Women teachers, who were teaching in all-boys-school in Kabul, are facing an uncertain future after a ban was imposed on them from going to work by the Taliban-led Ministry of Education.

Aziza, who is a chemistry teacher in Ghulam Haidar Khan high school in Kabul and is teaching for the last 33 years said, "I have taught chemistry for 33 years and now I am home with an uncertain fate. It has been over a month that I have been worried about my future."

Asadullah Kohistani, who is the Principal of Ghulam Haydar Khan high school said that the Taliban-led government has decided to ban female teachers from work and now the schools are struggling with a shortage of teachers.

"Women teachers do not come to schools, and we are facing a shortage of teachers," Kohistani said.

Students also voiced their concerns by saying that the ban on female teachers from going to work is creating a lot of problems, in education.

"We are facing a serious problem. Male teachers are unable to teach all the classes."

Meanwhile, Noor Mohammad Mutawakil, who is a member of the Taliban cultural commission under the Taliban-led Ministry of Information and Culture said, "The government is discussing these issues to find out how female teachers can continue their work and girl students can continue their education.

"On Friday, a group of women in Kabul protested against the closing of schools and colleges for female students, saying that this is a violation of their fundamental rights in Afghan society.

As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again after 20 years, experts also believe that Afghan women are most likely to face an uncertain future under the terrorist group regime.

Women teachers, who were teaching in all-boys-school in Kabul, are facing an uncertain future after a ban was imposed on them from going to work by the Taliban-led Ministry of Education.

Women teachers, who were teaching in all-boys-school in Kabul, are facing an uncertain future after a ban was imposed on them from going to work by the Taliban-led Ministry of Education. Aziza, who is a chemistry teacher in Ghulam Haidar Khan high school in Kabul and is teaching for the last 33 years said, "I have taught chemistry for 33 years and now I am home with an uncertain fate. It has been over a month that I have been worried about my future." Asadullah Kohistani, who is the Principal of Ghulam Haydar Khan high school said that the Taliban-led government has decided to ban female teachers from work and now the schools are struggling with a shortage of teachers. "Women teachers do not come to schools, and we are facing a shortage of teachers," Kohistani said. Students also voiced their concerns by saying that the ban on female teachers from going to work is creating a lot of problems, in education. "We are facing a serious problem. Male teachers are unable to teach all the classes." Meanwhile, Noor Mohammad Mutawakil, who is a member of the Taliban cultural commission under the Taliban-led Ministry of Information and Culture said, "The government is discussing these issues to find out how female teachers can continue their work and girl students can continue their education. "On Friday, a group of women in Kabul protested against the closing of schools and colleges for female students, saying that this is a violation of their fundamental rights in Afghan society. As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again after 20 years, experts also believe that Afghan women are most likely to face an uncertain future under the terrorist group regime.

Women teachers face uncertain future after Taliban bans them from schools

Women voters voiced disappointment Sunday after none were elected in Qatar's first legislative polls with all eyes on whether the emir will use his powers to appoint 15 lawmakers to boost representation.

Thirty men were elected to Qatar's Shura Council at Saturday's polls despite more than two dozen women standing for the body which is seen as a nod to democracy rather than a fully-fledged parliament.

"I'm not happy because all of them (winners) are men -&nbsp;some of them are old. To be honest, I was surprised. It's not fair," said voter Shamma who declined to give her full name.

"We are really sad."

She said she was hopeful that the emir would choose women among his 15 direct appointments to offset the imbalance.

It is not known when the emir's appointments will be announced or when the council will meet.

"Five seats for women will be enough because I believe one woman can change the world," Shamma told AFP.

Of the 284 hopefuls who went into the race for the 30 available council seats, just 28 were women although the final proportion after a number of eleventh-hour candidate withdrawals has not been published.

"You lost the battle of victory, but you won the war of participation!" popular Qatari author Ebtesam al-Saad wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

Several analysts had suggested the emir could directly appoint women "to improve the gender balance" if none were elected -- similar to what happened in Bahrain's legislative election.

Official sources had confirmed to AFP this was a likely outcome in the event no women succeeded at the ballot box.

The final voter turnout was 63.5 per cent according to official data.

Qatar touts the level of representation enjoyed by its women with the health ministry led by a woman and the foreign ministry represented by a spokeswoman.

Women also hold prominent roles in the World Cup organising committee as well as philanthropy and the arts, medicine, law and business.

But in March, Human Rights Watch accused Qatar of restricting the lives of its female population through unclear "guardianship" rules requiring adult women to obtain male approval for everyday activities.

The constitution of Qatar, a conservative Muslim Gulf state, provides for "equal opportunities for all citizens".

The Shura will be allowed to propose legislation, approve the budget and recall ministers, but the all-powerful emir will wield a veto.

Women voters voiced disappointment Sunday after none were elected in Qatar's first legislative polls with all eyes on whether the emir will use his powers to appoint 15 lawmakers to boost representation.

Women voters voiced disappointment Sunday after none were elected in Qatar's first legislative polls with all eyes on whether the emir will use his powers to appoint 15 lawmakers to boost representation. Thirty men were elected to Qatar's Shura Council at Saturday's polls despite more than two dozen women standing for the body which is seen as a nod to democracy rather than a fully-fledged parliament. "I'm not happy because all of them (winners) are men - some of them are old. To be honest, I was surprised. It's not fair," said voter Shamma who declined to give her full name. "We are really sad." She said she was hopeful that the emir would choose women among his 15 direct appointments to offset the imbalance. It is not known when the emir's appointments will be announced or when the council will meet. "Five seats for women will be enough because I believe one woman can change the world," Shamma told AFP. Of the 284 hopefuls who went into the race for the 30 available council seats, just 28 were women although the final proportion after a number of eleventh-hour candidate withdrawals has not been published. "You lost the battle of victory, but you won the war of participation!" popular Qatari author Ebtesam al-Saad wrote on Twitter. Several analysts had suggested the emir could directly appoint women "to improve the gender balance" if none were elected -- similar to what happened in Bahrain's legislative election. Official sources had confirmed to AFP this was a likely outcome in the event no women succeeded at the ballot box. The final voter turnout was 63.5 per cent according to official data. Qatar touts the level of representation enjoyed by its women with the health ministry led by a woman and the foreign ministry represented by a spokeswoman. Women also hold prominent roles in the World Cup organising committee as well as philanthropy and the arts, medicine, law and business. But in March, Human Rights Watch accused Qatar of restricting the lives of its female population through unclear "guardianship" rules requiring adult women to obtain male approval for everyday activities. The constitution of Qatar, a conservative Muslim Gulf state, provides for "equal opportunities for all citizens". The Shura will be allowed to propose legislation, approve the budget and recall ministers, but the all-powerful emir will wield a veto.

Disappointment in Qatar as no women candidates elected

80 women have been killed in the UK since March 2021. A new report says an 'epidemic of violence against women' is spreading in the country. Palki Sharma asks: Will the report get the same attention as stories from the developing world?

Gravitas: UK's 'epidemic of violence' against women

On the 'International Safe Abortion Day', women activists in Latin America hit the streets to demand that abortion be legalized. A total of 12 countries witnessed pro-choice demonstrations. Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: Women fight to legalise abortion

Taliban is taking women off air in Afghanistan as Kabul's women-run Baano Radio and TV shuts down in Kabul. WION's Anas Mallick meets with the studio's co-founder Zahra Nabi on what this means for the future of women in Kabul. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Women-run studio forced to shut down in Kabul

It has been a month since the Taliban took control over Afghanistan, all the promises made over women rights have faded with time. Women have been told to stay at homes, have been barred from higher studies as well, have a look at this report.

Decades of progress undone in Kabul, Afghan women barred from higher study

Thousands of women demonstrated in several Latin American cities on Tuesday to commemorate the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion, in a region where the procedure is fully permitted only in a handful of countries.

In Mexico City, women marched to the historic center under the gaze of police with shields and riot helmets.

Authorities put up protective fences on some major buildings and monuments that in the past have been spray-painted during demonstrations.

"I still don't know if I want to be a mom, but I want to have the right to decide," read a sign held by a young woman with a green scarf around her neck.

<img alt="Women's rights" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efbdc06e-7ea9-4078-bdf6-6db932eacb4e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-09-29T005723Z_3_LYNXMPEH8S007_RTROPTP_4_EL-SALVADOR-ABORTION-PROTEST.JPG" />

Earlier this month Mexico's Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional to criminalize abortion and, shortly after, the government said that those jailed on accusations of having terminated their pregnancy would be released.

Hundreds of other women marched in other parts of Mexico, including in the cities of Cuernavaca and Veracruz.

Every year, thousands of women in Latin America die from unsafe abortions at a time when teenage pregnancies and sexual violence continue to increase in the region.

<img alt="Women's rights" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47faa06a-3f7e-49c4-8864-fc26bab8d40a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-09-29T005723Z_3_LYNXMPEH8S006_RTROPTP_4_EL-SALVADOR-ABORTION-PROTEST.JPG" />

In Colombia, where abortion is allowed only in cases of rape, risks to the life of the mother, or birth defects, some 800 women marched towards the center of Bogota.

"Women are reminding states and societies that we're full citizens, not second-class, and that we have the right to abort, to voluntarily interrupt pregnancy, to decide about our bodies, about our lives, and about our maternity wards," said Ita Maria Diez, a leader of the Bogota demonstration.

A march was also held in Chile, where the lower house of Congress agreed to debate a bill to decriminalize abortion for up to 14 weeks after pregnancy.

STRICT LAWS

Scores of people in El Salvador waved green flags and marched through San Salvador en route to Congress to demand a loosening of the country's "strict" abortion laws.

Holding up banners saying "it's our right to decide" and "legal abortion, safe and free," the Salvadoran protesters sought to pressure legislators to ease one of the world's strictest abortion laws, which prohibit termination of pregnancy in cases of rape and even if the mother's life is at risk.

The proposals taken to the Salvadoran Congress have been named "Beatriz Reform," in honor of a young woman who in 2013 openly called for an abortion to save her life as she suffered from a chronic disease, which took her life four years later.

"We are asking for minimum measures to add to the Penal Code to guarantee the life and integrity of women," Morena Herrera, a prominent Salvadoran feminist, told journalists.

"It does not require constitutional reform. It can be done now and if it is true that there is independence of powers, the Legislative Assembly must respond," she added.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele earlier this month ruled out any amendments to the abortion laws as part of controversial constitutional changes his government is planning.

But several out of more than 20 Latin American nations still ban abortion outright, including El Salvador, which has sentenced some women to up to 40 years in prison.

Thousands of women demonstrated in several Latin American cities on Tuesday to commemorate the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion, in a region where the procedure is fully permitted only in a handful of countries.

Thousands of women demonstrated in several Latin American cities on Tuesday to commemorate the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion, in a region where the procedure is fully permitted only in a handful of countries. In Mexico City, women marched to the historic center under the gaze of police with shields and riot helmets. Authorities put up protective fences on some major buildings and monuments that in the past have been spray-painted during demonstrations. "I still don't know if I want to be a mom, but I want to have the right to decide," read a sign held by a young woman with a green scarf around her neck. Earlier this month Mexico's Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional to criminalize abortion and, shortly after, the government said that those jailed on accusations of having terminated their pregnancy would be released. Hundreds of other women marched in other parts of Mexico, including in the cities of Cuernavaca and Veracruz. Every year, thousands of women in Latin America die from unsafe abortions at a time when teenage pregnancies and sexual violence continue to increase in the region. In Colombia, where abortion is allowed only in cases of rape, risks to the life of the mother, or birth defects, some 800 women marched towards the center of Bogota. "Women are reminding states and societies that we're full citizens, not second-class, and that we have the right to abort, to voluntarily interrupt pregnancy, to decide about our bodies, about our lives, and about our maternity wards," said Ita Maria Diez, a leader of the Bogota demonstration. A march was also held in Chile, where the lower house of Congress agreed to debate a bill to decriminalize abortion for up to 14 weeks after pregnancy. STRICT LAWS Scores of people in El Salvador waved green flags and marched through San Salvador en route to Congress to demand a loosening of the country's "strict" abortion laws. Holding up banners saying "it's our right to decide" and "legal abortion, safe and free," the Salvadoran protesters sought to pressure legislators to ease one of the world's strictest abortion laws, which prohibit termination of pregnancy in cases of rape and even if the mother's life is at risk. The proposals taken to the Salvadoran Congress have been named "Beatriz Reform," in honor of a young woman who in 2013 openly called for an abortion to save her life as she suffered from a chronic disease, which took her life four years later. "We are asking for minimum measures to add to the Penal Code to guarantee the life and integrity of women," Morena Herrera, a prominent Salvadoran feminist, told journalists. "It does not require constitutional reform. It can be done now and if it is true that there is independence of powers, the Legislative Assembly must respond," she added. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele earlier this month ruled out any amendments to the abortion laws as part of controversial constitutional changes his government is planning. But several out of more than 20 Latin American nations still ban abortion outright, including El Salvador, which has sentenced some women to up to 40 years in prison.

Women across Latin America march in favour of abortion rights

A bronze statue of a woman from a 19th-century&nbsp;poem which appeared to be dressed scantily has triggered a sexism row in Italy.

The sculpture, which portrays the woman in a transparent dress, was unveiled in the southern town of Sapri on Saturday during an event attended by prominent politicians, including Italy’s former prime minister Giuseppe Conte.

The statue, which portrays a woman in a transparent dress with one arm over her breasts, was established as a tribute to La Spigolatrice di Sapri (The Gleaner of Sapri), written by Luigi Mercantini in 1857.

Many women politicians criticised the statue for depicting “women as a sexual body.”

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hell-breaks-loose-as-lancet-describes-women-as-bodies-with-vaginas-416804">Hell breaks loose as Lancet describes women as 'bodies with vaginas'</a>

“How can even institutions accept the representation of women as a sexualised body? Male chauvinism is one of the evils of Italy,” Laura Boldrini, a member of the Chamber of Deputies from the centre-left Democratic Party, said on Twitter, adding that the statue “was an offence to women and to the history it should celebrate.”

