Prato della Valle is the largest public square in Italy, with a canal lined with statues surrounding an artificial island where locals love to stroll, or take in the sun on warmer days.

The sculptures depict illustrious historical figures with strong ties to this northern Italian city. All 78 of them are of men. They have stood sentry for centuries. But since 1797, when the French Army invaded, there have been a couple of unoccupied pedestals on the canal.

So just before the New Year, two city councilors proposed a motion to include a statue of the 17th-century philosopher Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia among those in Prato della Valle.

When it comes to the city’s statuary, Prato della Valle is “the symbol of historical male predominance,” said Simone Pillitteri, one of the councilors. “The fact that there were these vacant spots was a glaring reminder that women are underrepresented here and elsewhere and that they were marginalized in the past, certainly not put on pedestals.”

Including a statue of Cornaro Piscopia — the first woman in the world to graduate with a university degree, obtained at the University of Padua in philosophy in 1678 — would be a strong sign that “today, our culture has completely changed,” Mr. Pillitteri said.

“It would be a sign for the future.”

But that simple proposal has spawned a debate over cancel culture, male chauvinism in the 18th century, the underrepresentation of women in art and the historical significance of monuments.

Academics, politicians and feminists have weighed in. Critics have cited the findings of a 2021 report by a cultural heritage association that counted barely 200 statues of women in public spaces in Italy. A head count of male statuary in Italy does not exist, but a useful comparison might be found among the 229 busts on Rome’s Pincian Hill. Only three depict women.

Some commentators saw the proposal as an example of “cancel culture,” an attempt to rewrite history through the lens of contemporary gender equality. For other opponents, the debate has centered upon the inviolability of a historical monument.

“Like it or not, Prato della Valle is an expression of the past,” one in which it was acceptable for a monument of illustrious locals to be all male, said David Tramarin, a local politician and art historian. “We must learn from the past, not change it.”

Mr. Tramarin said adding a statue of a woman to the all-male monument felt more like an afterthought. He suggested instead installing several female statues in a centrally located park now under development. “Let’s define a new space and look to the future, a space with many women would be interesting and unique in Italy,” he said.

To be fair, Prato della Valle does have a female figure — a bust of the 16th-century poet Gaspara Stampa — but it is relegated to a spot at the feet of the statue of the Renaissance sculptor Andrea Briosco. The other statues depict popes, notable admirals and physicians, but also celebrated Italians who taught at the university, like Galileo.

Rosanna Carrieri, a spokeswoman for Mi Riconosci, the association of cultural heritage professionals that worked on the 2021 report and is still counting statues, noted that though women were increasingly represented in public spaces, the iconography often showcased stereotypes. She cited a statue of nude washerwoman in Bologna dating to 2001, as well as a statue of a scantily clad gleaner unveiled last year.

“They are symptomatic of a problem of representation, of how women continue to be considered,” she said.

Daniela Mapelli, the rector of the University of Padua, said the issue was less about “which statue or which woman to honor, but to invert the tendency and give greater recognition to the role of women in society.” She added, “Even in 2022, this is an issue that struggles to come to the fore.”

Last year, Ms. Mapelli made history herself, becoming the first woman to guide the university in 800 years, and one of only eight female rectors at Italy’s more than 80 universities.

She noted that the University of Padua already had a statue of Cornaro Piscopia “prominently located” in its main building.

Of late, Padua’s municipal committee, tasked with the city’s new place names, has been giving a lot of thought to “balancing a very strong historical imbalance when it comes to the female presence in streets and piazzas,” said Carlo Fumian, a history professor at the University of Padua who is on the committee.

But a proposal to name roundabouts after women had been deemed “not noble enough.” The idea of changing the name of existing streets “risked putting citizens on the warpath,” because of lost mail and other possible problems.

Mr. Fumian said that Prato della Valle, which was commissioned in 1775, reflects a specific moment in the city’s past, and that even the vacant pedestals, once adorned by statues of Venetian doges that the French Army destroyed in 1797, “are a piece of Padua’s history.”

“You can’t rewrite history with a hammer or scalpel,” he said. “It’s a grave cultural error.” Better to place a placard next to a vacant pedestal, he added, and explain why it is vacant.

Margherita Colonnello, the other city councilor who drafted the motion, said its intent was not to “pervert or destroy” the Prato della Valle monument “but to add something new, something that represents present-day history where women play a prominent role,” she said.

The “enormous reaction to the proposal,” was unexpected, she said. It reflected the reality that while things were changing in Italy, there still remained “some conservative intellectuals” who did not understand the importance of discussing the underrepresentation of “half the population.”

The motion will be discussed in City Hall later this month, she said.

Mr. Pillitteri, the city councilor, pointed out that the University of Padua would be celebrating its 800th anniversary in 2022, led by a female rector. “It would be great to mark the event with a new statue of a woman,” and why not, he said, “with some debate.”

Prato della Valle is the largest public square in Italy, with a canal lined with statues surrounding an artificial island where locals love to stroll, or take in the sun on warmer days.

