🌏 Scotland's First Woman Leader Resigns, Nigerian All-Woman Bouncer Squad Breaks Stereotypes And More

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Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced her resignation on Wednesday Feb. 15.

The 52-year-old was elected in 2014 and became the first woman leader of Scotland.

Sturgeon has denied her resignation has anything to do with the "latest period of pressure", including backlash over the recent gender reform bill, which would make it easier for Scottish people to self-identify their gender.

During her speech, Sturgeon said that she has had doubts about continuing as first minister of Scotland for some weeks.

Sturgeon said she had questioned whether remaining was the best choice for herself, the country, party, and the Scottish independence movement.

"In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. That it is right for me, for my party and for the country."

She added that the independence movement is at a "critical moment" and it needs a new leader "to reach across the divide in Scottish politics".

Sturgeon said she would remain as the leader of Scotland until her Scottish National Party chooses a successor, which is likely to happen at a party conference next month.

As the longest serving Scottish first minister, she has led the country through the COVID-19 pandemic, become the head of the independence movement and advocated for education and transgender rights.

Also Happening Around The World

🇬🇧 Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl, has died after she was stabbed while at a park near her home in Cheshire, England, and people are demanding justice.

When you think of a bouncer, you probably don’t think of a woman. But an all-women bouncer squad in Nigeria is changing that.

Founded by Emem Thomas, the Dragon Squad is busting stereotypes and forging a new path in the male dominated industry.

Teased as a child for her body size, 37-year-old Thomas wanted to create a safe space for plus-size women to excel.

“When we started, we had difficulties to make the society believe that as women we can actually conduct and operate on event security,” Thomas told Reuters. “Most times when you talk to a client, the client will say ‘Ah, all females, no, no, no… you guys cannot handle it, I prefer to use the male.'”

Since its founding in 2018, the Dragon Squad now includes 43 women, who have worked at some 2,000 events, from club nights to political rallies, house parities to funerals.

Thomas hopes the Dragon Squad will help to break the barrier and demonstrate what women are capable of in every part of society.

Other Women You Should Know About

🇪🇬 In a country where women’s rights are severely restricted, two Egyptian women are paving the way as the first women metro drivers in Cairo – and inspiring more women to follow suit.

Jakub Jankto, a Czech football player, has become the first active and highest-profile international male player to come out as gay.

The 27-year-old, who is on loan at Sparta Prague from Spanish club Getafe, shared a video on Twitter making the announcement on Monday Feb. 13.

“Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom without fears, without prejudice, without violence, but with love,” Jankto said.

“I am homosexual, and I no longer want to hide myself,” he said.

Jankto had been open about his sexual orientation with the Sparta Prague‘s management, coach and teammates, according to a statement released by the club.

“You have our support. Live your life, Jakub. Nothing else matters,” Sparta Prague said in the statement.

Football associations including FIFA and the Premier League have also shared their support of Jankto on social media.

More Good News For Your Weekend

🇹🇼 A cursed rabbit has struck again. This time, it’s in Taiwan, where a macho killer rabbit lantern created by a Prison has been spotted as part of the Lantern Festival celebrations to mark the end of the Lunar New Year holiday season.

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