A group of female politicians from the Democratic Party's Palermo unit called for the statue to be demolished.

“Once again, we have to suffer the humiliation of seeing ourselves represented in the form of a sexualised body, devoid of soul and without any connection with the social and political issues of the story,” they said in a statement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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La statua appena inaugurata a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sapri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sapri</a> e dedicata alla <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spigolatrice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spigolatrice</a> è un’offesa alle donne e alla storia che dovrebbe celebrare. 
 
Ma come possono perfino le istituzioni accettare la rappresentazione della donna come corpo sessualizzato? 
 
Il maschilismo è uno dei mali dell'Italia. <a href="https://t.co/2msLhgJvso">pic.twitter.com/2msLhgJvso</a>
— laura boldrini (@lauraboldrini) <a href="https://twitter.com/lauraboldrini/status/1442235735478702081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A senator from the party, Monica Cirinnà, called the sculpture a “slap in the face to history and to women who are still only sexualised bodies”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-asian-women-racism-and-sexism-are-inseparable-371648">For Asian women, racism and sexism are inseparable</a>

“This statue of the Gleaner says nothing about the self-determination of the woman who chose not to go to work in order to stand up against the Bourbon oppressor,” she said on Twitter.

Unfazed by the criticism, the mayor of Sapri, Antonio Gentile, staunchly defended the statue on Facebook&nbsp;saying it was “made with skill and impeccable interpretation” by the artist Emanuele Stifano, and that his city was “not willing to question its values, principles and traditions”.

Gentile added that the artist “took advantage of the sea breeze to highlight the body” and that the statute was intended to “represent an ideal of a woman, evoke her pride, the awakening of a consciousness”.

The design, he added, had been approved by the authorities.

The poem is based on the story of a failed expedition against the Kingdom of Naples by Carlo Pisacane, one of the first Italian socialist thinkers.

It is written from the point of view of a female gleaner —someone who collected grain left in fields by harvesters.

The gleaner leaves the job for the expedition against the Kingdom of Naples, which led to 300 deaths.

(With inputs from agencies)

A bronze statue of a woman from a 19th-century poem which appeared to be dressed scantily has triggered a sexism row in Italy. The sculpture, which portrays the woman in a transparent dress, was unveiled in the southern town of Sapri on Saturday during an event attended by prominent politicians, including Italy’s former prime minister Giuseppe Conte.

A bronze statue of a woman from a 19th-century poem which appeared to be dressed scantily has triggered a sexism row in Italy. The sculpture, which portrays the woman in a transparent dress, was unveiled in the southern town of Sapri on Saturday during an event attended by prominent politicians, including Italy’s former prime minister Giuseppe Conte. The statue, which portrays a woman in a transparent dress with one arm over her breasts, was established as a tribute to La Spigolatrice di Sapri (The Gleaner of Sapri), written by Luigi Mercantini in 1857. Many women politicians criticised the statue for depicting “women as a sexual body.” Also read | Hell breaks loose as Lancet describes women as 'bodies with vaginas' “How can even institutions accept the representation of women as a sexualised body? Male chauvinism is one of the evils of Italy,” Laura Boldrini, a member of the Chamber of Deputies from the centre-left Democratic Party, said on Twitter, adding that the statue “was an offence to women and to the history it should celebrate.” A group of female politicians from the Democratic Party's Palermo unit called for the statue to be demolished. “Once again, we have to suffer the humiliation of seeing ourselves represented in the form of a sexualised body, devoid of soul and without any connection with the social and political issues of the story,” they said in a statement. La statua appena inaugurata a #Sapri e dedicata alla #Spigolatrice è un’offesa alle donne e alla storia che dovrebbe celebrare. Ma come possono perfino le istituzioni accettare la rappresentazione della donna come corpo sessualizzato? Il maschilismo è uno dei mali dell'Italia. pic.twitter.com/2msLhgJvso — laura boldrini (@lauraboldrini) September 26, 2021 × A senator from the party, Monica Cirinnà, called the sculpture a “slap in the face to history and to women who are still only sexualised bodies”. Also read | For Asian women, racism and sexism are inseparable “This statue of the Gleaner says nothing about the self-determination of the woman who chose not to go to work in order to stand up against the Bourbon oppressor,” she said on Twitter. Unfazed by the criticism, the mayor of Sapri, Antonio Gentile, staunchly defended the statue on Facebook saying it was “made with skill and impeccable interpretation” by the artist Emanuele Stifano, and that his city was “not willing to question its values, principles and traditions”. Gentile added that the artist “took advantage of the sea breeze to highlight the body” and that the statute was intended to “represent an ideal of a woman, evoke her pride, the awakening of a consciousness”. The design, he added, had been approved by the authorities. The poem is based on the story of a failed expedition against the Kingdom of Naples by Carlo Pisacane, one of the first Italian socialist thinkers. It is written from the point of view of a female gleaner —someone who collected grain left in fields by harvesters. The gleaner leaves the job for the expedition against the Kingdom of Naples, which led to 300 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Bronze statue of woman dressed scantily triggers sexism row in Italy, female politicians want it demolished

It is not easy to find the rights words to describe something or someone and that tough task has led Lancet into a pool of trouble.<o:p></o:p>

Lancet is a leading medical journal which has faced fury for describing women as 'bodies with vaginas'.<o:p></o:p>

An article titled 'Periods on Display' was published on September 01. In this article the experts tried to examine an exhibition exploring the taboos related to menstrual cycle. It also touched upon the history of periods exhibited at the Vagina Museum in London.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/amazon-launches-dog-like-robot-that-can-monitor-your-home-416781">Amazon launches dog-like robot that can monitor your home</a></o:p>

However, the article gained spotlight due to its poor choice of words, rather than the text. The article was featured on the front page on the journal and in that the term 'women' was replaced with 'bodies with vaginas'.<o:p></o:p>

"Historically, the anatomy and physiology of bodies with vaginas have been neglected," the journal's front page read.<o:p></o:p>

This has brought immense criticism for the journal as many experts have labelled this to be 'insulting and abusive' and others have called it a ‘misguided pursuit of woke points’.<o:p></o:p>

Some people even cracked down on Lancet by calling it a hypocrite institution. Readers took the liberty to point out that an article on prostate cancer, published on September 20, did not label men as 'bodies with penises', contrary to this article.<o:p></o:p>

"This framing makes it sound like a coincidence that "bodies with vaginas"&nbsp;have been neglected by medicine, as if it were not the product of a discrimination and oppression specific to the female sex. Medical misogyny is exists - and refusing to acknowledge women perpetuates it,"&nbsp;Feminist writer Claire Heuchan, who blogs under the name Sister Outrider,&nbsp;said on Twitter.

<o:p></o:p>

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This framing makes it sound like a coincidence that “bodies with vaginas” have been neglected by medicine, as if it were not the product of a discrimination and oppression specific to the female sex. Medical misogyny is exists - and refusing to acknowledge women perpetuates it. <a href="https://t.co/lSGHVbb0SK">https://t.co/lSGHVbb0SK</a>
— Sister Outrider (@ClaireShrugged) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClaireShrugged/status/1441514856885202945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After this outcry, Lancet took to social media platform, Twitter, to issue an apology. "I apologise to our readers who were offended by the cover quote and the use of those same words in the review. At the same time, I want to emphasise that transgender health is an important dimension of modern health care, but one that remains neglected,"&nbsp;said Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet.

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Dear readers, in response to the Sept 25, 2021 cover of The Lancet, here is a statement from Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief: <a href="https://t.co/d47J6v4kSC">https://t.co/d47J6v4kSC</a> <a href="https://t.co/J73HlJ7w1O">pic.twitter.com/J73HlJ7w1O</a>
— The Lancet (@TheLancet) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheLancet/status/1442535321007104001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Trans people regularly face stigma, discrimination, exclusion, and poor health, often experiencing difficulties accessing appropriate health care. The exhibition review from which&nbsp;The Lancet&nbsp;cover quote was taken is a compelling call to empower women, together with non-binary, trans, and intersex people who have experienced menstruation, and to address the myths and taboos that surround menstruation."<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

It is not easy to find the rights words to describe something or someone and that tough task has led Lancet into a pool of trouble. Lancet is a leading medical journal which has faced fury for describing women as 'bodies with vaginas'.

It is not easy to find the rights words to describe something or someone and that tough task has led Lancet into a pool of trouble. Lancet is a leading medical journal which has faced fury for describing women as 'bodies with vaginas'. An article titled 'Periods on Display' was published on September 01. In this article the experts tried to examine an exhibition exploring the taboos related to menstrual cycle. It also touched upon the history of periods exhibited at the Vagina Museum in London. Also read | Amazon launches dog-like robot that can monitor your home However, the article gained spotlight due to its poor choice of words, rather than the text. The article was featured on the front page on the journal and in that the term 'women' was replaced with 'bodies with vaginas'. "Historically, the anatomy and physiology of bodies with vaginas have been neglected," the journal's front page read. This has brought immense criticism for the journal as many experts have labelled this to be 'insulting and abusive' and others have called it a ‘misguided pursuit of woke points’. Some people even cracked down on Lancet by calling it a hypocrite institution. Readers took the liberty to point out that an article on prostate cancer, published on September 20, did not label men as 'bodies with penises', contrary to this article. "This framing makes it sound like a coincidence that "bodies with vaginas" have been neglected by medicine, as if it were not the product of a discrimination and oppression specific to the female sex. Medical misogyny is exists - and refusing to acknowledge women perpetuates it," Feminist writer Claire Heuchan, who blogs under the name Sister Outrider, said on Twitter. This framing makes it sound like a coincidence that “bodies with vaginas” have been neglected by medicine, as if it were not the product of a discrimination and oppression specific to the female sex. Medical misogyny is exists - and refusing to acknowledge women perpetuates it. https://t.co/lSGHVbb0SK — Sister Outrider (@ClaireShrugged) September 24, 2021 × After this outcry, Lancet took to social media platform, Twitter, to issue an apology. "I apologise to our readers who were offended by the cover quote and the use of those same words in the review. At the same time, I want to emphasise that transgender health is an important dimension of modern health care, but one that remains neglected," said Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet. Dear readers, in response to the Sept 25, 2021 cover of The Lancet, here is a statement from Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief: https://t.co/d47J6v4kSC pic.twitter.com/J73HlJ7w1O — The Lancet (@TheLancet) September 27, 2021 × "Trans people regularly face stigma, discrimination, exclusion, and poor health, often experiencing difficulties accessing appropriate health care. The exhibition review from which The Lancet cover quote was taken is a compelling call to empower women, together with non-binary, trans, and intersex people who have experienced menstruation, and to address the myths and taboos that surround menstruation."

Hell breaks loose as Lancet describes women as 'bodies with vaginas'

Ever since the Taliban took control of the Afghanistan, there has been two faces of the country- one which the Taliban tries to portray, the other one that are hidden inside the homes and alleys. Tonight, we bring you the story of a man who gives us first-hand account of what life is like under the Taliban.

Afghan Crisis: Is Taliban 2.0 any different? How is life under Taliban for women? | Exclusive

Iceland, on Sunday, celebrated what was called a landmark for gender equality in the North Atlantic Island nation by electing a female-majority parliament. However, this was before a recount which changed the outcome.

The initial vote count gave female candidates 33 seats in Iceland’s 63-seat parliament. The result would have made Iceland the first country in Europe to have more women than men in parliament.

A few hours later, the result was changed by a recount when female candidates were left with 30 seats, a tally previously reached at an election in 2016.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-female-majority-parliament-surfaces-in-iceland-416214">Also read |&nbsp;In a first, female-majority parliament surfaces in Iceland</a>

However, almost 48 per cent of the total is still the highest percentage of female lawmakers in Europe.

Iceland’s voting system is divided into six regions. The recount in western Iceland was held after there were questions about the number of ballots cast.&nbsp;

The mistakes have not been entirely explained but are attributed to human error.

In Saturday's vote, the three parties in the outgoing coalition government led by Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir won 37 seats. This is two more than the last election. They appear to continue to stay in power.&nbsp;

The breakthrough comes despite a poor outcome for parties on the left, where female candidates are more often frontrunners.&nbsp;

Iceland, on Sunday, celebrated what was called a landmark for gender equality in the North Atlantic Island nation by electing a female-majority parliament. However, this was before a recount which changed the outcome.

Iceland, on Sunday, celebrated what was called a landmark for gender equality in the North Atlantic Island nation by electing a female-majority parliament. However, this was before a recount which changed the outcome. The initial vote count gave female candidates 33 seats in Iceland’s 63-seat parliament. The result would have made Iceland the first country in Europe to have more women than men in parliament. A few hours later, the result was changed by a recount when female candidates were left with 30 seats, a tally previously reached at an election in 2016. Also read | In a first, female-majority parliament surfaces in Iceland However, almost 48 per cent of the total is still the highest percentage of female lawmakers in Europe. Iceland’s voting system is divided into six regions. The recount in western Iceland was held after there were questions about the number of ballots cast. The mistakes have not been entirely explained but are attributed to human error. In Saturday's vote, the three parties in the outgoing coalition government led by Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir won 37 seats. This is two more than the last election. They appear to continue to stay in power. The breakthrough comes despite a poor outcome for parties on the left, where female candidates are more often frontrunners.

