Sanna Marin, Finland’s former Prime Minister, has revealed the pervasive sexism and misogyny she and her female-dominated cabinet faced during her tenure in her newly published memoir, *Hope in Action: A Memoir About the Courage to Lead*. Marin, who became the world’s youngest elected head of government at 34 in 2019, led a coalition of five women party leaders, four of whom were under 35. Despite her groundbreaking leadership, she and her team were subjected to relentless online harassment, including threats of rape and sexual assault. Marin recounts how their competence was frequently undermined, with their government dismissively labeled the “lipstick government” and “girl government.” She also highlights the outdated moralizing of her behavior, particularly after a leaked video of her dancing at a private party sparked global controversy in 2022. Marin’s memoir underscores the challenges of being a young, female leader in a society that often clings to traditional expectations of political figures. After her party’s defeat in the 2023 elections, Marin stepped away from politics, taking on a role as a strategic counsellor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Line-up for expanded 16-team Wafcon 2026 decided
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has finalized the lineup for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), with Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Mali securing their places based on FIFA world rankings. This decision comes after Caf expanded the tournament from 12 to 16 teams midway through the qualifying stages for the event, which will be hosted in Morocco. Reigning champions Nigeria were among the 11 teams that qualified directly in the second and final qualifying round last month. Teams eliminated at that stage had hoped for a chance to compete in play-offs, but Caf opted to use FIFA rankings to determine the final four participants. Cameroon (66th globally), Ivory Coast (71st), Mali (79th), and Egypt (95th) will now join the competition. Mali reached the quarter-finals in the delayed 2024 edition, while Cameroon, three-time runners-up, return after missing the 2024 tournament. Ivory Coast and Egypt will make their first appearances since 2014 and 2016, respectively. While Caf has yet to confirm the tournament dates, FIFA has tentatively scheduled it between March 17 and April 3, 2026. The draw date remains unannounced. Notably, the four semi-finalists at Wafcon 2026 will qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the losing quarter-finalists competing for two additional spots in an inter-confederation qualifier.
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Dakota Johnson is ‘slowly dating again’ after parting ways with Coldplay’s Chris Martin
Hollywood actress Dakota Johnson is reportedly stepping back into the dating scene, five months after her breakup with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. The ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ star, 35, and the ‘Viva La Vida’ singer, 48, first began their relationship in 2017, maintaining a largely private profile despite their high-profile status. According to a source close to Johnson, she has ‘slowly started dating again and she is happy,’ indicating a positive shift in her personal life. Johnson and Martin’s relationship, which spanned nearly eight years, was characterized by its ups and downs. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the couple had parted ways, with Johnson reportedly feeling ‘lighter and more at peace’ post-breakup. Meanwhile, Chris Martin has also moved on, with recent reports suggesting he has been spending time with ‘Game of Thrones’ star Sophie Turner. The two have reportedly been on ‘a few dates’ in London, with sources highlighting their shared British heritage and mutual love for music as key bonding points. Turner, who ended her relationship with Peregrine Pearson in late September, has long admired Martin and his music, adding a layer of intrigue to their newfound connection.
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Keanu Reeves has a surprising reason for not revisiting his old films
Hollywood icon Keanu Reeves, renowned for his roles in blockbuster franchises like ‘The Matrix’ and ‘John Wick,’ has disclosed an intriguing reason for his reluctance to revisit his past films. During a promotional event for his Broadway play ‘Waiting for Godot,’ Reeves shared that he seldom watches his earlier works, except when they coincidentally appear during channel surfing. ‘Maybe while I’m scrolling or moving and thinking, ‘There, oh yes, ‘Point Break’ is on,’ he remarked, referencing his 1991 action hit. He added with a chuckle, ‘Or, ‘Oh wow, ‘Matrix,’ all right. [‘The Matrix’] ‘Reloaded.’ Anyway, not yes, no. … I haven’t like just put one on.’
