It was Tuesday. Day four of Ramadan, day two of my period. My pelvic pain was unbearable and I was about to both cry because of the podcast I was listening to and shout at this guy whose rucksack kept touching me.

Commute aside, indoors with no one invading my personal space, I was asked how I’d been finding fasting.

“Oh I’m not fasting this week,” I said hesitantly, knowing what was about to happen.

My visit to Toronto has been a long time coming. The last time I ventured over to ‘the 6’ was over four years ago.

Home to Drake, The Weeknd, Lilly Singh and Rupi Kaur, I did secretly hope I would bump into one of the four during my week there but alas, it didn’t happen.

I did however have a lot of family time and even though I was struck down with a relentless cough, I still braved the elements and got to admire some of what Toronto had to offer. 

Our ability to show empathy and kindness as a collective knows no bounds. Atrocities like 9/11, the refugee crisis and even the recent attacks in London united people. Yet, at the #IamYezidi exhibition earlier this week, I started questioning both my own and wider society’s morals.

The exhibition held at the Lacey Contemporary Gallery featured portraits, taken by photojournalist Benjamin Eagle, of female survivors who had endured what I can only describe as a stones throw away from hell.

I couldn’t think of a better theme for this year’s International Women’s Day. #BeBoldForChange. Talking about gender parity last year was a good way to get the conversation going and educating ourselves about the current landscape women face within the workplace, however 2017 is all about action and there’s plenty we all can do.

According to the World Economic Forum, it would take roughly 117 years for gender parity, which is absolutely ludicrous. However the vastness of the #BeBoldForChange theme allows us to take steps and actions that will have a big impact for women.

There are a number of ways to get involved today and beyond according to the official website.

A packed train is probably the worst place to start a blog about my self image woes considering the Brits’ habit of leaning over to read their neighbour’s newspapers, magazines… even text messages!

But The Children’s Society and Children’s Mental Health Week has revealed a lot of information I had no idea about, especially around the way girls feel about their appearance.

If you want to read about the Good Childhood report and it’s shocking findings, check out the first blog here.

Self image has been a buzzword over the years with teenagers and young adults sometimes going to extreme lengths to exude society’s idea of body perfection.

For South Asians and even West Indians, there is a huge amount of pressure on our physical appearance as well as the need to be ‘successful.’

Can you imagine a world where a quarter of a million 10 – 15 year old girls aren’t happy with their lives overall? That’s one in seven of all girls in that age group.

Well that’s the reality according to the 2016 Good Childhood Report published by The Children’s Society.

The Children’s Society released this insightful and eye-opening report last year in August, which not only reveals attitudes young children have over really important aspects of their lives, but reinforces the need to have emotional and mental health support implemented in all schools.

Boys and girls aged 10 – 15 were asked to rate their happiness and satisfaction across a number of factors like family, friends, appearance, school and overall life. The Children’s Society found that among girls, there has been a notable decline over a five year period when it comes to how they feel about their appearance and friendships.

I’ve always loved reading letters to people’s teenage selves. It’s always interesting to see what lessons and advice they would give and so I thought, why not do the same?

Safeera,

I’m so excited that you’re on this Journalism programme. You’re going to love it. Moving out seems like the dream but trust me, you’ll experience homesickness for the first half of your year in halls.

Also, whilst we’re on the topic of first year, dump that boyfriend. He will take up way too much of your time that you can fill with way better experiences.

People tell me time and time again that I was born in the wrong country. Given my love affair with New York, I’m starting to believe it.

My adoration for this city started at the tender age of 13 and no matter how long I left it until my next visit, my enthusiasm for the big apple never dwindled.

The Asian Media Awards has become an annual event I thoroughly look forward to for a number of reasons; the calibre of nominees all gathered together in one room, the lavish spread and of course the networking opportunities!

This year’s awards, held at the Hilton in Deansgate, didn’t disappoint. The world of journalism, television, radio and PR once again gathered to celebrate the successes of their peers and of course to glam up on a Thursday evening!

Guess what guys?

IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY YESTERDAY!!

I usually do these 20-something lists but I’m going to scrap that plan.

Let’s mix it up a little bit. Let’s have a heart to heart.