In the latest report, the United Nations' commission on the status of women has said that religious freedom in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistan-army-is-obsessed-with-india-because-it-justifies-its-indispensability-209455">Pakistan</a> continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present Imran Khan government.

The discriminatory legislation by the Imran-khan led government has empowered people with "extremist mindsets" to carry out attacks on religious minorities.

The UN commission has said that Christian and Hindu communities in Pakistan, especially women and girls are "particularly vulnerable" to violation of such rights.

In its 47-page detailed report titled, 'Pakistan-religious freedom under attack', released in December, The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), a commission of the united nations economic and social council, has expressed concern over the volatile human rights situation in Pakistan.

The report has outlined major issues like increasing "weaponisation and politicisation" of the blasphemy laws and the anti-Ahmadiyya legislation which are being used by Islamist groups not only to persecute religious minorities but also to gain political ground.

The commission in its report has cited several prominent examples to substantiate that minorities in the country are reduced to second class citizens.

It contended that blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which criminalise anyone who insults Islam, are often misused to lodge false cases against the minorities.

Based on the report, each year hundreds of women under the age of 18, are abducted and forced to convert and marry Muslim men. With little or no hopes for being returned to their families.

Following these observations, the CSW has asked the Pakistan government to take more effective steps to prevent sectarian violence and hold the perpetrators of religious attacks to account. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

In the latest report, the United Nations' commission on the status of women has said that religious freedom in Pakistan continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present Imran Khan government.

In the latest report, the United Nations' commission on the status of women has said that religious freedom in Pakistan continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present Imran Khan government. The discriminatory legislation by the Imran-khan led government has empowered people with "extremist mindsets" to carry out attacks on religious minorities. The UN commission has said that Christian and Hindu communities in Pakistan, especially women and girls are "particularly vulnerable" to violation of such rights. In its 47-page detailed report titled, 'Pakistan-religious freedom under attack', released in December, The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), a commission of the united nations economic and social council, has expressed concern over the volatile human rights situation in Pakistan. The report has outlined major issues like increasing "weaponisation and politicisation" of the blasphemy laws and the anti-Ahmadiyya legislation which are being used by Islamist groups not only to persecute religious minorities but also to gain political ground. The commission in its report has cited several prominent examples to substantiate that minorities in the country are reduced to second class citizens. It contended that blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which criminalise anyone who insults Islam, are often misused to lodge false cases against the minorities. Based on the report, each year hundreds of women under the age of 18, are abducted and forced to convert and marry Muslim men. With little or no hopes for being returned to their families. Following these observations, the CSW has asked the Pakistan government to take more effective steps to prevent sectarian violence and hold the perpetrators of religious attacks to account. (With inputs from ANI)

Religious freedom deteriorates in Pakistan: Women, children particularly 'vulnerable'

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A high-level meeting on<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-railways-to-focus-more-on-women-children-safety-in-2018-26922"> Women and Children's safety</a> was held late on Wednesday night at the chamber of the state's Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/k-chandrasekhar-rao-takes-oath-as-the-chief-minister-of-telangana-183711">Mohammed Mahmood Ali</a> at the state Secretariat in Hyderabad.

The meeting comes a few days after a woman veterinary doctor was raped and murdered in the Ranga Reddy district.

During the meeting, the Home Minister was apprised about the status in the rape and murder case of veterinary doctors and steps to be taken to ensure the safety of women in the state.

Earlier the Home Minister had said that the female veterinary doctor could have been prevented had she called up the police rather than her sister, upon sensing danger. 
After being targeted on social media for saying that the 'female doctor called up her sister instead of the police despite being educated, Ali had clarified that his intention was to make the public aware of help coming from the police and not to hurt the sentiments of any person.

The minister had added that efforts would be made to spread awareness about the use of police helpline numbers in the future. "We will try to spread awareness about the use of '100' number. It is for the help of the public," said Ali.

The Hyderabad Police arrested the four accused involved in the alleged rape and murder case of the doctor in Telangana.

On November 28, the burnt body of the doctor was found at Shadnagar outskirts in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district.

A high-level meeting on Women and Children's safety was held late on Wednesday night at the chamber of the state's Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali at the state Secretariat in Hyderabad.

A high-level meeting on Women and Children's safety was held late on Wednesday night at the chamber of the state's Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali at the state Secretariat in Hyderabad. The meeting comes a few days after a woman veterinary doctor was raped and murdered in the Ranga Reddy district. During the meeting, the Home Minister was apprised about the status in the rape and murder case of veterinary doctors and steps to be taken to ensure the safety of women in the state. Earlier the Home Minister had said that the female veterinary doctor could have been prevented had she called up the police rather than her sister, upon sensing danger. After being targeted on social media for saying that the 'female doctor called up her sister instead of the police despite being educated, Ali had clarified that his intention was to make the public aware of help coming from the police and not to hurt the sentiments of any person. The minister had added that efforts would be made to spread awareness about the use of police helpline numbers in the future. "We will try to spread awareness about the use of '100' number. It is for the help of the public," said Ali. The Hyderabad Police arrested the four accused involved in the alleged rape and murder case of the doctor in Telangana. On November 28, the burnt body of the doctor was found at Shadnagar outskirts in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district.

Telangana HM holds high-level meeting on Women and Children's safety

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A charred body of an unidentified woman was found in the outskirts of Shamshabad near Siddula Gutta temple under the limits of RGI Airport Police Station limits on Friday. 
 
According to Prakash Reddy, DCP Shamshabad zone Cyberabad, the police received information from locals who saw that female body burning near the temple. 
 
They tried to douse the fire but failed in an attempt to save her. 
 
Prima facie, it is a body of a 30-35-year-old lady whose identity is yet to be ascertained by the police. 
 
The body has been shifted to a government hospital for an autopsy. 
 
"We are investigating the matter and it is yet to be known that it was a self-immolation incident or someone murdered her," Reddy said. 
 
Multiple teams have been formed to investigate the case. 
 
The incident comes shortly after the body of a young woman veterinary doctor was found charred in the Shadnagar area of Ranga Reddy district. 
 
The police have arrested four accused in connection with the alleged rape and murder of the medico.

A charred body of an unidentified woman was found in the outskirts of Shamshabad near Siddula Gutta temple under the limits of RGI Airport Police Station limits on Friday.

A charred body of an unidentified woman was found in the outskirts of Shamshabad near Siddula Gutta temple under the limits of RGI Airport Police Station limits on Friday. According to Prakash Reddy, DCP Shamshabad zone Cyberabad, the police received information from locals who saw that female body burning near the temple. They tried to douse the fire but failed in an attempt to save her. Prima facie, it is a body of a 30-35-year-old lady whose identity is yet to be ascertained by the police. The body has been shifted to a government hospital for an autopsy. "We are investigating the matter and it is yet to be known that it was a self-immolation incident or someone murdered her," Reddy said. Multiple teams have been formed to investigate the case. The incident comes shortly after the body of a young woman veterinary doctor was found charred in the Shadnagar area of Ranga Reddy district. The police have arrested four accused in connection with the alleged rape and murder of the medico.

Telangana: Another charred body of unidentified woman recovered

Hyderabad's Nirbhaya has left India seething again. The rape and murder of 27-yr old send shockwaves to the nation. More Nirbhaya, every day, every hour?

India: No country for women?

Parisa Haidary gets behind the steering wheel of a mini-bus, kicks off her high heels and with a socked foot presses the accelerator, carefully easing the 10-seater into Kabul's ever-clogged traffic.

The Afghan mother, who works for a women-only bus service, smiles as other road-users&nbsp;all of them men&nbsp;gawp in astonishment.

"We get a lot of different reactions," she says. "Some drivers block our way, others honk at us, some even drive alongside at the same speed when the road is clear."

In an ultra-patriarchal society where it remains rare to see a woman behind the wheel, Haidary is one of four drivers working for Pink Shuttle, a pilot bus programme employing only women to ferry female passengers and their kids across the Afghan capital.&nbsp;

"I love driving and am interested in my job. The only concern we have is the security situation. We have to stay fearless," Haidary said.&nbsp;

The 36-year-old former beautician, who has also worked as a television journalist, and her colleagues were chosen from 100 candidates.

The first-of-its-kind service is helping women navigate the many challenges they face getting around Kabul, where a woeful lack of transport options is compounded by the risk of harassment if they walk on the streets.

