In Iran it is compulsory for women to cover their heads with a hijab when they are in public. Women who do not comply risk punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment.
In fact, the so-called ‘morality police’ have even put up state-funded billboards that present those who do not wear a hijab as spoiled and dishonourable.
But women have started to hit back by staging protests against enforced hijab. Some women have even resorted to shaving their heads so that they can appear in public without a veil
And now Iranian men are taking to social media to show their solidarity.
The ‘My Stealthy Freedom’ campaign was started by Masih Alinejad, an Iranian activist and journalist living in New York. Women are encouraged to enjoy a ‘stealthy’ moment of freedom by removing their hijab in a non-domestic setting.
Taking the campaign a step further, Alinejad urged men to join in and post a photo of themselves wearing hijab.
“Most of these men are living inside Iran and they have witnessed how their female relatives have been suffering at the hands of the morality police and humiliation of enforced hijab,” she told the Independent.
“For years, from childhood to womanhood, we’ve been forced to wear the compulsory headscarf and for years we have had to endure the loss of our dignity. Many men have gotten used to seeing women in compulsory hijab every day and you think that is normal. But for millions of Iranian women, this compulsory hijab is an insult to their dignity.
One of the pictures shows a man wearing his cousins headscarf. He captions:
“When my female cousins saw that I was wearing their headscarf, they couldn’t stop laughing. I asked them, does it look so funny on me? I really love and respect my cousins.
“I think that one should not talk about freedom if she/he supports the idea of restricting other people’s freedom. If only hijab were the only problem in our country, as the authorities would like us to believe.”
He continues: “It is as if they have hypnotised our brains with a black piece of cloth and they only want us to believe that hijab is the most important issue in our country.”
From bright young things to bona fide adults, we've watched the Potter clan grow up for better or worse. As the final series installment is released, we look at how the actors changed over the years.
From bright young things to bona fide adults, we’ve watched the Potter clan grow up for better or worse. And now, nine years after the seventh book in the Harry Potter series was released, fans were given a reason to get excited all over again.
The series author, JK Rowling, just released Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, picking up years down the track as 37-year-old Harry juggles raising his three children with a tiresome job at the Ministry of Magic.
Cues outside bookstores this morning ran around the block; many stores have even confirmed they have sold out of all copies of the novel.
With the release of Cursed Child, Rowling– who turned 51 this week– confirmed the franchise is now well and truly over.
“I’m thrilled to see it realised so beautifully but, no, Harry is done now,” she told Reuters.
From beginning the series on a delayed train J. K truly did rise from rags to riches to become one of the most influential women in the publishing world.
The British novelist stepped into the spotlight with her very first book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and followed it up with a seven-part series that sold more than 450 million copies worldwide.
To mark J. K’s birthday– and the final installment of her treasured series– let’s take a look through Dumbledore’s Pensieve and see how her beloved Harry Potter characters changed through the ages.
JK hasn’t aged a day! She looks bewitching at age 51.
Miss Watson has grown up glam! Since beginning the Potter films, she has graduated from Brown University, represented several global brands in their fashion and beauty campaigns, and has helped launch a UN campaign for gender equality. Hermione would be proud.
The man, the myth. He began his acting career as Cedric Diggory, but launched into worldwide fame as Twilight’s Edward Cullen in 2008. You may not know: he also composes and plays his own music, some of which featured on the Twilight soundtrack.
Remember the bright-eyed wise-cracking protagonist Ron, Harry’s best mate? No longer 11, Rupert Grint has become one of the most widely recognized young adults. Since Potter, he has stayed mostly away from film roles, and opts for theatre shows instead, as well as the now infamous cameo in Ed Sheeran’s music vid.
Felton has moved his headquarters from Snape’s office to Youtube- now laying down tracks under the name “Feltbeats.” Tracks don’t sound quite like what you’d expect from a young Slythern however. His tracks entitled “Hawaii” and “When Angels Come” won’t buy him many Malfoy accolades.
“You’re a wizard Harry!” Hagrid echoes, and little Daniel Radcliffe marches through Platform 9 3/4 away into global popular culture. A lot has happened since then. Including even having a gay sex scene in Kill Your Darlings, riding a horse naked around a stage in Peter Shaffer’s Equus, and a rap battle on Jimmy Fallon. You know, the usual.
Young Ginny Weasley, the modest love interest of Harry himself, has jumped behind the camera recently. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in film production she directed her first film, premièring at Cannes. She now has her own production company, Bon Bon Lumiere and is working on several music videos.
Neville Longbottom has grown up over the years! From the awkward adolescence of highschool, Matthew Lewis has grown his acting career and you can catch him headlining a film this 2016. He’s gained a lot more fans since his pet toad Trevor.
