Welcome to another episode of Today in History — I’m Sen, your host.

Today’s historical events look at feminist leaders, as well as the end of a war.

You’re going to hear three events from this day in the past, twice through. On this first listen, just focus on the sounds and rhythm of what is being said.

Here we go. So, what happened today in history?

On July 31, 1893, Fatima Jinnah was born in Karachi, Pakistan. She became a leading Pakistani politician and was nicknamed Mader-e-Millat – mother of the nation. Today, she is remembered for her role in the Pakistan independence movement, as well as for defending civil rights, especially those of women.

On the same day in 1960, the Malayan Emergency was declared over. This ended 12 years of war between communist guerrilla fighters and British forces in the Federation of Malaya, present-day Malaysia. Known as Hari Pahlawan, this day now remembers the death of some 10,000 people, including 3,000 civilians within this war and during both World Wars.

On July 31, 1962, the Pan African Women’s Organization had their first conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Since then, the organization has aimed to unite African women and empower them to participate in the political, economic, social and cultural life of Africa. Today is now known as Pan African Women’s Day.

Now for the second listen. Try focusing more on the meaning this time. And remember, I’ll explain some of the more difficult words afterwards.

On July 31, 1893, Fatima Jinnah was born in Karachi, Pakistan. She became a leading Pakistani politician and was nicknamed Mader-e-Millat – mother of the nation. Today, she is remembered for her role in the Pakistan independence movement, as well as for defending civil rights, especially those of women.

On the same day in 1960, the Malayan Emergency was declared over. This ended 12 years of war between communist guerrilla fighters and British forces in the Federation of Malaya, present-day Malaysia. Known as Hari Pahlawan, this day now remembers the death of some 10,000 people, including 3,000 civilians within this war and during both World Wars.

On July 31, 1962, the Pan African Women’s Organization had their first conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Since then, the organization has aimed to unite African women and empower them to participate in the political, economic, social and cultural life of Africa. Today is now known as Pan African Women’s Day.

Which words caught your attention today? A ‘nickname’ is an informal or fun name given to someone. Here, we heard how the people of Pakistan nicknamed, or called, Fatima Jinnah the ‘mother of the nation’. What’s more, ‘guerilla fighters’ are an unofficial military group which fights against the government or official army. And, if you ‘empower’ someone, you encourage them or give them the means to do something. Remember, you can always rewind and listen to these words as many times as you want.

That’s it for Today in History. Thanks so much for joining us on this journey through time. We’d love to hear what you thought of this audio experience. You can simply send us your feedback in an email to podcasting@babbel.com. Until next time.

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Episode notes:
 
nickname: an informal or fun name given to a person 
guerilla fighters: an unofficial military group which fights against the government or official army 
empower: to encourage someone or give them the means to do something