Prato della Valle is the largest public square in Italy, with a canal lined with statues surrounding an artificial island where locals love to stroll, or take in the sun on warmer days. The sculptures depict illustrious historical figures with strong ties to this northern Italian city. All 78 of them are of men. They have stood sentry for centuries. But since 1797, when the French Army invaded, there have been a couple of unoccupied pedestals on the canal. So just before the New Year, two city councilors proposed a motion to include a statue of the 17th-century philosopher Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia among those in Prato della Valle. When it comes to the city’s statuary, Prato della Valle is “the symbol of historical male predominance,” said Simone Pillitteri, one of the councilors. “The fact that there were these vacant spots was a glaring reminder that women are underrepresented here and elsewhere and that they were marginalized in the past, certainly not put on pedestals.” Including a statue of Cornaro Piscopia — the first woman in the world to graduate with a university degree, obtained at the University of Padua in philosophy in 1678 — would be a strong sign that “today, our culture has completely changed,” Mr. Pillitteri said. “It would be a sign for the future.” But that simple proposal has spawned a debate over cancel culture, male chauvinism in the 18th century, the underrepresentation of women in art and the historical significance of monuments. Academics, politicians and feminists have weighed in. Critics have cited the findings of a 2021 report by a cultural heritage association that counted barely 200 statues of women in public spaces in Italy. A head count of male statuary in Italy does not exist, but a useful comparison might be found among the 229 busts on Rome’s Pincian Hill. Only three depict women. Some commentators saw the proposal as an example of “cancel culture,” an attempt to rewrite history through the lens of contemporary gender equality. For other opponents, the debate has centered upon the inviolability of a historical monument. “Like it or not, Prato della Valle is an expression of the past,” one in which it was acceptable for a monument of illustrious locals to be all male, said David Tramarin, a local politician and art historian. “We must learn from the past, not change it.” Mr. Tramarin said adding a statue of a woman to the all-male monument felt more like an afterthought. He suggested instead installing several female statues in a centrally located park now under development. “Let’s define a new space and look to the future, a space with many women would be interesting and unique in Italy,” he said. To be fair, Prato della Valle does have a female figure — a bust of the 16th-century poet Gaspara Stampa — but it is relegated to a spot at the feet of the statue of the Renaissance sculptor Andrea Briosco. The other statues depict popes, notable admirals and physicians, but also celebrated Italians who taught at the university, like Galileo. Rosanna Carrieri, a spokeswoman for Mi Riconosci, the association of cultural heritage professionals that worked on the 2021 report and is still counting statues, noted that though women were increasingly represented in public spaces, the iconography often showcased stereotypes. She cited a statue of nude washerwoman in Bologna dating to 2001, as well as a statue of a scantily clad gleaner unveiled last year. “They are symptomatic of a problem of representation, of how women continue to be considered,” she said. Daniela Mapelli, the rector of the University of Padua, said the issue was less about “which statue or which woman to honor, but to invert the tendency and give greater recognition to the role of women in society.” She added, “Even in 2022, this is an issue that struggles to come to the fore.” Last year, Ms. Mapelli made history herself, becoming the first woman to guide the university in 800 years, and one of only eight female rectors at Italy’s more than 80 universities. She noted that the University of Padua already had a statue of Cornaro Piscopia “prominently located” in its main building. Of late, Padua’s municipal committee, tasked with the city’s new place names, has been giving a lot of thought to “balancing a very strong historical imbalance when it comes to the female presence in streets and piazzas,” said Carlo Fumian, a history professor at the University of Padua who is on the committee. But a proposal to name roundabouts after women had been deemed “not noble enough.” The idea of changing the name of existing streets “risked putting citizens on the warpath,” because of lost mail and other possible problems. Mr. Fumian said that Prato della Valle, which was commissioned in 1775, reflects a specific moment in the city’s past, and that even the vacant pedestals, once adorned by statues of Venetian doges that the French Army destroyed in 1797, “are a piece of Padua’s history.” “You can’t rewrite history with a hammer or scalpel,” he said. “It’s a grave cultural error.” Better to place a placard next to a vacant pedestal, he added, and explain why it is vacant. Margherita Colonnello, the other city councilor who drafted the motion, said its intent was not to “pervert or destroy” the Prato della Valle monument “but to add something new, something that represents present-day history where women play a prominent role,” she said. The “enormous reaction to the proposal,” was unexpected, she said. It reflected the reality that while things were changing in Italy, there still remained “some conservative intellectuals” who did not understand the importance of discussing the underrepresentation of “half the population.” The motion will be discussed in City Hall later this month, she said. Mr. Pillitteri, the city councilor, pointed out that the University of Padua would be celebrating its 800th anniversary in 2022, led by a female rector. “It would be great to mark the event with a new statue of a woman,” and why not, he said, “with some debate.”

Put a female statue on a vacant pedestal? An Italian city says not so fast.

New York is all set to get its first-ever female police commissioner to lead the nation’s largest police department.

Former police officer and Democratic mayor-elect Eric Adams, who will be the city's second Black mayor, picked Nassau County Chief of Detectives, Keechant Sewell—who will also be only the third Black person to lead the New York Police Department (NYPD).

"Keechant Sewell is a proven crime fighter with the experience and emotional intelligence to deliver both the safety New Yorkers need and the justice they deserve," Adams said in a statement released to CNN.

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We congratulate and welcome Chief Keechant Sewell for making history as the first female Police Commissioner of the NYPD. 👮🎉🎉🎉 <a href="https://t.co/U9QPbHv0Ak">pic.twitter.com/U9QPbHv0Ak</a>
— NYDominican Officers (@NYDO_1993) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYDO_1993/status/1470959118445858822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“Chief Sewell will wake up every day laser-focused on keeping New Yorkers safe and improving our city, and I am thrilled to have her at the helm of the NYPD,” he said.

