World Watch | Oxblood Ink

Stories, struggles, and victories of women, youth, and vulnerable communities, collected to inform, support, and inspire.

Challenges persist across Alberta and Canada, but so does hope.

Click to explore local stories and ways to support change.

On a global scale, women and children face hardship, also resilience and progress.

Explore verified updates and ways to help.

Amid conflict and struggle, progress emerges.

Discover global stories of safety, equality, and hope.

Disclaimer

The stories and resources shared on this page are for informational and awareness purposes only. They may include sensitive topics such as violence, trauma, or discrimination. Viewer discretion is advised.

Links to external websites are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. Oxblood Ink is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or availability of these external sources.

This page is not a substitute for professional, medical, or crisis support. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or distress, please reach out to local emergency services or a trusted crisis helpline.

Why World Watch Exists

As a woman, a mother, and a human being, I can’t look away from the pain unfolding around us. Watching the suffering of women and children, especially in places like Gaza, broke something in me. Seeing mothers grieving, children starving, and families stripped of safety and dignity shook me to my core.

For a time, it pulled me away from my art, because how could I focus on creating when the world was unraveling before my eyes?

But the truth is, turning away doesn’t heal anything. It only deepens the silence.

So instead, I’m choosing to use what I have, this small platform, this growing community, to share awareness, resources, and hope.

This page isn’t about politics or noise; it’s about humanity.

It’s about standing witness, staying informed, and supporting those who are hurting, especially women, children, and marginalized communities across the world and right here at home.

If you feel the same pull to do something, even something small, I hope you’ll find a way to connect here: read, share, donate, or simply hold space for others.

Together, our compassion can still mean something.

Together, we can remind the world that every life deserves safety, joy, and the chance to be free.

-Jena

What’s Happening Here,

Alberta Canada🌾

Trans Youth Rights Under Attack

Bills 26, 27 & 29 Overview (2025)

Bill 26: Restricts the ability of minors to change their name or gender marker without parental consent.
Bill 27: Imposes limitations on gender-affirming care access for minors, despite medical opposition.
Bill 29: Targets school-based supports, limiting what teachers can discuss or affirm about gender identity in classrooms.
Impact: Advocates say these bills harm youth safety, privacy, and access to affirming care.
Voices:

“We just want to feel safe being ourselves at school.” – Local teen, Calgary

Take Action
- Egale Canada – Protect Trans Youth
- Skipping Stone Foundation
- Pride Centre of Edmonton

Mental Health Risks & Suicide Rates

Mental health organizations report a growing crisis among youth and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Rural Alberta communities in particular are struggling with access to inclusive mental health care.
Trans and gender-diverse youth report significantly higher suicide attempt rates, according to 2025 data from the Centre for Suicide Prevention.
Voices:

“When policies erase you, your mind starts believing you don’t belong.” – Youth Counsellor, Edmonton

Take Action
- CMHA Alberta
- Kids Help Phone
- Distress Line Edmonton (780-482-4357)

Sex Ed Restrictions

Recent education guidelines have reduced requirements for comprehensive sex education, especially around consent, identity, and reproductive rights.
Teachers report uncertainty about what they’re allowed to say under new provincial regulations.
Impact: This leaves young people without accurate or inclusive information about their bodies and relationships.
Voices:

“Silence doesn’t protect children—it isolates them.” – Health Educator, Red Deer

Take Action
- Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights
- Sexual Health Options Alberta

Foster & Adoption Support Cuts

Budget adjustments have led to reduced funding for foster family programs and transitional supports for youth aging out of care.
This especially affects LGBTQ+ youth, who make up a disproportionate share of Alberta’s foster system.
Impact: Less stability, fewer mental health resources, and higher risk of homelessness.
Voices:

“These kids deserve roots, not revolving doors.” – Foster parent, Edmonton

Take Action
- Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS)
- Government of Alberta – Foster & Adoption Info
- Homeward Trust Edmonton

Alberta Women & Children Support

Emergency & Crisis

Alberta Family Violence Info Line: 24/7 confidential support – 310-1818
911: Immediate danger

Shelters & Domestic Violence

ShelterSafe.ca: Find local shelters
Catholic Social Services – Lurana Shelter: Emergency shelter & support
Sagesse: Free peer support programs

