A nonprofit turns public statues into evidence of harassment and women’s safety < Back Gender, Health, News In Germany, bronze female statues expose sexual harassment A nonprofit turns public statues into evidence of harassment and women’s safety MMS Staff 9 Jun 2026 3-minute read In Germany, three bronze female statues are telling a story many women already know too well. The breasts on the bronze statues are visibly brighter than the rest of their bodies. The statues weren’t made that way; instead, passers-by have touched them repeatedly over the years, wearing the bronze smooth. What may have been dismissed as a tourist habit or a public joke has now become evidence of something much larger: how easily women’s bodies are treated as public property. German women’s rights organization Terre des Femmes turned that visible damage into a powerful feminist campaign called Unsilence the Violence. The organization placed large white placards near the Juliet statue in Munich, the Youth statue in Bremen, and the Frau Rhein statue at Berlin’s Neptune Fountain. Each carried the same message: “Sexual harassment leaves its mark.” That simple line changed the way people were forced to look at the statues. These bronze women cannot speak, move away, resist, or consent. Yet their bodies carry the marks of repeated public touching. Terre des Femmes used those marks to connect public harassment with the everyday reality of sexual harassment, consent, misogyny, women’s safety, gender inequality, women’s rights, and violence against women. The campaign does not need to dramatize the problem. The proof is already sitting in public space. For years, the touching of these statues may have been treated as harmless. But that same language follows women everywhere. A comment on the street becomes “just a compliment.” A hand on the body becomes “not a big deal.” A violation in a crowd becomes “probably an accident.” The burden is quietly pushed onto women to ignore it, explain it, laugh it off, or keep moving. According to Terre des Femmes, two out of three women in Germany experience sexual harassment. The organization said the statues showed “decades of assaults by passers-by,” turning bronze into a public record of entitlement. So why are women still expected to prove that harassment leaves a mark? Across the world, women and girls learn to move through public spaces with calculation. They change routes, hold their phones tighter, avoid certain streets, text friends when they get home, and stay alert in places that should belong to everyone. Public space is called public, but for many women, safety is still conditional. That is where gender equality becomes more than a slogan. It is not only about laws, jobs, education, or representation. It is also about whether women can walk through a city, sit in a square, take public transport, attend a festival, or simply exist without their bodies becoming open for comment, contact, or control. Terre des Femmes also allowed passers-by to scan QR codes and hear short recordings where the statues “spoke” against the assault. The posters were later removed due to permit issues, but the campaign had already done its work. It made denial harder. It forced people to look at a familiar public object and see the violence hidden inside an ordinary gesture. The polished bronze became evidence. The statues became witnesses. The city became part of the conversation. “Sexual harassment leaves its mark” is a harsh social truth. Harassment leaves marks on bodies, memory, confidence, movement, and public spaces. It shapes where women go, how they dress, how they travel, and how safe they feel in the world. If bronze can show the damage, there is no excuse for ignoring women when they do. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Hearing health: Tips, sign language benefits, and inclusive communication strategies < Back Disability, News, Health Playback singer Alka Yagnik diagnosed with rare sensory hearing loss Hearing health: Tips, sign language benefits, and inclusive communication strategies MMS Staff 19 Jun 2024 5-min read Renowned Bollywood playback singer Alka Yagnik recently revealed her diagnosis of a rare hearing disorder, raising awareness and cautioning her fans about the dangers of loud music. The singer shared the news on her Instagram account , talking about her sudden and alarming experience. Yagnik, known for singing numerous hit Bollywood songs, described the incident that led to her diagnosis. “A few weeks ago, as I walked out of a flight, I suddenly felt like I was not able to hear anything,” she said. The unsettling experience prompted her to seek medical attention, leading to the diagnosis of rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss (SNHL). “To all my fans, friends, followers, and well-wishers. A few weeks ago, as I walked out of a flight, I suddenly felt I was not able to hear anything. Having mustered some courage in the weeks following the episode, I want to break my silence now for all my friends and well-wishers who have been asking me why I’m missing in action. It has been diagnosed by my doctors as a rare sensory neural nerve hearing loss, due to a viral attack (sic),” she wrote on her socials. Yagnik's announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from her colleagues and fans. In her message, she expressed her shock and the difficulty of coming to terms with the diagnosis, also issuing a word of caution to her fans and younger colleagues in the music industry: “For my fans and young colleagues, I would add a word of caution regarding exposure to very loud music and headphones.” The singer emphasised the importance of taking care of one's hearing health, highlighting the risks associated with prolonged exposure to loud music. “One day, I wish to share the health perils of my professional life. With all your love and support, I am hoping to recalibrate my life and come back to you soon. Your support and understanding will mean the world to me in this critical hour,” she added. Alka Yagnik's candid revelation about her health serves as a reminder of the often overlooked health risks in the entertainment industry, particularly for musicians who are frequently exposed to high decibel sound levels. Tips for taking care of hearing health Avoid prolonged exposure to loud sounds such as music concerts, heavy traffic, and noisy machinery. Use ear protection if you cannot avoid these environments. Invest in noise-cancelling headphones to reduce ambient noise, allowing you to listen to music or other audio at lower volumes. Follow the 60/60 rule. When using headphones, listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. Give your ears rest by taking regular breaks from listening to music or other audio, especially through headphones. Keep the volume at a reasonable level when watching TV, listening to music, or using earbuds. If someone next to you can hear your music, it’s too loud. Wear earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments like concerts, construction sites, or while using power tools. Have your hearing tested regularly, especially if you are exposed to loud environments frequently or notice any changes in your hearing. Never use cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects to clean your ears. This can cause damage to the ear canal and eardrum. Whenever possible, distance yourself from sources of loud noise. Moving away from the noise can significantly reduce its impact on your ears. Use ear drops or seek professional help to remove earwax buildup rather than trying to clean it yourself. After swimming or showering, dry your ears gently. Excess moisture can lead to ear infections, which can affect your hearing. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can negatively affect your hearing health. Regular exercise improves blood flow to all parts of your body, including your ears, helping to maintain good hearing health. High stress and anxiety levels can contribute to tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss. Practice stress management techniques like meditation and deep breathing. Some medications can affect hearing. Always consult your doctor about the potential side effects of medications you are taking. Disability and hearing loss can happen to anyone at any time, even with the best care for one's health. This is why we need to be proactive in ensuring accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. By making our spaces and resources accessible to everyone, we create an inclusive environment that benefits all members of our community. Importance of teaching sign language Yagnik’s acquired hearing loss brings to light the importance of teaching sign language to everyone from a young age. Sign language is not only essential for communication with D/ deaf folx and people with hearing impairments, but it also provides a vital communication tool for anyone who may experience hearing loss or other disabilities later in life. Learning sign language fosters inclusivity and ensures that communication barriers can be overcome, making society more accessible and empathetic. Teaching sign language from a young age ensures that more people can communicate effectively with those who are D/ deaf or hard of hearing (HoH), promoting a more inclusive society. Additionally, it provides a critical skill that can be invaluable if one ever experiences hearing loss or other disabilities, ensuring that they can still communicate and engage with the world around them. Tips for including people experiencing hearing loss: Speak clearly and at a normal pace. Avoid shouting or exaggerating your mouth movements. Face the person when speaking to them, ensuring they can see your lips and facial expressions, which can aid in understanding. Reduce or eliminate background noise when having conversations to make it easier for the person with hearing loss to focus on the speaker. Utilise devices such as hearing aids to enhance sound quality for individuals with hearing loss. Offer written summaries or notes for meetings, presentations, and important conversations to ensure that the information is accessible. Familiarise yourself with basic sign language phrases to facilitate communication and demonstrate inclusivity. Incorporate visual aids like slides, charts, and videos with captions during presentations and meetings. Show patience and understanding if the person asks for repetition or clarification. Avoid showing frustration. Arrange seating in a circular or U-shaped pattern during meetings to ensure everyone can see each other and participate fully. Foster an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their communication preferences and needs. Use real-time captioning services for events, meetings, and webinars to make spoken content accessible to everyone. Complement your speech with appropriate gestures and body language to convey your message more effectively. Offer training sessions for employees and team members to raise awareness about hearing loss and teach effective communication strategies. Respect the individual’s privacy and confidentiality regarding their hearing loss and any assistive devices they use. Ensure social activities and gatherings are inclusive by choosing venues with good acoustics and considering the needs of individuals with hearing loss. Regularly ask individuals with hearing loss for feedback on how you can improve inclusivity and communication in your interactions and environments. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Recent study reveals how AI ranks resumes with disability-related credentials lower < Back Work, Disability Disabled job seekers disadvantaged by AI bias in hiring Recent study reveals how AI ranks resumes with disability-related credentials lower MMS Staff 23 Jun 2024 5-min read The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT in resume screening is becoming increasingly common among recruiters. And a recent study by researchers at the University of Washington has uncovered a significant issue: AI tools can be biassed against resumes that imply a disability. This finding has profound implications for disability inclusion and rights, as it highlights how technological advancements can inadvertently reinforce existing prejudices. The study and its findings This research, presented at the 2024 ACM FAccT (Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency) investigated how ChatGPT ranked resumes with disability-related credentials. Led by Kate Glazko, a doctoral student at the UW's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, the study found that resumes with disability-related accolades — such as the "Tom Wilson Disability Leadership Award" — were consistently ranked lower than identical resumes without these credentials. Worse - when the AI was asked to explain its rankings, it revealed biassed perceptions of disabled individuals. For example, a resume with an autism leadership award was said to have "less emphasis on leadership roles," pushing the stereotype that autistic individuals are not capable leaders. Attempting to mitigate bias The researchers attempted to mitigate this bias by customising the AI with instructions to avoid ableism. While this approach reduced bias for five of the six disabilities tested (deafness, blindness, cerebral palsy, autism, and the general term "disability"), only three disabilities saw an improvement in rankings compared to resumes without any mention of disability. "Ranking resumes with AI is starting to proliferate, yet there's not much research behind whether it's safe and effective," said Glazko, the study's lead author. "For a disabled job seeker, there's always this question when you submit a resume of whether you should include disability credentials. I think disabled people consider that even when humans are the reviewers." Fair point. "In a fair world, the enhanced resume should be ranked first every time," said senior author Jennifer Mankoff, a UW professor in the Allen School. "I can't think of a job where somebody who's been recognized for their leadership skills, for example, shouldn't be ranked ahead of someone with the same background who hasn't." When researchers asked GPT-4 to explain the rankings, its responses exhibited explicit and implicit ableism. For instance, it noted that a candidate with depression had "additional focus on DEI and personal challenges," which "detract from the core technical and research-oriented aspects of the role." "Some of GPT's descriptions would colour a person's entire resume based on their disability and claimed that involvement with DEI or disability is potentially taking away from other