and put in contact with the relevant authorities. ‘Ask for Ani’ will be available immediately, initially in 2,300 boots stores and 255 independent pharmacies.

Statistics show that there has been a significant surge in cases reported to the police since the pandemic began, lockdowns have meant that survivors are trapped within the same space as their abusers who have also been unable to seek help from friends and family. During the first three months of lockdown, a fifth of offences recorded by officers in England and Wales were related to domestic abuse. 

The government has given assurance that Ask for Ani staff have been specially trained to provide a safe space for those seeking help. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, giving the announcement said, “As we once again have to ask people across the country to stay at home to tackle this virus, it is vital that we take action to protect those for who home is not a safe space.

That is why we have launched this scheme, supported by pharmacies up and down the country, to give some of the most vulnerable people in society a critical lifeline – making sure they have access to the support they need and keep them safe from harm.”

The Government has also urged employers to better support their staff who are experiencing abuse. In an open letter to employers, business Minister Paul Scully encouraged employers to be alert for signs of any staff being a victim of domestic abuse. 

Signs include sudden changes in behaviour, drops in professional performance or physical marks such as bruising.

If you need help regarding domestic abuse, you are not alone:

Call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247 for confidential, non-judgemental information and support.

Women’s Aid – for information and support email helpline@womensaid.org.uk or use the instant messaging service.

Contact a local domestic abuse service using the Domestic Abuse Directory.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

If you are calling from a mobile and cannot speak, press 55 when prompted to dispatch help to your area.

Rishi Sunak Offers Lifeline to Small Businesses

Words Sarah Adama

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Chancellor Rishi Sunak has revealed plans to offer more financial support to struggling business under the third nationwide lockdown.

Following warnings from business bodies that another nationwide lockdown would cost at least £8bn losses each month in sales, the plans will provide grants to the retail, leisure and hospitality industries. Under the nationwide lockdown, over 500,000 businesses will be forced to shut their doors for the next few weeks. According to think tank Institute of Economic Affairs, this could mean a blow of almost £18bn to the economy each month and an estimated loss of approximately £2bn per week in lost sales according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). 

The closed businesses are set to receive a top-up grant of up to £9,000 per property, the highest grant for businesses with a rateable value of over £51,000. Taxpayers will contribute a further £4bn for the business grants to assist over 600,000 struggling businesses.

The Government has also extended the furlough scheme for a further term, up until March and will continue to provide 100% government backed loans. 

For more information, visit the government website here.

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“We cannot continue with Christmas as planned” says Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Words Sarah Adama

Credit: Jam Travels / Shutterstock.com; London, UK - April 2020: Piccadilly Circus during coronavirus lockdown

Following a rise in infection rates and concerns of a new variant of COVID-19, the Prime Minister has ordered that London and South East areas of England will move to Tier 4; the strictest alert level. Non-essential retail, indoor gyms, leisure facilities and personal care services must close their doors from midnight. Places of worship will remain open. People are advised to work from home if possible.

When it comes to Christmas day, the instruction is clear as day. Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty has instructed those in Tier 4 planning to leave before the rules change, “If you’ve packed your bag for Christmas, unpack it.”

Previously, areas in Tiers 1, 2 and 3 were given a five-day, three household Christmas bubble. It will now be limited to Christmas day itself. The affected areas in this new Tier 4 will not be allowed to mix with different households other than their own on Christmas day, except support and childcare bubbles.

Those wishing to travel out of their area may do so before the deadline but attempts to travel of the affected areas past midnight would be breaking the law. 

International travel will not be permitted, holidaymakers will have to remain local. There are limited exceptions which include travelling for work purposes.

The government has also alerted other countries of the new mutant strain of COVID-19 discovered in the U.K. Tier 4 ‘Stay at Home’ will take effect in law from tonight.

The rules will be reviewed on December 30th, 2020. 

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What’s Changed for America

Words Beverley Martins

Isn’t it ironic that this time 4 years ago, not many people other than white supporters would vocalise their support for current US President Donald Trump.

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I remember seeing an episode of ‘The Good Fight’; a litigator character had to hide the fact that he voted for Donald Trump, but at some point his law firm had a client they wanted to sign, but the client only wanted a firm that supported Trump. The litigator then had to admit his support so that they could sign on and when he did, his whole office looked down on him until he left the firm. I know this isn’t real but you get the point. I must add, it's a very binge worthy show on Amazon Prime.

