by Samira Rauner | Sep 14, 2020 | Empowerment, Family Life, Featured Post, Healthy Lifestyles, Mental health, Staying Healthy, Teen issues, Teens, Wellness
Trigger Warning: This article contains discussions of suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we encourage you to seek help.
Disclaimer: The studies referred to in this article use the word ‘woman’ in their research. As such, when citing these sources, we also refer to the term ‘woman’. However, we want to raise awareness that menstruation is a biological process that can be experienced not just by cis women, but also by trans men, genderqueer, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people.
With half of the global population bleeding on a monthly basis, menstruation is one of the most natural functions in the world. Yet women and girls around the world continue to experience shame and disadvantage due to the societal stigma still placed on menstruation.
While this taboo has a stronger impact in Africa and Asia, causing 1 in 10 menstruating girls to miss school, it is still noticeable in the United States as well. In fact, a 2018 survey found that 58% of American women have felt embarrassed because of their period, with 42% having actively experienced period-shaming.
With the stigma on menstruation still so prevalent, it is all the more important to start a conversation.
Photo by Gabrielle Rocha Rios on Unsplash
COVID-19 is affecting menstrual cycles
While there is not enough information to determine to what extent COVID-19 directly impacts menstruation, its indirect impact is undeniable.
As your menstrual cycle is regulated by your hormones, experiencing any form of stress can result in irregularities of your menstrual cycle.
Whether you have or had to deal with unemployment, eviction, loss of a loved one, isolation, depression, or simply prolonged stress, COVID-19 has arguably affected all of us.
As such, it can impact your menstrual cycle and result in heavier, longer, more painful, or irregular periods.
Understanding how your body works and how to make the most of your cycle can help you gain control over your menstruation and your body.
Further, you will discover how hormones impact your mood, how tracking your cycle can help predict your emotional state of mind, what PMS and PMDD is, and how to deal with period pain.
For medical advice, please see your GP or OB/GYN.
Photo by Josefin on Unsplash
Understand the biology behind menstruation
Even though the average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days, some cycles might be 21 days long, and others can take up to 40 days.
What happens during those 21 – 40 days is that your body releases a variety of different hormones, in preparation for pregnancy.
In essence, throughout your cycle, your body releases an egg and builds up uterus lining for the egg to attach. When pregnancy doesn’t occur, the egg is reabsorbed into your body. The lining then starts to break down and leaves your body as your period.
Your menstrual cycle is completely run by hormones. Hormones are produced in glands, like the pineal gland in your brain, your thyroid, or the pancreas. A variety of different hormones are involved in the process of menstruation, each responsible for a different stage in your cycle.
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Follicular Phase (days 1-14)
At the start of your cycle, a hormone called Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is produced by your pituitary gland. That hormone is responsible for triggering the development of a follicle inside your ovary. As the follicle then starts to work on developing an egg, it also produces estrogen.
Estrogen has several different jobs. First, it stops the release of FSH to ensure that not more than one egg is being prepared for pregnancy. It is also responsible for thickening the lining of your uterus wall, so an egg can easily attach. In a 28-day cycle, both testosterone and estrogen would be at their peak at around day 14.
When that happens, it triggers the production of LH (luteinizing hormone), which in turn causes the follicle to release its egg. Ovulation occurs.
At its peak during ovulation, testosterone is responsible for regulating the sex drive. Particularly in combination with estrogen, testosterone can increase your libido significantly.
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Luteal Phase (days 14-28)
After the follicle has released its mature egg, it turns into something called corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is essentially simply the remains of the follicle. The corpus luteum, however, is responsible for producing both estrogen and progesterone.
Once the follicle has turned into the corpus luteum, estrogen and progesterone start to be produced to inhibit both FSH and LH. Progesterone also helps to maintain the uterus lining and is often responsible for mood swings.
If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum breaks down, causing the progesterone levels to drop. Because progesterone is responsible for keeping the uterus walls thick, they start to shed. The dead cells are then carted out through your vagina as your period.
Fun Fact: If you are taking birth control, you are in fact not having a period. What you are experiencing, however, are withdrawal bleeds, due to a lack of hormones. As you are supplying your body with artificial hormones, you are not experiencing ovulation.
Photo by Dainis Graveris from Pexels
Track your cycle to understand and anticipate your mood
Even though most period tracking apps allow you to track your symptoms, mood, and energy level, most people primarily use them to track their bleeding.
However, in order to take control of your cycle, you should learn to spot and understand your own personal patterns and use them to your advantage.
