March 202 4 – Hot Topic International Woman’s Day International Women's Day occurs globally on the 8th March every year in honour of the amazing women who campaigned for women's rights and those who continue to do so today. International Woman’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of woman. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating woman’s equality. IWD gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence an d abuse against women The origins of International Women’s Day date back to the early 20th century, stemming from labour movements and women’s suffrage activism. Over the years, the United Nations began to adopt and promote the day, setting annual themes that highlight various aspects of women’s rights and equality. Today, IWD is recognized worldwide, drawing attention to issues like gender disparity, women’s rights, and celebrating the countless ac hievements of women throughout history. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. What is the theme for International Woman’s Day 2024 ? The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is ‘ Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress ’. This theme is based on the United Nations 68th Commission on the Status of Women priority theme ‘ Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective’ Knife Crime What is Knife Crime ? Knife crime is any crime involving a knife or sharp object . This includes: carrying a knife, owning a banned knife, trying to buy a knife if you are under 18, and/or threatening, injuring or fatally wounding someone with a knife. Knife Crime Laws The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally is either 4 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. You'll get a prison sentence if you're convicted of carrying a knife or weapon illegally more than once Following a public consultation , in August 2023 the Government announced that it intends to legislate to introduce a range of new knife crime measures, including a ban on machetes and certain other large knives, a new police power to seize and destroy bladed articles, increased maximum penalties for offences relating to sale a nd supply, and a new offence of possession of a bladed article with the intention to endanger life or cause fear of violence Listed below are the knife crime laws for the UK. (Please note there are some variations in the law between England, Wales & Scotland) Stop and Search Police have the power to stop and search any person if they have ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect that person may be carrying something that is against the law or could cause harm to others. This could include: illegal drugs, a knife or weapon, stolen item s or an item that could be used to commit a crime. Examples of ‘reasonable grounds’ could include • A member of the public has reported that someone is carrying something they shouldn’t be • Somebody matches the description of who they are looking for Busting the myths around knife crime Below are some key facts around knife crime to help bust the myths: The touring Knife Angel sculpture has arrived in Leeds and will be located outside of the Royal Armouries throughout February 2024 , to send a powerful message and spark conversations about knife crime in the city. The Knife Angel was created by the British Ironwork Centre, by the artist Alfie Bradley, and it is the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression. It’s made up of over 100,000 knives surrendered and collected in nationwide amnesties. The Knife Angel, standing 27ft tall features messages from families of victims of knife crime. It also acts as a striking memorial designed to celebrate those lives who have been lost. Zero Discrimination Day Zero Discrimination Day is an annual day celebrated on 1 March each year by the United Nations and other international organi s ations. The day aims to promote equality before the law and in practice throughout all of the member countries of the UN On Zero Discrimination Day we celebrate the right of everyone to live a full and productive life — and live it with dignity. Zero Discrimination Day highlights how people can become informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace and, above all, a mo vement for change. Zero Discrimination Day is helping to create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination. Surprisingly, discrimination is commonly rooted in fear or misinformation and resistance to the unknown. Creating awareness and dialogue on discrimination is a way to develop understanding and patience towards others. Discrimination is essentially a human rights violation and must be challenged. The good news is that everyone can make a difference. It may not seem that way but one act can create a domino effect that transforms societies based on fairness and equality. On Zero Discrimination Day this year 2024 , under the theme “Save lives: Decriminalise ”, is highlighting how the decriminalisation of key populations and people living with HIV saves lives and helps advance the end of the AIDS pandemic. The symbol for Zero Discrimination Day is a butterfly Individuals frequently utilise a butterfly symbol to communicate their experiences and images to eradicate discrimination and strive toward positive development. Zero Discrimination Day is an opportunity to bring attention to the disparities that restrict individuals from leading full and productive lives and call on governments to fulfil their pledges and duties to eradicate all kinds of discrimination Holi What Is Holi? Holi, also known as the festival of colo u rs, is a two - day celebration in India that celebrates the eternal love between Radha and Lord Krishna . Holi is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India, but the core value is the same – celebrating the triumph of good over evil. There are many regional folk tales about Holi. A widespread belief is that the festival’s name is derived from ‘Holika’, who was the wicked sister of the demon king Hiranya Kashap. The king believed he was immortal, and his sister had been told that her ma gical powers would prevent her from being burned in a fire. Prahlad, the king’s son, rebelled against his father’s arrogance, and as punishment, the cruel king and his sister plotted his death. Holika tricked her nephew into a bonfire, but her supernatural powers deserted her, and she died in the flames while Prahlad survived. The king evoked the wrath of the gods, but was also struck down, and his son was then crowned as the new and just ruler. When Does H oli Start in 202 4 ? In the year 2024, Holi, the festival of colours, falls on Monday, March 25 Holika Dahan will be performed one day before, on Sunday, March 24, 2024, which is also known as Chhoti Holi. Holi is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Phalguna Holi marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. How is H oli Celebrated? On the first night of Holi, people light bonfires and throw roasting grains, wheat sheaves, popcorn, coconut and chickpeas onto them as a token of gratitude for the spring harvest The next day, people of all ages go into the streets for fun and paint - throwing . Everyone gets involved! Hindus have fun by smearing each other with paint and throwing coloured water The night of the bonfires has a religious element, but the second day is more of a social occasion H oli Foods There’s no single set meal for this festival and many people prefer to serve regional vegetarian dishes for Holi lunch, while in other homes, meaty masalas are enjoyed in the evening. In the morning, snacks such as crisp - fried savoury biscuits ( mathris ) and soft lentil dumplings ( dhai bhallas ) are arranged on trays. Sweetmeats such as gujiyas , jaleibis and pistachio barfi are considered an auspicious Holi offering. Fried pancakes ( malpua and rabri ), spiced with fennel seeds, make a splendid partner to thickened creamy milk. And then there’s sweetly scented kulfi which signifies the onset of warmer weather. Hot Topic Questions British Values How can we promote tolerance for individuals who celebrate religious holidays such as H oli ? Safeguarding What is the name of the police initiative that they can use if they thin k some one is carrying an item that could cause harm to others ? Hea lth & Safety On International Woman’s Day how can we inspire girls and women to see roles in H ealth and S afety positions as a viable career option? Prevent What is a workplace process for trackability and traceability for any bladed items used i.e. Stanley knives ? Equality & Diversity Can you name the 9 protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 which you cannot discriminate against ? Maths According to statistics, the West Midlands is the worst area for knife crime in the UK with 169 stabbings per 1000 people. Dorset had the least stabbings with 37 stabbings per 1000 people. As a percentage, how much more likely is knife crime in West Midlands compared to Dorset?