🌐 UN Women presents: 16 Days of Activism – #NoExcuse for Online Abuse

This year, from 25 November to 10 December, UN Women invites you to (1) _______ women and girls everywhere. Digital spaces should offer safety and opportunity, yet today, many women face harassment, threats, and control each time (2) _______ go online.

Online abuse can begin with one message or comment, but it can quickly grow into (3) _______. Personal photos are taken without consent. False information spreads in seconds. AI (4) _______ to create deepfakes that silence and shame women. This is not (5) _______ — and there is #NoExcuse.

UN Women calls for strong action now:

• Better laws and real accountability for perpetrators.

• Technology companies that act faster, remove harmful content, and design safer platforms.

• Support for survivors and investment (6) _______ women's rights organizations.

• Digital literacy programs that help create safe online cultures.

Join UN Women during the 16 Days of Activism. Together, we can reclaim digital spaces and build a future where technology protects, not harms.

🐾 GUIDE DOGS – SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH SIGHT LOSS

Who We Are

Guide Dogs is a charity that helps people with sight loss live the life they choose. We support children, adults, families, and friends. Our expert staff, caring volunteers, and life-changing guide dogs are here to help you live actively, (1) _______, and confidently.

What We Do

We offer many services, with and without dogs. As the world's (2) _______ assistance dog organisation, we breed and train all guide dogs in (3) _______ UK. We also employ specialists (4) _______ children and young people with vision impairments.

Why Our Work Matters

Today's world is challenging. Support services are stretched, and (5) _______ places are still hard to access. But new technology, flexible work, and better training are helping people with sight loss enjoy more opportunities.

Our Aim

We want a world where people with sight loss have equal chances (6) _______, work, and live well. Our 15-year plan, Forward, Together, focuses on three pillars:

• Purpose

• Mobility and access

• Self-belief

Together, we can build a future where everyone lives the life they choose.

Every year on November 11, known as Singles' Day, millions of consumers go online to take advantage of significant discounts and special offers. The occasion originated at Nanjing University in China as a light-hearted event for single students. In 2009, (1) _______. The date 11.11, marked by four “1”s, symbolises single individuals. Today, Singles' Day is considered a major global retail event, (2) _______.

Singles' Day has expanded quickly thanks to the growth of ecommerce and its convenient timing before major holidays. (3) _______. Its impact has moved beyond China and is now widely recognised in Southeast Asia.

Although 11.11 started in China, companies such as Shein and Temu have expanded its influence internationally by focusing on overseas shoppers. In Southeast Asia, platforms like Shopee and Lazada (4) _______. As a result, 11.11 is now enjoyed by many customers across Asia.

Singles' Day is also becoming more recognised in Western countries. Big brands like Apple, Nike and retailers like Walmart now join the event to take advantage of early holiday shopping. As 11.11 continues to expand, (5) _______.

1. The Sports Authority of Viet Nam (SAV) held a discussion on June 30 to highlight the role of women, particularly Vietnamese women, in the country's sports development. The event, called “Sports and Women in the New Era of Rising Up, Aiming for Sustainable Development,” gathered managers, businesswomen, coaches, athletes, sports experts and journalists in Ha Noi.

2. During the event, SAV Deputy Director Le Thi Hoang Yen stated that Viet Nam will host the eighth ASEAN Sports Ministers Meeting (AMMS 8) and the 16th ASEAN Senior Sports Officials Meeting (SOMS 16) in October. The ASEAN + Japan ministerial and senior officials' meetings will also occur at the same time. These gatherings will focus on strengthening cooperation until 2030, especially in promoting women's and girls' involvement in sports, improving teacher training and supporting students with disabilities.

3. A significant programme discussed was Japan's Gender Equality in Sports Project, which encourages greater participation of women and girls in ASEAN countries. Viet Nam has actively supported this work, partnering with Seijo University since 2023. With continued efforts from leaders and organisations, gender inequality in sports has decreased, and female athletes are gaining more public recognition for their achievements.

4. Women make a vital contribution to the progress of Vietnamese sports and to enhancing quality of life. Yen pointed out the strong performances of the women's football and volleyball teams. She also praised athletes Nguyen Thi Oanh, Nguyen Thi Anh Vien and Nguyen Thuy Linh. Yen said the ideas shared would promote gender equality and reinforce ASEAN–Japan cooperation.

5. During the event, runner Nguyen Thi Oanh spoke about her path in sports. Growing up in rural Bac Giang, she had to push through difficulties and gender bias to become a top athlete. She advised women to take up suitable sports to enhance their health, confidence and well-being.

1. KOTO is a nonprofit social company that helps at-risk and disadvantaged young people in Viet Nam. It teaches them skills for working in hotels and restaurants. Its message, “Know One – Teach One,” encourages learners to share their knowledge. Founded 26 years ago by Jimmy Pham, KOTO offers a two-year programme that aims to empower students with job skills and life skills for a better future. [I]

2. KOTO has students from many regions, each with their own personality and background. For some learners, studying can be quite difficult. Teacher Vu Thi Minh Phuong explained that many of them have been away from school for years and know very little English. [II] They share their knowledge, following the “Know One – Teach One” motto.

3. KOTO supports students in gaining good jobs and becoming confident and professional. Its aim is not to seek pity, but to show their real strengths. Director Hoang Thi Hanh said KOTO's greatest success is seeing students change. [III] They learn their own values and appreciate the support given to them. Most importantly, they are encouraged to help others later, allowing KOTO's mission to continue.

4. KOTO first opened in 1999 as a small sandwich shop in Hanoi. The original class had only nine street children and two helpers. [IV] It has now developed into a large social enterprise serving more than a million customers. KOTO employs 110 people, and many former homeless students have become managers in well-known hotels and restaurants around the world.

5. Jimmy Pham believes that KOTO's purpose is more than teaching job skills. He wants students to become compassionate and resilient people who can improve their lives and contribute to society. At graduation, he shared two messages: living kindly will bring positive things, and KOTO's door will always be open if they need support. Jimmy explains that the real strength of KOTO comes from its former students.