Women in India have significantly reduced the time spent on unpaid domestic work in 2024 compared to five years ago, according to a recent report from the country's ministry of statistics and program implementation. The survey revealed that women spent 16. 4% of their time on unpaid household tasks in 2024, a slight decrease from 16. 9% in 2019.

Women's unpaid work declines in India in 2024

British model Bianca Gascoigne has come out publicly to accuse Mohamed al-Fayed, the&nbsp;late owner of Harrods,&nbsp;of grooming and sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager employed at the luxury department store.

Speaking to Sky News on Monday (Oct 21), the daughter of former footballer Paul Gascoigne recalled how Fayed tried to force her into sexual acts after offering her an apartment room for a night's stay when she was around 16 years of age.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mohamed-al-fayed-was-a-rapist-20-women-come-out-against-father-of-lady-dianas-boyfriend-dodi-al-fayed-760351">Also read: Mohamed Al Fayed was a rapist? 20 women come out against father of Lady Diana's boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed</a> 
 
She said Fayed, who used to be charming and generous to her and family, made a surprise visit to the apartment, and made sexual advances.

She said Fayed turned up at the apartment to her shock. "I was just gobsmacked, I was kind of very shell-shocked, I just didn't really know what to do," she told the channel.

In her telling, Fayad tried to push her hands to his private parts after exposing himself, and at one point pushed her head to his lap.

"And I don't know how but I managed to wiggle away...And I think possibly you know, that him knowing my parents ... I don't know, that might have saved me at that moment. But it was horrific."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-60-more-women-allege-ex-harrods-owner-al-fayed-of-sexual-abuse-766371">Also read: Over 60 more women accuse ex-Harrods owner Al-Fayed of sexual abuse</a>

The 37-year-old model opened up about the ordeal in the wake of scores of complaints against Fayed who died at the age of 94 in 2023.

The sexual assault claims range from misconduct to rape, and lasted over decades.&nbsp;

The current owners of Harrods are settling more than 250 compensation claims from sexual assault survivors including incidents recounted in a BBC documentary, Al Fayed: Predator At Harrods.&nbsp;

Watch: Sean 'Diddy' Combs Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Minor

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The documentary had interviews and stories of several women who faced sexual misconduct over decades from the Egyptian-origin businessman, whose son Dodi was once the boyfriend of Princess Diana. They both died together in a Paris car crash.

Harrods said&nbsp;several former staff came forward after the airing of the documentary which led the luxury department store to facilitate direct settlement processes.&nbsp;

The Metropolitan Police have initiated a thorough review of allegations against Fayed.

It is looking into whether to charge him based on allegations made by two out of 21 women who reported abuse from 2005 to 2023.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

British model Bianca Gascoigne has come out publicly to accuse Mohamed al-Fayed, the late owner of Harrods, of grooming and sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager employed at the luxury department store.

British model Bianca Gascoigne has come out publicly to accuse Mohamed al-Fayed, the late owner of Harrods, of grooming and sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager employed at the luxury department store. Speaking to Sky News on Monday (Oct 21), the daughter of former footballer Paul Gascoigne recalled how Fayed tried to force her into sexual acts after offering her an apartment room for a night's stay when she was around 16 years of age. Also read: Mohamed Al Fayed was a rapist? 20 women come out against father of Lady Diana's boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed She said Fayed, who used to be charming and generous to her and family, made a surprise visit to the apartment, and made sexual advances. She said Fayed turned up at the apartment to her shock. "I was just gobsmacked, I was kind of very shell-shocked, I just didn't really know what to do," she told the channel. In her telling, Fayad tried to push her hands to his private parts after exposing himself, and at one point pushed her head to his lap. "And I don't know how but I managed to wiggle away...And I think possibly you know, that him knowing my parents ... I don't know, that might have saved me at that moment. But it was horrific." Also read: Over 60 more women accuse ex-Harrods owner Al-Fayed of sexual abuse The 37-year-old model opened up about the ordeal in the wake of scores of complaints against Fayed who died at the age of 94 in 2023. The sexual assault claims range from misconduct to rape, and lasted over decades. The current owners of Harrods are settling more than 250 compensation claims from sexual assault survivors including incidents recounted in a BBC documentary, Al Fayed: Predator At Harrods. Watch: Sean 'Diddy' Combs Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Minor × The documentary had interviews and stories of several women who faced sexual misconduct over decades from the Egyptian-origin businessman, whose son Dodi was once the boyfriend of Princess Diana. They both died together in a Paris car crash. Harrods said several former staff came forward after the airing of the documentary which led the luxury department store to facilitate direct settlement processes. The Metropolitan Police have initiated a thorough review of allegations against Fayed. It is looking into whether to charge him based on allegations made by two out of 21 women who reported abuse from 2005 to 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Mohamed al-Fayed sex abuse: UK model Bianca Gascoigne speaks out; Harrods settling with 250 accusers