Iceland: Recount reverses landmark victory for gender equality

A driving training centre for women in Kabul seems to be on the verge of closure as it has failed to find any takers for the last month since Taliban took over the country. &nbsp;

Established a year ago, the Afghan female investor Nilab has decided to close it. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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“I face an unclear future," Nilab said, while adding that no woman has visited the centre in the past month even when more than 30 women had expressed interest about learning how to drive. &nbsp;

Mughda, a woman, who had got trained at the centre a few months ago, said, “I aimed to learn to drive to stand on my feet and not depend on anyone.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-urge-international-airlines-to-resume-flights-to-afghanistan-416162" hreflang="en">Taliban urge international airlines to resume flights to Afghanistan</a>

Many women in the country are of the view that they want to continue their work and skill-building. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, in another measure curbing women’s freedom in Afghanistan, the new Taliban government’s higher education minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani had said that women in Afghanistan can continue to study in universities, but classrooms will be gender-segregated and Islamic dress is compulsory. The women will be allowed to study at post-graduate levels too. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-doesnt-need-to-inform-taliban-over-afghan-counter-terrorism-airstrikes-said-department-of-defense-press-secretary-john-kirby-416166">'US doesn't need to inform Taliban over Afghan counter-terrorism airstrikes'</a>

At a news conference, the minister had laid out the policies days after Afghanistan's new rulers formed the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A driving training centre for women in Kabul seems to be on the verge of closure as it has failed to find any takers for the last month since Taliban took over the country.

A driving training centre for women in Kabul seems to be on the verge of closure as it has failed to find any takers for the last month since Taliban took over the country. Established a year ago, the Afghan female investor Nilab has decided to close it. Watch: × “I face an unclear future," Nilab said, while adding that no woman has visited the centre in the past month even when more than 30 women had expressed interest about learning how to drive. Mughda, a woman, who had got trained at the centre a few months ago, said, “I aimed to learn to drive to stand on my feet and not depend on anyone.” Also Read: Taliban urge international airlines to resume flights to Afghanistan Many women in the country are of the view that they want to continue their work and skill-building. Earlier, in another measure curbing women’s freedom in Afghanistan, the new Taliban government’s higher education minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani had said that women in Afghanistan can continue to study in universities, but classrooms will be gender-segregated and Islamic dress is compulsory. The women will be allowed to study at post-graduate levels too. Also Read: 'US doesn't need to inform Taliban over Afghan counter-terrorism airstrikes' At a news conference, the minister had laid out the policies days after Afghanistan's new rulers formed the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Driving training centre for women on verge of closure in Kabul

For a few days, several eyes are on the world leaders converging for the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:

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Numerous issues of international importance are being raised by various leaders, but many seem oblivious to the fact that out of several speakers at the session, only a few are women. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It seems there is a need to increase the representation of women at the most important forum of the world. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-addresses-unga-talks-afghanistan-climate-change-vaccine-distribution-415823" hreflang="en">Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina addresses UNGA, talks Afghanistan, climate change, vaccine distribution</a>

On Friday, some women spoke at the forum while just five had earlier shared their views in the first three days of the summit. &nbsp;

The first woman to share thoughts on the forum was Slovakian President Zuzana Čaputová. She said, “We cannot save our planet if we leave out the vulnerable — the women, the girls, the minorities.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-set-to-address-unga-heres-what-you-can-expect-415827" hreflang="en">Indian PM Narendra Modi set to address UNGA. Here's what you can expect</a>

She seems to be 53rd on the list. The UN generally makes the schedule on a first-come-first-serve basis, but other factors also come into play. Some feel gender should also be given top consideration. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the speech on Friday, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shared thoughts over several important issues of the world. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For a few days, several eyes are on the world leaders converging for the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Watch: × Numerous issues of international importance are being raised by various leaders, but many seem oblivious to the fact that out of several speakers at the session, only a few are women.

For a few days, several eyes are on the world leaders converging for the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Watch: × Numerous issues of international importance are being raised by various leaders, but many seem oblivious to the fact that out of several speakers at the session, only a few are women. It seems there is a need to increase the representation of women at the most important forum of the world. Also Read: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina addresses UNGA, talks Afghanistan, climate change, vaccine distribution On Friday, some women spoke at the forum while just five had earlier shared their views in the first three days of the summit. The first woman to share thoughts on the forum was Slovakian President Zuzana Čaputová. She said, “We cannot save our planet if we leave out the vulnerable — the women, the girls, the minorities.” Also Read: Indian PM Narendra Modi set to address UNGA. Here's what you can expect She seems to be 53rd on the list. The UN generally makes the schedule on a first-come-first-serve basis, but other factors also come into play. Some feel gender should also be given top consideration. In the speech on Friday, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shared thoughts over several important issues of the world. (With inputs from agencies)

Is United Nations General Assembly 2021 session oblivious to its meagre women representation?

A coalition of feminist groups has recently said that women must be enabled to play a greater role at the Cop26 summit.&nbsp;

This is because the needs of women and girls are being overlooked amid the global climate crisis.

The Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice urged for action at the UN general assembly, including demands that world leaders meeting at Cop26, in Glasgow must end fossil fuel expansion and move to 100 per cent renewable energy.

Also, more than 120 groups have signed the call.&nbsp;

This also includes demands to promote women’s leadership and equity, protect the rights of indigenous peoples, improve food security, recognise a human right to water, and to protect forests, oceans and other ecosystems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remote-but-connected-new-zealands-jacinda-ardern-talks-about-covid-climate-change-and-peace-at-unga-415736">Also read |&nbsp;'Remote, but connected': New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern talks about Covid, climate change and peace at UNGA</a>

Osprey Orielle Lake, of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network, and convener of the assembly was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Every day, we can see for ourselves forest fires burning, massive flooding, extreme droughts, people losing their livelihoods and lives– – we are in a global climate emergency.

“As the world prepares for one of the most important climate talks since the Paris agreement, we know solutions exist, and that women are leading the way.”

Many of the remedies to the climate crisis would also benefit women.&nbsp;

Like, replacing cooking fires with solar stoves would reduce indoor air pollution that affects women and children more as they spend more time at home.&nbsp;

Also, bringing clean renewable energy to low-income countries would enable more women and girls to gain access to education.

A coalition of feminist groups has recently said that women must be enabled to play a greater role at the Cop26 summit. This is because the needs of women and girls are being overlooked amid the global climate crisis.

A coalition of feminist groups has recently said that women must be enabled to play a greater role at the Cop26 summit. This is because the needs of women and girls are being overlooked amid the global climate crisis. The Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice urged for action at the UN general assembly, including demands that world leaders meeting at Cop26, in Glasgow must end fossil fuel expansion and move to 100 per cent renewable energy. Also, more than 120 groups have signed the call. This also includes demands to promote women’s leadership and equity, protect the rights of indigenous peoples, improve food security, recognise a human right to water, and to protect forests, oceans and other ecosystems. Also read | 'Remote, but connected': New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern talks about Covid, climate change and peace at UNGA Osprey Orielle Lake, of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network, and convener of the assembly was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Every day, we can see for ourselves forest fires burning, massive flooding, extreme droughts, people losing their livelihoods and lives– – we are in a global climate emergency. “As the world prepares for one of the most important climate talks since the Paris agreement, we know solutions exist, and that women are leading the way.” Many of the remedies to the climate crisis would also benefit women. Like, replacing cooking fires with solar stoves would reduce indoor air pollution that affects women and children more as they spend more time at home. Also, bringing clean renewable energy to low-income countries would enable more women and girls to gain access to education.

Women must play a greater role at the Cop26 summit, say rights groups

The Taliban will have no choice than to bend to the demands of Afghan women if they want to escape economic collapse and diplomatic isolation, a leading rights activist said.

Seventy-three-year-old Mahbouba Seraj decided not to flee Kabul last month when the Taliban seized back power, two decades after they were ousted.

Instead, from her home in Kabul, she has followed the Taliban's mixed messages, trying to decipher what lies ahead for the women of her country who she has dedicated her life to.

"This is becoming like a nightmare for everybody," she says.

The Taliban have incrementally stripped away freedoms for women excluding girls from secondary school, telling working women to stay home and unveiling an all-male government.

They claim it is only temporary, but many are distrustful and recognise a repeat of history unfolding.

"The first time, the Taliban had the same excuse, they said 'wait, we'll fix it for you'," she said from her home in Kabul.

"We waited for six years and it never came. There is no trust (in the Taliban) amongst the women of Afghanistan."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-speaks-to-pak-foreign-minister-qureshi-afghanistan-on-agenda-415444">Also read |&nbsp;Blinken speaks to Pak foreign minister Qureshi; Afghanistan on agenda</a>

Many women, she says, are confused and under severe pressure, frightened to leave their homes and face Taliban harassment.

Still, she admits to being optimistic, sure that the Taliban will be forced to adjust if they want to remain in power.

There are signs of some changes women can still be seen on the streets, many are still wearing headscarves instead of the all encompassing burqa and some forms of university education can continue, though under segregation.

"It's not Afghanistan of the 90s any more, this Afghanistan is different," she said.&nbsp;

"I really believe changes are going to happen. There is no other way, and the Taliban should realise it."

Economic collapse

The head of the Afghan Women’s Network, Seraj has long advocated for the equal participation of women in deeply patriarchal Afghanistan.

She moved to the United States in 1978, a year before the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, living in exile through the civil war and Taliban years, and returning after an international-backed government had been appointed.

Although still marginalised, Afghan women have fought for and gained basic rights in the past 20 years, becoming lawmakers, judges, pilots and police officers, though mostly limited to large cities.

Women's jobs "keep the economy going, shops, schools, feed families... That's why we must start moving without delay," Seraj said.

Under the Taliban's last brutal and repressive rule notorious for human rights abuses, women were effectively banned from education and work and only allowed to leave the house with a male chaperone.

In scenes unthinkable during that period, women have been at the forefront of several protests around the country,&nbsp;some numbering hundreds,&nbsp;demanding their participation in society.

They have petered out since the Taliban effectively blocked the right to assembly and dispersed crowds with gunfire, but Seraj says resistance is still brewing.

"Don't think that it's over, it's not going to be over, it's just going to come up in a different way," she said.

"And it will become dangerous, including for them (the Taliban)."

'Otherwise what's the point in living?'

A month after seizing power, the Taliban has yet to be formally recognised by any foreign nation.&nbsp;

Aid-dependent Afghanistan has seen its access to the international banking system cut and access to funding almost entirely frozen, while hesitant donor countries and agencies watch to see if the Taliban live up to their initial pledges of softer rule.

The health system is already on the brink of collapse. Staff have not been paid and there is a shortage of medicine, further complicated by a brain drain of skilled doctors.&nbsp;

If the Taliban persist, the international community "might take very drastic action" and stop all funding.&nbsp;

It would be the "worst case scenario for everyone".&nbsp;

She is pushing for the Taliban to meet with her and other women, to&nbsp; "arrive at a kind of midpoint acceptable to both camps".

"We should sit down and have a conversation about us, who we are, what we want," she said, with a loose blue headscarf over her grey hair.&nbsp;

Even as the Taliban increase their chokehold on women, she chooses to stay hopeful.&nbsp;

"I have to believe that something is going to change for the better, otherwise what's the point of living?," she said.

The Taliban will have no choice than to bend to the demands of Afghan women if they want to escape economic collapse and diplomatic isolation, a leading rights activist said.

The Taliban will have no choice than to bend to the demands of Afghan women if they want to escape economic collapse and diplomatic isolation, a leading rights activist said. Seventy-three-year-old Mahbouba Seraj decided not to flee Kabul last month when the Taliban seized back power, two decades after they were ousted. Instead, from her home in Kabul, she has followed the Taliban's mixed messages, trying to decipher what lies ahead for the women of her country who she has dedicated her life to. "This is becoming like a nightmare for everybody," she says. The Taliban have incrementally stripped away freedoms for women excluding girls from secondary school, telling working women to stay home and unveiling an all-male government. They claim it is only temporary, but many are distrustful and recognise a repeat of history unfolding. "The first time, the Taliban had the same excuse, they said 'wait, we'll fix it for you'," she said from her home in Kabul. "We waited for six years and it never came. There is no trust (in the Taliban) amongst the women of Afghanistan." Also read | Blinken speaks to Pak foreign minister Qureshi; Afghanistan on agenda Many women, she says, are confused and under severe pressure, frightened to leave their homes and face Taliban harassment. Still, she admits to being optimistic, sure that the Taliban will be forced to adjust if they want to remain in power. There are signs of some changes women can still be seen on the streets, many are still wearing headscarves instead of the all encompassing burqa and some forms of university education can continue, though under segregation. "It's not Afghanistan of the 90s any more, this Afghanistan is different," she said. "I really believe changes are going to happen. There is no other way, and the Taliban should realise it." Economic collapse The head of the Afghan Women’s Network, Seraj has long advocated for the equal participation of women in deeply patriarchal Afghanistan. She moved to the United States in 1978, a year before the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, living in exile through the civil war and Taliban years, and returning after an international-backed government had been appointed. Although still marginalised, Afghan women have fought for and gained basic rights in the past 20 years, becoming lawmakers, judges, pilots and police officers, though mostly limited to large cities. Women's jobs "keep the economy going, shops, schools, feed families... That's why we must start moving without delay," Seraj said. Under the Taliban's last brutal and repressive rule notorious for human rights abuses, women were effectively banned from education and work and only allowed to leave the house with a male chaperone. In scenes unthinkable during that period, women have been at the forefront of several protests around the country, some numbering hundreds, demanding their participation in society. They have petered out since the Taliban effectively blocked the right to assembly and dispersed crowds with gunfire, but Seraj says resistance is still brewing. "Don't think that it's over, it's not going to be over, it's just going to come up in a different way," she said. "And it will become dangerous, including for them (the Taliban)." 'Otherwise what's the point in living?' A month after seizing power, the Taliban has yet to be formally recognised by any foreign nation. Aid-dependent Afghanistan has seen its access to the international banking system cut and access to funding almost entirely frozen, while hesitant donor countries and agencies watch to see if the Taliban live up to their initial pledges of softer rule. The health system is already on the brink of collapse. Staff have not been paid and there is a shortage of medicine, further complicated by a brain drain of skilled doctors. If the Taliban persist, the international community "might take very drastic action" and stop all funding. It would be the "worst case scenario for everyone". She is pushing for the Taliban to meet with her and other women, to "arrive at a kind of midpoint acceptable to both camps". "We should sit down and have a conversation about us, who we are, what we want," she said, with a loose blue headscarf over her grey hair. Even as the Taliban increase their chokehold on women, she chooses to stay hopeful. "I have to believe that something is going to change for the better, otherwise what's the point of living?," she said.

