Christmas joy for children in poverty ??
Diversifying Group
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As we look back on 2024, ending the year on a positive note may seem harder than usual. This year, global economic uncertainty led many organisations and governments to deprioritise diversity & inclusion, while a rise in far-right movements threatened the rights of LGBTQIA+ communities, marginalised ethnic groups, refugees, and women across the world.?
Yet, as highlighted in our article on?the volunteers bringing Christmas joy to children in poverty, we're reminded that the holiday season is a time for celebration and happiness. So, as we close out 2024 with the last Diversity Lens of the year, we want to urge you to celebrate and cherish the positives moments - no matter how small they may seem.?
Thank you for your support over this past year – we’ll see you in 2025! ???
QUICK FIRE NEWS ??
LET'S GET INTO IT ??
The volunteers bringing Christmas?joy to children in poverty?
How are volunteers making a difference?
Thousands of children across the UK will wake up to sacks of toys this Christmas, thanks to the hard work of volunteers like Dee and Chris Drake, founders of?The Toy Appeal.Their charity, launched 12 years ago, has delivered joy to?over 65,000 children,?with 10,700 toy sacks going out this year alone. Volunteers buy, wrap, and distribute toys through food banks, schools, and women’s refuges,?helping families in need?feel a little of the season's magic.
Why is the need growing?
Demand for toy appeals has?surged since the pandemic and the cost of living crisis,?impacting families who never imagined needing this kind of support. Charities and businesses like Lidl and The Entertainer are stepping up too, with national campaigns to bring toys to even more children. As Dee puts it,?“Every child should enjoy the magic of Christmas.”
Discrimination at work hits a?three-year high?for young women
What does the data reveal about workplace inequality?
A new report by the?Young Women’s Trust?reveals over half of young women experienced discrimination at work in 2024. That’s the highest rate in three years. Racial discrimination has risen most, particularly for Black and Asian women. The report also highlights issues like ageism, sexism, and bias against those with caring responsibilities or mental health conditions, showing the?deeply layered nature of inequality.
What needs to change?
Despite existing laws, pay gaps remain a pressing issue - 1 in 10 HR managers admitted knowing about unequal pay, and nearly a fifth of young women feel unaware of their rights. The data suggests a need for?better education,?clear policies,?and cultural shifts?to challenge bias and create inclusive environments where everyone feels supported to speak up.
The most dangerous place for women??Their own homes
What do the numbers tell us?
In 2023,?85,000 women were killed by men, with 60% of these deaths caused by a partner or family member. A UN Women report confirms that home is often the most dangerous place for women. While overall killings have fallen since 2022, violence within families has risen. Regional data highlights that Africa has the highest rates of partner-related femicide, followed by the Americas.?In Europe and the Americas, most women were killed by partners; in other regions, family members were the main perpetrators.
What needs to change?
Many countries?don’t properly track femicide, making it harder to hold governments accountable. Improving data collection is a key step in addressing violence against women. Globally, protests in countries like Turkey and Mexico are putting pressure on governments to act, and some have started introducing new laws. The question is: will these lead to real, lasting change??
TikTok?cracks down on beauty filters?for teens
Why are beauty filters being restricted?
TikTok is?banning under-18s from using beauty filters?that alter their facial features, like smoothing skin or plumping lips, to combat rising anxiety and self-esteem issues among teens. The move follows reports that filters pressure young people, especially girls, to meet?unrealistic beauty standards.?Comic filters, such as those adding bunny ears or dog noses, remain unaffected.
What’s happening with age limits?
TikTok is also tightening age restrictions to?block under-13s from signing up.?New machine learning systems will help detect underage accounts, with stricter enforcement expected as the UK’s Online Safety Act comes into effect. Despite these steps, experts argue the platform must?address broader systemic issues?around harmful content for teens.
THIS MONTH WE'RE LOVING ??
?? UK trial to give cash?directly to homeless
???? Poland to?ban anti-LGBTQ+ hate speech
???? Rotterdam first Dutch city to?return colonial objects
?? Alex Consani becomes first transgender?Model of the Year
???Bristol (hybrid)??23 January 2025?
Who are they?
The Environment Agency works to protect and enhance the environment, tackle climate change, and create a sustainable future. They are dedicated to creating a healthier, safer environment and making a positive impact on communities across the UK. Their work aims to benefit both current and future generations, ensuring a better quality of life for all.
Is it for you?
This 12-week internship offers an exciting opportunity to work on impactful projects that address climate change, environmental equality, and sustainable development. From hands-on site visits to contributing to real-world initiatives, you’ll gain invaluable skills and experience.
Whether you’re creating solutions for environmental challenges, developing sustainable strategies, or collaborating with professionals in the field, this programme is tailored for individuals passionate about making a difference.
If you’re a student or recent graduate with a STEM background or a strong interest in environmental work - and thrive in collaborative, inclusive environments - this internship is for you.
?? The Environment Agency value diverse experiences and encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented communities, including B.A.M.E individuals. SDIP is a positive action scheme designed to address underrepresentation and support greater inclusivity.
Chanel
Insurance Lead??London
Retail Development Manager???Scotland
Fragrance?Expert??Selfridges Oxford Street, London
Kingston University London
Head of the School of Arts??London??06/01
Greater London Authority
Deputy Director of London Resilience??London?
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?? ￡50,225 to ￡68,675?? 23/12