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Something I found sad and admittedly, a little amusing was reading an article of a Latino woman who happened to support and love Trump. She was so proud of her choice to support him - although her whole family on the other hand were disappointed. Later, she found out that she was going to be deported due to a new law Trump had passed. I laughed for days. Imagine spending your time trying to convince people of a man’s character only to have him turn around and ruin your life. Doesn't that remind you of your ex boyfriend?

Over the years, Donald Trump has been bashed and insulted (I must add that he has done his own fair share of bashing and insulting) by those who are opposed to his presidency. Trump's supporters were somewhat ashamed of vocalising their support for him. I have to admit he is not someone that I would want to showcase; he is a little bit of an ass. Although, this year, we see things have changed. Trump supporters are rising out of the woodworks with their red attires. Why is that? What has changed?

The 2020 elections have caused different communities to rise up and have a say politically. There were over 8 million new voters. Celebrities spoke on political issues and encouraged fans to vote. TV and social media platforms created many social campaigns to create political awareness to encourage their young audience to speak up, get involved and vote. Would you say this is why trump supporters were more vocal? Would you say the social encouragement made them more confident in expressing themselves? Social media definitely gives me confidence. I could be looking like a frog and all I need to do is pick the right snapchat filter to feel like a new person ready to take the modeling mountain. Or is it because though it is said that he has ‘failed the US’, maybe he has also accomplished things citizens are proud of? Let us take some time to look back and maybe we can pinpoint when things changed.

Trump is mean, Trump did this and Trump did that, Trump stole my Dog. Trump is not known for his kind heart and he is not a very popular lad. But we are not going to be biased in our not so professional analysis. This article is not to slander or to highlight his failure as a president, or the fact that he looks like he has not combed his hair in a week. I can't even judge him on that because in our last lockdown I didnt brush my hair for about 2 weeks.

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December 2018 - Trump signed the First Act into Law, making the first legislative victory in years for advocates trying to reform the criminal justice system. [Yeah right like the criminal justice system changed over night. Who the hell do they think they're fooling because the system is still failing their people or there wouldn't be violent protests still going on. Oh sorry. I said I wouldn't be biased. Let's continue.] However, this accomplishment does not change the fact that this year alone the US government has faced many attacks on their criminal justice as the crime rate has tripled. And most of all, citizens fail to trust in the criminal justice system, due to the fight against police brutality on people of colour. A number of protests have undergone this year, which has angered the people of America. Long story short that obviously can’t be the reason. Next.

Was it his approach on the US tax reform? Three years into his presidency, Trump's signature legislative achievement remains a Republican tax bill that made sweeping changes to the tax code (the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.) The law was the biggest overhaul to the nation's tax code in three decades, and the President pitched it as "rocket fuel" for the American economy.

It permanently slashed the corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% while also provided temporary benefits for individuals and their families. This is worthy of a round of applause. But this fact does not help the poor. Sooo…

We can go on and on about Trump's accomplishments and failures. However I do not believe we can pinpoint something particular he has done to move people, or change minds. In all honesty, I believe that people in general have changed, mindsets have changed, and circumstances have changed. People are no longer afraid to have or be a voice because “what’s the worst that can happen?” As an entire world we have faced beasts - some in the form of a virus, others as wars and oppression, bloodshed and loss of loved ones. At the end of the day we people are stronger now, the fight has toughened people and in some way we all have had qualities pulled from within us. In multiple ways, from our voices in protest and social platforms, to our action in changing our lives, making an effort to vote to take part in the restructuring of a nation.

What’s next for America? As they take on old fights with fresh faces, bold voices, strong armies, and a new president. Congratulations Biden.

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First Things First: Kamala Harris

Words Phadria Prendergast

A few thousand years and 46 presidents later, the world witnesses the very first female vice-president of the United States.

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We celebrate first boyfriends, first jobs, hell when we were younger, we celebrated first kisses but if ever there was a first to celebrate, it would be this. 

Kamala Harris is set to be the first Asian-American, the first African-American and the first female vice-president of the United States. Now how’s that for firsts! 

And that’s not all, Harris is now the highest-ranking female elected official in US history; a title and barrier first held and broken by Nancy Pelosi - the woman regarded as the most powerful female member of Congress ever. 

Without a doubt, Harris has shattered a number of barriers and with that, comes great responsibility. So, amid the excitement of this new beginning, the question that isn’t far from our mind is, can Biden-Harris; the Former Vice President who is projected to become the 46th president of the United States, unify America? I suppose we can only wait and see. 

