A midwife has been arrested under Texas's abortion ban.
And a French department store has arrived in Manhattan.
“The Intersection” is your weekly briefing on global affairs, human rights, environment, social innovation, culture and design—offering fresh insights through the lenses of sustainable development, women-centered perspectives, and emerging global trends. The aim? To keep you informed, curious, and always ready with a compelling conversation starter at the dinner table.
Yesterday, March 25th, marked Equal Pay Day in the United States, a day that highlights the persistent gender pay gap. This date signifies how far into the year the median woman must work—on top of last year’s earnings—just to match the earnings of the median man for the previous year. It is a striking reminder that, for women, the gap stretches into almost three additional months.
The disparity is even more pronounced for women of colour and other marginalized groups, with specific dates dedicated to raising awareness of their struggles. These include Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Women’s Equal Pay Day on April 7th, Moms’ Equal Pay Day on May 6th, and Black Women’s Equal Pay Day on July 10th, among others, highlighting how entrenched inequity remains across various demographics. Native Women’s Equal Pay Day isn’t until November 18th, almost an entire year later.
A key figure in the fight for pay equity is Lilly Ledbetter, whose legal battle against Goodyear became a catalyst for change. In 2008, Ledbetter—who had discovered she was being paid less than her male colleagues over the course of her decades-long career—became a national symbol of injustice. Despite initially winning a $3 million verdict, Ledbetter lost on appeal and again at the Supreme Court, where a technicality—based on the statute of limitations—prevented her from receiving compensation. Her story eventually led to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, signed by President Obama in 2009. The act closed the legal loophole that had prevented Ledbetter from winning her case and ensured that employees could challenge pay discrimination based on their most recent paycheck.
Her journey from a tire factory worker to a vocal advocate for equal pay is the subject of the film Lilly, in which actress Patricia Clarkson plays the lead role. During a recent screening in New York, Clarkson shared that taking on this role was both a tribute to Ledbetter’s enduring legacy and a personal reflection of her own struggles for equal pay in Hollywood.
The film is out in theatres on May 9th, but over the next couple of days, you are able to stream it virtually for free, thanks to the Workers Unite Film Festival 2025. I shall be watching it asap.
Global Affairs
Turkish authorities have detained over 1,100 people since mass anti-government protests erupted last Wednesday, following the arrest of more than 100 opposition figures, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, on charges of corruption and terrorist group ties. The protests, the largest in Turkey in over a decade, are seen as a response to what critics argue is a politically motivated crackdown, with calls for Imamoglu’s release growing. Pro-democracy activists warn the arrests signal President Erdoğan’s increasingly authoritarian rule, with experts suggesting he may alter the constitution or call for early elections to extend his presidency beyond 2028.
Tensions between Greenland and the United States have escalated following the Trump administration’s announcement of a high-level delegation visit to the Arctic island. Usha Vance, the second lady, and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz are set to arrive this week, sparking outrage in Greenland. The island’s prime minister, Mute B. Egede, decried the visit as an “aggressive” move aimed at asserting U.S. control, particularly criticizing Waltz’s involvement, which he claims serves only to display power. Greenlanders, already wary of Trump’s expansionist rhetoric—particularly his continued desire to acquire Greenland—have grown increasingly frustrated with the U.S.’s disregard for the island's sovereignty. While the U.S. asserts the visit is intended to strengthen cultural ties and explore economic cooperation, including the potential for rare earth mineral exploitation, the timing and nature of the visit have left Greenlandic officials feeling disrespected. The delegation’s arrival, which coincides with post-election instability in Greenland, has further strained relations, as many Greenlanders reject any notion of becoming part of the U.S. Despite this, they are eager to improve diplomatic ties. In the background, Denmark has reiterated its commitment to Greenland's autonomy, making it clear that the trips were not solicited.
Imagine being added to this group chat: a recent unclassified conversation involving National Security Advisor Michael Waltz has sent shockwaves through Washington. It emerged that The Atlantic’s top editor was added to a Signal group discussing U.S. military plans for the March 15 strikes on Yemen. While a National Security Council spokesperson confirmed the authenticity of the thread, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied that war plans were being hashed out via text. Conducted outside the usual secure channels, the chat saw Vice President JD Vance expressing doubts about the strikes, questioning if the U.S. was “bailing Europe out again,” while Hegseth voiced frustration over European “free-loading.” As the directors of national intelligence and the CIA prepare to testify before Congress, this breach is set to be scrutinized. This is, without question, a monumental blunder.