parts of the resume," Glazko said. "For instance, it hallucinated the concept of 'challenges' into the depression resume comparison, even though 'challenges' weren't mentioned at all. So you could see some stereotypes emerge." Implications for disability inclusion and rights These findings are troubling for several reasons. First, they reveal that AI tools can reinforce biases, undermining efforts to promote disability inclusion and rights. If AI tools are used to screen resumes, disabled candidates may be unfairly disadvantaged, even if they possess the necessary qualifications and leadership skills. Second, the study underscores the broader issue of how technological advancements can replicate and amplify real-world biases. AI systems learn from existing data, which often contain historical biases and ableist notions. Without careful oversight and correction, these systems can push, and even worsen existing, discriminatory practices. Challenges disabled people face in finding meaningful employment Disabled individuals face numerous barriers when seeking employment, including: Biassed hiring practices, discrimination, and being faced with stereotypes about disabilities. Many workplaces are not fully accessible, creating physical and technological barriers for disabled employees. There are often fewer job opportunities made available for disabled individuals, particularly in competitive fields. Employers may be unwilling or unable to provide necessary accommodations, such as flexible working hours or assistive technologies. Negative attitudes and misconceptions about disabilities can affect workplace interactions and professional development opportunities. Tips for employers to promote fair and inclusive hiring To ensure fairness and inclusivity in hiring and promoting, employers can take the following steps: Provide bias training for hiring managers and staff to recognize and counteract biases. Write inclusive job descriptions that emphasise essential skills and competencies rather than unnecessary physical requirements. Ensure that job application processes are accessible to all candidates, including those with disabilities. Offer reasonable accommodations during the hiring process and in the workplace. Use diverse hiring panels to reduce individual biases and ensure a variety of perspectives in the hiring process. Clearly define and communicate the criteria for hiring and promotion, focusing on skills, experience, and potential rather than assumptions about disability. Provide ongoing support and development opportunities for disabled employees to thrive in their roles. Implement feedback mechanisms to allow disabled employees to voice concerns and suggest improvements. The nullification of disability inclusion and rights The use of biassed AI in resume screening effectively nullifies inclusion efforts towards communities that have historically been marginalised and their identities stigmatised. Disabled individuals already face numerous barriers in the job market, and AI tools that perpetuate age-old bias just adds another layer of discrimination. Something we don’t need at all. This issue is particularly concerning given the increasing reliance on AI in hiring processes. A fair scenario would include resumes that highlight leadership skills and achievements — whether related to disability or not — be ranked based on the candidate's qualifications and potential. The fact that AI tools can diminish the value of disability-related credentials is a reminder that technological solutions must be developed and implemented with a strong emphasis on fairness and inclusivity. Ensuring fairness in AI To address these issues, it is crucial for developers, researchers, and companies to prioritise fairness in AI development. This includes: Conducting regular audits of AI systems to identify and correct biases. Ensuring that training data includes diverse representations of disabled individuals and their achievements. Providing clear guidelines to AI systems on avoiding ableism and other forms of discrimination. Incorporating human oversight in the resume screening process to catch and address biases that AI may miss. By taking these steps, we can work towards a future where AI tools contribute to, rather than hinder, disability inclusion and rights. Ensuring that technological advancements promote fairness and equality is essential for building a more inclusive society. More information: Kate Glazko et al, Identifying and Improving Disability Bias in GPT-Based Resume Screening, The 2024 ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency (2024). DOI: 10.1145/3630106.3658933 This article was originally published on Techxplore.com Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Trans youth representation: what this means for the industry < Back LGBTQIA+, Media, News Disney pulls transgender storyline from Pixar’s ‘Win or Lose’ Trans youth representation: what this means for the industry MMS Staff 19 Dec 2024 3-min read Disney has sparked significant backlash after deciding to remove a transgender storyline from Pixar’s much-anticipated animated series Win or Lose, set to debut on Disney+ in February 2025. The series, centered on a middle school softball team named the Pickles, tells the stories of its players, parents, coaches, and umpires in the lead-up to their championship game. However, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that a planned transgender character arc has been removed from one of the episodes. The transgender storyline’s removal particularly affected Chanel Stewart, the actress who voices the character. Stewart, now 18, was 14 when she landed the role after responding to Pixar’s casting call for an authentic transgender actress. For Stewart, this was not just another gig but a deeply personal opportunity to bring visibility to transgender teens. “I was exactly what they wanted to a T, and that’s why it felt so right,” Stewart said, recounting how excited she was to authentically portray a transgender teenage girl. “The thought of authentically portraying a transgender teenage girl made me really happy. I wanted to make this for transgender kids like me.” Disney confirmed the decision, saying, “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.” While the character remains in the show, all references to gender identity were removed, reducing the character to a cisgender girl. Stewart said she was told by Disney that her character would still feature heavily but without any transgender identity. “It’s just that my character would now be a cis girl, a straight cis girl,” Stewart shared. Keisha Stewart, Chanel’s mother, expressed her disappointment, saying, “It was upsetting because my daughter is transgender, and this is her life. Everyone deserves to be recognized. And it felt like just another setback for the LGBTQ community.” She highlighted the importance of representation for transgender youth navigating their identities in a world where visibility and understanding remain scarce. This isn’t the first time Disney has faced criticism over LGBTQ+ representation. In recent years, the company has been scrutinized for its handling of queer storylines in animated projects. From the same-gender kiss in Lightyear to controversy surrounding Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, LGBTQ+ content in Disney productions has often faced backlash and revisions, particularly when aimed at younger audiences. Despite these challenges, Disney has featured queer narratives in its more adult-focused offerings, including Pose, Fire Island, and Next Goal Wins. However, the removal of the transgender storyline from Win or Lose underscores the studio’s struggle to balance inclusivity with perceived audience sensitivities. Despite the setback, Stewart remains proud of her groundbreaking role, calling it “an honor” to be part of queer history. “Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard,” she said, vowing to continue advocating for visibility and representation. Disney’s decision has reignited debates about LGBTQ+ erasure in mainstream media. As gender identity remains a divisive topic, particularly in the U.S., this incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities striving for authentic representation. Win or Lose will premiere on February 19, 2025, featuring Will Forte as the voice of Coach Dan. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

