What I'm reading now
(Courtesy of Sohini Bhattacharya)
Assembly readers share what articles they’ve enjoyed recently and why you should read them too.
My name is Sohini Bhattacharya. I’m from Kolkata, West Bengal, India and I am currently studying electrical engineering at the National Institute of Technology Durgapur. Our world is going through a tough time and with so much going on, I have found solace in reading articles that spread positivity, awareness and help others find their safe haven. I am sharing a few articles that have made me feel better and I hope they uplift you too.
“Stories of extraordinary kindness at the times of unprecedented COVID-19 crises”
By Indulekha Aravind 18 April 2020, The Economic Times
Kindness is the best gift that we have to offer. It is free and will help anyone and everyone around us. The COVID-19 crisis has made all of us realise the importance of help and humanity. I feel proud to belong to a world where compassion still exists and I loved reading about how people are supporting their friends and neighbours through free meals, grocery delivery to the elderly and more.
“How changing attitudes are closing the gender gap in engineering”
By Heidi Scrimgeour
26 June 2019, The Guardian
Being an engineering student, I love reading about other women breaking barriers in the field for future engineers like me. It is very important to hear the message that this career is for you if you want it. I love the idea of including girls in STEM workshops and communities hosted by female engineers. We need great role models to look up to.
“It's now illegal for Zimbabwe schools to expel pregnant girls”
25 August 2020, Al Jazeera
The world around us is changing. As we fight for a new era of equality, we must celebrate every win along the way. This legal change will help more girls in Zimbabwe complete their education. The COVID-19 crisis will make it even harder for girls to return to the classroom so it’s important that we eliminate the barriers like this that prevent girls from going to school.
“Emilia Clarke Works to End Stigma Around Brain Injury”
By Richard Laliberte
September 2020, Brain & Life Magazine
We have often heard that our best friends are our own brains and our biggest asset is our health. It gives me great hope when I read Emilia Clarke’s journey after two life-threatening brain aneurysms. With neurologic rehabilitation, she was able to recover and now works to end the stigma around brain injury. Life puts all of us through unimaginable circumstances and it’s important to talk about these things so other people know they’re not alone in the challenges they face.
“For Black women, the 19th Amendment didn’t end their fight to vote”
By Martha S. Jones
7 August 2020, National Geographic
Women’s Equality Day was on August 26 and it reminds us of all the hurdles women had to face to win the right to vote in the U.S. However, it’s important to remember that Black women had to keep fighting for their right to vote even after the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The more we learn, the more we will realise how much women around the globe have suffered. As we all try to build an equal world today, we must never forget the sacrifices of the women who came before us and fought for us.
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