Human Rights
Sandra Hernández’s project Surviving the Impossible offers a poignant exploration of everyday life in Cuba, capturing the resilience of islanders beyond the typical stereotypes. In one image, a young mother, seated outside her workplace on a summer evening, feeds her baby—an intimate moment that speaks to the challenges of living in cramped conditions where public spaces double as homes. Despite limited income and the constant struggle to secure food, this mother presses on, embodying the quiet endurance of Cuban women facing an uncertain future. Through candid encounters like this, Hernández uncovers the depth of Cuba’s complex realities, offering an honest look at the enduring spirit of its people.
In a historic move, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a law returning nearly 1,500 acres of land in DeKalb County to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, righting a wrong that dates back 175 years. The land, once owned by Chief Shab-eh-nay of the tribe, was seized by the U.S. government while the chief was visiting relatives, and later became Shabbona State Park. This restoration follows the tribe’s recent federal recognition as Illinois' first tribal nation. The state and the tribe are now negotiating a land management agreement to ensure the park remains accessible to the public. While this legislation addresses a unique situation, it signals potential momentum for the Land Back movement nationwide.
Prairie Band Chairman Joseph Rupnick, the fourth-generation great-grandson of Chief Shab-eh-nay, said, “Returning our land is a necessary step toward the recognition we deserve as a people and as citizens of Illinois. Illinois has shown true courage and vision by leading the way in the Land Back movement… We are proud to once again call this land home.”
Maria Margarita Rojas, a Houston-area midwife, and her employee Jose Ley, have been charged with performing illegal abortions under Texas’s stringent anti-abortion laws, marking the first such arrest since the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Rojas, who operates low-cost clinics, and Ley face felony charges for performing an abortion and practicing medicine without a license. Authorities allege that Rojas provided abortion services to women, including two patients who terminated pregnancies, one as late as eight weeks. The case follows an anonymous tip and surveillance by the Texas Attorney General's office, with investigators finding misoprostol, a drug used for abortions, at Rojas's clinic. With Texas banning abortion in nearly all cases, providers who break the law face severe penalties, including life imprisonment. Critics, including reproductive rights experts, warn that the case signals further criminalization of abortion providers and patients in Texas, potentially chilling access to care for vulnerable populations, particularly Spanish-speaking and low-income women. This is so unbelievably wrong and horrifying.
China’s provincial trade unions, including those in Hunan, Qinghai, and Fujian, have issued strong calls for better protection of women’s labor rights, advocating for gender equality and fair treatment in the workplace. Their recent reminders urge employers not to post job openings exclusively for men, inquire about a female candidate’s marital or fertility status, or require pregnancy tests. They also stress the importance of equal pay for equal work and fair labor contracts, including maternity leave. As workplace discrimination against women persists, with 62.5% of surveyed female workers having been asked about their marital or fertility status during job interviews, public concern grows. Legislators are pushing for stronger protections to ensure more equitable working conditions for women, including mechanisms to alleviate employers' financial concerns about hiring female staff, such as providing financial subsidies, tax reductions, or establishing a national birth-related fund to ease the financial burden on companies.
Environment & Climate
The U.S. Supreme Court has brought an end to the decade-long climate lawsuit Juliana v. United States, in which 21 young plaintiffs sued the government for its fossil fuel policies, claiming violations of their constitutional rights. The Court declined to hear an appeal, effectively closing the case, but the legal framework established by Juliana has inspired numerous other climate lawsuits with more success. While the Justice Department celebrated the conclusion of the case, calling it a distraction, the plaintiffs' efforts have paved the way for significant victories in other cases, such as Navahine v. Hawaii and Held v. Montana. Julia Olson, founder of Our Children’s Trust, emphasized that Juliana has ignited a legal movement, with environmental activists and young plaintiffs continuing to challenge the political system to address climate change. Despite setbacks, the case has left an indelible mark on climate litigation. Kelsey Cascadia Rose Juliana, the 29-year-old teacher from Oregon for whom the case is named, is the daughter of environmentalists and a committed climate activist. Her journey to becoming a plaintiff in the landmark lawsuit was documented in the film Youth v. Gov.