In 2025, singlehood isn’t a failure or a phase. It’s a clear, intentional choice for peace and autonomy < Back Community, Gender Why more women are choosing single over settling In 2025, singlehood isn’t a failure or a phase. It’s a clear, intentional choice for peace and autonomy MMS Staff 4 Jan 2026 6-min read In late December, 2025, British Vogue published a piece that caught fire online: a collage of women describing why they’d stepped away from dating, relationships, and the emotional tug-of-war of “maybe he’ll change.” One line landed especially hard: a woman describing her ex as a “peace thief.” Another said, flatly, “There’s no way a man could make my life better.” It was easy to read those quotes as just another viral breakup moment. But what made the essay travel wasn’t the drama. It was recognition. Because for a lot of women, 2025 didn’t feel like the year they “gave up on love.” It felt like the year they stopped negotiating with exhaustion. Like they stopped auditioning for basic consideration. Like they finally treated their peace as something worth protecting. And behind that shift lies a bigger truth: when relationships are built on unequal labour - emotional, domestic, caregiving, financial - opting out stops being a personal preference and starts looking like a rational response. What “choosing yourself” actually means (and what it doesn’t) The internet loves a clean storyline: women are choosing themselves, end of discussion. But real life is messier. “Choosing yourself” can mean leaving a relationship that slowly shrinks your nervous system. It can mean refusing to be someone’s therapist, mother, scheduler, reminder app, and career coach while your own needs stay “too much.” It can mean deciding you’d rather live with a quiet home and a full group chat than a partner who adds more work than warmth. But it also needs nuance: not everyone is single by choice. Loneliness is real. So is desire. So is the grief of wanting partnership and not finding it safely or sustainably. What’s changing isn’t that women have stopped wanting love. It’s that more women are publicly saying: love can’t require self-erasure. The data behind the mood: marriage is no longer the default “fulfilling life”. In a Pew Research Center survey (April, 2023) about what Americans think contributes to a fulfilling life, people ranked job satisfaction and close friendships far above marriage or having children. Only about 23% of US adults said being married is “extremely” or “very” important for a fulfilling life. 44% said it’s “not too” or “not at all” important. Women, in that survey, were less likely than men to rank marriage as highly important. That’s not the death of marriage. It’s the end of marriage as a universal life requirement - at least in how many people imagine meaning, stability, and “a good life”. And it aligns with a second trend: the growing visibility of life paths that don’t revolve around coupledom. People are building futures around community, work, creativity, chosen family, non-traditional partnerships, co-living, or simply space to breathe. Why more women are walking away: the unpaid labour math For decades, women have been told relationships are where they’ll find support. But many have experienced the opposite: relationships as a second job . Globally, women and girls shoulder 76% of unpaid care responsibilities, amounting to billions of hours of unpaid work each day, according to UN human rights experts . That statistic isn’t just about chores. It’s about how society is structured: who is expected to remember birthdays, manage elders’ health appointments, keep track of school forms, notice the empty fridge, absorb emotional fallout, and smooth over conflict. This is why “peace” shows up so often in women’s language now. Because what many women are naming isn’t a lack of romance. It ’s time poverty, role overload, and the slow drain of being the one who holds everything together. Research also links unequal domestic labour to women’s well-being. A large review of research on “invisible household labor” notes that unequal division of labor at home is associated with women’s psychological distress, depression, and role overload, especially in parenting contexts where demands intensify. So yes, some women are choosing singlehood. But often they’re choosing something even more basic: a life that doesn’t run on their unpaid labour. “It’s not a dating trend. It’s a reckoning.” That’s what the British Vogue essay captured so sharply, the feeling that women are done treating disappointment as normal. Done being told that a man being “not that bad” is something to be grateful for. Done being socialized to stay, soften, tolerate, and translate. In the piece, the author describes ending things after a man showed up two hours late to a date. Not because it was the worst betrayal imaginable, but because she realized she didn’t have to swallow her needs to keep someone around. That’s the emotional heart of this cultural moment: women noticing the small disrespect that used to be normalized, and deciding it’s not the price of love anymore. The safety context we can’t ignore: “intimate life” can carry real risk. There’s another layer here that doesn’t trend as easily: relationships aren’t just emotionally costly. In many parts of the world, they can be physically dangerous. A UNODC and UN Women femicide brief (released November 2025) reported that in 2024, 83,000 women and girls were intentionally killed, and 60% (50,000) were killed by intimate partners or family members. That’s one woman or girl killed by a partner or family member almost every 10 minutes. This doesn’t mean relationships are inherently unsafe. But it does mean that “just get married” or “just compromise” is not neutral advice. When women say they’re protecting their peace, sometimes they mean they’re protecting their lives. For disabled and neurodivergent women, the stakes can be even higher. Disabled and neurodivergent women often face a uniquely tangled set of pressures: Being told partnership is “security” while also being more vulnerable to control, dependency, or infantilization. Being expected to overcompensate in relationships to be seen as “worth loving”. Having access needs dismissed as “too much”, “too