"We have transportation problems for women. In fact, public transportation does not exist, especially for women in Kabul," project coordinator Obaidullah Amiri said.

Pink Shuttle is being run by Nove Onlus, an Italian non-governmental group that in turn is being supported by the Only The Brave Foundation, created by fashion designer Renzo Rosso.&nbsp;

Amiri said the pilot project, which started in May and also receives backing from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-renew-triangular-development-cooperation-in-asia-and-africa-206532">US Agency for International Development (USAID)</a>, is set to be extended.&nbsp;

While the service is currently being offered for free to a limited number of pre-approved passengers, Nove Onlus hopes it will become financially sustainable within two years.

According to&nbsp;Khan Mohammad Shinwaray, police chief at Kabul's traffic department, the number of women drivers in the capital has been steadily growing, with 275 licenses approved for the first half of the year.&nbsp;

This is quite a jump: In the years between 2012 and 2016, just 1,189 women in total got licenses in the city, according to Nove Onlus.&nbsp;

It is a "positive change to see Afghan women driving in Kabul," Shinwaray said. "There are no restrictions on women becoming drivers."&nbsp;

Navigating Kabul's traffic is no easy feat.&nbsp;Traffic can flow fast one moment, then suddenly grind to a complete standstill for hours on end.&nbsp;

Road signs are non-existent, few of the streets are named and drivers often zoom the wrong way into oncoming traffic. Usually, it is the bigger of two vehicles that win the right of way.

Congestion has only got worse in recent years as Kabul has been sliced into ever-smaller portions by new security measures and entire streets and landmarks suddenly disappear behind towering blast walls.

When extremist Taliban insurgents swept to power in 1996, women were forced to stay home, barred from most jobs, and deprived of their right to an education.&nbsp;

After the militants were toppled in late 2001 and a US-backed government took over, gender equality was enshrined in the Afghan constitution, though discrimination remains rife.

Fatima Mohammadi, a 31-year-old Kabul resident who has been driving for about four years, said she appreciated the freedom of having a car but still deals with daily harassment on the road.

"I usually don't leave the windows of the car open," she said.&nbsp;

"Sometimes when another driver or passerby smiles or says 'Well done,' it feels like harassment."

Women like Haidary and Mohammadi worry the Taliban might one day return to power, and take away their relative freedoms.&nbsp;

Negotiations between the US and the Taliban that could have paved the way to an eventual peace settlement collapsed in September, and now no one is sure what will come next.

"If the Taliban come back, I hope they are not the same group they used to be," said Haidary. "If they impose the same limitations, we will lose our jobs."&nbsp;

Parisa Haidary gets behind the steering wheel of a mini-bus, kicks off her high heels and with a socked foot presses the accelerator, carefully easing the 10-seater into Kabul's ever-clogged traffic.

Parisa Haidary gets behind the steering wheel of a mini-bus, kicks off her high heels and with a socked foot presses the accelerator, carefully easing the 10-seater into Kabul's ever-clogged traffic. The Afghan mother, who works for a women-only bus service, smiles as other road-users all of them men gawp in astonishment. "We get a lot of different reactions," she says. "Some drivers block our way, others honk at us, some even drive alongside at the same speed when the road is clear." In an ultra-patriarchal society where it remains rare to see a woman behind the wheel, Haidary is one of four drivers working for Pink Shuttle, a pilot bus programme employing only women to ferry female passengers and their kids across the Afghan capital. "I love driving and am interested in my job. The only concern we have is the security situation. We have to stay fearless," Haidary said. The 36-year-old former beautician, who has also worked as a television journalist, and her colleagues were chosen from 100 candidates. The first-of-its-kind service is helping women navigate the many challenges they face getting around Kabul, where a woeful lack of transport options is compounded by the risk of harassment if they walk on the streets. "We have transportation problems for women. In fact, public transportation does not exist, especially for women in Kabul," project coordinator Obaidullah Amiri said. Pink Shuttle is being run by Nove Onlus, an Italian non-governmental group that in turn is being supported by the Only The Brave Foundation, created by fashion designer Renzo Rosso. Amiri said the pilot project, which started in May and also receives backing from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), is set to be extended. While the service is currently being offered for free to a limited number of pre-approved passengers, Nove Onlus hopes it will become financially sustainable within two years. According to Khan Mohammad Shinwaray, police chief at Kabul's traffic department, the number of women drivers in the capital has been steadily growing, with 275 licenses approved for the first half of the year. This is quite a jump: In the years between 2012 and 2016, just 1,189 women in total got licenses in the city, according to Nove Onlus. It is a "positive change to see Afghan women driving in Kabul," Shinwaray said. "There are no restrictions on women becoming drivers." Navigating Kabul's traffic is no easy feat. Traffic can flow fast one moment, then suddenly grind to a complete standstill for hours on end. Road signs are non-existent, few of the streets are named and drivers often zoom the wrong way into oncoming traffic. Usually, it is the bigger of two vehicles that win the right of way. Congestion has only got worse in recent years as Kabul has been sliced into ever-smaller portions by new security measures and entire streets and landmarks suddenly disappear behind towering blast walls. When extremist Taliban insurgents swept to power in 1996, women were forced to stay home, barred from most jobs, and deprived of their right to an education. After the militants were toppled in late 2001 and a US-backed government took over, gender equality was enshrined in the Afghan constitution, though discrimination remains rife. Fatima Mohammadi, a 31-year-old Kabul resident who has been driving for about four years, said she appreciated the freedom of having a car but still deals with daily harassment on the road. "I usually don't leave the windows of the car open," she said. "Sometimes when another driver or passerby smiles or says 'Well done,' it feels like harassment." Women like Haidary and Mohammadi worry the Taliban might one day return to power, and take away their relative freedoms. Negotiations between the US and the Taliban that could have paved the way to an eventual peace settlement collapsed in September, and now no one is sure what will come next. "If the Taliban come back, I hope they are not the same group they used to be," said Haidary. "If they impose the same limitations, we will lose our jobs."

'Pink Shuttle' buses help Afghan women navigate society

The Supreme Court granted another opportunity to the Indian Army to take a final decision on granting Permanent Commission (PC) to eight women Army officers, against the bar on their absorption in the armed forces, the lawyer appearing for women Army officers told ANI. 
 
"One another opportunity has been given to the Indian Army to consider granting Permanent Commission to eight women officers, who had approached the Apex court in 2010," the lawyer, Aishwarya Bhatti, told ANI on Tuesday. 
 
The PC would be granted for consideration by the Army to those women Army officers, who had approached the apex court, seeking a direction in this regard, according to Bhatti. 
 
After being apprised by the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain, that the issue is being already considered for giving the women Army officers the PC, the SC bench, headed by Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, said, "We can pass an order but we are giving you an opportunity to take credit for it." 
 
ASG Jain today told the apex court that the central government had finally decided and agreed to grant PC, but the decision left out the women who had first approached the court in this regard. 
 
In an affidavit filed by the Union of India, it had stated that the three wings of the armed forces,&nbsp;Army, Navy and Air force,&nbsp;and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are actively considering the issue of parity between male and female officers in securing the PC in the Armed forces, with regard to the various pending and concluded litigations before various Courts.

The Supreme Court granted another opportunity to the Indian Army to take a final decision on granting Permanent Commission (PC) to eight women Army officers, against the bar on their absorption in the armed forces, the lawyer appearing for women Army officers told ANI.

The Supreme Court granted another opportunity to the Indian Army to take a final decision on granting Permanent Commission (PC) to eight women Army officers, against the bar on their absorption in the armed forces, the lawyer appearing for women Army officers told ANI. "One another opportunity has been given to the Indian Army to consider granting Permanent Commission to eight women officers, who had approached the Apex court in 2010," the lawyer, Aishwarya Bhatti, told ANI on Tuesday. The PC would be granted for consideration by the Army to those women Army officers, who had approached the apex court, seeking a direction in this regard, according to Bhatti. After being apprised by the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain, that the issue is being already considered for giving the women Army officers the PC, the SC bench, headed by Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, said, "We can pass an order but we are giving you an opportunity to take credit for it." ASG Jain today told the apex court that the central government had finally decided and agreed to grant PC, but the decision left out the women who had first approached the court in this regard. In an affidavit filed by the Union of India, it had stated that the three wings of the armed forces, Army, Navy and Air force, and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are actively considering the issue of parity between male and female officers in securing the PC in the Armed forces, with regard to the various pending and concluded litigations before various Courts.

Supreme Court asks Army to decide on granting special commission to female officers

In a drab government office in Seoul, a team of broadcast regulators spend their days watching online porn, the front line troops of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cuts-short-meeting-with-south-korea-on-military-costs-263118">South Korea's attempts</a> to crack down on spycam videos that mostly expose women.&nbsp;

The 16-member digital sex crime monitoring unit was set up this autumn by the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC), with a mission to hunt down and remove sexual videos posted without consent. As of last month, it operates 24 hours a day.

Known as "molka", spycam videos are largely shot by men secretly filming women in schools, toilets and elsewhere.&nbsp;

The taskforce also targets "revenge porn", private sex videos filmed and shared without permission by disgruntled ex-boyfriends, ex-husbands, or malicious acquaintances.

In the highest-profile example, star K-pop singer Jung Joon-young was arrested in March on charges of filming and distributing illicit sex videos without the consent of his female partners. His court verdict is due next week, with prosecutors demanding seven years' imprisonment.

The twin phenomena have become increasingly widespread in the hyper-wired South, driving tens of thousands of women to demonstrate against them in the streets of Seoul last year, chanting "My life is not your porn" and demanding authorities take action.&nbsp;

Sitting at their desks, the KCSC staff,&nbsp;most of them assigned from other roles at the commission, and four of them women -- have the cautious manner of government bureaucrats.

An Hyeon-cheol came through this year's competition for highly-coveted government jobs at the KCSC, when there were 146 applicants for each available position, but his duties are a far cry from what he expected.

"It was difficult to maintain my composure," the 27-year-old said of his first days as a civil servant. "I saw many provocative pictures of a kind that I had never seen before in my life."

The head of the monitoring team Lee Yong-bae told AFP: "When I went outside, I could not look at women around me because pictures I saw in the office overlapped in my mind's eye. I had to keep my head down."

'Heart-wrenching moment'&nbsp;

To find the material, they search for Korean-language hashtags on domestic and international platforms, including Twitter and YouTube,&nbsp;that reference sexual acts, although sometimes key terms are disguised with asterisks.

They can instruct <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-wants-united-states-to-end-joint-drills-with-south-korea-to-resume-talks-263025">South Korean sites</a> to take down suspect videos, but the vast majority are hosted on overseas servers beyond their jurisdiction,&nbsp;when they tell domestic internet service providers to block access, but can only ask the foreign operators to remove them voluntarily.

The taskforce took action 82 times a day in October on average, eight times as many as the regulator did four years ago, before the dedicated unit was set up.

Ordinary commercial porn, which is illegal in the South and access to it blocked, is not part of their remit.

Sometimes panicking victims contact the taskforce themselves on a KCSC hotline, 1377, asking for help.

"We recently had a victim who gave us 100 different site addresses where a sex video secretly shot by her ex-boyfriend was uploaded," Lee said, acknowledging that completely removing a video was "nearly impossible" with the material being disseminated and shared online at the press of a button.

One spycam video first posted in May spread to more than 2,700 sites in six months, a KCSC document shows.

The first day after initial upload was the "golden time" to intervene, said Min Kyeong-joong, secretary-general of the KCSC, after which repostings are likely to "spiral out of control".

"Our mission is to contain the spread in the first 24 hours," he said.&nbsp;"For the victims, every second is a heart-wrenching moment."

Freedom of expression

In the conservative South, women who appear in such videos will feel deep shame despite being the victims and face the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-south-korea-resume-defence-cost-sharing-talks-after-trumps-5-bn-demand-gets-dubbed-as-robbery-262883">threat of ostracism and social isolation</a> if the videos become known to those around them.

Nearly 5,500 people were arrested for such offences last year, up 22 per cent on 2016, police data showed,&nbsp;and 97 per cent of them were men.&nbsp;

Park Yu-na, 31, told AFP she now routinely avoids using public toilets "as much as possible".

"I and other women share this fear that we can fall victim to spycam crimes anytime, anywhere," said the Seongnam resident.

The KCSC taskforce was set up after President Moon Jae-in acknowledged the spycam issue last year, calling for tougher punishments and saying: "We as a society have failed to fully recognise the trauma and humiliation suffered by those victimised."

Filming or distributing intimate videos without consent can each be punished with up to five years' jail, but analysts say many often end up with only a suspended sentence or a fine.

"There is this tendency where watching illegal sex videos is tolerated as just another form of men's entertainment, compounded with weak punishment," said Lee Na-young, professor of sociology at Chung-Ang University in Seoul.&nbsp;

The South's patriarchal culture "suppresses pragmatic sex education", added Bae Bok-ju, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, so that many men "grow up thinking there is nothing wrong with watching illegal porn as long as they don't put it into action".

Some argue against controls on spycam videos as an infringement of freedom of expression, said KCSC secretary-general Min.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"When I listen to such claims, I want to ask them this: Would you say the same thing if it was your wives or daughters?"&nbsp;

In a drab government office in Seoul, a team of broadcast regulators spend their days watching online porn, the front line troops of South Korea's attempts to crack down on spycam videos that mostly expose women.

In a drab government office in Seoul, a team of broadcast regulators spend their days watching online porn, the front line troops of South Korea's attempts to crack down on spycam videos that mostly expose women. The 16-member digital sex crime monitoring unit was set up this autumn by the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC), with a mission to hunt down and remove sexual videos posted without consent. As of last month, it operates 24 hours a day. Known as "molka", spycam videos are largely shot by men secretly filming women in schools, toilets and elsewhere. The taskforce also targets "revenge porn", private sex videos filmed and shared without permission by disgruntled ex-boyfriends, ex-husbands, or malicious acquaintances. In the highest-profile example, star K-pop singer Jung Joon-young was arrested in March on charges of filming and distributing illicit sex videos without the consent of his female partners. His court verdict is due next week, with prosecutors demanding seven years' imprisonment. The twin phenomena have become increasingly widespread in the hyper-wired South, driving tens of thousands of women to demonstrate against them in the streets of Seoul last year, chanting "My life is not your porn" and demanding authorities take action. Sitting at their desks, the KCSC staff, most of them assigned from other roles at the commission, and four of them women -- have the cautious manner of government bureaucrats. An Hyeon-cheol came through this year's competition for highly-coveted government jobs at the KCSC, when there were 146 applicants for each available position, but his duties are a far cry from what he expected. "It was difficult to maintain my composure," the 27-year-old said of his first days as a civil servant. "I saw many provocative pictures of a kind that I had never seen before in my life." The head of the monitoring team Lee Yong-bae told AFP: "When I went outside, I could not look at women around me because pictures I saw in the office overlapped in my mind's eye. I had to keep my head down." 'Heart-wrenching moment' To find the material, they search for Korean-language hashtags on domestic and international platforms, including Twitter and YouTube, that reference sexual acts, although sometimes key terms are disguised with asterisks. They can instruct South Korean sites to take down suspect videos, but the vast majority are hosted on overseas servers beyond their jurisdiction, when they tell domestic internet service providers to block access, but can only ask the foreign operators to remove them voluntarily. The taskforce took action 82 times a day in October on average, eight times as many as the regulator did four years ago, before the dedicated unit was set up. Ordinary commercial porn, which is illegal in the South and access to it blocked, is not part of their remit. Sometimes panicking victims contact the taskforce themselves on a KCSC hotline, 1377, asking for help. "We recently had a victim who gave us 100 different site addresses where a sex video secretly shot by her ex-boyfriend was uploaded," Lee said, acknowledging that completely removing a video was "nearly impossible" with the material being disseminated and shared online at the press of a button. One spycam video first posted in May spread to more than 2,700 sites in six months, a KCSC document shows. The first day after initial upload was the "golden time" to intervene, said Min Kyeong-joong, secretary-general of the KCSC, after which repostings are likely to "spiral out of control". "Our mission is to contain the spread in the first 24 hours," he said. "For the victims, every second is a heart-wrenching moment." Freedom of expression In the conservative South, women who appear in such videos will feel deep shame despite being the victims and face the threat of ostracism and social isolation if the videos become known to those around them. Nearly 5,500 people were arrested for such offences last year, up 22 per cent on 2016, police data showed, and 97 per cent of them were men. Park Yu-na, 31, told AFP she now routinely avoids using public toilets "as much as possible". "I and other women share this fear that we can fall victim to spycam crimes anytime, anywhere," said the Seongnam resident. The KCSC taskforce was set up after President Moon Jae-in acknowledged the spycam issue last year, calling for tougher punishments and saying: "We as a society have failed to fully recognise the trauma and humiliation suffered by those victimised." Filming or distributing intimate videos without consent can each be punished with up to five years' jail, but analysts say many often end up with only a suspended sentence or a fine. "There is this tendency where watching illegal sex videos is tolerated as just another form of men's entertainment, compounded with weak punishment," said Lee Na-young, professor of sociology at Chung-Ang University in Seoul. The South's patriarchal culture "suppresses pragmatic sex education", added Bae Bok-ju, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, so that many men "grow up thinking there is nothing wrong with watching illegal porn as long as they don't put it into action". Some argue against controls on spycam videos as an infringement of freedom of expression, said KCSC secretary-general Min. "When I listen to such claims, I want to ask them this: Would you say the same thing if it was your wives or daughters?"

South Korean regulators in constant search for porn to curb spycam videos

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Acid attacks on women have declined dramatically in Bangladesh in recent years as tough laws and the closer monitoring of chemical sales have cut down the grisly crime, officials and activists said Monday.

According to Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF), there have been just eight such attacks this year, well down on the 494 cases reported in 2002 when new laws were enacted.

"It is a very good result, but our work hasn't finished yet," said Samanta Lal Sen, a prominent plastic surgeon and ASF trustee.

"We'll celebrate when the number of attacks will come down to zero," he told AFP.

The crime first emerged in the 1990s, with scores of spurned or jilted men throwing sulphuric or nitric&nbsp;acid in the faces of women who rebuffed their advances to "spoil them" for anyone else.

Victims are left with severely disfigured faces, including damaged eyes and skin. In many cases, parts of the face are lost completely.

Survivors also face being made social outcasts,&nbsp;especially in the rural areas of the conservative country that is home to 168 million people.

Officials and experts attributed the declining rate to a coordinated social, legal, and administrative campaign.

"The main reason is that we have enacted tough laws to fight the crime," Bangladesh's home minister Asaduzzaman Khan told AFP.

In 2002 the state enacted a law that threatened the death penalty for anyone convicted of an acid attack.

According to ASF, since then at least 14 people have been sentenced to death, while nearly 700 others have been arrested and 338 jailed.

Minister Khan said a massive public awareness campaign and strict monitoring of the sale of dangerous chemicals also contributed to the decrease.

The government and local charities have also moved to remove the stigma for victims. Since its establishment in 1999, the ASF has worked with nearly 4,000 survivors of acid violence.

In one of the most recent attacks, a man was arrested in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka for throwing acid at his ex-wife and her daughter.

Another survivor, Mosammat Jamila, told AFP she was happy that the number of acid attacks had come down to single digits.

"I never want to hear that the life of another girl is ruined like me. I don't want anyone to go through the nightmares that I suffer," she said through tears.

Acid attacks on women have declined dramatically in Bangladesh in recent years as tough laws and the closer monitoring of chemical sales have cut down the grisly crime, officials and activists said Monday.

Acid attacks on women have declined dramatically in Bangladesh in recent years as tough laws and the closer monitoring of chemical sales have cut down the grisly crime, officials and activists said Monday. According to Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF), there have been just eight such attacks this year, well down on the 494 cases reported in 2002 when new laws were enacted. "It is a very good result, but our work hasn't finished yet," said Samanta Lal Sen, a prominent plastic surgeon and ASF trustee. "We'll celebrate when the number of attacks will come down to zero," he told AFP. The crime first emerged in the 1990s, with scores of spurned or jilted men throwing sulphuric or nitric acid in the faces of women who rebuffed their advances to "spoil them" for anyone else. Victims are left with severely disfigured faces, including damaged eyes and skin. In many cases, parts of the face are lost completely. Survivors also face being made social outcasts, especially in the rural areas of the conservative country that is home to 168 million people. Officials and experts attributed the declining rate to a coordinated social, legal, and administrative campaign. "The main reason is that we have enacted tough laws to fight the crime," Bangladesh's home minister Asaduzzaman Khan told AFP. In 2002 the state enacted a law that threatened the death penalty for anyone convicted of an acid attack. According to ASF, since then at least 14 people have been sentenced to death, while nearly 700 others have been arrested and 338 jailed. Minister Khan said a massive public awareness campaign and strict monitoring of the sale of dangerous chemicals also contributed to the decrease. The government and local charities have also moved to remove the stigma for victims. Since its establishment in 1999, the ASF has worked with nearly 4,000 survivors of acid violence. In one of the most recent attacks, a man was arrested in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka for throwing acid at his ex-wife and her daughter. Another survivor, Mosammat Jamila, told AFP she was happy that the number of acid attacks had come down to single digits. "I never want to hear that the life of another girl is ruined like me. I don't want anyone to go through the nightmares that I suffer," she said through tears.

Tough laws sharply reduce Bangladesh acid attacks on women

A top Iranian constitutional body has approved a law allowing Iranian women to pass their nationality to their children, state media reported on Wednesday.

Human rights experts have said the measure could help thousands of children living in legal limbo by letting them acquire citizenship in Iran, one of about 25 countries that do not permit women married to foreigners to hand their nationality to their children.

The state news agency IRNA quoted Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei, spokesman for the Guardian Council which vets legislation passed by parliament for compliance with the constitution, as saying the body had approved the measure.

The council had earlier objected to the proposed law on security grounds and required changes allowing background checks on foreign fathers of the children, according to local media reports.

The reform could benefit children born to women who have married men from Iran's large Afghan refugee and migrant population, according to Human Rights Watch. There are an estimated 3 million Afghans in Iran.

A top Iranian constitutional body has approved a law allowing Iranian women to pass their nationality to their children, state media reported on Wednesday. Human rights experts have said the measure could help thousands of children living in legal limbo by letting them acquire citizenship in Iran, one of about 25 countries that do not permit women married to foreigners to hand their nationality to their children.

A top Iranian constitutional body has approved a law allowing Iranian women to pass their nationality to their children, state media reported on Wednesday. Human rights experts have said the measure could help thousands of children living in legal limbo by letting them acquire citizenship in Iran, one of about 25 countries that do not permit women married to foreigners to hand their nationality to their children. The state news agency IRNA quoted Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei, spokesman for the Guardian Council which vets legislation passed by parliament for compliance with the constitution, as saying the body had approved the measure. The council had earlier objected to the proposed law on security grounds and required changes allowing background checks on foreign fathers of the children, according to local media reports. The reform could benefit children born to women who have married men from Iran's large Afghan refugee and migrant population, according to Human Rights Watch. There are an estimated 3 million Afghans in Iran.

Iran passes law allowing women to pass citizenship to children

It may be called the misfortune of the country that despite regarding the motherland as Bharat ‘Mata’, we have failed in reading and respecting the daughters of the ‘Mata’.

What is more unfortunate is that left-leaning &amp; self-proclaimed ‘feminist’ historians who were entrusted with the responsibility of building syllabi for the future of the country preferred to put up fake and evidence-less theories of Aryan Invasion instead of teaching the students about the valor and the effective authoritarian values of our women leaders.

One must ask a question to the ‘historians’ if the role of Rani Laxmibai was so minute in the freedom struggle that she was wrapped up within a paragraph? It is a very well known fact that Jijabai, the mother of Shivaji Maharaj, had a huge constructive impression on the Chhatrapati and she was the inspiration to the idea of ‘Hindavi Swarajya’.&nbsp;

Then why is it that we prefer to have a case study on Akbar and not on Jijabai? If we are to enumerate the achievements of both, the latter would clearly have an upper hand.&nbsp;

Was it not Akbar who used to marry off the daughters of the Rajput kings who he knew were masters in warfare? Jijabai, on the other hand, started from nil. She carved out an empire from dust. An empire that would one day be the main force all across Hindustan. The warfare of the Marathas, especially the Naval forces and the guerilla warfare have been praised by multiple British historians. Ironically, the Indian historians stay silent over the same.

We, the general public, have very easily, let the left lobby carry out their agenda. This is why the birth of a child of a virgin mother becomes ‘history’ and a determined woman killing a tyrant and a despot free the world from his clutches is unrealistic and hence ‘mythological’.

Peeping into the past of India, we have women adept in every field. You name it and we have it.

Gargi, the embodiment of Knowledge; Sita, the personification of chastity; Panna Dhai, the incorporation of Sacrifice; Padmavati, the incarnation of honour; Jijabai, the quintessence of self-rule; Rani Laxmibai, the essence of Patriotism and so on.

The list is countless.

One major reason for this was found in a recent survey conducted across a sample size of 74000+ by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

In a shocking conclusion, we came to know that only 28 per cent of the content taught in Social Studies from class 6 to 8 were written or authored by women. The condition of Sanskrit is even worse at only 16 per cent. As we go towards higher standards, this percentage deteriorates. In textbooks of 10th standard, this percentage is around 7.14 per cent. In 11th standard textbooks, lessons by women writers are 5.8 per cent only.

This is basic human psyche that a person is likely to resonate with another person of the same gender in terms of ideology and ideals. This theory actually explains the absence of women figures from the educational framework in recent times, may they be historical or divine. The situation would improve if certain fake philosophy peddling historians stop carrying out their personal agenda and focus on the real historical figures which we have revered over the ages.

Almost all of us would have studied the grave gender imbalance in the state of Haryana. Reducing the gap between the genders can be truly counted as an achievement for the outgoing Khattar government. From an abysmal 832 girls for every 1000 boys in 2012 to the 924 girls per 1000 boys as per government figures of December 2018; this is the sheer success of government policies such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.&nbsp;

Karnal tops the state with a ration of 979 girls in 2018 up from 797 in 2012. A village of Haryana in Mahendragarh district, Amarpur Jorasi, recorded Sex ratio at birth of just 291 girls in 2014.&nbsp;

This figure soared to an impressive 1190 girls per 1000 girls as per government records. This figure also shows that Bollywood and movies made revolving around social figures are being successful in bringing about a change in society.

Talking about the menstrual cycle among girls, which until a few years ago was considered as a taboo, the survey got out interesting results. 60.29 per cent of girls claimed that they avoid entering into the temples whereas 43.74 per cent claimed that they were not allowed to participate in any kind of religious activities. 20.13 per cent girls opined that they were prevented to touch other person and segregate themselves from other.&nbsp;

It is the positive effect of an open and healthy discussion that we are able to talk of menstruation without fear of societal taboo. Perhaps, the time is ripe that we begin to celebrate menstruation as divinity and an ability to give birth. The coastal state of Odisha has a tradition of celebrating the menstrual cycle over 4 days known as ‘Raja’.&nbsp;

The Shakti Peeth of Kamakhya, which is known for granting wishes relating to childbirth, to celebrates menstruation.

One of the most interesting conclusions from this survey was that the women with the highest level of satisfaction hailed from the spiritual field.&nbsp;

87.83 per cent women in this field feel that women should participate in large numbers in the spiritual field as it gives happiness, peace of mind and self-confidence. India has always had a rich tradition of spirituality and women since beginning remained a part of it.&nbsp;

There are thousands of women dedicated to spirituality and living a different life. There are so many disciplines in spirituality exist in India having different ways of worships. The people who are dedicated to this field supposed to follow all the rules and style of living which is not that easy for common people.

The findings of the survey also reinforced the ancient and traditional concept that happiness is not dependent on materialism and is more about the connection with the divine. The forces which try to demolish the school of thought of Sanatan divinity should try to connect to the spiritual life rather than mumbling gibberish. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It may be called the misfortune of the country that despite regarding the motherland as Bharat ‘Mata’, we have failed in reading and respecting the daughters of the ‘Mata’.

It may be called the misfortune of the country that despite regarding the motherland as Bharat ‘Mata’, we have failed in reading and respecting the daughters of the ‘Mata’. What is more unfortunate is that left-leaning & self-proclaimed ‘feminist’ historians who were entrusted with the responsibility of building syllabi for the future of the country preferred to put up fake and evidence-less theories of Aryan Invasion instead of teaching the students about the valor and the effective authoritarian values of our women leaders. One must ask a question to the ‘historians’ if the role of Rani Laxmibai was so minute in the freedom struggle that she was wrapped up within a paragraph? It is a very well known fact that Jijabai, the mother of Shivaji Maharaj, had a huge constructive impression on the Chhatrapati and she was the inspiration to the idea of ‘Hindavi Swarajya’. Then why is it that we prefer to have a case study on Akbar and not on Jijabai? If we are to enumerate the achievements of both, the latter would clearly have an upper hand. Was it not Akbar who used to marry off the daughters of the Rajput kings who he knew were masters in warfare? Jijabai, on the other hand, started from nil. She carved out an empire from dust. An empire that would one day be the main force all across Hindustan. The warfare of the Marathas, especially the Naval forces and the guerilla warfare have been praised by multiple British historians. Ironically, the Indian historians stay silent over the same. We, the general public, have very easily, let the left lobby carry out their agenda. This is why the birth of a child of a virgin mother becomes ‘history’ and a determined woman killing a tyrant and a despot free the world from his clutches is unrealistic and hence ‘mythological’. Peeping into the past of India, we have women adept in every field. You name it and we have it. Gargi, the embodiment of Knowledge; Sita, the personification of chastity; Panna Dhai, the incorporation of Sacrifice; Padmavati, the incarnation of honour; Jijabai, the quintessence of self-rule; Rani Laxmibai, the essence of Patriotism and so on. The list is countless. One major reason for this was found in a recent survey conducted across a sample size of 74000+ by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In a shocking conclusion, we came to know that only 28 per cent of the content taught in Social Studies from class 6 to 8 were written or authored by women. The condition of Sanskrit is even worse at only 16 per cent. As we go towards higher standards, this percentage deteriorates. In textbooks of 10th standard, this percentage is around 7.14 per cent. In 11th standard textbooks, lessons by women writers are 5.8 per cent only. This is basic human psyche that a person is likely to resonate with another person of the same gender in terms of ideology and ideals. This theory actually explains the absence of women figures from the educational framework in recent times, may they be historical or divine. The situation would improve if certain fake philosophy peddling historians stop carrying out their personal agenda and focus on the real historical figures which we have revered over the ages. Almost all of us would have studied the grave gender imbalance in the state of Haryana. Reducing the gap between the genders can be truly counted as an achievement for the outgoing Khattar government. From an abysmal 832 girls for every 1000 boys in 2012 to the 924 girls per 1000 boys as per government figures of December 2018; this is the sheer success of government policies such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. Karnal tops the state with a ration of 979 girls in 2018 up from 797 in 2012. A village of Haryana in Mahendragarh district, Amarpur Jorasi, recorded Sex ratio at birth of just 291 girls in 2014. This figure soared to an impressive 1190 girls per 1000 girls as per government records. This figure also shows that Bollywood and movies made revolving around social figures are being successful in bringing about a change in society. Talking about the menstrual cycle among girls, which until a few years ago was considered as a taboo, the survey got out interesting results. 60.29 per cent of girls claimed that they avoid entering into the temples whereas 43.74 per cent claimed that they were not allowed to participate in any kind of religious activities. 20.13 per cent girls opined that they were prevented to touch other person and segregate themselves from other. It is the positive effect of an open and healthy discussion that we are able to talk of menstruation without fear of societal taboo. Perhaps, the time is ripe that we begin to celebrate menstruation as divinity and an ability to give birth. The coastal state of Odisha has a tradition of celebrating the menstrual cycle over 4 days known as ‘Raja’. The Shakti Peeth of Kamakhya, which is known for granting wishes relating to childbirth, to celebrates menstruation. One of the most interesting conclusions from this survey was that the women with the highest level of satisfaction hailed from the spiritual field. 87.83 per cent women in this field feel that women should participate in large numbers in the spiritual field as it gives happiness, peace of mind and self-confidence. India has always had a rich tradition of spirituality and women since beginning remained a part of it. There are thousands of women dedicated to spirituality and living a different life. There are so many disciplines in spirituality exist in India having different ways of worships. The people who are dedicated to this field supposed to follow all the rules and style of living which is not that easy for common people. The findings of the survey also reinforced the ancient and traditional concept that happiness is not dependent on materialism and is more about the connection with the divine. The forces which try to demolish the school of thought of Sanatan divinity should try to connect to the spiritual life rather than mumbling gibberish. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Breaking the stereotypes

Indonesia's parliament has revised the country's marriage law to lift the minimum age at which women can marry by three years to 19, a move welcomed by campaigners as a step towards curbing child marriage in the world's biggest Muslim majority country.

All factions in parliament agreed on the revision at a plenary session on Monday, according to a statement on its website.

Indonesia is among the 10 countries in the world with the highest number of child brides, according to campaign group Girls Not Brides.

One in four girls in Indonesia is married before they turn 18, according to a 2016 report by Indonesia's Statistics Agency and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF.

"The society still encourages girls to get married in their teenage years, otherwise they will be considered spinsters," said Masruchah of the National Commission on Violence Against Women.

Masruchah, who uses one name, said the commission would have preferred 21 as the minimum age for marriage for men and women when both are considered mature in terms of reproduction and economic stability.

Indonesia previously allowed girls of 16 to get married or younger with no minimum age if their parents requested it.

Indonesia's Constitutional Court ruled in December that it was discriminatory to have a lower marriage age for women than for men, who could legally marry at 19.

Child marriage in Indonesia has been blamed for causing maternal and infant deaths, as well as encouraging child labour, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Yohana Yembise said in a statement.

"Finally, after 45 years (of the existing marriage law). This is a present for Indonesian children," she said.

Indonesia's parliament has revised the country's marriage law to lift the minimum age at which women can marry by three years to 19, a move welcomed by campaigners as a step towards curbing child marriage in the world's biggest Muslim majority country.

Indonesia's parliament has revised the country's marriage law to lift the minimum age at which women can marry by three years to 19, a move welcomed by campaigners as a step towards curbing child marriage in the world's biggest Muslim majority country. All factions in parliament agreed on the revision at a plenary session on Monday, according to a statement on its website. Indonesia is among the 10 countries in the world with the highest number of child brides, according to campaign group Girls Not Brides. One in four girls in Indonesia is married before they turn 18, according to a 2016 report by Indonesia's Statistics Agency and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF. "The society still encourages girls to get married in their teenage years, otherwise they will be considered spinsters," said Masruchah of the National Commission on Violence Against Women. Masruchah, who uses one name, said the commission would have preferred 21 as the minimum age for marriage for men and women when both are considered mature in terms of reproduction and economic stability. Indonesia previously allowed girls of 16 to get married or younger with no minimum age if their parents requested it. Indonesia's Constitutional Court ruled in December that it was discriminatory to have a lower marriage age for women than for men, who could legally marry at 19. Child marriage in Indonesia has been blamed for causing maternal and infant deaths, as well as encouraging child labour, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Yohana Yembise said in a statement. "Finally, after 45 years (of the existing marriage law). This is a present for Indonesian children," she said.

Indonesia raises the minimum age for brides to end child marriage

Bent over her hand-crank sewing machine, Hajra Bibi carefully stitches sanitary pads for the women of her mountainous village in northwestern Pakistan, one of many rural areas in the deeply conservative country where periods are still taboo.

"I am responding to a crisis," said the 35-year-old mother, sitting in front of her small, doily-covered work table in the village of Booni, close to the Afghan border.

"Before, Booni's women had no idea what sanitary towels were," she explained. Less than a fifth of women use sanitary pads in Pakistan, local charities estimate.

Traditionally women have used rags and cloth to soak up their menstrual blood, but the stigma around periods and a lack of reproductive education mean hygiene standards are poor and many contracted infections.

As with other areas of rural Pakistan, menstruating women were viewed as unclean and limited in what they were able to do.

Bibi was given the training to make the disposable sanitary pads, made of cotton, plastic, and cloth, by the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) an NGO working with Unicef in&nbsp;a scheme that aims to change attitudes to women's health.

She took up the work to support her family because her husband is disabled and they have little income. Each pad takes around 20 minutes to make and is sold for 20 rupees (13 US cents).

Initially, her work disturbed the local community.

"At first, people were asking me why I was doing this, some were insulting me," Bibi recalled.

But now, "girls in the village can talk about their periods," she said proudly, adding that she was fighting "for the basic needs of women".

'infection and education'

In Pakistan, Unicef has warned that in some cases information about menstruation has deliberately been withheld from women as a "means of protecting their chastity".

"This in turn negatively impacts their physical and emotional health," it said in a 2018 report.

Historically, the women of Booni have used cloth, but according to Bushra Ansari of AKRSP, the taboo surrounding periods meant many were ashamed to dry them outside, unaware that damp cloths are a breeding ground for bacteria.

Also, female family members often shared the same menstrual rags, increasing the risk of contracting urinary and reproductive tract infections, explained Wassaf Sayed Kakakhail, a doctor in the region.

"If there are three girls in the same family, they all use the same pieces of fabric," she said, adding many women are told not to wash during their period.

There is no sex education in schools and the topic is rarely discussed even between women at homes in northern Pakistan, a particularly conservative part of the country.

According to a 2017 Unicef survey, half of the young Pakistani women did not know about menstruation before their periods started.

"Teen girls told us that they thought they had cancer or a very serious illness that made them bleed," said Kakakhail.

But Mohammad Haidar Ulmulk, public health director for Chitral District, where Booni is, insisted the problem was under control.

"There may be gaps, but we try to cover them," he said, adding that the area had hundreds of health workers trying to help young women.

'Sister, mother, wife'

The situation is different in cities, especially among the richest. But in the patriarchal Muslim country ranked 148th out of 149 by the World Economic Forum for gender equality and where sexist stereotypes persist, access to basic feminine hygiene products remains difficult.

In Karachi, a metropolis of twenty million people seen as the most liberal city in Pakistan, sanitary pads is easily accessible, though expensive.

Many women are still made to feel uneasy by leering shopkeepers and ask their husbands to buy them instead.

"Some people buy them late at night, others prefer to buy them in a different neighbourhood," said Sajjad Ali, 32, a store owner.

In shops like this, sanitary pads are wrapped in opaque paper, instead of in transparent bags like other products.

"Periods are treated as taboo and surrounded by mystery," said Seema Shiekh, a women's rights activist.

But she asks: "Doesn't every man have a sister, wife or a mother?"

After twenty years of battling to introduce sex education classes in Pakistan, the first lessons are finally being given in public schools in Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital.

Among their aims will be to put an end to the fear surrounding periods in a country where the onset of menstruation is one of the main reasons girls drop out of school.

Some 28 per cent of women surveyed in 2017 by Unicef indicated that they had missed school or work because of stomach pain or worry over staining their clothes.

Bibi, who is working alongside 80 other women trained to make sanitary pads is confident things will change in Booni too.

She mused: "With this project, I have made people aware."

Bent over her hand-crank sewing machine, Hajra Bibi carefully stitches sanitary pads for the women of her mountainous village in northwestern Pakistan, one of many rural areas in the deeply conservative country where periods are still taboo.

