2024 GLOBAL WINNING ESSAYS

CREATIVE

FIRST PLACE: Alyssa Mae D. Ibones, Philippines

SECOND PLACE: Alessandra Corine T. Silapan, Indonesia

THIRD PLACE: Lee Dyn, South Korea

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER: Mariana Rodrigues Chaves, Brazil

First Place

How does your personal history shape who you are?

ALYSSA MAE D. IBONES, CREATIVE CATEGORY

PHILIPPINES

In the Claws of Light

In wild solitude underneath the stars, Cebu dances to the beat of the night – the howling wind ebbs and flows, grazing the surface of calloused skin. It is as cold as the backseat of my mother’s car on the Sunday nights we’d drive home from the hospital. Outside, the roar of the city punctures a cavernous wound within its already deteriorating palisades – the ruggedness of bare hands pulling against flesh and bone, against indestructible sinew. Cebu, in all its glory, is an unforgiving fusion of fuss and clamor. The scent of violence buries itself underneath.

My mother would often endlessly muse about her fading and, ultimately, forsaken dreams of leaving home – aspirations washed away by vicious, undulating tides. “If only we had the money,” was a common itch that slipped past her tongue in a discernibly abrasive, yet rather choppy native accent; undeniably indicative of my mother’s ineradicable Filipino upbringing. Longing laces the edges of her throat and translates the words that surge into the familiar resonance of disappointment – meanwhile I remain still, labored breaths concealed within the darkness. In that moment, words became futile devices; my silence was the only solace I could muster.

Despite having lived in Cebu my entire life, my mother’s cancer diagnosis was what truly acquainted me with the city, with every conceivable nook and crevice hidden beneath. After her passing, I felt as though every corner of my hometown was yet another place with a waiting room I had once sat in – the sudden beeping of the hospital monitors, the piercing screech of hardwood doors pushing against tiled floors to welcome yet another patient, the mindless clacking of the cash machine accompanied by the monotonous narration of jumbled numbers. Enduring mementos which remained to mock me until, eventually, this city entirely spun itself into an aching reminder of what could have been, a colossal waiting room I would go on to spend my entire life dawdling in  – could the softness of a mother’s touch have helped quell the burning in my soul? Tell me, what was there left to be desired? To feel the tenacity of remorse tugging against the longing to forget.

My mother’s ambitions, however, didn’t fade away amidst the bitter gust of the wind, nor did it drift mindlessly alongside the smoke emanating from the burning candles atop a prayer altar — a once fiery yet fleeting fervor that should have been smothered against the unfeeling hands of fate miraculously survived through me. When does foolish longing turn to grief? Grief, I am told, one must learn to wear – in defiance, I let it consume me entirely; you don’t learn to fold grief in half nor merely tuck it in between the ridges of your ribcage, what you learn is how to lend a name to a body without want for it back. I found myself hopelessly and utterly enticed by the same longing that plagued my mother. I felt as though I could swim out for miles, stirring even the untouched ripples of the ocean. The yearning for freedom, the undeniable and persistent instinct for movement, tugged against fragile limbs – overwhelming ambitions of leaving home, running far far away and towards somewhere where the morning dew isn’t suffused with the relentless cawing of roosters, where the roads aren’t undeniably more fissures than they are pavement, or where the bustling karsadas (streets) aren’t laden with overflowing throngs of people trying their best to evade jolting against sidewalk kiosks laden with anik aniks (trinkets). Perhaps somewhere where the smell of rot isn’t overwhelming. 

Rot, my father once told me, is perfunctory — inescapable in the manner in which it is capable of bleeding through even the thickest of concrete. Rot, unbeknownst to my father, was the inconspicuous catalyst that astutely concealed itself beneath the walls of his courtroom, inevitably nursing an all consuming flame, leaving in its wake smoldering embers as forsaken skeletons.

My father had been temporarily delegated a judiciary position at one of the municipal courts in Cebu. The week before the incident, he had received a phone call from one of his higher-ups, apologizing for having forgotten that his assignment had surpassed the usual two-year term for acting presiding judges (in fact, by the time they had noticed their negligence, my father was already approaching his third year of service there). What was supposed to be the final week he would have to report in that courtroom erupted into three months in the hospital, two of which he spent recuperating in the ICU for third and second degree burns on his whole body, whilst my brother and I took turns sitting in the waiting room. When my father speaks of what has happened, with his throat sore and his voice rasping, when he recalls the sputter of flames thrashing the walls and sweeping across the ceiling, he speaks with an unprecedented tenderness. The roaring loudness of this city stood no chance against my father’s forgiveness. 

Yet, the clement lull of my father’s voice shifts the heaviness I feel within – I am afraid that the grief that has perennially inhabited my body must make space for the unaccounted rage I have consumed. The roaring loudness of this city stood no chance against his daughter’s wrath.

On the day of the courtroom fire, I had sat frightened in the middle of the school cafeteria, despite the bustling of fuss and clamor amongst students, the erratic rhythm of my constricting chest could not have been possibly eclipsed. Past the mindless noise, I could faintly hear the piercing and abrupt siren of the ambulance, I could see the blurred hues of red and blue reflecting against the glare of the scorching sun,  the thought of the rot could not get away from me — crawling within those walls, eating away at unsuspecting bystanders. The rot which eagerly devours — inescapable, unrelenting, merciless. Rot which could have been easily mistaken for tenderness, if the cleverness was unheeding. Yet, the rot – try as it might – could not eat away at the wrath of a woman scorned; as it eked an unwelcome refuge within the hollow cavity of my chest, anger surges like wrathful tides thrusting against stone, a desperate scrimmage to wash whatever semblance of gentleness within me remains ashore. When fate’s adroit fingers bear down against the fragility of pliant skin, what then will become of me? 

What must be one of the greatest cosmic mysteries of the universe is the unfathomable ability of fleeting junctures within human existence to leave utter destruction in its wake; how a sullen city could so adeptly — in spite of its vicious demeanor — redefine the meaning of home, how the roughness of the pavement that scraped against my knees on that soulless night underneath the scattered stars taught me strength more than any god ever could. Am I supposed to be grateful to have survived all of this? I worry too much that maybe all the past has ever taught me is to mistake violence for the abundance of love. 

Nevertheless, here is where I belong — where the soft glint of the light canoes through the window as the sun embraces the tide; tenderness still blooms amidst the rot. Where else can I be a child once more — unwrinkled and guileless, untouched by the callous hands of blight? Where, isolated amongst ourselves, my mother was all she was and could ever be? Where my father taught me kindness despite the harsh, blunt blow of cruelty? Nowhere else, other than here. Before fate’s rugged hands molded my fortunes into misfortunes; here, gold was once spun. First the reckoning, then the fall.

Cebu is a cruel city, yet the ache does not eclipse the gentleness of home.

second Place

Craft a narrative from the viewpoint of a character perceiving the world differently. Explore how this unique perspective influences relationships, decisions, and their understanding of reality.

Alessandra Corine T. Silapan, creative category

INDONESIA

Catharsis

Entry I: Mom        

       January 25, 2006

Sunrise, cinnamon.

Breakfast, baby blue. 

Morning, mom. 

Today marks three years without you here; without the smell of your godsent apple tarts painting the cool morning air with a gentle, cinnamon-brown hue, or the scratchy sensation I felt on my lips when you wiped crisp, golden crumbs off my face with the rough corner of that ancient, (originally navy) baby blue apron that you refused to dispose of no matter how much dad whined about it. With you, it only took a kiss on the cheek to change his mind, and two to make his dimples tremble. But his sweet grins are empty now, and his green eyes remain hollow. Half of his soul must have departed with you, mom–and the other half, perhaps, is still clinging onto your originally navy blue apron that he now thanks the heavens you didn't throw away. He wears it every morning when he tries to bake your apple tarts. It barely shields him from the great flour explosions or the mixer malfunctions, but I guess he finds solace in holding close the only fragments of you that he has left. I, on the other hand, have been living a lie. While dad has been embracing the remnants of your joyful spirit, I’ve been trying to run away from my own two feet. I can’t let go, mom. Sunrises still smell like cinnamon, breakfasts still look baby blue, and mornings still feel like you. 

Entry II: Loose Thread      

       January 27, 2006

Math, lavender.

Lunch, thornbush.

School, TORNADO!

They call it “Synesthesia”: the ability to experience sensory crossovers. It’s a gift and a curse that leaves me lost in my own world–a kaleidoscope of colors, tastes, smells, feelings, and sounds–that either puts me up on cloud 9 or traps me in an overwhelming mishmash of sensations. The morning birds’ melodies wrap a silk sheet around me as I walk to school. They fill the warm-orange air with the almost tangible scent of grandma’s freshly baked cookies. Unfortunately, however, everything can come crashing down in a snap. The moment I step through those creaky metal doors I hear Michelle and Alex quarreling about whether math is red or blue (when it is, in fact, lavender). At lunchtime, I feel a sea of eyes glued directly onto me, followed by the blades of a thornbush cutting into my bare skin. 

I don’t blame them though. Who wouldn’t stare at a weirdo who hides in her cramped locker because her damn brain makes her see a tornado rushing through the corridors? They can’t blame me for being different, but I can’t blame them for treating me differently either. As exciting as it may be, I’d prefer to see life through monochrome lenses: when the world presents itself to you as a salad bowl of everything scattered everywhere and all at once, your sanity gets mixed into it too. I need to make it stop. 

Entry III: Catharsis

    January 29, 2006

Tired. 

Empty. 

Cursed. 

In an attempt to end my suffering, I tried to figure out where it started; how did this curse even find me? Well, I traced it all back to the day you left. Mom, I remember now. How could I ever forget? My troubles were born on that day; the day you were murdered in cold blood, the day the strings on your originally navy apron were dyed maroon. So now, the heavens have punished me to make up for his mortal sin, and for the rest of my life will I seek the catharsis I can never have. 

Screams, dimples.

Switchblade, green eyes.

Crimson red, 

Dad..?

But no, I can’t. I won’t give up on you this easily. I’ll find the answers, mom. It’s not over,  I promise. 

Entry IV: Invisible Maze

    February 21, 2006

A maze of fury and fear. A flame ignites inside me with every minute that passes, but is constantly extinguished by the utter disbelief of what he had done. My dad, the man who loved her with everything he had, turned out to be the very reason she faced death’s platinum scythe. How dare he do this to her–to me. So now, I’m living with grandma–arguably the person who loves me most–who assured me that everything would fall back into place, that I’d get my answers, and that she would do everything in her power to help me through anything–anything at all. He knows that I know: the man who dropped me off at school today has gone into hiding. But I will find him, and I will make sure he pays. 

Baby blue: find the crosswalk. Cinnamon: walk up pine street. Apples: make a right turn at north avenue. Sunrise: take the train to Chinatown. Breakfast: order a cab to Melrose boulevard. Mom, guide me through this maze. 

I’m here. Cracked gray walls, rusty metal bars, keys dangling off navy-blue pants, then, the click of my revolver. 

I found you, dad. 

Entry V: The Sinner

    February 25, 2006

No, no, no, this can’t be right. I couldn’t have, right? No, I couldn’t have killed my own dad! Yes, I was going to make him pay, but I wasn’t going to kill him! It’s okay, you’ll be okay. Grandma should be done packing up soon. We’re leaving the country and everything will be alright. Sunrise, cinnamon, baby blue–Mom is here; she’s here, everything will be okay. I’m a mess…wait, no, I’m not! I did the right thing. That damn murderer deserved it. He did, didn’t he? God, where’s grandma? We have to leave now. Now, now, now, now. 

Baby blue pills scattered on the cinnamon-brown floor. Beside her cold cadaver, a sinister red box; red ribbon untied. On her left hand, a pale-white bottle labeled “cyanide” in pretty cursive letters, and on her right, three crumpled-up, dirty-yellow pages lined with broken edges. They were ripped out of a book. They came from this diary. 

The Ugly Truth: Lost Pages 

       January 28, 2006

Make it stop? Why make it stop if you deserve it? Oh, and how do you like grandma’s cookies? Your favorite, aren’t they, Aza? Well, tell me how you like them after hearing this: grandma always longed for you, you precious child. She was the happiest when you were born. But you know, she wasn’t always like that. The selfish old hag wanted something exciting to live for, so upon finding out that her daughter was infertile, she threatened to take her own life. You heard that right, Aza! Your mom had you to keep poor grandma alive!