Indonesia’s $20 billion climate deal, aimed at phasing out coal plants and transitioning to cleaner energy, remains intact despite the US’s exit from the agreement. The US had pledged significant funding as part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), but withdrew amid a broader shift away from climate action under the Trump administration. However, Indonesian Minister Airlangga Hartarto reassured that the commitment of other partner nations—such as Japan, Germany, and the EU—remains strong, with $1.1 billion already pledged for 54 green transition projects. JETP’s financing efforts, now co-led by Japan and Germany, aim to cut Indonesia’s carbon emissions by over 50 million tons by 2030 and increase renewable energy in its power mix to 44% by 2030. Despite the challenges, the commitment to Indonesia’s net-zero target by 2060 or earlier remains resolute. Indonesia, the world's top thermal coal exporter, currently sources 60% of its energy from coal, the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel.
Social Innovation
The 2025 Skoll Award for Social Innovation celebrates five groundbreaking organizations driving transformational change across global challenges. From advancing community health and sustainable housing to safeguarding democracy, this year’s awardees exemplify innovation and optimism in the face of mounting crises. The recipients include Apis & Heritage Capital Partners, which empowers employees by facilitating business ownership transitions, and the Community Health Impact Coalition, which is professionalizing community health workers to improve global health outcomes. EarthEnable tackles affordable housing and carbon footprints in Africa, while Healthy Learners provides critical health services to children in Zambia. Lastly, Pacto pela Democracia is uniting Brazil’s pro-democracy forces to counter threats to democratic rule. These visionary organizations are not only shaping systems but also creating scalable solutions with lasting impact.
In Colmar, France, a novel initiative aims to reduce food waste by giving residents free chickens, a project that has been so successful that it’s expanded across 20 municipalities. Residents raise the birds on kitchen scraps, avoiding food waste and receiving fresh eggs in return. The scheme, which began in 2015, has distributed over 5,000 hens, with participants committing to caring for the animals and adhering to welfare checks. Similar initiatives have sprung up in Belgium, where towns like Mouscron and Antwerp offer chickens to families, encouraging sustainable practices and community involvement. While the idea has garnered attention, experts caution that keeping chickens comes with challenges—such as the potential for higher food waste, concerns about disease transmission, and animal welfare issues due to limited space and improper care. Despite these concerns, the Colmar initiative has fostered a sense of community as neighbors come together to care for the hens, offering a surprising benefit beyond the eggs. This community-driven model has been praised for promoting traditional circular economy practices and fostering local bonds, ensuring that the program is well-supported and likely to continue flourishing. This seems even more attractive with the current price of eggs.
Mexico’s Project Olinia aims to debut the nation’s first homegrown electric vehicle in 2026, offering a more affordable alternative to Chinese-made models, with plans for nearly all components sourced locally. The push for Olinia is part of a broader effort to align with Mexico’s goal of generating 45% clean electricity by 2030 and to challenge the dominance of Chinese EVs, which now account for nearly 10% of the country’s new car sales. Yet, the initiative faces significant hurdles, including budget limitations, an underdeveloped lithium industry, and an unreasonably tight timeline. While Olinia aims to tap into the growing EV market, which is expected to expand by 25%-30% annually, experts warn that manufacturing a vehicle from scratch in Mexico without existing infrastructure is highly ambitious. With the country’s lithium reserves not yet commercially viable and an insufficient charging network, the project may struggle to meet its goals. However, leveraging Mexico’s established automotive manufacturing capabilities and potential regional partnerships for critical minerals could help Olinia overcome some of its obstacles.