Reeves’ longtime collaborator and co-star Alex Winter, who reunites with him in ‘Waiting for Godot,’ echoed similar sentiments. ‘I don’t really, I don’t. I don’t like watching myself much, so I don’t tend to watch stuff I’ve done,’ Winter stated. He recalled making an exception recently to gauge audience reactions but noted a sense of disconnection from his own work. ‘I feel like a complete disconnection from the whole thing, you know? So I don’t end up with an analytical response to whatever it is … sort of dissociative.’
The Broadway revival of Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’ marks 35 years since Reeves and Winter first collaborated in the 1989 cult comedy ‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.’ In the play, the duo portrays Estragon and Vladimir, characters who engage in existential dialogues while awaiting the enigmatic Godot. Their reunion has sparked nostalgia among fans, celebrating their enduring partnership in the entertainment industry.
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UAE strengthens renewable energy drive ahead of Adipec 2025
As the world prepares for Adipec 2025 in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is intensifying its renewable energy initiatives, transforming its national ambitions into actionable strategies. The UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050, launched in 2017, aims to triple the contribution of renewables to its energy mix by 2030, a critical step in reducing carbon emissions and diversifying energy sources in a fossil fuel-dependent global economy. This strategy is underpinned by significant investments, international collaborations, and cutting-edge digital innovations. Key projects like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai and Masdar’s global renewable energy investments highlight the UAE’s commitment to clean energy. These initiatives not only address climate concerns but also position the UAE as a competitive player in the sustainable energy market. Adipec 2025 will serve as a platform to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and energy, with AI-powered systems projected to unlock $1.3 trillion in global economic value by 2030. The conference will also focus on hydrogen energy, policy frameworks, and infrastructure investments, showcasing the UAE’s integrated approach to energy transition. As the UAE progresses toward its Net Zero by 2050 target, Adipec 2025 will evaluate the nation’s advancements and the global readiness to embrace a renewable-driven future.
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Curfew lifted in Tanzania’s main city after election unrest
Tanzania’s political landscape remains tense as President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in on Monday following a contentious election marred by violence and allegations of electoral malpractice. The election, which saw Hassan declared the winner with an overwhelming 98% of the vote, has been criticized by regional observers for failing to meet democratic standards. The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) highlighted significant shortcomings in the electoral process. The unrest led to a nationwide internet shutdown, closure of schools and businesses, and a curfew in Dar es Salaam, which was lifted on Monday as life began to return to normal. However, the aftermath of the protests continues to haunt the nation, with families searching for missing loved ones and mourning those killed in clashes between security forces and opposition supporters. Opposition leaders Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina were barred from contesting the election, further fueling allegations of a rigged process. Reports from human rights organizations and diplomatic sources suggest that hundreds of people may have died in the violence, though the government has not released official casualty figures. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned the use of excessive force by authorities, urging accountability for those responsible. President Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president, acknowledged the loss of lives and property damage during her inauguration but attributed some of the unrest to foreign nationals. Despite initial hopes for political reform under her leadership, the narrowing of political freedoms has raised concerns about the country’s democratic trajectory.
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Son who sued parents must stay at Ghana boarding school, judge rules
A 14-year-old British boy, who was sent to a boarding school in Ghana by his parents, has been ordered by a High Court judge to remain there until he completes his GCSEs. The boy, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was taken to Ghana in March 2024 under the pretense of visiting a sick relative. However, court documents reveal that his parents decided to relocate him due to concerns about his behavior in London, including school absences, possession of unexplained money, and carrying a knife. The boy denies any involvement in gang activity or carrying a weapon.
In February, the boy, feeling unhappy and homesick, sought publicly funded legal representation and filed a case against his parents in the High Court in London. His initial attempt to return to the UK was denied when a judge ruled that he would face greater harm if he returned. However, in June, he won a Court of Appeal bid to have the case rehearted after Sir Andrew McFarlane, the most senior judge in the Family Division, identified confusion in the previous decision.
On Tuesday, the High Court delivered its final judgment, ruling against the boy’s wishes. Judge Mrs Justice Theis emphasized the ongoing disruptions to his education and family life as key factors in the decision. She acknowledged the boy’s distress but highlighted his potential to succeed with the support of his family. The boy, who holds dual British and Ghanaian citizenship, remains in school in Ghana, preparing for his GCSEs.