    February 17, 2006

Aww, like mother like daughter indeed! Look at you, Aza, refusing to give up on mommy just the way she refused to give up on grandma. Unfortunately for you, yours is long gone–but for your mom back then, she saw a slim chance of keeping grandma going. So, she made a pact–an immoral sacrifice that gave her you (and of course, gave grandma her life back). All that sacrifice just for her to die. Poor mom, hm? Maybe we should avenge her! Come on, Aza. We’ve got a mouse to catch!

     February 23, 2006

Oh, you did it! You actually did it! The poor man was a prisoner already, you sick girl. But hey, it’s a double kill for Aza! Oops, did I just say that? Don’t worry dear, it’s destiny! “To 

bring life to a child who will end up taking your own”, that was the deal your mom made with him, Aza! When you first developed your ability, you lost control and murdered her in cold blood. Before you could wake up from that episode, your dad grabbed the switchblade and took the blame. He didn’t want you to feel miserable, Aza! No fun, huh? Wait, do you hear that? Grandma’s choking! Can you believe it? The irony! 

Irony, irony, irony!

Entry VI: Him 

    February 29, 0000

Mom, Him.

Dad, Him.

Grandma, Him.

Do you ever wonder where you got your name? Whether it was completely random, or somehow…planned? Just like the heart in your chest, your name is something that you own: something you’ll carry with you for the rest of your sad life. Maybe–just maybe–if you dig deep enough into every single letter of your name, you might just find out that it has meaning. Yes, meaning; just like mine. 

Azalea, Azalea, Azalea, Azalea. 

Azalea the loose thread; Azalea the sinner; Azalea the murderer. Tell me, does my name scare you? I am Azalea, the daughter: She who shares a pair of shackles with divine karma himself; she who was born of his twisted stratagem, and chained by the ankle to an eternity of misery. And now I see it; he lurks through the pages of this very journal, following behind me with every step I take. No, perhaps the opposite: I’ve been following him. 

25, 27, 28, 29…17, 21, 23, 25

Go on, say his name. 

He’s within the pages, in bold. 

third Place

Write a story about a character gaining the ability to communicate with animals. Explore the challenges, joys, and unexpected consequences of this connection with the natural world.

LEE DYN, creative category

SOUTH KOREA

The Burden of Understanding

A damp finger traced the winding path of the Amazon River on the worn map pinned to my wall. Sunlight streamed through the window, dappling the worn paper with golden light. I imagined myself wading through the emerald heart of the rainforest, the humid air thick with the cacophony of exotic creatures. "Hello there, little monkey," I'd whisper, extending a cautious hand towards the furry creature swinging through the canopy. "What's it like up there?" In my dreams, the monkey would chatter back, regaling me with tales of life in the jungle's verdant embrace.

As I imagined conversing with the monkey,  my mom's voice shattered my daydream. "Honey, we’re leaving! Make sure you feed Scout!" With a sigh, I peeled myself off the floor; the exotic calls of the jungle, the exciting adventures, were replaced by the rhythmic mooing of Bessie, our resident cow. Today was Saturday. That meant my parents would leave to go help our grandparents in the city, leaving me and Scout, my loyal sheepdog, in charge of the farm. 

I trudged to the kitchen with Scout prancing at my heels. A silly dog, Scout's usual gig was barking orders (or so it seemed) at the chickens, or whining for more food. Mostly the latter part. But as I poured his kibble, a strange feeling washed over me. His whines weren't just whines; they carried the worry of a loose board in the fence. A loose fence? I'm sure my parents would have checked it. I brushed it off as imagination, devouring my pancakes and ignoring the voice in my head urging otherwise.

After finishing the pancakes, I decided to do my chores. I pushed open the back door, and the crisp morning air swirled with the familiar symphony of the farm. Scout, his black and white fur contrasting the dew-kissed grass, bounded ahead, his tail a joyful metronome. 

My first stop, as always, was the chicken coop. As I flung open the door, a flurry of feathered activity erupted, just like every other day. Yet, the usual happy clucking seemed… frantic. The chickens darted around the coop with a desperate energy, their beady eyes scanning the enclosure like prisoners searching for an escape. A shiver ran down my spine. Was I imagining things? But the feeling of unease persisted. I quickly dumped the feed into the trough, the familiar grain cascading onto the dusty floor, ignored in the frenzy. My heart pounded in my chest as I rushed out, the clucking morphing into a high-pitched screech that echoed in my ears.

Stumbling towards the sheep pen, the playful bleats I expected were replaced by a chilling silence. The sheep huddled together, their large brown eyes fixed on me with an intensity that sent another jolt of panic through me. Their bleats, when they finally came, were a far cry from their usual content calls. These were desperate pleas, each one a hammer blow to my chest. I could practically feel their yearning for freedom, a yearning that mirrored the frantic dance of the chickens just moments ago.

As the frantic bleating filled the air, a long, mournful sound cut through it all. Bessie. Her moos, once a source of amusement with its silly, drawn-out rhythm, had transformed into a long, drawn-out cry that resonated with a deep, raw sadness. It wasn't a playful sound anymore; it was a sound of profound despair. This wasn't right. This wasn't the happy farm I knew. This wasn’t— Suddenly, a wet nudge against my hand startled me. Scout, his head tilted with concern, gazed up at me with those soulful brown eyes. It was a simple gesture, but a powerful one. Scout, always attuned to my moods, understood my silent despair.

Taking a shaky breath, I knelt down, burying my face in Scout's soft fur. His warmth and loyalty were a comforting anchor in the storm of emotions brewing inside me. As I comforted myself in Scout's embrace, I had a realization. Maybe this newfound understanding was a responsibility. With Scout by my side, I could learn more about their needs, ensure their well-being, and maybe, just maybe, make their lives on the farm a little less like a prison and a little more like a home. For the first time, a flicker of determination ignited within me. I couldn't change the past, but I could strive to make the future a little brighter for everyone… right?

A sliver of hope, fragile as a spiderweb, clung to me. With this newfound resolve, I approached the chicken coop. I hummed a silly song about a happy hen who roamed a vast meadow. Maybe, the memory of open spaces would bring the chickens a moment's peace.

But as I neared the coop, the song died in my throat. The frantic energy inside intensified. The chickens, once curious about the melody, now pecked at the feed with a manic desperation. Their once cheerful clucks morphed into frantic screeches, a desperate cacophony that clawed at my ears. My voice choked, the song left unfinished, a whisper lost in the storm of their suffering.

Disheartened, I moved towards the sheep pen. The bleats I'd expected were replaced by a chilling silence. The sheep huddled together, their large brown eyes reflecting a deep well of sorrow. I knelt down, offering them treats with trembling hands, hoping for a connection. But the sheep recoiled in fear. Their stares were clouded with an unsettling fear, a distrust of my intentions.

The final blow came from Bessie. Her sounds had morphed into piercing shrieks, raw cries of despair that echoed across the farmyard. Each sound, a physical manifestation of their suffering, tore into me. Tears streamed down my face as I instinctively reached out, only to withdraw again. My attempts, once well-meaning, now felt intrusive. My presence was a spotlight on their captivity rather than a gesture of kindness. Bessie watched me with hollow, accusing eyes, and I understood. My attempts at comfort were mere salt in their wounds.

The tears drenched my face, blurring the frantic scene before me. My breath hitched in ragged gasps as I stumbled away from Bessie's haunting cries. The hopeful resolve I'd clung to just moments ago crumbled to dust. Their suffering, once a chorus of emotions, had morphed into a cacophony of despair, and my attempts at comfort felt like mockery. I couldn't take it anymore.

Without a conscious thought, I turned and ran. Scout, his usual happy barks replaced by worried whines, bounded after me. But I barely registered his presence, as my world reduced to the rhythmic pounding of my feet and the relentless screams echoing in my ears. As I tore through the farmyard, a flash of white caught my eye – a loose board jutting out from the chicken coop fence. It was the one Scout had whined about that morning, the one I'd dismissed as my overactive imagination.

The realization slammed into me with the force of a freight train. I understood. I truly understood. Every frantic cluck, every mournful bleat, every anguished cry - it was all real. They weren't just sounds anymore; they were pleas for freedom, laced with a deep-seated despair I couldn't ignore.

By the time I reached the back door, I was a sobbing mess. Fumbling with the handle, I stumbled inside, collapsing onto the cold floor in a heap. Scout nudged my hand with his wet nose, whimpering softly. But I couldn't bring myself to look at him.

The once quaint sounds of the farm now filled the air – the chickens' clucking, the sheep's bleating, Bessie's mooing. But to my ears, they had morphed into the cacophony of a thousand desperate human screams. The frantic clucking of the chickens wasn't mindless chatter anymore, it was a desperate plea for escape. The bleating of the sheep wasn't a lullaby, it was a mournful cry for open fields. Even Bessie's moo had become a piercing shriek, a raw wound for a longing I couldn't grant.

Just then, a horrifying realization dawned on me, a realization that chilled me to the core. I wasn't their friend, their caretaker. I was their jailor. Every morning I'd unlocked their cages, not to greet them, but to dole out their measured portions of freedom within the confines of their fenced existence. The thrill of collecting eggs, the satisfaction of a full milk pail – they all felt tainted now, like rewards for compliance in a life sentence.

Scout, sensing my distress, whined and nudged my hand with his wet nose. But his loyalty, his freedom, only amplified the guilt that gnawed at me. He was a living reminder of everything they had lost, everything I had a hand in taking away.

Sobbing uncontrollably, I sank to my knees. The farm, once a haven, was now a symbol of my ignorance. I was now forever bound to the silent screams of my unwitting captives. At that moment, I wished that I never heard their true voices.

english language learner

How does your personal history shape who you are?

Mariana Rodrigues Chaves, creative category

BRAZIL

Blazing forever

The child

It was a hot Sunday in Brazil when the blood cascaded from a tiny cut on my left arm like a volcano erupting bright red lava. It was the result of an unsuccessful attempt to shave the gross body hair off my skin. I could not control the little moan that escaped from my mouth and echoed all over the ordinary – but at the same time suffocating – bathroom at the end of the hallway. “Querida, what happened?” my mother yelled, knocking on the door. The words invaded my mind while I thought of a quick answer, but how could I admit to the person who taught me the meaning of being a woman that I could not even handle a razor correctly? “Don’t worry mama”.

Nobody ever told me I needed to shave my arms, not even the stunning woman I called mother. I can’t even explain where this insecurity arose from. I guess it was always there, as a gene that may or may not act in an individual based on his interactions with the environment. And, in a country where the beauty standards are nothing less than perfection, this gene surely would be active. 

In this ecosystem called society, I used to feel like a prey, being attacked with the unstoppable stares around my body, that seemed to analyze even the veins below my skin. However, the feeling of always being the last was the most painful. Never the pretty one, but the funny one, the cute one. What was wrong with me?

Standing in front of the mirror became my obsession. But, like any obsession, it was harmful. With each stare, I started to hate myself more and more and pray even harder to, one day, be the chosen one. I searched for the defects as Sherlock Holmes investigated Moriarty, and I finally found them. I was dirty, as if the tiny brunette lines in my arms could gather and choke my neck, as if the razor could end all the pain of feeling grotesque.

But I was merely a girl.

The teenager

In the heart of a tiny living room, where my mother used to knit, there was a television. I loved the idea of traveling around the world using that magical – but at the same time incredibly small - device. From films to TV programs, I met some of my most confident friends, those whom I just needed to press a button to meet again. However, I always felt that, in Hollywood, I was not welcome. 

That woman like me, in the movies. with tanned skin and curls – even though it just appeared when she was messy – was always beautiful and sexy, but also stupid and fragile. I used to feel even embarrassed watching the exaggerated accent and the extremely vulgar clothes.

But, at some point during high school, I eventually understood the real meaning of the scenes crossing my eyes: Latin women were never expected to be brave and intelligent. Instead, they were the idealized girlfriend of the protagonist, always on the side, always in the dark. And, what surprised me the most, they were happy with this position, because how could they even reach something better than a good marriage? It was like their path was already mapped out, not by them, but by society.

“What about boyfriends?”, I always heard in family gatherings. It was never about the projects or achievements, but about the only thing they thought I was capable of: being beautiful enough to attract a man. “Still searching for the right one” was always the answer, because it was more logical for them that a fifteen-year-old girl was single because had not found a boyfriend yet than the fact that not all women want to be like their grandmothers.

Yet, I never felt pretty enough to be the woman they wanted me to be, and the contrast between my hair and my skin was not as admirable as the actresses I saw on TV. So, what was left for me?