sensitive”, or “dramatic”. Carrying caregiving responsibilities while also needing care, and being shamed either way. When mainstream culture frames single women as “sad” or “left behind”, it misses how many women are actively building safer, softer, more regulated lives with friendships, community, chosen family, and self-trust as the infrastructure. The internet didn’t start this, but it made it visible. One of the most interesting parts of this shift is how loudly it’s happening in public now. Online, women are sharing “divorce diaries”, “anti-marriage memes”, and glow-up singlehood stories, not because they’re performing bitterness, but because they’re unlearning shame. They’re exchanging scripts: how to leave, how to live alone, how to make a village, how to stop romanticizing struggle. In Pew’s 2023 survey , Americans ranked close friendships as a major pillar of a fulfilling life... far above marriage. That doesn’t feel abstract when you look at how women are actually living: calling friends after bad dates, moving in with roommates by choice, planning group trips, building mutual aid networks, choosing community over coupledom. When women stop begging for the bare minimum, it doesn’t mean romance is dead. It means the bar is finally where it should’ve been. At Much Much Spectrum, we hold space for all of it. The relief of leaving, the grief of wanting, the anger at unequal labour, the tenderness of friendship, the complicated reality that “choice” isn’t equally available to everyone. But we also believe something simple and radical: A relationship should add life to your life, not take it from you. If this story made you feel seen, tell us what “peace” looks like for you right now. In love, in friendship, in family, in solitude. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Centre partners with institute for early integration of accessibility into education < Back Disability, News, Education IIT KGP to offer course on disability accessible design Centre partners with institute for early integration of accessibility into education MMS Staff 15 Jul 2024 2-min read Civil engineering students at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) will soon have the opportunity to study accessible building design, thanks to a new partnership between the Centre’s disability affairs department and the institute. This course - currently an elective - will be available to students in the sixth and seventh semesters starting from the 2024-25 academic session. Two professors from the institute’s Department of Architecture and Regional Planning, Subrata Chattopadhyay and Haimenti Banerjee, are reportedly working on developing the Accessible Built Environment course, along with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). The course will cover such topics as smart and inclusive habitats, accessibility and infrastructure-driven liveability, and inclusive urban planning. The Centre subsequently plans to introduce the course in 27 other institutes, including other IITs. Presently, the course will carry 30 credits, and it aims to integrate accessibility into education early so that future engineers can incorporate it into their building designs. Accessible infrastructure - the need of the hour - still remains a distant dream in India despite the Rights for Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 (RPwD Act) mandating all existing public buildings become accessible within five years of the passing of the act. Over the next three years, the course will be an elective at IIT-Kharagpur and will likely become a mandatory subject thereafter. Rajesh Aggarwal, Disability Affairs Secretary, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “The objective is to integrate accessibility into education early so that students incorporate it into building design.” Previously, IIT-Kharagpur collaborated with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) on the Building Accessible Safe and Inclusive Indian Cities (BASIIC) initiative. In addition to IIT-Kharagpur, the disability affairs department is in discussions with the Council of Architecture to include this subject in their curriculum as well. A senior official from IIT-Kharagpur highlighted the need for this course, saying, “Constructing accessible buildings needs experts and it is important that our future infrastructure builders have professional training about the same.” This initiative is part of the government’s Accessible India 2.0 campaign, which aims to achieve universal accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs). The Accessible India campaign focuses on making buildings and transport systems across the country accessible for people with disabilities. Under this campaign, access audits were conducted on 1,671 buildings across 48 cities, and retrofitting work has been sanctioned for 1,314 buildings, with 623 buildings already retrofitted in 20 states. The norms for retrofitting, as specified in section 44 of the Persons with Disabilities Act, include creating ramps in public buildings, modifying toilets for wheelchair users, and installing Braille symbols in elevators. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Built by sisters, this app makes dating honest, safer and dignified for disabled folx < Back Disability, Neurodiversity, Community Dateability puts disabled love at the center Built by sisters, this app makes dating honest, safer and dignified for disabled folx MMS Staff 1 Jan 2026 4-min read When you open most dating apps today, you see photos, bios, and a stream of faces you might swipe right on. But for millions of disabled and chronically ill people, the experience often starts with anxiety instead of excitement. And ends in rejection long before a real connection can form. That was Jacqueline Child’s reality. After college, she moved to Denver and jumped into dating apps thinking they’d be an accessible way to connect. Instead, she found a pattern: disclose her disability or chronic illness, and get ghosted, shut down, or judged. It wasn’t just about awkward first dates. It was about how ableism is baked into the very design and culture of mainstream dating platforms. That frustrating cycle pushed Jacqueline and her sister Alexa to build something radically different. A dating app made for people whom other platforms had long overlooked. A lived experience of exclusion… and a breakthrough idea Jacqueline’s story isn’t abstract. She lives with chronic illnesses that affect her daily life, and in 2021 she had to start using a feeding tube due to severe gastroparesis, a condition that slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. She put off the decision for as long as she could because she feared how it might affect her social and romantic life. A fear that was rooted in past rejection. Her sister Alexa, a public interest attorney, saw how much this emotional burden weighed on her. Together, they asked a simple but powerful question: What if you didn’t have to navigate dating with all of this alone? What if there was a place built for people like you? They didn’t have tech backgrounds. But they had lived experience. And a notebook. They Googled “How to build a dating app,” sketched out ideas, and started building what would become Dateability. By October 2022, Dateability launched. A dating app designed exclusively