As Seen on
Press
Win £50 in Books from the inspiring MonsterSeries
The Monster Series believes in the power of storytelling to raise awareness about important topics such as illness, mental health, equality, and women empowerment. Their books are crafted to educate and inspire readers of all ages, providing valuable insights and fostering understanding through compelling narratives. Read more
Junior doctors strike
Cancer patient says ‘it’s terrifying’ as doctors walk out during heatwave and cyber attack fallout. Read more
Junior doctors strike leave cancer patients ‘terrified
Junior doctors are starting a five-day strike across England, and warn more will follow if the next government does not work to resolve their long-running pay dispute.
Donia Youssef at Monster Publishing & Productions Ltd
As a business owner, I support Labour because of my uncle, Sir John Battle, a dedicated Labour MP. . . Read more
The Monster in mummy
How do you tell your young children you have been diagnosed with cancer? … Read more
Donia Youssef Featured in Metro Newspaper
Author of “The Monster in Mummy” Donia Youssef was interviewed by Oliver Stallwood for Metro Newspaper. The interview was featured in the Wellbeing section of the newspaper on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.
RUN FOR DEBS ❤️
In memory of the beautiful Dame Deborah James @bowelbabe and her wish to raise 10 million to go towards bowel cancer research, we want you to challenge yourself, your kids, friends, and family to run or walk any distance, from 1km to whatever you can manage, and donate what you can to her cause.
Former Anti-vaxxer and Cancer Survivor Urges Brits to Get Jabbed After Boyfriend Falls Ill
A FORMER anti-vaxxer who avoided getting jabbed because she feared it could trigger a relapse of her cancer is now urging Brits to get vaccinated.
Interview Out on Mixed Messages!
Interview out on Mixed messages today, in helping to raise awareness on mixed heritages. Learning to accept&respect people from all different cultures, religions, and backgrounds is crucial in seeking the peace this world much needs.
The Empowered Women, the Strength of Our Society
Posted on December 13th, 2022
By Donia Youssef, Award-winning Author & film producer, owner of Monster Publishing Ltd, Thomas&Co Property Ltd, Wonder Talent Agency Ltd and www.themonster-series.com
When most people think of a strong society, images of powerful men often come to mind. But what about the strength of women? Throughout history, women have been powerful forces for good in our societies, and their contributions are just as significant as those of men. This is why it’s so important that we empower women and give them the opportunities they need to thrive. When women are empowered, our whole society benefits; this is a fact that has been proven time and again throughout history. From the early days of the suffragette movement to the present-day fight for equal pay, women who have had a voice and been given a platform to make change have done incredible things for society as a whole.
However, the impact empowering women has in the business world is often overlooked. When more women are in leadership positions, businesses perform better. Studies have shown that companies with more female leaders bring in more revenue and experience less gender discrimination in the workplace. When it comes to making decisions, studies have found that female leaders are better at considering others’ perspectives and taking everyone into account.
So, what does this mean for our society? It means that if we want to see real change – a change that benefits everyone – then we need to empower more women. We need to give them a voice and a platform to make their mark on the world. And we need to do it now! A woman’s empowerment is not only good for the individual, but it also helps create tremendous change within families and communities! This has been proven by studies that show that businesses with at least one female executive on staff tend to do better than those without; however, there still seems like a shortage when you look around town or down your street – even if we’re talking about just small business owners here. To combat this trend (and maybe help inspire some other industries, too), below are examples of women who have broken barriers in their field to create change and empower other women.
1) Oprah Winfrey: In addition to being one of the most successful talk show hosts of all time, Oprah is also a philanthropist, actress, and producer. She has used her platform to shed light on important issues facing women today, such as equal pay and sexual harassment. Oprah has also advocated for education, supporting various initiatives that provide resources for girls and young women.
2) Malala Yousafzai: At only 17 years old, Malala has become one of the most prominent voices in the fight for girls’ education. After surviving a Taliban attack that left her seriously injured, Malala has continued to speak out about the importance of education for all girls. She has also started her foundation, the Malala Fund, which works to empower girls through education.
3) Sheryl Sandberg: As the COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg is one of the most powerful women in the tech industry. She has been an outspoken advocate for gender equality in the workplace and has written extensively on the topic. In addition to her work at Facebook, Sheryl is also the founder of Leanin.org, a non-profit that works to empower women and close the gender gap.