In India, men make up nine out of every 10 legislators. The bleak data is arguably influenced by the still poor social status of women.

Since independence, promises that democracy would lead to greater equitable representation of men and women have been made.&nbsp;

Reservation has made it possible for women to participate in local government since the 1990s. Since then, major political parties have supported a bill that would add reservations to the Lok Sabha - the lower house of the Indian Parliament - and the state legislatures.

But it never got passed.

The Women's Reservation Bill has been passed after three decades of inaction. But the question is, when will it deliver the results?

<h2>Key components of the women's reservation bill&nbsp;</h2>

The bill calls for 33 per cent female representation in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and Delhi's National Capital Territory. The seats designated for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will likewise have similar reservations made. The bill suggests keeping the reservation in place for 15 years. After each exercise in delimitation, the seats designated for women will be switched.&nbsp;

Being a bill that requires a constitutional amendment, it has a long way to go.

It must first receive a special majority vote in both chambers of parliament. The Constitution Amendment Bill must then be ratified by at least 50% of the states in accordance with Article 368's provisions. Because it impacts their rights, their permission is required.&nbsp;

<h2>How tough is it to get this bill passed?&nbsp;</h2>

Majority of both houses of parliament, and not less than two-thirds of the members who are "present and voting" are required to pass the constitution amendment bills in order for them to become law. Given that the bill has the support of most political parties, passing the bill shouldn't be an issue. The states and Delhi Union Territory are all on the same page in this regard.&nbsp;

<h2>So why was this bill not passed in 30 years?&nbsp;</h2>

Well, that's a long story. Here's some history:

By inserting articles 243D and 243T into the Constitution by the Constitution Act of 1992 (73rd Amendment) and the Constitution &nbsp;Act of 1992 (74th Amendment) respectively, reservation for women in Panchayats and Municipalities - local governance bodies -&nbsp; was made possible.&nbsp;

The Constitution Bill, 1996 (81st Amendment), which was introduced on September 12 in the 11th Lok Sabha, was the next step in this direction.&nbsp;

It aimed to reserve for women not fewer than one-third of the total number of seats filled through direct election in the Lok Sabha and in the Legislative Assemblies of the States.&nbsp;

It didn't make much headway.

On December 23, 1999, the Constitution Bill, 1999 (85th Amendment), was introduced in Lok Sabha, constituting yet another effort. &nbsp;

However, that bill had also not been pursued because the political parties were unable to agree.&nbsp;

The bill was again introduced in Rajya Sabha in 2008 by the Congress-led Manmohan Singh administration and was eventually approved in 2010.&nbsp;

It then went to the Lok Sabha, which was dissolved ahead of elections, and thus could not be passed and expired.&nbsp;

Journalist and political Commentator Neerja Chowdhury told WION, “The reason was everyone wasn’t ready for it.”

"There were a lot of political parties with a lot of resistance not due to patriarchal attitudes- but because every parliamentarian won due to women. The real fear was losing the seats - be it Etawah, Manipuri, or even the top leaders, and then if the candidate won, it would be rotational in nature like if a woman gets a seat today it would change rotationally. So, the real reason was - the fire on the shoulders of the OBC [Other Backward Class] leaders.”