The announcement of a new police chief comes at a time when the trust between NYPD and the public is at an all-time low, following accusations of racist and corrupt officers in its ranks.

Commanding approximately 36,000 police officers in the largest city in the United States, Sewell, 49, will shoulder the tough task of maintaining security in New York at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has been accompanied by a surge in crime.&nbsp;

"We welcome Chief Sewell to the second-toughest policing job in America. The toughest, of course, is being an NYPD cop on the street," said Patrick Lynch, head of the main police union in the city, the Police Benevolent Association.

(With inputs from agencies)

New York is all set to get its first-ever female police commissioner to lead the nation’s largest police department. Former police officer and Democratic mayor-elect Eric Adams, who will be the city's second Black mayor, picked Nassau County Chief of Detectives, Keechant Sewell—who will also be only the third Black person to lead the New York Police Department (NYPD).

New York is all set to get its first-ever female police commissioner to lead the nation’s largest police department. Former police officer and Democratic mayor-elect Eric Adams, who will be the city's second Black mayor, picked Nassau County Chief of Detectives, Keechant Sewell—who will also be only the third Black person to lead the New York Police Department (NYPD). "Keechant Sewell is a proven crime fighter with the experience and emotional intelligence to deliver both the safety New Yorkers need and the justice they deserve," Adams said in a statement released to CNN. We congratulate and welcome Chief Keechant Sewell for making history as the first female Police Commissioner of the NYPD. 👮🎉🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/U9QPbHv0Ak — NYDominican Officers (@NYDO_1993) December 15, 2021 × “Chief Sewell will wake up every day laser-focused on keeping New Yorkers safe and improving our city, and I am thrilled to have her at the helm of the NYPD,” he said. The announcement of a new police chief comes at a time when the trust between NYPD and the public is at an all-time low, following accusations of racist and corrupt officers in its ranks. Commanding approximately 36,000 police officers in the largest city in the United States, Sewell, 49, will shoulder the tough task of maintaining security in New York at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has been accompanied by a surge in crime. "We welcome Chief Sewell to the second-toughest policing job in America. The toughest, of course, is being an NYPD cop on the street," said Patrick Lynch, head of the main police union in the city, the Police Benevolent Association. (With inputs from agencies)

New York all set to get first-ever female police commissioner

When Pinterest went public in 2019, Christine Martinez’s friends sent congratulations. She had worked closely with the founders of the digital pinboard in its earliest days, and her friends thought she would get rich alongside them.

But as Pinterest’s stock price rose, turning its founders into billionaires, Martinez realized she would not be compensated or credited for her contributions, she said.

On Monday, she sued.

In a lawsuit filed in Alameda County Superior Court in California, Martinez accused Ben Silbermann and Paul Sciarra, two of Pinterest’s three co-founders, of breach of implied contract, idea theft, unjust enrichment and unfair business practices. Martinez created Pinterest alongside Silbermann and Sciarra, the lawsuit said, contributing ideas that were “core organizing concepts,” such as organizing images on boards and enabling e-commerce.

Martinez, 40, was never formally employed by Pinterest nor did she ask for a contract. She was not given stock, though she said Pinterest’s founders had verbally agreed to compensate her many times.

Martinez argued that she and the founders had an implied contract, based on their discussions. Pinterest even named a section of its source code after her, according to the complaint.

Pinterest did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit renews questions about whether Pinterest, which caters primarily to female users, is hostile to women and minorities in its workplace.

Over the summer, Ifeoma Ozoma and Aerica Shimizu Banks, two former Pinterest employees, wrote on Twitter about the pay disparities, retaliation and sexist, racist comments they had experienced at the company. Shortly after, Francoise Brougher, Pinterest’s former chief operating officer, sued the company, claiming gender discrimination and retaliation.

In December, the company agreed to a $22.5 million settlement with Brougher, including a $2.5 million donation toward charities for women and underrepresented minorities in tech.

According to the lawsuit, Martinez gave the co-founders the idea of organizing images on “boards,” a core feature of the site; created its call-to-action phrase, “Pin it”; and established its main categories including home décor, fashion and DIY (do-it-yourself). She also helped Silbermann persuade top design and lifestyle bloggers to use Pinterest and promote it. She took him to conferences, gathered feedback from the community and honed the pitch, she said.

Martinez said she realized she would not be compensated only after Pinterest went public in 2019.

When Pinterest went public in 2019, Christine Martinez’s friends sent congratulations. She had worked closely with the founders of the digital pinboard in its earliest days, and her friends thought she would get rich alongside them.