As this all takes place, I remember something one of my mentors had said a few days ago. I hadn’t been able to forget it. “Don’t run the race just to run, run the race to win,” he had said. In this case, winning is simply the beginning for the new duo. The real work begins now. That said, Harris’s win has inspired many, many women, myself included. 

Alongside a 50-second video of herself delivering a very powerful speech via her Instagram account, she writes “I hope every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.”

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US Elections 2020: Biden defeats Trump, becomes 46th president 

Words Sarah Adama

In what has been the most suspenseful, neck-and-neck race, Democratic candidate Joe Biden has won the US presidential elections.

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Four days after the election, Biden won his home-town Pennsylvania, picking up its 20 electoral college pushing him past 270 votes needed to win the presidency. Many records have been broken with this election; Biden will be America’s oldest president by the time of his inauguration. His running mate, Kamala Harris is the first woman, and one of mixed African-Asian descent in the White House as Vice President. It also makes Donald Trump the first one-term president since George Bush in 1992. Mr Biden, at age 30 became the fifth senator in US history in 1972. The president-elect served as Vice-President in the Obama administration and has tried to become president for the last three decades. Victory, at last.

Meanwhile, Trump has repeated unverified fraud claims as his attorney has announced that lawsuits over mail-in ballots and the voting process are coming in Pennsylvania, amongst other states, very soon. Several protests have spread across the states over the past few days. Whilst the Trump campaign refuses to accept the results, Mr Biden has released his first statement, “I am honoured and humbled by the trust the American people have put in me and in Vice president-elect Harris,” he wrote. 

“In the face of unprecedented obstacles, a record number of Americans voted. Proving once again, that democracy beats deep in the heart of America. With the campaign over, it’s time to put the anger and the harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation.” 

Sarah Adama - News & Politics Editor

Suzy Menkes Embarks on her Next Venture

Words Uyi Ilenbs

After six years as Vogue's International Editor Suzy Menkes the fashion world's most respected long-standing critic is embarking on her next venture, Creative Director Uyi Ilenbs tells us more.

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Suzy Menkes has had a long-standing career in the fashion industry reporting on global fashion affairs. Her pen-menship has earned her the title of ‘fashion’s most respected critic’ she has spent her journalist career writing for publications such as The Times, International Herald Tribune and Harpers Bazar to name a few, covering the upper echelon of the industry’s fashion shows and collections. An iconic, living fashion legend Suzy has pioneered fashion journalism for decades, recognised as a phenomenal writer, somebody that will go out and get the story. 

In 2013 she announced her new and very befitting role at Conde Nast as the International Vogue Editor where she spent 6 years reporting in her own global column covering 19 international Vogue publications online. Shortly after her initial announcement Suzy sat down with BoF’s Imran Amed to discuss her journey, she attributed her mentor Charles Wintor, Anna Wintor’s father for setting her on the path to the editor she is today. “When I joined the evening standard, he picked me out at the age of 24 to be fashion editor of the paper.”

During lockdown many fashion heads retreated to the digital space Suzy launched, called “Creative Conversation” a podcast series. When asked about her new venture into the digital space she explains “I have never been afraid of technology, I want to be a part of what’s going on now.” After her long stay at the powerhouse publication Suzy Makes has announced she will be embarking on her next venture, no doubt her digital presence will be felt. Vogue created a 40 minute long thank you message with close industry friends and colleagues sharing heart-felt memories and good luck messages to the living legend. 

Here are what some industry leaders had to say:

• “You have been so many people's north star; you have stood for journalistic excellence, for telling the truth” - Anna Wintor.

• “We all knew Suzy can be a very tough pen but when you get a good review from her you touch heaven” - Delfina Delettrez Fendi. 

• "Backstage first, always first to ask the best questions" - Michael Kors

• “An inspiration for generations.'' - Christian Louboutin.

We wish her the best of luck on her new exciting ventures.

Uyi Ilenbs - Creative Director

Five Days to the Finish Line, America Decides

Words Sarah Adama

The end is in sight, with 3rd November around the corner, all eyes are on Washington. Americans are turning out in their numbers to cast early ballots; the fate of the candidates will soon be known, but will voters turn out on ground on election day?