Afghan activist says Taliban have no choice but to listen to women

A study has revealed that pregnant women who have been vaccinated with mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shots pass high levels of antibodies to their babies.

As a part of the study, 36 newborns were tested at birth and had antibodies against COVID-19 after their mothers were vaccinated by Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna doses.&nbsp;

The antibody levels were measured in the umbilical cord blood of the women while they were pregnant.&nbsp;

This was done to differentiate if the presence was from past infection or vaccines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seat-is-ours-and-will-remain-that-way-france-rubbishes-reports-about-giving-up-unsc-seat-to-eu-414968">Also read |&nbsp;'Seat is ours and will remain that way': France rubbishes reports about giving up UNSC seat to EU</a>

Ashley Roman, an obstetrician at NYU Langone Health System and co-author of the study, was quoted by the Bloomberg as saying, "We didn't anticipate that. We expected to see more variability."

We pushed this data out relatively early because it's a unique finding and it has important implications for care," Roman said. "Right now we're recommending all pregnant women receive the vaccine for maternal benefit."

With the study, more and more women could be encouraged to get vaccinated. As per data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from September 11, only 30 per cent of pregnant women ages 18 to 49 are vaccinated.&nbsp;

This comes despite growing evidence of prenatal vaccine safety.&nbsp;

Given the study's small sample size, the team is now looking at results from a larger group, as well as how long immunisation lasts for infants after birth. 
&nbsp;

A study has revealed that pregnant women who have been vaccinated with mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shots pass high levels of antibodies to their babies.

A study has revealed that pregnant women who have been vaccinated with mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shots pass high levels of antibodies to their babies. As a part of the study, 36 newborns were tested at birth and had antibodies against COVID-19 after their mothers were vaccinated by Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna doses. The antibody levels were measured in the umbilical cord blood of the women while they were pregnant. This was done to differentiate if the presence was from past infection or vaccines. Also read | 'Seat is ours and will remain that way': France rubbishes reports about giving up UNSC seat to EU Ashley Roman, an obstetrician at NYU Langone Health System and co-author of the study, was quoted by the Bloomberg as saying, "We didn't anticipate that. We expected to see more variability." We pushed this data out relatively early because it's a unique finding and it has important implications for care," Roman said. "Right now we're recommending all pregnant women receive the vaccine for maternal benefit." With the study, more and more women could be encouraged to get vaccinated. As per data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from September 11, only 30 per cent of pregnant women ages 18 to 49 are vaccinated. This comes despite growing evidence of prenatal vaccine safety. Given the study's small sample size, the team is now looking at results from a larger group, as well as how long immunisation lasts for infants after birth.

Vaccinated pregnant women tend to pass antibodies to their babies, reveals study

Girls in Afghanistan have been given ray of hope, the Taliban has stated that girls and women in Afghanistan will be allowed to return to school as soon as possible. So far, the world has been helplessly watching the systematic exclusion of women in public places.

Afghanistan: Taliban says 'girls to return to school soon'

In the latest sign of Taliban gradually veering away from their initial assurance of respecting women's rights, Kabul's acting Mayor Hamdullah Nohmani has been quoted as saying that only those women who were doing jobs males couldn't do were allowed by Taliban to return to work. He mentioned "female public toilets in bazaars" while referring to such jobs &nbsp;

"Initially we allowed all of them to be present at their duties on time, but then the Islamic Emirate decided it was necessary that for some time their work must stop," he said as per CNN, "Then we only allowed those females whom we needed, I mean for jobs which males couldn't do, or which is not a man's job ... For example, there are public female toilets in bazaars."

The mayor has announced an order instructing women to stay home and only those whose jobs can't be done by men to go on duty.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-take-to-streets-in-kabul-vow-to-fight-for-rights-414222">Afghan women take to streets in Kabul, vow to fight for rights</a>

After they captured power in Afghanistan, the Taliban said that they would respect women's rights in accordance with the Sharia. Although they said that women could attend universities, the gradual steps taken in due course of time raised many questions.

Images of male and female university students seperated by a partition in a classroom made news everywhere.

On Friday, the education ministry ordered male secondary school students and teachers to go back to school. No mention was made of girl students. This has raised fears that Taliban may once again take a stand against women's education.

Kabul mayor's words came on the same day when Afghan women <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-take-to-streets-in-kabul-vow-to-fight-for-rights-414222">took to street to demand their rights</a>. Over a dozen women held placards and marched on Kabul street on Sunday (September 19).

In the latest sign of Taliban gradually veering away from their initial assurance of respecting women's rights, Kabul's acting Mayor Hamdullah Nohmani has been quoted as saying that only those women who were doing jobs males couldn't do were allowed by Taliban to return to work.

In the latest sign of Taliban gradually veering away from their initial assurance of respecting women's rights, Kabul's acting Mayor Hamdullah Nohmani has been quoted as saying that only those women who were doing jobs males couldn't do were allowed by Taliban to return to work. He mentioned "female public toilets in bazaars" while referring to such jobs "Initially we allowed all of them to be present at their duties on time, but then the Islamic Emirate decided it was necessary that for some time their work must stop," he said as per CNN, "Then we only allowed those females whom we needed, I mean for jobs which males couldn't do, or which is not a man's job ... For example, there are public female toilets in bazaars." The mayor has announced an order instructing women to stay home and only those whose jobs can't be done by men to go on duty. Also Read | Afghan women take to streets in Kabul, vow to fight for rights After they captured power in Afghanistan, the Taliban said that they would respect women's rights in accordance with the Sharia. Although they said that women could attend universities, the gradual steps taken in due course of time raised many questions. Images of male and female university students seperated by a partition in a classroom made news everywhere. On Friday, the education ministry ordered male secondary school students and teachers to go back to school. No mention was made of girl students. This has raised fears that Taliban may once again take a stand against women's education. Kabul mayor's words came on the same day when Afghan women took to street to demand their rights. Over a dozen women held placards and marched on Kabul street on Sunday (September 19).

Only job for women is cleaning female bathrooms, says Kabul's acting mayor: Report

Molavi Hamdullah Nomani, the Taliban-appointed Kabul Mayor, stated that a journalist had falsely claimed that he, as the mayor of Kabul, had stated that women would not be allowed to work.&nbsp;

According to the media reports, he had said that only those women municipal workers in Kabul whose positions men "could not fill" have been permitted to return to their posts. However, those women whose work can be done by men have been asked to stay at home "until the situation is normalised". Their salaries will be paid.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION correspondent Anas Mallick in an interview, he claimed the Taliban have never said that women should not come to work.&nbsp;

The exclusive interview is below:

WION: It's been over a month since the Taliban takeover, how do you see the situation in Kabul city now?&nbsp; 
 
Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: Thank you so much for coming, I welcome you. There are big changes that have come in in the past one month, a new government came in. When we first came to Kabul on day one, the situation was quite bad and people were using the Taliban’s name and seeking benefits. At that time, the crime rate was quite high. Since the Taliban took over, the crime rate is at zero. At this point, the situation in Kabul is quite normal. 
 
WION: Will you allow women to work?&nbsp; 
 
Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: About women, we did a press conference yesterday at GMIC. A journalist wrongly alleged that I have as the mayor of Kabul&nbsp;said that women will not be allowed to work. No it's not like that.&nbsp; 
About women, the Islamic Emirate government is working out a way to ensure that the rights of women are delivered within the framework of Sharia. Our Ulemas are working on the framework within Sharia and as per the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).&nbsp;

This is upon Ulema and they are working on a law to ensure the Islamic framework for women so that they can study, work and do general community interaction, there would be&nbsp;a meeting soon to decide the framework.&nbsp;

WION: Have you assessed the workforce if women are not allowed to work? Because, for the past 20 years, we have seen women are now an integral part of the society. They are literally in every corner and every place, so if you don’t allow them over here, would this not serve as a hindrance because the international community wants them to be&nbsp;included as inclusive concept as well?&nbsp;

Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: We have never said that women should not come to work. For the time being, they should come to work, until our Ulemas don’t devise a framework for their movement within Sharia then all the women should go out and do their work as per the framework.&nbsp;

WION: Coming to the security situation, we recently saw an attack by ISIS in Kabul. How do you intend on securing the city specifically the area where you govern?&nbsp;

Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: There is no doubt that Daesh is not present in Afghanistan. The Daesh members who were foreigners have left. Those in Daesh now are those who are Afghans. Our, Taliban’s intelligence is following Daesh so that we can get rid of them, fight them, and eliminate them. In the past month, we have seen that Daesh’s activities have been reduced. For example, what happened in Jalalabad, one or two attacks were claimed by Daesh, but there were no attacks here in Kabul.&nbsp;

WION: Will you be seeking international donors to run the capital city of Kabul because in the absence of recognition by the international community, how do you intend on running the city affairs?&nbsp;

Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: Our request is for the international community on a humanitarian basis. Human beings are living creatures. We want that our relations with all foreign countries should be good, they should assist us and we should help them too. That's the reason government of the Islamic Emirate is trying to ensure it has good relations with foreign governments under the Islamic framework to work out if there are any issues, to solve them.&nbsp; 
 
In the past 20 years, the international community was working with the Kabul municipality, they enjoyed a good relationship which has now stopped. We are now holding meetings with UNOPS, Mercy Corps – German Foundation, European Union, we are trying to get some projects from them so that the city of Kabul can benefit, fundraising can be done through that so that Kabul can be developed through it.&nbsp; 
 
WION: You were previously the mayor of Kabul too, there's a lot of corruption in the capital city of Kabul.&nbsp;How do you intend on getting over it and how different it is from 20 years earlier and now?&nbsp; 
 
Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: There is no doubt that in the previous government's system, there were problems. There was a lot of foreign intervention too.&nbsp; 
 
In Ashraf Ghani and Karzai’s government, decision-making ability was not with their men. It's like their hands were tied on and the government went on. That's the&nbsp;reason corruption was rampant.&nbsp; 
 
However, now, since the Islamic Emirate took over, the Emirate has its system in place. There are certain things for which we want lawmaking to be done, and then there are some things on which the laws need to be updated.&nbsp; 
 
Now all the things are in control, and by the grace of God, there would be no corruption in our rule. We are going by the Sharia and Islamic framework and have assured the people the same that in our rule, there would be no corruption.&nbsp; 
 
WION: Among the youth who are here, 50 per cent&nbsp;are women. How do you intend to approach the task with the international community? Because when you are striving to become a better nation with young people, and 50 per cent of them are excluded, how do you intend to do it?&nbsp; 
 
Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: The sort of trust that donors would want, it's not our compulsion. We will be making a working framework for both&nbsp;male and female youth so that they can work according to it.&nbsp; 
 
We will make a system that benefits the young people who have experience. The system will benefit from them. The donors should work here and they should restart their work diligently at the earliest.

Molavi Hamdullah Nomani, the Taliban-appointed Kabul Mayor, stated that a journalist had falsely claimed that he, as the mayor of Kabul, had stated that women would not be allowed to work.

Molavi Hamdullah Nomani, the Taliban-appointed Kabul Mayor, stated that a journalist had falsely claimed that he, as the mayor of Kabul, had stated that women would not be allowed to work. According to the media reports, he had said that only those women municipal workers in Kabul whose positions men "could not fill" have been permitted to return to their posts. However, those women whose work can be done by men have been asked to stay at home "until the situation is normalised". Their salaries will be paid. Speaking to WION correspondent Anas Mallick in an interview, he claimed the Taliban have never said that women should not come to work. The exclusive interview is below: WION: It's been over a month since the Taliban takeover, how do you see the situation in Kabul city now? Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: Thank you so much for coming, I welcome you. There are big changes that have come in in the past one month, a new government came in. When we first came to Kabul on day one, the situation was quite bad and people were using the Taliban’s name and seeking benefits. At that time, the crime rate was quite high. Since the Taliban took over, the crime rate is at zero. At this point, the situation in Kabul is quite normal. WION: Will you allow women to work? Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: About women, we did a press conference yesterday at GMIC. A journalist wrongly alleged that I have as the mayor of Kabul said that women will not be allowed to work. No it's not like that. About women, the Islamic Emirate government is working out a way to ensure that the rights of women are delivered within the framework of Sharia. Our Ulemas are working on the framework within Sharia and as per the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This is upon Ulema and they are working on a law to ensure the Islamic framework for women so that they can study, work and do general community interaction, there would be a meeting soon to decide the framework. WION: Have you assessed the workforce if women are not allowed to work? Because, for the past 20 years, we have seen women are now an integral part of the society. They are literally in every corner and every place, so if you don’t allow them over here, would this not serve as a hindrance because the international community wants them to be included as inclusive concept as well? Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: We have never said that women should not come to work. For the time being, they should come to work, until our Ulemas don’t devise a framework for their movement within Sharia then all the women should go out and do their work as per the framework. WION: Coming to the security situation, we recently saw an attack by ISIS in Kabul. How do you intend on securing the city specifically the area where you govern? Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: There is no doubt that Daesh is not present in Afghanistan. The Daesh members who were foreigners have left. Those in Daesh now are those who are Afghans. Our, Taliban’s intelligence is following Daesh so that we can get rid of them, fight them, and eliminate them. In the past month, we have seen that Daesh’s activities have been reduced. For example, what happened in Jalalabad, one or two attacks were claimed by Daesh, but there were no attacks here in Kabul. WION: Will you be seeking international donors to run the capital city of Kabul because in the absence of recognition by the international community, how do you intend on running the city affairs? Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: Our request is for the international community on a humanitarian basis. Human beings are living creatures. We want that our relations with all foreign countries should be good, they should assist us and we should help them too. That's the reason government of the Islamic Emirate is trying to ensure it has good relations with foreign governments under the Islamic framework to work out if there are any issues, to solve them. In the past 20 years, the international community was working with the Kabul municipality, they enjoyed a good relationship which has now stopped. We are now holding meetings with UNOPS, Mercy Corps – German Foundation, European Union, we are trying to get some projects from them so that the city of Kabul can benefit, fundraising can be done through that so that Kabul can be developed through it. WION: You were previously the mayor of Kabul too, there's a lot of corruption in the capital city of Kabul. How do you intend on getting over it and how different it is from 20 years earlier and now? Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: There is no doubt that in the previous government's system, there were problems. There was a lot of foreign intervention too. In Ashraf Ghani and Karzai’s government, decision-making ability was not with their men. It's like their hands were tied on and the government went on. That's the reason corruption was rampant. However, now, since the Islamic Emirate took over, the Emirate has its system in place. There are certain things for which we want lawmaking to be done, and then there are some things on which the laws need to be updated. Now all the things are in control, and by the grace of God, there would be no corruption in our rule. We are going by the Sharia and Islamic framework and have assured the people the same that in our rule, there would be no corruption. WION: Among the youth who are here, 50 per cent are women. How do you intend to approach the task with the international community? Because when you are striving to become a better nation with young people, and 50 per cent of them are excluded, how do you intend to do it? Molavi Hamdullah Nomani: The sort of trust that donors would want, it's not our compulsion. We will be making a working framework for both male and female youth so that they can work according to it. We will make a system that benefits the young people who have experience. The system will benefit from them. The donors should work here and they should restart their work diligently at the earliest.

Islamic scholars to decide role of women in Afghanistan: Kabul Mayor

Gender inequality continues to be a fundamental impediment to human progress. Girls and women have made significant progress, but gender equality has yet to be achieved.

According to the United Nations, no country in the world has achieved gender equality, and no country will be able to achieve gender equality by 2030 based on current growth rates.

Twenty-five years after the United Nations' Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action pledged to "remove all barriers to gender equality and the advancement and empowerment of women," support for gender equality is strong around the world, but results are still lacking.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-have-to-wait-1356-years-to-be-on-equal-footing-with-men-world-economic-forum-374431">Also read | Women have to wait 135.6 years to be on equal footing with men: World Economic Forum</a> 
 
Simply put, women are caught in a vicious cycle of poor health, discrimination, and poverty. Their pain isn't over yet. 
&nbsp;

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"One in every five women and girls under the age of 50 reported experiencing physical and/or sexual assault by an intimate partner within the previous 12 months," according to the United Nations.&nbsp;

In September 2015, the United Nations created 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to eradicate global poverty, reduce gender inequality, and enhance literacy, among other things.

A total of 193 countries have pledged to work on it.

Despite the fact that a few governments and organisations claim to be tripling their efforts, 1.4 million women and girls are still victims of discrimination, abuse, and misogyny.

The UN said the "economic divide continues to reinforce the gender divide, contributing to higher rates of unemployment and illiteracy among women when compared to men,".

Facts and figures by the United Nations

At least 200 million women and girls in 30 countries have had FGM, and 750 million women and girls were married before the age of 18.

In the 30 nations where the practise is prevalent, the rate of girls aged 15 to 19 who are subjected to FGM (female genital mutilation) has decreased from one in every two girls in 2000 to one in every three girls in 2017.

Husbands can legally prevent their wives from working in 18 countries; daughters and sons do not have equal inheritance rights in 39 nations; and domestic abuse is illegal in 49 countries.&nbsp;

Within the last 12 months, one in five women and girls, including 19% of women and girls aged 15 to 49, had been subjected to physical and/or sexual assault by an intimate partner.

Despite this, there are no laws in 49 countries that particularly protect women from such assault.

Women have made significant gains in political office around the world, but their representation in national parliaments is still far from equal at 23.7 percent.

Women now hold more than 30% of seats in national parliaments in at least one chamber in 46 nations.

Only 52% of married or in a union women have the freedom to choose their own sexual interactions, contraception, and health care.

(With inputs from agencies)

Gender inequality continues to be a fundamental impediment to human progress. Girls and women have made significant progress, but gender equality has yet to be achieved.

Gender inequality continues to be a fundamental impediment to human progress. Girls and women have made significant progress, but gender equality has yet to be achieved. According to the United Nations, no country in the world has achieved gender equality, and no country will be able to achieve gender equality by 2030 based on current growth rates. Twenty-five years after the United Nations' Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action pledged to "remove all barriers to gender equality and the advancement and empowerment of women," support for gender equality is strong around the world, but results are still lacking. Also read | Women have to wait 135.6 years to be on equal footing with men: World Economic Forum Simply put, women are caught in a vicious cycle of poor health, discrimination, and poverty. Their pain isn't over yet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by United Nations (@unitednations) × "One in every five women and girls under the age of 50 reported experiencing physical and/or sexual assault by an intimate partner within the previous 12 months," according to the United Nations. In September 2015, the United Nations created 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to eradicate global poverty, reduce gender inequality, and enhance literacy, among other things. A total of 193 countries have pledged to work on it. Despite the fact that a few governments and organisations claim to be tripling their efforts, 1.4 million women and girls are still victims of discrimination, abuse, and misogyny. The UN said the "economic divide continues to reinforce the gender divide, contributing to higher rates of unemployment and illiteracy among women when compared to men,". Facts and figures by the United Nations At least 200 million women and girls in 30 countries have had FGM, and 750 million women and girls were married before the age of 18. In the 30 nations where the practise is prevalent, the rate of girls aged 15 to 19 who are subjected to FGM (female genital mutilation) has decreased from one in every two girls in 2000 to one in every three girls in 2017. Husbands can legally prevent their wives from working in 18 countries; daughters and sons do not have equal inheritance rights in 39 nations; and domestic abuse is illegal in 49 countries. Within the last 12 months, one in five women and girls, including 19% of women and girls aged 15 to 49, had been subjected to physical and/or sexual assault by an intimate partner. Despite this, there are no laws in 49 countries that particularly protect women from such assault. Women have made significant gains in political office around the world, but their representation in national parliaments is still far from equal at 23.7 percent. Women now hold more than 30% of seats in national parliaments in at least one chamber in 46 nations. Only 52% of married or in a union women have the freedom to choose their own sexual interactions, contraception, and health care. (With inputs from agencies)

Tongue in cheek: UN gives list with a twist for top 10 countries that achieved gender equality

As numerous women workers have been ordered to stay home in Afghanistan, a section of women, who had been working earlier as judges in the country’s courts, fear reprisal. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 250 female judges are in hiding as the Afghanistan's new rulers, Taliban, doesn’t condone women in senior positions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

They are at risk from not only the fundamentalists, but the men they once jailed. After coming to power, the Taliban opened the gates of prisons, releasing thousands of convicted criminals. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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"Now, we do not feel safe.&nbsp;The same criminals are going after my own life, the lives of my family. God forbid if they seek revenge," said Nabila, a woman judge. &nbsp;

After the Taliban takeover, a few dozen women judges fled Afghanistan. The rest are in hiding, as per Judge Vanessa Ruiz from the US-based International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ). &nbsp;

It seems all the judges, who worked under the former Afghan government, have been now replaced by Taliban appointees. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/only-job-for-women-is-cleaning-female-bathrooms-says-kabuls-acting-mayor-report-414357" hreflang="en">Only job for women is cleaning female bathrooms, says Kabul's acting mayor: Report</a>

These judges have presided over the worst cases of violence against women, including rape, murder and domestic abuse. &nbsp;

Ruiz said, "They would be angry at any judge who sentenced them, but that a woman had official authority, and sat in judgment of a man, is rage of a completely different order."&nbsp;

As numerous women workers have been ordered to stay home in Afghanistan, a section of women, who had been working earlier as judges in the country’s courts, fear reprisal.

As numerous women workers have been ordered to stay home in Afghanistan, a section of women, who had been working earlier as judges in the country’s courts, fear reprisal. Around 250 female judges are in hiding as the Afghanistan's new rulers, Taliban, doesn’t condone women in senior positions. They are at risk from not only the fundamentalists, but the men they once jailed. After coming to power, the Taliban opened the gates of prisons, releasing thousands of convicted criminals. Watch: × "Now, we do not feel safe. The same criminals are going after my own life, the lives of my family. God forbid if they seek revenge," said Nabila, a woman judge. After the Taliban takeover, a few dozen women judges fled Afghanistan. The rest are in hiding, as per Judge Vanessa Ruiz from the US-based International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ). It seems all the judges, who worked under the former Afghan government, have been now replaced by Taliban appointees. Also Read | Only job for women is cleaning female bathrooms, says Kabul's acting mayor: Report These judges have presided over the worst cases of violence against women, including rape, murder and domestic abuse. Ruiz said, "They would be angry at any judge who sentenced them, but that a woman had official authority, and sat in judgment of a man, is rage of a completely different order."

Afghanistan's women judges fear reprisal, stay in hiding   

Like most people in Kabul, Afghan reporter Karim Mohammadi has now lost his job since the Taliban took over. The rapid reconquest of the capital by the Taliban after two decades of war has contributed to a lot of instability in the region and has not spared journalists like him.

Like most people in Kabul, Afghan reporter Karim Mohammadi has now lost his job since the Taliban took over. The rapid reconquest of the capital by the Taliban after two decades of war has contributed to a lot of instability in the region and has not spared journalists like him. "I am not safe, I am scared for my future," he told WION in a phone interview from Afghanistan. The reporter, who has also worked as a translator, says it is "very scary" for people working with international organisations, police, and people affiliated with media. "Last week, they detained about 24 journalists and beat them up. The situation here is very bad." When asked if he wants to leave the country, he said, "I cannot, even if I want to." Karim highlighted the problems faced by people to get their visas issued. "They (Taliban) are not providing any facilities. They have asked us to wait." Taliban has announced "forgiveness" for all the people who were working with the government, but people do not believe them. "I, myself, do not believe them." Tough on women The situation is tough for women, especially students and professionals, he said. There are a lot of restrictions for female students. The Taliban has not yet started the government institutions and has installed various private ones with separate classes for male and female students. As far as working women are concerned, only female teachers and doctors are allowed to go to work, he revealed. Describing the Taliban as "Pure Islamic", he said that there has also been a major cultural impact. "Women have been strictly asked to wear hijab. In Kabul, the situation is a little better. However, in smaller provinces, they are very strict". Zero connectivity Communication networks - phone and internet - remain patchy in the country Karim said, "Last week in Kabul, and few other provinces, there was zero connectivity. Due to women's protests in the region, the Taliban took away all the telecommunication and internet services." Shortages and scare Speaking about the shortage of food and the hardships that the citizens of Afghanistan have been facing since the Taliban took over, Karim said that the food prices have spiked. Initially, everything was closed, and now that it is reopening, people do not have the money to purchase things of basic needs as most of them are jobless. On being asked if things will ever return to normal, or if people will get their jobs back any time soon, he said, "Nothing is sure. Even though the Taliban is now allowing people to get back to work, people are scared". He added, "I have many friends who told me that they are scared to get back to work". Karim pleaded the international community to interfere in the current situation and help the citizens, especially the women, whose achievements have gone in vain and lives have been doomed.

Life under Taliban: An Afghan journalist opens up  

In what depicts the true state of women under the new Taliban rule, the group seems to have closed down the women's affairs ministry and replaced it with a department, which used to once enforce strict religious doctrines. &nbsp;

The Taliban’s true commitment towards women rights has come to light with this move. &nbsp;

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Taliban replaced the Ministry of Women’s affairs to the Ministry or Guidance, Virtue and Vice. Photo via social media <a href="https://t.co/JPaWQwn8Hf">pic.twitter.com/JPaWQwn8Hf</a>
— Ahmad Mukhtar (@AhMukhtar) <a href="https://twitter.com/AhMukhtar/status/1438801651800940544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The sign at the ministry was removed on Friday. A sign for the ministry of virtue and vice was also put in its place. &nbsp;

On social media, some videos also showed women employees outside the offices, urging the Taliban to let them return to work. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Blow to women's rights in Taliban's Afghanistan

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In another measure curbing women’s freedom in Afghanistan, the new Taliban government’s higher education minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani had earlier said that women in Afghanistan can continue to study in universities, but classrooms will be gender-segregated and Islamic dress is compulsory. The women will be allowed to study at post-graduate levels too. &nbsp; &nbsp;

At a news conference, the minister laid out new policies days after Afghanistan's new rulers formed the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-apologise-us-admits-kabul-airstrike-killed-10-civilians-not-isis-k-militants-413889" hreflang="en">'We apologise': US admits Kabul airstrike killed 10 civilians, not ISIS-K militants</a>

At this time, the whole world has been watching the new government’s actions closely to see is the group true to its words and the type of rule it imposes on the country this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In the era of their last rule, girls and women were denied an education, and were totally excluded from public life. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Taliban have claimed to have changed, including in their attitudes towards women. But in recent days, they have used violence against women protesters demanding equal rights. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what depicts the true state of women under the new Taliban rule, the group seems to have closed down the women's affairs ministry and replaced it with a department, which used to once enforce strict religious doctrines.

In what depicts the true state of women under the new Taliban rule, the group seems to have closed down the women's affairs ministry and replaced it with a department, which used to once enforce strict religious doctrines. The Taliban’s true commitment towards women rights has come to light with this move. Taliban replaced the Ministry of Women’s affairs to the Ministry or Guidance, Virtue and Vice. Photo via social media pic.twitter.com/JPaWQwn8Hf — Ahmad Mukhtar (@AhMukhtar) September 17, 2021 × The sign at the ministry was removed on Friday. A sign for the ministry of virtue and vice was also put in its place. On social media, some videos also showed women employees outside the offices, urging the Taliban to let them return to work. Watch: Blow to women's rights in Taliban's Afghanistan × In another measure curbing women’s freedom in Afghanistan, the new Taliban government’s higher education minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani had earlier said that women in Afghanistan can continue to study in universities, but classrooms will be gender-segregated and Islamic dress is compulsory. The women will be allowed to study at post-graduate levels too. At a news conference, the minister laid out new policies days after Afghanistan's new rulers formed the government. Also Read: 'We apologise': US admits Kabul airstrike killed 10 civilians, not ISIS-K militants At this time, the whole world has been watching the new government’s actions closely to see is the group true to its words and the type of rule it imposes on the country this time. In the era of their last rule, girls and women were denied an education, and were totally excluded from public life. The Taliban have claimed to have changed, including in their attitudes towards women. But in recent days, they have used violence against women protesters demanding equal rights. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban replace Afghan women's affairs ministry with virtue, vice deptt

Countries and societies that oppress women are far more likely to be violent and unstable, reveals a report by the Economist. How so? And what is the solution? Watch the video to know more.

Societies that oppress women remain unstable

Less than a month after the Taliban rolled into the Afghan capital, Rabia Jamal made a tough decision -- she would brave the hardliners and return to work at the airport.

With the Islamists saying&nbsp;women&nbsp;should stay at home for their own security the risks were all too clear, but the 35-year-old mother of three felt she had little choice.

"I need money to support my family," said Rabia, wearing a navy-blue suit and make-up.&nbsp;

"I felt tension at home... I felt very bad," she told AFP. "Now I feel better."

Of the more than 80&nbsp;women&nbsp;working at the airport before Kabul fell to the Taliban on August 15, just 12 have returned to their jobs.&nbsp;

But they are among very few&nbsp;women&nbsp;in the capital allowed to return to work. The Taliban have told most not to go back until further notice.

Six of the&nbsp;women&nbsp;airport workers were standing at the main entrance on Saturday, chatting and laughing while waiting to scan and search female passengers taking a domestic flight.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cartoonist-journalist-charged-under-bangladesh-internet-law-412603">Also read |&nbsp;Cartoonist, journalist charged under Bangladesh internet law</a>

Rabia's sister, 49-year-old Qudsiya Jamal, told AFP the Taliban takeover had "shocked" her.

"I was very afraid," said the mother of five, who is also her family's sole provider.

"My family was scared for me,&nbsp;they told me not to go back but I am happy now, relaxed... no problems so far."

&nbsp;'Take me to Paris'

Women's&nbsp;rights&nbsp;in Afghanistan were sharply curtailed under the Taliban's 1996-2001 rule, but since returning to power the group claims they will be less extreme.

Women&nbsp;will be allowed to attend university as long as classes are segregated by sex or at least divided by a curtain, the Taliban's education authority has said, but females must also wear an abaya, an all-covering robe, and face-covering niqab veil.

Still, Alison Davidian, a representative for UN&nbsp;Women&nbsp;in Afghanistan, warned on Wednesday that the Taliban were already neglecting their promise to respect Afghan&nbsp;women's&nbsp;rights.

At the airport, which is returning to action after the hurried US withdrawal left it unusable, Rabia says she will keep working unless she is forced to stop.

Under new rules,&nbsp;women&nbsp;may work "in accordance with the principles of Islam", the Taliban have decreed, but few details have yet been given as to what exactly that might mean.

"My dream is to be the richest girl in Afghanistan, and I feel I am always the luckiest," said Rabia, who has worked since 2010 at the terminal for GAAC, a UAE-based company providing ground and security handling.

"I will do what I love until I am not lucky anymore."

Rabia's colleague, who gave her name as Zala, dreams of something completely different.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old was learning French in Kabul before she was forced to stop and stay at home for three weeks after the takeover.

"Good morning, take me to Paris," she said in broken French, as her five colleagues burst into laughter.

"But not now. Today I am one of the last&nbsp;women&nbsp;of the airport."

Less than a month after the Taliban rolled into the Afghan capital, Rabia Jamal made a tough decision -- she would brave the hardliners and return to work at the airport.

Less than a month after the Taliban rolled into the Afghan capital, Rabia Jamal made a tough decision -- she would brave the hardliners and return to work at the airport. With the Islamists saying women should stay at home for their own security the risks were all too clear, but the 35-year-old mother of three felt she had little choice. "I need money to support my family," said Rabia, wearing a navy-blue suit and make-up. "I felt tension at home... I felt very bad," she told AFP. "Now I feel better." Of the more than 80 women working at the airport before Kabul fell to the Taliban on August 15, just 12 have returned to their jobs. But they are among very few women in the capital allowed to return to work. The Taliban have told most not to go back until further notice. Six of the women airport workers were standing at the main entrance on Saturday, chatting and laughing while waiting to scan and search female passengers taking a domestic flight. Also read | Cartoonist, journalist charged under Bangladesh internet law Rabia's sister, 49-year-old Qudsiya Jamal, told AFP the Taliban takeover had "shocked" her. "I was very afraid," said the mother of five, who is also her family's sole provider. "My family was scared for me, they told me not to go back but I am happy now, relaxed... no problems so far." 'Take me to Paris' Women's rights in Afghanistan were sharply curtailed under the Taliban's 1996-2001 rule, but since returning to power the group claims they will be less extreme. Women will be allowed to attend university as long as classes are segregated by sex or at least divided by a curtain, the Taliban's education authority has said, but females must also wear an abaya, an all-covering robe, and face-covering niqab veil. Still, Alison Davidian, a representative for UN Women in Afghanistan, warned on Wednesday that the Taliban were already neglecting their promise to respect Afghan women's rights. At the airport, which is returning to action after the hurried US withdrawal left it unusable, Rabia says she will keep working unless she is forced to stop. Under new rules, women may work "in accordance with the principles of Islam", the Taliban have decreed, but few details have yet been given as to what exactly that might mean. "My dream is to be the richest girl in Afghanistan, and I feel I am always the luckiest," said Rabia, who has worked since 2010 at the terminal for GAAC, a UAE-based company providing ground and security handling. "I will do what I love until I am not lucky anymore." Rabia's colleague, who gave her name as Zala, dreams of something completely different. The 30-year-old was learning French in Kabul before she was forced to stop and stay at home for three weeks after the takeover. "Good morning, take me to Paris," she said in broken French, as her five colleagues burst into laughter. "But not now. Today I am one of the last women of the airport."

12 female staff at Kabul airport brave fears to return to work

What represents a 'proper' dress? That too for a woman? Common sense dictates that it is she who will decide that and no other. But unfortunately, every culture in the world has its fair share of men dictating what's good/ proper/ admissible/ allowed for women. The list is endless.

Taliban's return to power has seen its all-male government deciding what women should wear in public. They are acting as self-declared custodians of Afghan women and think they have all the rights to dictate terms. They want Afghan women to wear burqa.

And Afghan women are not taking any of this. They are expressing their freedom in a unique way. Dr Bahar Jalali, who started the first gender studies program in Afghanistan wore a traditional Afghan dress and boldly proclaimed "This is Afghan culture. I am wearing a traditional Afghan dress"

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This is Afghan culture. I am wearing a traditional Afghan dress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanistanCulture?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanistanCulture</a> <a href="https://t.co/DrRzgyXPvm">pic.twitter.com/DrRzgyXPvm</a>
— Dr. Bahar Jalali (@RoxanaBahar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoxanaBahar1/status/1436845110906478592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The tweet has gone viral and seems to have started a movement among Afghan women

Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi, head of Afghan service at DW News joined Dr Jalali and repeated the chant "This is Afghan culture"

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Me wearing traditional Afghan attire in Kabul. This is Afghan culture and this is how Afghan women dress. <a href="https://twitter.com/RoxanaBahar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoxanaBahar1</a> <a href="https://t.co/fUZSqy4rRK">pic.twitter.com/fUZSqy4rRK</a>
— Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi (@WasHasNaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasHasNaz/status/1437156150022221831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The expression soon found resonance

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So how do Afghan women dress then? They ask. 
 
This is how. If I was in Afghanistan then I would have the scarf on my head. This is as “conservative” and “traditional” as I/you can get. <a href="https://t.co/4fjoSUuJZY">https://t.co/4fjoSUuJZY</a> <a href="https://t.co/VkQLQoBXDy">pic.twitter.com/VkQLQoBXDy</a>
— Sana Safi ثنا ساپۍ (@BBCSanaSafi) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSanaSafi/status/1436997184671584259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This is Afghan culture. My traditional dress <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanWomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanWomen</a> 
 
Thank you to Dr <a href="https://twitter.com/RoxanaBahar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoxanaBahar1</a> for the inspiration. 
 
Our cultural attire is not the dementor outfits the Taliban have women wearing. <a href="https://t.co/i9wFASfWR6">pic.twitter.com/i9wFASfWR6</a>
— Peymana Assad 🏔 (@Peymasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/Peymasad/status/1436974465750118403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"...the black burqa has never been part of the Afghan culture"

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This is our Afghan authentic dress. Afghan women wear such colorful and modest attires. The black burqa never has been part of the Afghan culture. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeAfghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeAfghanistan</a>🇦🇫 <a href="https://t.co/v9LIbcvklG">pic.twitter.com/v9LIbcvklG</a>
— Spozhmay Maseed (@spozhmey) <a href="https://twitter.com/spozhmey/status/1437022301069922305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This is how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghan</a> cultural dress for women look like. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ">https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/XPZfstkGc8">pic.twitter.com/XPZfstkGc8</a>
— Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) <a href="https://twitter.com/MalaliBashir/status/1437124777483853837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This is how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghan</a> cultural dress for women look like. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ">https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/XPZfstkGc8">pic.twitter.com/XPZfstkGc8</a>
— Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) <a href="https://twitter.com/MalaliBashir/status/1437124777483853837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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When we talk about Afg clothing, we mean ds beautiful clothing that we have inherited from our elders for centuries. 
We meant this beautiful Afg dress that we have always been supported by the Afghan community by wearing it &amp; we have been accepted in every part of the territory. <a href="https://t.co/qSETchvg1e">pic.twitter.com/qSETchvg1e</a>
— Zarifa Ghafari (@Zarifa_Ghafari) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zarifa_Ghafari/status/1437081974028570627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Afghan men raised their voice in support of these women as well

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This is how Afghan girls/women dress, 
The polar opposite of that radical Arab dress code for women. 
 
In this picture it’s my sister Zent Jn in shine Laghman our lovely hometown🇦🇫 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanWomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanWomen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DoNotRecognizeTaliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DoNotRecognizeTaliban</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCYaldaHakim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCYaldaHakim</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSanaSafi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCSanaSafi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Peymasad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Peymasad</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Oq2D8ryCW">https://t.co/6Oq2D8ryCW</a> <a href="https://t.co/eOrIrTR5bi">pic.twitter.com/eOrIrTR5bi</a>
— Ehsanullah Karim (@KarimEhsanullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarimEhsanullah/status/1437109520338092032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Many men, pretending to be of 'open minded' sort, proudly proclaim that they let their sisters, wives do certain things. The question is, who put the men on this perch? Who are they to 'let' or 'allow' women to do anything? Who is anyone to dictate terms to anyone?

In today's Afghanistan sadly, these questions find limited resonance in the ruling class.

What represents a 'proper' dress? That too for a woman? Common sense dictates that it is she who will decide that and no other. But unfortunately, every culture in the world has its fair share of men dictating what's good/ proper/ admissible/ allowed for women.

What represents a 'proper' dress? That too for a woman? Common sense dictates that it is she who will decide that and no other. But unfortunately, every culture in the world has its fair share of men dictating what's good/ proper/ admissible/ allowed for women. The list is endless. Taliban's return to power has seen its all-male government deciding what women should wear in public. They are acting as self-declared custodians of Afghan women and think they have all the rights to dictate terms. They want Afghan women to wear burqa. And Afghan women are not taking any of this. They are expressing their freedom in a unique way. Dr Bahar Jalali, who started the first gender studies program in Afghanistan wore a traditional Afghan dress and boldly proclaimed "This is Afghan culture. I am wearing a traditional Afghan dress" This is Afghan culture. I am wearing a traditional Afghan dress. #AfghanistanCulture pic.twitter.com/DrRzgyXPvm — Dr. Bahar Jalali (@RoxanaBahar1) September 12, 2021 × The tweet has gone viral and seems to have started a movement among Afghan women Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi, head of Afghan service at DW News joined Dr Jalali and repeated the chant "This is Afghan culture" Me wearing traditional Afghan attire in Kabul. This is Afghan culture and this is how Afghan women dress. @RoxanaBahar1 pic.twitter.com/fUZSqy4rRK — Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi (@WasHasNaz) September 12, 2021 × The expression soon found resonance So how do Afghan women dress then? They ask. This is how. If I was in Afghanistan then I would have the scarf on my head. This is as “conservative” and “traditional” as I/you can get. https://t.co/4fjoSUuJZY pic.twitter.com/VkQLQoBXDy — Sana Safi ثنا ساپۍ (@BBCSanaSafi) September 12, 2021 × This is Afghan culture. My traditional dress #AfghanWomen Thank you to Dr @RoxanaBahar1 for the inspiration. Our cultural attire is not the dementor outfits the Taliban have women wearing. pic.twitter.com/i9wFASfWR6 — Peymana Assad 🏔 (@Peymasad) September 12, 2021 × "...the black burqa has never been part of the Afghan culture" This is our Afghan authentic dress. Afghan women wear such colorful and modest attires. The black burqa never has been part of the Afghan culture. #FreeAfghanistan🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/v9LIbcvklG — Spozhmay Maseed (@spozhmey) September 12, 2021 × This is how #Afghan cultural dress for women look like. #Afghanistan https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ pic.twitter.com/XPZfstkGc8 — Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) September 12, 2021 × This is how #Afghan cultural dress for women look like. #Afghanistan https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ pic.twitter.com/XPZfstkGc8 — Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) September 12, 2021 × When we talk about Afg clothing, we mean ds beautiful clothing that we have inherited from our elders for centuries. We meant this beautiful Afg dress that we have always been supported by the Afghan community by wearing it & we have been accepted in every part of the territory. pic.twitter.com/qSETchvg1e — Zarifa Ghafari (@Zarifa_Ghafari) September 12, 2021 × Afghan men raised their voice in support of these women as well This is how Afghan girls/women dress, The polar opposite of that radical Arab dress code for women. In this picture it’s my sister Zent Jn in shine Laghman our lovely hometown🇦🇫 #Afghanistan #AfghanWomen #DoNotRecognizeTaliban @BBCYaldaHakim @BBCSanaSafi @Peymasad https://t.co/6Oq2D8ryCW pic.twitter.com/eOrIrTR5bi — Ehsanullah Karim (@KarimEhsanullah) September 12, 2021 × Many men, pretending to be of 'open minded' sort, proudly proclaim that they let their sisters, wives do certain things. The question is, who put the men on this perch? Who are they to 'let' or 'allow' women to do anything? Who is anyone to dictate terms to anyone? In today's Afghanistan sadly, these questions find limited resonance in the ruling class.

Burqa not part of Afghan culture, defiant women in traditional wear tell Taliban

The new law in Texas effectively banning most abortions has ignited widespread controversy and debate, in part because of the mechanism it uses to enforce the restrictions: deputizing ordinary people to sue those involved in performing abortions and giving them a financial incentive to do so.

The law establishes a kind of bounty system. If these vigilante plaintiffs are successful, the law allows them to collect cash judgments of $10,000 — and their legal fees — from those they sue. If they lose, they do not have to pay the defendants’ legal costs.

The Supreme Court declined to stop the legislation from taking effect, and so far, no one has brought a suit against an abortion provider because clinics in the state have chosen to abide by the law, which effectively bars abortions starting around the sixth week of pregnancy.

The enforcement provision has generated backing from those seeking to limit abortion rights but confusion and criticism among supporters of abortion rights.

“When the law first came out and I was reading it, I thought I was missing something,” said Mary Ziegler, a professor at the Florida State University College of Law who specializes in the history of reproductive law. “It almost seemed like anyone could sue anyone — and that didn’t seem right. But it was. It really is that extraordinary.”

Here are some questions and answers about the enforcement provision.

Are there other laws that use the same mechanism?

Not really — or at least not with the same scope as the Texas law.

While giving private citizens the right to file suit in lieu of — or in tandem with — criminal enforcement by state officials is a staple of medical malpractice cases and other forms of tort law, the Texas law is different.

It removes enforcement entirely from state jurisdiction and vastly expands who can sue and who can be sued over abortions. The statute, for example, permits anyone — even people who live outside Texas — to file a complaint in any court in the state if they believe an abortion has been performed. It also makes nearly everyone involved in the procedure — except for the woman who receives the abortion — liable to suits, meaning that doctors, nurses, insurance companies and even Uber drivers who help take women to clinics could be vulnerable.

According to Ziegler, the notion of using lawsuits to curb or stop abortions first emerged in the early 1990s, when a Texas pastor named Mark Crutcher created a program called Spies for Life that published manuals showing people how to use the legal system to go after abortion clinics and providers. In 1999, Louisiana passed its own law giving women who had abortions the right to sue their providers.

State Sen. Bryan Hughes, the primary author of the Texas law, has said his model for the law, known as SB 8, was a local ordinance passed in Waskom, Texas, in 2019 that empowered residents to sue anyone who performed an abortion in the city or helped someone attain one. Unlike SB 8, however, the Waskom law was largely symbolic, given that the city had no clinics that actually performed abortions.

What legal issues does private enforcement raise?

The Justice Department sued Texas on Thursday, arguing that SB 8 was passed “in open defiance of the Constitution” and Supreme Court cases like Planned Parenthood v. Casey and Roe v. Wade. But the department’s 27-page complaint took particular issue with the law’s reliance on what it called “bounty hunters,” saying that empowering them to enforce the law was an “unprecedented scheme to insulate the state from responsibility.”

Moreover, officials claimed, SB 8 had essentially frozen the practice of abortion in Texas and achieved its goal of stopping the procedures without a single private lawsuit having been filed. After all, the complaint pointed out, the mere threat of litigation was enough “to make it too risky for an abortion clinic to operate” in Texas.

The department’s legal case relies on the argument that ordinary people, if and when they do file suit against abortion providers, will in effect be acting as agents of the state of Texas. What the government is asking for in its complaint amounts to a federal injunction barring everyone in the entire state from filing suits against abortion providers, which some lawyers say could be a bit far-fetched. Then again, it may not be any more far-fetched than SB 8 itself, which empowered everyone in the entire state to file suit.

Ultimately, legal scholars said, SB 8 is also likely to be challenged in another way. At some point, an abortion provider or someone else involved in the process — say, a group that funds abortions — could step forward and willingly violate the law as a calculated test case. But that could take time and have uncertain results.

“Whatever happens, it’s going to take a while,” Ziegler said. “And in the meantime, this law will be the status quo.”

Are other states adopting similar laws?

In recent days, lawmakers and executives in at least seven states have said they are considering similar statutes. Last week, Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota, a Republican, said she had directed lawyers in her office to review SB 8 “to make sure we have the strongest pro-life laws on the books.” Around the same time, Wilton Simpson, the Republican leader of the Florida state Senate, said that members of his chamber were already working on a statute similar to the one in Texas.

The private enforcement mechanism was also inserted into a new gun law in Missouri that grants residents the power to sue local law departments for giving “material aid and support” to federal agents for perceived violations of the Second Amendment. Under the law, which the Justice Department has challenged, Missourians could file suit to stop local police officers from sharing data or conducting joint operations with federal agents working on gun cases.

While some on the left have talked about the notion of drafting laws empowering people to sue over issues they hold dear — like stricter gun regulations, for example — it has not risen much so far beyond social media chatter. For now, at least, Democrats have not seized on private civil enforcement as a legal strategy.

The new law in Texas effectively banning most abortions has ignited widespread controversy and debate, in part because of the mechanism it uses to enforce the restrictions: deputizing ordinary people to sue those involved in performing abortions and giving them a financial incentive to do so.

The new law in Texas effectively banning most abortions has ignited widespread controversy and debate, in part because of the mechanism it uses to enforce the restrictions: deputizing ordinary people to sue those involved in performing abortions and giving them a financial incentive to do so. The law establishes a kind of bounty system. If these vigilante plaintiffs are successful, the law allows them to collect cash judgments of $10,000 — and their legal fees — from those they sue. If they lose, they do not have to pay the defendants’ legal costs. The Supreme Court declined to stop the legislation from taking effect, and so far, no one has brought a suit against an abortion provider because clinics in the state have chosen to abide by the law, which effectively bars abortions starting around the sixth week of pregnancy. The enforcement provision has generated backing from those seeking to limit abortion rights but confusion and criticism among supporters of abortion rights. “When the law first came out and I was reading it, I thought I was missing something,” said Mary Ziegler, a professor at the Florida State University College of Law who specializes in the history of reproductive law. “It almost seemed like anyone could sue anyone — and that didn’t seem right. But it was. It really is that extraordinary.” Here are some questions and answers about the enforcement provision. Are there other laws that use the same mechanism? Not really — or at least not with the same scope as the Texas law. While giving private citizens the right to file suit in lieu of — or in tandem with — criminal enforcement by state officials is a staple of medical malpractice cases and other forms of tort law, the Texas law is different. It removes enforcement entirely from state jurisdiction and vastly expands who can sue and who can be sued over abortions. The statute, for example, permits anyone — even people who live outside Texas — to file a complaint in any court in the state if they believe an abortion has been performed. It also makes nearly everyone involved in the procedure — except for the woman who receives the abortion — liable to suits, meaning that doctors, nurses, insurance companies and even Uber drivers who help take women to clinics could be vulnerable. According to Ziegler, the notion of using lawsuits to curb or stop abortions first emerged in the early 1990s, when a Texas pastor named Mark Crutcher created a program called Spies for Life that published manuals showing people how to use the legal system to go after abortion clinics and providers. In 1999, Louisiana passed its own law giving women who had abortions the right to sue their providers. State Sen. Bryan Hughes, the primary author of the Texas law, has said his model for the law, known as SB 8, was a local ordinance passed in Waskom, Texas, in 2019 that empowered residents to sue anyone who performed an abortion in the city or helped someone attain one. Unlike SB 8, however, the Waskom law was largely symbolic, given that the city had no clinics that actually performed abortions. What legal issues does private enforcement raise? The Justice Department sued Texas on Thursday, arguing that SB 8 was passed “in open defiance of the Constitution” and Supreme Court cases like Planned Parenthood v. Casey and Roe v. Wade. But the department’s 27-page complaint took particular issue with the law’s reliance on what it called “bounty hunters,” saying that empowering them to enforce the law was an “unprecedented scheme to insulate the state from responsibility.” Moreover, officials claimed, SB 8 had essentially frozen the practice of abortion in Texas and achieved its goal of stopping the procedures without a single private lawsuit having been filed. After all, the complaint pointed out, the mere threat of litigation was enough “to make it too risky for an abortion clinic to operate” in Texas. The department’s legal case relies on the argument that ordinary people, if and when they do file suit against abortion providers, will in effect be acting as agents of the state of Texas. What the government is asking for in its complaint amounts to a federal injunction barring everyone in the entire state from filing suits against abortion providers, which some lawyers say could be a bit far-fetched. Then again, it may not be any more far-fetched than SB 8 itself, which empowered everyone in the entire state to file suit. Ultimately, legal scholars said, SB 8 is also likely to be challenged in another way. At some point, an abortion provider or someone else involved in the process — say, a group that funds abortions — could step forward and willingly violate the law as a calculated test case. But that could take time and have uncertain results. “Whatever happens, it’s going to take a while,” Ziegler said. “And in the meantime, this law will be the status quo.” Are other states adopting similar laws? In recent days, lawmakers and executives in at least seven states have said they are considering similar statutes. Last week, Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota, a Republican, said she had directed lawyers in her office to review SB 8 “to make sure we have the strongest pro-life laws on the books.” Around the same time, Wilton Simpson, the Republican leader of the Florida state Senate, said that members of his chamber were already working on a statute similar to the one in Texas. The private enforcement mechanism was also inserted into a new gun law in Missouri that grants residents the power to sue local law departments for giving “material aid and support” to federal agents for perceived violations of the Second Amendment. Under the law, which the Justice Department has challenged, Missourians could file suit to stop local police officers from sharing data or conducting joint operations with federal agents working on gun cases. While some on the left have talked about the notion of drafting laws empowering people to sue over issues they hold dear — like stricter gun regulations, for example — it has not risen much so far beyond social media chatter. For now, at least, Democrats have not seized on private civil enforcement as a legal strategy.

Texas abortion law creates a kind of bounty hunter. Here’s how it works

In another measure curbing women’s freedom in Afghanistan, the new Taliban government’s higher education minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani said on Sunday that women in Afghanistan can continue to study in universities, but classrooms will be gender-segregated and Islamic dress is compulsory. The women will be allowed to study at post-graduate levels too. &nbsp;

At a news conference, the minister laid out new policies days after Afghanistan's new rulers formed the government.&nbsp;

At this time, the whole world has been watching the new government’s actions closely to see is the group true to its words and the type of rule it imposes on the country this time. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Burqa clad women march with Taliban flag

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In the era of their last rule, girls and women were denied an education, and were totally excluded from public life. &nbsp;

The Taliban have claimed to have changed, including in their attitudes towards women. But in recent days, they have used violence against women protesters demanding equal rights. &nbsp;

The minister said, “The Taliban did not want to turn the clock back 20 years. We will start building on what exists today." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-a-first-afghan-police-return-to-man-posts-with-taliban-at-kabul-airport-412573" hreflang="en">In a first, Afghan police return to man posts with Taliban at Kabul airport</a>&nbsp;

Under the Taliban, the female university students will face restrictions, which include a compulsory dress code. The minister added, hijabs will be mandatory. &nbsp;

“Gender segregation will also be enforced. We will not allow boys and girls to study together. We will not allow co-education,” said Haqqani. &nbsp;

Without elaborating, he said the subjects being taught in universities would also be reviewed. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In another measure curbing women’s freedom in Afghanistan, the new Taliban government’s higher education minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani said on Sunday that women in Afghanistan can continue to study in universities, but classrooms will be gender-segregated and Islamic dress is compulsory.

In another measure curbing women’s freedom in Afghanistan, the new Taliban government’s higher education minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani said on Sunday that women in Afghanistan can continue to study in universities, but classrooms will be gender-segregated and Islamic dress is compulsory. The women will be allowed to study at post-graduate levels too. At a news conference, the minister laid out new policies days after Afghanistan's new rulers formed the government. At this time, the whole world has been watching the new government’s actions closely to see is the group true to its words and the type of rule it imposes on the country this time. Watch | Afghanistan: Burqa clad women march with Taliban flag × In the era of their last rule, girls and women were denied an education, and were totally excluded from public life. The Taliban have claimed to have changed, including in their attitudes towards women. But in recent days, they have used violence against women protesters demanding equal rights. The minister said, “The Taliban did not want to turn the clock back 20 years. We will start building on what exists today." Also Read: In a first, Afghan police return to man posts with Taliban at Kabul airport Under the Taliban, the female university students will face restrictions, which include a compulsory dress code. The minister added, hijabs will be mandatory. “Gender segregation will also be enforced. We will not allow boys and girls to study together. We will not allow co-education,” said Haqqani. Without elaborating, he said the subjects being taught in universities would also be reviewed. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan women can study but in gender-segregated classrooms: Taliban Minister

On September 8, the Taliban announced the formation of an interim government, declaring Afghanistan as the Islamic Emirate.

Two things stood out in the selection of key figures heading the government.

One, the new cabinet consisted of Taliban members in which 14 of them were on UN Security Council’s terrorism blacklist, including acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund and his both deputies.

Second, the conspicuous absence of a women minister and the dropping of the post for Ministry of Women under the new regime.

According to January 2021 data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), an international organization of Geneva-based international organization of national parliaments, women had occupied only 6.5 per cent of ministerial positions in Afghanistan before the Taliban seized power.

Watch

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Around &nbsp;27% of the Afghan parliament was comprised of women, ranking it in line with the United States, where women make up 26.8 per cent of all members of Congress, according to the IPU.

Afghanistan’s share of women legislative members had hovered around 27 per cent since 2005, when the first session of the elected body sat after three decades. Under the 2004 Constitution, at least 68 of the 250 total seats of parliament's lower house are reserved for women, with two seats reserved for women for each of the country’s 34 provinces.

Now, the country joins the ranks of a dozen other countries where there are no women serving in high-ranking positions in government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aid-workers-staying-in-taliban-ruled-afghanistan-tread-a-tricky-path-411705">Aid workers staying in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan tread a tricky path</a>

They are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Brunei, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam and Yemen, the IPU data suggests.

According to the IPU and UN Women, the absence of women in Afghanistan's government bucks the global trend. Most countries have women in senior government positions, and the number of nations with women as heads of state or in government is at an all-time high.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-education-minister-says-phd-and-masters-degrees-worthless-mullahs-greatest-without-them-411612">Taliban Education Minister says PhD and Master's degrees worthless, mullahs greatest without them</a>

There are 22 countries that have women as the head of state or government.

Europe is home to the majority of those countries led by women, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Germany, Iceland and Norway.

Despite repeated assurances from the Taliban regime that they would respect the rights of the women, and that they would enjoy greater freedom under the new regime, a look at the cabinet members and some their recent controversial statements falls in contradiction to their promises.

Taliban spokesperson Sayed Zekrullah Hashimi, in an interview to Tolo News, had stated, "A woman can't be a minister, it is like you put something on her neck that she can’t carry.”

He added that it is not necessary for a woman to be in the cabinet, adding that women "should give birth".

"Women protesters can't represent all women in Afghanistan," he added.

Hashimi was responding to a series of protest organised by the women in Kabul seeking greater political rights in the government.

The Afghan women were then driven away by the Taliban who used whips and sticks against the protesters in the crackdown on dissent.

Videos and pictures&nbsp;showed the women chanting, "Long live the women of Afghanistan". Some held placards that read: "No government can deny the presence of women" and "I will sing freedom over and over."

The Taliban, according to witnesses, also beat up journalists covering the demonstration, the report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

On September 8, the Taliban announced the formation of an interim government, declaring Afghanistan as the Islamic Emirate. Two things stood out in the selection of key figures heading the government.

On September 8, the Taliban announced the formation of an interim government, declaring Afghanistan as the Islamic Emirate. Two things stood out in the selection of key figures heading the government. One, the new cabinet consisted of Taliban members in which 14 of them were on UN Security Council’s terrorism blacklist, including acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund and his both deputies. Second, the conspicuous absence of a women minister and the dropping of the post for Ministry of Women under the new regime. According to January 2021 data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), an international organization of Geneva-based international organization of national parliaments, women had occupied only 6.5 per cent of ministerial positions in Afghanistan before the Taliban seized power. Watch Around 27% of the Afghan parliament was comprised of women, ranking it in line with the United States, where women make up 26.8 per cent of all members of Congress, according to the IPU. Afghanistan’s share of women legislative members had hovered around 27 per cent since 2005, when the first session of the elected body sat after three decades. Under the 2004 Constitution, at least 68 of the 250 total seats of parliament's lower house are reserved for women, with two seats reserved for women for each of the country’s 34 provinces. Now, the country joins the ranks of a dozen other countries where there are no women serving in high-ranking positions in government. Also read | Aid workers staying in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan tread a tricky path They are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Brunei, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam and Yemen, the IPU data suggests. According to the IPU and UN Women, the absence of women in Afghanistan's government bucks the global trend. Most countries have women in senior government positions, and the number of nations with women as heads of state or in government is at an all-time high. Watch | Taliban Education Minister says PhD and Master's degrees worthless, mullahs greatest without them There are 22 countries that have women as the head of state or government. Europe is home to the majority of those countries led by women, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Germany, Iceland and Norway. Despite repeated assurances from the Taliban regime that they would respect the rights of the women, and that they would enjoy greater freedom under the new regime, a look at the cabinet members and some their recent controversial statements falls in contradiction to their promises. Taliban spokesperson Sayed Zekrullah Hashimi, in an interview to Tolo News, had stated, "A woman can't be a minister, it is like you put something on her neck that she can’t carry.” He added that it is not necessary for a woman to be in the cabinet, adding that women "should give birth". "Women protesters can't represent all women in Afghanistan," he added. Hashimi was responding to a series of protest organised by the women in Kabul seeking greater political rights in the government. The Afghan women were then driven away by the Taliban who used whips and sticks against the protesters in the crackdown on dissent. Videos and pictures showed the women chanting, "Long live the women of Afghanistan". Some held placards that read: "No government can deny the presence of women" and "I will sing freedom over and over." The Taliban, according to witnesses, also beat up journalists covering the demonstration, the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan among few countries with no women in top government positions: Report

Sri Lankan women were urged to delay getting pregnant after more than 40 expectant mothers died of Covid-19 in four months, the health ministry said Thursday.

The island nation, which recorded its first maternal coronavirus death in May, is battling a spike in Delta variant infections after travel restrictions were eased for local new year celebrations in mid-April.

"Usually, we have 90 to 100 maternal deaths a year, but since the start of the third wave we have recorded 41 deaths of pregnant women from Covid alone," Chitramali de Silva, a director of the government's Health Promotion Bureau, told AFP.

Government obstetrician and gynaecologist Harsha Atapattu said he was urging "newlyweds, as well as those who are trying to have a baby, to delay it by at least a year because of the risks of Covid-19".

De Silva said about 5,500 expectant mothers had been infected. About 70 percent were fully vaccinated, he added.

Experts have urged pregnant women to get the jab, with Sri Lankan health officials stating the Delta variant appears to increase their risk of severe symptoms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-extends-covid-curbs-in-tokyo-till-september-end-411864">Also read |&nbsp;Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end</a>

The nation of 21 million people has been under a lightly imposed lockdown since August that the government expects to lift in mid-September.

But World Health Organisation experts in Sri Lanka have called for tougher restrictions until the start of October.

Hospitals have been overwhelmed during the surge, despite efforts to speed up the vaccination drive with nearly half of the total population receiving two doses.

Sri Lanka has recorded nearly 475,000 infections and more than 10,500 deaths from Covid-19, but doctors say the actual figures could be much higher due to under-reporting.

Sri Lankan women were urged to delay getting pregnant after more than 40 expectant mothers died of Covid-19 in four months, the health ministry said Thursday. The island nation, which recorded its first maternal coronavirus death in May, is battling a spike in Delta variant infections after travel restrictions were eased for local new year celebrations in mid-April.

Sri Lankan women were urged to delay getting pregnant after more than 40 expectant mothers died of Covid-19 in four months, the health ministry said Thursday. The island nation, which recorded its first maternal coronavirus death in May, is battling a spike in Delta variant infections after travel restrictions were eased for local new year celebrations in mid-April. "Usually, we have 90 to 100 maternal deaths a year, but since the start of the third wave we have recorded 41 deaths of pregnant women from Covid alone," Chitramali de Silva, a director of the government's Health Promotion Bureau, told AFP. Government obstetrician and gynaecologist Harsha Atapattu said he was urging "newlyweds, as well as those who are trying to have a baby, to delay it by at least a year because of the risks of Covid-19". De Silva said about 5,500 expectant mothers had been infected. About 70 percent were fully vaccinated, he added. Experts have urged pregnant women to get the jab, with Sri Lankan health officials stating the Delta variant appears to increase their risk of severe symptoms. Also read | Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end The nation of 21 million people has been under a lightly imposed lockdown since August that the government expects to lift in mid-September. But World Health Organisation experts in Sri Lanka have called for tougher restrictions until the start of October. Hospitals have been overwhelmed during the surge, despite efforts to speed up the vaccination drive with nearly half of the total population receiving two doses. Sri Lanka has recorded nearly 475,000 infections and more than 10,500 deaths from Covid-19, but doctors say the actual figures could be much higher due to under-reporting.

Sri Lanka asks women to delay pregnancy over COVID-19 risks

He-Man fandom got a filip recently with a brand new Netflix series Masters of The Universe. Fans who have followed evolution of the character over decades had a new excuse to binge-watch.

He-Man is considered by many to be a character representing hypermasculinity. But for fanboys like me, it was a Sunday privilege to watch an episode on Doordarshan in early 90s. It was a much earlier production.

The iconic tune, the reverberating "I HAVE THE POWER!" has become stuff of legend in the fandom.

He-Man was THE dude. Everything got sorted when he turned up. The schemes of Skeletor fell apart and all was well at the end of each episode.

With He-Man was the warrior princess Teela. She was hailed to be one of the fiercest fighters.

I remember a Sunday when the 5-year-old me joined my friend a bit late to watch the episode. Teela was on a quest that day.

"All by herself," my friend told me.

"Wow, who is she defeating?" I asked.

"No one. Because girls are weak," replied my friend.

The episode showed Teela fighting valiantly. But He-Man had to rescue her in the end.

She used to start her quests. But He-Man had to rescue her each time.

She was trained in various arts of fighting. But He-Man had to rescue her each time.

That her costume was somewhat like a monokini didn't help young viewers establish healthy ideas about a woman, her body, her choice, her physical strength and her capabilities.

<img alt="Teela" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62e9dcfd-028c-4c9e-98b3-b4381bfc02dc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/He%20Man%20Teela.jpg" />

Her costume wasn't the issue. Her depiction as one needing rescuing each time was.

The cartoon series has had several productions over the decades. The one aired in India in early 90s was produced by Flimation. It was made in early 80s.&nbsp;

The fandom got another boost in 2002 When He-Man and the Masters of the Universe got a reboot of sorts and was made using newer animation techniques.

Teela, the warrior princess was true to her name this time and wasn't the damsel-in-distress. She led the troops, went on quests on her own and even during her arduous journeys, if she got caught by the enemy, she fought hard to break the shackles and succeeded.

It's not that she needed validation and HAD TO 'fight hard' to prove her credentials in the first place. But her depiction was almost a world apart and younger fans watching the series in 2002 must have gone through fewer dilemmas than their early 90s counterparts.

The latest Masters of the Universe has an edgier version of Teela. She is no longer for the male gaze but goes about on her own terms (Does not HAVE TO fight hard to prove her credentials). The deal is somewhat like take it or leave it.

Evil-Lyn is another character who attracts the criticism of having been 'oversexualised' in the Filmation series.

He-Man craze in the 90s had set off demand for He-Man action figures. Even then, the Evil-Lyn action figure was considered 'too racy' and Indian parents steered clear of buying it for kids.

In the latest He-Man series, Evil-Lyn doesn't vie for the male gaze but is a woman on her own. Yes, she has affiliation to Skeletor but her journeys are her own.

As children, we subconsciously imbibe subliminal messages on assigned gender roles and assumptions on who is capable of what, just like my friend did.

To that extent, such shows are first steps in establishing and later reinforcing stereotypes since childhood.&nbsp;

But recent years saw more superheroes revealing their vulnerable sides and superheroines going beyond the 'damsels in distress needing saving' mode. &nbsp;

Perhaps He-man is also adapting to such changes. Because we live in an evolved comic universe where even superhumans are shown as, after all, human. If production houses are doing away with the predictability of gender roles, it is a good thing.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

He-Man fandom got a filip recently with a brand new Netflix series Masters of The Universe. Fans who have followed evolution of the character over decades had a new excuse to binge-watch.

He-Man fandom got a filip recently with a brand new Netflix series Masters of The Universe. Fans who have followed evolution of the character over decades had a new excuse to binge-watch. He-Man is considered by many to be a character representing hypermasculinity. But for fanboys like me, it was a Sunday privilege to watch an episode on Doordarshan in early 90s. It was a much earlier production. The iconic tune, the reverberating "I HAVE THE POWER!" has become stuff of legend in the fandom. He-Man was THE dude. Everything got sorted when he turned up. The schemes of Skeletor fell apart and all was well at the end of each episode. With He-Man was the warrior princess Teela. She was hailed to be one of the fiercest fighters. I remember a Sunday when the 5-year-old me joined my friend a bit late to watch the episode. Teela was on a quest that day. "All by herself," my friend told me. "Wow, who is she defeating?" I asked. "No one. Because girls are weak," replied my friend. The episode showed Teela fighting valiantly. But He-Man had to rescue her in the end. She used to start her quests. But He-Man had to rescue her each time. She was trained in various arts of fighting. But He-Man had to rescue her each time. That her costume was somewhat like a monokini didn't help young viewers establish healthy ideas about a woman, her body, her choice, her physical strength and her capabilities. Her costume wasn't the issue. Her depiction as one needing rescuing each time was. The cartoon series has had several productions over the decades. The one aired in India in early 90s was produced by Flimation. It was made in early 80s. The fandom got another boost in 2002 When He-Man and the Masters of the Universe got a reboot of sorts and was made using newer animation techniques. Teela, the warrior princess was true to her name this time and wasn't the damsel-in-distress. She led the troops, went on quests on her own and even during her arduous journeys, if she got caught by the enemy, she fought hard to break the shackles and succeeded. It's not that she needed validation and HAD TO 'fight hard' to prove her credentials in the first place. But her depiction was almost a world apart and younger fans watching the series in 2002 must have gone through fewer dilemmas than their early 90s counterparts. The latest Masters of the Universe has an edgier version of Teela. She is no longer for the male gaze but goes about on her own terms (Does not HAVE TO fight hard to prove her credentials). The deal is somewhat like take it or leave it. Evil-Lyn is another character who attracts the criticism of having been 'oversexualised' in the Filmation series. He-Man craze in the 90s had set off demand for He-Man action figures. Even then, the Evil-Lyn action figure was considered 'too racy' and Indian parents steered clear of buying it for kids. In the latest He-Man series, Evil-Lyn doesn't vie for the male gaze but is a woman on her own. Yes, she has affiliation to Skeletor but her journeys are her own. As children, we subconsciously imbibe subliminal messages on assigned gender roles and assumptions on who is capable of what, just like my friend did. To that extent, such shows are first steps in establishing and later reinforcing stereotypes since childhood. But recent years saw more superheroes revealing their vulnerable sides and superheroines going beyond the 'damsels in distress needing saving' mode. Perhaps He-man is also adapting to such changes. Because we live in an evolved comic universe where even superhumans are shown as, after all, human. If production houses are doing away with the predictability of gender roles, it is a good thing. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Blog: He-man and women in his cartoons

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