When it comes to entrepreneurship, women have many advantages over men. Women are often more collaborative and communicative, leading to better team dynamics and successful businesses. In addition, women are often better at multitasking and networking, which are essential for any business.
Moreover, women entrepreneurs are often more creative and intuitive than their male counterparts. This can lead to innovative businesses with unique products or services. Plus, research shows that female-owned firms are more likely to succeed in the long run.
All these qualities are essential for business success. And yet, despite women’s many advantages as entrepreneurs, they continue to be underrepresented in the business world. There are several reasons for this disparity. Women often face more significant obstacles when starting and growing their businesses. They may lack access to capital or networking opportunities and be more vulnerable to discrimination and sexual harassment. Additionally, women can struggle with self-confidence and taking risks.
The “glass ceiling” is a significant obstacle in the business world that prevents women from advancing to senior positions in companies. The “motherhood penalty” also penalizes women for taking time off to have children. And the lack of affordable childcare makes it difficult for mothers to balance work and family responsibilities. In addition, there is a general bias against women in the business world, including the notion that women are not as capable as men. Fortunately, there are things we can do to address these issues. We must provide more opportunities for women to develop their skills and advance their careers. We also need to make it easier for mothers to juggle work and family responsibilities. And we need to create a more inclusive workplace where everyone is treated equally regardless of gender. We can overcome these barriers and empower women in the business world with concerted effort.
Despite these challenges, a growing number of successful women entrepreneurs are changing the face of business.
Women have always been a vital part of our society, but now they are stepping up and taking their rightful place at the forefront. We are seeing more women in powerful positions than ever before, and this positively impacts our communities and our world as a whole.
The strength of women is evident in all aspects of life. From business to politics to education, women are making their mark and proving that they can be just as successful as men. This is an exciting time for women everywhere, and we can look forward to even more outstanding achievements in the years ahead.
So, if you’re a woman thinking about starting a business, don’t be discouraged by the challenges you may face. Instead, use your unique advantages to your advantage, and don’t let anything stand in your way.
Donia Youssef
Bridging the Gender Gap:
Empowering UK’s Female Tech Entrepreneurs for a More Inclusive Future
by Donia Youssef | Author & Producer of The Monster Series | April 25, 2023
The world of technology is no stranger to gender disparities. While the UK has long been considered a leading force in innovation and entrepreneurship, it is still grappling with the underrepresentation of women in the tech sector. This gender gap not only…see more
featured in the heart of NYC, Times Square! 🗽
🎉Big News!🎉 As some of you know, the journey of writing my first book 📖 “The Monster in Mummy” was one I undertook during the storm of chemotherapy, a challenge unlike any other. Today, I’m thrilled and humbled to share that this labor of love and resilience is featured in the heart of NYC, Times Square! 🗽
Crafting this tale, as I navigated my own health journey, was my way of exploring how to communicate something as overwhelming as a cancer diagnosis to young ones. The vibrant billboards of Times Square now echo this narrative of hope, courage, and love.🧡
FEATURED IN STATELY MAGAZINE
DONIA YOUSSEF, THE RISING STAR SHINING FROM LONDON TO HOLLYWOOD_VIA CANADA
Mum Shares sepsis warning after breast cancer reconstruction leves her fighting for life again
🎀 October marks #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, a time to reflect, spread knowledge, and take action. Today, my feature is out in the Metro, shedding light on this crucial cause. Early detection saves lives, so I urge everyone to prioritise their health and regularly check their breasts. Let’s support and uplift one another. Check the Metro today and remember: awareness is power. 💗 #CheckYourself #EarlyDetection #WeStandTogether 📰🎀
The Future of Women’s Leadership:
an Expert Guide to How We Lead in 2023
Donia Youssef
GLOBAL CHAIR FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH AND CANCER AWARENESS
Your Story Matters at the New York Script Awards 🌟
www.newyorkscriptawards.com
Delighted to announce I will be judging, The New York Script Awards this year, which is now accepting submissions. 🎬📝 Submit your scripts here: www.newyorkscriptawards.com @newyorkscriptawards
Having been in the shoes of a contestant and receiving the Best Female Screenwriter award last year, I understand the nerves and excitement that come with putting your work out there. This year, I’m eager to support and uplift aspiring scriptwriters as they share their own stories.