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A presidential race dominated by the coronavirus pandemic, the death of George Floyd followed by a wave of anti-racism protests bigger than what America has seen in the past 50 years and very expensive campaigns, (14bil) this has become perhaps the most important mid-term election in our lifetime.  A record shattering number, over 70 million Americans casting early votes, more than 50% of the total turn out in 2016 - it’s evident that voters know what’s at stake. Whilst incumbent President Trump trails behind Joe Biden in the national polls, both candidates are nearing the end of the race in key battleground, yet it is quite difficult to predict the outcome of 3rd November. Biden has bargained on the empathy vote, but does this guarantee him a victory? Two party conventions, two presidential debates and many wild campaigns moments later, the race has remained surprisingly stable, but the stakes are high. President Trump has not been able to close the poll gap but will Biden’s lead convert to actual votes?

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Who Elects the President?

Whilst Biden leads in the national polls, Trump’s re-election cannot be ruled out. Looking back at 2016, Democratic candidate Hilary Clinton won the popular vote by over 3 million more votes than President Trump, yet Trump took to the white house. The popular vote doesn’t determine who will win the 3rd November general election. In fact, the United States has had five presidents who lost the overall popular vote but won the election. Here’s how it works. When Americans cast their vote, they are actually voting for a representative of that candidate’s party, known as an elector. The college is a 538-member body, who then vote for the president on behalf of their state - All that’s needed is a simple majority of 270 to 538 votes. This makes some states absolutely vital to the presidential candidates, as electoral votes are assigned in proportion to the state’s population. In short, more populous states mean offer more electoral college votes.  Biden is facing the same hurdle Clinton did in 2016, small margins in a few swing states meant that trump was able to gain victory in several swing states and win more electoral college votes. 

Victory in the Supreme Court

Just a week to the election, the successful Republican push to fill the opening in the Supreme court has, over the weekend, sealed President Trump is 6-3 conservative majority on the bench, in the country’s top judicial court. Judge Amy Coney Barrett could cast a decisive vote on major cases looming before the court; a ruling on abortion rights and Trump-backed challenge to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Rival Biden used this as an opportunity to remind Americans that the appointment of Judge Barrett is a “stark reminder to every American that your vote matters.” It’s evident how this gives the republicans a stronger footing, as democrats continue to argue that the victor of the 3rd November election should pick the nominee. 

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Elections are Won and Lost in Battleground States

America has its ‘red’ and ‘blue’ states. Republican popular states like Idaho, Alaska and many southern states are red, whilst democratic popular states, the blue states include California, Illinois and the New England region of the northeast coast. Candidates can easily win electoral votes in their solid states, so victory depends on the swing states. Swing or ‘toss-up’ states change their hand depending on the candidate, and they hold very high stakes. The key electoral battlegrounds include the states of Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, all of which Trump won in the 2016 elections.

Whilst Trump’s core demographics are overrepresented in these swing states, early voter records show the trends to watch out for; Young voters and new voters. Over 25% of early voters in North Carolina didn’t vote in the 2016 election. The race is tight in the swing states – current records indicate that Biden has a narrow advantage in a handful of swing states despite a sold national lead over republican president Trump. The democratic candidate’s victory depends on how much support he can gain in these electoral battlegrounds, and currently his margins are narrow. Texas is among one of the states that may shock the polls - the race here is close, the republican dominance might just be shaken. With the high voter turn-out in the past few days, combined with the small margin of victory Trump gained in 2016, the polls have given democrats optimism as the margin is only getting smaller for rival Trump.

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How Americans are voting

In the U.S, voters are able to cast their ballots before 3rd November, by post or in person. The pandemic is one of the main reasons people are voting earlier, at least 30 states have made it easier and more accessible for people to cast absentee votes; citizens can cite COVID concerns as a legitimate reason for postal voting.  With states implementing battle drop boxes, offering prepaid postage on ballots sent by post as well as practicing universal mail-in voting, Voter participation could be the highest in a century. We are seeing some key trends in these elections; Young voters, new voters and black voters. The political power of these demographics can’t be denied. Historic efforts to suppress black voters has meant that many black Americans will be voting for the first time.  Data analysis shows that more than six times as many black voters had cast early votes by 18 October when compared to the 2016 stats. This means, these demographics could decide the 2020 election.

Young people, 18-24 have accounted for more than 3 million of the early votes, with over 2 million cast in 14 battle ground states. In battleground states like Florida and Wisconsin, the democrats have maintained an advantage among African Americans, though their support has slowly declined in the last few years A study from PEW research centre shows that more than one-in-three black eligible voters live in 2020 battleground states, with the highest percentages in Georgia (32% of 2.4million), North Carolina (22% of 1.7 million) and Florida (14% of 2.2million). 