The woman

I did not want to be just a heap of loveliness outlined by the beautiful – and wanted – feminine curves, I desired to be different, to be strong. But leading as a woman will never be that easy, especially in a male-dominated society. The different treatments in the working space were in the looks, in the invitations, in the responsibilities, and, mainly, in the intimacy, strangely stronger with the women. But, with me, they were never obvious and direct, till that day.

I can remember even the minimal details, I guess I will never forget. It was the end of the shift, nearly everyone had already gone home, and I was putting the last documents in the office’s deposit. It was a small room that the security cameras barely reached. I heard some strong footsteps in the hallway, but I ignored it. Seconds later, the steps were near me, and I felt someone touching my hips. “You look like a porn star”, I recall him saying. For him, I was just a toy.

When everything happened, while the tears dropped from my eyes, I started to wonder if I really deserved the position I was occupying. Was my career about my capacity to work or my capacity to be deceived?

I used to think that it was not difficult to resist, to scream, to escape, but it was. I could not even move. I felt as powerless as those women I saw in the movies. Maybe they were right, maybe I would never be capable of being the protagonist of my own story. Maybe the first thing people will ever think when I tell them that I am from Brazil is how I look naked. Maybe I would be forever seen as nothing more than a dumb, but hot, Latina.

The new woman

The process hurt, but I finally realized being a woman in Latin America is synonymous with being strong, strong enough to carry the burden of feeling dirty because the media hates the body hair in your arms and the curls in your head. More than that, it means questioning your own capacity every moment, because the simple fact of being successful is challenging what society expects you to do. However, being a woman in Latin America is also synonymous with carrying the history of a race that fought to have the liberty to express themselves. It is ancient beauty, strength that turns into passion.

The tan in my skin remains covered by some tiny brunette lines, even though I do not hate them anymore. Now, they are associated with the story of those who came before me. Denying my origins is to deny the love that brought me to the world, a deep emotion that was not raised from following standards, but from being unique.

The curly hair that made me look messy a lot of times now is cut in the same voluminous hairstyle my mother used to have. From her – although it took a while - I learned something important: always open the door for those who want to help and love you. I guess this journey would have been easier if I had opened the door of that bathroom.

Resilience may break your heart. But, as the Phoenix, that blazes forever, you need to rise from the ashes, and bright, bright for your culture and your race. And, when everything feels meaningless, the little scar on my left arm reminds me how powerful I can be. That is the story I am writing, that is who I am.

“The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever.” – Sonia Sotomayor

ARGUMENTATIVE

FIRST PLACE: Jayshil Blomstedt, United States of America

SECOND PLACE: Junghyun Nam, United States of America

THIRD PLACE: Reem Zaim, Saudi Arabia

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER: Sanzhar Shayakhmetov, Kazakhstan

First Place

Evaluate the pros and cons of private space exploration versus international collaborations. Argue for the most effective approach to advancing human exploration and the understanding of outer space.

Jayshil Blomstedt, Argumentative

United States of America

Star-Bound: The Pace and Regulation of Innovation

“T-plus” four minutes after takeoff, a fireball engulfed the camera-feed millions across the world were watching. The SpaceX Starship exploded spectacularly; $90 million of debris plummeted back to Earth.22 Despite being the fifth prototype rocket destroyed in nearly three years, the April 2023 explosion was taken in stride by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who experienced another setback when a sixth prototype combusted that November.8 While financially destructive, rocket failures of this type are merely part of the “move fast and break things” corporate philosophy adopted from big tech and employed by the world’s preeminent private space companies: Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and, as mentioned, SpaceX.10 However, just as Facebook forayed into the digital landscape with little consideration of its ability to upend lives and destabilize regions, so have private space companies thrust themselves into rapid innovation with little regard for how their “broken things” affect the world.18, 23 Supporting these trial-and-error practices are lucrative contracts with both private and public entities as well as multi-million investments from firms recognizing the value innovative, reusable rocket technology promises for mankind.13, 15 Direct contrasts to the recent growth of private space are traditional, governmental aeronautical agencies which are beholden to the funding allocated by politicians and their constituents. Considering the ease of obtaining capital, private space companies are best at innovative, cost-effective manufacturing and expedient testing. However, corporate tendencies to innovate recklessly while neglecting safety and prioritizing profits are best challenged with regulation by international and governmental agencies - organizations representing the people - who can regulate private space entities, cooperate with them, and set humanity’s goals for space exploration.

While the private space industry has received increasing media attention in recent years, the concept is far from new. In the 1960s, aerospace companies such as North American Rockwell, Boeing, and McDonald Douglas were instrumental in designing and constructing Saturn V – the rocket used during humanity’s first trip to the Moon.20 In these formative years, companies were contracted to supply individual parts to larger, government-led projects. Today, legislation and waves of investment afford private space companies far greater autonomy than their predecessors.26 This has manifested rapid innovation in both design and practice, exemplified by the adoption of “platform systems.” With a substantial initial investment, a platform of repeatable, smaller projects based upon iterable sub-systems continually builds to a greater goal.1 As a result, SpaceX operates ten times cheaper and two times faster than NASA using this system.1 Under bureaucratic weight, governmental bodies have been slow to adopt the private industry's innovative practices, instead choosing the traditional "bespoke model" in which all effort is directed at a single audacious leap in technology.1 The agility of the private sector’s approach allows them to conduct missions in record times and for record low costs, encouraging international bodies to contract out the launching of satellites, resupplying of space stations, and possibly soon, the arrival of humans to the Moon and Mars. Charles Bolden, a former NASA Administrator, acknowledged the innovation advantage private space companies held, referencing SpaceX’s ability to conduct rapid testing: “If we lost rockets at the rate that Elon Musk loses his big Starship, NASA would’ve been out of business. Congress would have shut us down” (Charles Bolden, ABC News).11

Complementing the financial advantages and efficiency the platform system provides is the budgetary predictability it offers. Of 16 SpaceX missions, only 50% were over budget by an average overrun of 1.1%; comparatively, over 118 NASA missions, 90% were over budget by an average overrun of 90%.1 What accounts for this stark difference in budget overrun? It is the bold leaps by which NASA operates; these often fail or don’t account for issues that may arise between contractors and the agency. The Mars Observer is a prime example of grand failure. The spacecraft, costing $1.3 billion (in 2000 dollars) and 17 years to develop, lost connection days before entering orbit – the entire project was scrapped thereafter. The Space Shuttle program, although successful, ended in 2011 after its “bespoke design” was unable to be improved. NASA invested over $221 billion (in 2012 dollars) into the Shuttle program; its cancellation left a significant portion of that investment irrelevant to NASA’s contemporary projects.1 This unpredictable waste contributes to NASA’s budgetary fluxes; in contrast, SpaceX utilizes smaller, iterable projects. These preserve the research and development of previous missions and, as such, issues that may arise in new projects are easier to predict, thus making the company more reliable and dependable. It is clear the financial and innovation advantages private space companies enjoy over their governmental and international counterparts; however, all-too Earthly tendencies to descend into complacency and neglect safety present challenges for future space exploration. 

It is now “T-plus” five minutes after takeoff and debris from the Starship prototype rains down across a six-mile stretch of Boca Chica, Texas. In their investigation of the April 2023 explosion, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported that “large concrete chunks, stainless steel sheets, metal and other objects” landed within the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge, a protected land home to the endangered piping plover and the critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle, whose mating season runs through April.5, 14 A parallel investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration found sixty “corrective measures” SpaceX needed to implement to mitigate future failure and damage.16 After the sixth prototype exploded in November, environmental groups initiated new suits against the FAA, claiming they were negligent in assessing the potential ecological damage of SpaceX’s rocket failures. While reports indicate no wildlife was injured from the debris and these explosions are relatively rare, private spaces’ tolerance for environmental damage signals neglect of present public duties in their unbridled pursuit of the future. 

As the industry has been derelict in its duties, they have also continually abused its workforce, threatening lives and product safety. At SpaceX, over 600 injury incidents are documented - the majority resulting from lax safety protocols.24 In one incident, a part blown off a rocket during pressure testing fractured the skull of an employee, putting him in a coma. The issue was discovered earlier, yet it remained unresolved until after the injury. In a separate incident, an employee was encouraged to lay over insulation in transit for lack of a securing strap. He was jettisoned from the transporter by a gust of wind and landed on his head – he later died from the injury.24 At the risk of falling behind the schedule of innovation, SpaceX management perpetuates a work culture in which the individual is disposable in the pursuit of progress. “The company justifies casting aside anything that could stand in the way of accomplishing that goal, including worker safety,” (Reuters) remarked one disgruntled employee. Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has also faced similar safety concerns. In an open letter directed at the FAA, twenty-one Blue Origin employees claimed the rockets were unsafe, citing concerns that over 1000 documented issues were not being addressed. Reportedly, upper management strongly suppressed dissent, stating that employees lacked “high-enough risk tolerance."17 

Despite the industry’s dangerous practices, one may ask: Is this not the price of innovation? No, under current workplace cultures, the pace the industry pursues cuts all possible corners. In space, cutting corners results in fatalities. The factory employees do not work assuming the risk of death, they work in assumed safety to make mankind star-bound. Accepting danger as necessary for progress enables corporations to treat space not as humanity’s destiny, but as a vehicle to exploit those on Earth. International and governmental agencies are not perfect – they never have been – but they are scrutinously regulated by cautious governments, ensuring a certain level of safety is met if they wish to continue receiving taxpayer funding. For example, after the fatal 2003 Columbia disaster, NASA postponed launches for two years to undergo an internal reassessment – implementing crucial safety standards which led to the retirement of the aging Shuttle program.9 

Recently, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and European Space Agency Director Joesf Aschbacher made their agencies’ positions on privatization clear: Humanity is turning to the stars in both international and commercial capacities.6 However, the question remains – how should these two systems coexist and cooperate? First, it is imperative that to advance scientific understanding, international, research-motivated organizations must establish humanity's goals. Profit-motivated companies are best suited for cost-effective manufacturing to fulfill these goals. Additionally, to satiate the industry's appetite, private companies should continue to seek profits in launching satellites and resupplying space stations for both sectors. However, as industry races to the bottom, international groups must step in to ensure the pace of innovation does not harm the environment nor sacrifice human life. In the push for our next breakthrough discovery, humanity’s next celestial voyage, each half of the two space systems must contribute their best – working with the “opposing” system to find a solution that benefits the human race. With convivial cooperation between private and public, it is certain that humanity is headed in only one direction – up!

Works Cited

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Barton, R. (2022) Technology and the history of Commercial Spaceflight, Technology and the History of Commercial Spaceflight - Purdue Polytechnic Institute. Available at: https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/purdue-online/blog/technology-and-history-of-commercial-spaceflight (Accessed: 11 March 2024).

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Chang, K. (2023) ‘SpaceX’s Starship “Learning Experience” Ends in Explosion’, The New York Times, 20 April. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/20/science/spacex-launch-explosion-elon-musk.html (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Fine, C. (2023) ‘SpaceX sued by environmental groups, again, claiming rockets harm critical Texas bird habitats’, USA Today, 18 December. Available at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/17/spacex-environmental-impact-lawsuit-bird-habitat/71938400007/ (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Galliott, J. and Arnould, J. (2015) ‘Space Exploration: An Alliance between Public and Private’, in Commercial Space Exploration: Ethics, Policy and Governance. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd, pp. 61–70. Available at: https://books.google.com/books?id=QiKNCgAAQBAJ (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Gohd, C. (2021) ‘Moonshots, private space stations and more: NASA chief Bill Nelson on the future of human spaceflight’, Space.com, 24 September. Available at: https://www.space.com/nasa-administrator-bill-nelson-future-human-spaceflight (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Goodwin, G.E., Niemeyer, K. and McFall-Johnsen, M. (2023) All the times spacex’s starship has exploded into a giant fireball, Business Insider. Available at: https://www.businessinsider.com/watch-spacex-starship-rocket-exploded-five-times-2023-4 (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Howell, E. and Dobrijevic, D. (2021) Columbia disaster: What happened and what NASA learned, Space.com. Available at: https://www.space.com/19436-columbia-disaster.html (Accessed: 11 March 2024).

Impey, C. (2023) ‘SpaceX and the science of failure’, The Hill, 29 May. Available at: https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/4021083-spacex-and-the-science-of-failure/ (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Inside spacex’s mission to send humans into Deep Space | foreign correspondent (2021) YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qInkR8P7q3M&t=1142s (Accessed: 11 March 2024).