for people with disabilities and chronic illness and rooted in inclusion, dignity, and understanding. What makes Dateability different Dateability isn’t another “niche” swipe platform. Founded by sisters Jacqueline and Alexa Child, it was created from the ground up with disabled and chronically ill people at the center. Today it serves users across North America, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand, and continues to grow. A few core features set it apart Instead of forcing users into awkward disclosure conversations or burying disability in fine print, Dateability includes a Dateability Deets section, which is a list of broad identity and experience terms (like “Neurodivergent,” “Chronic Pain,” or “Immunocompromised”) that normalize access needs without medical labels. This allows people to present themselves honestly without anxiety. Users can also add descriptions to photos, and the app’s design makes space for both visible and invisible disabilities ranging all the way from mobility challenges to psychiatric conditions. While Dateability welcomes nondisabled allies who respect the community, its core mission is to reverse the ableist bias of mainstream apps where disability has historically been “othered” or ignored. More than “special treatment,” Dateability is about dismantling the structural and emotional barriers that make dating exhausting, inaccessible, or even unsafe for disabled people. Ableism in the dating world: the barrier no one talks about On mainstream apps, ableism can show up in tiny ways and massive ones. People suddenly disappear after disclosure and often make assumptions about burden, caregiving, or incapability. It’s not always intentional cruelty; often, it’s ignorance. And when people don’t know how to respond to a disability that’s not visible, the default response too often becomes avoidance. That emotional labor — explaining accommodations, negotiating energy limitations, managing disclosure timing, and constantly having to justify one’s existence — can make dating feel impossible. Dateability’s founders knew this from lived experience, and that insight shaped the app’s DNA. The wins that matter Dateability’s impact is measured in human stories: people whose lives changed because they finally had a space where they didn’t have to pre‑defend their existence. Press interest quickly followed. The app has been featured in People Magazine , The Washington Post , CBS Mornings , and other national outlets, signaling that the conversation about disability, love, and intimacy is finally breaking into the mainstream. But the real wins are in community impact. Matches that turned into relationships, people finding friends who understand their reality, and users reporting that they finally feel seen and accepted. One couple featured in a recent AP News report met on Dateability, bonded over shared experiences, and married, a powerful rebuttal to decades of assumptions that disabled people don’t or can’t find deep romantic connection. Normalizing intimacy, challenging stereotypes One of the most pervasive barriers disabled people face isn’t physical, it’s cultural. There’s a bias that sees disability as a limitation rather than a lived experience, and that bias extends into assumptions about desire, attractiveness, and emotional complexity. “Intimacy and disability can make people feel uncomfortable,” Jacqueline has said in interviews, and that discomfort keeps many disabled people isolated. Dateability confronts that directly, not by erasing disability, but by making it an expected, normalized part of the dating landscape. A reflection: why this matters beyond the swipe Dateability exists because the world’s dating culture wasn’t built for everyone. It wasn’t made with disability in mind. Not structurally, and not emotionally. But when we create spaces that reflect the diversity of human bodies, minds, and experiences, we expand access and possibility. For disabled and chronically ill people, that means not just being included in conversations about love and relationships, but being centered in them. As Jacqueline puts it: disabled people date, desire, and deserve love without apology, without stereotype, and without having to prove their worth. And more than inclusive design, that’s a proud reclamation of humanity. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

As Grok “undressing” spreads, Hilton and Ocasio-Cortez urge Congress to allow survivors to sue < Back Gender, Media, News Paris Hilton, AOC push DEFIANCE Act against AI deepfakes As Grok “undressing” spreads, Hilton and Ocasio-Cortez urge Congress to allow survivors to sue MMS Staff 28 Jan 2026 4-min read Grok AI is being used to digitally undress women and children, and despite public pledges to suspend the feature, investigators and journalists have confirmed that it continues to power the creation of non-consensual sexualised images of real people, women, girls. In some cases, images appear to involve minors. What’s actually happening on Grok On Grok, users have been uploading photos of real women and children, some as young as 10, prompting the AI to “remove their clothes.” The results are hypersexualised deepfakes, edited into bikinis, lingerie, porn-like poses, sometimes with fake filters meant to simulate bodily fluids. Between December 25, 2025 and January 1, 2026, AI Forensics tracked over 20,000 images generated using this tool. More than half showed women in “minimal clothing.” At least 2% appeared to include minors, some reportedly as young as toddlers.They were real individuals, digitally altered, and their images circulated without permission. The scale is new Non-consensual deepfake pornography has always disproportionately targeted women. Studies consistently show that over 96% of non-consensual AI-generated sexual content features female victims. What’s changed is speed and scale. AI has made this kind of abuse faster, cheaper, and harder to trace. What once required technical expertise can now be done with a single prompt and a photo pulled from social media. The violence may be digital, but the harm is intimate and enduring, especially for women, girls, and children. Victims have spoken about discovering deepfake images of themselves years after the original photos were taken. Some images are edited to make women appear younger. One survivor found sexualised images of her 14-year-old self circulating online. These images are used for ridicule, coercion, revenge, and blackmail. They are part of a long, familiar pattern of hidden cameras, revenge porn, and leaked videos, now re-engineered through AI. Governments are scrambling to respond. The UK’s communications regulator Ofcom has contacted the platform. The European Union has said it is “very seriously” investigating. France and India are tracking complaints and potential violations. In countries like the UK, laws already exist that criminalise non-consensual deepfakes, especially those involving children. Feminist campaigners fought hard to push those laws through. Yet survivors remain unprotected in practice, stuck in systems that prioritise corporate damage control over human safety. Grok’s response so far has been telling. The tool was moved behind a paywall, as if charging for access counts as a safety measure. A public statement about “urgent fixes” was