“[Former prime minister] Rajiv Gandhi wanted to enact a constitutional amendment for a one-third reservation to women, but he could not do it during his term - due to a lot of resistance from the states. It seemed that Rajiv was reaching out over the heads of the state government to the panchayats and villages. Narasimha Rao passed it in 1992-93 and the country’s focus was the Babri Masjid. We had women sarpanch but the husband used to call the shots. Today, women also have become aware of their roles. At the local level today, there is a huge poll standing outside, waiting for the assemblies,” she added.&nbsp;

<h2>A comparative analysis: What is the situation in India’s neighbouring countries?&nbsp;</h2>

Nepal&nbsp;

33% of women participated in the National Assembly during the adoption of the Nepalese Constitution. Additionally, it has been ensured that there are 34% of women in the Provincial Assembly and 40% at the local level.

Bangladesh &nbsp;

In 2022, the proportion of seats held by women in the national parliament in Bangladesh did not change in comparison to the previous year. The proportion of seats held by women in the national parliament remained at 20.86 per cent. The proportion of seats held by women is the percentage of parliamentary seats with elected women representatives in a single or lower chamber.

Pakistan&nbsp;

The current makeup of Pakistan’s parliament is only 21 per cent female. In the National Assembly, which consists of 342 members, female representation is only around 3 per cent if reserved seats are excluded; there are 60 seats reserved for women. These numbers are emblematic of a male-dominated political culture which -- along with other socio-economic factors -- creates a glass ceiling for women’s political advancement.

China&nbsp;

In 2022, the proportion of seats held by women in the national parliament in China did not change in comparison to the previous year. The proportion of seats held by women in the national parliament remained at 24.94 per cent.

Bhutan&nbsp;

The most recent NC elections, held in April 2023, had candidates from all 20 of Bhutan's dzongkhags, or districts. Only nine women registered to run for office from a total of seven districts, despite the fact that women outweigh males in the population of the nation. In addition, only five women candidates out of 84 who applied for seats made it through the Dhamngoi Zomdu, or selection process, for candidates.&nbsp;<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/KXmYqhUGYpMZzcZOfZWOvPUgZ19IoMde4t-ewkr1bvvbsmrrOzD-DEITHbMsC8pDZsWuAjKwZiB-pnYf3jOFExxrOlfCXrBwRtwmVt1uqLSOzsC_9UWJeX3MjQ1tTLOXyZQPV6W-CI4P0pgtFrzzbH8" />

Here are five countries with the highest proportion of women in parliaments: &nbsp;&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Rwanda (61%)</li>
	<li>Cuba&nbsp;(53%)</li>
	<li>Nicaragua (52%)</li>
	<li>Mexico (50%)</li>
	<li>New Zealand (50%)</li>
</ul>

Here are five countries with the least proportion of women in parliaments: &nbsp;&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Iran (5.6%)</li>
	<li>Qatar (4.4%)</li>
	<li>Nigeria (3.6%)</li>
	<li>Comoros (3%)</li>
	<li>The Republic of Yemen (0%)</li>
	<li>Vanuatu: It has elected only one female lawmaker since 2008 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

What does the future hold for India?&nbsp;

There are 542 members in the Lok Sabha at the moment, out of which 78 (14.39%) are women.&nbsp;

The average percentage of women MLAs in assemblies across the country is only 8%, according to the government's response to a parliamentary query late last year.&nbsp;

Now, there will be an increase in female members of both the Lok Sabha and the States/UTs assembly, although the increase will be more pronounced in those bodies.

The new bill includes a clause that states: "The provision of the Constitution relating to the reservation of seats for women in the House of the People, the Legislative Assembly of a State, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi shall come into effect after an exercise of delimitation is undertaken for this purpose after the relevant figures for the first census taken after the commencement of the Constitution (128th Amendment) Act 2023 have been published."&nbsp;

That's a tricky area.

