How does emotional manipulation gradually strip away your autonomy? In this series on intimate partner violence, we have examined various forms of abuse, including economic manipulation and financial control . We have discussed how verbal abuse often serves as an early warning sign of deeper issues in relationships and how it can gradually lead to emotional manipulation . In this post, we shift our focus to how these abusive behaviours can intensify into psychological contr

In our ongoing series on the progressive nature of abuse in relationships, we have explored various forms of violence, including economic violence and financial manipulation . We have discussed how verbal abuse often serves as the first indicator of deeper relational issues. Today, we examine how verbal abuse, frequently dismissed as mere words, can evolve into emotional manipulation.   When I first set out to write about intimate partner violence (IPV), the sheer volume o

Welcome to the third installment in our series exploring the progressive nature of abuse in relationships. Following our discussions on economic violence and financial manipulation , we now turn our attention to verbal abuse, often the first sign of deeper relational issues. This post aims to deepen your understanding of how seemingly innocuous comments can escalate into significant emotional harm.   In a previous post, we shared a case where Emmanuela's partner subjected h

What is financial exploitation? Financial exploitation is a form of economic abuse that restricts a victim's financial independence and deepens their vulnerability to further abuse. It occurs when one partner misuses or controls the other's financial resources, assets, or income, often under the guise of a loving relationship. This type of abuse can be difficult to identify and may manifest in various ways, such as controlling access to bank accounts, forcing a partner to han

What is economic violence? Economic violence, a form of intimate partner violence (IPV), often remains hidden yet is as damaging as physical abuse. In the introductory post to this series, I shared Stella’s story about her live-in boyfriend, who refused to work and relied entirely on her for financial support while sabotaging her ability to maintain that support. Stella recalled an instance when she came home late, and her boyfriend grabbed and smashed her laptop. On another

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of engaging in an online discussion with young women and men about their start-ups. Noticing that I was significantly older than them, many sought me out individually for advice regarding their relationships. One recurring theme in these conversations was intimate partner violence. This blog post is the introduction to a 12-part series that will use real-life experiences to identify various forms of intimate partner violence. Subsequ

Technology increasingly shapes our world, making the empowerment of women in the tech industry urgently necessary. The theme for this year's International Women's Day, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," highlights the crucial yet often overlooked role of women in technology. Although the industry has seen progress with more women becoming programmers and software developers, the cryptocurrency (crypto) space is still predominantly male, with men constituting approximatel

As we continue celebrating Women’s Month a question that comes to my mind is why does STEM continue being a man’s world? I grew up in a world where I saw my mother taking and making decisions. I saw her travelling the world and rubbing shoulders with many. Reflecting, I recall my mother telling us that although mathematics was her strongest subject, she was compelled by her high school's administration to major in biology, a decision that significantly altered her career path

Women’s leadership is a topic that holds great significance for me. I have previously written an article entitled " Women's Leadership: A Right, Not a Concession. " In that piece, I firmly asserted that women’s leadership "...is not wrong, it is not 'left,' and it most certainly is not a sin. In a world that often erects barriers with signs that read 'NO ENTRY,' we are not seeking alternative routes; we are asserting our right to what should have been ours from the start."  

You may remember our recent, in-depth conversations on this vital issue. We started with Voices Unheard: A Feminist Insight into the Silent Storm of Sexual Harassment , uncovering the hidden struggles many survivors of gender-based violence endure. Next, Gender Inequality in the Spotlight: The Controversy over Consent in Spain's Women's World Cup 2023 compelled us to challenge and dismantle patriarchal norms. Then, Victim-Blaming vs. Survivor-Centric Language: An Essential Co

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign, which has been ongoing since November 25, has consistently been a part of...

Are we addressing symptoms or root causes? The under-representation of women in pivotal areas such as leadership, decision-making, and...

The virtuous cycle of rural wellness My son's advice about grounding oneself in nature for mental well-being struck a chord with me,...

Introduction The International Day of Rural Women in 2023 serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience, strength and contributions of...

The Numbers Speak, But Are We Listening? Women's leadership is not just a right; it is an imperative. It is not a wrong, it is not a...

The Human Aspects and Gender Dynamics of Care Work Last week, I found myself wrestling with the complexities of care work—a topic that is both personal and professional for me. My prose felt detached, almost academic. The words on my screen seemed to sap the very humanity out of a subject that is deeply human. Care work is a term that encapsulates a range of activities, including personal care, domestic work, emotional support, and care for children, the elderly, and people w

Introduction Two decades ago, my journey into working from home began quite unexpectedly. I came home one day to find my houseworker...

Introduction You might be asking yourself, "Another post on sexual harassment? Have not we covered it all?" While it might seem like we...

Introduction In light of a reader's comment asking, "What are your thoughts on the recent controversial incident where a FIFA federation...

Introduction Why are some topics shrouded in silence, their weighty presence felt but never openly discussed? How does this culture of...