When Pinterest went public in 2019, Christine Martinez’s friends sent congratulations. She had worked closely with the founders of the digital pinboard in its earliest days, and her friends thought she would get rich alongside them. But as Pinterest’s stock price rose, turning its founders into billionaires, Martinez realized she would not be compensated or credited for her contributions, she said. On Monday, she sued. In a lawsuit filed in Alameda County Superior Court in California, Martinez accused Ben Silbermann and Paul Sciarra, two of Pinterest’s three co-founders, of breach of implied contract, idea theft, unjust enrichment and unfair business practices. Martinez created Pinterest alongside Silbermann and Sciarra, the lawsuit said, contributing ideas that were “core organizing concepts,” such as organizing images on boards and enabling e-commerce. Martinez, 40, was never formally employed by Pinterest nor did she ask for a contract. She was not given stock, though she said Pinterest’s founders had verbally agreed to compensate her many times. Martinez argued that she and the founders had an implied contract, based on their discussions. Pinterest even named a section of its source code after her, according to the complaint. Pinterest did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit renews questions about whether Pinterest, which caters primarily to female users, is hostile to women and minorities in its workplace. Over the summer, Ifeoma Ozoma and Aerica Shimizu Banks, two former Pinterest employees, wrote on Twitter about the pay disparities, retaliation and sexist, racist comments they had experienced at the company. Shortly after, Francoise Brougher, Pinterest’s former chief operating officer, sued the company, claiming gender discrimination and retaliation. In December, the company agreed to a $22.5 million settlement with Brougher, including a $2.5 million donation toward charities for women and underrepresented minorities in tech. According to the lawsuit, Martinez gave the co-founders the idea of organizing images on “boards,” a core feature of the site; created its call-to-action phrase, “Pin it”; and established its main categories including home décor, fashion and DIY (do-it-yourself). She also helped Silbermann persuade top design and lifestyle bloggers to use Pinterest and promote it. She took him to conferences, gathered feedback from the community and honed the pitch, she said. Martinez said she realized she would not be compensated only after Pinterest went public in 2019.

Pinterest accused of not paying female ‘co-creator’

The valley of Kashmir is being enthralled by a young voice these days. Every morning, the 20-year-old female radio jockey would take up issues faced by women and discuss the grievances of locals on her show to get their matters resolved.&nbsp;

Samaniya Bhat is the youngest radio jockey in the valley and the first female RJ from north Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She recently graduated from Baramulla College in Mass Communication and Journalism and has been working with Radio Chinar 90.4 FM since February this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;The radio station auditioned more than 250 candidates before signing her for the position.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Samaniya has also become a champion of issues related to women. She hosts a show called Halla Bol, where she speaks to young achievers— mostly women—from north Kashmir.&nbsp;The station is fast becoming a voice for the people from the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I was always told by my teachers to take up radio jockeying, but I wasn’t keen. But then I got a call for the auditions one day, and finally got selected. And here I am, loving every bit of it. Radio is a very creative field. When you get to speak to listeners, you get to know what’s happening in their lives. I get calls and they discuss their problems. There was a girl recently who spoke about how she wasn’t allowed to study further after graduation and was made to sit at home. She told me that whenever she listens to me, it gives hope,” she said.&nbsp;

Samaniya has become an inspiration for the youth in the valley. She is the first one from her area to take up radio jockey as a profession. She says she has pushed the barrier and wants other girls to follow their dreams, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Most of the&nbsp;time,&nbsp;I get calls from women. They get happy whenever they talk to me. They sometimes think that I am an old lady and usually get inspired by my story. I am from the old town&nbsp;of&nbsp;Baramulla,&nbsp;and not many girls from the area take up such a profession. I am the first girl from Baramulla to work as an RJ. A lot of girls now want to do things which are different. Most of them who call me say that they would have been married off otherwise after graduation, but are now resisting their families and pursuing further studies. My advice to many such women is:&nbsp;always listen to your heart and do what you want to do,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The radio station is based out of North Kashmir’s Sopore town and is run by a team of four youngsters. The station has become a hit within a short span of time. The station mostly takes up local issues and has gained a lot of popularity due to that.&nbsp;

“It’s becoming famous with each passing day. We talk about the local issues and grievances, and we raise them with the local administration to get those issues resolved. We also give a platform to the locals to showcase their talents. They appreciate this part of radio Chinar,” said&nbsp;Sahil Muzaffar, radio jockey and station head of Radio Chinar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The valley of Kashmir is being enthralled by a young voice these days. Every morning, the 20-year-old female radio jockey would take up issues faced by women and discuss the grievances of locals on her show to get their matters resolved.

The valley of Kashmir is being enthralled by a young voice these days. Every morning, the 20-year-old female radio jockey would take up issues faced by women and discuss the grievances of locals on her show to get their matters resolved. Samaniya Bhat is the youngest radio jockey in the valley and the first female RJ from north Kashmir. She recently graduated from Baramulla College in Mass Communication and Journalism and has been working with Radio Chinar 90.4 FM since February this year. The radio station auditioned more than 250 candidates before signing her for the position. Samaniya has also become a champion of issues related to women. She hosts a show called Halla Bol, where she speaks to young achievers— mostly women—from north Kashmir. The station is fast becoming a voice for the people from the region. “I was always told by my teachers to take up radio jockeying, but I wasn’t keen. But then I got a call for the auditions one day, and finally got selected. And here I am, loving every bit of it. Radio is a very creative field. When you get to speak to listeners, you get to know what’s happening in their lives. I get calls and they discuss their problems. There was a girl recently who spoke about how she wasn’t allowed to study further after graduation and was made to sit at home. She told me that whenever she listens to me, it gives hope,” she said. Samaniya has become an inspiration for the youth in the valley. She is the first one from her area to take up radio jockey as a profession. She says she has pushed the barrier and wants other girls to follow their dreams, too. “Most of the time, I get calls from women. They get happy whenever they talk to me. They sometimes think that I am an old lady and usually get inspired by my story. I am from the old town of Baramulla, and not many girls from the area take up such a profession. I am the first girl from Baramulla to work as an RJ. A lot of girls now want to do things which are different. Most of them who call me say that they would have been married off otherwise after graduation, but are now resisting their families and pursuing further studies. My advice to many such women is: always listen to your heart and do what you want to do,” she said. The radio station is based out of North Kashmir’s Sopore town and is run by a team of four youngsters. The station has become a hit within a short span of time. The station mostly takes up local issues and has gained a lot of popularity due to that. “It’s becoming famous with each passing day. We talk about the local issues and grievances, and we raise them with the local administration to get those issues resolved. We also give a platform to the locals to showcase their talents. They appreciate this part of radio Chinar,” said Sahil Muzaffar, radio jockey and station head of Radio Chinar.

