Marwa Alomari’s compassionate and patient style made her a popular English teacher, filling her classes in Irbid, Jordan, with eager students and her off hours with private tutoring.

A university graduate, she was paid up to $3,000 a month, far more than most fellow Jordanians.

But after she married an army officer and moved in with his family, he began to resent that she was paid more than he was. Even though she contributed to the household with both money and housework, he and his family discouraged her from working and the marriage nearly fell apart, she said.

“I became adamant that I wasn’t going to quit, but eventually I found no support and I just got tired and gave up,” said Alomari, 35. “I went back to cooking, cleaning, gossiping with women. And this wasn’t my ambition.”

Her story reflects what is happening across Jordan — a small Arab monarchy that has been a steadfast ally of Western countries — where women’s status in terms of labor force participation, health and politics has been regressing for years, even lagging behind more conservative countries in the region.

For the past 10 years, the country has sat near the bottom of the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, which tracks gaps between women and men in employment, education, health and politics.

After big gains over the past three decades, more women than men in the country now graduate from university, and women also have higher literacy rates.

Despite that, 86% of women in the country are absent from the workforce, according to government figures and the latest Global Gender Gap Report. That is the highest rate in the world for a country not at war, according to the World Bank.

In contrast, Western Europe has moved the most toward gender parity and is continuing in that direction, followed by North America.

And the effects are felt far beyond economics.

“As long as women are absent from the labor market, they are absent from the public sphere,” said Asma Khader, the president of the nonprofit group Sisterhood is Global Institute in Jordan. “Top officials are afraid to impose decisions favoring women, because society is conservative. But I believe when there is real economic reform, women will become empowered and make demands.”

With its close ties to the West, an outspoken queen, and female members of parliament and police officers, Jordan has long had the image of a relatively progressive kingdom in a conservative neighborhood. But recently, some Gulf neighbors have seen an increasing number of female-led startups and changes in employment legislation that have led to growing opportunities for women.

In Jordan, the head of the household is usually defined as the husband, unless he is dead, missing or has lost his citizenship. This gives him sole guardianship over children, with authority over matters such as travel, citizenship and opening bank accounts. In Saudi Arabia, though, recent amendments allowed women to also be considered a “head of household,” at least in theory.

Traditional attitudes, discriminatory legislation, a lack of access to public transportation and pay disparities are hindering women’s advancement in Jordan.

Elections for the country’s 130-seat parliament in November were a testament to women’s shrinking role. Voter turnout was low, and female candidates lost starkly. Women did not take a single seat beyond the quota of 15 female legislators, compared with 20 in the previous parliament.

Sara Ababneh, an assistant professor of politics and international relations at the University of Jordan, said the problem went beyond elections.

“Sometimes we talk about women’s representation — we say that there should be more women ministers,” she said. “But we never talk about overall rights and real political empowerment.”

Recent World Bank research found that men in Jordan are paid as much as 40% more than women are for the same job in the private sector. In the public sector, the gap is 28%.

The disparity in employment — 53% of men are in the labor force compared with 14% of women — is nearly double that of nearby countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

Traditional roles in Jordan are enshrined in laws that differentiate between women’s and men’s rights and responsibilities. There is no law prohibiting gender discrimination in the workplace. And while the country's constitution provides that “every worker shall receive wages commensurate with the quantity and quality of his work,” there is no right to equal pay for women and men.

For Muslims, who make up most of Jordan’s population of nearly 11 million, matters of marriage, divorce, child custody and inheritance are governed by Shariah, or Islamic law, and adjudicated in Shariah courts rather than civil or military courts. Under Shariah law, for example, women can inherit property, but daughters receive half as much as sons.

And during the Arab Spring a decade ago, many women and human rights activists assailed a parliamentary committee for breaking its promise to include the word gender in the constitution’s Article 6, which is supposed to guarantee the equality of all Jordanians. It states, “There shall be no discrimination between Jordanians with regard to their rights and duties on grounds of race, language or religion.”

Despite the obstacles, some women have managed to succeed professionally.

Jamileh Shetewi is by all accounts an exception among Jordanian women. She grew up in a one-room mud-walled home with her eight siblings and parents, and spent her childhood days picking tomatoes, eggplants and bananas in hot and shadeless farms with her four sisters.

The odds were stacked against her. She dropped out of school at age 17 and married at 18. As a young farmer from 1997 to 2002, she was paid $3 a day less than the men she worked alongside, and she had to cook for them on top of her job.

She decided to go back to school, and went on to earn a doctorate in archaeology. Today she heads the Department of Antiquities for the Jordan Valley region.

“Yes, I defied all expectations,” said Shetewi, 50. “I fought and shattered the culture of shame.” But without changing laws and perceptions, she said, most women will not be able to advance.

“I didn’t care what people had to say, and I told my husband, ‘I need your support to make our lives better,’” she said. “We aren’t the enemy. Do you think a country can reform and prosper without half its population?”

Marwa Alomari’s compassionate and patient style made her a popular English teacher, filling her classes in Irbid, Jordan, with eager students and her off hours with private tutoring.

Marwa Alomari’s compassionate and patient style made her a popular English teacher, filling her classes in Irbid, Jordan, with eager students and her off hours with private tutoring. A university graduate, she was paid up to $3,000 a month, far more than most fellow Jordanians. But after she married an army officer and moved in with his family, he began to resent that she was paid more than he was. Even though she contributed to the household with both money and housework, he and his family discouraged her from working and the marriage nearly fell apart, she said. “I became adamant that I wasn’t going to quit, but eventually I found no support and I just got tired and gave up,” said Alomari, 35. “I went back to cooking, cleaning, gossiping with women. And this wasn’t my ambition.” Her story reflects what is happening across Jordan — a small Arab monarchy that has been a steadfast ally of Western countries — where women’s status in terms of labor force participation, health and politics has been regressing for years, even lagging behind more conservative countries in the region. For the past 10 years, the country has sat near the bottom of the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, which tracks gaps between women and men in employment, education, health and politics. After big gains over the past three decades, more women than men in the country now graduate from university, and women also have higher literacy rates. Despite that, 86% of women in the country are absent from the workforce, according to government figures and the latest Global Gender Gap Report. That is the highest rate in the world for a country not at war, according to the World Bank. In contrast, Western Europe has moved the most toward gender parity and is continuing in that direction, followed by North America. And the effects are felt far beyond economics. “As long as women are absent from the labor market, they are absent from the public sphere,” said Asma Khader, the president of the nonprofit group Sisterhood is Global Institute in Jordan. “Top officials are afraid to impose decisions favoring women, because society is conservative. But I believe when there is real economic reform, women will become empowered and make demands.” With its close ties to the West, an outspoken queen, and female members of parliament and police officers, Jordan has long had the image of a relatively progressive kingdom in a conservative neighborhood. But recently, some Gulf neighbors have seen an increasing number of female-led startups and changes in employment legislation that have led to growing opportunities for women. In Jordan, the head of the household is usually defined as the husband, unless he is dead, missing or has lost his citizenship. This gives him sole guardianship over children, with authority over matters such as travel, citizenship and opening bank accounts. In Saudi Arabia, though, recent amendments allowed women to also be considered a “head of household,” at least in theory. Traditional attitudes, discriminatory legislation, a lack of access to public transportation and pay disparities are hindering women’s advancement in Jordan. Elections for the country’s 130-seat parliament in November were a testament to women’s shrinking role. Voter turnout was low, and female candidates lost starkly. Women did not take a single seat beyond the quota of 15 female legislators, compared with 20 in the previous parliament. Sara Ababneh, an assistant professor of politics and international relations at the University of Jordan, said the problem went beyond elections. “Sometimes we talk about women’s representation — we say that there should be more women ministers,” she said. “But we never talk about overall rights and real political empowerment.” Recent World Bank research found that men in Jordan are paid as much as 40% more than women are for the same job in the private sector. In the public sector, the gap is 28%. The disparity in employment — 53% of men are in the labor force compared with 14% of women — is nearly double that of nearby countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Traditional roles in Jordan are enshrined in laws that differentiate between women’s and men’s rights and responsibilities. There is no law prohibiting gender discrimination in the workplace. And while the country's constitution provides that “every worker shall receive wages commensurate with the quantity and quality of his work,” there is no right to equal pay for women and men. For Muslims, who make up most of Jordan’s population of nearly 11 million, matters of marriage, divorce, child custody and inheritance are governed by Shariah, or Islamic law, and adjudicated in Shariah courts rather than civil or military courts. Under Shariah law, for example, women can inherit property, but daughters receive half as much as sons. And during the Arab Spring a decade ago, many women and human rights activists assailed a parliamentary committee for breaking its promise to include the word gender in the constitution’s Article 6, which is supposed to guarantee the equality of all Jordanians. It states, “There shall be no discrimination between Jordanians with regard to their rights and duties on grounds of race, language or religion.” Despite the obstacles, some women have managed to succeed professionally. Jamileh Shetewi is by all accounts an exception among Jordanian women. She grew up in a one-room mud-walled home with her eight siblings and parents, and spent her childhood days picking tomatoes, eggplants and bananas in hot and shadeless farms with her four sisters. The odds were stacked against her. She dropped out of school at age 17 and married at 18. As a young farmer from 1997 to 2002, she was paid $3 a day less than the men she worked alongside, and she had to cook for them on top of her job. She decided to go back to school, and went on to earn a doctorate in archaeology. Today she heads the Department of Antiquities for the Jordan Valley region. “Yes, I defied all expectations,” said Shetewi, 50. “I fought and shattered the culture of shame.” But without changing laws and perceptions, she said, most women will not be able to advance. “I didn’t care what people had to say, and I told my husband, ‘I need your support to make our lives better,’” she said. “We aren’t the enemy. Do you think a country can reform and prosper without half its population?”

Gender gap persists in Jordan’s work force

This is the age of change and the US Navy is leading the way to racial and gender equality.

For the first time, four women of colour will be commanding warships for the US Navy officers, at the same time.

Kimberly Jones, LaDonna Simpson, Kristel O’Cañas, and Kathryn Wijnaldum&nbsp;have been chosen to break the barriers in the white, male-dominated field.

Based out of Norfolk Naval Station, in Virginia, the four women are “Nuclear Surface Warfare Officers”, which is sought to be an “extremely competitive” position to obtain in the US Navy.

The four women “have spent a considerable amount of their time serving aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and in nuclear-related shore duty billets,” the US Navy said in a statement.

Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-us-navy-sings-hindi-song-from-hit-bollywood-movie-swades-373878">US Navy sings Hindi song from hit Bollywood movie 'Swades'</a>

The US Navy “looks different in the fact that as an ensign, I looked around and at that time, there were not many senior female officers that I could necessarily go to for gender-specific questions,” said Kimberly Jones in an interview with People magazine.

“I may not have felt comfortable asking my male boss,” said Jones, who has been serving in the US Navy for the past 20 years. “Now, to their credit, they were phenomenal leaders. However, when it came time [for] some of those more intimate conversations on how to plan your career with a family, as a mom, that did not exist.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shah-rukh-khan-gets-nostalgic-after-us-navy-members-sing-yeh-jo-des-hai-tera-374159">Shah Rukh Khan gets nostalgic after US Navy members sing 'Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera'</a>

“And I was overseas, so the population was slightly smaller. And now walking this waterfront, there are leaders, there are role models, at every rank...That is something that I hope ensigns, young sailors, gravitate towards and take advantage of,” she added.

This is the age of change and the US Navy is leading the way to racial and gender equality. For the first time, four women of colour will be commanding warships for the US Navy officers, at the same time.

This is the age of change and the US Navy is leading the way to racial and gender equality. For the first time, four women of colour will be commanding warships for the US Navy officers, at the same time. Kimberly Jones, LaDonna Simpson, Kristel O’Cañas, and Kathryn Wijnaldum have been chosen to break the barriers in the white, male-dominated field. Based out of Norfolk Naval Station, in Virginia, the four women are “Nuclear Surface Warfare Officers”, which is sought to be an “extremely competitive” position to obtain in the US Navy. The four women “have spent a considerable amount of their time serving aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and in nuclear-related shore duty billets,” the US Navy said in a statement. Also watch | US Navy sings Hindi song from hit Bollywood movie 'Swades' The US Navy “looks different in the fact that as an ensign, I looked around and at that time, there were not many senior female officers that I could necessarily go to for gender-specific questions,” said Kimberly Jones in an interview with People magazine. “I may not have felt comfortable asking my male boss,” said Jones, who has been serving in the US Navy for the past 20 years. “Now, to their credit, they were phenomenal leaders. However, when it came time [for] some of those more intimate conversations on how to plan your career with a family, as a mom, that did not exist.” Also read | Shah Rukh Khan gets nostalgic after US Navy members sing 'Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera' “And I was overseas, so the population was slightly smaller. And now walking this waterfront, there are leaders, there are role models, at every rank...That is something that I hope ensigns, young sailors, gravitate towards and take advantage of,” she added.

Breaking barriers: Four women of colour to command warships for US Navy

In a bit to speak out against gender violence, thousands protested in Australia's Perth. Kicking off a nationwide campaign for gender equality. The movement against gender-based violence started after there were allegations of sexual assault by members of parliament. The western Australian city launches the march for a justice rally where people chanting, 'enough is enough' and held a placard demanding action to address sexual violence against women.

Nationwide campaign for gender equality in Australia

A research team has tabulated the cost of lack of gender diversity and inclusion, and has apparently found out that it will take 257 years to close the gap at the current rate, and not doing this has cost the world a whopping USD 70 trillion since 1990.

The report by economists at BofA Securities also notes that full gender equality globally can increase the world GDP by up to USD 28 trillion by 2025 and the loss of human capital wealth due to gender inequality alone is estimated at USD 160.2 trillion.

“Not closing the gender inequality gap and a lack of diversity and inclusion has an economic price tag. Not doing the right thing on this count has cost us USD 70 trillion since 1990…It will take us 257 years to close the gender economic gap at today's rate,” says the report, adding the pandemic alone, when women suffered the most, has cost women USD 1 trillion in income.

The report also notes that gender and racial biases lead to persistent labour market disparities and limit the economy, adding closing the gender and race gaps in education and employment would have generated USD 2.6 trillion more in economic output in 2019 and the cumulative gains from 1990 would have been USD 70 trillion at the 2019 dollar rate.

Closing racial earnings gap resulting from disparities in health, education, incarceration and employment opportunities would boost trend growth by 0.5 per cent per year through 2050, says the report.

Reeling out numbers, the report says in 2020, there were no Black senior executives in any of the FTSE 100 companies.

For the first time in six years in 2020 there were no black chairs, chief executives or finance chiefs in the FTSE 100 companies and just one company in the S&amp;P 500 is run by a Black female CEO today, and only eight companies have at least 50 per cent female management teams. As much as 75 per cent of Nasdaq companies do not have at least one woman and one under-represented minority or LGBT+ member on the board, it says, adding continued racial inequality could cost the US economy USD1-1.5 trillion in lost consumption and investment over the next decade.

The LGBTQ+ community is equivalent to the fourth largest economy in the world at USD 3.9 trillion.

All in all, S&amp;P 500 companies with above-median gender diversity on their boards see 15 per cent higher return on equity, and for companies with ethnic and racially diversified workforce this is 8 per cent higher. And the pandemic has only deepened the gender inequality crisis. As much as 96 million people will slide into extreme poverty in 2021, of which 47 million are women.&nbsp;

Women's jobs were 19 per cent more at risk and women took up an even greater share of childcare and unpaid labour during the pandemic.

Even before the pandemic, the gender gap was worsening and at the current rate of inclusion, it will take 257 years to reach economic equality, warns the report. As much as 90 per cent of children with disabilities in emerging markets countries do not attend school, says the report.&nbsp;

Stating that gender diversity and inclusion are leading the way to tackling the social issues of our times, the report says from the MeToo movement to Black Lives Matter, the awareness of injustices faced by under-represented and marginalised groups is at an all-time high, and especially during the pandemic.

(with inputs)

A research team has tabulated the cost of lack of gender diversity and inclusion, and has apparently found out that it will take 257 years to close the gap at the current rate, and not doing this has cost the world a whopping USD 70 trillion since 1990.

A research team has tabulated the cost of lack of gender diversity and inclusion, and has apparently found out that it will take 257 years to close the gap at the current rate, and not doing this has cost the world a whopping USD 70 trillion since 1990. The report by economists at BofA Securities also notes that full gender equality globally can increase the world GDP by up to USD 28 trillion by 2025 and the loss of human capital wealth due to gender inequality alone is estimated at USD 160.2 trillion. “Not closing the gender inequality gap and a lack of diversity and inclusion has an economic price tag. Not doing the right thing on this count has cost us USD 70 trillion since 1990…It will take us 257 years to close the gender economic gap at today's rate,” says the report, adding the pandemic alone, when women suffered the most, has cost women USD 1 trillion in income. The report also notes that gender and racial biases lead to persistent labour market disparities and limit the economy, adding closing the gender and race gaps in education and employment would have generated USD 2.6 trillion more in economic output in 2019 and the cumulative gains from 1990 would have been USD 70 trillion at the 2019 dollar rate. Closing racial earnings gap resulting from disparities in health, education, incarceration and employment opportunities would boost trend growth by 0.5 per cent per year through 2050, says the report. Reeling out numbers, the report says in 2020, there were no Black senior executives in any of the FTSE 100 companies. For the first time in six years in 2020 there were no black chairs, chief executives or finance chiefs in the FTSE 100 companies and just one company in the S&P 500 is run by a Black female CEO today, and only eight companies have at least 50 per cent female management teams. As much as 75 per cent of Nasdaq companies do not have at least one woman and one under-represented minority or LGBT+ member on the board, it says, adding continued racial inequality could cost the US economy USD1-1.5 trillion in lost consumption and investment over the next decade. The LGBTQ+ community is equivalent to the fourth largest economy in the world at USD 3.9 trillion. All in all, S&P 500 companies with above-median gender diversity on their boards see 15 per cent higher return on equity, and for companies with ethnic and racially diversified workforce this is 8 per cent higher. And the pandemic has only deepened the gender inequality crisis. As much as 96 million people will slide into extreme poverty in 2021, of which 47 million are women. Women's jobs were 19 per cent more at risk and women took up an even greater share of childcare and unpaid labour during the pandemic. Even before the pandemic, the gender gap was worsening and at the current rate of inclusion, it will take 257 years to reach economic equality, warns the report. As much as 90 per cent of children with disabilities in emerging markets countries do not attend school, says the report. Stating that gender diversity and inclusion are leading the way to tackling the social issues of our times, the report says from the MeToo movement to Black Lives Matter, the awareness of injustices faced by under-represented and marginalised groups is at an all-time high, and especially during the pandemic. (with inputs)

Gender inequality has cost world USD 70 trillion since 1990, report finds

US President-elect Joe Biden had made a campaign promise to ensure full inclusion in gender equality in his administration. He has now chosen women to fill many key cabinet positions as well as his entire senior communication team includes women.

Joe Biden chose women to fill many key cabinet posts

When questioned about crimes against women by wayward youth, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mulayam Singh Yadav once said, rather than condemning, that kids can commit mistakes.

On the other hand, our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi once said that we don’t ask our sons, when returning home at night, as to why they are late or where they have been, but daughters are grilled. These are two contrasting statements worth thinking about if we have to change the situation.

The brutality of the rape of our daughters&nbsp;Nirbhaya, Kathua and Hathras refuses to fade away from our minds. The pain is only deepening further with the number of cases increasing at an alarming rate and their brutality getting severe. &nbsp;

A heinous crime like rape is not only devastating to the victim but most damaging to the survivor as well as the community.&nbsp;

National Crimes Records Bureau 2019 data indicates India faces about 88 rapes every single day. The number is worrisome also because sexual abuse reported on minors and even infants is on the rise. &nbsp;

Even animals are not aggressive so the depraved human perpetrators need to be called devils and not insult animals. Rajasthan is in the top spot per lakh population with one of the highest reported numbers of rapes and sexual abuse.&nbsp;

The state administration cites ease of reporting to be one of the factors for the increased number of cases reported in comparison to states like Uttar Pradesh that recorded less reporting than previous years. &nbsp;

Number of reported crimes is not true portrayal of the problem as the conviction rate remains very low. Only 27 percent of cases got a conviction decree in the year 2018. Nearly three quarter of the total number of devils got away.

An important fact here is that the number of reported cases is just the tip of the iceberg, if we go by the findings of a study commissioned by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in the year 2007, one of the major findings is that 50 per cent of the abusers are persons known to the child or in a position of trust and responsibility. &nbsp;

Moreover, politicisation of cases, threatening victims, blaming and shaming them and insensitive media coverage discourages rape survivors and victims' family to report the case.&nbsp;

Even with stringent laws, legal processes remain tedious and insensitive with advocates dealing with the abuse survivors as they interrogate criminals.&nbsp; 
Delay in justice and low conviction are dampeners for under-reporting or withdrawal from seeking justice.&nbsp;

Low social status of women and the caste dynamics clearly seems to favour the abusers and rape as a tool to re-establish their status by targetting vindictive actions on women. &nbsp;

Who can forget Bhanwari Devi’s case in Rajasthan about 25 years ago that lead to formulation of prevention against sexual harassment at workplace law.&nbsp;

Bhanwari Devi was 'taught a lesson' for preventing child marriage by the angry Gujjar community. Thus the crime of child marriage in the region also continued unabated. &nbsp;

The case stormed the nation but the caste dynamics strongly prevails and the unfortunate Harthras case not only reflects that we as a society have not changed a bit but the process also remains as complex as it was.&nbsp;

The discrimination faced by the victim's family is further fuelled by statements made by people in leadership and political positions. These statements often defend such acts by men and boys by blaming and shaming women for their quest for equality.

Kathua rape and murder of a minor led to nationwide protest and agitations eventually leading to formulation of stringent legislation. But even death penalty fails to curb the massive number of rapes in the country.&nbsp;

Harsh punishments like the death penalty also pose a risk of under-reporting if the abuser is from an influential family. The social construct and power dynamics are often in favour of supporting male members and influences the decisions hugely.&nbsp;

We really need to introspect deeply on where we as individuals and as a society are failing.&nbsp;

It is important to realise that the problem of abuse and rape is deep-rooted and relates closely to the status of women in society. Deteriorating child sex ratio, high percentage of girls dropping out of education, child marriage, teen pregnancies and more statistics that otherwise look comparatively benign tell a much greater story.

Evidently, all of these issues reflect a more serious situation among under-privileged scheduled tribes and castes, the communities that face high number of rapes and abuse.

Stringent legislation and its enforcement are no doubt the most important factors but it is equally important to assess how these laws are impacting the community. If so then legislations need to be re-visited in favour of safeguarding the survivors.&nbsp;

Hitting the issue early and at the right time is crucial, devising a robust sex education component in school education and sensitising our communities and particularly leaders to behave responsibly could have a long-lasting positive impact. &nbsp;

And not to forget that there are good examples from other countries that look at rape as the most heinous crime causing lifelong damage to a person. These countries have then worked effectively on penalties and solutions.

(The opinions expressed in this article are writers' own)

When questioned about crimes against women by wayward youth, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mulayam Singh Yadav once said, rather than condemning, that kids can commit mistakes.

When questioned about crimes against women by wayward youth, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mulayam Singh Yadav once said, rather than condemning, that kids can commit mistakes. On the other hand, our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi once said that we don’t ask our sons, when returning home at night, as to why they are late or where they have been, but daughters are grilled. These are two contrasting statements worth thinking about if we have to change the situation. The brutality of the rape of our daughters Nirbhaya, Kathua and Hathras refuses to fade away from our minds. The pain is only deepening further with the number of cases increasing at an alarming rate and their brutality getting severe. A heinous crime like rape is not only devastating to the victim but most damaging to the survivor as well as the community. National Crimes Records Bureau 2019 data indicates India faces about 88 rapes every single day. The number is worrisome also because sexual abuse reported on minors and even infants is on the rise. Even animals are not aggressive so the depraved human perpetrators need to be called devils and not insult animals. Rajasthan is in the top spot per lakh population with one of the highest reported numbers of rapes and sexual abuse. The state administration cites ease of reporting to be one of the factors for the increased number of cases reported in comparison to states like Uttar Pradesh that recorded less reporting than previous years. Number of reported crimes is not true portrayal of the problem as the conviction rate remains very low. Only 27 percent of cases got a conviction decree in the year 2018. Nearly three quarter of the total number of devils got away. An important fact here is that the number of reported cases is just the tip of the iceberg, if we go by the findings of a study commissioned by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in the year 2007, one of the major findings is that 50 per cent of the abusers are persons known to the child or in a position of trust and responsibility. Moreover, politicisation of cases, threatening victims, blaming and shaming them and insensitive media coverage discourages rape survivors and victims' family to report the case. Even with stringent laws, legal processes remain tedious and insensitive with advocates dealing with the abuse survivors as they interrogate criminals. Delay in justice and low conviction are dampeners for under-reporting or withdrawal from seeking justice. Low social status of women and the caste dynamics clearly seems to favour the abusers and rape as a tool to re-establish their status by targetting vindictive actions on women. Who can forget Bhanwari Devi’s case in Rajasthan about 25 years ago that lead to formulation of prevention against sexual harassment at workplace law. Bhanwari Devi was 'taught a lesson' for preventing child marriage by the angry Gujjar community. Thus the crime of child marriage in the region also continued unabated. The case stormed the nation but the caste dynamics strongly prevails and the unfortunate Harthras case not only reflects that we as a society have not changed a bit but the process also remains as complex as it was. The discrimination faced by the victim's family is further fuelled by statements made by people in leadership and political positions. These statements often defend such acts by men and boys by blaming and shaming women for their quest for equality. Kathua rape and murder of a minor led to nationwide protest and agitations eventually leading to formulation of stringent legislation. But even death penalty fails to curb the massive number of rapes in the country. Harsh punishments like the death penalty also pose a risk of under-reporting if the abuser is from an influential family. The social construct and power dynamics are often in favour of supporting male members and influences the decisions hugely. We really need to introspect deeply on where we as individuals and as a society are failing. It is important to realise that the problem of abuse and rape is deep-rooted and relates closely to the status of women in society. Deteriorating child sex ratio, high percentage of girls dropping out of education, child marriage, teen pregnancies and more statistics that otherwise look comparatively benign tell a much greater story. Evidently, all of these issues reflect a more serious situation among under-privileged scheduled tribes and castes, the communities that face high number of rapes and abuse. Stringent legislation and its enforcement are no doubt the most important factors but it is equally important to assess how these laws are impacting the community. If so then legislations need to be re-visited in favour of safeguarding the survivors. Hitting the issue early and at the right time is crucial, devising a robust sex education component in school education and sensitising our communities and particularly leaders to behave responsibly could have a long-lasting positive impact. And not to forget that there are good examples from other countries that look at rape as the most heinous crime causing lifelong damage to a person. These countries have then worked effectively on penalties and solutions. (The opinions expressed in this article are writers' own)

Countering crimes against women effectively

To maintain gender balance, Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc, has announced that the company will be hiring more women this year.

This announcement has come in specifically for the tech teams. It was observed by company experts that while the company has 32.9 per cent women workers in their team, the tech team only had 16.1 per cent women.

The decision was announced in Snap Inc's first annual diversity report.

Snap Inc is aiming to improve its staggering gender balance within its tech team. The report claimed that the social media giant is aiming to double the number of women employees in tech roles by the year 2023.

"We are determined to do what it takes to improve these numbers, because behind the numbers are real people," the report stated.

In addition to this, Snap Inc will also be hiring more people from the minority groups&nbsp;to give them equal opportunities and to make sure that the company helps everyone grow and not discriminate. Snap aims to increase the number of underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities in the United States by 2025.

This move has been welcomed and has received positive feedback by people of the United States.

To maintain gender balance, Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc, has announced that the company will be hiring more women this year. This announcement has come in specifically for the tech teams.

To maintain gender balance, Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc, has announced that the company will be hiring more women this year. This announcement has come in specifically for the tech teams. It was observed by company experts that while the company has 32.9 per cent women workers in their team, the tech team only had 16.1 per cent women. The decision was announced in Snap Inc's first annual diversity report. Snap Inc is aiming to improve its staggering gender balance within its tech team. The report claimed that the social media giant is aiming to double the number of women employees in tech roles by the year 2023. "We are determined to do what it takes to improve these numbers, because behind the numbers are real people," the report stated. In addition to this, Snap Inc will also be hiring more people from the minority groups to give them equal opportunities and to make sure that the company helps everyone grow and not discriminate. Snap aims to increase the number of underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities in the United States by 2025. This move has been welcomed and has received positive feedback by people of the United States.

Snap to hire more women and minorities in tech teams

Germany adopted a national strategy on Wednesday to promote gender equality for the first time in its history, aiming to put an end to years of sluggish progress on equal rights and treatment for women. 
 
The strategy sets out goals for all government departments, including closing the gender pay gap and better representation for women in business and politics, Families Minister Franziska Giffey said. 
 
"This is the first equality strategy in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany that has been coordinated and agreed across all departments," Giffey said, describing the strategy as a "milestone". 
 
The plan includes a focus on work-life balance and the fact that women are more likely to work part-time or not at all because of family commitments.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/entertainment/halle-berry-not-playing-transgender-character-in-upcoming-film-after-criticism-311381" hreflang="en">Halle Berry not playing transgender character in upcoming film after criticism</a> 
 
It also focuses on increasing the number of women in management positions, including in the civil service, and on better representation in politics. 
 
The ruling conservative CDU party has this week already shown movement on the issue, with party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer announcing new binding quotas that will see women filling at least 50 percent of senior positions at a local level by 2025.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/germany-vows-to-beef-up-finance-watchdog-after-wirecard-drama-310919" hreflang="en">Germany vows to beef up finance watchdog after Wirecard drama</a> 
 
The government is also working on a strategy to increase the number of women on executive boards so that an existing 30 percent quota will apply to 600 companies instead of 105 currently, Giffey said.

Below European average 
Despite being led by a female chancellor, Germany sits below the European average when it comes to equality between men and women, according to a 2019 index from the European Institute for Gender Equality. 
 
Women earn an average 20 percent less than men and occupy only around 15 percent of executive board positions. 
 
Representation of women in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, is currently at its lowest for 20 years, and more than 90 percent of local mayors are male, Giffey said. 
 
Historically, gender equality was a particular sticking point in the former West Germany, where women still needed permission from their husbands to work until 1977.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/germany-becomes-first-major-nation-to-phase-out-coal-and-nuclear-311058" hreflang="en">Germany becomes first major nation to phase out coal and nuclear</a> 
 
Shortly before reunification, just over half of women in West Germany were employed in the workforce, compared with 91 percent of women in communist East Germany. 
 
The coronavirus crisis has only exacerbated gender disparities, according to some observers. 
 
"It is quite obvious that women have borne the main burden in families," judge Elke Buedenbender, the wife of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said in an interview with the Funke media group in June. 
 
"It seems to me that in the time of coronavirus, women have been more prepared to fall back into traditional roles than men have to take a step back from their careers," she said.

Germany adopted a national strategy on Wednesday to promote gender equality for the first time in its history, aiming to put an end to years of sluggish progress on equal rights and treatment for women.

Germany adopted a national strategy on Wednesday to promote gender equality for the first time in its history, aiming to put an end to years of sluggish progress on equal rights and treatment for women. The strategy sets out goals for all government departments, including closing the gender pay gap and better representation for women in business and politics, Families Minister Franziska Giffey said. "This is the first equality strategy in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany that has been coordinated and agreed across all departments," Giffey said, describing the strategy as a "milestone". The plan includes a focus on work-life balance and the fact that women are more likely to work part-time or not at all because of family commitments. Also read: Halle Berry not playing transgender character in upcoming film after criticism It also focuses on increasing the number of women in management positions, including in the civil service, and on better representation in politics. The ruling conservative CDU party has this week already shown movement on the issue, with party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer announcing new binding quotas that will see women filling at least 50 percent of senior positions at a local level by 2025. Also read: Germany vows to beef up finance watchdog after Wirecard drama The government is also working on a strategy to increase the number of women on executive boards so that an existing 30 percent quota will apply to 600 companies instead of 105 currently, Giffey said. Below European average Despite being led by a female chancellor, Germany sits below the European average when it comes to equality between men and women, according to a 2019 index from the European Institute for Gender Equality. Women earn an average 20 percent less than men and occupy only around 15 percent of executive board positions. Representation of women in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, is currently at its lowest for 20 years, and more than 90 percent of local mayors are male, Giffey said. Historically, gender equality was a particular sticking point in the former West Germany, where women still needed permission from their husbands to work until 1977. Also read: Germany becomes first major nation to phase out coal and nuclear Shortly before reunification, just over half of women in West Germany were employed in the workforce, compared with 91 percent of women in communist East Germany. The coronavirus crisis has only exacerbated gender disparities, according to some observers. "It is quite obvious that women have borne the main burden in families," judge Elke Buedenbender, the wife of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said in an interview with the Funke media group in June. "It seems to me that in the time of coronavirus, women have been more prepared to fall back into traditional roles than men have to take a step back from their careers," she said.

Germany unveils plan to boost gender equality

The US Supreme Court ruled Monday that federal protections against workplace discrimination apply equally to sexual orientation, contrary to the position taken by the administration of President Donald Trump. 
 
The landmark decision said Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlaws discrimination against employees because of a person's sex, also covers sexual orientation and transgender status. 
 
"Today we must decide whether someone can be fired simply for being homosexual or transgender," the court said. "The answer is clear." 
 
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights (LGBT) activists, as well as Democratic politicians and several major businesses had been demanding that the court spell out that the community was protected by the law.&nbsp; 
 
"This is a huge victory for LGBTQ equality," said James Esseks, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union's LGBTQ &amp; HIV Project. 
 
"The court has caught up to the majority of our country, which already knows that discriminating against LGBTQ people is both unfair and against the law," he said in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
Andrew Cuomo, the Democratic governor of New York state, concurred on Twitter."This #SCOTUS decision is a major victory for #LGBTQ rights," he said&nbsp; 
 
"No one should be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation or gender identity," he added. 
In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage to be legal, a landmark victory for the LGBTQ community. 
 
But rights activists feared that the appointment by Trump of two new conservative judges to the top court could hinder further wins for their cause. 
 
Yet it was one of them, Neil Gorsuch, who wrote the majority decision, joining with the court's four progressive judges and Chief Justice John Roberts. 
 
"An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex. Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids," Gorsuch wrote. 
 
The ruling was a blow for the Trump administration, which had effectively thrown in its lot with employers. 
 
"Sex refers to whether you were born woman or man, not your sexual orientation or gender identity," argued Solicitor General Noel Francisco, representing the government's position before the court. He said it is the job of Congress to update the law, not the justice system. 
 
That position was echoed by Brett Kavanaugh, the other conservative judge appointed by Trump. 
 
Despite his opposition, Kavanaugh wrote in his own separate dissent that the decision still represented an "important victory achieved today by gay and lesbian Americans." 
 
Donna Stephens, the wife of transgender plaintiff Aimee Stephens who died last month, hailed her late partner's struggle for justice after being sacked by a Detroit funeral parlor when she came out. 
 
"For the last seven years of Aimes's life, she rose as a leader who fought against discrimination against transgender people, starting when she was fired for coming out as a woman, despite her recent promotion at the time.&nbsp; 
 
"I am grateful for this victory to honor the legacy of Aimee, and to ensure people are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity," she said in a statement after the court pronounced its ruling.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The US Supreme Court ruled Monday that federal protections against workplace discrimination apply equally to sexual orientation, contrary to the position taken by the administration of President Donald Trump.

The US Supreme Court ruled Monday that federal protections against workplace discrimination apply equally to sexual orientation, contrary to the position taken by the administration of President Donald Trump. The landmark decision said Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlaws discrimination against employees because of a person's sex, also covers sexual orientation and transgender status. "Today we must decide whether someone can be fired simply for being homosexual or transgender," the court said. "The answer is clear." Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights (LGBT) activists, as well as Democratic politicians and several major businesses had been demanding that the court spell out that the community was protected by the law. "This is a huge victory for LGBTQ equality," said James Esseks, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union's LGBTQ & HIV Project. "The court has caught up to the majority of our country, which already knows that discriminating against LGBTQ people is both unfair and against the law," he said in a statement. Andrew Cuomo, the Democratic governor of New York state, concurred on Twitter."This #SCOTUS decision is a major victory for #LGBTQ rights," he said "No one should be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation or gender identity," he added. In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage to be legal, a landmark victory for the LGBTQ community. But rights activists feared that the appointment by Trump of two new conservative judges to the top court could hinder further wins for their cause. Yet it was one of them, Neil Gorsuch, who wrote the majority decision, joining with the court's four progressive judges and Chief Justice John Roberts. "An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex. Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids," Gorsuch wrote. The ruling was a blow for the Trump administration, which had effectively thrown in its lot with employers. "Sex refers to whether you were born woman or man, not your sexual orientation or gender identity," argued Solicitor General Noel Francisco, representing the government's position before the court. He said it is the job of Congress to update the law, not the justice system. That position was echoed by Brett Kavanaugh, the other conservative judge appointed by Trump. Despite his opposition, Kavanaugh wrote in his own separate dissent that the decision still represented an "important victory achieved today by gay and lesbian Americans." Donna Stephens, the wife of transgender plaintiff Aimee Stephens who died last month, hailed her late partner's struggle for justice after being sacked by a Detroit funeral parlor when she came out. "For the last seven years of Aimes's life, she rose as a leader who fought against discrimination against transgender people, starting when she was fired for coming out as a woman, despite her recent promotion at the time. "I am grateful for this victory to honor the legacy of Aimee, and to ensure people are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity," she said in a statement after the court pronounced its ruling.

US top court rules civil rights law protects LGBT workers

An Indian army officer has been bestowed with 'United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year award'.

Major Suman Gawani has previously served as a woman peacekeeper with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in 2019.

With this honour, she has become the first Indian peacekeeper to win this prestigious award.

"Congratulations to the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Awardee, Major Suman Gawani of India serving with @unmissmedia in South Sudan," UN Department of Peace Operations tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"Whatever our function/position/rank, it is our duty as peacekeepers to integrate an all-genders perspective into our daily work" 
 
-Major Suman Gawani, the first🇮🇳peacekeeper to win the UN Military Gender Advocate Award<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PKDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PKDay</a>🕊️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomenInPeacekeeping?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WomenInPeacekeeping</a><a href="https://t.co/ddXZU5liAk">https://t.co/ddXZU5liAk</a>
— UN Women India (@unwomenindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/unwomenindia/status/1266283698376151040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/elections-for-5-non-permanent-seats-of-unsc-on-june-17-india-stands-unopposed-in-asia-pacific-seat-301762">Also read:&nbsp;Elections for 5 non-permanent seats of UNSC on June 17; India stands unopposed in Asia pacific seat</a>

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres gave away the award and Commander Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo from Brazil in a virtual ceremony, commemorating the International Day of Peacekeepers on Friday.

She took to the internet to thank everyone for this honour and the immense love she has received.&nbsp;"Working towards peace as a military observer in South Sudan has been a life-changing experience. Serving under the blue helmet and wearing my country's flag on my uniform is a matter of pride," Major Suman said.

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Watch: Major Suman Gawani an Indian Army officer &amp; UN Peacekeeper who is awarded the prestigious United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the year Award talk about her experience. Says she accepts the award on behalf of all women peacekeepers. <a href="https://t.co/dZIhTEzChI">pic.twitter.com/dZIhTEzChI</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1266337936515178497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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During her role, she focused on the gender issues in military. She also encouraged&nbsp;participation in joint military patrols to maintain gender balance, irrespective of the hardships under extreme field conditions, according to a statement by the Defence Ministry.

"Apart from supporting the UNMISS Force initiatives, she also trained the South Sudan government forces on CRSV related aspects. The officer also commanded the UN Peacekeepers Day Parade organised at UNMISS, where she commanded twelve contingents of UNPOL, Military and Civilians," the Defence Ministry release said.

She has also participated in a specialised training on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) at Nairobi and in various UN forums focusing on how a gender perspective can help in protecting civilians, especially from conflict-related sexual violence

An Indian army officer has been bestowed with 'United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year award'. Major Suman Gawani has previously served as a woman peacekeeper with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in 2019.

An Indian army officer has been bestowed with 'United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year award'. Major Suman Gawani has previously served as a woman peacekeeper with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in 2019. With this honour, she has become the first Indian peacekeeper to win this prestigious award. "Congratulations to the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Awardee, Major Suman Gawani of India serving with @unmissmedia in South Sudan," UN Department of Peace Operations tweeted. "Whatever our function/position/rank, it is our duty as peacekeepers to integrate an all-genders perspective into our daily work" -Major Suman Gawani, the first🇮🇳peacekeeper to win the UN Military Gender Advocate Award#PKDay🕊️ #WomenInPeacekeepinghttps://t.co/ddXZU5liAk — UN Women India (@unwomenindia) May 29, 2020 × Also read: Elections for 5 non-permanent seats of UNSC on June 17; India stands unopposed in Asia pacific seat Secretary-General Antonio Guterres gave away the award and Commander Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo from Brazil in a virtual ceremony, commemorating the International Day of Peacekeepers on Friday. She took to the internet to thank everyone for this honour and the immense love she has received. "Working towards peace as a military observer in South Sudan has been a life-changing experience. Serving under the blue helmet and wearing my country's flag on my uniform is a matter of pride," Major Suman said. Watch: Major Suman Gawani an Indian Army officer & UN Peacekeeper who is awarded the prestigious United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the year Award talk about her experience. Says she accepts the award on behalf of all women peacekeepers. pic.twitter.com/dZIhTEzChI — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 29, 2020 × During her role, she focused on the gender issues in military. She also encouraged participation in joint military patrols to maintain gender balance, irrespective of the hardships under extreme field conditions, according to a statement by the Defence Ministry. "Apart from supporting the UNMISS Force initiatives, she also trained the South Sudan government forces on CRSV related aspects. The officer also commanded the UN Peacekeepers Day Parade organised at UNMISS, where she commanded twelve contingents of UNPOL, Military and Civilians," the Defence Ministry release said. She has also participated in a specialised training on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) at Nairobi and in various UN forums focusing on how a gender perspective can help in protecting civilians, especially from conflict-related sexual violence

Major Suman Gawani wins  Military Gender Advocate award from UN

Scotland is all set to become the first nation to make tampons and sanitary pads free.

The Scottish parliament advanced legislation on Tuesday that would ensure free universal access to tampons, pads and other menstrual products, in a huge stride for the global movement against period poverty.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/government-exempts-tax-on-sanitary-napkins-akshay-kumar-manushi-chhillar-welcome-the-move-154110">Government exempts tax on sanitary napkins</a>

Its champion is Monica Lennon, a Scottish Parliament member who has led a years-long campaign to build support for the measure.

She first proposed the bill in 2017.

"This is an amazing victory for everyone who has campaigned for free universal access to period products and who has convinced the Scottish Government to back this ground-breaking Bill," Lennon said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/western-railway-smash-taboos-installs-sanitary-napkin-vending-machine-for-its-employee-30624">Smashing Taboos, Western Railway installs sanitary napkin dispensers for its women employees</a>

The&nbsp;Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Bill&nbsp;passed through the first stage with 112 votes in favour and one abstention.

The bill now moves to the second stage, where members of the Scottish parliament can propose amendments before it is given final consideration in stage three.

It aims to tackle&nbsp;period poverty, the stigma around menstruation and the impact that periods have on education.

During the debate, it's propounder Lennon said, "women and girls are too often left behind in the political process, this is a chance to put them first and do something that is truly groundbreaking on gender equality."

"Menstruation is normal and free universal access to tampons, pads and reusable options should be normal too," she added.

The Scottish government has made other efforts to tackle period poverty in the last few years.

In 2019, it allocated&nbsp;£4 million to make period products available for free in&nbsp;libraries and recreational centres.

In 2018, the government had announced that&nbsp;students in schools, colleges and universities across the countries would be able to access sanitary products for free, through a £5.2 million investment.

Scotland is all set to become the first nation to make tampons and sanitary pads free. The Scottish parliament advanced legislation on Tuesday that would ensure free universal access to tampons, pads and other menstrual products, in a huge stride for the global movement against period poverty.

Scotland is all set to become the first nation to make tampons and sanitary pads free. The Scottish parliament advanced legislation on Tuesday that would ensure free universal access to tampons, pads and other menstrual products, in a huge stride for the global movement against period poverty. Also read: Government exempts tax on sanitary napkins Its champion is Monica Lennon, a Scottish Parliament member who has led a years-long campaign to build support for the measure. She first proposed the bill in 2017. "This is an amazing victory for everyone who has campaigned for free universal access to period products and who has convinced the Scottish Government to back this ground-breaking Bill," Lennon said. Also read: Smashing Taboos, Western Railway installs sanitary napkin dispensers for its women employees The Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Bill passed through the first stage with 112 votes in favour and one abstention. The bill now moves to the second stage, where members of the Scottish parliament can propose amendments before it is given final consideration in stage three. It aims to tackle period poverty, the stigma around menstruation and the impact that periods have on education. During the debate, it's propounder Lennon said, "women and girls are too often left behind in the political process, this is a chance to put them first and do something that is truly groundbreaking on gender equality." "Menstruation is normal and free universal access to tampons, pads and reusable options should be normal too," she added. The Scottish government has made other efforts to tackle period poverty in the last few years. In 2019, it allocated £4 million to make period products available for free in libraries and recreational centres. In 2018, the government had announced that students in schools, colleges and universities across the countries would be able to access sanitary products for free, through a £5.2 million investment.

Scotland can become first nation to offer free sanitary napkins and tampons

Mexican demonstrators splash presidential palace red in protest over murder of women

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finlands-pm-sanna-marin-wants-four-day-work-week-with-six-hour-days-272651">Finland </a>has announced plans to offer men and women equal paid parental leave as well as an extension of the total family allowance from 11.5 months to just over 14 months.

Finland's women-led government has been setting new benchmarks repeatedly.&nbsp;The move is seen as a way to boost birth rates in the northern European country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finlands-pm-sanna-marin-wants-four-day-work-week-with-six-hour-days-272651">Finland's PM Sanna Marin wants four-day work week with six-hour days</a>

The news policy announced by its 34-year-old Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finlands-pm-sanna-marin-wants-four-day-work-week-with-six-hour-days-272651">Sanna Marin</a>'s will grant nearly seven months paid leave to each parent, for a total of 14 months of paid leave.

Parents would be allowed to transfer up to 69 of their own days to the other parent, if they so desired and for single parents the country is giving all 328 days to the parent.

The new policy allows one month of pregnancy allowance to a pregnant mother even before the parental leave starts.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finlands-christmas-tourism-boom-creates-headwinds-for-environment-270036">Finland's Christmas tourism boom creates headwinds for environment</a>

The new policy is a significant step up from the current rules which allow about four months for maternity leave&nbsp;and about two months for fathers.&nbsp;The changed policy is set to be effective from the latter part of next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finlands-christmas-tourism-boom-creates-headwinds-for-environment-270036">Finland's </a>birth rate has been on the decline since 1990&nbsp;when the average woman had 1.9 children which has&nbsp;fallen to 1.4.&nbsp;

Last year <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finlands-christmas-tourism-boom-creates-headwinds-for-environment-270036">Finland's </a>total fertility rate was the lowest ever recorded in the Nordic countries.

Finland has announced plans to offer men and women equal paid parental leave as well as an extension of the total family allowance from 11.5 months to just over 14 months.

Finland has announced plans to offer men and women equal paid parental leave as well as an extension of the total family allowance from 11.5 months to just over 14 months. Finland's women-led government has been setting new benchmarks repeatedly. The move is seen as a way to boost birth rates in the northern European country. Also read: Finland's PM Sanna Marin wants four-day work week with six-hour days The news policy announced by its 34-year-old Prime Minister Sanna Marin's will grant nearly seven months paid leave to each parent, for a total of 14 months of paid leave. Parents would be allowed to transfer up to 69 of their own days to the other parent, if they so desired and for single parents the country is giving all 328 days to the parent. The new policy allows one month of pregnancy allowance to a pregnant mother even before the parental leave starts. Also read: Finland's Christmas tourism boom creates headwinds for environment The new policy is a significant step up from the current rules which allow about four months for maternity leave and about two months for fathers. The changed policy is set to be effective from the latter part of next year. Finland's birth rate has been on the decline since 1990 when the average woman had 1.9 children which has fallen to 1.4. Last year Finland's total fertility rate was the lowest ever recorded in the Nordic countries.

Finland to offer equal paid parental leave to mothers and fathers

Alarming Assessment On Gender Equality By The World Economic Forum One of the themes of #2019 is rise of women in powerful roles across the world. But their rise seems to be an exception, rather than a norm.

Gravitas: WEF: Gender Equality At Workplace To Take Another 257 Years!

Tens of thousands marched in France and Italy Saturday calling for an end to violence against women, remembering the dozens killed in each country this year by current or former partners.

Central Paris was awash with purple -- the colour adopted for the campaign -- with some protesters holding up placards bearing the image of a relative or friend killed.

Some signs bore the words "Break the silence, not women," and "Aggressor, stalker, you are done for, the women are in the street".&nbsp;

The Paris march, mainly attended by women, was one of 30 organised throughout France involving nearly 70 organisations, political parties, unions and associations.

A count by the Occurrence consultancy, commissioned by the news media including AFP, put the turnout in the French capital at 49,000.

Feminist collective #NousToutes ("All of Us") meanwhile said 100,000 marched in Paris and 150,000 across France, hailing it as "the biggest march against gender-based violence in French history".

Caroline De Haas, one of the Paris organisers, said "the level of awareness is moving at breakneck speed".

- 'We are in revolt!'- 
In Italy, tens of thousands of people, mainly women, marched in the capital Rome.

March organisers "Non Una de Meno!" (Not One Less!) say 94 women have been killed by their partners or former partners this year.

The procession moved through the city's old quarter behind a large banner that read: "Against your violence, we are in revolt!"

Banners from political parties and unions were absent at the request of the organisers and many of those taking part wore pink, the colour of choice for the demonstration.

"We are the fierce and powerful voice of all those women who no longer have a voice," said one banner.

A float that played music along the route also broadcast the names of women killed by their partners or ex-partners this year.

"Everywhere in the world, women are revolting against patriarchal, racist, institutional, environmental and economic violence," said a statement from Non Una Di Meno.

At 4:30 pm (1530 GMT) the marchers sat down on the ground and remained silent for a few minutes in memory of the women who had been killed.

Italy's Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri on Saturday announced 12 million euros would be released to help the children of women killed by their partners.

It will be used to fund scholarships, medical costs and professional training, he tweeted.

'System not working'&nbsp;

In France, a total of 116 women have been murdered in France so far this year by their husband, partner or ex-partner, according to an AFP investigation.

The group "Femicides by companions or ex" puts the toll at 137.

Some 121 were killed in France last year, according to official figures.

One woman is killed in France every three days by their partner or ex-partner, while marital violence affects 220,000 Frenchwomen every year. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We can no longer count the number of cases where femicides could have been avoided," the Paris march organisers NousToutes said on Facebook.

"With this march, we will make the public authorities take appropriate measures."

Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet has said: "Our system is not working to protect these women."

The government is expected to announce about 40 measures on Monday to tackle the scourge.

De Haas and other activists have said a billion euros needs to be invested to address the problem.

But the office of France's equality ministry said it has put aside 361.5 million euros ($398 million) a year.

The killings in France are part of a global scourge that shows no signs of abating, with 87,000 women and girls killed in 2017 according to the UN -- over half of them killed either by their spouse, partner or own family.

The marches in France and Italy come ahead of the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is on Monday.

Meanwhile, police said Saturday they had charged a 59-year-old man with the manslaughter of his wife, a week after her body was found in woodlands in the Loire region.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands marched in France and Italy Saturday calling for an end to violence against women, remembering the dozens killed in each country this year by current or former partners.

Tens of thousands marched in France and Italy Saturday calling for an end to violence against women, remembering the dozens killed in each country this year by current or former partners. Central Paris was awash with purple -- the colour adopted for the campaign -- with some protesters holding up placards bearing the image of a relative or friend killed. Some signs bore the words "Break the silence, not women," and "Aggressor, stalker, you are done for, the women are in the street". The Paris march, mainly attended by women, was one of 30 organised throughout France involving nearly 70 organisations, political parties, unions and associations. A count by the Occurrence consultancy, commissioned by the news media including AFP, put the turnout in the French capital at 49,000. Feminist collective #NousToutes ("All of Us") meanwhile said 100,000 marched in Paris and 150,000 across France, hailing it as "the biggest march against gender-based violence in French history". Caroline De Haas, one of the Paris organisers, said "the level of awareness is moving at breakneck speed". - 'We are in revolt!'- In Italy, tens of thousands of people, mainly women, marched in the capital Rome. March organisers "Non Una de Meno!" (Not One Less!) say 94 women have been killed by their partners or former partners this year. The procession moved through the city's old quarter behind a large banner that read: "Against your violence, we are in revolt!" Banners from political parties and unions were absent at the request of the organisers and many of those taking part wore pink, the colour of choice for the demonstration. "We are the fierce and powerful voice of all those women who no longer have a voice," said one banner. A float that played music along the route also broadcast the names of women killed by their partners or ex-partners this year. "Everywhere in the world, women are revolting against patriarchal, racist, institutional, environmental and economic violence," said a statement from Non Una Di Meno. At 4:30 pm (1530 GMT) the marchers sat down on the ground and remained silent for a few minutes in memory of the women who had been killed. Italy's Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri on Saturday announced 12 million euros would be released to help the children of women killed by their partners. It will be used to fund scholarships, medical costs and professional training, he tweeted. 'System not working' In France, a total of 116 women have been murdered in France so far this year by their husband, partner or ex-partner, according to an AFP investigation. The group "Femicides by companions or ex" puts the toll at 137. Some 121 were killed in France last year, according to official figures. One woman is killed in France every three days by their partner or ex-partner, while marital violence affects 220,000 Frenchwomen every year. "We can no longer count the number of cases where femicides could have been avoided," the Paris march organisers NousToutes said on Facebook. "With this march, we will make the public authorities take appropriate measures." Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet has said: "Our system is not working to protect these women." The government is expected to announce about 40 measures on Monday to tackle the scourge. De Haas and other activists have said a billion euros needs to be invested to address the problem. But the office of France's equality ministry said it has put aside 361.5 million euros ($398 million) a year. The killings in France are part of a global scourge that shows no signs of abating, with 87,000 women and girls killed in 2017 according to the UN -- over half of them killed either by their spouse, partner or own family. The marches in France and Italy come ahead of the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is on Monday. Meanwhile, police said Saturday they had charged a 59-year-old man with the manslaughter of his wife, a week after her body was found in woodlands in the Loire region.

Tens of thousands march in France, Italy to protest femicide

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-ahead-of-sabarimala-temples-opening-security-arrangements-tightened-in-pathanamthitta-262473">The Sabarimala Temple</a> will open today for the Mandala Puja amid tight security arrangements in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district. 
 
Kerala Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran had on Friday said that the state government will not provide protection to any woman visiting the temple and those who need protection should get an order from the Supreme Court. 
 
Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh said that all basic necessities such as toilets, water kiosks and medical emergency centres are in place for the pilgrims. 
 
"All basic arrangements are in place. We have deployed over 800 medical staff and established 16 medical emergency centres. Around 2,400 toilets and more than 250 water kiosks are ready. We have more than 1,000 sanitation workers deployed to ensure a clean atmosphere," he told reporters here. 
 
Women rights activist Trupti Desai, who has been a vehement critic of the restriction on the entry of women of a certain age group in the temple, had said that she will be visiting the shrine after November 20 regardless of whether or not she is provided security cover by the state government. 
 
The opening of the shrine comes days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had referred a clutch of petitions seeking review of its order which paved the way for the entry of women into Sabarimala temple in Kerala to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority 3:2 ruling. 
 
The top court also observed that the right to worship by an individual cannot outweigh the rights of a religious group. 
 
While Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices A M Khanwilkar and Indu Malhotra sent the review petitions to a larger bench, Justices Nariman and Chandrachud authored a dissenting judgment. 
 
The review petitions challenged the authority of the apex court to intervene in the belief of the people. It argued that the temple deity is a "Brahmachari" (celibate) and "centuries-old beliefs" should not be disturbed by the entry of menstruating women worshippers. 
 
The Supreme Court had lifted a traditional ban on entry of women of menstrual age (10-50 years) on September 28 last year.

Despite the apex court's ruling, a string of protests took place at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-government-wont-give-protection-to-women-visiting-sabarimala-temple-says-kerala-devaswom-board-minister-262448">Sabarimala temple</a> and its surrounding areas in the state, wherein several women attempted to visit the shrine but were stopped by Lord Ayyappa devotees.

The Sabarimala Temple will open today for the Mandala Puja amid tight security arrangements in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district. Kerala Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran had on Friday said that the state government will not provide protection to any woman visiting the temple and those who need protection should get an order from the Supreme Court.

The Sabarimala Temple will open today for the Mandala Puja amid tight security arrangements in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district. Kerala Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran had on Friday said that the state government will not provide protection to any woman visiting the temple and those who need protection should get an order from the Supreme Court. Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh said that all basic necessities such as toilets, water kiosks and medical emergency centres are in place for the pilgrims. "All basic arrangements are in place. We have deployed over 800 medical staff and established 16 medical emergency centres. Around 2,400 toilets and more than 250 water kiosks are ready. We have more than 1,000 sanitation workers deployed to ensure a clean atmosphere," he told reporters here. Women rights activist Trupti Desai, who has been a vehement critic of the restriction on the entry of women of a certain age group in the temple, had said that she will be visiting the shrine after November 20 regardless of whether or not she is provided security cover by the state government. The opening of the shrine comes days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had referred a clutch of petitions seeking review of its order which paved the way for the entry of women into Sabarimala temple in Kerala to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority 3:2 ruling. The top court also observed that the right to worship by an individual cannot outweigh the rights of a religious group. While Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices A M Khanwilkar and Indu Malhotra sent the review petitions to a larger bench, Justices Nariman and Chandrachud authored a dissenting judgment. The review petitions challenged the authority of the apex court to intervene in the belief of the people. It argued that the temple deity is a "Brahmachari" (celibate) and "centuries-old beliefs" should not be disturbed by the entry of menstruating women worshippers. The Supreme Court had lifted a traditional ban on entry of women of menstrual age (10-50 years) on September 28 last year. Despite the apex court's ruling, a string of protests took place at the Sabarimala temple and its surrounding areas in the state, wherein several women attempted to visit the shrine but were stopped by Lord Ayyappa devotees.

Kerala: Sabarimala temple to reopen today, tight security in place

&nbsp;Roula Khalaf will become the first woman to edit the&nbsp;Financial&nbsp;Times&nbsp;in its 131 year history after Lionel Barber, Britain's most senior&nbsp;financial&nbsp;journalist, said he would step down.

Barber said on Tuesday he would leave in January after 14 years as editor and 34 years at the Nikkei-owned newspaper, which had one million paying readers in 2019, with digital subscribers accounting for more than 75 per cent&nbsp;of total circulation.

Khalaf has served as deputy editor, foreign editor and Middle East editor during her more than two decades at the salmon-pink FT and in recent years has sought to increase diversity in the newsroom and attract more female readers.

"It's a great honour to be appointed editor of the FT, the greatest news organisation in the world. "I look forward to building on Lionel Barber's extraordinary achievements," said Khalaf, whose earlier writing for Forbes magazine had earned her a small role in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street.

Her article described the leading character Jordan Belfort as sounding like a twisted version of Robin Hood who takes from the rich and gives to himself and his merry band of brokers.

Khalaf, from Lebanon, will join Katharine Viner at the Guardian as one of the few women to edit major newspapers in Britain and one of few leading female editors in the world after Jill Abramson left the New York&nbsp;Times.

Before joining the FT in 1995, Khalaf worked at Forbes in New York and earned a master's at Columbia University and graduated from Syracuse University.

New Chapter

Tsuneo Kita, chairman of Japan's Nikkei which bought the FT from Pearson in 2015, said in a statement Khalaf was chosen for her sound judgment and integrity. "We look forward to working closely with her to deepen our global media alliance."

Nikkei's Kita described Barber as a strategic thinker and true internationalist, adding he was very sad to see him leave.

"However, both of us agree it is time to open a new chapter," he said.

During his time as editor Barber engineered a successful push into online subscription that protected the title as others battled an unprecedented collapse in advertising revenue, as well as managing the move to a new owner.

Roula Khalaf will become the first woman to edit the Financial Times in its 131 year history after Lionel Barber, Britain's most senior financial journalist, said he would step down.

Roula Khalaf will become the first woman to edit the Financial Times in its 131 year history after Lionel Barber, Britain's most senior financial journalist, said he would step down. Barber said on Tuesday he would leave in January after 14 years as editor and 34 years at the Nikkei-owned newspaper, which had one million paying readers in 2019, with digital subscribers accounting for more than 75 per cent of total circulation. Khalaf has served as deputy editor, foreign editor and Middle East editor during her more than two decades at the salmon-pink FT and in recent years has sought to increase diversity in the newsroom and attract more female readers. "It's a great honour to be appointed editor of the FT, the greatest news organisation in the world. "I look forward to building on Lionel Barber's extraordinary achievements," said Khalaf, whose earlier writing for Forbes magazine had earned her a small role in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street. Her article described the leading character Jordan Belfort as sounding like a twisted version of Robin Hood who takes from the rich and gives to himself and his merry band of brokers. Khalaf, from Lebanon, will join Katharine Viner at the Guardian as one of the few women to edit major newspapers in Britain and one of few leading female editors in the world after Jill Abramson left the New York Times. Before joining the FT in 1995, Khalaf worked at Forbes in New York and earned a master's at Columbia University and graduated from Syracuse University. New Chapter Tsuneo Kita, chairman of Japan's Nikkei which bought the FT from Pearson in 2015, said in a statement Khalaf was chosen for her sound judgment and integrity. "We look forward to working closely with her to deepen our global media alliance." Nikkei's Kita described Barber as a strategic thinker and true internationalist, adding he was very sad to see him leave. "However, both of us agree it is time to open a new chapter," he said. During his time as editor Barber engineered a successful push into online subscription that protected the title as others battled an unprecedented collapse in advertising revenue, as well as managing the move to a new owner.

Roula Khalaf becomes first female editor of Financial Times after Barber's resignation

No country is on track to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-country-to-achieve-gender-equality-by-2030-global-report-2019-223874">achieve the gender equality</a> called for in the United Nations's development blueprint, a report released on Tuesday said.

In 2015, all United Nations member states adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve by 2030 in areas such as education, climate, and gender equality.

But the new report says countries aren't on the right track to meet the gender equality benchmark, which requires eliminating discrimination and violence against women and ending harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.

"We're literally failing to deliver on the gender equality promises made in the (SDGs) for billions of girls and women," said Alison Holder, director of Equal Measures 2030, which put together the SDG Gender Index report.

"Even more worrying for me is 1.4 billion girls and women live in countries that got a 'very poor' failing score on the index," she said, speaking on the sidelines of the Women Deliver gender equality conference in Vancouver.

Using data from 129 countries, the survey shows that wealthy nations like Finland, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands were making the most progress while poor or unstable countries such as Chad, DR Congo, Congo-Brazzaville, Yemen and Niger were falling behind.

There were also "pockets of good news even in struggling countries," said Holder.&nbsp;

For example, Senegal is closer to achieving gender parity in its parliament than Denmark, even though Senegal's GDP is 56 times lower.&nbsp;

However, no country has fully achieved gender equality, the report said.

The findings of the index indicate a lack of political will to invest in advancing gender equality, according to Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen, chief executive officer of Plan International, a child rights charity that contributed to the report.&nbsp;

She hopes to see advocacy groups and activists take up the data from the gender index and use it to mount "clever political campaigns to generate actions."

The survey isn't the first to show the tough road ahead for the SDGs.

A report released last month said that despite 150 million people gaining access to electricity every year, the SDG of assuring affordable and clean energy was not on track to be reached.

No country is on track to achieve the gender equality called for in the United Nations's development blueprint, a report released on Tuesday said. In 2015, all United Nations member states adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve by 2030 in areas such as education, climate, and gender equality.

No country is on track to achieve the gender equality called for in the United Nations's development blueprint, a report released on Tuesday said. In 2015, all United Nations member states adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve by 2030 in areas such as education, climate, and gender equality. But the new report says countries aren't on the right track to meet the gender equality benchmark, which requires eliminating discrimination and violence against women and ending harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation. "We're literally failing to deliver on the gender equality promises made in the (SDGs) for billions of girls and women," said Alison Holder, director of Equal Measures 2030, which put together the SDG Gender Index report. "Even more worrying for me is 1.4 billion girls and women live in countries that got a 'very poor' failing score on the index," she said, speaking on the sidelines of the Women Deliver gender equality conference in Vancouver. Using data from 129 countries, the survey shows that wealthy nations like Finland, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands were making the most progress while poor or unstable countries such as Chad, DR Congo, Congo-Brazzaville, Yemen and Niger were falling behind. There were also "pockets of good news even in struggling countries," said Holder. For example, Senegal is closer to achieving gender parity in its parliament than Denmark, even though Senegal's GDP is 56 times lower. However, no country has fully achieved gender equality, the report said. The findings of the index indicate a lack of political will to invest in advancing gender equality, according to Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen, chief executive officer of Plan International, a child rights charity that contributed to the report. She hopes to see advocacy groups and activists take up the data from the gender index and use it to mount "clever political campaigns to generate actions." The survey isn't the first to show the tough road ahead for the SDGs. A report released last month said that despite 150 million people gaining access to electricity every year, the SDG of assuring affordable and clean energy was not on track to be reached.

No country meeting global goals for gender equality: Study

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-country-to-achieve-gender-equality-by-2030-global-report-2019-223874">Gender equality</a> is "under attack" amid hatred, misogyny and politicians campaigning to undo women's rights, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-justin-trudeau-warns-of-russian-interference-in-parliamentary-polls-208261">Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau </a>said on Monday at the launch of a global conference on women's issues.

Progress in women's rights is backsliding in the face of taunts and hostility that travel on social media and seep into public discourse, said Trudeau, a self-avowed feminist who appointed the first gender-balanced cabinet.

Some 8,000 delegates from more than 165 countries are attending Women Deliver in Vancouver, the world's largest gender equality conference, which will address topics from women's political empowerment to education and employment.

The conference was opened by a procession of indigenous men and women, clad in traditional clothing, some wearing red in memory of murdered and missing girls and women.

Trudeau hailed as a "significant step toward justice" a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-government-banning-huawei-5g-network-will-have-repercussions-china-191217">Canadian government</a> finding on Monday that the deaths of more than 1,000 aboriginal girls and women in recent decades were a national genocide.

The report, from an inquiry launched by Trudeau's government in 2016, blamed the violence on long-standing discrimination against indigenous people and Canada's failure to protect them.

"For too long, indigenous women and girls have experienced violence at a rate that is staggering when compared to non-indigenous women," Trudeau said.

The report made scores of recommendations, and Trudeau vowed to develop and implement a national action plan to prevent future violence.

He told delegates that women around the world were battling misogyny, racism and hatred.

"Gender equality is under attack," he said. "Individuals and interest groups are trying to roll back women's rights.

"Politicians are giving into the pressure, shamefully campaigning to undo women's hard-won victories. That's a daunting reality."

The inquiry into the missing and murdered women was a painful process that heard testimony from thousands of witnesses, including hundreds of family members of victims.

Citing colonial violence, racism, sexism and more, the report said many indigenous people have grown up normalized to violence, while Canadian society showed "an appalling apathy" to addressing the issue.

"The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls finds that this amounts to genocide," it said.

Gender equality is "under attack" amid hatred, misogyny and politicians campaigning to undo women's rights, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday at the launch of a global conference on women's issues.

Gender equality is "under attack" amid hatred, misogyny and politicians campaigning to undo women's rights, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday at the launch of a global conference on women's issues. Progress in women's rights is backsliding in the face of taunts and hostility that travel on social media and seep into public discourse, said Trudeau, a self-avowed feminist who appointed the first gender-balanced cabinet. Some 8,000 delegates from more than 165 countries are attending Women Deliver in Vancouver, the world's largest gender equality conference, which will address topics from women's political empowerment to education and employment. The conference was opened by a procession of indigenous men and women, clad in traditional clothing, some wearing red in memory of murdered and missing girls and women. Trudeau hailed as a "significant step toward justice" a Canadian government finding on Monday that the deaths of more than 1,000 aboriginal girls and women in recent decades were a national genocide. The report, from an inquiry launched by Trudeau's government in 2016, blamed the violence on long-standing discrimination against indigenous people and Canada's failure to protect them. "For too long, indigenous women and girls have experienced violence at a rate that is staggering when compared to non-indigenous women," Trudeau said. The report made scores of recommendations, and Trudeau vowed to develop and implement a national action plan to prevent future violence. He told delegates that women around the world were battling misogyny, racism and hatred. "Gender equality is under attack," he said. "Individuals and interest groups are trying to roll back women's rights. "Politicians are giving into the pressure, shamefully campaigning to undo women's hard-won victories. That's a daunting reality." The inquiry into the missing and murdered women was a painful process that heard testimony from thousands of witnesses, including hundreds of family members of victims. Citing colonial violence, racism, sexism and more, the report said many indigenous people have grown up normalized to violence, while Canadian society showed "an appalling apathy" to addressing the issue. "The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls finds that this amounts to genocide," it said.

Women's rights slipping, equality 'under attack': Canada PM Justin Trudeau

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wreckage-of-missing-indian-air-force-an-32-aircraft-spotted-223911">Wreckage of missing Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft spotted</a>

The wreckage of Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft has reportedly been found, sources reported. The aircraft took off from Assam's Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm on Monday and went missing after 1 pm.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/recession-could-hit-us-in-less-than-a-year-if-china-trade-war-worsens-survey-223893">Recession could hit US in less than a year if China trade war worsens: Survey</a>

The odds of a US recession by next year have increased sharply, with mounting protectionism continuing to pose the greatest economic threat, according to a business economic survey Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-fugitive-and-absconder-enforcement-directorate-tells-bombay-high-court-223892">Mehul Choksi 'fugitive and absconder', Enforcement Directorate tells Bombay High Court</a>

Diamantaire Mehul Choksi, accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank scam, is a "fugitive and absconder", the Enforcement Directorate told the Bombay High Court on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-country-to-achieve-gender-equality-by-2030-global-report-2019-223874">No country to achieve gender equality by 2030: Global report 2019</a>

According to the Global reports 2019 released by Equal Measures 2030, no country in the world is set to achieve gender equality by 2030.

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Gender Index which was released on Monday, assess the state of gender equality across 129 countries across the globe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/stock-markets-close-at-record-high-sensex-surges-553-points-nifty-ends-above-12000-for-first-time-223868">Stock markets close at record high: Sensex surges 553 points, Nifty ends above 12,000 for first time</a>

The key Indian equity indices created new benchmarks on Monday with the Sensex hitting a record high level of 40,283.54 points.

The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange touched its fresh all-time high of 12,081.85 points.

Wreckage of missing Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft spotted The wreckage of Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft has reportedly been found, sources reported. The aircraft took off from Assam's Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm on Monday and went missing after 1 pm.

Wreckage of missing Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft spotted The wreckage of Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft has reportedly been found, sources reported. The aircraft took off from Assam's Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm on Monday and went missing after 1 pm. Recession could hit US in less than a year if China trade war worsens: Survey The odds of a US recession by next year have increased sharply, with mounting protectionism continuing to pose the greatest economic threat, according to a business economic survey Monday. Mehul Choksi 'fugitive and absconder', Enforcement Directorate tells Bombay High Court Diamantaire Mehul Choksi, accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank scam, is a "fugitive and absconder", the Enforcement Directorate told the Bombay High Court on Monday. No country to achieve gender equality by 2030: Global report 2019 According to the Global reports 2019 released by Equal Measures 2030, no country in the world is set to achieve gender equality by 2030. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Gender Index which was released on Monday, assess the state of gender equality across 129 countries across the globe. Stock markets close at record high: Sensex surges 553 points, Nifty ends above 12,000 for first time The key Indian equity indices created new benchmarks on Monday with the Sensex hitting a record high level of 40,283.54 points. The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange touched its fresh all-time high of 12,081.85 points.

News brief: Big stories of the day

According to the Global reports 2019 released by Equal Measures 2030, no country in the world is set to achieve <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-teaching-gender-equality-encourages-domestic-violence-says-womens-minister-202229">gender equality</a> by 2030.

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Gender Index which was released on Monday, assess the state of gender equality across 129 countries across the globe.

In 2015, 193 countries committed to achieving SDG by 2030. It includes gender equality, ending poverty, and taking action against the climate crisis.

The report covers 95 per cent of the world's female population.

The index claims that despite an international agreement to achieve gender equality by 2030, and with only 11 years to go, around 2.8 billion girls and women are living in countries that are failing on gender equality.

Watch:&nbsp;Berlin Film Festival is ready to embrace gender equality

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/berlin-film-festival-is-ready-to-embrace-gender-equality-193867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Equal Measures 2030 is a partnership of civil society and the private sector, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the International Women's Health Coalition, KPMG, Femnet, Plan International and Women Deliver. It was set up in 2016.

According to the index, countries which have an overall score of 90 or more are making excellent progress, while those scoring less than 59 are in a very poor state on achieving goals.

Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation described the report as a ''wake-up call to the world.''

According to the Global reports 2019 released by Equal Measures 2030, no country in the world is set to achieve gender equality by 2030. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Gender Index which was released on Monday, assess the state of gender equality across 129 countries across the globe.

According to the Global reports 2019 released by Equal Measures 2030, no country in the world is set to achieve gender equality by 2030. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Gender Index which was released on Monday, assess the state of gender equality across 129 countries across the globe. In 2015, 193 countries committed to achieving SDG by 2030. It includes gender equality, ending poverty, and taking action against the climate crisis. The report covers 95 per cent of the world's female population. The index claims that despite an international agreement to achieve gender equality by 2030, and with only 11 years to go, around 2.8 billion girls and women are living in countries that are failing on gender equality. Watch: Berlin Film Festival is ready to embrace gender equality Equal Measures 2030 is a partnership of civil society and the private sector, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the International Women's Health Coalition, KPMG, Femnet, Plan International and Women Deliver. It was set up in 2016. According to the index, countries which have an overall score of 90 or more are making excellent progress, while those scoring less than 59 are in a very poor state on achieving goals. Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation described the report as a ''wake-up call to the world.''

No country to achieve gender equality by 2030: Global report 2019

South Korea's constitutional court lifted the country's decades-old abortion ban in a landmark decision Thursday.&nbsp;

The court said criminalising women who undergo abortion and doctors that carry out terminations was "unconstitutional" and ordered the 1953 law to be revised by the end of next year, the Yonhap news agency reported.

However, the court said the current law would remain in effect until the end of next year.

The South was one of the few industrialised nations where the procedure was illegal except for instances of rape, incest and when the mother's health is at risk.

Calls to repeal the law have gained traction in recent years, but support for it is also staunch in a country that remains conservative towards female sexuality and highly influenced by evangelical Christianity.

An opinion poll in 2017 showed a narrow public majority -- 51.9 per cent -- in favour of abolishing the ban.

The Constitutional Court last upheld the law in 2012, saying that abortion would "end up running rampant" if not punished. 
&nbsp;

South Korea's constitutional court lifted the country's decades-old abortion ban in a landmark decision Thursday. The court said criminalising women who undergo abortion and doctors that carry out terminations was "unconstitutional" and ordered the 1953 law to be revised by the end of next year, the Yonhap news agency reported.

South Korea's constitutional court lifted the country's decades-old abortion ban in a landmark decision Thursday. The court said criminalising women who undergo abortion and doctors that carry out terminations was "unconstitutional" and ordered the 1953 law to be revised by the end of next year, the Yonhap news agency reported. However, the court said the current law would remain in effect until the end of next year. The South was one of the few industrialised nations where the procedure was illegal except for instances of rape, incest and when the mother's health is at risk. Calls to repeal the law have gained traction in recent years, but support for it is also staunch in a country that remains conservative towards female sexuality and highly influenced by evangelical Christianity. An opinion poll in 2017 showed a narrow public majority -- 51.9 per cent -- in favour of abolishing the ban. The Constitutional Court last upheld the law in 2012, saying that abortion would "end up running rampant" if not punished.

South Korean constitutional court lifts abortion ban

Rights group<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/amnesty-international-calls-2018-the-year-of-shame-for-iran-and-rightly-so-195839&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiUs_y98bPhAhUHS48KHcTrBdMQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1wEEbpyNACT4kgbIeFSflt"> Amnesty International </a>on Wednesday accused four Nordic countries renowned as bastions of gender equality of having "shockingly high levels of rape" and of failing the victims.

An Amnesty report looked at rape cases in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden and said flawed legislation, harmful myths and gender stereotypes had resulted in "endemic impunity" for perpetrators.

"It is a paradox that Nordic countries, which have strong records of upholding gender equality, suffer shockingly high levels of rape," Amnesty International's secretary general Kumi Naidoo said in a statement.

Citing statistics from the European Institute for Gender Equality, the report said an average of 30 per cent of women in Denmark, Finland and Sweden had experienced violence or abuse at the hands of sexual partners, compared to an EU average of 22 per cent.

In Finland, Amnesty said some victims reported positive experiences with law enforcement but that other cases highlighted how "deeply entrenched myths" about rape had directly impacted access to justice.

It accused Norwegian authorities of not taking necessary measures to prevent rape or address its consequences.

Amnesty also said rape in Denmark was "hugely under-reported", and for those cases that were reported the chances of prosecution or conviction were slim.

The report praised Sweden for adopting a new law last year redefining rape as sex without consent and introducing a new offence labelled "negligent rape."&nbsp;

However, it criticised Swedish police's handling of rape cases, with inconsistent investigative techniques and delays in forensic analysis and in interviewing suspects.

Swedish Home Affairs Minister Mikael Damberg told AFP in a phone interview the report was "important", but noted that the high level of rape reports was also a sign that victims were willing to report offences to police.

He said the handling of rape cases was already a priority for police and that some of the issues raised were already being addressed.

Rights group Amnesty International on Wednesday accused four Nordic countries renowned as bastions of gender equality of having "shockingly high levels of rape" and of failing the victims.

Rights group Amnesty International on Wednesday accused four Nordic countries renowned as bastions of gender equality of having "shockingly high levels of rape" and of failing the victims. An Amnesty report looked at rape cases in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden and said flawed legislation, harmful myths and gender stereotypes had resulted in "endemic impunity" for perpetrators. "It is a paradox that Nordic countries, which have strong records of upholding gender equality, suffer shockingly high levels of rape," Amnesty International's secretary general Kumi Naidoo said in a statement. Citing statistics from the European Institute for Gender Equality, the report said an average of 30 per cent of women in Denmark, Finland and Sweden had experienced violence or abuse at the hands of sexual partners, compared to an EU average of 22 per cent. In Finland, Amnesty said some victims reported positive experiences with law enforcement but that other cases highlighted how "deeply entrenched myths" about rape had directly impacted access to justice. It accused Norwegian authorities of not taking necessary measures to prevent rape or address its consequences. Amnesty also said rape in Denmark was "hugely under-reported", and for those cases that were reported the chances of prosecution or conviction were slim. The report praised Sweden for adopting a new law last year redefining rape as sex without consent and introducing a new offence labelled "negligent rape." However, it criticised Swedish police's handling of rape cases, with inconsistent investigative techniques and delays in forensic analysis and in interviewing suspects. Swedish Home Affairs Minister Mikael Damberg told AFP in a phone interview the report was "important", but noted that the high level of rape reports was also a sign that victims were willing to report offences to police. He said the handling of rape cases was already a priority for police and that some of the issues raised were already being addressed.

Amnesty accuses Nordic states of failing rape victims

Teaching boys and girls they are equal in every way encourages domestic violence, Brazil's women's minister said Friday as she urged a return to chivalry.

"Boys need to understand that girls are equal in terms of rights and opportunities, but are different as they're women and they need to be loved and respected as women," said Damares Alves, who was appointed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-jair-bolsonaro-shocks-brazil-with-golden-shower-tweet-201630">far-right President Jair Bolsonaro</a> to lead the ministry for women, families and human rights.

"If they think that boys and girls are equal, as was preached in the past by some 'ideologies,' boys will think 'since girls are equal they can handle being hit.'"

Alves added that boys would be taught that girls "are different physically and need to be loved."

The minister, who is also an evangelical preacher, was presenting a campaign to combat violence against women as part of international women's day.

Alves said the new initiative would teach boys from a young age to respect women by "bringing flowers to girls" or "opening a car door for women."

When appointed she had previously vowed to usher in a new era where "boys will wear blue and girls pink."

She is one of just two women out of 22 ministers in the cabinet of Bolsonaro, who benefitted from the support of the evangelical church in his successful run for president last October.

As part of the campaign against domestic abuse, beauty professionals will be trained to spot signs of domestic violence.

"We're going to train manicurists when they're doing a woman's nails to look for marks on her arms or if she's trembling a lot," said Alves.

"We'll train the hairdressers so that when they lift the hair to brush it they check for marks."

In 2017, 4,539 women were murdered in Brazil, 1,133 of those considered femicide -- meaning they were killed for being women -- according to the public security forum NGO.

It also claimed there were 536 physical assaults against women in Brazil every hour in 2017.

Teaching boys and girls they are equal in every way encourages domestic violence, Brazil's women's minister said Friday as she urged a return to chivalry. "Boys need to understand that girls are equal in terms of rights and opportunities, but are different as they're women and they need to be loved and respected as women," said Damares Alves, who was appointed by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro to lead the ministry for women, families and human rights.

Teaching boys and girls they are equal in every way encourages domestic violence, Brazil's women's minister said Friday as she urged a return to chivalry. "Boys need to understand that girls are equal in terms of rights and opportunities, but are different as they're women and they need to be loved and respected as women," said Damares Alves, who was appointed by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro to lead the ministry for women, families and human rights. "If they think that boys and girls are equal, as was preached in the past by some 'ideologies,' boys will think 'since girls are equal they can handle being hit.'" Alves added that boys would be taught that girls "are different physically and need to be loved." The minister, who is also an evangelical preacher, was presenting a campaign to combat violence against women as part of international women's day. Alves said the new initiative would teach boys from a young age to respect women by "bringing flowers to girls" or "opening a car door for women." When appointed she had previously vowed to usher in a new era where "boys will wear blue and girls pink." She is one of just two women out of 22 ministers in the cabinet of Bolsonaro, who benefitted from the support of the evangelical church in his successful run for president last October. As part of the campaign against domestic abuse, beauty professionals will be trained to spot signs of domestic violence. "We're going to train manicurists when they're doing a woman's nails to look for marks on her arms or if she's trembling a lot," said Alves. "We'll train the hairdressers so that when they lift the hair to brush it they check for marks." In 2017, 4,539 women were murdered in Brazil, 1,133 of those considered femicide -- meaning they were killed for being women -- according to the public security forum NGO. It also claimed there were 536 physical assaults against women in Brazil every hour in 2017.

Teaching gender equality encourages domestic violence, says Brazil's women's minister

Only six countries currently give the same legal rights as men to women in the world, a World Bank report has found.

The report titled&nbsp;"Women, business and the law" revealed the world is moving to equal legal rights to both gender, however, the development is taking place at such a slow pace that so far only six countries have equal gender rights.

The six countries are Belgium, Denmark, France, Latvia, Luxembourg and Sweden.

"Six economies—Belgium, Denmark, France, Latvia, Luxembourg and Sweden—score 100 in the Women, Business and the Law index, meaning they give women and men equal legal rights in the measured areas," read the World Bank report.&nbsp;

The report also found that a decade ago none of these economies scored '100'&nbsp;in the 'Women, business and the law index'&nbsp;indicating that they reformed over the past ten years.

According to the report, France had the biggest improvement among the top performers, going from a score of 91.88 in the index ten years ago to 100 now by implementing a domestic violence law, providing criminal penalties for workplace sexual harassment and introducing paid parental leave.

The average global score is 74.71, indicating that a typical economy gives women only three-fourths the legal rights of men in the measured areas.

The report also had some optimistic findings that showed significant progress in this issue over the past decade.

"Ten years ago, the global average score was 70.06. Since then, 131 economies have made 274 reforms to laws and regulations increasing gender equality in the areas measured in the index. These reforms led to a 4.65 point increase in the average global score," the report read.

Another way to interpret this improvement is that on average, two of the 35 data points measured in the index reformed. These reforms include the 35 economies that introduced laws protecting women from sexual harassment at work, protecting nearly two billion more women than a decade ago.&nbsp;

Sub-Saharan Africa had the most reforms promoting gender equality. Six of the top reforming economies are in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Malawi, Mauritius, Sao Tome and Principe and Zambia. The remaining three top reformers are in East Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean and South Asia respectively, Samoa, Bolivia and Maldives.

Meanwhile, South Asia had the biggest improvement in average regional score, moving from 50 to 58.36, an increase of 8.36 points. This was followed by East Asia and the Pacific, which went from 64.80 to 70.73, an increase of 5.93 points.

Most top reformers introduced sexual harassment laws or mandated nondiscrimination in access to credit. One-third of the top reforming economies removed job restrictions on night work or on certain job types.

"Reforming economies tend to perform better than non-reformers in other measures of gender equality. The economies that reformed under the Women, Business and the Law index also tended to experience bigger increases in the percentage of women working overall, and in the percentage of women working relative to men," the report added.

Only six countries currently give the same legal rights as men to women in the world, a World Bank report has found. The report titled "Women, business and the law" revealed the world is moving to equal legal rights to both gender, however, the development is taking place at such a slow pace that so far only six countries have equal gender rights.

Only six countries currently give the same legal rights as men to women in the world, a World Bank report has found. The report titled "Women, business and the law" revealed the world is moving to equal legal rights to both gender, however, the development is taking place at such a slow pace that so far only six countries have equal gender rights. The six countries are Belgium, Denmark, France, Latvia, Luxembourg and Sweden. "Six economies—Belgium, Denmark, France, Latvia, Luxembourg and Sweden—score 100 in the Women, Business and the Law index, meaning they give women and men equal legal rights in the measured areas," read the World Bank report. The report also found that a decade ago none of these economies scored '100' in the 'Women, business and the law index' indicating that they reformed over the past ten years. According to the report, France had the biggest improvement among the top performers, going from a score of 91.88 in the index ten years ago to 100 now by implementing a domestic violence law, providing criminal penalties for workplace sexual harassment and introducing paid parental leave. The average global score is 74.71, indicating that a typical economy gives women only three-fourths the legal rights of men in the measured areas. The report also had some optimistic findings that showed significant progress in this issue over the past decade. "Ten years ago, the global average score was 70.06. Since then, 131 economies have made 274 reforms to laws and regulations increasing gender equality in the areas measured in the index. These reforms led to a 4.65 point increase in the average global score," the report read. Another way to interpret this improvement is that on average, two of the 35 data points measured in the index reformed. These reforms include the 35 economies that introduced laws protecting women from sexual harassment at work, protecting nearly two billion more women than a decade ago. Sub-Saharan Africa had the most reforms promoting gender equality. Six of the top reforming economies are in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Malawi, Mauritius, Sao Tome and Principe and Zambia. The remaining three top reformers are in East Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean and South Asia respectively, Samoa, Bolivia and Maldives. Meanwhile, South Asia had the biggest improvement in average regional score, moving from 50 to 58.36, an increase of 8.36 points. This was followed by East Asia and the Pacific, which went from 64.80 to 70.73, an increase of 5.93 points. Most top reformers introduced sexual harassment laws or mandated nondiscrimination in access to credit. One-third of the top reforming economies removed job restrictions on night work or on certain job types. "Reforming economies tend to perform better than non-reformers in other measures of gender equality. The economies that reformed under the Women, Business and the Law index also tended to experience bigger increases in the percentage of women working overall, and in the percentage of women working relative to men," the report added.

Only 6 countries in world give women equal legal work rights as men: World Bank report

In a first, lakhs of women stood should-to-shoulder across the national highways in Kerala, creating a 620 km-long human 'wall' from the northern end of Kasaragod to the southern tip here on Tuesday as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality.

The event comes days after thousands of devotees lit 'Ayyappa Jyothies' (lighting of sacred lamps) and lined up from Hosangadi in Kasargod to Kanyakumari, vowing to protect the age-old customs and traditions of Sabarimala.

On Tuesday, women from various walks of life -- writers, athletes, actors, politicians and techies, government officials and homemakers -- stood across the highways crisscrossing through the 14 districts in the state as the event commenced at 4 pm.

Expressing solidarity, thousands of men also lined up parallel forming a second human 'wall'.

The 'Women's wall' was conceived in the backdrop of frenzied protests witnessed in the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the Supreme Court verdict, allowing all women to pray at the Ayyappa shrine.

The event is part of an initiative to protect secular values, gender equality and to spread a message against those trying to push society into the dark ages, organisers of the programme said.

Before the formal start of the event, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan garlanded the statue of social reformer 'Ayyankali'.

CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat and CPI leader Annie Raja also paid floral tributes at the statue.

Vijayan had earlier expressed confidence that women, cutting across lines of caste and religion, would join the 'wall' to save Kerala from being "dragged back into the era of darkness."

CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had earlier said that 50 lakh women were expected to take part in the event.

Health minister K K Shylaja led the 'Women's Wall' at Kasaragod and Karat was the last person at the end at Vellayambalam here.

School students were given half-day holiday, while universities postponed exams scheduled for Tuesday.

The government employees and Technopark employees were allegedly asked to take part in the event, which the main opposition Congress-led UDF dubbed "caste wall" and "wall of contradictions".

The participants began lining up at the designated centres since 3 pm. A rehearsal was also held.

The 'wall' was formed at 4 pm, with participants taking a pledge to uphold gender equality and renaissance values.

The campaign was suggested at a meeting called by the LDF government following massive protests by right-wing parties and a section of devotees over the government's decision to implement the September 28 apex court order, allowing women of all ages to offer prayers at Sabarimala.

In a first, lakhs of women stood should-to-shoulder across the national highways in Kerala, creating a 620 km-long human 'wall' from the northern end of Kasaragod to the southern tip here on Tuesday as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality.

In a first, lakhs of women stood should-to-shoulder across the national highways in Kerala, creating a 620 km-long human 'wall' from the northern end of Kasaragod to the southern tip here on Tuesday as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality. The event comes days after thousands of devotees lit 'Ayyappa Jyothies' (lighting of sacred lamps) and lined up from Hosangadi in Kasargod to Kanyakumari, vowing to protect the age-old customs and traditions of Sabarimala. On Tuesday, women from various walks of life -- writers, athletes, actors, politicians and techies, government officials and homemakers -- stood across the highways crisscrossing through the 14 districts in the state as the event commenced at 4 pm. Expressing solidarity, thousands of men also lined up parallel forming a second human 'wall'. The 'Women's wall' was conceived in the backdrop of frenzied protests witnessed in the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the Supreme Court verdict, allowing all women to pray at the Ayyappa shrine. The event is part of an initiative to protect secular values, gender equality and to spread a message against those trying to push society into the dark ages, organisers of the programme said. Before the formal start of the event, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan garlanded the statue of social reformer 'Ayyankali'. CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat and CPI leader Annie Raja also paid floral tributes at the statue. Vijayan had earlier expressed confidence that women, cutting across lines of caste and religion, would join the 'wall' to save Kerala from being "dragged back into the era of darkness." CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had earlier said that 50 lakh women were expected to take part in the event. Health minister K K Shylaja led the 'Women's Wall' at Kasaragod and Karat was the last person at the end at Vellayambalam here. School students were given half-day holiday, while universities postponed exams scheduled for Tuesday. The government employees and Technopark employees were allegedly asked to take part in the event, which the main opposition Congress-led UDF dubbed "caste wall" and "wall of contradictions". The participants began lining up at the designated centres since 3 pm. A rehearsal was also held. The 'wall' was formed at 4 pm, with participants taking a pledge to uphold gender equality and renaissance values. The campaign was suggested at a meeting called by the LDF government following massive protests by right-wing parties and a section of devotees over the government's decision to implement the September 28 apex court order, allowing women of all ages to offer prayers at Sabarimala.

Sabarimala row: Kerala women form 620-km long human 'wall' to uphold gender equality 

Gender equality and climate change were at the heart of the speech by New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.

On gender equality, Ardern said, "We still have a gender pay gap, an over-representation of women in low paid work and domestic violence." "And I for one will never celebrate the gains we have made for women domestically while internationally other women and girls experience a lack of the most basic of opportunities and dignity. Me Too must become We Too. We are all in this together."

Ardern also said climate change is "the single, biggest threat to the security in the Pacific" and listed her nations efforts to combat the effects of rising sea levels.

Gender equality and climate change were at the heart of the speech by New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.

Gender equality and climate change were at the heart of the speech by New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. On gender equality, Ardern said, "We still have a gender pay gap, an over-representation of women in low paid work and domestic violence." "And I for one will never celebrate the gains we have made for women domestically while internationally other women and girls experience a lack of the most basic of opportunities and dignity. Me Too must become We Too. We are all in this together." Ardern also said climate change is "the single, biggest threat to the security in the Pacific" and listed her nations efforts to combat the effects of rising sea levels.

Watch: 'Me Too must become We Too' says New Zealand PM Ardern at UN

'Me Too must become We Too' says Ardern on gender equality

Spain marked International Women&#39;s Day Thursday with an unprecedented strike in defence of their rights that saw hundreds of trains cancelled and massive protests held in Madrid and Barcelona.

Called by 10 unions to demand gender equality, particularly where salaries are concerned, the 24-hour strike dominated headlines with famous female presenters noticeably absent from radio or television shows.

&quot;This should be a starting point to change things. We are far from real equality,&quot; Maria Angels Pina, a teacher in her 60s, told AFP at an evening march in Barcelona attended by around 200,000 people according to municipal police.

In Madrid tens of thousands of people, many wearing purple or holding up purple balloons &nbsp;-- a colour long associated with gender equality -- marched along the central Gran Via boulevard, chanting and holding signs that read &quot;Justice!&quot; and &quot;Revolution&quot;.

Smaller protests were held in dozens of cities across the country as women hung aprons on their balconies in a pre-arranged sign they were ditching domestic chores for the day.

Feminist groups also called on women not to spend money, particularly on items such as deodorant whose versions created for women often cost more.

Spain&#39;s two main unions -- the CCOO and UGT -- were not part of the grouping that called the 24-hour strike but asked their members to stop work for just two hours on Thursday.

They estimated that 5.9 million men and women had observed the short stoppage.

Change the culture

The strike was attempting to emulate Iceland&#39;s 1975 work shutdown, when women took a day off in October to demonstrate their vital contribution to the country&#39;s economy and society.

Pilar Lahoz, a 35-year-old office worker who carried a sign that read &quot;Without us the world stops&quot; at the protest in Madrid, said she has struggled to change jobs because potential employers rule her out when she says she is planning on having children.

&quot;While we have advanced a great deal there is still much to do,&quot; she told AFP.

The strike comes as countries around the world mobilised for #InternationalWomensDay, a worldwide trending topic on Twitter, and comes hot on the heels of #MeToo and #Timesup campaigns that went global with allegations of sexual misconduct in Hollywood.

Belen Ramiro, 40, who wore stickers that read &quot;feminist strike&quot; on her jacket at the march in Madrid, said she did not cook or do any other housework as part of the strike and her daughter did not go to school.

&quot;We want to change the culture that it is women who are caretakers,&quot; she told AFP.

Countless sarcastic memes circulated on social media and mobile messaging apps, with one video showing a man desperately trying to start a vacuum cleaner, pulling at the retractable plug cable like he would power up a lawnmower.

Spain fights hard

Spain is a leading country in the fight for women&#39;s rights and against gender violence, even though much remains to be done.

In 2004, for instance, the then Socialist government approved a law on violence against women that the European Council has upheld as an example to follow.

The groundbreaking legislation set up a hotline that would not appear on users&#39; phone bills, offered free legal aid and established special courts for victims.

Last year, though, 49 women died at the hands of their partners or ex-partners, an increase on 2016 when 44 were killed, official statistics show.

Women earn 14.9 percent less than men in Spain, slightly better than the EU average of 16.2 percent, according to the bloc&#39;s statistics agency Eurostat.

It was not yet clear how many Spaniards went on the 24-hour strike, but trains on the Madrid and Barcelona undergrounds were less frequent than usual.

Meanwhile, more than 300 intercity and long-distance trains were cancelled throughout Spain.

Deputy PM speaks out

High-profile women politicians and business leaders also spoke out strongly against inequalities.

Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria on Wednesday spoke of the discrimination she has suffered: &quot;There are still many things that need changing because even as deputy prime minister you experience unacceptable sexist behaviour.&quot;

Famous actresses such as Penelope Cruz and Rossy de Palma were also striking, with Cruz cancelling planned events and letting her partner Javier Bardem take care of their two children.

Ana Botin, the head of Santander, Spain&#39;s largest bank, tweeted that &quot;the motherhood penalty is not a myth&quot;.

&quot;After a first child, a women&#39;s income drops sharply, and never fully recover,&quot; she added.

Called by 10 unions to demand gender equality, particularly where salaries are concerned, the 24-hour strike dominated headlines with famous female presenters noticeably absent from radio or television shows

Spain marked International Women's Day Thursday with an unprecedented strike in defence of their rights that saw hundreds of trains cancelled and massive protests held in Madrid and Barcelona. Called by 10 unions to demand gender equality, particularly where salaries are concerned, the 24-hour strike dominated headlines with famous female presenters noticeably absent from radio or television shows. "This should be a starting point to change things. We are far from real equality," Maria Angels Pina, a teacher in her 60s, told AFP at an evening march in Barcelona attended by around 200,000 people according to municipal police. In Madrid tens of thousands of people, many wearing purple or holding up purple balloons -- a colour long associated with gender equality -- marched along the central Gran Via boulevard, chanting and holding signs that read "Justice!" and "Revolution". Smaller protests were held in dozens of cities across the country as women hung aprons on their balconies in a pre-arranged sign they were ditching domestic chores for the day. Feminist groups also called on women not to spend money, particularly on items such as deodorant whose versions created for women often cost more. Spain's two main unions -- the CCOO and UGT -- were not part of the grouping that called the 24-hour strike but asked their members to stop work for just two hours on Thursday. They estimated that 5.9 million men and women had observed the short stoppage. Change the culture The strike was attempting to emulate Iceland's 1975 work shutdown, when women took a day off in October to demonstrate their vital contribution to the country's economy and society. Pilar Lahoz, a 35-year-old office worker who carried a sign that read "Without us the world stops" at the protest in Madrid, said she has struggled to change jobs because potential employers rule her out when she says she is planning on having children. "While we have advanced a great deal there is still much to do," she told AFP. The strike comes as countries around the world mobilised for #InternationalWomensDay, a worldwide trending topic on Twitter, and comes hot on the heels of #MeToo and #Timesup campaigns that went global with allegations of sexual misconduct in Hollywood. Belen Ramiro, 40, who wore stickers that read "feminist strike" on her jacket at the march in Madrid, said she did not cook or do any other housework as part of the strike and her daughter did not go to school. "We want to change the culture that it is women who are caretakers," she told AFP. Countless sarcastic memes circulated on social media and mobile messaging apps, with one video showing a man desperately trying to start a vacuum cleaner, pulling at the retractable plug cable like he would power up a lawnmower. Spain fights hard Spain is a leading country in the fight for women's rights and against gender violence, even though much remains to be done. In 2004, for instance, the then Socialist government approved a law on violence against women that the European Council has upheld as an example to follow. The groundbreaking legislation set up a hotline that would not appear on users' phone bills, offered free legal aid and established special courts for victims. Last year, though, 49 women died at the hands of their partners or ex-partners, an increase on 2016 when 44 were killed, official statistics show. Women earn 14.9 percent less than men in Spain, slightly better than the EU average of 16.2 percent, according to the bloc's statistics agency Eurostat. It was not yet clear how many Spaniards went on the 24-hour strike, but trains on the Madrid and Barcelona undergrounds were less frequent than usual. Meanwhile, more than 300 intercity and long-distance trains were cancelled throughout Spain. Deputy PM speaks out High-profile women politicians and business leaders also spoke out strongly against inequalities. Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria on Wednesday spoke of the discrimination she has suffered: "There are still many things that need changing because even as deputy prime minister you experience unacceptable sexist behaviour." Famous actresses such as Penelope Cruz and Rossy de Palma were also striking, with Cruz cancelling planned events and letting her partner Javier Bardem take care of their two children. Ana Botin, the head of Santander, Spain's largest bank, tweeted that "the motherhood penalty is not a myth". "After a first child, a women's income drops sharply, and never fully recover," she added.

International Women's Day: Spanish women stage unprecedented strike for rights

Google Doodle celebrated International Women&#39;s Day with 12 different powerful doodles compiled in one main doodle on Thursday.

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The doodle is featuring doodles made by twelve artists from twelve different countries.

The search engine had asked artists to contribute and illustrate the reflections of their own personal experiences as women.

The brief that was given to the artists was &#39;growth&#39;.

Reportedly the illustrators who made these colourful comics are from Japan, England, Brazil, Thailand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, America, India, Germany, Mexico, Pakistan, and Italy.&nbsp;

Each doodle tells a&nbsp;story of a moment, an event or a person that made an impact on their life the most, and portrays the different generation&nbsp;of women at various times in their life.

Stories related to a moment of becoming a mother to narrating the experience of&nbsp;coming&nbsp;out&nbsp;as a&nbsp;transgender woman.

Google had asked artists to contribute and illustrate the reflections of their own personal experiences as women

Google Doodle celebrated International Women's Day with 12 different powerful doodles compiled in one main doodle on Thursday. × The doodle is featuring doodles made by twelve artists from twelve different countries. The search engine had asked artists to contribute and illustrate the reflections of their own personal experiences as women. The brief that was given to the artists was 'growth'. Reportedly the illustrators who made these colourful comics are from Japan, England, Brazil, Thailand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, America, India, Germany, Mexico, Pakistan, and Italy. Each doodle tells a story of a moment, an event or a person that made an impact on their life the most, and portrays the different generation of women at various times in their life. Stories related to a moment of becoming a mother to narrating the experience of coming out as a transgender woman.

Watch: Google celebrates International Women's Day with twelve doodles

Yes, Women&#39;s Day is relevant in India in terms of the potential it has to bring about a change in the mindsets and attitudes towards women.&nbsp;

But in my opinion, the celebration is overrated. In a country where there are female foeticides, dowry deaths, where women do not have access to schools, toilets and sanitary napkins, women&#39;s day is superficial.

Women&#39;s day needs to come as a movement from within the country, like in the West where it began as a movement of advancing the cause of women&#39;s suffrage or the right to vote. We have still been unable to achieve reservation for women in politics, necessary because of centuries of gender inequality. The Woman&#39;s Reservation Bill, which aims at reserving 33 per cent of all seats in the Lower house of Parliament, the Lok Sabha, and in all state legislative assemblies, lapsed because the Lok Sabha didn&#39;t vote on it.

The so-called privileged women are not that privileged after all when it comes to prejudices and biases.

Women&#39;s participation in the boardrooms is skewed, as is their remuneration. Many are still sidelined at their workplace after pregnancy. Most expecting women bump into the glass ceiling, a commonly-used metaphor used for describing the invisible barrier that hinders the advancement of women up the corporate ladder.

Women need to be given greater flexibility and options like work from home if required. I know of a woman who had a miscarriage, joined back work after surgery, and was told by her manager that she was on &#39;vacation&#39;. This is a serious prejudice and illustrates the insensitive attitude of some. The Maternity (Amendment) Bill introduced in 2017 is a shot in the arm for the female workforce and will mitigate some of the challenges faced by them.

The bias begins right from childhood when a boy&#39;s education is given more priority than a girl&#39;s. If it comes to choosing between whom to send to school, the boy is usually given preference. Child-rearing practices need to change to overcome gender stereotypes. As does the education system- in many places, girls are typically depicted as confined to the domestic sphere, while boys are shown in occupational and outdoor roles.

This Women&#39;s Day, I wish for Indian women to be empowered which implies more freedom, liberation, inclusion, sensitisation of society towards problems of women, and greater role in decision making whether at the workplace or at home.

The increase in the number of divorces in the country is a sign that women are learning to stand up for themselves. The Triple Talaq bill is yet another pathbreaking piece of legislation introduced by the government that will go a long way towards empowering Muslim women.

We need to change mindsets and perspectives towards women and overcome and challenge biased and non-inclusive behaviour. At home, women need to take more decisions from choosing which serial to watch to have an equal say in what to buy and where to live. At work, women need to take on greater leadership roles, be in charge of things and prove the biases towards them are incorrect.

There are some women CEOs, cabinet ministers and industrialists who have made the journey from the kitchen to the corridors of power and are role models worthy of emulation. Here&rsquo;s more power to all women in the years to come as they soar to greater heights and reach their full potential.&nbsp;

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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Some women have made the journey from the kitchen to the corridors of power. Yet many do not have access to schools, toilets, and sanitary napkins.

Yes, Women's Day is relevant in India in terms of the potential it has to bring about a change in the mindsets and attitudes towards women. But in my opinion, the celebration is overrated. In a country where there are female foeticides, dowry deaths, where women do not have access to schools, toilets and sanitary napkins, women's day is superficial. Women's day needs to come as a movement from within the country, like in the West where it began as a movement of advancing the cause of women's suffrage or the right to vote. We have still been unable to achieve reservation for women in politics, necessary because of centuries of gender inequality. The Woman's Reservation Bill, which aims at reserving 33 per cent of all seats in the Lower house of Parliament, the Lok Sabha, and in all state legislative assemblies, lapsed because the Lok Sabha didn't vote on it. The so-called privileged women are not that privileged after all when it comes to prejudices and biases. Women's participation in the boardrooms is skewed, as is their remuneration. Many are still sidelined at their workplace after pregnancy. Most expecting women bump into the glass ceiling, a commonly-used metaphor used for describing the invisible barrier that hinders the advancement of women up the corporate ladder. Women need to be given greater flexibility and options like work from home if required. I know of a woman who had a miscarriage, joined back work after surgery, and was told by her manager that she was on 'vacation'. This is a serious prejudice and illustrates the insensitive attitude of some. The Maternity (Amendment) Bill introduced in 2017 is a shot in the arm for the female workforce and will mitigate some of the challenges faced by them. The bias begins right from childhood when a boy's education is given more priority than a girl's. If it comes to choosing between whom to send to school, the boy is usually given preference. Child-rearing practices need to change to overcome gender stereotypes. As does the education system- in many places, girls are typically depicted as confined to the domestic sphere, while boys are shown in occupational and outdoor roles. This Women's Day, I wish for Indian women to be empowered which implies more freedom, liberation, inclusion, sensitisation of society towards problems of women, and greater role in decision making whether at the workplace or at home. The increase in the number of divorces in the country is a sign that women are learning to stand up for themselves. The Triple Talaq bill is yet another pathbreaking piece of legislation introduced by the government that will go a long way towards empowering Muslim women. We need to change mindsets and perspectives towards women and overcome and challenge biased and non-inclusive behaviour. At home, women need to take more decisions from choosing which serial to watch to have an equal say in what to buy and where to live. At work, women need to take on greater leadership roles, be in charge of things and prove the biases towards them are incorrect. There are some women CEOs, cabinet ministers and industrialists who have made the journey from the kitchen to the corridors of power and are role models worthy of emulation. Here’s more power to all women in the years to come as they soar to greater heights and reach their full potential. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why the journey from kitchen to corridors of power is so difficult for women

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