For instance, you might notice that you often have some days where you feel down and need time to yourself. Tracking your mood consistently over the course of a couple of months can help you identify and line up your mood with specific stages of your cycle. If your cycle is particularly regular, you might even be able to narrow it down to specific days.
Spotting patterns in your cycle will help you to anticipate your mood. You might be able to anticipate whether you will need some alone time or a night out, or whether you need to exercise to release stress or help with period pain. Knowing and understanding those patterns can help you not only when making plans, but it allows you to feel more in control because you know what to expect.
For instance, when you already know that you usually feel sad and lonely at around the 10th day of your cycle, you are less likely to feel helpless and overwhelmed by the emotion.
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
How to track your cycle
Period tracking apps are particularly popular and can be a great way to note down your symptoms and bleeding patterns. While they are a great option, keep in mind that many of these apps collect your health data, for example for research purposes. If you want to track your cycle using an app, be sure to read the company’s privacy policy first.
However, as spotting symptomatic, mood, and energy level patterns is easier if you use a diagram resembling a pie chart, not using an app also has its advantages.
To create that diagram, draw a large circle and divide it into as many slices as your cycle (including your period) usually lasts, each slice representing one day. You can number each slice to make it easier for you, later on, to spot on which days of your cycle a particular pattern occurs.
When starting to track your mood or energy level, start on the first day of your period. In the slice, you can note down any emotions or feelings you had throughout the day. I personally like to color in the slice in traffic light colors. I use green if I had a great day, orange if I felt okay, and red if I was particularly moody.
You can either fill the slices in at the end of every day, or you can use your app and fill in the circle at the end of the month.
After tracking your mood, symptoms, and energy level in this way for 3-4 months, you will be able to spot patterns. Particularly coloring in the slices will make it easy for you to anticipate your highs and lows each month.
What to track
Though you can track as many things as you want, here are some suggestions:
- Your energy level
- Physical symptoms like bloating, headaches, and body pain
- Knowing when you are likely to suffer from period pain or other symptoms can enable you to schedule around them.
- Your mood / state of mind
- Your appetite and any cravings
- Tracking your cravings can be particularly helpful if you are following a diet. Rather than beating yourself up for giving in to your cravings, you can plan ahead and move cheat days around.
- Any needs, i.e. sleep, intimacy, company / social time, space / alone time, etc.
- If you notice any specific patterns, consider communicating them to your family or partner. If they know when you are likely to need alone time or company, they are able to support you better. They might also be more understanding if you push them away, for instance.
- Your libido
Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels
Spotting Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
For medical advice, please see your GP or OB/GYN.
Tracking your cycle can also help you identify irregularities or things that might need more attention, like PMS or PMDD.
PMS is quite common – in fact, around 90% of women surveyed experience some form of premenstrual symptoms. Symptoms can include mood swings, irritability, or anxiety, but they might also be physical such as acne or migraines. Because everyone is different, some people might suffer more from PMS than others.
PMDD can be described as an extreme form of PMS and needs to be diagnosed. Symptoms can include extreme anxiety, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, or feelings of despair. Typical for PMDD, they begin in the week before your period starts and are resolved once it is over.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, see a doctor for potential treatment.
Know that there are resources that can help you if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, If you are not sure what exactly you are experiencing, take a look at some warning signs to look out for:
Suicidal Warning Signs
Everyone is different and there are a number of warning signs. If you are experiencing more than a few of these signs, however, or if you simply feel that you need to reach out to someone, know that you can find help at the resources listed below.
- Hopelessness and despair
- Feeling depressed or down
- Social withdrawal
- Loss of enjoyment in activities you normally enjoy
- Believing you are a burden to others
- Failing to see a future
- Feeling trapped
- Self-harmful behavior
- Depersonalization (feeling like you’re an outside observer of your own thoughts or body)
Experiencing suicidal thoughts? Get help here:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA)
- Talk to someone at 1-800-273-8255 (available 24/7)
- Or chat with someone online (available 24/7)
- Crisis Text Line (USA)
- Text HOME to 741741 to talk to a counselor for free. Available 24/7
- The Trevor Project (USA)
- For suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth, call 866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
- Suicide Crisis Lines worldwide
- Here you can find the national suicide hotline and free online support chatrooms for your country.
Know that experiencing suicidal thoughts is nothing to be ashamed of, and that you are not alone. It can definitely feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel and like your pain might never end, but it is important that you remind yourself that this is not permanent.
Reach out to friends or family, or use any of the hotlines or online chats above to talk to someone who can help you. Remember that you are needed in this world.