Whilst young voters are turning out in their numbers, voting data suggests that black voters are less likely to support democrats.  Young votes will be critical to the 3rd November election, faced with the pandemic, a recession and social-justice uprisings, the youth-led movement for justice will only look to a party that is dedicated to policing and institutional reforms. Meanwhile Democratic candidates are trying to find a pathway in southern states, traditionally dominated by Republicans, by engaging with new voters many of whom are young and minorities. Democratic candidate Biden ramped up campaign efforts in states like Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Florida, the top states for black population gains. The state of Georgia, has seen record voter registration and turnout, making the seats for these states very competitive. With young people less likely to turn out in an election, millennials and Gen Z just might swing the course of the elections. Registered democrats are casting their ballots in much higher numbers than registered republicans, yet the victory on election day will hang on who turns out to vote. 

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Race to the Finish Line 

The outbreak has framed the campaign. With a surge of cases, there is now an avid focus on Trump’s handling of the pandemic, it is clear today that majority of American voters believe he mishandled the virus.  Whilst Joe Biden made this a central part of his campaign, President Trump spent the latter part of the last 8 months downplaying the virus claiming that it isn’t ‘real’, even after contracting it. As doomsday draws nearer, both candidates are sending contrasting messages. President trump is urging states to shun lockdown whilst Biden is promising further lockdowns and has continued small socially distanced events whilst his opponents holds huge rallies. With only a few days to the finish line, Trump is on the defensive and now focuses on the virus, making it his goal to end COVID-19, rallying supporters this week in Arizona, “Don’t let it dominate your life,” The president’s claiming that the nation is ‘rounding the turn’ on the virus cases, has been counteracted by Biden who vows to deal honestly with the American people and “let science drive our decisions”. 

The candidates will go head to head in Florida on Friday, where they are currently tied. If Biden emerges victorious in this major swing state, Trump’s re-election would be highly unlikely. North Carolina, another major state is currently up to chance.

Sarah Adama - Political Editor

HSBC and Wave Complete its First Blockchain Trade Transaction from New Zealand to China

Words Hannah George

Over the recent years blockchain has grabbed the attention of many governments, business owners, banks and financiers, but not all have began using it in full effect. Today HSBC and Wave complete its first blockchain trade transaction. Read more to find out just how effective it was.

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The first blockchain trade transaction happened between New Zealand and China and the British Multinational Bank HSBC facilitated the transactions on both ends of the trade. The trade consisted of the transportation of milk powder by Fonterra, a co-operative company operating in the international dairy industry. Wave a digital-based courier platform were the providers of the blockchain technology.

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Quicker Process - Less Than 24hrs Process

The end-to-end process proved to be much faster than it would have taken, it would have usually taken a couple of weeks. The transaction of the cryptographic bill of lading, which is an essential document for international trade like a shipment receipt was sent from New Zealand to China in less than 24 hours. The bill of lading is the most essential document in international trade which is sent from the senders to the final destination. It includes important information relating to the ownership of the cargo, customs clearance, and the financing information.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic there has been a sharp increase of electronic bills of lading and the use of them continue to increase as financiers, carriers and exporters seek to find suitable alternatives because of the movement restrictions. The advantages of digitising trade workflows is that it will enable streamlined supply chain processes and reduced costs.

Hannah George - Online Editor

Was Africa Ever Freed?

Words Karimah Shaw

2020 was the year we’d seen the world come to a standstill, lives lost to a deadly disease, economies shut down and working from home becoming the new way businesses and corporations operate. The world is currently crying out for leadership and direction on what to do next. Education and Employment Consultant, Karimah Shaw, explains more about the difficulties that persist in Africa.

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This year, the continent of Africa has seen its fair shares of crisis, with people living in constant oppression due to leaders they have put their hope in. From the inhumane nature of SARS in Nigeria, to the general elections in Guinea, to the national emergency of rape in Liberia and to other African countries who have equally experienced there own tribulations.

The marauding peaks and biodiversity of Africa bestows to the rest of the world its precious resources and culture that heavily influences the societal direction of the western world, yet this fairytale continent which is theorised to be the cradle of life itself has long been descending into a chaotic, callous chamber. This wasn’t how the script was meant to play out - after a myriad of African nations gained their independence it was meant to be a straight line to Westernisation, yet here we are in 2020 where corruption reigns supreme and the forefathers that are meant to lead this nation are oppressing them once again.