Kennedy, B. and Tyson, A. (2023) Americans’ Views of Space: U.S. Role, NASA Priorities and Impact of Private Companies. rep. Pew Research Center. Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2023/07/20/americans-views-of-space-u-s-role-nasa-priorities-and-impact-of-private-companies/ (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Kolodny, L. (2023a) ‘SpaceX raising $750 million at a $137 billion valuation, investors include Andreessen-Horowitz’, CNBC News, 2 January. Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/02/spacex-raising-750-million-at-137-billion-valuation-a16z-investing.html (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Kolodny, L. (2023b) ‘SpaceX Starship explosion ignited 3.5-acre fire and sent debris thousands of feet, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says’, CNBC News, 26 April. Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/26/spacex-starship-explosion-caused-3point5-acre-fire-us-fws-says-.html (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Maidenberg, M., Driebusch, C. and Jin, B. (2023) ‘A Rare Look Into the Finances of Elon Musk’s Secretive SpaceX’, The Wall Street Journal, 17 August. Available at: https://www.wsj.com/tech/behind-the-curtain-of-elon-musks-secretive-spacex-revenue-growth-and-rising-costs-2c828e2b (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Martinez, A. (2023) ‘SpaceX can’t launch another rocket until dozens of fixes are made, FAA says’, Texas Tribune, 8 September. Available at: https://www.texastribune.org/2023/09/08/texas-spacex-faa-investigation/ (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

McFall-Johnsen, M. (2021) ‘Blue Origin employees say they wouldn’t feel safe riding the company’s rockets and that it’s “lucky that nothing has happened”’, Business Insider, 30 September. Available at: https://www.businessinsider.com/blue-origin-employees-letter-new-shepard-rockets-not-safe-2021-9 (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Myanmar: Facebook’s systems promoted violence against Rohingya; meta owes reparations – new report (2023) Amnesty International. Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/09/myanmar-facebooks-systems-promoted-violence-against-rohingya-meta-owes-reparations-new-report/ (Accessed: 11 March 2024).

Sarlin, B., Ward, J. and Kaplan, E. (2021) ‘Private space industry is helping to change the game’, NBC News, 8 October. Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/news/private-space-industry-helping-change-game-n1280898 (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Saturn V Rocket (2019) ASME. Available at: https://www.asme.org/about-asme/engineering-history/landmarks/53-saturn-v-rocket (Accessed: 11 March 2024).

Skipper, J. and Roulette, J. (2023) ‘SpaceX Starship launch failed minutes after reaching space’, Reuters, 18 November. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/spacex-starship-launched-test-flight-texas-after-last-one-blew-up-2023-11-18/ (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

SpaceX ramps up again for Starship’s third flight test (2024) SatNews. Available at: https://news.satnews.com/2024/03/06/spacex-ramps-up-again-for-starships-third-flight-test/ (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Taneja, H. (2019) ‘The Era of “Move Fast and Break Things” Is Over’, Harvard Business Review, 22 January. Available at: https://hbr.org/2019/01/the-era-of-move-fast-and-break-things-is-over (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Taylor, M. (2023) ‘At SpaceX, worker injuries soar in Elon Musk’s rush to Mars’, Reuters, 10 November. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/spacex-musk-safety/ (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (1967) U.S. Department of State. Available at: https://2009-2017.state.gov/t/isn/5181.htm (Accessed: 11 March 2024).

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second Place

Take a position on government intervention in combating climate change.

Junghyun Nam, Argumentative

United States of America

The Price of Globalism: Small-Scale Solutions to Climate Change

“It’s like if you owe your bookie a thousand dollars, you’re like, ‘OK, I’ve got to pay this dude back.’ But if you owe your bookie one million dollars, you’re like, ‘I guess I’m just going to die.’”⁠ In an SNL skit parodying the U.N.'s 2018 Climate Change Report, comedian Colin Jost encapsulates the hopelessness and, frankly, indifference inspired in the face of as seemingly insurmountable a problem as climate change. For governments—institutional behemoths already too often paralyzed to put forth policies—the skit raises crucial questions about intervention: should governing bodies become involved in climate-related issues, and, if so, how can they best do so?

This piece contends for immediate government intervention against climate change, both because it is more effective than other courses of action, and because it is a moral imperative to intervene. While there are prevalent counterarguments to both points, I argue here that climate intervention through regional government, at local and state levels, is key to overcoming these concerns and paving the way for effective action by removing the barriers of red-tape federalism and thus the disconnect between civic interest and political action.

First, despite inevitable flaws in the public policy process, it must be acknowledged that the most historically effective action against climate change has often begun with the pen and paper of a public official. One particular example is the implementation of statewide cap-and-trade systems. In an ideal market, private companies and individuals would pay for the environmental externalities of the resources they consume and the pollution they cause. The inability to uphold this paradigm makes climate change a type of market failure (Oreskes), and one that can be characterized as a “tragedy of the commons”—a situation in which individuals consume a public resource in self-interest but at the expense of the common good (O'Gorman). Cap-and-trade policies address this by implementing a Pigouvian tax, or associative price, to reduce emissions. Despite being historically known as a coal state, a carbon fee in Athens, Ohio has collected thousands of dollars annually towards renewable energy and led the city toward having among the lowest greenhouse gas emissions in their state (Astor). California has achieved full compliance to their greenhouse gas emission cap from companies statewide, and is on track to reduce forty percent of their target emissions by 2030 ("100%"). Without enforced government legislation, the private sector would have been allowed to act neglectfully and inflate the market failure of climate change without bounds. Government intervention delimits these bounds, with a level of sheer influence that scales: for example, after Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin declared goals for a complete transition to clean electricity, over eighty percent of cities in the state and at least a hundred and fifty businesses pledged to follow suit (Ricketts). The data and results make it clear: government intervention is a critical tool and aid that cannot be overlooked

Many opponents of government intervention rely upon the mindset that a government that governs least governs best, often turning to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol for a quintessential example of ineffective bureaucratic action. Involving thirty-eight industrialized countries, the conference pledged to cut five percent of greenhouse gas emissions. But realizing its financial toll, the US Senate killed the program—leading many to follow suit. In retrospect, many experts label the Kyoto Protocol as wasted effort hindered by red-tape federalism that eats at our most invaluable resource in the war against climate change: time. Another counterargument against the effectiveness of government intervention is the fear that radical changes in public policy will cripple the livelihood of fossil fuel industry workers, of which there are thirty-two million, plus the millions more who depend on them (International Energy Association). It is unreasonable to contend that these arguments are not justified. However, red-tape federalism and the resulting disconnect between civic interest and political action is an argument against grand and overreaching government interventions, often at an abstract global scale; not against government intervention in general. Here, the evidence points to smaller civic and state solutions as both effective, and responsive to the needs of their jurisdictions. As a counter to the regression of the Trump Administration from the Paris Agreement, a crusade of thousands of local, city, and state governments individually dedicated themselves and reached nearly eighty percent completion of their original pledge to cut nineteen percent of total emissions by 2025 (Ricketts). Bolstered by this commitment, the Biden administration reentered the Paris Agreement and funded an additional two trillion dollars to the cause (Peltier). State and local interventions, though seemingly minute, are extremely effective at achieving both short-term results and sowing the seeds of long-term influence. Due to their comparatively smaller demographic and lack of constrictions, they can act, and iteratively address problems, more swiftly. Smaller-scale government intervention can also more effectively target the individuals they purport to represent: for instance, New York and Maine have required state regulators to pass laws supporting their local front-line communities and workers in tandem with their progressive emission policies (Ricketts). While federal intervention is a necessary action that we must eventually take, grassroots government action has been proven to be an effective model of intervention against climate change, and one in line with the interest of communities closest to the earth they seek to protect. 

Aside from effectiveness, governments have a moral imperative to intervene in climate change. First, the scope of climate change is an unprecedented crisis in our world, and unfathomable to the scale of an individual. As authoritative entities, addressing issues that threaten the community is within the government’s fundamental obligation—to executively, legislatively, and judicially solve issues and dilemmas that we as individuals cannot. Programs like New Jersey or Massachusetts’s Environmental Justice Council, for example, possess the authority to create systemic changes that are impossible to achieve individually by low-income and minority communities disproportionately affected by climate change (State and Federal). Second, from a more universal perspective, governments are obligated to protect the planet that we inhabit. To follow in the enlightenment of the fourteenth Dalai Lama, “It is our collective and individual responsibility to persevere and tend to the environment in which we all live” (emphasis mine). Governmental bodies must work toward maintaining the natural vitality of our planet, not just for the world living in it today but also for the generations to follow. Finally, much of the rapid escalation of climate change can be attributed to political complacency. Despite global recognition of the climate change threat since the 1972 U.N. Stockholm Conference, many countries still flounder in implementing effective policies. Inaction is not an excuse, but an active choice many governments have taken, allowing their countries to develop economies dependent on fossil fuels and thus shrinking the window of opportunity for recovery. Given the role of authority they assume—not to mention their culpability in exacerbating the climate crisis—governments’ ethical duty to intervene in climate change is paramount.

Another counter-point opposing government intervention in climate issues, often used in rhetoric, is to deflect the moral responsibility for climate change away from the government and onto the individual. For example, big oil corporations like BP and ExxonMobil have spent decades crafting the idea of individual carbon footprints rather than taking responsibility for their own environmental impact (Schendler). This diversion tactic hides that, although individual efforts are a key component, the solution lies not in separating but in cultivating the relationship between communities and government intervention—a goal which can be achieved optimally through local and state action. For instance, New Jersey recently required the evaluation of facilities like power plants and landfills to deny any permits they determine as disproportionately impacting the local community. In a similar effort, Massachusetts has prohibited any project impacting the air quality of low-income and minority-dominated neighborhoods within a five-mile radius (State and Federal). While self-accountability is an admirable trait, the burden of mitigation should not fall on any individual or single organization. Instead, it should be a collective endeavor. Grassroots government intervention creates a platform for communities to voice their concerns, minimizing inequities within public policy and allowing the relevant authoritative bodies to act most authentically in the public’s interest. Smaller-scale intervention also gives governments a clearer geographical scope for them to work with, rather than against, communities to tackle local climate issues under a shared ethic of responsibility.

Often, the superficially grand efforts of global collaboration offer nothing but empty promises against climate change. Enough time has been spent in fruitless geopolitics, overshadowing our pursuit of a cleaner world. Instead, the government should take an active role in climate issues for its advantages and moral imperatives, using regenerative local and state interventions to proliferate change at a global, debt-reducing scale. 

References

Astor, Maggie. "As Federal Climate-Fighting Tools Are Taken Away, Cities and States Step up." New York Times, 1 July 2022. New York Times, www.nytimes.com/2022/07/01/climate/climate-policies-cities-states-local.html. 

Bassetti, Francesco. "Success or Failure? The Kyoto Protocol's Troubled Legacy." Foresight, 8 Dec. 2022. Climate Foresight, www.climateforesight.eu/articles/success-or-failure-the-kyoto-protocols-troubled-legacy/#:~:text=The%20Kyoto%20Protocol%20had%20failed,mitigation%20as%20a%20costly%20punishment.

Figueres, Christiana, et al. "For 50 Years, Governments Have Failed to Act on Climate Change. No More Excuses." The Guardian, 2 June 2022. The Guardian, www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/02/for-50-years-governments-have-failed-to-act-on-climate-change-no-more-excuses. 

Herbert, Kiran, et al. "Living the Dalai Lama Life." 5280, Oct. 2015. 5280, www.5280.com/living-the-dalai-lama-life/. 

International Energy Association. World Energy Employment. Sept. 2022. IEA, www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-employment. 

Kamarck, Elaine. "The Challenging Politics of Climate Change." Brookings, 23 Sept. 2019. Brookings, www.brookings.edu/articles/the-challenging-politics-of-climate-change/. 

Kapcar, Jack, and Jack Brady. "Jack v. Jack: Should 'Big Government' Solve Climate Change?" The Michigan Daily, 5 Feb. 2023, www.michigandaily.com/opinion/columns/jack-v-jack-should-big-government-solve-climate-change/. 

O'Gorman, Maebh. Global Warming: A Tragedy of the Commons. Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, 2010. Osgoode Digital Commons, digitalcommons.osgoode.yorku.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1099&context=clpe#:~:text=The%20%27tragedy%20of%20the%20commons,tragedy%27%20on%20a%20global%20scale. 

"100% of Companies in Cap-and-trade Program Meet 2020 Compliance Obligations." California Air Resources Board, 3 Nov. 2021, ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/100-companies-cap-and-trade-program-meet-2020-compliance-obligations. 