Meet the youngest and first female RJ from north Kashmir

According to a new guideline, people can answer queries regarding their gender in Scotland’s 2022 census on the basis of how they identify themselves rather than as per the legal status, the body responsible for the survey has said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the National Records of Scotland (NRS) issued guideline telling the people to answer the sex question according to how they self-identify and not on the basis of the details on their birth certificate or a gender recognition certificate, if they have. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Know how to stay happy and healthy in old age

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“If you are transgender the answer you give can be different from what is on your birth certificate. You do not need a gender recognition certificate (GRC),” it said. &nbsp;

“If you are non-binary or you are not sure how to answer, you could use the sex registered on your official documents, such as your passport,” it further said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-tools-as-cutlery-wild-cockatoos-extract-seeds-from-tropical-fruit-409990" hreflang="en">With tools as ‘cutlery’, wild cockatoos extract seeds from tropical fruit</a>

Without a formal legal process, a person’s sex can be altered on the passport. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Delayed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the census also includes a voluntary question about transgender status or history for the first time, for those aged 16 or over. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to a new guideline, people can answer queries regarding their gender in Scotland’s 2022 census on the basis of how they identify themselves rather than as per the legal status, the body responsible for the survey has said.

According to a new guideline, people can answer queries regarding their gender in Scotland’s 2022 census on the basis of how they identify themselves rather than as per the legal status, the body responsible for the survey has said. On Tuesday, the National Records of Scotland (NRS) issued guideline telling the people to answer the sex question according to how they self-identify and not on the basis of the details on their birth certificate or a gender recognition certificate, if they have. Watch: Know how to stay happy and healthy in old age × “If you are transgender the answer you give can be different from what is on your birth certificate. You do not need a gender recognition certificate (GRC),” it said. “If you are non-binary or you are not sure how to answer, you could use the sex registered on your official documents, such as your passport,” it further said. Also Read: With tools as ‘cutlery’, wild cockatoos extract seeds from tropical fruit Without a formal legal process, a person’s sex can be altered on the passport. Delayed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the census also includes a voluntary question about transgender status or history for the first time, for those aged 16 or over.

People can self-identify to answer gender queries in Scotland’s 2022 census

Kathy Hochul became the first female governor of New York on Tuesday, and outlined her goals for combating deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

The 62-year-old said she&nbsp;wants to impose vaccines for all educational workers in the state, with the option to test out weekly.&nbsp; 
 
"Your priorities are my priorities and right now that means fighting the delta variant, none of us want a re-run of last year's horrors with COVID-19," she said. 
 
Hochul said she will lead a "dramatic transformation in culture, with responsibility and no tolerance for people who cross the line" in her first speech to New Yorkers since being sworn in as the state's 57th governor. 
 
Elevated from the relative obscurity as lieutenant governor to the post of prominent position of New York’s 57th governor at the stroke of midnight, Hochul said she wants to revive faith in government after a ceremonial swearing-in on Tuesday morning. &nbsp; 
 
Watch:&nbsp;US Supreme Court requires Biden to revive Trump-era 'remain in Mexico' policy

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The New York’s new governor said, “I want people to believe in our government again. It’s important to me that people have faith – our strength comes from the faith and the confidence of the people who put us into these offices and I take that very seriously.” &nbsp;

Hochul also talked about “changing the culture of Albany. I’m looking forward to a fresh collaborative approach – that’s how I’ve always conducted myself, it’s nothing new to me, but it’s something I’ll be introducing to the state Capitol.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-offers-vietnam-support-to-counter-beijing-in-south-china-sea-408161">US vice president offers Vietnam support to counter Beijing in South China Sea&nbsp;</a>

Without mentioning the predecessor Andrew Cuomo’s name, she criticised the leader in her remarks. &nbsp;

Cuomo was the governor of the state for a decade until he was brought down by a devastating report from the state attorney general based on sexual harassment accusations from 11 women.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Kathy Hochul became the first female governor of New York on Tuesday, and outlined her goals for combating deadly COVID-19 pandemic. The 62-year-old said she wants to impose vaccines for all educational workers in the state, with the option to test out weekly.