The boy’s solicitor, James Netto of the International Family Law Group, stated that the boy ‘welcomes’ the judge’s decision to establish a clear roadmap for his return to the UK. Netto described the case as ‘extremely difficult’ and noted that the boy never wanted to take legal action against his parents but felt he had no other choice. The boy’s mother expressed her fears about his safety if he were to return to the UK prematurely, stating that she would be unable to care for him adequately.
Judge Theis outlined a ‘road map’ for the boy’s return, which includes participation in family therapy funded by their local authority. The final decision on his return will be reviewed closer to the completion of his GCSEs.
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Free entry announced as Al Ain’s oases light up for Manar Abu Dhabi
Al Ain’s historic oases, Al Jimi and Al Qattara, have been transformed into mesmerizing night-time art destinations as Manar Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s public light art exhibition, made its debut in the city on November 1, 2025. This marks the first time the initiative has illuminated sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, offering a unique blend of art, heritage, and technology. Curated under the theme ‘The Light Compass,’ the exhibition features light-based installations by six Emirati and international artists: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Khalid Shafar, Maitha Hamdan, Abdalla Almulla, Ammar Al Attar, and Christian Brinkmann. Their works guide visitors through an immersive experience of sound, light, and space beneath the ancient palm trees. The opening weekend coincided with Al Ain’s Traditional Handicrafts Festival, adding to the cultural richness of the event. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverage pop-ups, guided tours, and photography workshops, making it a holistic cultural experience. Manar Abu Dhabi runs daily from 5:30 PM to 12 AM until January 4, 2026, with free entry and optional guided tours available for Dh50 per person.
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Zimbabwe’s Williams sacked over ‘drug addiction’
Former Zimbabwe cricket captain Sean Williams has officially retired from international cricket after entering a rehabilitation program to address drug addiction, as confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC). The 39-year-old all-rounder, who has amassed nearly 9,000 runs and taken over 150 wickets across all formats, has made himself unavailable for national selection, prompting ZC to announce that he will no longer be considered for the team. Williams withdrew from the T20 squad ahead of the World Cup Africa Qualifier series in Harare in September, citing personal struggles. During an internal investigation, he disclosed his addiction and voluntarily sought rehabilitation. ZC acknowledged his contributions to Zimbabwean cricket over two decades, describing him as a pivotal figure in the sport’s recent history. However, the governing body emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and adherence to anti-doping regulations, noting Williams’ history of disciplinary issues and unavailability. His national contract will not be renewed when it expires on December 31. ZC expressed support for his recovery and wished him success in his future endeavors.
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Drone strike hits funeral in Sudan, killing many mourners
A drone strike targeting a funeral in Sudan’s North Kordofan state has resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people, according to officials and activists. The attack occurred on Monday in al-Luweib village, located just 15 kilometers east of the army-held city of el-Obeid. Mourners had gathered in a tent when the strike was launched, with many victims reportedly dying before reaching hospitals in el-Obeid, a strategic city linking Khartoum to Darfur. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been blamed for the attack, though it has yet to issue a statement. This incident is part of a broader escalation of violence in the oil-rich Kordofan region, where fighting has intensified since the RSF captured Bara town last week, forcing around 20,000 people to flee to el-Obeid. The RSF has also been accused of mass atrocities, including killings, sexual violence, abductions, and looting in el-Fasher, the army’s last stronghold in Darfur. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has warned that these actions could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, the UN has confirmed that el-Fasher residents are suffering from famine due to an 18-month siege by the RSF, with Kadugli in South Kordofan also facing catastrophic hunger levels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate halt to the violence, describing the crisis as ‘spiralling out of control.’ Despite international efforts to broker a ceasefire, including proposals from the US, peace talks in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have failed, with both sides showing reluctance to agree to a truce. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to worsen, with over 150,000 deaths and 12 million displaced since the civil war began in April 2023.