celebrating

How does Ireland's maternity policy stack up against those in other European nations? In Ireland, mothers are entitled to 26 weeks of fully or partially paid leave, in addition to 16 weeks of unpaid leave. Moreover, each parent has the option to take up to nine weeks of leave that must be utilized before their child turns two. This means a fully employed new mother in Ireland can spend at least the first year at home with her baby. For those fortunate enough to secure a spot, their child then transitions into a crèche.…

The Rise of African Women in Leadership There’s a palpable shift occurring in Africa that coincides beautifully with International Women's Day (IWD) celebrations. This wave of change sees more African women stepping up to leadership roles, echoing the IWD’s message of gender equality and empowering women in decision-making positions. In 2025, the IWD campaign theme, "Accelerate Action,” rings especially true for this movement. The theme underlines the necessity of hastening gender equality, particularly in…

In the wake of the passing of Gene Hackman and his beloved wife, Betsy Arakawa, it feels only fitting to pause and reflect on the extraordinary life and career of a man whose talents have left an indelible mark on the silver screen. As one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, Hackman's journey was not just about the accolades he garnered but also about the rich tapestry of experiences and connections he made along the way. Gene Hackman was born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California. Raised in a…

And the Oscar for the fastest twelve months in recent memory undoubtedly goes to... well, this time it's not the dramatic, sweeping epics that have captured our imaginations but rather a more subdued yet pivotal year in cinema. It appears 2025 has taken a different path compared to its predecessors, especially for Irish talent at the Academy Awards. The spotlight, however, is still shining brightly on the biopic The Apprentice, co-produced by the Dublin-based Tailored Films. With nominations for Best Actor (Sebastian Stan)…

Emotional Reunions: The Joyful Spirit of Palestinian Families as Loved Ones Return There’s a certain magic that fills the air when families reunite, a palpable warmth that melts the weight of burdens carried too long. For many Palestinian families, that joy transformed into reality recently when several of their loved ones were released from captivity. The laughter and tears intermingled like a harmonious melody, bringing a much-needed sense of relief amid ongoing struggles and heartache. The streets of Gaza erupted into…

Ethiopia Honors Late North Western State of Somalia Leader Siilaanyo, Celebrates His Impact on Cross-Nation Relations ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud, fondly known as Siilaanyo, the former leader of North Western State of Somalia. He left us at 86. In their heartfelt message, Ethiopian representatives commended Siilaanyo for nurturing a robust bond between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia. During his…

In a significant move, the Somali Minister of Finance, Bihi Egeh, placed his signature on the dotted line next to the US ambassador. (Image courtesy of the US Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia.) Chronic turmoil involving warlords and piracy has long plagued this corner of Africa. Amidst such challenges, the USA gave Somalia a bit of financial breathing room by forgiving a hefty $1.1 billion (£860m) in debt. This reveals a new chapter for Somalia as it announces the cancellation of about a quarter of its total debt through…

Laurent Gbagbo's departure to Abidjan will take place on Thursday 17 June. In Brussels, where the former Ivorian president had resided since his release from the ICC in February 2019, his supporters fought for his release and then for his return to the country. They have been waiting a long time for this moment. "The release…

The United States is leading partners in celebrating Somalia's political pact before the election WASHINGTON, USA - The United States has described the latest election pact in Somalia as "on time" just hours after the political leadership signed the agreement, which would ensure that the country holds elections within the next two months, in addition to conducting a number of local issues. Prime…