It means the population data should be available for the bill to take effect.

The Census, which was scheduled to be finished in 2021, got delayed due to Covid pandemic.&nbsp;

In addition, the government has already said that, by current law, the subsequent delimitation exercise may be carried out following the first census to be held after the year 2026.&nbsp;

So in theory at least, implementation of the bill cannot happen before 2029, taking all these factors into consideration.&nbsp;

Expert Neerja Chowdhury said, “Sonia [Gandhi, Congress leader] gave it a push in 2010 but she didn't give a push in the lok sabha. The BJP promised to bring it in their manifesto in 2014. &nbsp;It's a big day for the women of the country but the criticism is why delimitation? The bill gets passed but doesn't get enforced till delimitation is undertaken. It is just the declaration of intent in 2024. The reality happens only in 2029."&nbsp;

Women's political empowerment is seen as an essential tool for eradicating prejudice and gender inequity.

But in India, it will take a few more years, and a lot of political will and consensus, for it to happen.

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In India, men make up nine out of every 10 legislators. The bleak data is arguably influenced by the still poor social status of women. Since independence, promises that democracy would lead to greater equitable representation of men and women have been made.

In India, men make up nine out of every 10 legislators. The bleak data is arguably influenced by the still poor social status of women. Since independence, promises that democracy would lead to greater equitable representation of men and women have been made. Reservation has made it possible for women to participate in local government since the 1990s. Since then, major political parties have supported a bill that would add reservations to the Lok Sabha - the lower house of the Indian Parliament - and the state legislatures. But it never got passed. The Women's Reservation Bill has been passed after three decades of inaction. But the question is, when will it deliver the results? Key components of the women's reservation bill The bill calls for 33 per cent female representation in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and Delhi's National Capital Territory. The seats designated for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will likewise have similar reservations made. The bill suggests keeping the reservation in place for 15 years. After each exercise in delimitation, the seats designated for women will be switched. Being a bill that requires a constitutional amendment, it has a long way to go. It must first receive a special majority vote in both chambers of parliament. The Constitution Amendment Bill must then be ratified by at least 50% of the states in accordance with Article 368's provisions. Because it impacts their rights, their permission is required. How tough is it to get this bill passed? Majority of both houses of parliament, and not less than two-thirds of the members who are "present and voting" are required to pass the constitution amendment bills in order for them to become law. Given that the bill has the support of most political parties, passing the bill shouldn't be an issue. The states and Delhi Union Territory are all on the same page in this regard. So why was this bill not passed in 30 years? Well, that's a long story. Here's some history: By inserting articles 243D and 243T into the Constitution by the Constitution Act of 1992 (73rd Amendment) and the Constitution Act of 1992 (74th Amendment) respectively, reservation for women in Panchayats and Municipalities - local governance bodies - was made possible. The Constitution Bill, 1996 (81st Amendment), which was introduced on September 12 in the 11th Lok Sabha, was the next step in this direction. It aimed to reserve for women not fewer than one-third of the total number of seats filled through direct election in the Lok Sabha and in the Legislative Assemblies of the States. It didn't make much headway. On December 23, 1999, the Constitution Bill, 1999 (85th Amendment), was introduced in Lok Sabha, constituting yet another effort. However, that bill had also not been pursued because the political parties were unable to agree. The bill was again introduced in Rajya Sabha in 2008 by the Congress-led Manmohan Singh administration and was eventually approved in 2010. It then went to the Lok Sabha, which was dissolved ahead of elections, and thus could not be passed and expired. Journalist and political Commentator Neerja Chowdhury told WION, “The reason was everyone wasn’t ready for it.” "There were a lot of political parties with a lot of resistance not due to patriarchal attitudes- but because every parliamentarian won due to women. The real fear was losing the seats - be it Etawah, Manipuri, or even the top leaders, and then if the candidate won, it would be rotational in nature like if a woman gets a seat today it would change