On an island in the Democratic Republic of Congo, coffee bushes are bringing forth a rich harvest of berries. The primary beneficiaries will be women. This is a sector where women are notoriously sidelined and underpaid in Congo.

How Congo Women Will Benefit from Coffee?

There is no doubt that the future is female. Every year on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day and this year it’s on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Women are an important part of the society. They are strong, independent, fearless, divine, compassionate just like the song written by Beyonce 'Run the World (Girls),' and this day is a reminder of the same.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-womens-day-movies-that-celebrate-powerful-sheroes-in-indian-cinema-459800">Women's Day: Movies that celebrate powerful sheroes in Indian cinema</a>

Well, every day is Women’s Day. Each day, women are overcoming all sorts of obstacles, breaking rules to achieve their goals, dreams, with utmost determination and belief, seeking to make their life better and most importantly ensure gender equality.

This day marks the historic journey women have taken globally to make their lives better, to have their own spot to shine. Even though so much has been achieved, the journey still has a long way to go and so much that needs to be done.&nbsp;

Women’s day is not associated with just one country, group or community rather it’s the essence of empowering women globally.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/this-womens-day-watch-these-iconic-shows-that-celebrate-powerful-female-protagonists-459812">This Women's Day, watch these iconic shows that celebrate powerful female protagonists</a>

HISTORY:

According to UNSECO, International Women’s Day emerged in early 20th century. During 1908, there was a continuous debate for shorter work hours and inequity faced by the female labourers. Later, almost 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding decreased working hours, right to vote, and the push for this became louder especially among those working in harsh conditions.

The United States observed the inaugural Women’s Day in 1909.&nbsp; 
Copenhagen hosted an international meeting of all working women in 1910.&nbsp;

Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland celebrated their first Women’s Day on March 19, 1911.

Women in Russia protested raising their slogan “Bread and Butter” and this movement led them to their first women’s day on February 23 during 1913 and 1914.

Later International Women’s Day was globally declared to be celebrated on March 8.

Watch |&nbsp;International Women's Day: How women protest in Peru against gender-based violence

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/international-womens-day-how-women-protest-in-peru-against-gender-based-violence-460121/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

2022 Theme: 
The United Nations this year has the motto “Gender Equality today for a Sustainable tomorrow” in celebration of those girls and women who are in charge of climate change adaption. 
The internationalwomensday.com states the campaign theme for IWD2022 is “#BreakTheBias” to promote gender equity globally.

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There is no doubt that the future is female. Every year on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day and this year it’s on Tuesday. Women are an important part of the society.

There is no doubt that the future is female. Every year on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day and this year it’s on Tuesday. Women are an important part of the society. They are strong, independent, fearless, divine, compassionate just like the song written by Beyonce 'Run the World (Girls),' and this day is a reminder of the same. Also read | Women's Day: Movies that celebrate powerful sheroes in Indian cinema Well, every day is Women’s Day. Each day, women are overcoming all sorts of obstacles, breaking rules to achieve their goals, dreams, with utmost determination and belief, seeking to make their life better and most importantly ensure gender equality. This day marks the historic journey women have taken globally to make their lives better, to have their own spot to shine. Even though so much has been achieved, the journey still has a long way to go and so much that needs to be done. Women’s day is not associated with just one country, group or community rather it’s the essence of empowering women globally. Also read | This Women's Day, watch these iconic shows that celebrate powerful female protagonists HISTORY: According to UNSECO, International Women’s Day emerged in early 20th century. During 1908, there was a continuous debate for shorter work hours and inequity faced by the female labourers. Later, almost 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding decreased working hours, right to vote, and the push for this became louder especially among those working in harsh conditions. The United States observed the inaugural Women’s Day in 1909. Copenhagen hosted an international meeting of all working women in 1910. Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland celebrated their first Women’s Day on March 19, 1911. Women in Russia protested raising their slogan “Bread and Butter” and this movement led them to their first women’s day on February 23 during 1913 and 1914. Later International Women’s Day was globally declared to be celebrated on March 8. Watch | International Women's Day: How women protest in Peru against gender-based violence 2022 Theme: The United Nations this year has the motto “Gender Equality today for a Sustainable tomorrow” in celebration of those girls and women who are in charge of climate change adaption. The internationalwomensday.com states the campaign theme for IWD2022 is “#BreakTheBias” to promote gender equity globally.

#BreakTheBias: This is why we celebrate International Women's Day

Komal Rani, Ishrat and Vibhuti belong to Uttar Pradesh's hinterlands where they studied in government primary schools and had grim chances of pursuing higher education.

However, their destinies changed when they enrolled at VidyaGyan Leadership Academy which provides free world-class education to underprivileged meritorious students from families with an annual income of less than a lakh.

Komal Rani from Rasoolpur Madhi village of Meerut district could have never imagined that she would one day work as a Manager with Kinara Capital, a digital lending company in the vibrant city of Bengaluru.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breakthebias-this-is-why-we-celebrate-international-womens-day-460133">&nbsp;#BreakTheBias: This is why we celebrate International Women's Day</a>

Till the age of 12, she worked in the local village to earn a measly income to support her family of seven members financially.

However, she was always passionate about education, and it was this passion that helped her secure admission at VidyaGyan.

Komal went on to study the B. Com programme at Gargi College of Delhi University for her undergraduate studies and pursued an MBA from Vedica Scholars Programme for women. As an independent young woman, she hopes to help uplift her family out of poverty and be the change agent that she always aspired to be.

Ishrat' s story is no different. Daughter of a daily wager from the Sirsali village of Baghpat district, Ishrat comes from an extremely conservative background where education for girl children is frowned upon.

Seeing her zest for learning, her parents allowed her to take admission at VidyaGyan and eventually study at Gargi College in Delhi University.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-womens-day-movies-that-celebrate-powerful-sheroes-in-indian-cinema-459800">Women's Day: Movies that celebrate powerful sheroes in Indian cinema</a>

Ishrat has now secured a job with Byju's. Empowered by her education, she is financially independent and has impressed upon her family the importance of a good education. She is preparing for a bank exam now.

Her success has made her a role model and torchbearer of women empowerment within her community.

Another inspiring story is of Vibhuti who lost her father at a very young age.

Brought up single-handedly by her mother, she was encouraged to pursue education and study at a residential school despite strong opposition from her village community.

Watch |&nbsp;International Women's Day: How women protest in Peru against gender-based violence

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/international-womens-day-how-women-protest-in-peru-against-gender-based-violence-460121/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Vibhuti has secured an engineering degree in Computer Science, and works with IBM as an Application Developer in Gurugram.

From dreamers to achievers, these women represent the larger community of young women of rural India who are talented and ready to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with their urban counterparts.

Komal Rani, Ishrat and Vibhuti belong to Uttar Pradesh's hinterlands where they studied in government primary schools and had grim chances of pursuing higher education.

Komal Rani, Ishrat and Vibhuti belong to Uttar Pradesh's hinterlands where they studied in government primary schools and had grim chances of pursuing higher education. However, their destinies changed when they enrolled at VidyaGyan Leadership Academy which provides free world-class education to underprivileged meritorious students from families with an annual income of less than a lakh. Komal Rani from Rasoolpur Madhi village of Meerut district could have never imagined that she would one day work as a Manager with Kinara Capital, a digital lending company in the vibrant city of Bengaluru. Also read | #BreakTheBias: This is why we celebrate International Women's Day Till the age of 12, she worked in the local village to earn a measly income to support her family of seven members financially. However, she was always passionate about education, and it was this passion that helped her secure admission at VidyaGyan. Komal went on to study the B. Com programme at Gargi College of Delhi University for her undergraduate studies and pursued an MBA from Vedica Scholars Programme for women. As an independent young woman, she hopes to help uplift her family out of poverty and be the change agent that she always aspired to be. Ishrat' s story is no different. Daughter of a daily wager from the Sirsali village of Baghpat district, Ishrat comes from an extremely conservative background where education for girl children is frowned upon. Seeing her zest for learning, her parents allowed her to take admission at VidyaGyan and eventually study at Gargi College in Delhi University. Also read | Women's Day: Movies that celebrate powerful sheroes in Indian cinema Ishrat has now secured a job with Byju's. Empowered by her education, she is financially independent and has impressed upon her family the importance of a good education. She is preparing for a bank exam now. Her success has made her a role model and torchbearer of women empowerment within her community. Another inspiring story is of Vibhuti who lost her father at a very young age. Brought up single-handedly by her mother, she was encouraged to pursue education and study at a residential school despite strong opposition from her village community. Watch | International Women's Day: How women protest in Peru against gender-based violence Vibhuti has secured an engineering degree in Computer Science, and works with IBM as an Application Developer in Gurugram. From dreamers to achievers, these women represent the larger community of young women of rural India who are talented and ready to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with their urban counterparts.

International Women's Day: How these women realised their dreams

Education is the key to women empowerment. Educated women tend to marry later, have a higher age at first birth, and fewer children. On Mission Sustainability, experts analyse the importance of educating and empowering women.

Mission Sustainability: Education is the key to women empowerment

Fact: Educated women generally have fewer children than uneducated women. Watch how Project Aakar is promoting female education in Uttar Pradesh.

Mission Sustainability: Population vs Planet

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) issued the country`s first gender bonds on Monday to promote empowerment and education of women and ensure gender equality in developing nations. 
 
Through issuing bonds with maturities of 10 years and 20 years, the government-backed aid agency in total raised 20 billion yen ($181 million) to fund projects in places where women do not have the same opportunities as men to receive education, work, and participate in political activities, reports Xinhua news agency. 
 
According to JICA, women-focused assistance became even more important in the current situation, as more females were subject to domestic violence and deprived of chances for employment or education during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, and that people spent more time at home under some anti-virus measures partly caused the increase in violence against women. 
 
Gender equality is among the 17 sustainable development goals set by the UN. 
 
The JICA's gender bonds are part of the social bonds designed to address various challenges. 
 
Besides gender bonds, JICA has launched bonds designed to achieve specific targets such as "TICAD bonds" to help African development and the bonds to help developing countries improve medical systems and enhance public health amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) issued the country`s first gender bonds on Monday to promote empowerment and education of women and ensure gender equality in developing nations.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) issued the country`s first gender bonds on Monday to promote empowerment and education of women and ensure gender equality in developing nations. Through issuing bonds with maturities of 10 years and 20 years, the government-backed aid agency in total raised 20 billion yen ($181 million) to fund projects in places where women do not have the same opportunities as men to receive education, work, and participate in political activities, reports Xinhua news agency. According to JICA, women-focused assistance became even more important in the current situation, as more females were subject to domestic violence and deprived of chances for employment or education during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, and that people spent more time at home under some anti-virus measures partly caused the increase in violence against women. Gender equality is among the 17 sustainable development goals set by the UN. The JICA's gender bonds are part of the social bonds designed to address various challenges. Besides gender bonds, JICA has launched bonds designed to achieve specific targets such as "TICAD bonds" to help African development and the bonds to help developing countries improve medical systems and enhance public health amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Japan issues 1st gender bonds to promote female empowerment, education

Nine out of 10 women in India had less food, impacting their nutrition levels, during the 2020 nationwide lockdown imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study.

Researchers from the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition, analysed surveys of food expenditures, dietary diversity and other nutrition indicators at the national, state and district levels in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha.

Nearly 90 per cent of survey respondents reported having less food, while 95 per cent said they consumed fewer types of food.

Most concerningly, the drop was due to decreased consumption of foods like meats, eggs, vegetables and fruits, which are rich in micronutrients that are crucial to good health and development.

The study, published in the journal Economia Politica, indicated a decline in household food expenditures and women`s dietary diversity in May 2020 compared to May 2019.

"Women`s diets were lacking in diverse foods even before the pandemic, but COVID-19 has further exacerbated the situation," said Soumya Gupta, a research economist at TCI.

"Any policies addressing the impact of the pandemic on nutritional outcomes must do so through a gendered lens that reflects the specific, and often persistent, vulnerabilities faced by women," she added.

The national lockdown to slow down the spread of Covid was in force from March 24 to May 30, 2020.

Disruptions to agricultural supply chains subsequently led to price fluctuations, especially for non-staple foods, in less developed districts.

The surveys also suggest a decrease in the quantity and quality of nutritious foods consumed by women during the pandemic. For example, some women said that during the lockdown they halved the amount of dal, or red lentils, that they prepared, or that they prepared thinner dals.

The unequal burden on women was also caused in part due to the closure of India`s aanganwadi centers during the lockdown, affecting 72 per cent of households, the researchers said.

The centers, which provide take-home rations and hot cooked meals to nursing and expecting mothers, are an important source of nutrition for women and children.

"Due to the spillover effects of maternal malnutrition, that risk poses a threat not only to women`s productivity and well-being, but also that of their children," Gupta noted.

Nine out of 10 women in India had less food, impacting their nutrition levels, during the 2020 nationwide lockdown imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study.

Nine out of 10 women in India had less food, impacting their nutrition levels, during the 2020 nationwide lockdown imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study. Researchers from the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition, analysed surveys of food expenditures, dietary diversity and other nutrition indicators at the national, state and district levels in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha. Nearly 90 per cent of survey respondents reported having less food, while 95 per cent said they consumed fewer types of food. Most concerningly, the drop was due to decreased consumption of foods like meats, eggs, vegetables and fruits, which are rich in micronutrients that are crucial to good health and development. The study, published in the journal Economia Politica, indicated a decline in household food expenditures and women`s dietary diversity in May 2020 compared to May 2019. "Women`s diets were lacking in diverse foods even before the pandemic, but COVID-19 has further exacerbated the situation," said Soumya Gupta, a research economist at TCI. "Any policies addressing the impact of the pandemic on nutritional outcomes must do so through a gendered lens that reflects the specific, and often persistent, vulnerabilities faced by women," she added. The national lockdown to slow down the spread of Covid was in force from March 24 to May 30, 2020. Disruptions to agricultural supply chains subsequently led to price fluctuations, especially for non-staple foods, in less developed districts. The surveys also suggest a decrease in the quantity and quality of nutritious foods consumed by women during the pandemic. For example, some women said that during the lockdown they halved the amount of dal, or red lentils, that they prepared, or that they prepared thinner dals. The unequal burden on women was also caused in part due to the closure of India`s aanganwadi centers during the lockdown, affecting 72 per cent of households, the researchers said. The centers, which provide take-home rations and hot cooked meals to nursing and expecting mothers, are an important source of nutrition for women and children. "Due to the spillover effects of maternal malnutrition, that risk poses a threat not only to women`s productivity and well-being, but also that of their children," Gupta noted.

90% Indian women ate less during COVID-19 lockdown: Study

Makeup artist Sahar Ahmad travels the West Bank in a pink-and-black minibus with the picture of Marilyn Monroe painted on it. Named 'Glitter' and adorned with the slogan "Beauty on the way," the minibus serves brides and clients short on time or ones who are unable to reach the salon.

Mobile salon brings beauty services to West Bank women

Women lawmakers in Tanzania have called for an apology to a Member of Parliament who was told to leave the National Assembly because of her tight-fitting trousers.

Condester Sichwale, a female Tanzanian lawmaker, was expelled from parliament on Tuesday for wearing "strange" clothing.

Following a protest about her dress from another legislator, Hussein Amar, she was thrown out by Job Ndugai, the speaker of the house.

"Go dress up well, and...Join us back later," the Speaker Job Ndugai told Condester Sichwale.

Ndugai said this after a male MP said, "Some of our sisters are wearing strange clothes...What are they showing to the society?"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
📌 KICKED OUT 
 
🔴 Tanzanian MP Condester Michael Sichlwe caused a stir in parliament in Dodoma today 'by wearing black tight-fitting trousers, and yellow top'. 
 
Speaker of Parliament Job Ndugai threw her out for wearing 'non-parliamentary attire'. 
 
📷 <a href="https://twitter.com/Hakingowi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hakingowi</a> <a href="https://t.co/n8vxabWLQV">pic.twitter.com/n8vxabWLQV</a>
— Louis Jadwong (@Jadwong) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jadwong/status/1399721687025950724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Hussein Amar argued that the parliament was a reflection of society, citing a portion of the parliament's rules forbidding female legislators from wearing tight jeans.

Speaker Job Ndugai said that this was not the first time he had received a complaint regarding the clothing of female Members of Parliament, and instructed chamber orderlies to refuse access to anyone who was dressed inappropriately.

(With inputs from agencies)

Women lawmakers in Tanzania have called for an apology to a Member of Parliament who was told to leave the National Assembly because of her tight-fitting trousers.

Women lawmakers in Tanzania have called for an apology to a Member of Parliament who was told to leave the National Assembly because of her tight-fitting trousers. Condester Sichwale, a female Tanzanian lawmaker, was expelled from parliament on Tuesday for wearing "strange" clothing. Following a protest about her dress from another legislator, Hussein Amar, she was thrown out by Job Ndugai, the speaker of the house. "Go dress up well, and...Join us back later," the Speaker Job Ndugai told Condester Sichwale. Ndugai said this after a male MP said, "Some of our sisters are wearing strange clothes...What are they showing to the society?" 📌 KICKED OUT 🔴 Tanzanian MP Condester Michael Sichlwe caused a stir in parliament in Dodoma today 'by wearing black tight-fitting trousers, and yellow top'. Speaker of Parliament Job Ndugai threw her out for wearing 'non-parliamentary attire'. 📷 @Hakingowi pic.twitter.com/n8vxabWLQV — Louis Jadwong (@Jadwong) June 1, 2021 × Hussein Amar argued that the parliament was a reflection of society, citing a portion of the parliament's rules forbidding female legislators from wearing tight jeans. Speaker Job Ndugai said that this was not the first time he had received a complaint regarding the clothing of female Members of Parliament, and instructed chamber orderlies to refuse access to anyone who was dressed inappropriately. (With inputs from agencies)

'Go dress up well': Female MP removed from Tanzania Parliament for wearing tight pants

A television station in Iran covered a Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspurs and Manchester United, however, the live telecast had over 100 shots censored due to the presence of a female referee in the match. The censorship has sparked criticism on social media.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-to-set-new-benchmarks-at-tokyo-olympics-377981" hreflang="en">Women to set new benchmarks at Tokyo Olympics</a>

Several netizens including Iran's world champion gold medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, Sardar Pashaei and founder of the country's women's civil rights group (My Stealthy Freedom) took to Twitter to speak against the move.&nbsp;

Pashaei tweeted: "Last night, Iran TV interrupted the important game between Manchester United and Tottenham dozens of times, censoring its images, just because one of the referee's match was a woman (@SianMasseyRef). Will @FIFAcom voice its objection to this gender discrimination by Iran?”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Last night, Iran TV interrupted the important game between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManchesterUnited?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManchesterUnited</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tottenham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tottenham</a> dozens of times, censoring its images, just because one of the referee's match was a woman(<a href="https://twitter.com/SianMasseyRef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SianMasseyRef</a>). Will <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAcom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIFAcom</a> voice its objection to this gender discrimination by Iran? <a href="https://t.co/zQJBr1o8kc">https://t.co/zQJBr1o8kc</a>
— Sardar Pashaei (@sardar_pashaei) <a href="https://twitter.com/sardar_pashaei/status/1381969850986336257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The founder of the My Stealthy Freedom campaign, Masih Alinejad, tweeted: “Censorship in Iran: business as usual! This is not a joke. Iranian state TV cuts off parts of a football match more than 100 times because the assistant referee was a woman wearing shorts.”

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Censorship in Iran: business as usual! 
 
This is not a joke. Iranian state TV cuts off parts of a football match more than 100 times because the assistant referee was a woman wearing shorts. 
 
An article by <a href="https://twitter.com/vahid_yucesoy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vahid_yucesoy</a>.<a href="https://t.co/H116y2t8oH">https://t.co/H116y2t8oH</a>
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlinejadMasih/status/1382040295232131076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As per Iranian women’s civil rights group My Stealthy Freedom, the reason to censor the telecast was to prevent viewers from seeing her bare legs.

“The television censors were rattled by the presence of a female referee in shorts,” the group said in a statement.

“Their solution was to cut away from the action to views of London’s backstreets, which made a mockery of the game. At the end of the game, one of the commentators joked that he hoped the viewers enjoyed the geographic show,” it added.

“Censorship is in the DNA of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We should not normalise this practice. This is not our culture. This is the ideology of a repressive regime.”

However, this is not the first time it has happened to football match in Iran. In 2018, an Iranian state TV channel blurred out AS Roma’s badge while broadcasting the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal with Barcelona. This was because the badge of the Italian club showed an image of a female wolf feeding the mythical founders of the city, Romulus and Remus.

A television station in Iran covered a Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspurs and Manchester United, however, the live telecast had over 100 shots censored due to the presence of a female referee in the match.

A television station in Iran covered a Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspurs and Manchester United, however, the live telecast had over 100 shots censored due to the presence of a female referee in the match. The censorship has sparked criticism on social media. ALSO READ: Women to set new benchmarks at Tokyo Olympics Several netizens including Iran's world champion gold medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, Sardar Pashaei and founder of the country's women's civil rights group (My Stealthy Freedom) took to Twitter to speak against the move. Pashaei tweeted: "Last night, Iran TV interrupted the important game between Manchester United and Tottenham dozens of times, censoring its images, just because one of the referee's match was a woman (@SianMasseyRef). Will @FIFAcom voice its objection to this gender discrimination by Iran?” Last night, Iran TV interrupted the important game between #ManchesterUnited and #Tottenham dozens of times, censoring its images, just because one of the referee's match was a woman(@SianMasseyRef). Will @FIFAcom voice its objection to this gender discrimination by Iran? https://t.co/zQJBr1o8kc — Sardar Pashaei (@sardar_pashaei) April 13, 2021 × The founder of the My Stealthy Freedom campaign, Masih Alinejad, tweeted: “Censorship in Iran: business as usual! This is not a joke. Iranian state TV cuts off parts of a football match more than 100 times because the assistant referee was a woman wearing shorts.” Censorship in Iran: business as usual! This is not a joke. Iranian state TV cuts off parts of a football match more than 100 times because the assistant referee was a woman wearing shorts. An article by @vahid_yucesoy.https://t.co/H116y2t8oH — Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) April 13, 2021 × As per Iranian women’s civil rights group My Stealthy Freedom, the reason to censor the telecast was to prevent viewers from seeing her bare legs. “The television censors were rattled by the presence of a female referee in shorts,” the group said in a statement. “Their solution was to cut away from the action to views of London’s backstreets, which made a mockery of the game. At the end of the game, one of the commentators joked that he hoped the viewers enjoyed the geographic show,” it added. “Censorship is in the DNA of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We should not normalise this practice. This is not our culture. This is the ideology of a repressive regime.” However, this is not the first time it has happened to football match in Iran. In 2018, an Iranian state TV channel blurred out AS Roma’s badge while broadcasting the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal with Barcelona. This was because the badge of the Italian club showed an image of a female wolf feeding the mythical founders of the city, Romulus and Remus.

Iranian TV censors Premier League match over 100 times due to woman referee

UN Women, a United Nations entity for gender equality and women`s empowerment, on Friday said that the 2021 Tokyo Olympics will have close to equal representation of women and men competing for the first time in its history. 
 
The Tokyo Games, which are three months away, will see the percentage of women competing&nbsp;touch 48.8 per cent for the first time in the history of modern Olympics. They will compete in 46 disciplines - one more than men - in the quadrennial event. 
 
"For comparison, only 22 women (2.2 per cent) out of 997 athletes competed in the modern @Olympics for the first time in 1900. The Tokyo2020 Olympics will have close to equal representation of women and men competing for the first time in its history," tweeted the global organisation. 
 
They also posted a GIF, tracing the history of the growth of women athletes - and disciplines - over a period of 124 years of the Olympic movement. 
 
For the record, the first modern Olympics, hosted by Athens in 1896, had 280 male participants from 13 nations. 
 
The Games truly became global in 1924 Paris when 3,089 athletes competed, of which 135 were women. 
 
According to UN Women, the 1900 Paris Olympics had 2.2 per cent participation by women; it came down to 0.9 per cent in 1904 and by the 1932 Games in Los Angeles, the percentage had risen to nine. 
 
By the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, the percentage of women had gone up to 26, and of the 8,400-odd athletes, about 2,200 were women. 
 
Discipline-wise too, while only four were designated for women, compared to men`s 21 in 1904, it had risen to 40 in 2008 Beijing as compared to men, who competed in 41 events. 
 
Women competed in more disciplines at the 2016 Rio Olympics -- 41 as compared to men in 40 disciplines - with their percentage standing at 45. 
 
The Tokyo Olympics will see nearly half of the athletes -- 48.8 per cent - being women competing in 46 disciplines as compared to men who will take part in 45.

UN Women, a United Nations entity for gender equality and women`s empowerment, on Friday said that the 2021 Tokyo Olympics will have close to equal representation of women and men competing for the first time in its history.

UN Women, a United Nations entity for gender equality and women`s empowerment, on Friday said that the 2021 Tokyo Olympics will have close to equal representation of women and men competing for the first time in its history. The Tokyo Games, which are three months away, will see the percentage of women competing touch 48.8 per cent for the first time in the history of modern Olympics. They will compete in 46 disciplines - one more than men - in the quadrennial event. "For comparison, only 22 women (2.2 per cent) out of 997 athletes competed in the modern @Olympics for the first time in 1900. The Tokyo2020 Olympics will have close to equal representation of women and men competing for the first time in its history," tweeted the global organisation. They also posted a GIF, tracing the history of the growth of women athletes - and disciplines - over a period of 124 years of the Olympic movement. For the record, the first modern Olympics, hosted by Athens in 1896, had 280 male participants from 13 nations. The Games truly became global in 1924 Paris when 3,089 athletes competed, of which 135 were women. According to UN Women, the 1900 Paris Olympics had 2.2 per cent participation by women; it came down to 0.9 per cent in 1904 and by the 1932 Games in Los Angeles, the percentage had risen to nine. By the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, the percentage of women had gone up to 26, and of the 8,400-odd athletes, about 2,200 were women. Discipline-wise too, while only four were designated for women, compared to men`s 21 in 1904, it had risen to 40 in 2008 Beijing as compared to men, who competed in 41 events. Women competed in more disciplines at the 2016 Rio Olympics -- 41 as compared to men in 40 disciplines - with their percentage standing at 45. The Tokyo Olympics will see nearly half of the athletes -- 48.8 per cent - being women competing in 46 disciplines as compared to men who will take part in 45.

Women to set new benchmarks at Tokyo Olympics

The biggest brands and advertisers regale us with stories of empowered women during International Women's Day but what about the women themselves? WION brings you the voices of women from around the world and different walks of life and all about what they want.

Women around the globe voice their hopes for 2021

World Bank Chief Economist Carmen Reinhart on Monday said that there are still almost 40 countries where women can be fired from their jobs simply for getting pregnant.

Reinhart said the economic fallout from covid-19 had been “very regressive,” hitting the most vulnerable hardest, including women and girls. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-child-brides-10-million-more-girls-can-be-pushed-into-child-marriage-warns-unicef-report-368823">Covid child brides: 10 million more girls can be pushed into child marriage, warns Unicef report</a> 
 
“We are seeing big setbacks on schooling, girls are taken out that will not return,” said Reinhart, speaking on International Women’s Day.

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The pandemic has contributed to an increase in violence against women and is reinforcing gender inequality in many countries, with women on average having roughly three-quarters of the legal rights of men, according to the World Bank.

Meanwhile, According to a new analysis released by Unicef, &nbsp;the outsized impact Covid-19 has had on women in some countries could result in an additional 10 million child marriages in this decade.

"School closures, economic stress, service disruptions, pregnancy and parental deaths due to the pandemic are putting the most vulnerable girls at increased risk of child marriage," said a study titled "Covid-19: A threat to progress against child marriage."

That trend, if confirmed, would represent a serious retreat from recent years of progress against child marriage.

In the last 10 years, according to the study, the proportion of young women globally who were married as children had declined by 15 per cent, from nearly one in four to one in five.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Bank Chief Economist Carmen Reinhart on Monday said that there are still almost 40 countries where women can be fired from their jobs simply for getting pregnant.

World Bank Chief Economist Carmen Reinhart on Monday said that there are still almost 40 countries where women can be fired from their jobs simply for getting pregnant. Reinhart said the economic fallout from covid-19 had been “very regressive,” hitting the most vulnerable hardest, including women and girls. Covid child brides: 10 million more girls can be pushed into child marriage, warns Unicef report “We are seeing big setbacks on schooling, girls are taken out that will not return,” said Reinhart, speaking on International Women’s Day. The pandemic has contributed to an increase in violence against women and is reinforcing gender inequality in many countries, with women on average having roughly three-quarters of the legal rights of men, according to the World Bank. Meanwhile, According to a new analysis released by Unicef, the outsized impact Covid-19 has had on women in some countries could result in an additional 10 million child marriages in this decade. "School closures, economic stress, service disruptions, pregnancy and parental deaths due to the pandemic are putting the most vulnerable girls at increased risk of child marriage," said a study titled "Covid-19: A threat to progress against child marriage." That trend, if confirmed, would represent a serious retreat from recent years of progress against child marriage. In the last 10 years, according to the study, the proportion of young women globally who were married as children had declined by 15 per cent, from nearly one in four to one in five. (With inputs from agencies)

Women can be fired for pregnancy in 40 nations, says World Bank Chief Economist

Britain's financial watchdog announced five new appointments on Thursday, creating an executive committee dominated by women.

The overhaul also comes as the watchdog aims to show lawmakers it has learned lessons after a damning report that said its executive committee was responsible for not responding fast enough to problems at now defunct London Capital and Finance investment fund.

The Financial Conduct Authority, under CEO Nikhil Rathi who took up the reins last October, said Stephanie Cohen will be its new chief operating officer, with Jessica Rusu becoming its first chief data, information and intelligence officer.

There are now seven women and four men on the FCA's executive committee.

Sarah Pritchard has been appointed executive director for markets, while Emily Shepperd will take up a newly created role of executive director for authorisations.

The FCA also appointed Clare Cole as director of market oversight, and she will lead the watchdog's response to a forthcoming review of UK company listings rules. The review is expected to recommend changes to attract more tech and fintech listings.

Rathi, a former finance ministry and London Stock Exchange official, began an internal shake-up last November with a merger of retail and wholesale supervision units to create a "holistic" view of activities.

The FCA said the new appointments were part of its transformation into a "data-led" regulator of more than 60,000 firms, and were aimed at speeding up decision-making.

Britain's financial watchdog announced five new appointments on Thursday, creating an executive committee dominated by women. The overhaul also comes as the watchdog aims to show lawmakers it has learned lessons after a damning report that said its executive committee was responsible for not responding fast enough to problems at now defunct London Capital and Finance investment fund.

Britain's financial watchdog announced five new appointments on Thursday, creating an executive committee dominated by women. The overhaul also comes as the watchdog aims to show lawmakers it has learned lessons after a damning report that said its executive committee was responsible for not responding fast enough to problems at now defunct London Capital and Finance investment fund. The Financial Conduct Authority, under CEO Nikhil Rathi who took up the reins last October, said Stephanie Cohen will be its new chief operating officer, with Jessica Rusu becoming its first chief data, information and intelligence officer. There are now seven women and four men on the FCA's executive committee. Sarah Pritchard has been appointed executive director for markets, while Emily Shepperd will take up a newly created role of executive director for authorisations. The FCA also appointed Clare Cole as director of market oversight, and she will lead the watchdog's response to a forthcoming review of UK company listings rules. The review is expected to recommend changes to attract more tech and fintech listings. Rathi, a former finance ministry and London Stock Exchange official, began an internal shake-up last November with a merger of retail and wholesale supervision units to create a "holistic" view of activities. The FCA said the new appointments were part of its transformation into a "data-led" regulator of more than 60,000 firms, and were aimed at speeding up decision-making.

Britain's financial watchdog appoints five women to top roles

Breaking stereotypes: India's most powerful women in 2020

Here's a new story of women empowerment, a radio station run by a women journalist called Merman Radio in Afghanistan wins an International press award. The radio station raises voice on women's' rights and talks about education, health, domestic violence, and other topics which generally not raised by male journalists, said a presenter.

Radio station run by women for women in Afghanistan

One film, one-minute, filmed on one phone -- that was the simple criteria for the 16th edition of the Mobile Film festival that concluded on Monday (December 7) evening that tackled the theme of 'Women Empowerment' this year.

Got a minute?: Festival awards 60-second films tackling 'women empowerment'

Soraya Shahidy, is no regular tattoo artist. She is the first female tattoo artist in Afghanistan, a country where many still believe ink-on-skin is a sin against Islam.

Meet Afghanistan's first female tattoo artist

Chaitanya Venkateswaran, an 18-year-old girl from India, got a unique opportunity to become the&nbsp;British High Commissioner of India.

Venkateswaran, who hails from India's capital city New Delhi, participated in an initiative run by the&nbsp;British High Commission, in which the organisation urges young Indian women, between the age of 18 and 23, to step into the role of being a world leader.

Called the "High Commissioner for a Day", this initiative is an annual event that was first organised in 2017 and celebrates the&nbsp;International Day of the Girl Child, which is on October 11.

Venkateswaran took to facebook to submit her entry for the role. The video, that was submitted on September 12, talks about the challenges and opportunities for gender equality in the age of COVID-19.

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"I used to visit the British Council library in New Delhi when I was younger, and that's where I cultivated my love of learning. Building on that knowledge, to be the British High Commissioner for a day was a golden opportunity," Chaitanya Venkateswaran said.

She was also featured in an interview with Jan Thompson, the Deputy High Commissioner for that day and acting High Commissioner to India on other days.

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As the&nbsp;High Commissioner for a Day,&nbsp;Venkateswaran started her day by distributing tasks to her colleagues —&nbsp;High Commission's department heads. She also got a chance to interact with senior woman police officers and hosted press conferences.

The 18-year-old also launched a study tracing the impact of&nbsp;British Council STEM scholarships on Indian women participants.

"My day was full of diverse experiences which have really broadened my perspective on the role of women and their representation in fields of media, policing, and STEM. I am now more determined than ever to use my new knowledge and experience to help promote the equitable treatment of women everywhere," she said.

In her free time, she also&nbsp;helps the&nbsp; visually-impaired students, acid attack survivors and marginalised LGBT+ groups.

Chaitanya Venkateswaran, an 18-year-old girl from India, got a unique opportunity to become the British High Commissioner of India. Venkateswaran, who hails from India's capital city New Delhi, participated in an initiative run by the British High Commission, in which the organisation urges young Indian women, between the age of 18 and 23, to step into the role of being a world leader.

Chaitanya Venkateswaran, an 18-year-old girl from India, got a unique opportunity to become the British High Commissioner of India. Venkateswaran, who hails from India's capital city New Delhi, participated in an initiative run by the British High Commission, in which the organisation urges young Indian women, between the age of 18 and 23, to step into the role of being a world leader. Called the "High Commissioner for a Day", this initiative is an annual event that was first organised in 2017 and celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, which is on October 11. Venkateswaran took to facebook to submit her entry for the role. The video, that was submitted on September 12, talks about the challenges and opportunities for gender equality in the age of COVID-19. × "I used to visit the British Council library in New Delhi when I was younger, and that's where I cultivated my love of learning. Building on that knowledge, to be the British High Commissioner for a day was a golden opportunity," Chaitanya Venkateswaran said. She was also featured in an interview with Jan Thompson, the Deputy High Commissioner for that day and acting High Commissioner to India on other days. × As the High Commissioner for a Day, Venkateswaran started her day by distributing tasks to her colleagues — High Commission's department heads. She also got a chance to interact with senior woman police officers and hosted press conferences. The 18-year-old also launched a study tracing the impact of British Council STEM scholarships on Indian women participants. "My day was full of diverse experiences which have really broadened my perspective on the role of women and their representation in fields of media, policing, and STEM. I am now more determined than ever to use my new knowledge and experience to help promote the equitable treatment of women everywhere," she said. In her free time, she also helps the visually-impaired students, acid attack survivors and marginalised LGBT+ groups.

Chaitanya Venkateswaran, 18-year-old Indian girl, becomes British High Commissioner

"The web is not working for women and girls," were the words of Tim Berners-Lee, who created the world wide web on Thursday.&nbsp;

Berners-Lee made these remarks in an assessment published on the World Wide Web Foundation, an initiative by him that fights for free and open web for everyone. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;UN Study: 90% of people are biased against women&nbsp;

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He also said that a "dangerous trend" of abuse threatens the progress made towards achieving gender equality.

"The world has made important progress on gender equality thanks to the unceasing drive of committed champions everywhere," he said.&nbsp;

"But I am seriously concerned that online harms facing women and girls -- especially those of colour, from LGBTQ+ communities and other marginalised groups -- threaten that progress."

Berners-Lee also said that the abuse was so extensive that "over half of young women surveyed have experienced violence online", citing a report from the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

The internet founder also highlighted that discrimination gets further triggered as a lot of women could not get the access to the internet.&nbsp;

He also said that men are 21 per cent more likely to be online, increasing to 52 per cent in the world's least developed countries.&nbsp;

Berners-Lee said such inequalities brings the risks of "Contract for the Web", a global action plan he initiated a year ago to prevent the web becoming a "digital dystopia".

(With AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

"The web is not working for women and girls," were the words of Tim Berners-Lee, who created the world wide web on Thursday. Berners-Lee made these remarks in an assessment published on the World Wide Web Foundation, an initiative by him that fights for free and open web for everyone.

"The web is not working for women and girls," were the words of Tim Berners-Lee, who created the world wide web on Thursday. Berners-Lee made these remarks in an assessment published on the World Wide Web Foundation, an initiative by him that fights for free and open web for everyone. Watch | UN Study: 90% of people are biased against women He also said that a "dangerous trend" of abuse threatens the progress made towards achieving gender equality. "The world has made important progress on gender equality thanks to the unceasing drive of committed champions everywhere," he said. "But I am seriously concerned that online harms facing women and girls -- especially those of colour, from LGBTQ+ communities and other marginalised groups -- threaten that progress." Berners-Lee also said that the abuse was so extensive that "over half of young women surveyed have experienced violence online", citing a report from the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The internet founder also highlighted that discrimination gets further triggered as a lot of women could not get the access to the internet. He also said that men are 21 per cent more likely to be online, increasing to 52 per cent in the world's least developed countries. Berners-Lee said such inequalities brings the risks of "Contract for the Web", a global action plan he initiated a year ago to prevent the web becoming a "digital dystopia". (With AFP inputs)

Web is not working for women, girls: Internet founder

Today in History: Bell recieves patent, Tyson youngest champion and more!

A remote village in Kyrgyzstan has set an example to the world. A group of girls have come together to form the country's first-ever all-female ice hockey team.&nbsp;

The team called 'Shapak' was&nbsp;formed in the northern village of Otradone&nbsp;which is 400 kilometres east of the capital city Bishkek. The team was formed&nbsp;three years ago when 15 schoolgirls began training for the game on a farming plot.

The plot's owner Salamat Abdyrakhmanov, who is also the team's coach said that he uses his plot in a multi purposely way, he said: "This is my allotment. In the summer, I cultivate the land here, it's my plot of land. I plant potatoes, sunflowers, you can grow anything here. In summer, it's used for agriculture, in winter, I create an ice rink. This is already the sixth year I've done it, I use my allotment all year round."

<h6><img alt="Salamat Abdyrakhmanov" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="05274115-befc-46d7-bf79-230cce58ead4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_23.jpg" /> 
Salamat Abdyrakhmanov, coach of the team | Reuters</h6>

The news of the&nbsp;team's exploits has reached as far as Switzerland. The team&nbsp;received hockey pads through donations by Kyrgyz community living in the village.&nbsp;

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As there are no other female teams to play within the country, the Shapaks locked horns with the male teams to sharpen their skills.&nbsp;

However, the injuries inflicted upon the girls during these matches left the parents concerned.&nbsp;

Aynura Zhasyrkeeva mother to one of the players, said: "I was against it at the beginning, only recently I forbade her from playing."&nbsp;

Her daughter was hit by the puck in the eye&nbsp;which caused the player a concussion. She&nbsp;has recovered now and joined her teammates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The all-women's&nbsp;team have made a place in the local leagues, they have shattered gender stereotypes in the country which has a world-class men's ice hockey team.&nbsp;

A remote village in Kyrgyzstan has set an example to the world. A group of girls have come together to form the country's first-ever all-female ice hockey team. The team called 'Shapak' was formed in the northern village of Otradone which is 400 kilometres east of the capital city Bishkek.

A remote village in Kyrgyzstan has set an example to the world. A group of girls have come together to form the country's first-ever all-female ice hockey team. The team called 'Shapak' was formed in the northern village of Otradone which is 400 kilometres east of the capital city Bishkek. The team was formed three years ago when 15 schoolgirls began training for the game on a farming plot. The plot's owner Salamat Abdyrakhmanov, who is also the team's coach said that he uses his plot in a multi purposely way, he said: "This is my allotment. In the summer, I cultivate the land here, it's my plot of land. I plant potatoes, sunflowers, you can grow anything here. In summer, it's used for agriculture, in winter, I create an ice rink. This is already the sixth year I've done it, I use my allotment all year round." Salamat Abdyrakhmanov, coach of the team | Reuters The news of the team's exploits has reached as far as Switzerland. The team received hockey pads through donations by Kyrgyz community living in the village. × As there are no other female teams to play within the country, the Shapaks locked horns with the male teams to sharpen their skills. However, the injuries inflicted upon the girls during these matches left the parents concerned. Aynura Zhasyrkeeva mother to one of the players, said: "I was against it at the beginning, only recently I forbade her from playing." Her daughter was hit by the puck in the eye which caused the player a concussion. She has recovered now and joined her teammates. The all-women's team have made a place in the local leagues, they have shattered gender stereotypes in the country which has a world-class men's ice hockey team.

Kyrgyzstan's first all-women ice hockey team shatters gender stereotypes

Jennifer Randive is the Maverick Visionary at Focus Direct Management Consultants based in the Dubai UAE, a company that she has owned since 1999.&nbsp;

Just as Jennifer has evolved in her personal life so has her company, Focus Direct has morphed from a premier boutique executive search and selection firm for over 20 years. &nbsp;In her own words &nbsp;“It’s now about - be the change that transforms you and your results!”&nbsp;

Jennifer facilitates B2P and P2B Strategies Creating Change within businesses and in their people simultaneously. She designs Engagement Models that assist and accelerate people into their own individual awareness which transforms and enhances their performance and productivity.&nbsp;

Crisis, Challenges, Change 3 words that characterise the multilingual Jennifer Randive, who speaks Arabic, French, Tamil in addition to English and Hindi&nbsp;&nbsp;

Behind the façade of continued corporate successes is a woman who faced physical and emotional challenges who grows stronger and more resilient with each ordeal. Her first jolt at age 2, a victim of a head-on collision with a rickshaw and a bus she escaped unhurt but the post-traumatic stress paralysed her waist down.

What has unfolded in her life would have knocked many down but Jennifer is the proverbial Phoenix who rises better and stronger every time! &nbsp;

Why did you start working at such a young age? &nbsp;

I wanted to go to university, get my degrees, perhaps get a job till I got married, settled down with a family of my own. Love and nurture my babies. However, the Universe had some other plans! A few really hard knocks were in store &nbsp;

Lack of funds meant I had to shelve my desire for a college degree, &nbsp;I never let go and have funded my education and international mentoring and coaching certifications. Kuwait was home to me at that time I entered the workforce and soon rose to be the youngest purchase manager in the Meridien Chain of Hotels worldwide at the age of 20. I was headhunted for all the roles I worked in. &nbsp;

23, Assistant General Manager of an Exclusive French brand of chocolate Marquise De Sevigne. Later I went &nbsp;to work for the prestigious high quality, largest and only Department Store at that time - Al Khaleejia. Later headhunted to be a Buyer for Mothercare of London, working with the Al Shaya Group.&nbsp;

You mentioned you wanted to marry settle down start a family?

Yes, I married at 27 and was blessed with Sacha when I was 28 I was living my dream - career, my own family I felt blessed! However, my idyllic world crumbled, everything changed, my precious daughter Sacha was Downs Syndrome Trisomy 21 - &nbsp;born with 5 defects in her heart. Misadvised to wait till she was age 5 to have open heart surgery the Universe worked in wonderous ways to save my baby’s life. On a visit to Delhi when Sacha was 18 months I consulted a leading cardiologist, after reviewing Sacha's reports he declared that &nbsp;Sacha's case was too complicated for him to handle, he referred me to Dr. Ganesh Mani a renowned pediatric cardiologist, who upon checking Sacha said she had to be operated on immediately. Yes, time was of the essence as with each day her heart condition was deteriorating and in weeks she would be inoperable. I recall being totally present with what was going on and in full surrender.&nbsp;

I flew with Sacha and my mom to Chennai. No Contacts, but people from there started showing up to assist us in every way possible and we got taken care of Blessings all the way. Sacha went in for her cardiac catheterisation &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
So, things were looking good?&nbsp;

I was asked to buy the surgical equipment. I felt as if I had been punched in my solar plexus. Me, the mother, going to buy surgical equipment. I even had to organize 9 bottles of blood for the surgery, I &nbsp;didn’t know anyone to ask for this, yet 9 students showed up who donated blood &nbsp;Blessings Time and again&nbsp;

Day of the surgery I recall numbness, no expectations, total surrender just being present in the moment .My mind was not involved anymore, it was surreal&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sacha's surgery was over 5 hours doctor said we had to wait to see is she would pull through. I visited Sacha &nbsp;in ICU. I felt crushed, my 18-month-old baby was hooked up with tubes that were sticking out from her neck, her hands, her lungs, her feet, she looked almost like she was on a crucifix. I said to myself she is God’s child. &nbsp;

How far was my faith to be tested? &nbsp;

3rd day, a frantic call from the ICU, Sacha was not responding she had gone into a coma, her eyes had flipped and the readings on the monitors were going haywire. In the next 15 minutes, the doctor arrived, worked on Sacha for over an hour she stabilized! &nbsp;

*Sacha is now 33 years old and is a permanent employee of HSBC in Dubai for the last 12 years&nbsp;

That must have been a major relief for you?

Yeah in a way but what would you say to a person who steps into crisis after crisis? Flew back to Kuwait to start afresh. 15 days later the Gulf War started, no communication with the outside world.

There I was with Sacha who had just undergone 2 heart surgeries and an appendectomy. I chose to prioritise stuff for Sacha who with God's Grace was in perfect health. I managed to get on a mercy flight operated by the Indian air force, allowed only 15 kilos, I took just Sacha's stuff, I landed in Delhi penniless just with the clothes and shoes I was wearing a refugee however we were blessed, we had mum’s roof over our head. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Without money or clothes the next day my job search started, I landed a job as manager of the flower shop at the Meridien Hotel in Delhi. &nbsp;

&nbsp;In 1992 came to Dubai, job hunting again. Got the job, l made my first placement on the first day of being at work. &nbsp;At 39, working for IIR Exhibitions and Conference, Now Informa, as their Sales and Sponsorship Manager, I was informed that I must have a hysterectomy, it was urgent if I wanted to have a healthy life. My surgery had failed.&nbsp;

My 3-week ‘vacation’ turned into a 6 months nightmare, I lost my job. The specialist urologist declared he couldn’t do anything for 3 months as I had to heal.&nbsp;

Later, I was offered a job as Marketing Manager for an Events Company, I worked there for 1 year and then pursued my passion. Recruitment! &nbsp;I started Focus Direct Management Consultants in 1999 a Boutique Recruitment Firm. Many advised against doing this as there were many in the recruiting business.&nbsp;

Why did you go against advice of the majority and market trends?&nbsp;

I was in love with the idea of recruitment. I had been on the other side of the table I knew what it felt to get the job the relief the elation, I wanted to give job seekers that joy. I relished the experience of assisting candidates to find their ideal career and clients to find the match to take their business forward.&nbsp;

In 2012, I sensed change on the horizon. I had created a robust recruiting practice. I wanted to add another dimension- people and business being more engaged with one other. I witnessed many situations where people were unhappy at work, companies firing people. A major gap existed I started bridging the gap as my next mission and target. &nbsp;2013 I shifted to Change and Transformational Consulting, helping organisations and individuals better engage, empowering them collectively to enhance and transform as a single unit! &nbsp;People are changing, Businesses had to be open to change!&nbsp;

Jennifer Randive is the Maverick Visionary at Focus Direct Management Consultants based in the Dubai UAE, a company that she has owned since 1999. Just as Jennifer has evolved in her personal life so has her company, Focus Direct has morphed from a premier boutique executive search and selection firm for over 20 years.

Jennifer Randive is the Maverick Visionary at Focus Direct Management Consultants based in the Dubai UAE, a company that she has owned since 1999. Just as Jennifer has evolved in her personal life so has her company, Focus Direct has morphed from a premier boutique executive search and selection firm for over 20 years. In her own words “It’s now about - be the change that transforms you and your results!” Jennifer facilitates B2P and P2B Strategies Creating Change within businesses and in their people simultaneously. She designs Engagement Models that assist and accelerate people into their own individual awareness which transforms and enhances their performance and productivity. Crisis, Challenges, Change 3 words that characterise the multilingual Jennifer Randive, who speaks Arabic, French, Tamil in addition to English and Hindi Behind the façade of continued corporate successes is a woman who faced physical and emotional challenges who grows stronger and more resilient with each ordeal. Her first jolt at age 2, a victim of a head-on collision with a rickshaw and a bus she escaped unhurt but the post-traumatic stress paralysed her waist down. What has unfolded in her life would have knocked many down but Jennifer is the proverbial Phoenix who rises better and stronger every time! Why did you start working at such a young age? I wanted to go to university, get my degrees, perhaps get a job till I got married, settled down with a family of my own. Love and nurture my babies. However, the Universe had some other plans! A few really hard knocks were in store Lack of funds meant I had to shelve my desire for a college degree, I never let go and have funded my education and international mentoring and coaching certifications. Kuwait was home to me at that time I entered the workforce and soon rose to be the youngest purchase manager in the Meridien Chain of Hotels worldwide at the age of 20. I was headhunted for all the roles I worked in. 23, Assistant General Manager of an Exclusive French brand of chocolate Marquise De Sevigne. Later I went to work for the prestigious high quality, largest and only Department Store at that time - Al Khaleejia. Later headhunted to be a Buyer for Mothercare of London, working with the Al Shaya Group. You mentioned you wanted to marry settle down start a family? Yes, I married at 27 and was blessed with Sacha when I was 28 I was living my dream - career, my own family I felt blessed! However, my idyllic world crumbled, everything changed, my precious daughter Sacha was Downs Syndrome Trisomy 21 - born with 5 defects in her heart. Misadvised to wait till she was age 5 to have open heart surgery the Universe worked in wonderous ways to save my baby’s life. On a visit to Delhi when Sacha was 18 months I consulted a leading cardiologist, after reviewing Sacha's reports he declared that Sacha's case was too complicated for him to handle, he referred me to Dr. Ganesh Mani a renowned pediatric cardiologist, who upon checking Sacha said she had to be operated on immediately. Yes, time was of the essence as with each day her heart condition was deteriorating and in weeks she would be inoperable. I recall being totally present with what was going on and in full surrender. I flew with Sacha and my mom to Chennai. No Contacts, but people from there started showing up to assist us in every way possible and we got taken care of Blessings all the way. Sacha went in for her cardiac catheterisation So, things were looking good? I was asked to buy the surgical equipment. I felt as if I had been punched in my solar plexus. Me, the mother, going to buy surgical equipment. I even had to organize 9 bottles of blood for the surgery, I didn’t know anyone to ask for this, yet 9 students showed up who donated blood Blessings Time and again Day of the surgery I recall numbness, no expectations, total surrender just being present in the moment .My mind was not involved anymore, it was surreal Sacha's surgery was over 5 hours doctor said we had to wait to see is she would pull through. I visited Sacha in ICU. I felt crushed, my 18-month-old baby was hooked up with tubes that were sticking out from her neck, her hands, her lungs, her feet, she looked almost like she was on a crucifix. I said to myself she is God’s child.  How far was my faith to be tested? 3rd day, a frantic call from the ICU, Sacha was not responding she had gone into a coma, her eyes had flipped and the readings on the monitors were going haywire. In the next 15 minutes, the doctor arrived, worked on Sacha for over an hour she stabilized!  *Sacha is now 33 years old and is a permanent employee of HSBC in Dubai for the last 12 years That must have been a major relief for you? Yeah in a way but what would you say to a person who steps into crisis after crisis? Flew back to Kuwait to start afresh. 15 days later the Gulf War started, no communication with the outside world. There I was with Sacha who had just undergone 2 heart surgeries and an appendectomy. I chose to prioritise stuff for Sacha who with God's Grace was in perfect health. I managed to get on a mercy flight operated by the Indian air force, allowed only 15 kilos, I took just Sacha's stuff, I landed in Delhi penniless just with the clothes and shoes I was wearing a refugee however we were blessed, we had mum’s roof over our head. Without money or clothes the next day my job search started, I landed a job as manager of the flower shop at the Meridien Hotel in Delhi. In 1992 came to Dubai, job hunting again. Got the job, l made my first placement on the first day of being at work.  At 39, working for IIR Exhibitions and Conference, Now Informa, as their Sales and Sponsorship Manager, I was informed that I must have a hysterectomy, it was urgent if I wanted to have a healthy life. My surgery had failed. My 3-week ‘vacation’ turned into a 6 months nightmare, I lost my job. The specialist urologist declared he couldn’t do anything for 3 months as I had to heal. Later, I was offered a job as Marketing Manager for an Events Company, I worked there for 1 year and then pursued my passion. Recruitment! I started Focus Direct Management Consultants in 1999 a Boutique Recruitment Firm. Many advised against doing this as there were many in the recruiting business. Why did you go against advice of the majority and market trends? I was in love with the idea of recruitment. I had been on the other side of the table I knew what it felt to get the job the relief the elation, I wanted to give job seekers that joy. I relished the experience of assisting candidates to find their ideal career and clients to find the match to take their business forward. In 2012, I sensed change on the horizon. I had created a robust recruiting practice. I wanted to add another dimension- people and business being more engaged with one other. I witnessed many situations where people were unhappy at work, companies firing people. A major gap existed I started bridging the gap as my next mission and target. 2013 I shifted to Change and Transformational Consulting, helping organisations and individuals better engage, empowering them collectively to enhance and transform as a single unit! People are changing, Businesses had to be open to change!

Meet Jennifer Randive - the Maverick CEO

&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

Members of Portugal's new parliament took up office on Friday, among them the country's first black women lawmakers who campaigned on promises to fight racism and inequality.

The three women, who all trace their origins to Guinea-Bissau, an impoverished former Portuguese colony in West Africa, won office in the October 6 general election when Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists were re-elected but without an absolute majority.

A total of 89 women were elected, an unprecedented number in the 230-seat parliament,&nbsp;following a new gender parity law requiring that 40 per cent of elected lawmakers are female.&nbsp;

Portugal has a significant minority population from its former African colonies in Angola, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea Bissau, and Cape Verde as well as Brazil.

Campaigners complain of discrimination in areas ranging from education to housing, employment to the justice system and of a shortage of black faces in business, the media and politics, although progress has been made in recent years.

After taking office in 2015, Costa, who is of Indian descent, nominated Portugal's first black cabinet minister, appointing Francisca Van Dunem, who was born in Angola, as justice minister.&nbsp;

She is keeping the post in Costa's new cabinet which will be sworn in on Saturday.

The best known of the newcomers is Joacine Katar Moreira, 37, an anti-racism activist who moved to Portugal from Guinea-Bissau when she was just eight and headed a list of upstart eco-socialist party LIVRE, or "FREE", winning the new formation's first and only seat in parliament.

The others are Romualda Fernandes, a 65-year-old lawyer and migration expert who won a seat representing the Socialists and Beatriz Gomes Dias, 48, the president of anti-racism association Djass, who ran with the far-left Left Bloc party.

Djass has proposed a memorial honouring the millions of African slaves which Portuguese ships transported to the Americas. The project has become a lightning rod for debate about the country's colonial past.

Up until now the only black person to serve as a member of parliament since Portugal returned to democracy in 1974 was a man, Helder Amaral who represented the conservative CDS party between 2002 and 2019.

Moreira, who became a Portuguese national in 2003, vowed during her victory speech to become the voice of "anti-racism" and "leftwing radical feminism" in parliament.

Thousands of people have signed an online petition demanding that she not be allowed to take up her seat because, at her victory celebration, several people were seen waving flags from Guinea-Bissau instead of Portugal.

"This has always been a war for people like me," Moreira tweeted in response to the petition.

&nbsp;

Members of Portugal's new parliament took up office on Friday, among them the country's first black women lawmakers who campaigned on promises to fight racism and inequality.

Members of Portugal's new parliament took up office on Friday, among them the country's first black women lawmakers who campaigned on promises to fight racism and inequality. The three women, who all trace their origins to Guinea-Bissau, an impoverished former Portuguese colony in West Africa, won office in the October 6 general election when Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists were re-elected but without an absolute majority. A total of 89 women were elected, an unprecedented number in the 230-seat parliament, following a new gender parity law requiring that 40 per cent of elected lawmakers are female. Portugal has a significant minority population from its former African colonies in Angola, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea Bissau, and Cape Verde as well as Brazil. Campaigners complain of discrimination in areas ranging from education to housing, employment to the justice system and of a shortage of black faces in business, the media and politics, although progress has been made in recent years. After taking office in 2015, Costa, who is of Indian descent, nominated Portugal's first black cabinet minister, appointing Francisca Van Dunem, who was born in Angola, as justice minister. She is keeping the post in Costa's new cabinet which will be sworn in on Saturday. The best known of the newcomers is Joacine Katar Moreira, 37, an anti-racism activist who moved to Portugal from Guinea-Bissau when she was just eight and headed a list of upstart eco-socialist party LIVRE, or "FREE", winning the new formation's first and only seat in parliament. The others are Romualda Fernandes, a 65-year-old lawyer and migration expert who won a seat representing the Socialists and Beatriz Gomes Dias, 48, the president of anti-racism association Djass, who ran with the far-left Left Bloc party. Djass has proposed a memorial honouring the millions of African slaves which Portuguese ships transported to the Americas. The project has become a lightning rod for debate about the country's colonial past. Up until now the only black person to serve as a member of parliament since Portugal returned to democracy in 1974 was a man, Helder Amaral who represented the conservative CDS party between 2002 and 2019. Moreira, who became a Portuguese national in 2003, vowed during her victory speech to become the voice of "anti-racism" and "leftwing radical feminism" in parliament. Thousands of people have signed an online petition demanding that she not be allowed to take up her seat because, at her victory celebration, several people were seen waving flags from Guinea-Bissau instead of Portugal. "This has always been a war for people like me," Moreira tweeted in response to the petition.

Portugal's first black women lawmakers take office

Thousands protest in Paris against Bill allowing single women, lesbians to conceive through IVF

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/corporate-tax-rate-cuts-will-help-india-become-5-trillion-economy-yogi-adityanath-251215">Yogi Adityanath</a> on Monday said that the government's schemes have strengthened the objective of women's empowerment which is one of the key messages of the ongoing Sharadiya Navaratri.

"Navaratri is a festival which sends across the message of women's empowerment. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, women's empowerment is a prime objective. The plans like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have bolstered women and girl children's dignity," Adityanath said while addressing a press conference.

The Chief Minister said that 10 crore families got toilets in five years and 8 crore families received gas connections. He further said that the sex ratio has become more balanced in the past five years.

Adityanath pointed out that the state government has also envisioned plans and schemes for women's empowerment like the Kanya Sumangala Yojana and increasing the financial aid for community marriage programmes for poor women.

"On the occasion of Navaratri, we take the pledge to empower women. Under the Kanya Sumangala Yojana, an amount of Rs 15,000 will be deposited at the time of a girl child's birth.

Under the community marriage scheme, our government has increased the support amount to poor girls for marriage from Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000," he said.

Adityanath further said that the state government has taken several measures to bolster the education of children which is a key step towards creating balance in the society.

"1 crore 80 lakh students have been enrolled in schools in the state under the 'School Chalo Abhiyan'. With the support of the public, 91,000 schools out of around one and a half lakh have been refurbished in UP," he said.

On being asked about the Ram Jamabhoomi case, he said that he welcomed the daily proceedings in the Supreme Court on the matter and that he will welcome the decision of the court when it comes in the public domain.

"We will welcome the honourable Supreme Court's decision on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue. Everybody should abide by the decision of the honourable court. I welcome the daily proceedings on the issue by the Supreme Court," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that the government's schemes have strengthened the objective of women's empowerment which is one of the key messages of the ongoing Sharadiya Navaratri.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that the government's schemes have strengthened the objective of women's empowerment which is one of the key messages of the ongoing Sharadiya Navaratri. "Navaratri is a festival which sends across the message of women's empowerment. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, women's empowerment is a prime objective. The plans like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have bolstered women and girl children's dignity," Adityanath said while addressing a press conference. The Chief Minister said that 10 crore families got toilets in five years and 8 crore families received gas connections. He further said that the sex ratio has become more balanced in the past five years. Adityanath pointed out that the state government has also envisioned plans and schemes for women's empowerment like the Kanya Sumangala Yojana and increasing the financial aid for community marriage programmes for poor women. "On the occasion of Navaratri, we take the pledge to empower women. Under the Kanya Sumangala Yojana, an amount of Rs 15,000 will be deposited at the time of a girl child's birth. Under the community marriage scheme, our government has increased the support amount to poor girls for marriage from Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000," he said. Adityanath further said that the state government has taken several measures to bolster the education of children which is a key step towards creating balance in the society. "1 crore 80 lakh students have been enrolled in schools in the state under the 'School Chalo Abhiyan'. With the support of the public, 91,000 schools out of around one and a half lakh have been refurbished in UP," he said. On being asked about the Ram Jamabhoomi case, he said that he welcomed the daily proceedings in the Supreme Court on the matter and that he will welcome the decision of the court when it comes in the public domain. "We will welcome the honourable Supreme Court's decision on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue. Everybody should abide by the decision of the honourable court. I welcome the daily proceedings on the issue by the Supreme Court," he said.

Government schemes strengthens objective of women's empowerment: Yogi Adityanath

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India's beauty and wellness sector has a market potential of Rs 80,000 crore and can provide employment opportunities to lakhs of people, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-key-takeaways-announced-by-nirmala-sitharaman-in-parliament-233179">Minister</a> for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mahendra Nath Pandey said on Tuesday.

He said skilling youngsters in beauty and wellness centres can be an important tool for women empowerment.

After training, students can set up there by availing easy loans from Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank and generate gainful employment opportunities.

With a fast-growing economy, the country will need more than 70 lakh skilled manpower in the coming months, said Pandey.

More than 62 per cent of the population is young and it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to make India as one of the largest skilled economies in the world, he said at the 18th Annual Convocation Ceremony of VLCC Institute of Beauty and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-death-toll-rises-to-140-in-muzaffarpur-due-to-acute-encephalitis-syndrome-233150">Nutrition</a>.

The National Skill Development Mission (Skill <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/battle-of-imphal-kohima-indias-d-day-revisited-234192">India</a> Mission) launched on July 15, 2015, has been steadily making progress.&nbsp;

Nearly one crore youth are being trained per year under various schemes, he said.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has also taken initiative to set up model skill centres called Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) in several districts of states across the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-become-financial-superpower-shripad-naik-233477">country</a>. A total of 837 PMKKs have been allocated covering 717 districts and 543 parliamentary constituencies.

Out of allocated PMKKs, 610 PMKKs have already been set up, said Pandey, according to a statement. 
&nbsp;

India's beauty and wellness sector has a market potential of Rs 80,000 crore and can provide employment opportunities to lakhs of people, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mahendra Nath Pandey said on Tuesday.

India's beauty and wellness sector has a market potential of Rs 80,000 crore and can provide employment opportunities to lakhs of people, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mahendra Nath Pandey said on Tuesday. He said skilling youngsters in beauty and wellness centres can be an important tool for women empowerment. After training, students can set up there by availing easy loans from Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank and generate gainful employment opportunities. With a fast-growing economy, the country will need more than 70 lakh skilled manpower in the coming months, said Pandey. More than 62 per cent of the population is young and it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to make India as one of the largest skilled economies in the world, he said at the 18th Annual Convocation Ceremony of VLCC Institute of Beauty and Nutrition. The National Skill Development Mission (Skill India Mission) launched on July 15, 2015, has been steadily making progress. Nearly one crore youth are being trained per year under various schemes, he said. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has also taken initiative to set up model skill centres called Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) in several districts of states across the country. A total of 837 PMKKs have been allocated covering 717 districts and 543 parliamentary constituencies. Out of allocated PMKKs, 610 PMKKs have already been set up, said Pandey, according to a statement.

Rs 80,000-crore beauty, wellness sector can create lakhs of new jobs: Minister for skill development

The G20 Summit 2019 will focus on Trade, Innovation, and Energy. Women empowerment will be one of the focus areas.

G20 Summit will focus on Trade, Innovation and Energy

Newly-appointed Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani Friday said she is "committed to take all appropriate steps" to ensure women empowerment and welfare of children in the country.

Congratulating her colleague and the Minister of State for Women and Child Development Debasree Chaudhuri, Irani sent her best wishes to the lawmaker from West Bengal's Raiganj.

"Best wishes to my colleague in the Ministry of Women and Child Development Debasree Chaudhuri on assuming charge today. We are committed to take all appropriate steps to ensure women empowerment and development and welfare of children in the context of nation building," she tweeted.&nbsp;

From tackling malnutrition and stunted growth among children to drafting the regulations for sexual harassment at the workplace, a host of challenges await Smriti Irani, who was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-becomes-part-of-team-modi-20-takes-oath-as-minister-222864">appointed as the Women and Child Development Minister</a> on Friday.&nbsp;

Irani, the youngest face in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet at 43, emerged as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-the-return-of-giant-slayer-222868">'giant slayer'</a> after defeating Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi.

She has retained the charge of Textiles Ministry, a portfolio she held during the first term of the Narendra Modi government.&nbsp;

Preparation has already started at the Women and Child Development Ministry to welcome Irani, who is likely to take charge on Monday, sources said.&nbsp;

However, her junior in the ministry, Chaudhury, has already assumed charge.&nbsp;

Among the several issues that await her are completing the registration of child care institutions and ensuring that the anti-trafficking bill passes the Rajya Sabha hurdle.&nbsp;

Irani succeeds outgoing WCD minister Maneka Gandhi, who was dropped from the Union council of ministers this time.&nbsp;

She has also held portfolios of Human Resource Development and Information and Broadcasting during the first term of the Modi government.&nbsp;

The popular TV actor-turned-politician had her first brush with electoral politics in 2004 when she contested the Lok Sabha elections from the Chandni Chowk seat in Delhi, but lost to Congress heavyweight Kapil Sibal.

Newly-appointed Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani Friday said she is "committed to take all appropriate steps" to ensure women empowerment and welfare of children in the country.

Newly-appointed Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani Friday said she is "committed to take all appropriate steps" to ensure women empowerment and welfare of children in the country. Congratulating her colleague and the Minister of State for Women and Child Development Debasree Chaudhuri, Irani sent her best wishes to the lawmaker from West Bengal's Raiganj. "Best wishes to my colleague in the Ministry of Women and Child Development Debasree Chaudhuri on assuming charge today. We are committed to take all appropriate steps to ensure women empowerment and development and welfare of children in the context of nation building," she tweeted. From tackling malnutrition and stunted growth among children to drafting the regulations for sexual harassment at the workplace, a host of challenges await Smriti Irani, who was appointed as the Women and Child Development Minister on Friday. Irani, the youngest face in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet at 43, emerged as a 'giant slayer' after defeating Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi. She has retained the charge of Textiles Ministry, a portfolio she held during the first term of the Narendra Modi government. Preparation has already started at the Women and Child Development Ministry to welcome Irani, who is likely to take charge on Monday, sources said. However, her junior in the ministry, Chaudhury, has already assumed charge. Among the several issues that await her are completing the registration of child care institutions and ensuring that the anti-trafficking bill passes the Rajya Sabha hurdle. Irani succeeds outgoing WCD minister Maneka Gandhi, who was dropped from the Union council of ministers this time. She has also held portfolios of Human Resource Development and Information and Broadcasting during the first term of the Modi government. The popular TV actor-turned-politician had her first brush with electoral politics in 2004 when she contested the Lok Sabha elections from the Chandni Chowk seat in Delhi, but lost to Congress heavyweight Kapil Sibal.

Committed to ensure women empowerment, children welfare: Smriti Irani

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