Oreskes, Naomi. "Without Government, the Marketplace Will Not Solve Climate Change." Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2015. Scientific American, www.scientificamerican.com/article/without-government-the-marketplace-will-not-solve-climate-change/. 

Peltier, Elian, and Somini Sengupta. "U.S. Formally Rejoins the Paris Climate Accord." New York Times, 19 Feb. 2021. New York Times, www.nytimes.com/2021/02/19/world/us-rejoins-paris-climate-accord.html. 

Ricketts, Sam, et al. "States Are Laying a Road Map for Climate Leadership." American Progress, 30 Apr. 2020. American Progress, www.americanprogress.org/article/states-laying-road-map-climate-leadership/#:~:text=That%20report%20also%20found%20that,on%20planning%20for%20climate%20change.  

Rosen, Amanda M. The Wrong Solution at the Right Time: The Failure of the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change. 15 Feb. 2015. Wiley Online Library, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/polp.12105. 

Schendler, Auden. "Worrying about Your Carbon Footprint Is Exactly What Big Oil Wants You to Do." New York Times, 31 Aug. 2021. New York Times, www.nytimes.com/2021/08/31/opinion/climate-change-carbon-neutral.html. 

State and Federal Environmental Justice Efforts. National Conference of State Legislatures, www.ncsl.org/environment-and-natural-resources/state-and-federal-environmental-justice-efforts#:~:text=State%20legislatures%20and%20the%20federal,access%20to%20a%20healthy%20environment. 

Third Place

Discuss the benefits of cross-cultural understanding, cooperation, and education’s role in fostering global citizenship.

Reem Zaim, Argumentative

SAUDI ARABIA

The Benefits of Cross-Cultural Understanding and Education

What lies beyond? Across the span of history, the search for homogeneity and intellectual depth among diverse civilizations has brought a new powerful impetus to the integrity of humanity. Several empires set on long journeys of exploration, their secrets whispered only through hearsay. Surrounded by a wealth of graceful rituals, these courageous adventures presented a sweeping vista that led them to the shores of uncharted territory. Because the interplay was as unpredictable as a coin toss, misinterpretations, conflicts, and even brutal acts blemished what would have otherwise been an idyllic chance for unity. 

   Inward-alluring efforts to fuse humanity and educational philosophy crossed geographical distances as societies exchanged wisdom, cultures, and innovative ideas. Visionary icons like Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta, and Zheng He understood the importance of casting off tribalistic restrictions to attain universal human empathy towards the spirits of foreign lands and form relationships with people all over Earth’s vastness. Additionally, the explorations went beyond their conventional expectations as these pioneers discovered a world yet unknown and instigated people to know each other, enhancing their perspectives and defeating barriers to communication. The dynamic interplay between civilizations sparked conceptual aspirations, cultural exchanges, and artistic expression, which shaped global heritage and morphed into the collective human story. This relentless dedication to harmony and intelligence exemplifies imperialistic contacts, which have created diverse ranges of cultures that have become a part of today’s society. This essay explores the significant role of cross-cultural understanding in fostering global unity and equipping future generations with intellectual success.  

   The Silk Road was a conduit for manifold commodities (such as silk, spices, porcelain, and precious works) and mental interchange. First, it propagated information, ideas, and innovations by becoming an intermediary between Asia and Europe. The Chinese progressions in papermaking, printing, and gunpowder, which had attained the pinnacle of mastery during the Medieval times, were conveyed to the Islamic world through complex trade trades that eventually led to Europe. These astounding manifestations of Eastern origin galvanized a cultural shift by sparking the Renaissance and irreversibly altering the course of history. It became a period of advantageous trade, enriched by the flow of products, where the cornerstones for the emergence and advancement of cultural accomplishments lay, and the physical treasure of people’s knowledge exceeded the boundaries and disparities of territories and civilizations. 

   From scholars and merchants to travelers, individuals pursued it cognitively and tangibly on this network of trade routes. They engaged in profound cultural interactions, fostered cross-cultural comprehension, and ushered in an era of diverse scholastic trajectories. At the same time, as the Silk Road thrived as the crossroad of commerce, by which people traded numerous goods, it flourished as a revolutionary intellectual melting pot. It generated the very core of human heritage that, in turn, led to unparalleled triumph and growth across various human endeavors.  

   Through his extensive travels along the Silk Road, Marco Polo set forth into the heart of Asia and unveiled to the Europeans an enthralling world with awe-inspiring discoveries of the East. It was his tremendously expressive surfaces that captivated the attention of countless readers. The splendid grandeur of Kublai Khan’s courts and the prosperous cities of China became a story that people across the globe felt compelled to share. The Travels of Marco Polo, which chronicled his expeditions through China, Mongolia, and other parts of Asia, stood as a famous European tome that vividly portrayed the wonders he encountered. Marco Parco’s account eventually became a pivotal bridge that brought the surface knowledge of the East to Europeans through his detailed writings. 

   Likewise, when Ibn Battuta, an extensive explorer of the Islamic world, shared his discoveries of diverse cultures, he enriched our understanding of the cultural nuances in the Medieval world. The extent of his travels encompassed many regions, such as North Africa, the Middle East, India, South Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia. Ibn Battuta’s book, The Rihla, offers us thorough descriptions of the current political, social, and economic conditions across different regions he visited, including those from which he originated. This information helps us designate him as one of the most influential travel writers of the Medieval era. Moreover, Zheng He, with his legendary fleets, undertook seven long voyages that started from Eastern China and reached as far as East Africa, thus integrating trade networks and cultural exchange throughout the entire continent. As a result, his expeditions were as remarkable as any in the annals of maritime endeavor, and they turned out to be some of the most written-about episodes in world history.   

   With respect to the Islamic Golden Age (the era of groundbreaking developments that lasted from the 8th to the 14th centuries), plenty of intellectualism was achieved: the layers of cultural diversity and the cross-cultural interactions were the two primary factors that propelled the rich civilization of the epoch. The milieu of scientists from various backgrounds, featuring Muslims, Greeks, Indians, and Persians such as Al-Khwarizmi, Ibn Sina, and Al-Farabi, led to a revolution in which society celebrates the harmonious coexistence of varied cultural entities. Scholars actively participated in erudite and literary discussions by writing commentaries on each other’s work and merging them into a unified discourse across the arts. This blend of distinct ethnicities created a phenomenon that significantly contributed to astronomy, medicine, literature, and mathematics. Al-Khwarizmi, for instance, created algebra and introduced methodological principles and notations through a systematic framework that laid the foundations for modern mathematics. 

   Ibn Sina, also referred to as Avicenna in the west, made significant strides in medicine, most notably through the Canon of Medicine, a compendium of knowledge combining insights from Greek, Persian, and Indian schools of medicine. Al-Farabi, a distinguished philosopher of the age, was committed to combining Greek and Islamic philosophies and developing philosophical tenets, ethical frameworks, and political science. The contributions of these luminaries not only surpassed their peers but also reverberated through future generations. In their days, they earned renown as ingenious pioneers whose postulations not only molded the course of history but also paved the way for future discoveries and scholarly breakthroughs.

   Although the concept may seem obsolete in modern times, the goodwill created by intercultural comprehension and solidarity still exists across the oceans of diversity in our world. The European Union (EU) is a prominent example of this occurrence. In the aftermath of World War II, its primary role has been to foster peace and cooperation within its 27 Member States. Through economic integration and the evolution of common values, the EU transcends transnational borders and addresses global problems, such as climate change, poverty, terrorism, and pandemics. After establishing the Eurozone, a monetary union embracing multiple member states, it has strengthened economic ties with other nations and facilitated cross-cultural exchange. Initiatives like Erasmus+, which encourages student mobility and cultural appreciation, enable the EU to promote direct interactions and collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds. This strategy shows that real strength lies in the ability to mutually understand each other’s perspectives in resolving common issues. Additionally, organizations like the United Nations (UN) and Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) strive for similar goals.  

   Despite the countless benefits of promoting global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding, there are skeptical voices regarding its potential repercussions. Some proponents argue that such initiatives may lead to cultural dilution by creating a monolithic global culture devoid of uniqueness. They also express concerns about power imbalances, where economically and politically dominant nations or cultures disproportionately benefit, while smaller or marginalized ones struggle to maintain independence and autonomy. Additionally, they are worried about cultural theft, where a dominant culture adopts elements from a disadvantaged culture without proper respect or recognition. While there are valid reasons to consider these perspectives, a progressive plan emphasizing power representation, equality, and inclusivity can help address power shifts. It can ensure that marginalized countries have their voices and contributions acknowledged and recognized on an equal footing, considering the capacity and value they bring to the global discourse. Moreover, people can strengthen cultural exchange through well-informed consent, mutual respect, and recognition. Unlike cultural appropriation, which arises from a lack of understanding of the sensitivity of different cultural practices, education and awareness among all parties involved can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation stemming from cultural differences. 

   In conclusion, we must not overlook the profound impact of intercultural communication. Our ability to tackle urgent global problems—poverty, climate change, terrorism, and pandemics—can be amplified through diversity, compassion, and collaboration. Educating future generations is crucial for fostering interethnic dialogue and equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to address global issues. If we design supportive spaces that celebrate cultural differences and promote harmonious coexistence, we can create an environment where a richer, more interconnected world becomes possible. These educational platforms empower us to break boundaries, unite, and work proactively towards a better tomorrow. The journey towards progress begins with knowledge, and it is through compassion that we can shape a world of unity, resilience, inclusivity, and shared prosperity for all! 

References:

Mwewa, M. (2023) Cross-Cultural Communication | Kinnu. https://kinnu.xyz/kinnuverse/psychology/the-science-of-communication/cross-cultural-communication/.

Bressanin, A. (2024) 'The Travels of Marco Polo: The true story of a 14th-Century bestseller,' BBC Travel, 8 January. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240107-the-travels-of-marco-polo-the-true-story-of-a-14th-century-bestseller.

Mañé, A. (2022) 'Zheng He and the era of the Great Chinese Maritime Expeditions,' European Guanxi, 22 February. https://www.europeanguanxi.com/post/zheng-he-and-the-era-of-the-great-chinese-maritime-expeditions.

Ai, T. (2023) 5 Heroes of the Islamic Golden Age. https://tarteel.ai/blog/5-heroes-of-the-islamic-golden-age/.

Muñoz, J. (1970) 'Intercultural Europe: Cultural diversity in the EU and the debate on a common European cultural identity,' Papeles De Europa, 30(2), pp. 149–161. https://doi.org/10.5209/pade.58672.

Etn (2021) Cultural awareness: internationalizing the school with Erasmus+. https://www.etnmagazine.eu/erasmus/cultural-awareness-internationalizing-the-school-with-erasmus/. 

english language learner

Take a position on government intervention in combating climate change.

Sanzhar Shayakhmetov, Argumentative

Kazakhstan

Government intervention in combating climate change

The degree of government commitment necessary to efficiently manage climate change comes up as an essential question in conversations about global environmental governance. Extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and rising global temperatures are all signs of climate change, which presents an existential menace that transcends national lines and influences people, ecosystems, and economies all over the world. This essay argues that substantial government action is not just expedient but also necessary to address the complexity of climate change efficiently. It delineates three principal rationales underpinning the necessity for governmental engagement: the enactment and enforcement of environmental regulations, the facilitation of comprehensive transformative measures, and the exemplification of leadership in international environmental initiatives.

Firstly, the imposition of environmental statutes necessitating sustainable operational practices among corporations necessitates governmental intervention. Only through governmental auspices can effective policies be promulgated and implemented to curtail greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate pollution, and endorse renewable energy adoption. Introducing emissions standards for vehicles, industrial operations, and energy production might directly limit the volume of toxic gases released into the atmosphere. Additionally, by enacting stringent regulatory measures, such as carbon pricing mechanisms (carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems), governments can reduce greenhouse gases produced by businesses and individuals. The rigor of environmental policy within each nation ought to mirror the stringent standards observed in countries such as the Netherlands, Finland, and Germany, where practices detrimental to the ecosystem are markedly reduced. The efficacy of carbon pricing strategies—illustrated by Singapore's successful experience via carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems—underscores the indispensable role of government in environmental regulation. Through this carbon tax, which was imposed in 2019, Singapore targeted about 50 industrial sites, covering approximately 80% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. This strategy had a paramount impact on sustaining a component of a larger plan to incentivize the reduction of carbon footprints and support Singapore's climate goals. Thus, governments should be motive forces in undertaking the foremost steps to stop climate change; otherwise, the rise of temperature and constant natural disasters may cause destructive influences on the global population.