rotationally. So, the real reason was - the fire on the shoulders of the OBC [Other Backward Class] leaders.” “[Former prime minister] Rajiv Gandhi wanted to enact a constitutional amendment for a one-third reservation to women, but he could not do it during his term - due to a lot of resistance from the states. It seemed that Rajiv was reaching out over the heads of the state government to the panchayats and villages. Narasimha Rao passed it in 1992-93 and the country’s focus was the Babri Masjid. We had women sarpanch but the husband used to call the shots. Today, women also have become aware of their roles. At the local level today, there is a huge poll standing outside, waiting for the assemblies,” she added. A comparative analysis: What is the situation in India’s neighbouring countries? Nepal 33% of women participated in the National Assembly during the adoption of the Nepalese Constitution. Additionally, it has been ensured that there are 34% of women in the Provincial Assembly and 40% at the local level. Bangladesh In 2022, the proportion of seats held by women in the national parliament in Bangladesh did not change in comparison to the previous year. The proportion of seats held by women in the national parliament remained at 20.86 per cent. The proportion of seats held by women is the percentage of parliamentary seats with elected women representatives in a single or lower chamber. Pakistan The current makeup of Pakistan’s parliament is only 21 per cent female. In the National Assembly, which consists of 342 members, female representation is only around 3 per cent if reserved seats are excluded; there are 60 seats reserved for women. These numbers are emblematic of a male-dominated political culture which -- along with other socio-economic factors -- creates a glass ceiling for women’s political advancement. China In 2022, the proportion of seats held by women in the national parliament in China did not change in comparison to the previous year. The proportion of seats held by women in the national parliament remained at 24.94 per cent. Bhutan The most recent NC elections, held in April 2023, had candidates from all 20 of Bhutan's dzongkhags, or districts. Only nine women registered to run for office from a total of seven districts, despite the fact that women outweigh males in the population of the nation. In addition, only five women candidates out of 84 who applied for seats made it through the Dhamngoi Zomdu, or selection process, for candidates. Here are five countries with the highest proportion of women in parliaments: Rwanda (61%) Cuba (53%) Nicaragua (52%) Mexico (50%) New Zealand (50%) Here are five countries with the least proportion of women in parliaments: Iran (5.6%) Qatar (4.4%) Nigeria (3.6%) Comoros (3%) The Republic of Yemen (0%) Vanuatu: It has elected only one female lawmaker since 2008 What does the future hold for India? There are 542 members in the Lok Sabha at the moment, out of which 78 (14.39%) are women. The average percentage of women MLAs in assemblies across the country is only 8%, according to the government's response to a parliamentary query late last year. Now, there will be an increase in female members of both the Lok Sabha and the States/UTs assembly, although the increase will be more pronounced in those bodies. The new bill includes a clause that states: "The provision of the Constitution relating to the reservation of seats for women in the House of the People, the Legislative Assembly of a State, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi shall come into effect after an exercise of delimitation is undertaken for this purpose after the relevant figures for the first census taken after the commencement of the Constitution (128th Amendment) Act 2023 have been published." That's a tricky area. It means the population data should be available for the bill to take effect. The Census, which was scheduled to be finished in 2021, got delayed due to Covid pandemic. In addition, the government has already said that, by current law, the subsequent delimitation exercise may be carried out following the first census to be held after the year 2026. So in theory at least, implementation of the bill cannot happen before 2029, taking all these factors into consideration. Expert Neerja Chowdhury said, “Sonia [Gandhi, Congress leader] gave it a push in 2010 but she didn't give a push in the lok sabha. The BJP promised to bring it in their manifesto in 2014. It's a big day for the women of the country but the criticism is why delimitation? The bill gets passed but doesn't get enforced till delimitation is undertaken. It is just the declaration of intent in 2024. The reality happens only in 2029." Women's political empowerment is seen as an essential tool for eradicating prejudice and gender inequity. But in India, it will take a few more years, and a lot of political will and consensus, for it to happen. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India women’s reservation bill: Need of the hour, but how many years to go?

