Movement sweeps Latin America to loosen abortion restrictions: Argentina's lower house of Congress approved a landmark bill to legalize abortion. The country's long history with pro-choice protests has inspired gradual change throughout Latin America. Mexican activist Lupita Ruiz explained that in the past, “When someone talked about abortion, they were shushed...Now I can sit down to eat a tamale and have a coffee and talk with my mom and my grandma about abortion.” Full Story >

New study concludes "pink tax" is lower in countries with more female politicians: "Women's Descriptive Representation and Gendered Import Tax Discrimination" will appear in an upcoming edition of the American Political Science Review. The article not only highlights a previously unacknowledged trade policy that penalizes women—gender-biased import taxes—but also provides evidence that political representation can have a substantial, direct impact on discriminatory policies. Full Story >

From prison to parliament – Ugandan feminist puts jail behind her and sets off on campaign trail: A year ago, Stella Nyanzi was in jail for cyber-harassment over a Facebook post criticising the president. Today, she’s running for parliament, drawing on her experience as an activist to rally support and spotlight deep gender inequalities in the East African country. Full Story >

Chloe x Halle's tiny desk (home) concert is hands down one of the best concerts we've seen this year. A 20-minute-blessing for your ears.

The Africa Rising International Film Festival took place recently with an eclectic selection of films. Inspired by the theme of the festival "Films for Change", The Bloom decided to create our own selection of movies around the world directed by a diverse group of women. Watch all the movie trailers! 

A new class of artists are engaged in a risky performance of self — not as elegant but as klutzy, volatile and occasionally unstable.

Sneaking this in here too...our SURVEY :D 

Marsai Martin, star of the hit television sitcom Black-ish, has become Hollywood's youngest executive producer according to the Guinness World Records. Now 16, she broke the record in 2019 for her work on the film "Little". She also has her own production company, Genius Productions, which is currently working on another film titled "StepMonster".

Malala Yousafzai has joined TikTok! Follow @malalafund and watch all the creative ways she spotlights women around the world! 

With the holidays right around the corner, and lockdowns forcing many businesses to stay closed, it's more important than ever to support *local* shops! And because The Bloom team is lucky to represent so many countries (8, to be exact!) across 3 continents, we had the pleasure to share businesses around the world! Here's a few gift ideas inspired by the team's favorite local shops: 
 

Fran, Toronto – Canada 
When flowers and small accessories locally-crafted by women are at the top of your list, you don’t want to miss Pictus Goods. But if you’re as indecisive as me and need to look at a few options before deciding on the perfect gift, Spruce, in Cabbagetown, and Saudade, in Little Portugal, are the perfect places to look! 

KK, Pretoria – South Africa 
4Roomed eKasi Culture is a must – a female-founded business based on the four-roomed homes found in the oldest townships of South Africa. And for the literary soul, be sure to buy a copy of Chimurenga is a Pan-African magazine of arts, culture and politics. 

Sarah, Dublin – Ireland
Since we'll be wearing masks for the foreseeable future, treat yourself with some hand-made ones by Sew Aoife. For the sweet tooth, Man of Aran can make your dreams come true (they ship internationally!!)

Amber, NY – USA 
Ditch traditional cards and write your notes on a beautiful plantable holiday card from Thoughtful Human. And while we're on the theme of plants, Onatah Seed Co. makes for a great gift with boxes to start growing a garden of your own; it's non-green thumb friendly!

Ica, Lugano – Switzerland 
A great local farm in Muzzano focused on social inclusion, teaching employees new skills to help them get back on their feet. To stay away from all that unnecessary packaging, try Negozio Leggero, with stores across EU + online. 

Jasmine, Florence – Italy
For the coolest sustainable sneakers check out ID-Eight – every detail from the packaging to the sneaker is really special. And for ethical, sustainable, women-powered fashion buy from Progetto Quid.