The Weasley Twins are portrayed by real life twins James and Oliver Phelps. Not too dissimilar from their characters in the Potter flicks, they are often seen in at sporting events. However, now they solemnly swear that they are up to lots of good. They recently completed a charity skydive for cancer research in Australia.
In the lead up to her wedding, the author stuck to a strict fitness routine.
What an extraordinary achievement!
The soon-to-be Lady reached the 14,691ft (about 4.5km) summit of the treacherous mountain just after daybreak on Saturday morning.
The 32-year-old pushed through the challenging climb in honour of her fiance James’ late brother Michael, who was tragically killed in a storm while descending Mount Everest in 1999.
He was just 22-years-old, and was the youngest Brit ever to have reached the peak at the time.
Young Michael is missed by the Matthews family every day.
The adventurous brunette looked down on the conquered mountain without her long-term partner James, who decided to forgo the climb due to “disturbing memories”.
She was, however, accompanied by her supportive brother James.
Speaking to MailOnline of the rewarding experience, the event planner said, “It was humbling to have been able to climb one of the world’s most beautiful mountains and raise money for a charity created in memory of an extraordinary young man who lost his life on another peak.”
The Matterhorn in Switzerland has claimed the lives of over 500 climbers.
“Although neither I nor my brother ever met Michael, we both share his spirit and passion for the mountains,” she went on, adding, “we made this climb knowing he would have been there nudging us on, and we are honoured to be supporting his memory.”
Speaking of her hubby-to-be, Pippa added: “It would have been good if my fiance James had been here to share the experience, something I know he would have loved to have done.”
“Mountain climbing, though, has disturbing memories and understandably James kept his feet firmly on the ground, while giving us his complete support.”
The loved-up couple announced their engagement last month.
And it seems that the investment banker is ready to support the thrill seeker for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for as long as they both shall live.
Just last month, the news of the couple’s engagement was confirmed by a joint statement, and the serial appearance of one very glittery ring.
Discover more about the happy couple’s exciting proposal in the video player below! Post continues…
Loading the player...
“Miss Pippa Middleton and Mr. James Matthews are delighted to announce they became engaged on Sunday 17th July and plan to marry next year.”
And older sister Catherine simply cannot contain her excitement! Upon hearing the news, a spokesperson for the mother-of-two and her family echoed: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are absolutely delighted with the news.”
Some brave citizens in from Maryland’s low-lying town of Ellicott City have formed a human chain to save a woman trapped in deadly flood waters.
The footage captured by local resident Sara Ardaitti shows four men pulling a woman to safety from her black sedan as the fast moving waters threatened to wash the vehicle away with the woman inside it.
So far the wild weather has claimed the lives of two people and caused devastating damage to local homes and businesses.
A spokesman for Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, told AAP that the town received nearly 7 inches of rain, including nearly 6 inches between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
“This is by far the worst devastation Ellicott City has seen in decades,” Kittleman told WBAL-AM.
We thought he had found the one, but in today’s daily reminder that love is indeed dead, Andy Lee, himself, has confirmed that he is no longer with Rebecca Harding.
Sleuthly revealing the news, the radio personality told his bestie, Hamish Blake, on air that “Bec and I broke up a little while ago”.
Listen to the bombshell in the video player below… Post continues!
The 35-year-old was joking with his co-host about the logistics of kissing when he told the nation he was back on the market.
“I am worried about you because you know that Bec and I broke up a little while ago. And so she was the only one that was going to slug me,” he admitted.
Other things we’ve learnt, slugging is when you kiss someone and let your tongue go limp in the other person’s mouth… or as Hamish’s puts it, “You’ve been slugged!”
On that note, ladies, Andy is single… and hopefully he can do a little more than slug!
The duo went public at the tennis last year…
No doubt the radio host’s funnyman Hamish will happily step back into his job as ULTIMATE WINGMAN!
The former couple went public last January at the Australian Open.
Andy met the brunette beauty while she was working as waitress.
Being his charming self, the 2006 CLEO bachelor of the year revealed the sweet meet-cute to his sidekick, Hamish.
“I was trying to chat to her, so I was ordering a lot. I had like an hour and a half breakfast and you know I don’t really like that because I like getting in and out in food situations.”
Andy will be just fine, especially with Hamish as his “ulitmate wingman”… watch their funniest moments in the video below!
Emily Symons, who plays bubbly Marilyn Chambers on popular soap Home and Away, was spotted on a trip to the supermarket last week.
This is the first time she has stepped out since news broke of her split with radio director Paul Jackson, the father of her one-year-old son Henry.
While early reports suggested the pair – who were together for four years – separated a few weeks ago, Woman’s Day can reveal that they’ve been living separate lives for the past six months, with their differing social lives to blame for the break-up.
“Ever since Henry came along, Em has been going it alone a lot,” reveals a source close to 46-year-old Emily, who underwent several rounds of IVF before finally falling pregnant with her first child in 2014.