Secondly, governments possess the unique capacity to instigate the significant transformations requisite for transitioning to a sustainable future. This role includes allocating financial resources towards the development of renewable energy infrastructure and facilitating the workforce transition from conventional fossil fuel sectors to burgeoning green industries. Expanding the scope of sustainable projects, with a focus on enhancing reliance on solar, wind energy, bioenergy, and hydropower, could significantly contribute to augmenting green energy production. These initiatives require considerable financial commitments and meticulous strategic planning, areas where governmental intervention is paramount. Such governmental actions are instrumental in laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable energy landscape, underpinning the broader objectives of environmental stewardship and economic sustainability. Such endeavors necessitate substantial financial investment and strategic planning, domains within the governmental purview. To exemplify, in 2021, China invested over $200 billion in renewable energy sources, while the United States invested $105 billion towards the energy transition. Due to the investments, China declared that it would construct 450 gigawatts of wind and solar power in desert areas; a record 37 GW of solar and wind power capacity were constructed in the USA, and renewable energy sources produced 21% of the country's electricity. Consequently, the strategic allocation of financial resources by nations towards environmental immaculateness initiatives will unequivocally contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change while also providing sustainable alternatives to cover people’s needs.

Thirdly, governments are instrumental in driving research and development (R&D) for clean technologies, which are essential in the battle against climate change. By offering financial incentives, formulating supportive policies, and establishing regulatory frameworks, they significantly lower the barriers to innovation, thereby catalyzing substantial private sector investment in research. Cultivating collaborations between public research institutions and entities within the private sector provides the capacity to expedite the progression and market introduction of innovative technologies and solutions. This effort extends beyond conventional renewables, aiming to foster a range of innovative environmental solutions. The creation of a plastic-degrading bacterium by students in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, and the advancement of enzymatic recycling processes are prime examples of how government-supported R&D can lead to groundbreaking innovations. Additionally, the development of biodegradable materials from agricultural waste and the progression in carbon capture further illustrate the potential for sustainable innovation promoted by government initiatives. These examples depict the crucial role of governments in enhancing technological advancements and demonstrate that strategic investment in R&D not only aids in addressing environmental challenges but also stimulates economic growth within the green technology sector, marking a significant stride towards a sustainable future.

Lastly, governmental leadership is critical for catalyzing international cooperation in climate action. The global nature of climate change demands coordinated responses; governments can pioneer these efforts by committing to ambitious emissions reduction targets and engaging in international environmental treaties. Through diplomatic engagement endeavors, they can foster consensus and collaboration in global forums. The establishment of global financing initiatives, such as the Green Climate Fund, engages multiple nations in concerted efforts to reduce emission outputs. What is more, considering the disparities in global resources and historical greenhouse gas contributions, affluent nations bear a moral responsibility to support developing countries through financial assistance and technological transfer. The aggregate contribution of supporting nations can broaden a more comprehensive perspective for the development of cutting-edge solutions aimed at sustaining a clean environment. For instance, the Paris Agreement involves countries with the shared goal of halting climate change and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future. To lower emissions and prepare for the effects of climate change, nations agree to national determined contributions (NDCs), which promote responsibility and progress among all parties involved. These accords show a united front in tackling the world's climate concerns by promoting cooperation, technology exchange, and financial support, particularly for developing nations.

Nonetheless, critics may contend that governmental intervention infringes upon personal freedoms and impedes economic development. Regulatory measures, including imposing carbon taxes, mandating energy efficiency standards, and restricting the use of certain pollutants, although crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, may be viewed by some individuals and businesses as limitations on their operational freedom and economic choices. Actions by governments reflect broader agendas that may oppose them, leading to criticism based on political beliefs rather than the specifics of the policy. However, such arguments overlook the more significant threat posed by unregulated climate change to human welfare and economic stability. This viewpoint of opponents significantly underestimates the severe implications of allowing climate change to proceed without regulation. Venice, Bangkok, and other areas are vulnerable to sinking underwater due to sea level rise. Global issues, such as the immense financial costs, the negative effects on public health, and the loss of biodiversity due to natural disasters, depict the urgent necessity for governmental action. This intervention is essential not just for mitigating the immediate impacts of these arduous disasters but also for reinforcing the economy of the world towards a sustainable future. This way, governments will facilitate innovation, stimulate job creation, and maintain the balance of Earth’s ecosystems. Human beings on their own are unable to adapt to the pace of rapid technological advancements and predict the disastrous long-term consequences of their present actions. Trusting them with solving this issue of climate change is comparable to trusting a child with a car. Governments’ primary function is to foresee and prevent any chaos that may be caused by individuals’ activities.

Taking everything into consideration, the imperative for decisive governmental action in combating climate change is unequivocal. Through the enforcement of environmental regulations, the orchestration of pivotal changes, and the demonstration of international leadership, governments are equipped to steer the global community toward a sustainable future. The exigency for leadership at the highest governmental echelons, coupled with collective action against climate change, is paramount. The moment for resolute action is now, superseding the era of deliberation.

References

https://www.nccs.gov.sg/singapores-climate-action/mitigation-efforts/carbontax/

https://www.nomuraconnects.com/focused-thinking-posts/the-future-of-carbon-credit-trading-in-singapore/

https://www.politico.com/newsletters/the-long-game/2022/03/10/green-china-00016066

https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement

https://www.zakon.kz/nauka/6417633-kazakhstanskie-shkolniki-sozdali-poedayushchie-plastik-bakterii.html 

journalistic

FIRST PLACE: Thais Castillo, Guatemala

SECOND PLACE: Sofia Katrin Velasco, Philippines

THIRD PLACE: Tyler Matukonis, United States of America

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER: Radina Slavcheva, Bulgaria

first place

Shine a light on the contributions of women in informal economies globally. Investigate the challenges they face, the importance of recognizing their work, and potential policy measures to improve their economic status.

Thais Castillo, journalistic

Guatemala

Tortillas: Guatemala’s Staple Food and The Female Lead of Informal Economy

Informal economy: “diversified set of economic activities enterprises, jobs, and workers that are not regulated or protected by the state” (WIEGO).

“Clap, clap, clap! Could you please give me GTQ5.00 of corn tortillas, please?” 

Tortillas are made up of corn. Corn is the cultural base of Guatemala’s diet, and so is the informal economy. No matter where you go, whether it is the rural or the urban area of Guatemala, you will always find a “Tortillería Los Tres Tiempos,” which means that tortillas are available three times: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most of the people who make tortillas are indigenous women who work all day long and non-stop because chapines demand tortillas all day long and non-stop.

According to the article “Inequality Los Tres Tiempos” published by the Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre, recruiters from urban areas offer parents of girls and teenagers from poor rural areas a salary of $100 to $130 monthly, when the minimum wage is $300, and a place to sleep; in consequence, these girls, driven by the necessity and the dream of a better future for themselves and their families, migrate to the city to work at tortillas shops in miserable and poor conditions (Escobar). This unethical and exploitative practice not only perpetuates economic and gender inequality but also keeps feeding the informal economy– led by women– that offers nothing but a few quetzales to pay generational debts. When working in tortilla stores, and in informal economy workplaces, women lack legal protections, have low wages compared to the amount of work, and lack proper access to healthcare and education, in addition to clearly being vulnerable and exposed to exploitation and abuse. 

According to the National Institute of Statistics, within the frame of 2024’s Women's Day, 48.8% of women have claimed to have had an incident related to violence at least once in their lifetime; additionally, around 34% of women had been sexually assaulted while an 18.14% have suffered physical violence contrasting to a 14.93% who have suffered economic violence (Oliva). If the chances of being abused just because of being a woman in Guatemala are around one in every two women, the likelihood of being assaulted in an unprotected and unknown environment increases when it comes to having a job in an informal economy workplace. 

This is the life of countless women and girls in Guatemala, and Marta is not the exception to the rule. Marta, 40, is an indigenous woman who owns a tortilla store, in which she additionally sells fruits and vegetables. She prepares, cooks, and dispatches tortillas, as well as the sale of produce. In an interview with Marta, she explained that her daily routine consists fully of work: “I work from 5 am to 8 pm,” and within that period, she must clean the machine she uses at least three times a day (Castillo). Given that she also owns a vegetable and fruit store, she must go to the market every two days at 5 am, obviously continuing her 5-8 work shift after getting back from the market, and pay $10.00 for transportation, which ends up being pretty expensive in contrast to the profit she ends up making (Castillo). The hardest part for her is making the tortillas themselves: “The stove is pretty hot and then, when I dispatch the tortillas, the environment is cold so my shoulders end up hurting,” states Marta (Castillo). As with many of the physical consequences of her work, Marta’s right-hand fingerprints are totally burned due to the constant exposure to the stove, and she now has varicose veins because she is standing up all day long without wearing proper footwear.

Currently, she works entirely by herself; for the past three years, she has been the only one making tortillas because “women now prefer just to get married and not work because working making tortillas is very sacrificial” (Castillo). She is unable to take any breaks because she is the only one providing economic support for her two little children, given that her husband abandoned them. Regardless, Marta pays close attention to her children’s education and prioritizes it as much as she can. Both of her children attend a private school–which is the best alternative to a perpetually weak public school system–. Although both her oldest son and youngest daughter are willing to help her, according to Marta, “people dislike when a man dispatches tortillas,” which is nothing less but a stereotypical belief tied to a male chauvinist country, and therefore, her daughter is more likely to be forced to help, affecting her overall school performance at the end of the day (Castillo). Marta pays approximately $475 for rent, where on the first floor she holds her tortilla and fruits and vegetables stand and on the second floor they have their family “home” (Castillo). 

Marta’s family relies entirely on tortilla sales and there are fluctuations in their income depending on the month of the year and Guatemala’s current social and political situation. For example, last year, during a blockade that lasted around two to three weeks and affected Guatemala’s economy on a national scale, Marta earned roughly $650; just enough to pay the rent and some other utilities and cover basic needs. Like Marta, there are many women out there who contribute almost completely to their households: whether as street vendors, domestic workers, or agricultural laborers. 

As opposed to the cultural belief that men are the only providers of prosperity in a household, women are indeed, more likely to contribute economically to their household regarding the informal economy sector. For instance, the informal economy in Guatemala is 68% conformed by men in contrast to 75.7% by women (USAID). Though women contribute a lot more than men in the informal economy, it is just the reflection that women lack proper access to a dignified job and are consequently forced to work with no guarantee of success and safety in what they do.

Whilst women contribute to Guatemala’s economy and households benefiting society at a massive scale, there are no current policies in my country that benefit or help women, regardless of their daily and sacrificial work. 

It is essential to recognize the female’s role in the Guatemalan informal economy; within the challenges they constantly face, giving women a little bit of recognition would help reduce gender inequality and promote economic inclusivity. But recognition should occur not only at the root of Guatemala's society and informal economy, but also in the branches where there are impediments to indigenous women’s involvement in government roles. Increasing access to education would allow them to take legislative positions and be able to make decisions in a country in which women don’t participate in the decision-making process (Espinoza).

In addition to recognizing women, what is more important is taking action and encouraging the legislative system to execute real and feasible solutions that would make the informal economy only a topic of discussion rather than a matter of daily life conditions in every other household. Creating a social security institute that helps, not only women but people in general who belong to the informal economy, would be the welfare for every citizen out there to begin their little entrepreneurship that will subsequently aid an entire household. Having a social security system for all of the economies, with no distinctions at all, would not only guarantee a good quality of life while working but even afterward, ensuring a pension to be able to break that cycle of poverty. Or even better, having workshops in both rural and urban areas so women can access knowledge whether it is to know how to manage resources, look for better opportunities, exploit their abilities and capabilities, or enrich their children’s futures. Undoubtedly, the amount and diversity of solutions cannot be limited, and although certain constraints deprive these ideas of becoming reality, the only thing that separates a few printed words from a brighter future is the State’s neglect, indifference, and opacity. 

Women in the informal economy are the backbone of a systematically sexist country that must be addressed as soon as possible and aim for a more inclusive country; a country in which Marta and many other women could have the chance to access a job with proper working conditions. Although the informal economy cannot be eradicated, it is a necessity that as Guatemalans, we should work to improve. Besides, without women in the informal economy, how long would Guatemala last before falling apart?

WORKS CITED (MLA resources)

Castillo Mazariegos, Thais. (20 Feb.2024). Interview with Marta, Tortilla Store Owner. 

Escobar Sarti, Carolina. “Desigualdad Los Tres Tiempos.” Prensa Libre, 8 July 2021, www.prensalibre.com/opinion/columnasdiarias/desigualdad-los-tres-tiempos/. Accessed 20 Feb. 2024.

Espinoza, Isela, and Eslly Melgarejo. “Basta de Excluirnos, Las Mujeres Existimos.” Prensa Comunitaria, 8 Mar. 2023, prensacomunitaria.org/2023/03/basta-de-excluirnos-las-mujeres-existimos/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2024.

Oliva, Cesar. “El INE Presenta Indicadores de Prevalencia de Violencia Contra Las Mujeres En Guatemala.” Ine.gob.gt, 2024, www.ine.gob.gt/2024/03/07/el-ine-presenta-indicadores-de-prevalencia-de-violencia-contra-las-mujeres-en-guatemala/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2024. 

USAID. “Economic Growth | Basic Page | Guatemala | U.S. Agency for International Development.” U.S. Agency for International Development, 2023, www.usaid.gov/guatemala/our-work/economic-growth. Accessed 20 Feb. 2024.

WIEGO. “Informal Economy | WIEGO.” Wiego.org, 2018, www.wiego.org/informal-economy. Accessed 11 Mar. 2024.

second place

Sofia Katrin Velasco, journalistic

Philippines

A Modern Odyssey: The Struggle for Home

“Four years ago, I thought I’d never see my family again. I now spend everyday with them to make up for all the time lost. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Erica Manabat, a Filipino former migrant worker, braved to share her escape from abuse when she was working in Saudi Arabia. She experienced multiple instances of sexual assault from her superiors while employed as a domestic helper. During her time as a migrant worker, she was constantly conflicted between remaining at her job to financially support her family and leaving her abusive situation.

Ultimately she was faced with one question: how will she get home?

In 2019, Erica faced financial difficulties after her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. She also separated from her husband, leaving her as a single mother of three children. The responsibility to financially provide for the family fell on Erica, to support both her grandmother and children. She looked for jobs and gigs in the Philippines, but realized the salaries would never be sufficient to alleviate the financial situation of her family.

The average monthly salary in the Philippines is an estimated PHP18,500, roughly equivalent to USD300. “A family of five will need at least PHP13,797 pesos (about USD249) per month to meet their minimum basic food and non-food needs," explained Philippine Statistics Authority Undersecretary Dennis Mapa. Meanwhile, the Philippines proposed the introduction of a set minimum wage of $400 for Filipino domestic workers abroad. As a result of the significant gap between local and overseas salaries, women like Erica decide that it is a better financial decision to work abroad.

Erica turned her sights towards greener pastures and became a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia.

Migrant workers are crucial to national economies, contributing to both their country of employment and country of origin. For instance, nine percent of the gross domestic product of the Philippines consists of remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). “Overseas remittances are a significant part of [our] country’s economy[,] at any stage of economic development,” commented the National Economic and Development Authority.

The Philippine government emphasizes the importance of remittances to the economy to encourage more Filipinos to work overseas. Former president Corazon Aquino addressed OFWs in a 1988 speech as “modern-day heroes” to honor their sacrifices for their family and the motherland. While the desire to financially support one’s family is still the overweighing factor for many OFWs, the praising rhetoric of the government reinforces migration to find decent work.

A majority of OFWs are women, comprising 60.8% of Filipino migrant workers. Female OFWs are most concentrated in Asia and America, including Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Hong Kong. These women often take on ‘elementary-level jobs’ such as being domestic helpers or cleaners. Being employed in these elementary-level positions is a result of their lack of access to quality higher education in the Philippines, as was the case with Erica.

Erica attended college for several years but eventually stopped. While studying, she juggled overwhelming financial burdens and familial responsibilities. It came the time to choose between herself or her family. “I would have wanted to finish my education but I wanted to help my family more,” she admitted.

Erica did not have a college degree, but she did have experience with taking care of children. It seemed to her that being an overseas domestic worker was her only option. She went to Saudi Arabia, not because that was her country of choice, but because it had the most number of open positions for domestic helpers.

“I was scared of going abroad at first since I’ve heard of stories where the helpers get abused,” she mentioned. Initially, she did not observe any questionable behavior from her employer. Her daily routine as a domestic worker included cleaning the house and caring for her employer’s children. “I’d sometimes be with those kids thinking I was back home with my children because I missed them so much,” she confessed with tearing eyes.

She had long work days where she was always on call in case her bosses needed her. Her nights consisted of video-calling family and silently crying from homesickness in a cramped, spare room in her employer’s house. Erica was crying now, “It was hard, but I endured it since my family needed me to work.”

As time progressed, she noticed a shift in her employer’s behavior. He would give Erica leering eyes. He would stay longer in a room with her than needed.

Eventually, Erica became one of the abused helpers she would hear about.

Migrant workers, especially women, are prone to sexual abuse and gender-based violence. Over 24,000 OFWs reported abuse and violence in 2023. These abuse cases mainly occurred in the Middle East where a high concentration of female migrant workers are not under an agency meant to protect them. The number of abuse cases may even be higher when accounting for those discouraged from reporting out of fear of their employer.

Erica was a victim of sexual abuse. “My employer’s brother forced himself on me, so I ran away and looked for someone who could help me go back home,” she explained.

She found an agency helping the repatriation of OFWs. She needed assiatance with the required documents for returning to the Philippines since she cannot depend on her employer anymore. Since Erica ran away, she technically broke the duration of her work specified in her contract with the employer. She also needed money to pay for a flight because she always sent her salary back to family in the Philippines.

According to the International Organization for Migration, most migrant workers have a difficult time repatraiting due to employers withholding important documents, lack of money, and exploitation from worker agencies. 923,652 OFWs returned to the Philippines during the pandemic out of necessity, but most returned after global restrictions eased.

Despite the role of the agency to protect Erica, the owner of the agency sexually assaulted her. Erica sniffled, “It’s disheartening because the people who are supposed to help you are the ones who hurt you the most.”

She decided to reach out to a government agency directly if she wanted the chance to return to the Philippines. In 2020, she reunited with her family through the help of the Overseas Workers Welfare Association, a governmental body dedicated to assisting and protecting Filipino migrant workers. “It seemed like I would never see my family again but they were all there at the airport waiting for me when I came back,” she reflected. 

Now Erica she was with her family again, her original problem reemerged: how will she support her family?

Since the governmengt agency was responsible for only the legal matters of her repatriation, she was redirected to the Development Action for Women Network (DAWN), a  nonprofit organization helping repatraited OFWs through psychological and livelihood assistance.

Erica explained how she did not see the point of giving her psychological assistance at first. She explained, “I thought that program was a distraction since I wanted to go straight into working again. I realized I needed to help myself recover first before I can help my family.”

Through the nonprofit, Erica also received a microloan to start a small business where she sells preloved clothes in Divisoria, one of the largest hubs for small enterprises in the Philippines. Her hobby is weaving and sewing, which she discovered though DAWN. She plans on developing her hobby to sell clothes of her own making at her shop.

Despite her lower income in the Philippines, Erica remains committed to working locally, still recovering from the effects of abuse. She decidedly announced, “I’d rather stay in the Philippines with my family but have a lower salary than go back abroad where I tolerate abuse to earn money.”

Erica’s story is one of survivorship and the triumphs of returning back home. Despite its remarkable ending, most female migrant workers do not get the same opportunity of healing like Erica. Many migrant workers remain to have their stories unheard and continue to suffer through abuse for the sake of financially supporting their family.

Even if Erica escaped an abusive situation, she still has to return to a broken economic situation in the Philippines. The Philippine government will continue emphasizing the importance of Filipinos going abroad for the economy.

Maybe it is time to stop calling OFWs ‘modern-day heroes,’ a term first coined by Corazon Aquino as the Philippines was rebuilding its economy after a dictatorship. The term ‘martyr’ might be more appropriate for these migrant workers who suffer without the needed recognition.

Sources

Agcaoili, Lawrence. ““ Remittances Still Pillar of Philippines Growth.”” Philstar.com, Philstar.com, 24 Nov. 2023, www.philstar.com/business/2023/11/25/2313962/remittances-still-pillar-philippines-growth. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.

Estrellado, Vilma. “Average Salary in the Philippines: How a Company Saves Costs through Filipino Hires.” Outsource Accelerator, Outsource Accelerator, 25 Feb. 2022, www.outsourceaccelerator.com/articles/average-salary-in-the-philippines/#:~:text=in%20this%20article.-,The%20average%20salary%20in%20the%20Philippines,18%2C423.00%20(US%24%20330.08). Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.

International Labor Organization. A REFERENCE WAGE for MIGRANT DOMESTIC WORKERS.

Laurinne Jamie Eugenio. “Overseas Filipino Workers: The Modern-Day Heroes of the Philippines.” Harvard International Review, Harvard International Review, 11 Aug. 2023, hir.harvard.edu/overseas-filipino-workers-the-modern-day-heroes-of-the-philippines/#:~:text=Referring%20to%20these%20workers%2C%20former,but%20are%20figures%20of%20resilience. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.

Official Gazette, Republic of the Philippines. “Address of President Corazon Aquino to the Filipinas Working in Hong Kong | GOVPH.” Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 17 Apr. 1988, www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1988/04/17/address-of-president-corazon-aquino-to-the-filipinas-working-in-hong-kong/. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.

third place

What social justice movement gained attention through widespread social media presence?

Tyler Matukonis, journalistic

United States of America

Share and Strike: Social Media Fuels Climate Action

In a 2022 poll, over 59% of young adults and children reported feeling worried about climate change, with 45% saying that the issue affects their daily lives (Chaaraoui). With the use of social media becoming increasingly prominent in the past decade, these sentiments have spread globally, resulting in more people becoming informed about climate-related issues. This increased awareness allowed for the formation of climate activist groups in the early 2000s. However, it wasn’t until the School Strike for Climate that the effects of social media on mobilizing people became more profound. The virality of posts, celebrity endorsements, and the ability to educate people on climate change led to the participation of 1.4 million students in Thunberg’s strike, highlighting social media’s ability to catalyze social justice movements (Carrington).

Until 1965, the impact of human activities on the climate wasn’t well known. While researchers recorded increasing temperatures during that year, it was only a decade later when the now well-known term “global warming” was coined by geoscientist Wallace Broecker (O’Connor and Harrity). Though there were multiple governmental summits in the remaining decades of the 20th century, climate protests defined the 2000s. One such protest was the Global Day of Action, erupting halfway through the Montreal Climate Talks in 2005. Although demonstrations took place in over 20 countries, others, like Australia, did not participate, reflecting the limited number of social media users during that decade; compared to today’s over 90% of young adults who utilize social media, in 2005, that number was closer to 12% (Campaign Against Climate Change; Perrin). In addition, many organizations at the forefront of climate activism lacked a social media presence for multiple years following the creation of platforms. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency hadn’t joined X, formerly Twitter, until May, 2008, while the World Wildlife Fund hadn’t until the beginning of the next decade (X Corp.). Geert Lovink, an academic, says there is an “emancipatory and democratizing potential of new media technologies,” describing how environmental organizations can utilize “tactical media” for the purposes of increasing public involvement and awareness (Franken and MacDiarmid). Despite not using social media, the campaigns of this decade paved the way for those in the subsequent one.

In August 2018, Greta Thunberg sat outside of the Swedish parliament holding a sign that read “Skolstrejk för klimatet” (“school strike for climate”). While she would have been sitting in a classroom that Friday, Thunberg posted pictures of herself and provided updates on the social media platform Twitter. Eventually, Thunberg’s strike received news coverage from organizations across the globe, with her posts gaining even more traction as a result. Following over 200,000 retweets of her post, students from over 270 regions organized local movements, with the number of strikes on a single day peaking in May of the following year (Euronews Green; Tait). Simultaneously, #FridaysforFuture, another name for the movement, began to trend on the internet, allowing more people to learn about the movement and the circumstances that led to its formation. Following her initial sit-out of her country’s parliament, Greta Thunberg protested for nearly half a decade, representing her movement at events like the U.N. Climate Action Summit and the World Economic Forum. The ability of Thunberg’s initial post to get millions of people involved with her movement and bring climate issues to the attention of others demonstrates how effective social media can be in connecting people with common goals. 