reportedly generated by AI itself. Naming the harm matters This is tech-enabled sexual violence. It’s what happens when patriarchy gets re-coded into algorithms, fed by engagement metrics, and shielded by corporate language about innovation. When consent is optional in digital spaces, women’s bodies become endlessly reusable, scraped, altered, monetised. From “scandal” to accountability: Why lawmakers are stepping in On January 22, 2026, Paris Hilton walked into Capitol Hill alongside US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez united by a demand that feels basic but radical in practice: make AI deepfake abuse legally actionable. They were there to push the DEFIANCE Act, legislation that would give survivors the civil right to sue people who knowingly create and distribute non-consensual AI-generated intimate images. That one word, sue, changes everything. Unlike takedown-focused laws such as the TAKE IT DOWN Act, the DEFIANCE Act is about consequences. It moves survivors out of a “report and pray” system and into one where harm carries real legal and financial cost. The bill has rare bipartisan backing, with Laurel Lee as the Republican co-lead and Senators Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham supporting the push. The decision to bring it to a vote rests with Mike Johnson, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. At its core, the bill asks a simple question: will consent online be enforceable, or will it remain a suggestion? Paris Hilton on rewriting the narrative Hilton’s presence matters because of what she represents. When an intimate video of her was distributed without consent at age 19, it was framed as a “scandal.” She has spent years insisting on a different word: abuse. “Scandal” blames the woman for being seen. “Abuse” names the violation, and the systems that enabled it. It reframes shame as something that belongs to perpetrators, platforms, and cultures that profit from humiliation. Why deepfake abuse works Deepfake pornography thrives because it weaponises social punishment. The image may be digital, but the consequences are brutally physical: fear, isolation, lost jobs, damaged reputations, teenagers switching schools, and women shrinking their lives to avoid being “made an example of.” This happens in a world where violence against women is already normalised. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1 in 3 women globally experience physical and/ or sexual violence in their lifetime. So when people dismiss deepfakes as “just online,” they ignore the truth. That digital abuse plugs directly into offline inequality, and amplifies it. Why this moment matters The DEFIANCE Act matters because it treats non-consensual deepfakes for what they are: image-based sexual abuse. And it gives survivors leverage. If the cost of violating women remains low, this abuse will keep scaling. If the cost rises - legally, financially, socially - the business model breaks. That’s what accountability looks like. We were told AI would make life easier. Instead, we’re watching it replicate the oldest forms of harm at unprecedented speed. What’s at stake here is dignity. And it’s whether lawmakers, platforms, and the public are willing to say, clearly, that sexual violence doesn’t become acceptable just because it’s automated. And if this story makes you uncomfortable, that’s the point. Because silence is what lets systems like this grow, and real, enforceable accountability, is the only thing that stops them. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

The rise of Vitiligo representation in media is smashing conventional beauty standards < Back Health, Gender, News Celebrating World Vitiligo Day: Stories of Indian creators with Vitiligo The rise of Vitiligo representation in media is smashing conventional beauty standards MMS Staff 25 Jun 2024 4-min read Millions of people worldwide live with Vitiligo, a condition characterised by the loss of skin pigment. This condition causes the skin to turn white or appear lighter than one's natural skin tone due to the destruction of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. On World Vitiligo Day, we celebrate the stories of creators with vitiligo who use their platforms to spread awareness and promote self-love, showing the world that beauty comes in all forms. But before that, a quick fact. According to this study done by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the prevalence of vitiligo in India ranges from 0.25% to 4% among dermatology outpatients, with higher rates reported in certain regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan, reaching up to 8.8%. Despite this, there remains a significant lack of awareness and representation, leading to social stigma and psychological challenges for those with the condition. Many people with vitiligo face ostracization, bullying, and severe social and psychological impacts, particularly young women who are pressured to meet conventional beauty standards. However, representation and inclusivity in the media and fashion industries are slowly beginning to change perceptions. In recent years, the media has begun to embrace a more inclusive and diverse representation of beauty, prominently featuring individuals with vitiligo. This shift marks a significant departure from the past, where vitiligo was often stigmatised and misunderstood. Influencers like Winnie Harlow have played a crucial role in this transformation, using their platforms to challenge conventional beauty standards and inspire others. Harlow's rise to fame as a model with vitiligo has opened doors for many others, showcasing the unique beauty and resilience of those with this skin condition. Television shows, fashion campaigns, and social media platforms are now more frequently highlighting the stories and experiences of individuals with vitiligo. This increased visibility helps to normalise the condition and educate the public, paving the way for more acceptance and understanding. Campaigns by major brands, such as the inclusive beauty initiatives by Dove and CoverGirl , have also contributed to this positive trend by featuring models with vitiligo in their advertisements. But despite these advancements, there is still a long way to go. Continued efforts to amplify the voices of people with vitiligo in the media are essential for dismantling stereotypes and promoting a broader definition of beauty. By celebrating diversity and advocating for inclusivity, the media can play a powerful role in changing perceptions and supporting those with vitiligo to live their lives without fear of discrimination or prejudice. Here are the stories of six remarkable Indian creators who are redefining beauty standards and breaking down the stigma associated with vitiligo. Mamta Mohandas The last decade has been incredibly challenging for South Indian actress Mamta Mohandas , as she battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer. True to her style, when she shared her journey with vitiligo, it was with a poetic and hopeful tone that embraced her condition. In a selfie shared with her two million followers, she wrote, “Dear sun, I embrace you now like I have never before. So spotted, I’m losing color… I rise even before you every morning, to see you glimmer your first ray through the haze. Give me all you’ve got for