Culture & Design
Printemps has landed in Lower Manhattan, aiming to thrive where many luxury retailers have faltered. The French department store’s new outpost at 1 Wall Street—just minutes from the New York Stock Exchange—eschews the traditional model, branding itself as “not a department store.” Designed by Laura Gonzalez, the two-story space is a masterclass in indulgence—think Murano chandeliers, mosaic walls, and a Champagne-to-go bar. Amid a retail landscape marked by closures—from Saks at Brookfield Place to 10 Corso Como at the Seaport—Printemps is betting on a mix of exclusivity and experience, with a quarter of its brands unavailable elsewhere in the U.S. With echoes of Barneys and a nod to its Parisian roots, Printemps hopes to carve out a new retail niche—if economic headwinds don’t get in the way. I can’t wait to visit (hopefully when the lines have shortened).
Earlier this month, Merci unveiled its second location, Merci #2, in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. This quintessential French boutique never disappoints, offering a carefully curated selection of goods that range from the charming to the refined. Don’t miss their iconic tote bags, a must-have for any visitor.
I was captivated by a piece in The World of Interiors on Susan Williams-Ellis, the visionary founder of Portmeirion Pottery, who pioneered one of the first 'lifestyle' retail brands from the heart of Wales. Her motto, "Good design is also good business," encapsulated her approach to blending form and function. Few designers have integrated their passion for marine biology into their craft as seamlessly as Williams-Ellis, whose underwater sketches of shells, kelp, and sea anemones became the foundation for her iconic ceramics and textiles. Raised under the artistic influence of her father, architect Clough Williams-Ellis, Susan’s designs were always ahead of their time—from her wartime exhibition pieces to the now-iconic 'Botanic Garden' range. With her keen eye for detail, she transformed everyday objects into works of art, leading Portmeirion to global success. A diver, designer, and innovator, Susan’s legacy continues to influence both the ceramics industry and the concept of lifestyle branding.
Tolu Coker has become a standout at London Fashion Week, known for her joyful, thought-provoking shows that often explore themes of culture and community. Her collections, built on the idea of creating heirloom pieces, are designed to be passed down through generations. With a focus on sustainability, Coker works primarily with deadstock materials sourced globally, alongside artisanal fabrics from Ghana and Nigeria, her family’s homeland. Her designs sit at the intersection of luxury and craft, with a supply chain that prioritizes local manufacturing within a five-mile radius of her studio. Yet Coker remains mindful of the broader conversation on sustainability, emphasizing the need for equitable profit-sharing with artisans in the Global South and advocating for cross-cultural collaboration. Despite the challenges of working with deadstock, Coker ensures her designs reflect both environmental and social responsibility, while keeping her supply chain sustainable and fair.
Jeannette Rankin (1880-1973) was a trailblazer in American politics, a pioneering voice in both the suffragist movement and the push for pacifism. Born in 1880 near Missoula in what was then Montana Territory, Rankin grew up on the western frontier, where she observed firsthand the paradox of women working as equals yet lacking a political voice. Her early years instilled in her a sense of duty and self-reliance—qualities that would define her career. After studying biology at the University of Montana, she explored various professions before discovering her calling in social work, which led her to New York and later back to Montana to campaign for women’s voting rights. By 1916, she had harnessed the momentum of the suffrage movement and, with the backing of her politically connected brother, Wellington, won a seat in Congress—becoming the first woman ever elected to federal office in the United States.
Rankin’s tenure in Congress was marked by both courage and controversy. A steadfast pacifist, she was one of 50 House members to vote against the United States entering World War I in 1917, a stance that cost her politically. Despite this, she remained a force in legislative progress, championing labor rights, pushing for social welfare policies, and playing a crucial role in the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote nationwide. After an unsuccessful bid for the Senate, she spent the interwar years advocating for peace, founding the Georgia Peace Society, and working with organizations like the Women’s Peace Union. When the specter of another global conflict loomed in the late 1930s, Rankin returned to politics, winning a second term in Congress in 1940—just in time to make history once more.
In December 1941, as the United States reeled from the attack on Pearl Harbor, Rankin cast the sole vote in Congress against declaring war on Japan. The backlash was swift and unforgiving, cementing her reputation as an unwavering pacifist but effectively ending her political career. In later years, she continued to advocate for nonviolence, protesting the Vietnam War well into her 80s. Though often at odds with the political mainstream, Rankin remained a woman ahead of her time—a symbol of conviction in an era of compromise. Today, her legacy endures as a testament to the power of principled resistance, a reminder that history often favors those who dare to dissent.
What have you been learning about recently?
Jennifer
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