Following Greta Thunberg’s first posts and the news stories that covered her strike, many celebrities commented on the movement, increasing public awareness and participation. For example, on Instagram, Chris Hemsworth posted a video of himself and student activists with the caption: “What do we want? Climate Action! The kids have spoken! Well done to all the young climate strikers for taking part in #climatestrike drawing immediate attention to the climate change emergency” (Goodman). By doing so, Hemsworth spread the strike’s message and showed his followers that they should partake in the movement. It is also important to note that responses to the movement were not just limited to A-list movie stars. After meeting with Thunberg, former United States president Barack Obama uplifted her movement and others when he commented in a blog post, “That’s the power of young people — unafraid to believe that change is possible and willing to challenge conventional wisdom, Greta and her generation are making their voices heard, even at a young age. That’s what’s possible when we let young people lead the way” (Obama Foundation). Considering that people tend to make decisions aligned with those they look up to, the School Strike for Climate shows how public endorsements on social media can facilitate the growth of and encourage involvement in similar movements.

While viral posts and celebrity support have been instrumental in spreading the School Strike for Climate, the ability to educate people about climate change on social media has been equally so. With organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace posting on popular social media platforms, more people can receive information and statistics that make them more informed. From a poll on teens aged fourteen to sixteen, the EdWeek Research Center reported that 56% of respondents said they learn about the topic from social media (Prothero et al.). While concepts such as eutrophication, biodiversity loss, and acidification are nuanced and often confusing for people to learn, colorful infographics and videos uploaded by educators online have widened the means of communicating these climate-related issues. The U.S. National Park Service says social media has allowed them to “reach new audiences and create a vibrant community of park advocates” (National Park Service). By becoming more educated and understanding the exigence of climate-related issues from social media, people are more inclined to get involved with climate movements.

Throughout the social movements of the past, a continuity between them all has been the ability to break down geographic and linguistic barriers. However, with the creation and utilization of social media, even more so. As mentioned earlier, Greta Thunberg’s movement began outside the Swedish parliament. However, by connecting with prominent activists from other regions like Mitzi Jonelle Tan, she could assist in organizing and promoting strikes in places like the Philippines, nearly halfway around the world (Chen). In addition, features in these apps that enable users to translate text assist in increasing accessibility to information, educating people, and empowering them to become involved in the movement. In addition, another benefit of translating messages about the School Strike for Climate is bringing climate issues to the attention of those who don’t care about climate issues or those outright opposed to the calls for change. By doing so, the strike’s message reaches a larger audience and thus has a greater chance of changing people’s stance on the issue, an intended result of this movement. 

Starting as a girl sitting outside her country’s parliament with a small sign, Greta Thunberg’s School Strike for Climate Change started off with a small audience. However, following local and international news coverage and posts going viral on social media, the movement catapulted into the global spotlight in a way not seen by social movements before. With celebrity endorsements, the creation of educational content, and the translation of the strike’s messages on social media, Thunberg and other activists broadened the strike’s listenership while engaging with the youth. Considering that the School Strike for Climate Change became one of the most widespread social movements in the early 21st century, it is clear that social media fueled the momentum of and provided a foundation for its continued growth.

Works Cited

Campaign Against Climate Change. “Campaign history | Campaign against Climate Change.” Campaign against Climate Change |, 2024, https://www.campaigncc.org/history. Accessed 10 March 2024.

Carrington, Damian. “School climate strikes: 1.4 million people took part, say campaigners.” The Guardian, 19 March 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/mar/19/school-climate-strikes-more-than-1-million-took-part-say-campaigners-greta-thunberg. Accessed 2 February 2024.

Chaaraoui, Layla. “Young People are Worried About Climate Change, and Rightfully So.” Harvard Political Review, 26 August 2023, https://harvardpolitics.com/youth-climate-worries/. Accessed 2 February 2024.

Chen, Amber. “In Conversation with Mitzi Jonelle Tan — The Eco Justice Project.” The Eco Justice Project, 20 July 2022, https://www.theecojusticeproject.com/spotlights-1/mitzi-jonelle-tan. Accessed 12 March 2024.

Euronews Green. “From solo protest to global movement: Five years of Fridays for Future in pictures.” Euronews.com, 10 October 2023, https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/08/21/from-solo-protest-to-global-movement-five-years-of-fridays-for-future-in-pictures. Accessed 2 February 2024.

Franken, Avery, and Chanel MacDiarmid. “Environmental Activism in the Digital Age.” Flux: International Relations Review, 2021, https://fluxirr.mcgill.ca/article/view/52/43. Accessed 12 March 2024.

Goodman, Rick. “'This is more important': Kids skip school to lead biggest climate rally in Australian history.” 7NEWS, 20 September 2019, https://7news.com.au/news/kids-skip-school-to-lead-biggest-climate-rally-in-australian-history-c-464393. Accessed 3 February 2024.

National Park Service. “Social Media - Digital (U.S.” National Park Service, 14 July 2022, https://www.nps.gov/subjects/digital/social-media.htm. Accessed 11 March 2024.

Obama Foundation. “Watch: President Obama Meets with Environmental Activist Greta Thunberg.” Obama Foundation, 17 September 2019, https://www.obama.org/stories/president-obama-greta-thunberg/. Accessed 11 March 2024.

O'Connor, Kirsty, and Charles W. Harrity. “12 Important Moments in the History of Climate Action: In Photos.” Global Citizen, 5 June 2020, https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/important-moments-climate-history-in-photos/. Accessed 10 March 2024.

Perrin, Andrew. “Social Media Usage: 2005-2015.” Pew Research Center, 8 October 2015, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/10/08/social-networking-usage-2005-2015/. Accessed 12 March 2024.

Prothero, Arianna, et al. “Most Teens Learn About Climate Change From Social Media. Why Schools Should Care.” Education Week, 30 January 2023, https://www.edweek.org/technology/most-teens-learn-about-climate-change-from-social-media-why-schools-should-care/2023/01. Accessed 4 February 2024.

Tait, Amelia. “Greta Thunberg: How one teenager became the voice of the planet.” Wired UK, 6 June 2019, https://www.wired.co.uk/article/greta-thunberg-climate-crisis. Accessed 2 February 2024.

X Corp. “U.S. EPA (@EPA).” X, https://twitter.com/EPA. Accessed 12 March 2024.

english language learner

What social justice movement gained attention through widespread social media presence?

Radina Slavcheva, journalistic

Bulgaria

What social justice movement gained attention through widespread social media presence?

"Don't cry, we have to be strong now," one woman said to another during the protest “Nito edna povetche” (Not one more) in front of the Sofia Court House on 31 July, 2023. After a while, their conversation is drowned out by the shouts of thousands of outraged people, all gathered to support the injured 18-year-old Debora Mihailova from Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. In the summertime of 2023, Debora was ruthlessly beaten and disfigured with a mock knife by her then ex-boyfriend, causing wounds that required her to have a total of 400 stitches. In addition, her nose was broken and all of her hair was shaved off in a reportedly vicious manner.

The 26-year-old suspect, identified by the media as Georgi Georgiev, was arrested after the attack, but a court in Stara Zagora later released him after rating the woman's injuries as "light."  Amid public disapproval, Georgiev was rearrested on July 31 and the prosecutor's office announced that it was "accelerating" the investigation. He currently remains in custody, but what’s interesting is that Debora's case only became known to the public through reports on some of the major Bulgarian broadcast channels and widespread social media presence on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, all showing horrendous images of Debora’s injured body. 

Some of the well-known Bulgarian YouTubers invited the 18-year-old to discuss the case with Georgiev, the mental health issues she still faces after the assault, and her hope for a safe future for all women. Compared to other previous cases of violence against females in Bulgaria, Debora's case caused a larger public response, and many suggest that the reason for this is because the others died, but she managed to survive. This massive social justice movement even led to changes in the legislation against domestic violence in the Balkan EU member states.

The events surrounding the attack paved the way for numerous criticisms of how all the institutions in Bulgaria actually treated the case. “We are appalled that 400 stitches and a broken nose were filed as a ‘minor bodily injury’,” the Bulgarian Fund for Women said. “This only sends a message to all victims of abuse that the pain and horror that they experience could go unpunished,” it added.

The judge, who in June released Georgiev, Tatyana Gyoneva, said she made her decision because, according to the documents that were presented to the panel, it was a case of minor bodily harm. However, it was not clear why neither the Prosecutor's office nor the court had asked for an expert medical examination to determine what the injuries on the girl's body were and then make their final decision. After the powerful public reaction, however, she was asked if she found the abhorrent photos of Debora's assaulted body disturbing. She answered, "Of course, I felt disturbed, the whole panel of judges found them distrubing."

Furthermore numerous media asked Tatiana Gyoneva whether, in the face of this public reaction, she was considering resigning and leaving the judiciary world. "Thank you also for this question, thank you to everyone who supported me in this ordeal because my colleagues supported me and they know what kind of person I am, I am not bragging. I hope you reflect on our successes as well. I don't intend to, no. I love my job." Judge Gyoneva also did not respond to the question of why she had not considered two previous deliberations on bodily harm by offenders, and when asked if she would stand for the protest she said the following: "I think you're asking too much of me. I'm calling for a line that, if crossed, the damage would be very serious."

Further controversy has been sparked by photographs of the alleged perpetrator circulating on social media, showing tattoos with nationalist slogans. Even the writer Georgi Gospodinov, the first Bulgarian to win the International Booker Prize with his novel Time Shelter, commented on the case with the words: "Their patriotism - tattooed, their knives - mocked, their freedom - death." on Facebook.

“Thank you for supporting me, thinking about me, praying for me, and fighting with me in this very scary time for me,” Debora Mihailova said in a video message on Facebook, posted right after Bulgaria's parliament ultimately gathered in a session on August 7 and approved changes to the Criminal Code and the law on protection from domestic violence. The amendments provide for the right to protection for people who have experienced violence in the context of an intimate relationship or for victims of violence who are neither married to their potential abuser nor are they in a relationship.

Correspondingly, the creation of a National Information System for all cases of domestic violence with data on who the victims are, what violence was inflicted on them, what actions were taken, who are the responsible institutions is one of the 15 measures for the prevention of violence and aggression identified at the meeting in the Council of Ministers between Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov and the other representatives of the four ministries. "My feeling is that this was a hidden epidemic and many people, encouraged by the support of society and institutions, only now dared to talk about their specific problems," he commented. Among the adopted measures are an increase in the number of psychologists in schools and the development of a National Program for the Prevention of Violence, which will offers specialized services for adults and children.

And while Georgi Georgiev is being officially charged with three offenses for his assault, the young woman, despite the horrors she has endured, fearlessly displays her scars as an example to others. "I want to send my message to all women not to hide. We are beautiful," Debora said. "The people who supported me all over the country and my family, they helped me the most. Thanks to them, I'm back on my feet," Mihailova added.

Debora intends to help women who have also suffered violence in the future as she explained that many women who have been victims of violence have written to her and sometimes she is left speechless, not even able to answer or write anything. Nevertheless she is glad that women or girls do not remain silent because one should not remain silent.

When Debora made an Instagram account where she posted a photo of herself smiling, she received countless positive comments from users, who seemed to shower her with praise. Her media presence had only just begun though, as Mihailova stepped boldly on the music scene just a few months later. Her debut song happened thanks to the famous Bulgarian singer Galin, one of the first to reach out to Debora. After that the offers to the Mihailova began to come one after another with Dian Savov, better known as DJ Dian Solo, wrote to the young woman on behalf of the Deep Sound Project, offering her to record her original songs or covers in a professional music studio. "If doctors heal the body, then music heals the soul", he further explained.

As many other women decided to report domestic violence by filing reports or complaints, the behavior change among the individuals has been highlighted. In the first half of the year, 1,950 orders for immediate and permanent protection, issued by district courts, have been received in the National Police General Directorate - by 18% more compared to the previous year. There is also a 40% increase in the number of pre-trial proceedings initiated in the context of domestic violence. Zornitsa Shumanova, head of the newly created unit for domestic violence at the General Directorate of the National Police urged the victims not to hesitate and seek help from the competent authorities. "The more we talk, the more the crimes will not be latent," she concluded.

Although the institutional response to gender-based violence still remains largely ineffective in Bulgaria, with a deficit of crisis centers and coherent statistics about the scope of the problem, the fight for a world where women are not afraid to leave their homes and where offenders are brought to justice is only getting stronger. For Dr. Veselin Guerev, a psychiatrist, the significant increase in reports indicates that the civil society in Bulgaria is slowly, but surely “getting rid of fear”.