For now, Emily’s main focus is Henry. After all, being a mum was all she ever hoped for.
“I spent a lot of my 30s being so anguished about not having a baby,” says the proud mum, admitting not being able to conceive naturally led to her split with former husband Lorenzo Smith in 2005.
“It gets to a point where you’re so desperate to have a baby, everything else falls by the wayside. I think we have to enjoy what we’ve been given.”
Emily Symons, who plays bubbly Marilyn Chambers on popular soap Home and Away, was spotted on a trip to the supermarket last week.
[>>>BUY THIS FANTASTIC PRODUCT NOW
Taking off her wedding band, the 45-year-old is getting on with life.
This is the first time she has stepped out since news broke of her split with radio director Paul Jackson, the father of her one-year-old son Henry.
For now, Emily’s main focus is Henry. After all, being a mum was all she ever hoped for.
“I spent a lot of my ’30s being so anguished about not having a baby,” says the proud mum.
“I think we have to enjoy what we’ve been given.”
Despite her personal hardship, Emily still seems to be able to channel her vivacious Summer Bay character, as she happily chatted to a passer by.
Now more than ever, the actress will lean on her Home and Away family, including Georgie Parker and Lynne McGranger, who have always been by her side.
From playing the quintessential beach boy to showing off his smooth moves in a 1950s style diner, Richie’s range knows no bounds!
Tonight’s group date certainly didn’t disappoint with the ladies turning it up for their Woman’s Day photoshoot.
And while the chemistry was palpable with Richie and Alex during their one-on-one session, Richie made sure he got to know all of the contestants as they joked about on set.
Click through the gallery to check out the best bloopers!
Be sure to pick up the latest issue of Woman’s Day, on sale Monday, to find out exactly what went down at the photoshoot.
Richie’s trademark cool bananas pose was out in full force.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a spot of volleyball with Tolyna, Faith and Kiki.
They might all be vying for the same man but that didn’t stop them from sharing a few laughs.
Richie flashes his muscles to the ladies…
And Tolyna was more than happy to show off hers too!
Sasha didn’t hold back when she jokingly threatened to pour her milkshake on Keira’s head.
Doting Richie helps Sasha get something out of her eye.
Sasha made sure Keira felt her presence during their shot.
The WA local wasn’t afraid to bust a move!
On the first episode, she attempted to serenade him through song and on the second, Eliza used the power of dance! Relive Eliza’s singing in the next slide. Gallery continues after the video!
Loading the player…
Eliza sings for Richie on The Bachelor
How low can you go?
Eliza was the life of the party!
Eventually, Laura shimmied on in to do the twist with Richie.
Mia and Richie share a sweet moment while the girls watch on.
Honestly, this guy can’t take a bad photo!
Alex and Richie were at ease in each other’s company.
The 24-year-old looked incredible in a figure-hugging red dress.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Ralph penned a devastating Facebook post on Tuesday night, which read: “The most painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never explained.”
The Kelly’s only remaining child Madeleine Kelly, 21, also took to social media to honour her late brothers.
“You are both so loved. My beautiful brothers, I’ll cherish our memories forever,” she penned alongside a childhood photo of the trio.
Meanwhile John Christie, who lost his brother Daniel Christie to a coward’s punch in Kings Cross back in 2013, voiced his sympathies with the Kelly family.
“You are both so loved. My beautiful brothers, I’ll cherish our memories forever,” Madeleine Kelly wrote alongside this childhood photo. (Image/Madeleine Kelly Facebook)
In a touching Facebook post, John Christie reminded the public to be cautious of their comments.
“For those of you who are quick to ‘spray’ vitriol about how these lockout laws are diminishing your nights out, please stop and be mindful about the effects your comment(s) can be making. RIP Stuart Kelly. I know how It feels to be caught In the same strange position,” John penned.
Adding: “To be a proverbial ‘buoy’, awash In a sea of motives & agendas, of people our age, business owners, and MP’s trying to find a solution. Do we, as family members of victims innately have an answer?”
“No I don’t think we do, we are just very unfortunate individuals who lost the ones which we love. I commend you Stuart for trying to make the city a safer place, and for your strength and courage.”
Less than a month after the fourth anniversary of his older brother Thomas’ death from a one-punch attack in Kings Cross, the 19-year-old reportedly took his own life and was found on Sydney’s northern beaches on Monday.
While police have said Stuart’s death was not not being treated as suspicious, recent reports suggest bullying was at play.
The teen was just 14 years old when his brother and “best friend” Thomas was killed in a coward-punch attack by Kieran Loveridge during a night out in Sydney’s Kings Cross.
Following a lengthy court process and appeal, Kieran was jailed for 10 years and two months.
Watch Stuart talk about the harrowing loss of his brother in the video below. Post continues after…
Loading the player...