A young women's rights activist in Saudi Arabia was detained and imprisoned for having Twitter and Snapchat profiles that supported recent social advances while also demanding greater fundamental rights within the kingdom.

In November 2022, Manahel al-Otaibi, a 29-year-old certified fitness instructor and artist who regularly promoted&nbsp;female empowerment on her social media handles was detained. Saudi officials accused Otaibi, among other things, of using the hashtag #societyisready to push for an end to male guardianship regulations.

Otaibi is still being held without being convicted or punished. Previously, public demands for core women's rights, such as inheritance rights and the opportunity to leave a marriage with an abusive spouse, have been ruled seditious.

The case is the latest in a series of arrests and imprisonments of Saudis for using social media profiles to promote change or question Saudi authorities. Salma al-Shehab, a Saudi woman and former PhD student at Leeds University, was condemned to more than three decades in prison by a terrorist court for having a Twitter account and following and retweeting dissidents and activists.

Otaibi's social media handles present her as a young and progressive woman who enjoys fitness, art, yoga, and travel, as well as championing women's rights.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/brics-backed-new-development-bank-invites-saudi-arabia-to-join-the-club-598674">BRICS-backed New Development Bank invites Saudi Arabia to join the club</a>

<h2>Accused of not wearing 'decent'&nbsp;clothes</h2>

As per&nbsp;court records, Otaibi is accused of not wearing "decent" clothing in addition to her usage of social media, which was reported to authorities by religious police. Her sister&nbsp;Fouz al-Otaibi&nbsp;was also accused of not dressing properly but was able to depart Saudi Arabia before her imprisonment. Maryam, another one of her&nbsp;sisters, is a well-known women's rights activist who was arrested, jailed, and subsequently freed in 2017 for challenging guardianship restrictions.

Khalid Aljabri, a Saudi expert and frequent commentator on US-Saudi relations, said: “Manahel’s case is an example of the hypocrisy and selective application of draconian laws by the Saudi government that hosts foreign Instagram models to promote tourism by posting pictures in swimsuits but jails Saudi women for posting photos without wearing Abayas.”

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's government has frequently targeted Twitter users as part of a broader domestic and international repression campaign, which includes&nbsp;planting spies inside the company to extract confidential user data about anonymous Twitter accounts perceived to be a threat&nbsp;to the royal family.

At the same time, the prince has a significant indirect stake in Twitter through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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A young women's rights activist in Saudi Arabia was detained and imprisoned for having Twitter and Snapchat profiles that supported recent social advances while also demanding greater fundamental rights within the kingdom.

A young women's rights activist in Saudi Arabia was detained and imprisoned for having Twitter and Snapchat profiles that supported recent social advances while also demanding greater fundamental rights within the kingdom. In November 2022, Manahel al-Otaibi, a 29-year-old certified fitness instructor and artist who regularly promoted female empowerment on her social media handles was detained. Saudi officials accused Otaibi, among other things, of using the hashtag #societyisready to push for an end to male guardianship regulations. Otaibi is still being held without being convicted or punished. Previously, public demands for core women's rights, such as inheritance rights and the opportunity to leave a marriage with an abusive spouse, have been ruled seditious. The case is the latest in a series of arrests and imprisonments of Saudis for using social media profiles to promote change or question Saudi authorities. Salma al-Shehab, a Saudi woman and former PhD student at Leeds University, was condemned to more than three decades in prison by a terrorist court for having a Twitter account and following and retweeting dissidents and activists. Otaibi's social media handles present her as a young and progressive woman who enjoys fitness, art, yoga, and travel, as well as championing women's rights. ALSO READ | BRICS-backed New Development Bank invites Saudi Arabia to join the club Accused of not wearing 'decent' clothes As per court records, Otaibi is accused of not wearing "decent" clothing in addition to her usage of social media, which was reported to authorities by religious police. Her sister Fouz al-Otaibi was also accused of not dressing properly but was able to depart Saudi Arabia before her imprisonment. Maryam, another one of her sisters, is a well-known women's rights activist who was arrested, jailed, and subsequently freed in 2017 for challenging guardianship restrictions. Khalid Aljabri, a Saudi expert and frequent commentator on US-Saudi relations, said: “Manahel’s case is an example of the hypocrisy and selective application of draconian laws by the Saudi government that hosts foreign Instagram models to promote tourism by posting pictures in swimsuits but jails Saudi women for posting photos without wearing Abayas.” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's government has frequently targeted Twitter users as part of a broader domestic and international repression campaign, which includes planting spies inside the company to extract confidential user data about anonymous Twitter accounts perceived to be a threat to the royal family. At the same time, the prince has a significant indirect stake in Twitter through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Who is Manahel al-Otaibi? Saudi woman arrested for tweeting reform messages

With Ramadan fast approaching, Jiya, a transgender tailor, and her colleagues are busy stitching colourful clothes for women and also the transgender community in Pakistan's commercial city of Karachi. Watch to know more

Pakistan's transgender tailors look to Ramadan for business boost

Unemployed locals in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch are being provided loan at a lower interest rate and trained under the government's self-employment scheme in a training institute so that they can become self-reliant.

This scheme by Jammu and Kashmir Bank's Rural Self Employment Training Institute not only ensure employability but also motivates individuals to initiate their own start-ups.

Both men and women are getting training as&nbsp;part of the skill development project at Jammu and Kashmir Bank RSETI. The institute was set up in 2011 and around 110 batches of unemployed trained youths have been trained. 
 
The people who had received training from the institute have set up their business after getting a loan from the RSETI Bank.

The current batch - 111, is getting training of tailoring, beauty parlour, plumbing and dairy farming. The training programme continues for 15 to 20 days from the starting date.

Expressing happiness over the government's initiative, people thanked the government for providing training to them with an aim to generate self-employment. The trainees get free meal and beverages in the institute as well as bus fare to reach the institute.

Speaking to ANI, a trainee said: "We are getting a loan under Pradhan Mantri Yojana. The step has been taken to support unemployed people. The training is being provided by the bank administration. I am taking Rs 7 lakh loan as I have to take machinery for my work. Simultaneously, I will hire 3-4 persons, who will get employed with me. We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to think about us."

"Several girls are coming here. This a very good scheme. We hope that more schemes like this get implemented. We are getting tailoring training. We can start our own business. It would help us in becoming independent," trainee Ravinajum said. 
 
Praveen Akhtar said that she would help her husband financially after being trained from the institute.

"I want to help my husband as it is difficult to run the house with a salary of one person. This training would help me financially," she said.

Unemployed locals in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch are being provided loan at a lower interest rate and trained under the government's self-employment scheme in a training institute so that they can become self-reliant.

Unemployed locals in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch are being provided loan at a lower interest rate and trained under the government's self-employment scheme in a training institute so that they can become self-reliant. This scheme by Jammu and Kashmir Bank's Rural Self Employment Training Institute not only ensure employability but also motivates individuals to initiate their own start-ups. Both men and women are getting training as part of the skill development project at Jammu and Kashmir Bank RSETI. The institute was set up in 2011 and around 110 batches of unemployed trained youths have been trained. The people who had received training from the institute have set up their business after getting a loan from the RSETI Bank. The current batch - 111, is getting training of tailoring, beauty parlour, plumbing and dairy farming. The training programme continues for 15 to 20 days from the starting date. Expressing happiness over the government's initiative, people thanked the government for providing training to them with an aim to generate self-employment. The trainees get free meal and beverages in the institute as well as bus fare to reach the institute. Speaking to ANI, a trainee said: "We are getting a loan under Pradhan Mantri Yojana. The step has been taken to support unemployed people. The training is being provided by the bank administration. I am taking Rs 7 lakh loan as I have to take machinery for my work. Simultaneously, I will hire 3-4 persons, who will get employed with me. We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to think about us." "Several girls are coming here. This a very good scheme. We hope that more schemes like this get implemented. We are getting tailoring training. We can start our own business. It would help us in becoming independent," trainee Ravinajum said. Praveen Akhtar said that she would help her husband financially after being trained from the institute. "I want to help my husband as it is difficult to run the house with a salary of one person. This training would help me financially," she said.