Kathy Hochul became the first female governor of New York on Tuesday, and outlined her goals for combating deadly COVID-19 pandemic. The 62-year-old said she wants to impose vaccines for all educational workers in the state, with the option to test out weekly. "Your priorities are my priorities and right now that means fighting the delta variant, none of us want a re-run of last year's horrors with COVID-19," she said. Hochul said she will lead a "dramatic transformation in culture, with responsibility and no tolerance for people who cross the line" in her first speech to New Yorkers since being sworn in as the state's 57th governor. Elevated from the relative obscurity as lieutenant governor to the post of prominent position of New York’s 57th governor at the stroke of midnight, Hochul said she wants to revive faith in government after a ceremonial swearing-in on Tuesday morning. Watch: US Supreme Court requires Biden to revive Trump-era 'remain in Mexico' policy × The New York’s new governor said, “I want people to believe in our government again. It’s important to me that people have faith – our strength comes from the faith and the confidence of the people who put us into these offices and I take that very seriously.” Hochul also talked about “changing the culture of Albany. I’m looking forward to a fresh collaborative approach – that’s how I’ve always conducted myself, it’s nothing new to me, but it’s something I’ll be introducing to the state Capitol.” Also Read: US vice president offers Vietnam support to counter Beijing in South China Sea Without mentioning the predecessor Andrew Cuomo’s name, she criticised the leader in her remarks. Cuomo was the governor of the state for a decade until he was brought down by a devastating report from the state attorney general based on sexual harassment accusations from 11 women. (With inputs from agencies)

Kathy Hochul becomes first female governor of New York state

In a recent video that has emerged on the internet, Taliban militants&nbsp;can be seen laughing after a journalist asked a question pertaining to democracy and female politicians in the country.&nbsp;

Uploaded on Twitter by author David Patrikarakos, the video shows a female journalist, asking Taliban&nbsp;members if they would be willing to accept democratic governance that voted in female politicians.&nbsp;

"Stop filming. Stop it. It made me laugh," replied one of the members.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Taliban collapses with laughter as journalist asks if they would be willing to accept democratic governance that voted in female politicians - and then tells camera to stop filming. “It made me laugh” he says.<a href="https://t.co/km0s1Lkzx5">pic.twitter.com/km0s1Lkzx5</a>
— David Patrikarakos (@dpatrikarakos) <a href="https://twitter.com/dpatrikarakos/status/1427567411692244992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Courtesy: Twitter/@dpatrikarakos

Meanwhile, after the fall of Kabul, in the first indication of the Taliban's&nbsp;concessions concerning women's rights, the group said that it was fine with women receiving primary and higher education which includes attending university.

Women "can get education from primary to higher education -- that means university. We have announced this policy at international conferences, the Moscow conference and here at the Doha conference (on Afghanistan)," said Suhail Shaheen, Taliban spokesperson for its political office in Doha

Under the militants' hardline 1996-2001 rule, girls' schools were closed, women were prevented from travelling and working, and women were forced to wear an all-covering burqa in public.

Shaheen also indicated that burqa will not be compulsory for women but a hijab would be.

"The burqa is not the only hijab (headscarf) that (can) be observed, there is different types of hijab not limited to burqa," Suhail Shaheen, spokesman for the group's political office in Doha, told Britain's Sky News.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these visuals

In a recent video that has emerged on the internet, Taliban militants can be seen laughing after a journalist asked a question pertaining to democracy and female politicians in the country.

In a recent video that has emerged on the internet, Taliban militants can be seen laughing after a journalist asked a question pertaining to democracy and female politicians in the country. Uploaded on Twitter by author David Patrikarakos, the video shows a female journalist, asking Taliban members if they would be willing to accept democratic governance that voted in female politicians. "Stop filming. Stop it. It made me laugh," replied one of the members. Taliban collapses with laughter as journalist asks if they would be willing to accept democratic governance that voted in female politicians - and then tells camera to stop filming. “It made me laugh” he says.pic.twitter.com/km0s1Lkzx5 — David Patrikarakos (@dpatrikarakos) August 17, 2021 × Courtesy: Twitter/@dpatrikarakos Meanwhile, after the fall of Kabul, in the first indication of the Taliban's concessions concerning women's rights, the group said that it was fine with women receiving primary and higher education which includes attending university. Women "can get education from primary to higher education -- that means university. We have announced this policy at international conferences, the Moscow conference and here at the Doha conference (on Afghanistan)," said Suhail Shaheen, Taliban spokesperson for its political office in Doha Under the militants' hardline 1996-2001 rule, girls' schools were closed, women were prevented from travelling and working, and women were forced to wear an all-covering burqa in public. Shaheen also indicated that burqa will not be compulsory for women but a hijab would be. "The burqa is not the only hijab (headscarf) that (can) be observed, there is different types of hijab not limited to burqa," Suhail Shaheen, spokesman for the group's political office in Doha, told Britain's Sky News. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these visuals

Watch: Taliban members break into laughter when asked about democracy and female politicians

For our safety: Young women in Venezuela protest against increasing femicide

Iranian parliamentary election begins, hardliners set to dominate

FIFA officials will visit Iran, following the death of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blue-girl-football-fan-admitted-mistake-and-expressed-regret-iran-249651">female fan</a> who set herself on fire in protest at her arrest for attending a match, world soccer's governing body told Reuters on Wednesday.

Sahar Khodayari, dubbed “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/death-of-female-iranian-football-fan-puts-fifa-and-asian-soccer-body-in-dock-249419">Blue Girl</a>” due to her favourite team Esteghlal’s colours, died in hospital on Monday after her self-immolation outside a court where she feared being jailed for six months having attended the match in disguise as a man.

While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men's teams have been playing since just after the 1979 Islamic revolution.

A FIFA spokesman said that meetings with Iranian soccer officials, expected inside the next two weeks, were part of preparations for Iran's World Cup qualifying games -- they face Cambodia at home on October&nbsp;10 -- and were not a specific response to Khodayari's death.