After his death, the Kelly family spearheaded the campaign to lobby for stricter laws against drug and alcohol violence which eventually lead to the Baird Government’s lockout laws.
But according to Stuart’s friends, this made him a target for bullying and hate mail, with The Daily Telegraph reporting that this resulted in his decision to defer his marine biology course at the University of Sydney.
“Stuart spent just one night at the university accommodation before deciding to postpone his studies for a year,” the publication claimed.
The model student, who graduated from The King’s School last October, returned to his old stomping grounds and started coaching one of the school’s junior rugby sides.
John Christie, who lost his brother Daniel Christie to a coward’s punch in Kings Cross back in 2013, voiced his sympathies with the Kelly family in a moving Facebook post. (Image/John Christie Facebook)
His former principal, Dr Timothy Hawkes announced the Kelly family’s distressing news in a statement.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of an Old Boy of the School, Stuart Kelly (’15).”
“This is the second great tragedy to affect the Kelly family.”
“The exact circumstances surrounding his death are not known, however, it is enough to know that we have lost a member of our community and therefore our thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and Ralph Kelly and their daughter Madeleine.”
“As a student, Stuart was greatly respected, He was a school prefect who possessed a quiet integrity that made him enormously effective as a leader.”
“The strength and character shown by Stuart when his brother was killed by a one punch attack in July 2012, was extraordinary,” the statement concluded.
In the aftermath of his older brother Thomas’ senseless death, Stuart worked closely with The Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation,, which was set up by the family to help campaign for “behavioural change and a push towards changing Australia’s drinking culture through education.”
Stuart was just 14 when he lost his brother Thomas.
Last year, he moved the crowds at a fundraising dinner for the charity with a powerful speech.
“I look back at that moment: I was 14 years old, I was told by a stranger that my brother, my best friend, was going to die. Those few words would change my life forever,” he explained in the stirring delivery.
“I’m now 17 – that was three years ago. However I carry a deep scar that you cannot see. It’s always there, it never leaves. It sits below the surface of your skin and surfaces when you least expect it.”
“‘We are not alone, there are many many thousands of other who are directly affected by senseless violence every year. Premier will you make this promise tonight? Australia is an alcoholic, we need to rethink the way we drink,” Stuart said.
Madeline Kelly is now the only remaining child from the Kelly family.
Our thoughts are with the Kelly family at this difficult time.
If you, or anybody you know needs support or information about suicide prevention contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Beyond Blue
Being the oldest sibling is hard work. Like, really hard work. You’ve got to do everything first, get in trouble for it and then watch a couple years down the line as your little brother or sister goes ahead and makes exactly the same mistakes without so much as a ‘go to your room’ from your parents.
It sucks. With age comes a lot of unwanted responsibility, and while us older sibs are doing our best to pave the way for our younger, more-likely-to-get-away-with-it counterparts, it looks like the carefree, unconventional attitude that pissed you off throughout your teenage years will actually serve them pretty well. Fantastic.
The last-born siblings in families that don’t have a history of entrepreneurship are more likely to go on and become risk-taking business people, reports The Sunday Times.
Academics from Reading and Birmingham universities studied the lives of more than 6,300 British men and women who were born in 1970 and raised with siblings. They found out that in families where there wasn’t a history of entrepreneurial spirit, the younger of two siblings was 49% more likely to go their own way, pave their own path and become their own boss. All by the age of 38.
It says in the study: ‘The “born to rebel” thesis [suggests] last-borns being more likely to be exploratory, unconventional and tolerant of risk’.
When they looked at families with three siblings however, the youngest was 43% more likely than the eldest to venture into the world entrepreneurship.
On the flip side though, it’s not all bad news for older siblings with dreams of running their own businesses. The study also found that in families where self-employment was familiar territory, it was the first and middle born kids who were more likely to become entrepreneurs too.
So it pretty much looks like older siblings are most likely to obey the rules and follow in the footsteps of mum and dad, while the baby of the family will do whatever they want, break the rules and build success out of it. Typical. Cue the telephone call to mum to moan about why it’s just not faaaair.
A woman with an intellectual disability has told police she was sexually assaulted by a man she met on a dating website in Melbourne.
The Glen Iris woman told the Sexual Crimes Squad the man attacked her in her home after the two arranged to meet and left in a taxi at about 7pm after the incident.
According to police, investigators are working closely with the dating website ‘Plenty of Fish’ to identify the man and are appealing for a taxi driver that attended this address to contact police.
The offender is described as being aged in his 20s, clean shaven with an olive complexion, brown eyes, short hair and 172 to 180cm tall.
Anyone who has information about the incident or the man’s identity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
.jpg?fit=900%2C750)
.png?resize=380%2C285)
.jpg?resize=380%2C285)
.png?resize=380%2C285)
.jpg?fit=900%2C750)