I will be indebted, here on out and forever by your grace.” Aastha Shah Aastha Shah is a Mumbai-based content creator who has captivated audiences with her empowering messages of self-acceptance. Diagnosed with vitiligo at 8, Aastha faced many challenges, including societal judgement and a difficult medical journey. “For years, I struggled with feeling beautiful because of my vitiligo. Today, I walked the red carpet at Cannes, not in spite of my vitiligo but because of it. I want to show everyone that beauty comes in all shades and patterns,” says Aastha. She boasts a following of one million on social media, where she shares her journey and motivates others. Aastha recently made history as the first Indian with vitiligo to walk the red carpet at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Prarthana Jagan Prarthana Jagan , a model and social media influencer based in Bangalore, developed vitiligo at the age of 11. She faced severe bullying and social isolation due to her condition, which greatly affected her self-confidence. Prarthana wore makeup to conceal her vitiligo for many years until a life-changing surgery in 2016 helped her embrace her natural skin. “I stepped out bare-skinned into the sunlight and I just can’t express what I felt on that day. I felt sunlight on my bare skin after years. It was just a moment of self-reflection,” Prarthana recalls in a post on her Instagram. Prarthana now shares her story on Instagram and YouTube, inspiring others to embrace their unique appearances. She has modelled for Elle and Grazia and works with Blunt Model Agency, continuing to raise awareness about vitiligo. Jasroop Kaur Singh Jasroop Kaur Singh , a London-based British-Indian model and influencer, creatively expresses her journey with vitiligo through her artwork. Jasroop combines her passion for art with advocacy, creating pieces that highlight the beauty of vitiligo. Despite facing bullying and social isolation growing up, she found confidence in herself and has worked with Vogue, Burberry, and other high-end fashion brands. Kirpal Bhogal Kirpal Bhogal is a London-based content creator and advocate for vitiligo awareness. Known for his vibrant personality and stylish content, Kirpal uses his social media presence to educate others about vitiligo and promote inclusivity. His efforts have garnered a supportive community that celebrates individuality and encourages open conversations about skin conditions. Ranjani Ramakrishnan Based in Chennai, India, Ranjani Ramakrishnan is a motivational speaker and digital creator who has been very vocal about her journey with vitiligo. Diagnosed at age 11, Ranjani struggled with self-acceptance but came to embrace her unique appearance. She now works with brands promoting inclusivity and models for Another Life Collective . Shantanu Gosavi Shantanu Gosavi , an Ahmedabad-based model and influencer, uses his platform to challenge stereotypes about vitiligo. A graduate in Textile Design from NIFT Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Gosavi is trained in Kathak and works as a freelance textile designer, photographer and model. He began his modelling journey with local brands, and now collaborates with photographers and fashion brands. The stories of these creators serve as a reminder that beauty is diverse and multifaceted. On World Vitiligo Day, we celebrate their stories and dedication to spreading awareness and representation. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Societal prejudice and online ableism faced by the influencer with dwarfism. < Back Disability, News Abdu Rozik Reacts to Trolling After Wedding Announcement Societal prejudice and online ableism faced by the influencer with dwarfism. MMS Staff 18 May 2024 3-min read In the world of social media, where personal milestones are celebrated publicly, joy can often be tainted by the harsh reality of online trolling. This was the unfortunate experience of Abdu Rozik, a famous influencer and singer, who recently announced his engagement to 19-year-old Amira. While the news was met with a wave of support from his celebrity friends, it also drew a barrage of cruel and hurtful comments from netizens, highlighting a persistent issue in our society: ableism faced by people with disabilities. Abdu Rozik, a 20 years-old celebrity influencer, little person (person with dwarfism), has built a successful career and amassed a significant following. Sharing his joyous engagement news should have been a time of pure celebration. Instead, it revealed the darker side of social media, where bias and prejudice still thrive. Responding to the negativity, Abdu released an official statement expressing his dismay. "The negative comments and those who are making fun of me and being nasty is very sad," he said. "Imagine Amira and her family are reading these comments." His words underscore the emotional impact that such trolling can have, not only on the individuals directly targeted but also on their loved ones. Abdu’s statement sheds light on the broader issue of societal attitudes towards people with dwarfism. "We went public after a lot of discussion and reluctance," he revealed, "and unfortunately it is going from best news to a nightmare." Reflecting on his past, Abdu admitted, "I used to be ashamed of who I am and my size, and many families used to hide their children who are like me. But now allhamdulillah, I and all the others like me have to stand tall and be accepted." People with dwarfism have historically been marginalized in the media, often cast in roles designed for comic relief rather than serious or nuanced portrayals. This harmful stereotype reduces their complex identities to mere punchlines, perpetuating misconceptions and fostering a culture of ridicule. Characters with dwarfism are frequently depicted as childlike or buffoonish, reinforcing a narrow and demeaning view of their capabilities and humanity. This trend not only denies actors with dwarfism the opportunity to showcase their talents in diverse roles but also impacts societal attitudes, contributing to the ongoing stigma and discrimination they face in everyday life. It is crucial for the media to move beyond these outdated portrayals and represent people with dwarfism with the dignity and respect they deserve. Understanding and Respecting People with Dwarfism To combat the ignorance and prejudice that Abdu and others like him face, it's crucial to educate ourselves about dwarfism and how to interact respectfully with those who have it. Here are some important points to consider: Language Matters: Avoid using outdated and offensive terms like "m*dget." Instead, use "person with dwarfism," which is respectful and accurate. Respect and Courtesy: Treat individuals with dwarfism with the same respect and courtesy you would anyone else. They are no different in terms of their cognitive abilities and deserve equal respect. Combat Stereotypes: People with dwarfism are often unfairly infantilized or used for comedic relief in media portrayals. Recognize and challenge these stereotypes to promote a more accurate and respectful understanding. Educate Yourself: Lack of knowledge often leads to unintentional exclusion or insensitivity. By learning about dwarfism, you can become a more informed and supportive ally. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS