Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk 2025

Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk: Empowering Women Leaders Worldwide

The Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk is a transformative initiative designed to empower women by fostering mentorship and leadership development. It is organized annually by Vital Voices, a global nonprofit dedicated to supporting women leaders who are addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues. The walk symbolizes the importance of passing knowledge, guidance, and support from one generation of women leaders to the next.

Origins and Impact

The idea for the mentoring walk was inspired by Geraldine Laybourne, a pioneering businesswoman, who believed in the power of informal mentoring through shared experiences. The inaugural walk was organized in 2008, and since then, it has grown into a worldwide movement. Each year, thousands of women in more than 60 countries participate in the event.

The initiative not only supports women's career growth but also fosters community building and creates networks that extend beyond the event itself. By connecting aspiring women professionals with experienced mentors, the Global Mentoring Walk aims to bridge the gender gap in leadership and amplify women’s contributions to society.

Format of the Walk

The walk typically pairs mentors—established leaders in various sectors—with mentees, who are emerging talents or professionals. Together, they engage in meaningful conversations while walking side by side. This informal setting allows for open dialogue and encourages the exchange of ideas, experiences, and strategies for overcoming challenges.

Goals of the Mentoring Walk

1. Mentorship: To provide mentees with guidance on career development, leadership skills, and personal growth.
2. Community Building: To create lasting networks that promote collaboration and mutual support among women.
3. Empowerment: To inspire participants to take bold steps in their careers and become agents of change.
4. Leadership Development: To identify and cultivate leadership potential among women in diverse fields.

Why It Matters

The Global Mentoring Walk is more than just an event; it’s a movement that champions the idea that when women support women, everyone benefits. The walk highlights the power of mentorship as a tool for personal and professional growth and serves as a call to action for greater gender equality in leadership.

Participating in the Walk

Participation is open to women from all walks of life, and local walks are organized by regional leaders in collaboration with Vital Voices. These leaders adapt the event to the cultural and professional contexts of their communities, ensuring its relevance and impact.

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For more information on how to participate or organize a Global Mentoring Walk in your region, visit Vital Voices. This initiative is a powerful step toward building a world where women have equal opportunities to lead and succeed.

Hope for the Future: Ukrainian Fashion Week FW25-26 will take place on February 14–17, 2025, in Kyiv

Ukrainian Fashion Week FW25-26 will take place on February 14–17, 2025, in Kyiv

Following a successful season in September 2024, the Ukrainian Fashion Week organizing committee is pleased to announce that the 56th season of shows and presentations will take place from February 14–17, 2025, in Kyiv.

Each collection created amidst the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine stands as a symbol of creative resistance and hope for a brighter future. Ukrainian Fashion Week, through its platforms, demonstrates to the world that fashion is one of the voices of a nation fighting for its freedom, culture and identity.

“Hosting Ukrainian Fashion Week in Kyiv is a testament to our resolve and strength. Twenty-four years ago, we named our competition for young designers ‘Look into the Future,’ and we have been looking forward with hope and faith ever since. Together, we are building that future. But now, during wartime, this vision resonates even more powerfully. Each show demonstrates the resilience of the Ukrainian industry that continues to work and grow, no matter the challenges of the present. The creativity and spirit of our designers are unbreakable. Our mission is to support, foster, and promote them globally,” says Iryna Danylevska, Founder and CEO of Ukrainian Fashion Week.

At Ukrainian Fashion Week FW25-26, collections will be presented by globally renowned brands and emerging designers, showcasing the enduring legacy of the Ukrainian creative school.

Just not a "handkerchief": let's call it beautiful - HUSTKA - the headdress of Ukrainian women

Join the Global Celebration: Ukrainian Hustka Day in Vinnytsia

The World Ukrainian Hustka Day (ДУХ - День Української Хустки), an annual event celebrating Ukraine's rich cultural heritage, will take place on 7 December 2024 at the Mont Blanc Restaurant in Vinnytsia (Soborna St. 34), beginning at 12:00 PM.

This unique occasion, founded by Lyudmyla Stanislavenko, a prominent public figure and President of the World Woman Club, seeks to revitalize Ukrainian traditions and honour the defenders of Ukraine. The event has garnered worldwide participation, with individuals from five continents joining annual flash mobs in support of this initiative. This year’s theme, “The Hustka of Revival”, underscores the headscarf’s symbolism as a unifying element and a bridge between generations.

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Cultural Significance

The Ukrainian scarf, or khustka, represents the wisdom and strength of ancestors and is a profound emblem of national pride. Today, amidst ongoing challenges, it is a symbol of resilience and unity. Lyudmyla Stanislavenko notes:
"Through ДУХ, we aim not only to celebrate this cultural treasure but to pass authentic traditions to future generations, empowering and inspiring communities worldwide."

Flash Mobs

1. For Cultural Experts: Professionals in traditional arts and researchers are invited to share stories and photos about the scarf’s role in Ukrainian culture. Submissions with the most likes on the official event page will receive special prizes. Send entries to khustkaua@gmail.com.
2. For Everyone: Participants can post photos wearing the scarf with the hashtag #ДеньУкраїнськоїХустки. Popular posts will win exclusive themed prizes.

Charity Initiative

Funds raised during the event will support the purchase of drones for Ukraine’s 35th Marine Brigade, operating in the Donetsk region. Donations of 2,000 UAH or more will be honoured on the WUSD flag, and major contributors will receive unique frontline souvenirs.

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Special Additions

• Art Exhibition: Featuring exclusive works by talented artist Svitlana Terenchuk, showcasing the scarf as a timeless cultural icon.
• Partnerships: Supported by the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration and the Mykhailo Kotsyubynskyi State Pedagogical University.

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Call to Action

The organizers invite media outlets, cultural enthusiasts, and the global Ukrainian community to join this celebration of heritage, unity, and support for Ukraine’s defenders. Let’s honour traditions while contributing to a noble cause.

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For more details, contact:
📞 Phone: +380 930 008 034
✉ Email: khustkaua@gmail.com
📘 Facebook: Ukrainian Hustka Day Group

Together, we can make this event a powerful testament to cultural pride and resilience.

Discovering English Through Magic: Methodology of Royal British School with TOP-10 Best Harry Potter Filming Locations

The Royal British School (RBS) has revolutionized English language learning with an enchanting and highly engaging methodology inspired by the beloved Harry Potter franchise. Combining the magic of J.K. Rowling's wizarding world with cutting-edge educational techniques, this approach captivates learners of all ages and makes language acquisition an unforgettable adventure.

The RBS Methodology is based on Harry Potter film learning

At the heart of the Royal British School's programme is an immersive, interactive learning model that transforms traditional English lessons into a journey through Hogwarts-style magic. Here's how it works:

Interactive Storytelling

Students are introduced to English through tailored narratives inspired by the Harry Potter universe. Role-playing as young witches and wizards, learners engage in collaborative quests that incorporate grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Houses and Competitions
Much like the Hogwarts House system, students are sorted into teams, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition. Points are earned for completing language challenges, group activities, and creative projects.

Spellbinding Lessons
Core linguistic skills are taught through interactive sessions modelled as magical lessons. For instance: "Potions Class" may focus on new vocabulary and sentence formation.

Public Speaking
"Defense Against the Dark Arts" involves public speaking and debate to enhance communication skills.
Cultural Immersion

Lessons weave in British culture, history, and traditions, enriching the learning experience and providing context for the language.

The International Camp Experience in Scotland
Building on this innovative methodology, RBS offers International Language Camps in Scotland, a program that blends language learning with real-world magical experiences.

Daily English Lessons
Each day begins with three hours of intensive English instruction using the RBS methodology. Grouped by age and proficiency, students benefit from a tailored curriculum focused on speaking, listening, and writing skills.

Excursions to Iconic Locations
Camp participants embark on adventures to some of the most iconic Harry Potter filming sites across Scotland, including The University of Glasgow Cloisters, resembling Hogwarts corridors, Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the Hogwarts Express famously journeys, Loch Shiel and Glencoe, capturing the magic of Hogwarts' landscapes.

Magical Workshops and Games
Evening activities include themed workshops like "Crafting Your Wand," Quidditch matches, and trivia quizzes testing both language and wizarding knowledge.

Why It Works
The Harry Potter-inspired approach creates an emotionally engaging learning environment, boosting motivation and retention.
By merging fantasy with structured pedagogy, the programme:

• Encourages active participation and creativity.
• Develops practical communication skills in fun and memorable ways.
• Strengthens cultural understanding alongside language proficiency.

The Royal British School’s methodology brings the magic of Harry Potter to life, turning language learning into an extraordinary adventure. Whether through daily lessons or the immersive summer camps in Scotland, RBS offers a truly magical pathway to mastering English.

For parents and young learners alike, the opportunity to combine education with the magic of J.K. Rowling’s world is a spellbinding way to unlock new horizons.

Top 10 Harry Potter Filming Locations in Glasgow and Scotland

Many scenes from the Harry Potter movie franchise have been inspired by or filmed in Scotland. We have put together a list of the places you can visit that inspired the making of the Wizarding World and Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland.

Hogwarts Express train and scenes from Hagrid’s Hut are two of the many film locations in Scotland. Many lakes throughout Scotland have featured in at least one of the eight Harry Potter movies.

A large number of Harry Potter scenes are filmed in wild and remote locations. Sometimes, the locations are eerie, and other times, they are breathtaking and magical.

I will look into where you can find the best Harry Potter locations so you can get photos and replicate any movie scenes.

J.K. Rowling was inspired by the beauty of Scotland and the character of the cities while she was writing the Harry Potter franchise.

Scotland's breathtaking landscapes and historical sites served as the perfect backdrop for some of the most iconic Harry Potter scenes. Here are must-visit locations, complete with unique facts about their role in the magical films:

1. University of Glasgow Cloisters Filming Role: Though not an official filming location, the cloisters resemble Hogwarts interiors, making them a popular fan destination.

Fact: Their Gothic Revival architecture inspired many fans' imaginations of wizarding life.

2. Glenfinnan Viaduct Scene: Featured in multiple films, this iconic bridge is seen when the Hogwarts Express crosses over it, notably in The Chamber of Secrets when Harry and Ron follow in the flying car.
Fact: Visitors can ride the Jacobite Steam Train, which follows the same path as the Hogwarts Express​

3. Loch Shiel Scene: Served as the backdrop for the Hogwarts Great Lake, visible during Durmstrang and Beauxbatons' arrival in Goblet of Fire.
Fact: The lake also appears during the journey of the Hogwarts Express​

4. Loch Eilt Scene: Known for Dumbledore’s grave and as the setting for Hagrid skimming stones after Buckbeak’s sentencing in Prisoner of Azkaban.
Fact: The serene island of Eilean na Moine within Loch Eilt is central to these iconic moments​


5. Glencoe Scene: The location of Hagrid's Hut in Prisoner of Azkaban, featuring its pumpkin patch and the area around it.
Fact: Glencoe's dramatic landscapes are also seen in other films like Skyfall​

6. Steall Falls Scene: Used in Goblet of Fire during Harry’s Hungarian Horntail battle and as a backdrop for Quidditch trials. Fact: It is Scotland’s second-highest waterfall and reachable via a scenic hike​


7. Rannoch Moor Scene: Where Dementors attack the Hogwarts Express in Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
Fact: This remote wilderness is one of Europe’s last unspoiled moors​

8. Black Rock Gorge Scene: Featured in Goblet of Fire during Harry’s escape from the Hungarian Horntail. Fact: Located near Inverness, the gorge’s dramatic cliffs added tension to the scene​


9. Loch ArkaigScene: The trio jumps from the Gringott dragon into this loch in Deathly Hallows: Part 2. 


 10. Edinburgh’s Victoria StreetConnection: Inspired Diagon Alley with its colorful shopfronts and winding layout. Fact: J.K. Rowling is said to have drawn inspiration for the magical marketplace here.​

These sites not only capture the magic of Harry Potter but also showcase Scotland's rich heritage and natural beauty. Whether you're a Potterhead or simply an adventurer, these destinations promise a magical experience!