The FIFA officials, however, will check the preparations made by the Iranian FA to provide access to that October&nbsp;10 match for women.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously urged Iranian authorities to take "concrete steps" to allow Iranian and foreign women to buy tickets and attend games.

The death of Khodayari has caused widespread outrage in Iran and internationally and there have been calls on social media for Iran's football federation to be suspended or banned by FIFA.

Popular Iranian exile musician Arash Sobhani, of the group Kiosk, was among those who took to social media to protest and told Reuters that Infantino needed to take action.

"He needs to step up and do what is right. Ban the Iranian federation until they allow all the Iranian women to go to the stadium. They should be just as equal as the men," he said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, FIFA expressed its condolences and said it reiterated "our calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure the freedom and safety of any women engaged in this legitimate fight to end the stadium ban for women in Iran."

"Foul language"

Jesper Moller, president of the Danish Football Union, and a member of FIFA's organising committee for competitions, told Danish newspaper Politiken that he expects action from the governing body.

"FIFA has an independent disciplinary system and they will look at it. I will let them. And once they have given a verdict, it may well be that the case ends up with the international sports court, CAS. But that it (the stadium ban) must be punished is clear,” said Moller, who is also a member of European governing body UEFA's executive committee.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's chief of staff said on Wednesday that women would be allowed into stadiums if foul language in chants and sporadic violence was curbed. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We don’t see a problem with women attending if the atmosphere in stadiums is convenient... but with so much foul language among fans and violence, this is not advisable," Mahmoud Vaezi told state television.

He said the sports minister would contact leaders of supporter groups to "improve the atmosphere from a moral standpoint" and special areas for women would be set up in stadiums.

"If there is a well-mannered atmosphere in stadiums, we have no objection to (the admission of women)," Vaezi told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

Iran's national team won a World Cup qualifier in Hong Kong 2-0 on Tuesday.

Captain Masoud Shojaei issued a statement on Instagram, describing the match as "the most bitter and saddest win of the national team."

"We scored two goals and won the game on the field. But we lost because Sahar is no longer," he wrote.

"Shame on me for not having been able to do anything and shame on those who took away the most obvious right from Sahar and all Sahars."

"Equality is a lie"

Former Australia captain and human rights activist Craig Foster told Reuters that FIFA needed to enforce its own rules.

"The FIFA statutes say that discrimination on grounds of gender is punishable by suspension or expulsion," he said.

"If the statutes are not worth upholding, then withdraw them and let football be honest to the women of Iran. Because at the moment, despite the promise, equality is a lie," he added.

There were signs that the situation regarding female fans in Iran was changing when a group of women were permitted to attend the second leg of the Asian Champions League final in Tehran last November.

Infantino was present at the Azadi Stadium when Persepolis played Japan's Kashima Antlers in front more than 1,000 female fans in a designated "family section".

That came after concerted efforts from pressure groups both inside and outside Iran, who were backed by senior players and former national team coach Carlos Queiroz.

It was hoped the breakthrough, which came after Infantino discussed the issue with Rouhani, would lead to further concessions on the issue in the conservative Islamic nation.

Female fans, however, have been denied access to matches since. At Iran's friendly against Syria in June, women were locked out of the Azadi Stadium and detained by security forces.

 
&nbsp;

FIFA officials will visit Iran, following the death of a female fan who set herself on fire in protest at her arrest for attending a match, world soccer's governing body told Reuters on Wednesday.

FIFA officials will visit Iran, following the death of a female fan who set herself on fire in protest at her arrest for attending a match, world soccer's governing body told Reuters on Wednesday. Sahar Khodayari, dubbed “Blue Girl” due to her favourite team Esteghlal’s colours, died in hospital on Monday after her self-immolation outside a court where she feared being jailed for six months having attended the match in disguise as a man. While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men's teams have been playing since just after the 1979 Islamic revolution. A FIFA spokesman said that meetings with Iranian soccer officials, expected inside the next two weeks, were part of preparations for Iran's World Cup qualifying games -- they face Cambodia at home on October 10 -- and were not a specific response to Khodayari's death. The FIFA officials, however, will check the preparations made by the Iranian FA to provide access to that October 10 match for women. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously urged Iranian authorities to take "concrete steps" to allow Iranian and foreign women to buy tickets and attend games. The death of Khodayari has caused widespread outrage in Iran and internationally and there have been calls on social media for Iran's football federation to be suspended or banned by FIFA. Popular Iranian exile musician Arash Sobhani, of the group Kiosk, was among those who took to social media to protest and told Reuters that Infantino needed to take action. "He needs to step up and do what is right. Ban the Iranian federation until they allow all the Iranian women to go to the stadium. They should be just as equal as the men," he said. In a statement issued on Tuesday, FIFA expressed its condolences and said it reiterated "our calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure the freedom and safety of any women engaged in this legitimate fight to end the stadium ban for women in Iran." "Foul language" Jesper Moller, president of the Danish Football Union, and a member of FIFA's organising committee for competitions, told Danish newspaper Politiken that he expects action from the governing body. "FIFA has an independent disciplinary system and they will look at it. I will let them. And once they have given a verdict, it may well be that the case ends up with the international sports court, CAS. But that it (the stadium ban) must be punished is clear,” said Moller, who is also a member of European governing body UEFA's executive committee. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's chief of staff said on Wednesday that women would be allowed into stadiums if foul language in chants and sporadic violence was curbed. "We don’t see a problem with women attending if the atmosphere in stadiums is convenient... but with so much foul language among fans and violence, this is not advisable," Mahmoud Vaezi told state television. He said the sports minister would contact leaders of supporter groups to "improve the atmosphere from a moral standpoint" and special areas for women would be set up in stadiums. "If there is a well-mannered atmosphere in stadiums, we have no objection to (the admission of women)," Vaezi told reporters after a cabinet meeting. Iran's national team won a World Cup qualifier in Hong Kong 2-0 on Tuesday. Captain Masoud Shojaei issued a statement on Instagram, describing the match as "the most bitter and saddest win of the national team." "We scored two goals and won the game on the field. But we lost because Sahar is no longer," he wrote. "Shame on me for not having been able to do anything and shame on those who took away the most obvious right from Sahar and all Sahars." "Equality is a lie" Former Australia captain and human rights activist Craig Foster told Reuters that FIFA needed to enforce its own rules. "The FIFA statutes say that discrimination on grounds of gender is punishable by suspension or expulsion," he said. "If the statutes are not worth upholding, then withdraw them and let football be honest to the women of Iran. Because at the moment, despite the promise, equality is a lie," he added. There were signs that the situation regarding female fans in Iran was changing when a group of women were permitted to attend the second leg of the Asian Champions League final in Tehran last November. Infantino was present at the Azadi Stadium when Persepolis played Japan's Kashima Antlers in front more than 1,000 female fans in a designated "family section". That came after concerted efforts from pressure groups both inside and outside Iran, who were backed by senior players and former national team coach Carlos Queiroz. It was hoped the breakthrough, which came after Infantino discussed the issue with Rouhani, would lead to further concessions on the issue in the conservative Islamic nation. Female fans, however, have been denied access to matches since. At Iran's friendly against Syria in June, women were locked out of the Azadi Stadium and detained by security forces.

FIFA officials to visit Iran after death of 'Blue Girl'

The International Cricket Council on Friday appointed PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi as the ICC board`s first independent female director.

Nooyi will join the world cricket governing body in June 2018 to align with the term of the ICC Independent Chairman, following the unanimous confirmation of her appointment.

The introduction of an Independent Director, who must be female, was approved by the ICC Full Council in June 2017 as part of wide-ranging constitutional change aimed at improving the global governance of the sport.

Reflecting on Nooyi&#39;s appointment, ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar said, &quot;We are delighted to welcome Indra to the ICC. Adding another independent director - particularly a female - is such an important step forward in improving our governance.

To have someone of Indra`s calibre is fantastic news for the global game - she is frequently recognized as one of the most influential people in business today, running one of the world`s biggest corporations.&quot;

&quot;We undertook a global search looking for the right candidate who would complement the existing skills and experience already on our Board. A cricket enthusiast with experience in the commercial sector and independent of the ICC, any Member or state or associated organization were the primary criteria and in Indra, we have found an exceptional new colleague and we look forward to working with her in the future.

&quot;Indra Nooyi said, &quot;I love the game of cricket. I played it as a teenager and in college, and to this day, I cherish the lessons the game taught me about teamwork, integrity, respect, and healthy competition. I am thrilled to join the ICC as the first person to be appointed to this role. And I look forward to working with my colleagues on the board, ICC`s incredible partners, and cricketers around the world to grow our sport responsibly and give our fans a new reason to follow every ball and shot.

&quot;The Independent Director will be appointed for a two-year term although she may be re-appointed for two further terms with a maximum six-year consecutive period of service.

&nbsp;

Nooyi PepsiCo's CEO, will join the world cricket governing body in June 2018 to align with the term of the ICC Independent Chairman, following the unanimous confirmation of her appointment

The International Cricket Council on Friday appointed PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi as the ICC board`s first independent female director. Nooyi will join the world cricket governing body in June 2018 to align with the term of the ICC Independent Chairman, following the unanimous confirmation of her appointment. The introduction of an Independent Director, who must be female, was approved by the ICC Full Council in June 2017 as part of wide-ranging constitutional change aimed at improving the global governance of the sport. Reflecting on Nooyi's appointment, ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar said, "We are delighted to welcome Indra to the ICC. Adding another independent director - particularly a female - is such an important step forward in improving our governance. To have someone of Indra`s calibre is fantastic news for the global game - she is frequently recognized as one of the most influential people in business today, running one of the world`s biggest corporations." "We undertook a global search looking for the right candidate who would complement the existing skills and experience already on our Board. A cricket enthusiast with experience in the commercial sector and independent of the ICC, any Member or state or associated organization were the primary criteria and in Indra, we have found an exceptional new colleague and we look forward to working with her in the future. "Indra Nooyi said, "I love the game of cricket. I played it as a teenager and in college, and to this day, I cherish the lessons the game taught me about teamwork, integrity, respect, and healthy competition. I am thrilled to join the ICC as the first person to be appointed to this role. And I look forward to working with my colleagues on the board, ICC`s incredible partners, and cricketers around the world to grow our sport responsibly and give our fans a new reason to follow every ball and shot. "The Independent Director will be appointed for a two-year term although she may be re-appointed for two further terms with a maximum six-year consecutive period of service.

ICC appoints Indra Nooyi as its first independent female director

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