Free skill development programme underway in Jammu & Kashmir to empower people

In a novel initiative, the women inmates of the Sabarmati Central Prison at Ahmedabad have taken up the task of making sanitary napkins.

The enterprise will serve not only as a source of income for them but also promote better menstrual hygiene among women inmates in jails across Gujarat, an official said. The sanitary pads, made at the manufacturing unit installed last week by a city-based NGO in the women’s barrack of the Sabarmati jail, will be given free of cost to all women inmates lodged in various prisons of the state, the official said.

The Navjivan Trust, an organisation founded by Mahatma Gandhi, acted a bridge between the NGO, Karma Foundation, and the jail authorities in shaping up this innovative project of providing some meaningful work to the women inmates. The work to manufacture sanitary pads at the unit in the Sabarmati jail premises was formally launched on May 11. The Karma Foundation’s managing trustee, Priyanshi Patel, said the idea of starting the project struck her when she visited the jail six months back and saw women inmates spending their time without doing any work.

“The Navjivan Trust then suggested me to install a sanitary napkins manufacturing unit. This will provide income to these inmates,” Patel said. The sanitary pads made in the Sabarmati jail will be given free of cost to all women prisoners across the state, she said. In future, the NGO would also take up the task of selling these napkins at subsidized rates through government agencies, Patel said. “The women inmates can also start a small business of making sanitary pads after they come out of the jail,” she suggested.

At present, one manufacturing unit has been installed where about 12 women prisoners can work at a time. “We will gradually increase the number of manufacturing units,” Patel said. The in-charge superintendent of Sabarmati jail, V H Dindor, expressed happiness that the women prisoners have now got some work to do.

The Navjivan Trust’s managing trustee, Vivek Desai, said they would encourage more NGOs to come forward and bring up such projects for the benefit of the Sabarmati jail inmates.

The Navjivan Trust's managing trustee, Vivek Desai, said they would encourage more NGOs to come forward and bring up such projects for the benefit of the Sabarmati jail inmates.

In a novel initiative, the women inmates of the Sabarmati Central Prison at Ahmedabad have taken up the task of making sanitary napkins. The enterprise will serve not only as a source of income for them but also promote better menstrual hygiene among women inmates in jails across Gujarat, an official said. The sanitary pads, made at the manufacturing unit installed last week by a city-based NGO in the women’s barrack of the Sabarmati jail, will be given free of cost to all women inmates lodged in various prisons of the state, the official said. The Navjivan Trust, an organisation founded by Mahatma Gandhi, acted a bridge between the NGO, Karma Foundation, and the jail authorities in shaping up this innovative project of providing some meaningful work to the women inmates. The work to manufacture sanitary pads at the unit in the Sabarmati jail premises was formally launched on May 11. The Karma Foundation’s managing trustee, Priyanshi Patel, said the idea of starting the project struck her when she visited the jail six months back and saw women inmates spending their time without doing any work. “The Navjivan Trust then suggested me to install a sanitary napkins manufacturing unit. This will provide income to these inmates,” Patel said. The sanitary pads made in the Sabarmati jail will be given free of cost to all women prisoners across the state, she said. In future, the NGO would also take up the task of selling these napkins at subsidized rates through government agencies, Patel said. “The women inmates can also start a small business of making sanitary pads after they come out of the jail,” she suggested. At present, one manufacturing unit has been installed where about 12 women prisoners can work at a time. “We will gradually increase the number of manufacturing units,” Patel said. The in-charge superintendent of Sabarmati jail, V H Dindor, expressed happiness that the women prisoners have now got some work to do. The Navjivan Trust’s managing trustee, Vivek Desai, said they would encourage more NGOs to come forward and bring up such projects for the benefit of the Sabarmati jail inmates.

Sabarmati Jail’s ‘padwomen’ take a step towards empowerment

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