The ‘African Goliath’ which is Nigeria, houses over 200 million residents and is the largest operating economy on the continent, who’s primary export is 40% crude oil and natural gas, a resource normally accompanied by prosperous growth of a nation as case studies in UAE pertain. Which leads us to the questioning and the answering of SARS. 

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In our current environment, you’d think this four letter abbreviation ‘SARS’ is alluding to the past disease known in China to be the predecessor to Coronavirus, but just as 2020 demonstrates yet another crisis is playing out. SARS also known as Special Anti-Robbery Squad, is something created by the Nigerian government to counter robbery amongst the streets of its cities. Yet, the problem it sets out to abolish somehow has exacerbated the issue even further. It's somehow ironic that a country so wealthy with resources has formed a task force to retaliate against a poor versus rich dynamic - something going off evidence shouldn’t be present in the first place.

We have seen the power of social media alert the entire world to the inhumane actions of the Nigerian government constituting disgust worldwide however the other nations are yet to see their turmoils gain traction. Governing bodies are meant to bring order and stability to a country. In Africa, this has proven to be the root of the complete opposite - when the head of a fish is rotten, the rest of its body follows suit. This complex play’s as we speak in Guinea as two political opponents turn to child’s play - bickering amongst themselves on ‘who should lead the country to glory’ when final results of the election are yet to be declared. In the midst of this chaos, the leaders' conflict of words has seeped through to their opposing parties causing civil unrest, casualties and eventual demise of the people they sworn to protect, as patriotic citizens turn to physical action to defend the integrity of their party. It begs the question of why elections in Africa are never as straightforward as their western counterparts? Why are leaders reluctant to relinquish power even when evidence clearly states a change of the guard betters the country?

That leads us to the primary socio-political issue that plagues the continent, power. Gaining control on others or events so you can dictate reality to your own liking, citizens often elect candidates on the sales pitch they present on how they plan to wield that power effectively for the betterment of the people, but its a running theme that some political leaders sell a lie to then rest on their laurels. Yet in some countries at first glance but traversing through the thick fog of national propaganda conflicts and travesties rage on.

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We zoom intensely into Congo, the geographic heart of Africa and home to 80% of the worlds Cobalt reserves - a vital element that is imperative in the manufacturing of electronic devices specifically in preventing overheating and erasure of data, once again another example of Africa powering not only the west but the whole world. This has caused what’s been described as a ‘silent holocaust’ a travesty akin to the cause of one of the world’s most brutal wars yet there’s no coverage, no traction and no exposure or solution fronted by the United Nations. Rebel forces and neighbouring countries rob Congo of what is one of the world's most important ores - deploying children as slaves in inhumane conditions to mine the cobalt maximising profits but once again leaving the children of Africa empty handed and chained to poverty. 

Turmoil continues to breed in Africa with no future structure in place to end this everlasting suffering, the youth have used 2020 to voice their discontent but their suffocated by their governing bodies - choked of their life or futures and forced to look west to improve their realities and somewhere to effectively deploy their craft. Why can’t it be in Africa? In their homeland where the land bleeds diamonds and the people cry ambition, it's simple. When slavery was abolished the shackles were not cracked open but rather handed to another forefather, one who resembles them; who manipulates the truth with their best interest in mind only to be left disgruntled for their quest for autocracy, and as more of Africa’s promising youth take to the west - their skills and ambitions, Africa will be left withering away as large nations embezzle its materials and its voices.

Karimah Shaw - Education & Employment Consultant

Resolve to Feed: Is Food a Luxury?

Words Sarah Adama

To the average citizen, this wouldn’t even be a question. When you live in the 5th richest economy in the world but 1 in 5 children live in food poverty, you begin to wonder why your elected government treats the right to food as such. People have been campaigning for decades to end child food poverty. Political Editor, Sarah Adama gives us a clear update on what has been going on.