I’ll be reviewing the top 3 scripts in these categories:
FEATURE SCREENPLAY 🎥
TELEVISION SCRIPT – PILOT 📺
FIRST-TIME SCREENWRITER 🌟
As a judge this year, I’m particularly drawn to scripts that forge a deep connection. Here’s what captures my attention in a script:
1. Heartfelt Emotional Connections: I love stories that touch the heart and mirror our own life experiences.
2. Creative Twists and Turns: Show me a new way to tell a story, and I’m all ears. Surprise me, move me, make me think differently.
3. Rich, Real Characters: I’m drawn to characters who feel like someone you might know, with flaws and growth that inspire us.
4. Meaningful Dialogue: Every line of dialogue should add depth to the characters or advance the plot—make every word count.
5. Timely Themes: Stories that reflect on what’s happening in our world today or delve into our shared history often stand out by connecting us all on a deeper level.
Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned screenwriter, your unique voice is what will make your script shine. Let’s fill this year’s festival with stories that resonate deeply, challenge perceptions, and open hearts.
Happy writing, wishing you every success and I can’t wait to read some of your stories. ✍️ 🙏🏽💪🏽😃
#NYScriptAwards #FilmFreeway #Screenwriting #Storytelling #FilmCommunity #DeepConnections #NewVoices #writers #film
Creating a children’s book is an exciting journey!
Creating a children’s book is an exciting journey! Here’s a streamlined guide to kickstart your project:
1. Know Your Audience
Age and Interests: Tailor the story to fit the age and interests of your readers, from toddlers to early readers.
2. Pick a Theme
Purpose: Decide if you want to educate, entertain, or both. Popular themes include friendship, courage, and kindness.
3. Create Captivating Characters
Relatability: Design characters that kids can relate to or admire, and ensure they represent diverse backgrounds.
4. Craft Your Story
Simplicity and Humour: Use clear language and humour. Include a catchy beginning, an intriguing middle, and a satisfying end.
5. Bring it to Life with Illustrations
Visual Style: Choose colourful and engaging illustrations that complement your story. Consider partnering with an illustrator if needed.
6. Polish and Perfect
Feedback and Editing: Revise your book based on feedback from kids and adults, and consider a professional editor to refine it.
7. Publish
Options: Decide between self-publishing for control and higher profits, or traditional publishing for more support and broader distribution.
8. Market Your Book
Visibility: Use social media, school visits, and library events to reach your audience and promote your book.
Keep it fun and relatable, and you’ll create a book that brings joy and inspires young minds! ❤️
#books #writing #author #kidsbooks #kids #creative #creativewriting
Willow and the Shadow of Denial!
In the heart of a quaint village nestled by magical Woods, young Willow shines with a joy that lights up her community, yet she carries a secret sadness—the loss of her mother to a place she imagines as just beyond the stars. Her life takes a transformative turn when she meets Sadie, a talking golden dog with eyes full of ancient wisdom, at the threshold of the mystical woods that have whispered secrets in her dreams.
From Willow’s perspective, a child grappling with loss yet brimming with hope, the magical Woods become a stage for a story that intertwines her deepest sorrows with her wildest dreams. Guided by Sadie, and later joined by Marvin, a clever squirrel, and Clover, a luminous fairy, Willow embarks on a journey that pushes the boundaries of her imagination. Together, they explore a realm where magic is real and emotions manifest, confronting not only external darkness but the shadows within Willow herself.
Willow and the Shadow of Denial is the first book in a seven-part series that explores the stages of grief through magical adventures. This opening tale delves deep into the theme of denial, the first stage of grief, reflecting Willow’s inner struggle to accept her mother’s absence. It’s a story that embraces the complexities of emotion—where bravery is born from vulnerability and healing comes through embracing both joy and pain. As Willow navigates through her adventures, she learns that her strength lies not in denying her feelings but in allowing them to guide her, showing readers of all ages that there is hope and light to be found, even in the darkest woods. This series invites young readers to understand and process their grief, offering a path to healing and understanding.