Bent over her hand-crank sewing machine, Hajra Bibi carefully stitches sanitary pads for the women of her mountainous village in northwestern Pakistan, one of many rural areas in the deeply conservative country where periods are still taboo. "I am responding to a crisis," said the 35-year-old mother, sitting in front of her small, doily-covered work table in the village of Booni, close to the Afghan border. "Before, Booni's women had no idea what sanitary towels were," she explained. Less than a fifth of women use sanitary pads in Pakistan, local charities estimate. Traditionally women have used rags and cloth to soak up their menstrual blood, but the stigma around periods and a lack of reproductive education mean hygiene standards are poor and many contracted infections. As with other areas of rural Pakistan, menstruating women were viewed as unclean and limited in what they were able to do. Bibi was given the training to make the disposable sanitary pads, made of cotton, plastic, and cloth, by the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) an NGO working with Unicef in a scheme that aims to change attitudes to women's health. She took up the work to support her family because her husband is disabled and they have little income. Each pad takes around 20 minutes to make and is sold for 20 rupees (13 US cents). Initially, her work disturbed the local community. "At first, people were asking me why I was doing this, some were insulting me," Bibi recalled. But now, "girls in the village can talk about their periods," she said proudly, adding that she was fighting "for the basic needs of women". 'infection and education' In Pakistan, Unicef has warned that in some cases information about menstruation has deliberately been withheld from women as a "means of protecting their chastity". "This in turn negatively impacts their physical and emotional health," it said in a 2018 report. Historically, the women of Booni have used cloth, but according to Bushra Ansari of AKRSP, the taboo surrounding periods meant many were ashamed to dry them outside, unaware that damp cloths are a breeding ground for bacteria. Also, female family members often shared the same menstrual rags, increasing the risk of contracting urinary and reproductive tract infections, explained Wassaf Sayed Kakakhail, a doctor in the region. "If there are three girls in the same family, they all use the same pieces of fabric," she said, adding many women are told not to wash during their period. There is no sex education in schools and the topic is rarely discussed even between women at homes in northern Pakistan, a particularly conservative part of the country. According to a 2017 Unicef survey, half of the young Pakistani women did not know about menstruation before their periods started. "Teen girls told us that they thought they had cancer or a very serious illness that made them bleed," said Kakakhail. But Mohammad Haidar Ulmulk, public health director for Chitral District, where Booni is, insisted the problem was under control. "There may be gaps, but we try to cover them," he said, adding that the area had hundreds of health workers trying to help young women. 'Sister, mother, wife' The situation is different in cities, especially among the richest. But in the patriarchal Muslim country ranked 148th out of 149 by the World Economic Forum for gender equality and where sexist stereotypes persist, access to basic feminine hygiene products remains difficult. In Karachi, a metropolis of twenty million people seen as the most liberal city in Pakistan, sanitary pads is easily accessible, though expensive. Many women are still made to feel uneasy by leering shopkeepers and ask their husbands to buy them instead. "Some people buy them late at night, others prefer to buy them in a different neighbourhood," said Sajjad Ali, 32, a store owner. In shops like this, sanitary pads are wrapped in opaque paper, instead of in transparent bags like other products. "Periods are treated as taboo and surrounded by mystery," said Seema Shiekh, a women's rights activist. But she asks: "Doesn't every man have a sister, wife or a mother?" After twenty years of battling to introduce sex education classes in Pakistan, the first lessons are finally being given in public schools in Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital. Among their aims will be to put an end to the fear surrounding periods in a country where the onset of menstruation is one of the main reasons girls drop out of school. Some 28 per cent of women surveyed in 2017 by Unicef indicated that they had missed school or work because of stomach pain or worry over staining their clothes. Bibi, who is working alongside 80 other women trained to make sanitary pads is confident things will change in Booni too. She mused: "With this project, I have made people aware."

Myths and menstruation: Overcoming Pakistan's period taboo

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Makers Of Monopoly Game Announce A New Feminist Version: Ms. Monopoly

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Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is the fastest-growing field of employment in the world, and also one of the largest fastest growing sectors.

Traditionally, STEM sector industries have been male-dominated, but in recent years, there has been a rising interest in hiring women for these jobs. One of the underlying reasons for the opening up of the technologically advanced employment sectors for women is the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies.

The evolution of AI-based automation has made technology capable of performing an ever-increasing number of applications. We are not only witnessing enhanced automation, but also superior ease of usage. With machines becoming smarter, faster and highly intuitive, the time is ripe for women to master them to their advantage in the world of employment.

For example, coding is getting simpler by the day. Today, it is easy to find apps and training options online, which make it easy for women from non-tech backgrounds to easily code and create programmes.

The globally-renowned MIT in the USA has been focusing on developing learning and training facilities that help attract more girls towards technology. &nbsp;Under the MIT Solve initiative, a game titled Erase All Kittens (EAK) has been developed. This game is designed to inspire girls to learn coding with professional languages such as HTML and CSS in a fun-with-learning style.&nbsp;

Until now, women had been less involved with technology since their traits like intuitiveness, adaptability, and social etiquettes made them better suited at skilled non-tech jobs. However, technology and smart machines are taking over almost all areas of operations, including STEM.&nbsp;

Being adaptive to change gives women unique dynamics that can help them master AI-based technologies in a better way than men. When it comes to mathematics or logical reasoning, there might not be much difference in capabilities of men and women, but when it comes to problem-solving, creative or intuitive thinking, women have proved their mettle time and again.&nbsp;

Back in the 1960s, Jean E Sammet developed Formula Manipulation Compiler or FORMAC, which was an early stage FORTRAN-based computer algebra system.&nbsp;

It went on to become the first large-scale computer language that helped in symbolic manipulation of mathematical formulas. The creator of Domain Name System (DNS) that is used globally was also a woman: Elizabeth Feinler.

The entry of women in technology and automation-oriented workplaces is not only beneficial from a gender perspective, but also from the commercial standpoint.&nbsp;

It has been observed that companies with a diverse workforce, which include a substantial number of women, perform 15 per cent better than companies that are male-dominated. It is amply clear that the lack of women in technology-dominated fields like IT is not due to lack of capability, but because of mental and social blocks.&nbsp;

In fact, it is quite interesting to observe that the percentage of women in tech in India (35 per cent of total workforce) is much higher than countries like United Kingdom (17 per cent) and United States (20 per cent). This is an indicator of the fact that women in India are taking to technology better than their western counterparts.&nbsp;

A report by Brookings Institution states that women (48 per cent) scored better than men (45 per cent) when it comes to handling digital technology.

According to me, one of the main reasons why women can and should dominate the future of automation and technology is the transformation towards design thinking. The AI-powered technologies of today are rapidly becoming simplified and with voice and gesture-based automation, the role of complex UIs will keep getting diminished.

The need of the hour is going to be women-driven and women-oriented design thinking and that’s where women are inclined to excel. Using AI-based tools, women can master digital technology better, as already evidenced by the Brookings Institute report.&nbsp;

About 70 per cent of young girls show interest in STEM (US data) and there is a need to convert that interest into a career in today’s automation-driven environment.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-indian-women-more-tech-savvy-than-western-counterparts-2785144">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is the fastest-growing field of employment in the world, and also one of the largest fastest growing sectors.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is the fastest-growing field of employment in the world, and also one of the largest fastest growing sectors. Traditionally, STEM sector industries have been male-dominated, but in recent years, there has been a rising interest in hiring women for these jobs. One of the underlying reasons for the opening up of the technologically advanced employment sectors for women is the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies. The evolution of AI-based automation has made technology capable of performing an ever-increasing number of applications. We are not only witnessing enhanced automation, but also superior ease of usage. With machines becoming smarter, faster and highly intuitive, the time is ripe for women to master them to their advantage in the world of employment. For example, coding is getting simpler by the day. Today, it is easy to find apps and training options online, which make it easy for women from non-tech backgrounds to easily code and create programmes. The globally-renowned MIT in the USA has been focusing on developing learning and training facilities that help attract more girls towards technology. Under the MIT Solve initiative, a game titled Erase All Kittens (EAK) has been developed. This game is designed to inspire girls to learn coding with professional languages such as HTML and CSS in a fun-with-learning style. Until now, women had been less involved with technology since their traits like intuitiveness, adaptability, and social etiquettes made them better suited at skilled non-tech jobs. However, technology and smart machines are taking over almost all areas of operations, including STEM. Being adaptive to change gives women unique dynamics that can help them master AI-based technologies in a better way than men. When it comes to mathematics or logical reasoning, there might not be much difference in capabilities of men and women, but when it comes to problem-solving, creative or intuitive thinking, women have proved their mettle time and again. Back in the 1960s, Jean E Sammet developed Formula Manipulation Compiler or FORMAC, which was an early stage FORTRAN-based computer algebra system. It went on to become the first large-scale computer language that helped in symbolic manipulation of mathematical formulas. The creator of Domain Name System (DNS) that is used globally was also a woman: Elizabeth Feinler. The entry of women in technology and automation-oriented workplaces is not only beneficial from a gender perspective, but also from the commercial standpoint. It has been observed that companies with a diverse workforce, which include a substantial number of women, perform 15 per cent better than companies that are male-dominated. It is amply clear that the lack of women in technology-dominated fields like IT is not due to lack of capability, but because of mental and social blocks. In fact, it is quite interesting to observe that the percentage of women in tech in India (35 per cent of total workforce) is much higher than countries like United Kingdom (17 per cent) and United States (20 per cent). This is an indicator of the fact that women in India are taking to technology better than their western counterparts. A report by Brookings Institution states that women (48 per cent) scored better than men (45 per cent) when it comes to handling digital technology. According to me, one of the main reasons why women can and should dominate the future of automation and technology is the transformation towards design thinking. The AI-powered technologies of today are rapidly becoming simplified and with voice and gesture-based automation, the role of complex UIs will keep getting diminished. The need of the hour is going to be women-driven and women-oriented design thinking and that’s where women are inclined to excel. Using AI-based tools, women can master digital technology better, as already evidenced by the Brookings Institute report. About 70 per cent of young girls show interest in STEM (US data) and there is a need to convert that interest into a career in today’s automation-driven environment. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Indian women more tech-savvy than western counterparts

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Of late, there has been increased international scrutiny of women’s status in Saudi Arabia.in recent months, several young women have fled the country and made public pleas for help in seeking asylum from their family and the government..but, the country’s crown prince and de facto ruler -- Mohammed bin Salman -- has sought to present himself as a modernist reformer since being appointed heir to the throne in 2017.