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 This evening, fast food giants support Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford’s campaign in providing school meals for families who need it. The campaign to provide children with free school meals over the summer rallied the support of the U.K community, yet the plea was initially rejected by the government and followed by a sharp U-turn. Yesterday, MPs rejected Labour party’s motion to extend free school meals to 2021, by 322 votes to 261. Those that backed the motion were a labour majority, with only 5 conservative MPs. This means that the Prime Minister, as well as the Education Minister, Minister for Children Affairs, the Minister for School Standards, Universities and Apprenticeships Minister, the whole Department for Education, voted against the right to food. This is nothing short of ironic, considering there is extensive evidence that shows children living in food-insecure families are more likely to suffer from education losses. In the face of a pandemic, you would think a democratically elected government would show more compassion. Though do we expect better from a government that is notorious for cuts in the wrong place and compromising the welfare of its citizens; 10 years of austerity and cuts in local government budgets have led to increased levels of inequality and growing childhood poverty, only deepened by the pandemic.  

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Food poverty is an ongoing problem and school meals have a long history in the U.K. You may remember the more recent infamous school milk row in 1970 when the Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, stopped the provision of free school milk for junior school pupils. Almost 50 years later, we are still campaigning to end child food poverty. Nothing has changed, this government still sees food as a luxury that cannot be afforded to children at the expense of their health, education etc.  

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1.4 million is only the startling figure for those who are entitled to free school meals. Research suggests there are a further near to a million children unaccounted for, living in a household where parents cannot cover school lunches, but are ineligible for free school meals. The current threshold for free school meals is quite low, as only families on Universal Credit and earning less than 7,400 a week qualify for free lunches. Hardworking families are being faced with the difficult decisions of paying their rent and bills or feeding their children. For many children, the school lunches are all they have. Families are struggling to put aside £20 a week to feed one child, whilst MPs on £80k plus per annum (plus expenses) enjoy the luxury of food and drink subsidies in parliament, as well as a £25 per night for food, when away from their constituency or in London. Members of Parliament can also claim travel expenses and expenses to rent a second property in London, if their constituency is outside of London. In 2018, subsidising food cost the taxpayer 4.4 million. Last year, 2.6 million was spent on subsidised catering to the House of Commons, only half way down from the 6million total in 2011. The latest figures show that taxpayers contribute 57,000 a week to subsidise food and drink for politicians. In 2018, subsiding food cost the taxpayer 4.4 million. According to this government, a £15 meal voucher is too luxurious for a child though angry citizens have cited Westminster’s menu as a “timely reminder of how cheap it is to eat like a king in parliament, subsidised by the taxpayer.” The vote has reignited the campaign to end subsidised food and alcohol in parliament, the public has expressed disgust and confusion in MPs voting against providing meals for vulnerable children despite enjoying Westminster’s subsidised meals, a petition has recieved almost 200,000 signatories. 

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Following the rejection, the community has come together to ensure that no child goes hungry under our watch. Hospitality businesses, local councils, restaurants, schools and even individuals have backed the campaign to offer free school meals to children over the half term. The campaign is quickly gaining momentum, despite many still struggling to cope from the impacts of COVID-19, people have shown “selflessness, kindness and togetherness,” Rashford remarked. This is the decisive action the country needs. We will never forget 2020, when in the midst of a global pandemic, the government paid millions in funding for a failed track and trace scheme, subsidised businesses to offer eatouttohelpout, but snubbed a £15 a week food voucher. If the government will not feed hungry children, we will. 

Keep up with the campaign #endchildfoodpoverty.

Sarah Adama - Political Editor

The End SARS Movement and the Threat to Human Rights

Words  Dorothy Adu

With a lack of news coverage and political tactics which deny the police brutality happening in Nigeria, you might only be aware of SARS (the Special Anti-Robbery Squad) from the trending global hashtag on Twitter ‘EndSARS’. Founder of Law City Dorothy Adu-Mfum discusses the End SARS movement and why this is a threat to human rights.

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What is SARS and why are people protesting?

 SARS is a unit of the Nigerian Police force, established in 1992 to combat robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes. Despite initially being formed to protect civilians from prevalent crimes, this unit has been widely accused of human rights violations, rape, extrajudicial killings and torture. It is also known for profiling young people who are seen in flashy cars, with iPhones, dreads or tattoos as criminals.

 Police brutality by SARS has been an issue for many years. However, recent protesting began on the 8th of October 2020 due to a widely shared video on social media, showing the SARS unit allegedly shooting a man in Nigeria’s Delta State. Since then, thousands of youths have taken to the streets in solidarity, throughout Nigeria, calling for the abolishment of SARS. This has now developed into a greater movement, highlighting bad governance and corruption in Nigeria, with the demand for extensive reforms in all areas of Nigerian life including employment, education and infrastructure.

