2021 year in review - 27th December 2021

Despite the persisting Covid-19 crisis, 2021 heralded positive changes in society, art and culture.

Women made moves towards equality in music, language and the workplace. The Grammys saw Beyoncé's song 'I Can't Breathe', which had brought courage to a nation in turmoil, recognised as Song of the Year. And Taylor Swift’s work was rewarded with her third Album of the Year Grammy, becoming the first woman to do so.

In Czechia, women have sought to reduce gender discrimination, demanding the right to adopt the masculine form of surnames in Czech. From linguistic conventions to workwear, Ukrainian budget airline SkyUp has swapped out its restrictive women's cabin crew uniforms. Acting on the results of a company wide survey of employees, the new uniforms provide staff with more comfortable outfits.

Meanwhile in Japan, married women have shown they can be a force in the business world. Through the 'Womenomics' movement, they are shifting ideals in this traditionally male-dominated arena. This has resulted in 80 percent more women entering the workforce.

From historic progress to historic discoveries, 2021 brought art and culture to the fore. After happening upon Islamic decoration behind a wall during a business facelift, bar owners in Seville, Spain, received an unexpected surprise. Their building had begun life in the 12th century as an Islamic bathhouse. On the other side of the world, a 45,500 year old mural of a wild pig, discovered in a cave in Indonesia, has become the world's oldest known painting.

The Benin Bronze cockerel, 'Okukur' which had been presented to the University of Cambridge was returned to Nigeria out of respect for spiritual and ancestral heritage. And while one statue was returned, others were being replaced in efforts to recognise indigenous peoples. Mexico City has relocated a prominent statue of Columbus to make way for a figure of an indigenous Olmec woman. Meanwhile, across Latin America and some US states, Columbus Day has been renamed in honour of indigenous peoples and cultures.

Our everyday habits have been shaped by the ongoing pandemic. TV and video viewership soared during lockdown with Netflix, YouTube and TikTok making the biggest gains globally. In addition to consuming more entertainment on TV and the internet, we're making extra online purchases to take up new hobbies. But while pandemic purchases spiked in the UK, this has been followed by widespread buyers’ regret.

The pandemic has also put zoo animals at risk, with some species suffering Covid-19 infections transmitted by asymptomatic zookeepers. However, the Zoetis coronavirus vaccine has been developed specifically for veterinary use. Thanks to this, these animals can now be protected.

As Covid-19 began to merge into our day to day realities, not only have we adapted to this new normal but also continued making great strides to see the world become a better place for all.