Catapult Crowdfunding for Global Women’s Empowerment

Similar to the crowdfunding model of Kickstarter.com, Catapult.org launched in September 2012 with the objective of addressing the vast problems that females, around the globe, face. Issues like maternal mortality in Sierra Leone, Haitian women dying from treatable diseases, and an almost 80 percent illiteracy rate for Afghani girls.

Although an organization in its infancy, Catapult has already garnered the backing and partnership of some highly trusted organizations such as UNICEF, GEMS and Water.org, to name a few, as well as the likes of Beyoncé, Melinda Gates and Salma Hayek. Just as with Kickstarter, projects are posted and the funding begins. The concept is simple and an effective avenue to get funds where they are needed. Check out the List section for examples of Catapult projects.

Projects run the gamut of issues from child brides to FGM and human trafficking to reproductive rights. It’s a big world with a lot of gender parity problems to solve. Fortunately getting involved toward working on solutions is rather straightforward. To begin, users can browse by issues of interest under “Find a Project” or search a specific area on the map. Once you find a project of interest, you can see exactly what your donation will go toward and where the project currently stands. For more information about Catapult visit catapult.org.

Change.org launches petition to keep ‘Merida’ like a ‘real girl’

(L to R) “Merida” Before and After 

“Merida” is the animated star of Disney’s “Brave” and will be coronated as an official “Disney Princess” on May 11. On May 7, ahead of the coronation ceremony at Walt Disney World, Change.org launched a petition to keep “Merida” in line with the original look of the Disney character.

Apparently, the initial design of the Disney character was in line with the animated film star’s look of a girl with a fuller face and figure to match. But, somehow “Merida” got a makeover and now looks like a typical, unrealistic girl like that of a Barbie Doll. The new “Merida” is skinner with a voluptuous appearance and this has left quite a few people rather angry.

The Change.org petition started by, Carolyn Danckaert, co-founder of A Mighty Girl, quotes writer and co-director, Brenda Chapman, from an interview with Pixar Portal as stating, "Because of marketing, little girls gravitate toward princess products, so my goal was to offer up a different kind of princess … a stronger princess that both mothers and daughters could relate to, so mothers wouldn't be pulling their hair out when their little girls were trying to dress or act like this princess. Instead they'd be like, ‘Yeah, you go girl!’”

According to the petition, “The redesign of Merida in advance of her official induction to the Disney Princess collection does a tremendous disservice to the millions of children for whom Merida is an empowering role model who speaks to girls' capacity to be change agents in the world rather than just trophies to be admired. Moreover, by making her skinnier, sexier and more mature in appearance, you are sending a message to girls that the original, realistic, teenage-appearing version of Merida is inferior; that for girls and women to have value -- to be recognized as true princesses -- they must conform to a narrow definition of beauty.”

The “Disney: Say No to the Merida Makeover, Keep Our Hero Brave!” petition currently has 27,705 signatures. So, it would seem that there truly are plenty of people looking to keep “Merida” in line with her original, realistic appearance.

A Move Forward For Women in Iraq

The State Department reported today, May 8 that a delegation of ten female Iraqi police officers arrived in the U.S. for three weeks of training. This marks the first all-female delegation to participate in the U.S. Department of State’s Iraq Police Education Program (IPEP).

The female officers represent a cross-section of the Iraqi MOI (Ministry of Interior), including criminal investigation, domestic violence, and training units. While in the U.S., the officers will be working with police forces in Michigan and Maryland. As they partner with American officers, the women will gain knowledge in the classroom and “on the job” settings, which is expected to lead the officers to gain understanding of American culture.

The all-female delegation will also receive specialized training that will focus on criminal investigation, forensics, and crime scene processing, while emphasizing techniques for countering violence against women. Leadership and management training will provide the tools for career advancement.

IPEP is managed by the International Association of theChiefs of Police and its partner police departments and funded under an INL grant. The five-year, $8 million grant has facilitated training for more than 100 Iraqi police officers since the program’s inception in 2010.

Sauza Mrgarita Recipe for Cinco de Mayo

Yes, Cinco de Mayo isn’t until tomorrow and you may be sipping on Chef Jo-Jo Doyle’s Kentucky Derby Mint Julep. But none-the-less, you should always have a great margarita recipe on hand.

The Margarita is America's number one cocktail, something that is appreciated by women and men alike, whether you're preference is frozen or on the rocks Sauza Tequila has options. Sauza Blue Tequila is crafted at the renowned Sauza Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. The agave plants are put into tequila production within 48 hours of being hand-picked, then milled and steeped prior to cooking in a process called Fresh Pressed Agave, resulting in the freshest, natural, crisp agave flavor.

For your own guilty pleasure check out Sauza's latest "Make it with a Lifeguard" video that recently launched and for delicious margaritas for Cinco de Mayo or any day, check out the recipes below!

Frozen Cherry Lime Sauza-Rita

• 1 can Sauza Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila
• 1 bottle Light Beer
• 1 bottle Cherry Soda
• 1 can Limeade
• 3 cups Ice

To Make: Pour limeade, beer and cherry soda into blender filled with ice. Fill limeade can with Sauza Blue Silver and add to blender. Blend until smooth and enjoy.

Sauza-Rita

• 1 can Sauza Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila
• 1 bottle Light Beer
• 1 can Frozen Limeade
• 1 can Water

To Make: Pour limeade and beer into a pitcher with ice. Fill limeade can with Sauza Blue Silver and pour into pitcher. Finally, add a can of water, stir and enjoy.

World Pulse begins ‘Girls Transform the World’ digital action campaign

World Pulse, a grass roots media network powered by women in 190 countries, kicked off a new campaign on May 2, which focuses on the celebration of women. With a tagline of “Honor a Woman, Celebrate a Girl!” World Pulse invites the world to help empower girls through this digital campaign.

The “Girls Transform the World Digital Action Campaign,” aims to celebrate the power of women, girls, and their male allies who are creating a brighter future for the next generation of women leaders. The organization is currently seeking people for writing, photos, and other media that showcase what motivates them to champion for the cause of girls' empowerment.

It’s a very simple endeavor. People are invited to write a story or poem, or send a photo or a video honoring a woman or girl in their life. World Pulse suggests:

• Write a letter to your younger self or to girls in your community expressing what it is to grow into a woman.
• Write a letter in honor of a mentor in your life that helped you in your journey.
• Write a letter to your daughter outlining your aspirations and dreams for her.
• Attach videos to be included with your post.

To participate, join the World Pulse online community and submit your work. On May 12, Mother's Day in many countries, the World Pulse editorial department will highlight some of the stories and tributes from the campaign. For more information, visit World Pulse.