Alongside public figures like Burna Boy, Jack Dorsey, Marcus Rashford, Beyoncé and Hillary Clinton, Odion Jude Ighalo recently condemned the police brutality and corruption in Nigeria, stating: 

“I am ashamed of this government; we are tired of you guys and we can’t take this anymore.”

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari attempted to address the issues and quell the protesting by promising comprehensive reform and compensation for the victims of police brutality. These reforms included replacing the SARS unit with the rebranded SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team. However, this was rejected by the Nigerian population who stated that these changes had already been attempted on four occasions, incorporated police from the corrupt SARS unit, and were not enough to reform the police.

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Why is it a threat to human rights?

On Tuesday, 20th of October 2020, Nigerian soldiers allegedly opened fire on peaceful protestors in Lekki toll gate in Lagos after mass demonstrations brought the city to a standstill.

A 24-hour curfew was imposed earlier that day by governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos state starting from 4 pm that day. This was accompanied by an announcement from the national police force stating that it will deploy an anti-riot police squad nationwide “to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians and secure critical infrastructure across the country”. At around 7 pm that evening, graphic scenes of protesters being shot by men in army uniforms flooded social media. Thousands of people also tuned in to popular musician DJ Switch’s Instagram live, where they witnessed bullets being removed from the bodies of protesters and reports of several others killed.

It is currently unclear the exact number of people killed on Tuesday due to the lack of accountability of the Nigerian government. However, Amnesty International stated that it “received credible but disturbing evidence of excessive use of force occasioning deaths of protesters at Lekki tollgate”

Why is this a human rights issue? 

Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to education and more. Bad governance in Nigeria has resulted in many of these rights being threatened. Concerning SARS, Amnesty International, the world's leading human rights organisation originally accused SARS officials in a report in 2016 of regularly detaining young Nigerians illegally and extorting money from their relatives. The report revealed detention centres across Nigeria where victims were tortured and forced to confess to crimes they did not commit.

Years after, we are still a long way away from police reform; however, we have never seen so much unity amongst the youth in Nigeria. This is now gaining global attention and hopefully, valuable support.

 Dorothy Adu - Founder of Law City

A Call for Leadership: Compassion in the Midst of Chaos

Words Hannah George

The Nigerian uprising has left the nation in uproar, unrest and sorrow. SARS protests have exposed the wounds of a failing government system. Even though the protests have shown an immense strength and resolve of the Nigerian youth, the question of sound leadership and compassion cannot be ignored.

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Today, Wednesday 21st October 2020, thousands of people took to the streets in London City to carry out a peaceful protest outside The Nigerian House to demand answers from the government. Demonstrators presented a united from, expressing anger and betrayal by the Nigerian government. It was not a Nigerian protest, or a protest by Nigerians but a protest for human rights and for the leadership that Africa deserves.

It is now evident that Nigeria is in extreme need of new leadership because without great leadership, the citizens will continue to be misguided and economically exploited. Change leaders and nation builders who are dynamic, focused, and selfless are in high demand in all industries from politics, to music, to finance, to entertainment, to business and many more. One of the most effective factors that will lead to the betterment and real change in Nigeria is compassion. Compassion for humanity, compassion for this generation.

Where age may have once been deemed a requirement when it comes to leadership, that mindset has now shifted. If responsibility was determined by age, consequently, Nigeria has proved that to be ineffective. Nigeria needs leaders who will act their responsibility not their age. Nigeria needs leaders not only with intellect but with heart.

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Currently, in the political remit in Nigeria, becoming a politician is unattractive and affiliated with negativity. The word politician needs to be rebranded by inspirational and impactful leaders who have vision to rebuild the foundations of Nigeria. The next set of leaders would require courage, integrity and honesty. It is expected that the next generation of leaders will show audacious audacity in order to break the barriers of the nation and will be those who are patriotic, not only to Nigeria but this generation. The answers to Nigeria’s problems are in the hands of those with great minds and sound leadership - they will provide solutions to steer Nigeria through this great storms of despair.

Here are some ways that you can help:

• Educate - Educate yourself and educate others about what has been going on in Nigeria and how you can support.

• Amplify - Use your social media platforms to share information, tweet and post photos. It doesn't matter how big or small your platform is - you can reach someone. 

• Peacefully Protest - If you have the opportunity, take part in a peaceful protest to show your support and love.

• Donate - You can donate by through Feminist Coalition and Connected Development who provide funds for emergency healthcare, food and shelter in support of victims and protestors.

  
  Hannah George - Online Editor