Child Advocacy

Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (Edmonton)
Luna Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (Calgary)

Financial Support

Alberta Income Support: Basic living expenses
Canada Child Benefit: Monthly support for families
Alberta Child & Family Benefit

Legal & Victim Services

Legal Aid Alberta: Low-income legal support
Victim Services Units: Protection & crime victim support
211 Alberta: Connects to social & community services

Additional Resources

Health Link 811: 24/7 health advice
Kids Help Phone: Mental health & crisis support
Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 for Indigenous & all communities

Global

Conflict Zones: Women & Children at Risk

Ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Yemen, and other regions displace families, disrupt access to healthcare, and expose women and children to violence.

Impact: Displacement, lack of medical care, and exposure to physical and psychological harm.

Voices:
“Every day feels unsafe, and we don’t know if tomorrow will come.” – Aid worker in Yemen

Take Action:

Gender-Based Violence

Reports of domestic abuse, trafficking, and unsafe conditions are rising in multiple countries, disproportionately affecting women and girls.

Impact: Increased physical, emotional, and economic harm; restricted freedom and safety.

Voices:
“Surviving abuse is only part of the battle; finding justice is another.” – Survivor, global initiative

Take Action:

UN Women
Women for Women International

Rights Under Threat

Legal and political changes in some countries limit reproductive rights, workplace equality, and access to education for women and girls.

Impact: Loss of autonomy, reduced opportunities, and increased vulnerability to poverty and violence.

Voices:
“When laws take away your choices, it takes away your future.” – Women’s rights advocate, global

Take Action:

Change.org – Women’s Rights Petitions
Amnesty International – Women’s Rights

Lack of Access to Healthcare & Education

Millions of girls worldwide still face barriers to vaccines, screenings, and schooling due to poverty, conflict, or discrimination.

Impact: Higher rates of preventable illness, early marriage, and interrupted education.

Voices:
“Education and health should never be privileges, they are rights.” – NGO worker, Nepal

Take Action:

UNICEF
Plan International – Girls’ Education

When the World Heals

Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Thailand became the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage in January 2025, granting LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples—including adoption and inheritance.
Impact: A historic step forward for LGBTQ+ equality in Asia.
Voices: “It finally feels like my love and family are recognized.” – LGBTQ+ couple in Bangkok

Readmore: Le Monde.fr+2Reuters+2

World Health Organization and UNICEF Deliver Essential Cancer Medicines to Children in Nepal

In February 2025, Nepal received the first shipment of 35 types of essential childhood cancer medicines under the Global Platform initiative, ensuring children with cancer will have access to life-saving treatment.
Impact: Improved survival chances for children with cancer in low-resource settings.
Voices: “Finally, treatment becomes a possibility rather than a hope.” – Health practitioner, Kathmandu

Equality Now Receives $1 Million Grant to Reform Discriminatory Laws

In May 2025 the Elevate Prize Foundation awarded Equality Now a multi-year, $1 million grant to support its work reforming more than 120 laws that discriminate against women and girls globally—laws related to child marriage, rape, digital safety, inheritance and citizenship.
Impact: Bolsters legal reform efforts for gender equality worldwide.
Voices: “Laws do matter—they shape what life we can live.” – Gender-rights lawyer

Finding Balance in Awareness

Navigating difficult moments in life is hard enough. Sometimes, taking in the tragedies unfolding around the world can feel unbearable. It’s important to find balance, to stay informed, but not at the cost of your own peace.

As a mother, I understand how heavy it can feel. Raising a child, growing, and facing life’s challenges while witnessing global suffering takes a toll. Still, I’ve learned that awareness matters, because compassion grows from understanding, and understanding is what leads to change.

If all you can do right now is stay informed, you’re already doing something meaningful. <3

But if you feel called to do more, here are some trusted organizations making real impact:

Global Support Networks:

UN Women – Advocates for women’s rights and safety worldwide.
UNICEF – Provides emergency aid, education, and health care for children.
Women for Women International – Supports women survivors of war.
International Rescue Committee – Delivers aid and support to displaced families.
Save the Children – Protects children in crisis and promotes education access.