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash
Tips for relieving and preventing period pain
Much like experiencing suicidal thoughts or anxiety during your cycle, it is just as normal to suffer from period pain. In fact, around 80% of women surveyed experience some form of period pain throughout their lifetime.
Many people imagine period pain to be limited to menstrual cramps, but it can also include back pain, headaches, and more.
To help prevent period pain, try to eat a healthy balanced diet, and limit your intake of alcohol and sugar. Regular activity such as running, cycling, or swimming, can also help to prevent pain.
As we lose magnesium during our period, taking magnesium supplements throughout your cycle, along with Vitamin B, zinc, and Omega 3, can help prevent menstrual cramps and headaches in particular.
If you are experiencing acute period pain and don’t want to use pain killers, it can help to place a hot water bottle on your belly or back or to drink some hot tea. If you are suffering from them, there are also some yoga positions that can help relieve menstrual cramps.
Photo by Polina Zimmerman from Pexels
Conclusion
Tracking can help you spot patterns related to your mood or physical symptoms, and enable you to gain control over your menstrual cycle.
Once you become aware of your own personal patterns, you will be able to help anticipate your emotional state of mind during specific periods of your cycle. Not only will that help you to plan accordingly, but it will make you feel more in control and help you handle these emotions better.
Understanding your cycle can also help improve your relationship with your family or partner because you will be aware of when you will most likely be irritable for instance. If you are able to anticipate your state of mind, it is easier to actively counteract that or to talk to your family and let them know what you might need.
As the stress that comes with COVID-19 can make your cycle and its symptoms more difficult to handle than usual, it is important for you to look after yourself. Tracking your cycle will help you gain some of that control back.
Written by Samira Rauner, blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries. For more articles, visit our blog page at https://safeharborim.com/articles/.
by Samira Rauner | Sep 8, 2020 | Empowerment, Family Life, Family Living, Featured Post, Mental health, Teens, Words of Encouragement
Great communication skills are arguably essential in every aspect of life, from personal relationships to your professional life.
In fact, a LinkedIn survey found that communication skills were the most sought-after soft skill among employers in the United States.
Being a great communicator does indeed allow you to bring across information effectively and efficiently. More importantly, however, it can also help improve your relationship with friends, family members, or partners.
Though different types of situations require a different type of communication, conversations amongst friends can also become more profound by practicing communication skills.
Communication is a two-way street, meaning that skills aren’t simply limited to becoming more efficient when speaking. For instance, an important part of being a great communicator is being an active listener.
Especially with Covid-19 limiting our communication options and impacting every single one of us in one way or another, improving your skills can help your friends or partners feel more supported and loved.
Tips for better communication
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Be an active listener
Contrary to what many people think of when hearing ‘communication skills’, communicating is not all about speaking. Rather, it is about the interaction between two or more people.
As such, at the root of a good communicator is someone who is also a great listener.
Even though we might think that we are listening to people when we are having a conversation, there is a difference between hearing and actively listening. For one, being an active listener involves not interrupting the speaker. More importantly, however, it is about consciously concentrating on what the other person is saying – without formulating a response.
Now more than ever, your friends might need someone to listen to them and truly hear what they are saying.
Remember that becoming a good listener takes practice. It is also okay for you to not feel like listening sometimes and needing someone to listen to you instead.
Implementing mindfulness into your daily life can help you with days like these, but it can also help you concentrate and free yourself from judgment or evaluation.
The more time you take to actively listen to what someone has to say, the more comfortable and supported they will feel.
Pick up on nonverbal cues
Communication does not just consist of what is said. Rather, we communicate using our body language, including facial expressions, posture, and hand gestures. Often only perceived subconsciously, our body language can signal both positive and negative feelings to the person opposite us.
For instance, consciously using an open body language can signal interest. Body language that might make you seem unapproachable, for example, is crossing your arms in front of your chest.
Though Covid-19 might make it harder to pick up on nonverbal cues because many of us are primarily communicating via electronic devices, body language and facial expressions can help you understand things that have not been said.
For example, it might be that your friend is struggling with their mental health, but is telling you otherwise. Paying attention to your friend’s body language might help you pick up on that. When in a situation like that, consider asking them whether they really are okay. This signals to your friend that you are truly there to support them, in whatever they might be feeling.
However, keep in mind that not everyone might want to share what they are going through. If someone does not want to tell you about it, their choice needs to be respected.
Photo by Finn on Unsplash
Be assertive
Even though both listening and paying attention to body language are part of being a good communicator, what is just as important is standing up for yourself.
Being assertive does not necessarily mean being aggressive or forceful. What it can mean, however, is confidently stating your opinion – even though some people might disagree – or respectfully addressing issues.
Being assertive also includes you standing up for yourself and your needs. Even though listening and supporting others is important, it is just as essential for you to listen to yourself and to tell others when you need to be the one to feel supported.
Though we often want, and sometimes even expect them to, the people around us, unfortunately, cannot read our minds. Instead, we need to communicate to others what we think, feel, and what we need. Even though supporting others is important, it is just as important to take care of yourself.
So remember that it is okay for you to tell someone that you cannot listen to them today. It is okay for you to need someone to listen to you instead. And it is also okay for you to tell others what you need from them to feel supported or loved.
Photo by Harli Marten on Unsplash
Pay attention to what someone else may need
When a friend calls us to talk about a problem or an issue they are having, we often tend to offer solutions to try and fix it. However, we rarely stop to ask ourselves whether our friend is actually looking for advice.
Though it can be hard to predict, sometimes, all that friend or family member needs is some support. When immediately offering a solution, we might potentially give unwanted advice, when what they might need is someone to be there and to simply listen to them.
Trying to anticipate their needs is not easy. Keep in mind that body language can also be misread, so sometimes it might be best to ask your friend or relative if they want to hear your advice before offering it.
Even though this might seem like a small change, it can help your friend feel more valid and supported.
Differences in communication
Also, remember that people differ in the type of communication they are most responsive to.
For instance, you yourself might primarily respond to verbal cues or words of affirmation. Your partner, however, might be more responsive to gifts, quality time, acts of service, or physical touch.
Discovering your personal love language – and ideally that of your closest friends or relatives – can help improve your relationships.
For example, if your own love language is ‘words of affirmation’, you might subconsciously assume that others feel the same way and support your friend by verbally reassuring them. However, if your friend’s love language is ‘acts of service’, they might not feel entirely supported through verbal reassurance. Instead, they might need you to physically do something for them.
Being aware of and understanding your own and other’s love language can immensely improve your communication. In turn, it can improve your relationship because you will be able to offer the support the other person needs.
If you are aware of the love languages of your friends, partners, or relatives, remember to specifically check in on the people whose language is ‘physical touch’. With physical distancing, these people might potentially struggle more than others and feel particularly alone.
Conclusion
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As with any other ability, improving your communication skills takes time. Particularly working on supporting others through improved communication skills might include having to break some negative patterns along the way, or experiencing setbacks. However, remind yourself that experiencing a setback or frustration is perfectly fine and part of the learning process.
To actively continue to improve your communication skills, try to reflect on conversations with friends or family, and try to spot your own strengths and weaknesses.
As many of us are currently struggling with our mental health in general or experiencing loneliness or anxiety, consider talking with your friends and family about mindfulness and communication.
Particularly working on improving your communication skills together might not only form a deeper bond of connection but – especially knowing each other’s love languages – can help everyone to feel more supported and loved.
Written by Samira Rauner, blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries. For more articles, visit our blog page at https://safeharborim.com/articles/.
by Samira Rauner | Sep 3, 2020 | Empowerment, Featured Post, Story
George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Anthony McClain, Ezell Ford, Rayshard Brooks, Tamir Rice, Atatiana Jefferson, Botham Jean, Stephon Clark. Black lives matter.
George Floyd, who allegedly tried to use a counterfeit $20 bill, died as he was handcuffed on the ground, with a police officer kneeling on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds.
Breonna Taylor was shot and killed eight times while asleep, when plainclothes officers entered her home on a no-knock search warrant, and gunfire was exchanged as Breonna’s boyfriend believed the officers to be intruders.
Atatiana Jefferson was shot through the window of her own home, as police officers responded to a neighbor’s call who reported that her front door was left open.
Stephon Clark, using his phone while standing in his grandmother’s backyard, was shot more than twenty times because police officers believed him to be holding a gun.
These are just a few of the countless people who have lost their lives for no reason other than the color of their skin.
Standing in solidarity
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As Black Americans and Black people all over the world take to the streets and social media to righteously resist racism, many white people might find themselves in a state of re-evaluation.
We might ask ourselves how we can not only stand in solidarity with the Black community but how we can effectively and proactively take action that is anti-racist.
As a starting point, however, we need to acknowledge that we will never be able to entirely comprehend systemic racism. As we are experiencing white privilege, we are benefitting from the oppression of others.
We need to be aware of internalized racism and practice self-introspection and self-examination. To increase our awareness, it is imperative for us to educate ourselves by listening to and amplifying Black people’s voices.
Books to read
For white people, being proactively anti-racist and standing in solidarity with Black people starts with education.
To read about first-hand accounts of racism, and to educate yourself on topics such as white privilege, white supremacy, or systematic racism in the United States, the books listed below are a good place to start.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
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‘So You Want to Talk About Race’ by Ijeoma Oluo
Oluo explores the systematic racism embedded in the American economic, political, and social system. Further, Ijeoma Oluo delves into matters such as police brutality, white privilege, and the Black Lives Matter movement.
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‘How To Be an Antiracist’ by Ibram X. Kendi
Ibram X. Kendi proposes that it is not enough to not be racist. Instead, he rather invites us to think about and understand what an anti-racist society looks like, and how we as individuals can become proactively anti-racist. In his book, he explores subjects ranging from sexuality to social class in history, law, and ethics. Referencing a range of topics, Kendi creates a new understanding of racism and of what a truly equitable society looks like.
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‘Killing Rage: Ending Racism’ by bell hooks
Comprising of twenty-three essays, ‘Killing Rage’ is written from a Black feminist perspective and discusses racism in the United States. bell hooks addresses topics such as internalized racism, racism in the media, trauma among African Americans, and everyday racism.
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‘Between the World and Me’ by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Written as a letter to his son, Coates reflects on his experience as a Black man in the United States. ‘Between the World and Me’ explores America’s history of slavery and segregation. Coates further discusses matters such as police violence, disproportionate incarceration of African Americans, and institutionalized racism.
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‘Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race’ by Beverly Daniel Tatum
A renowned expert on the psychology of racism, Tatum explores racial identity and identity development in childhood and adolescence. Analyzing race in the public education system, Tatum examines everyday racism and self-segregation, enabling communication across ethnic and racial divides.
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‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’ by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Originating from a blog post about her frustration with how conversations on racism are primarily led by people who aren’t affected, Reni Eddo-Lodge’s bestseller book examines race relations in the United Kingdom. Moreover, Eddo-Lodge delves into matters such as white dominance, the relationship between class and race, and whitewashed feminism.
Photo by Max Bender on Unsplash
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‘Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment’ by Patricia Hill Collins
Featuring the work of Black feminist thinkers, including Audre Lorde and bell hooks, Patricia Hill Collins discusses how Black feminist thought fosters the empowerment of African American women. Functioning as an overview of Black feminism, Collins’s book addresses themes like oppression, nationalism, and heterosexism.
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‘Me and White Supremacy’ by Layla F. Saad
Originating from an Instagram challenge encouraging people to share their racist behaviors, Saad’s book helps readers analyze and dismantle internalized white privilege. Saad discusses concepts a range of concepts, such as white fragility and tone policing. Structured as a 28-day guide, the book offers readers an opportunity to reflect at the end of each chapter.
Media to watch
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A Netflix true-crime miniseries, ‘When They See Us’ is based on the events of April 19, 1989. Thirty years ago, five teenagers of color were arrested and charged with raping a white female jogger in Central Park. This Netflix miniseries recounts how they were coerced into giving false confessions while exploring white privilege and systematic racism.
‘13th’ is a Netflix documentary film titled after the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The film focuses on a loophole in the clause, legalizing slavery as a punishment for criminals. ‘13th’ analyses and critiques the American governmental and political system, and explores how its criminal system affects and disadvantages people of color.
Following a group of Black students at a predominantly white and fictional Ivy League university, ‘Dear White People’ is an American Netflix TV-show that satirically explores race relations and Black identity.
‘The Hate U Give’ is an American drama film following a teenage girl witnessing her Black friend getting murdered by the police. Based on the eponymous novel by Angie Thomas, the movie explores racism, activism, and police brutality.
A Netflix documentary miniseries, ‘Who Killed Malcolm X?’ follows the investigative work of historian Abdur-Rahman Muhammad. The series examines various theories surrounding the killing of racial justice and human rights activist Malcolm X.
Inspired by James Baldwin’s unfinished script ‘Remember This House’, Raoul Peck’s documentary explores the history of racism in the United States. Following Baldwin’s reminiscence of civil rights leaders like Malcolm X and Medgar Evers, the film examines the history of Black experience in America.
Podcasts to listen to
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Exploring the intersection between blackness and queerness, each episode of ‘QueerWOC’ spotlights a different queer woman of color. The podcast is led by co-hosts Nikeeta and Money, a Black feminist, and a mental health expert focusing on queer women in marginalized communities.
Focusing on the United States, ‘Code Switch’ takes on historical and contemporary racism. Moreover, the podcast offers both a careful analysis of race and culture, and personal stories.
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About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
In her podcast, Reni Eddo-Lodge, author of ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race’, features different key authorities and voices from the anti-racist activism community.
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BBC Witness: Black History
Each episode focuses on a historical period or event particularly pivotal in shaping our understanding of race and racism today. Featuring matters such as the LA riots or Rodney King, the podcast includes firsthand accounts of both violence and racism.
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Have You Heard George’s podcast?
In his podcast, George The Poet analyses how systematic racism operates in the United Kingdom. While addressing matters like police brutality, the podcast flips between forms, using poetry, fiction, and music.
Supporting the Black Lives Matter movement
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Only collective action can ultimately facilitate change.
Educating yourself on white privilege, oppression, systematic racism, joining protests, and supporting black-owned businesses are good places to start showing alliance with the Black Lives Matter movement.
However, as Angela Y. Davis said, ‘In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.’
We must be proactively anti-racist, including self-introspection, listening to the voices of people who are affected, and having conversations with family and friends.
If you are able to, consider donating to the Black Lives Matter movement, and continue to educate yourself. Great resources include the New York Times reading list or the information compilation by Black Lives Matter.
Written by Samira Rauner, blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries. For more articles, visit our blog page at https://safeharborim.com/articles/.
by Samira Rauner | Aug 27, 2020 | Family Life, Teen issues, Teens
College – a term synonymous with fire alarms at 3 am, frat parties, and the privilege of education.
Though going down a different path and not attending university is just as valid, for people who want and are able to, choosing the ‘right’ university is often the first struggle prospective students are confronted with.
With the internet offering an abundance of information, and family and teachers chiming in, it is easy to be overwhelmed. Especially for those who are attending school during COVID-19, this can be more unpredictable than usual. For instance, with universities resorting to virtual tours instead of open days, it can be harder to get a feel for the school. This arguably creates the problem of making it more tempting to primarily rely on university rankings.
But why even is that problematic, and why are university rankings overrated? And how do you choose the right university for you?
The problem with university rankings
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Truth is, university rankings do matter – to some extent. However, they matter because we as a society place value upon them, not necessarily because they are representative.
In fact, with our society still glorifying highly ranked institutions, we by effect reinforce this hierarchy – yet those rankings in themselves are problematic.
When classifying a university, several factors are considered. They include – but are not limited to – academic reputation, graduation rates, internationality, or research output.
However, these seemingly “objective” categories are questionable and/or subjective. For instance, while teaching quality of faculty is included, other aspects like practical experience or industry connections are omitted.
Similarly, even though a university’s research output is important to consider, more than 90% of rankings are based on research performance. Not only does this arguably devalue the importance of art programs such as theater, dance, or music. Moreover, however, this dilutes and disregards the relevance of other factors. Aspects that can’t be measured are also excluded, such as the support offered, community feel, or campus diversity.
Why rankings are unreliable
A bigger issue, nonetheless, is how the categories classifying universities are measured in the first place.
As mentioned previously, Times Higher Education devotes 90% to measuring research, while QS World Rankings assigns 70%. Respectively, they each allot 33% and 50% to reputation – which is measured using subjective surveys.
Measuring reputation in itself is questionable. Yet assessing reputation through surveying a random selection of people rather than current students simply results in a repetitive cycle. This cycle assures that the present highly ranked institutions repeatedly top the university food chain.
With the quality of teaching accounting for only 30% in the THE ranking system, it is arguably fairly evident that a university’s position on the league tables does not necessarily reflect its quality and whether you will be happy there.
How to choose the right university for you
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While it might be easiest to simply choose the university highest up on the league tables, this will not mean or guarantee your happiness.
So when trying to find a university that might be a good fit for you, think about some of these aspects:
Location
Not just the distance from home should be considered, but also the area and city the university is located in.
While the university itself might appeal to you, it is also important to inform yourself about its surroundings. For instance, is the university located in more of a small student town or a metropolitan city? How easy is it to get around – what is the public transport network like? How expensive is it to live there?
If you are able to, touring your potential future college is highly recommended, but visiting its city and exploring it both by day and night is arguably just as important.
Course Content
As each university is different, be aware that teaching styles might and will differ. Even though some courses might have the same name at two different institutions, their modules might cover different content.
Try not only reading the general description of your degree but have a look at what you will study each year. For example, how many modules are you able to choose from? What kind of assessments are expected? Will there be small group tutorials or mainly lectures?
What can also be helpful is researching the lecturers, professors and tutors and their qualifications, to see what they are specializing in or the kind of research they produce.
Societies / Extracurriculars
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Though universities are different all over the world, fraternities/sororities and societies form an important part of American or British schools.
Usually, there will be around a hundred different societies offered, ranging from acapella groups to ice hockey clubs – ensuring that there are as many interests represented as possible.
Societies and extracurricular activities are great for meeting new people and making friends, discovering new activities and/or hobbies that you enjoy, and balancing social and work life.
Browsing your potentially future university will give you an idea of things you can do in your free time, but it will also simply make you more excited to start your studies.
Support and Student Satisfaction
Some top universities have a rather low student satisfaction, yet this is often missed, as individual ranking categories are overlooked.
Support and student satisfaction go hand in hand, as the latter is unlikely to be high if the former is poor.
Attending open days (even virtually) or finding groups on Facebook and asking to speak to current students will help you get a feel for whether or not students feel they are getting the support, help, and feedback they need.
Most universities will also list the kind of affinity and support groups available on campuses, such as mental health centers, LGBTQIA+ groups, or free counseling services.
Conclusion
Photo by Ken Theimer on Unsplash
Even though a particular school might be one of the top universities in the country, located in a great city and in essence look good on paper, when visiting the campus you might find that you cannot see yourself studying there. And that is okay.
What is arguably most important when choosing a university is simply your gut feeling, particularly when touring the school. However, not everyone will experience that particular gut feeling – and know that that is perfectly natural as well.
In the end, it is irrelevant what your next-door neighbor thinks when you tell them the name of your university. What counts is that you feel comfortable, welcome, and above all happy with your choice.
Written by Samira Rauner, blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries. For more articles, visit our blog page at https://safeharborim.com/articles/.
by Samira Rauner | Aug 20, 2020 | Empowerment, Featured Post
Reaching gender equality is imperative. However, a 2015 study found that factors relating to gender inequality positively correlate with the prevalence of partner violence across 44 countries.
As gender inequality is a key driver of violence against women and girls, achieving global gender parity is essential. The 2020 Gender Gap report, however, estimated that we are still 99.5 years away from reaching global gender equality. Yet even though we still have a long way to go, it is important to highlight how far we have already come.
Gender Equality Milestones
Victoria, Australia: Its Gender Equality Act
Even though Victoria’s Gender Equality Act will only come into effect in March 2021, its passing is a significant step towards reaching gender equality.
The bill will reinforce improved gender equality in universities, local councils, schools, and across the entire public sector. Implementing a Gender Equality bill will challenge structures and norms that lead to discrimination, gender inequity, – and violence.
Increase in Contraceptive Users
Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash
Over the past decade, there has been an expansion in contraceptive choices, now including vaginal rings, implants, and patches. But, more importantly, there has also been an increase in users of contraception.
Since 2012, Family Planning 2020 has reported an additional 53 million women and girls using modern contraception, helping avert an estimated 134.000 maternal deaths.
As of July 2019, an approximate total of 314 million women and girls are modern contraception users in 69 high-priority countries.
Girl’s School Enrolment
Over the past decade, a continued rise in girl’s and women’s education levels has been observed. Globally, secondary school enrolment for girls has increased from just under 70% in 2010 to 75% in 2018. Furthermore, over the past 25 years, girls’ enrolment rates in primary and secondary education have almost doubled in low-income countries.
Global Gender Parity Scores
The Global Gender Gap report, published annually by the World Economic Forum, evaluates gender equality in 153 countries. While it still reports a global gender gap of 31.4%, 101 countries have increased their gender parity scores. 35 countries have reportedly reached gender parity in education.
For the 11th time in a row, Iceland has been found to be the most gender-equal country, with a gender parity score of 88%. Iceland is followed by Norway (84.2%), Finland (83.2%), Sweden (82%), Nicaragua (80.4%), New Zealand (79.9%), Ireland (79.8%), Spain (79.5%), Rwanda (79.1%), and Germany (78.7%).
Among the most improved countries are Ethiopia, Spain, Mali, Albania, and Mexico. All managed to close their gender gaps by 3.4% percentage points or more.
Same-Sex Marriage
Photo by Jean-Baptiste Burbaud from Pexels
Another step towards equality, 25 countries have legalized same-sex marriage since 2010:
2020 – Costa Rica
2019 – Northern Ireland, Ecuador, Taiwan, Austria
2017 – Australia, Malta, Germany
2016 – Colombia
2015 – US, Greenland, Ireland, Finland
2014 – Luxemburg, Scotland
2013 – England, Wales, Brazil, France, New Zealand, Uruguay
2012 – Denmark
2010 – Argentina, Portugal, Iceland
Steps Towards Gender Equality
Photo by Monica Melton on Unsplash
Over the past decade, the world as a whole has taken important steps towards reaching gender equality. This timeline is a selection of noteworthy moments for women’s and girls’ rights, and gender equality.
2019
- The World Health Organization changed its global manual of diagnoses to no longer include “transgender” as a mental disorder.
- National Geographic reported that over 60% of members in parliament in Rwanda are women; in Namibia, South Africa, Senegal, and Mozambique, women account for at least 40%.
- Brazil held its first-ever indigenous women’s march. Women made their voices heard and denounced the policies of Brazil’s far-right president Bolsonaro, which have prompted violations of indigenous rights and racism.
2018
Photo by Elyssa Fahndrich on Unsplash
- The Times Up movement united and still unites millions of women and allies around the globe, and aims to create safety and equity in the workplace
- In May 2018, Ireland successfully appealed to the Eighth Amendment, which prohibited abortion. Previously, women have been forced to travel abroad or buy pills illegally, risking a 14-year long jail sentence. This outcome now enables them to end their pregnancy safely.
2016
- In 2016, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and The Gambia raised their marrying age to 18, banning child marriage.
- Following Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay, and Colombia, Bolivia passed a law allowing trans people to change their photo, name, and gender on identity papers to reflect their gender identity.
2017
- The #MeToo movement became prominent when multiple actresses opened up on their experience with sexual harassment in the film industry. Having become a global phenomenon, #MeToo has allowed women’s voices to be heard and provided thousands of women and girls with the strength to speak out on harassment and abuse.
- With women earning 23% less than men globally, Iceland has implemented a policy requiring companies to prove pay equality.
2015
- Sweden added a gender-neutral pronoun to its dictionary, ‘hen’. This new pronoun allows referring to people without knowing their gender. As such, it includes gender non-conforming people and can be used in situations when someone’s gender is seen as superfluous. ‘Hen’ is not only a step towards gender equality but more importantly, a step towards gender neutrality.
- In March 2015, Germany passed a law requiring at least 30% of the supervisory board seats to be occupied by women.
- Nigeria’s then-president, Goodluck Jonathan, signed into a nationwide law banning female genital mutilation (FGM). As the practice still finds large cultural support, it can be difficult to prevent. A ban is nonetheless a step in the right direction.
2014
Photo by Allie on Unsplash
- A law on transgender rights approved by the Dutch Senate in late 2013 now allows transgender people to change the gender marker on their identity papers. Making that change had previously required surgery or hormonal therapy, both of which fall away under the new law.
- In 2014, the Council of European Convention, a human rights treaty, came into force. This marked the first legally binding instrument on preventing and combating violence against women and girls on an international level. As of March last year, it has been signed by 45 countries and the European Union.
2013
- Following the rape and death of a 23-year-old woman in New Delhi, in an effort to strengthen India’s anti-rape laws, the Justice Verma Committee was formed. In its report, the Committee details suggested amendments to the existing laws, aiming to make India safer for all women and girls.
2012
- Prior to 2012, women in Algeria comprised only 8% of the members of parliament. Following the 2012 election, however, women hold more than 30% of the seats in parliament – as the first country in the Arab region.
- For the first time, every sporting event at the Olympic Games included both women and men, as women were represented in all national teams. By comparison, 16 years ago, 26 countries’ teams exclusively consisted of men.
2010
- The UK classified “gender reassignment” as a protected characteristic, taking a step towards ensuring transgender people to be protected against harassment, victimization in employment, and discrimination.
Highlighting Some Women’s Achievements
Photo by Chelsi Peter from Pexels
Though there are thousands of noteworthy women, this selection highlights particularly noteworthy moments for gender equality.
We still have a long way to go
Photo by Christina Winter on Unsplash
Even though the world as a whole has made great progress towards reaching gender equality over the past decades, we are still far from reaching gender parity.
Though the Gender Gap report’s estimation of needing another 99.5 years to reach gender parity might already seem daunting, if we progress at the speed of the last 14 years, we will need approximately 257 years.
So what can we do?
At an individual level, it is important to educate the people around you and raise awareness for the misogyny still prevalent in today’s society.
Small but important steps include being aware of gender stereotypes, avoiding reinforcing them, and standing up against any form of harassment.
To reach gender equality, it is essential to empower girls and boys through education and to create space for women’s voices to be heard.
Written by Samira Rauner, blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries. For more articles, visit our blog page at https://safeharborim.com/articles/.