The West Asia Post: Winds of Change in Saudi Arabia

The&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;government released long-awaited plans Monday to overhaul its abortion laws so that termination is treated as a health issue and a woman's choice rather than a crime.

Under the proposed law, a woman will have access to an abortion until 20 weeks' pregnancy and would only require a medical examination after that.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The bill, to be introduced to parliament on Thursday, will be a conscience vote rather than along party lines.

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;currently has restrictive laws listing abortion as a crime, but with a loophole that gives a woman access to termination if two doctors agree a pregnancy would put her in physical or mental danger.

Government figures show there were about 13,000 abortions in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;last year and only 57 took place after 20 weeks' pregnancy.&nbsp;

"Abortion is the only medical procedure that is still a crime in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand. It's time for this to change," Justice Minister Andrew Little said when releasing details of the proposed changes, after months of wrangling within the three-party ruling coalition.&nbsp;

"This bill will modernise the laws on abortion, by removing it from the Crimes Act and bringing the law into line with many other developed countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Safe abortion should be treated and regulated as a health issue; a woman has the right to choose what happens to her body."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The bill will also allow for "safe zones" 150 metres (yards) around abortion clinics to prevent women from being harassed by protesters.&nbsp;

Little said he expected the law to pass its first reading but he was unsure how many MPs would vote for it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MPs with religious objections are likely to vote against or abstain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The lobby group Abortion Rights Aotearoa hailed the announcement as "a huge step forward" but questioned the need for a 20-week limit.&nbsp;

The New Zealand government released long-awaited plans Monday to overhaul its abortion laws so that termination is treated as a health issue and a woman's choice rather than a crime.

The New Zealand government released long-awaited plans Monday to overhaul its abortion laws so that termination is treated as a health issue and a woman's choice rather than a crime. Under the proposed law, a woman will have access to an abortion until 20 weeks' pregnancy and would only require a medical examination after that. The bill, to be introduced to parliament on Thursday, will be a conscience vote rather than along party lines. New Zealand currently has restrictive laws listing abortion as a crime, but with a loophole that gives a woman access to termination if two doctors agree a pregnancy would put her in physical or mental danger. Government figures show there were about 13,000 abortions in New Zealand last year and only 57 took place after 20 weeks' pregnancy. "Abortion is the only medical procedure that is still a crime in New Zealand. It's time for this to change," Justice Minister Andrew Little said when releasing details of the proposed changes, after months of wrangling within the three-party ruling coalition. "This bill will modernise the laws on abortion, by removing it from the Crimes Act and bringing the law into line with many other developed countries. "Safe abortion should be treated and regulated as a health issue; a woman has the right to choose what happens to her body." The bill will also allow for "safe zones" 150 metres (yards) around abortion clinics to prevent women from being harassed by protesters. Little said he expected the law to pass its first reading but he was unsure how many MPs would vote for it. MPs with religious objections are likely to vote against or abstain. The lobby group Abortion Rights Aotearoa hailed the announcement as "a huge step forward" but questioned the need for a 20-week limit.

Proposed New Zealand abortion law to give women right to choose

Saudi Arabia will allow women to travel abroad without approval from a male "guardian", the government said Thursday, ending a restriction that drew international censure and prompted extreme attempts to flee the kingdom.

The landmark reform erodes the longstanding guardianship system that renders adult women as legal minors and allows their "guardians" -- husband, father and other male relatives -- to exercise arbitrary authority over them.

The decision, following years of campaigning by activists, comes after high-profile attempts by women to escape their guardians despite a string of reforms including a historic decree last year that overturned the world's only ban on female motorists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-forces-israel-among-states-rapped-by-un-for-killing-children-239735">Also read:&nbsp;Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children</a>

"A passport will be granted to any Saudi national who submits an application," said a government ruling published in the official gazette Umm al-Qura.

The regulation effectively allows women over the age of 21 to obtain passports and leave the country without their guardian's permission, the pro-government Okaz newspaper and other local media reported, citing senior authorities.

Women in the kingdom have long required permission from their male "guardians" to marry, renew their passports or exit the country.

The reform grants women greater autonomy and mobility, the pro-government Saudi Gazette newspaper said, hailing the decision as "one giant leap for Saudi women".&nbsp;

The decision was met with jubilation on social media, with the hashtag "No guardianship over women travel" gaining traction and many posting humorous memes of women fleeing with suitcases and being chased by men.

"Some women's dreams were aborted due to inability to leave the country for whatever reason... to study abroad, a work opportunity, or even flee if so desired," Saudi businesswoman Muna AbuSulayman said on Twitter.

"This change means women are in a way in full control of their legal destiny."

The changes announced Thursday also grant Saudi women what has long been a male entitlement -- the right to officially register childbirth, marriage or divorce and to be recognised as a guardian to children who are minors.

Crackdown and reform

The reform comes as Saudi Arabia faces heightened international scrutiny over its human rights record, including an ongoing trial of women activists who have long demanded that the guardianship system be dismantled.

That includes Loujain al-Hathloul, a prominent rights activist who marked her 30th birthday this week in a Saudi prison, campaigners said.

Alongside a sweeping crackdown on dissent, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman -- the kingdom's de facto ruler -- spearheads a wide-ranging liberalisation drive that is aimed at transforming the conservative petro-state, long criticised for its treatment of women.&nbsp;

His reforms include the much-celebrated decision allowing women to drive in June last year, allowing women to attend soccer games alongside men and take on jobs that once fell outside the narrow confines of traditional gender roles.&nbsp;

But while transforming the lives of many women, critics said the reforms will be cosmetic for many others until the kingdom abolishes the "guardianship" system.

Some have undertaken perilous attempts to escape overseas despite the reforms.

They include 18-year-old Rahaf al-Qunun, whose live-tweeted asylum plea from a Bangkok hotel in January after she fled her Saudi family drew global attention.

Later, two Saudi sisters who sought sanctuary in Hong Kong from what they called family abuse were allowed passage to a third country that was not named for their safety.

And subsequently, two other Saudi sisters fled to Georgia.

The latest reform, which weakens but does not completely dismantle the guardianship system, could lead to family clashes in the deeply patriarchal society, observers warn.

Saudi officials have expressed commitment to fighting guardianship abuse, but have warned the system can only be dismantled piecemeal to prevent a backlash from arch-conservatives.

In a one-off case last year, a Saudi court ruled in favour of a 24-year-old woman who challenged her father's decision to not let her have a passport. But until Thursday's ruling, she would have still required his permission to travel.

Saudi Arabia will allow women to travel abroad without approval from a male "guardian", the government said Thursday, ending a restriction that drew international censure and prompted extreme attempts to flee the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia will allow women to travel abroad without approval from a male "guardian", the government said Thursday, ending a restriction that drew international censure and prompted extreme attempts to flee the kingdom. The landmark reform erodes the longstanding guardianship system that renders adult women as legal minors and allows their "guardians" -- husband, father and other male relatives -- to exercise arbitrary authority over them. The decision, following years of campaigning by activists, comes after high-profile attempts by women to escape their guardians despite a string of reforms including a historic decree last year that overturned the world's only ban on female motorists. Also read: Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children "A passport will be granted to any Saudi national who submits an application," said a government ruling published in the official gazette Umm al-Qura. The regulation effectively allows women over the age of 21 to obtain passports and leave the country without their guardian's permission, the pro-government Okaz newspaper and other local media reported, citing senior authorities. Women in the kingdom have long required permission from their male "guardians" to marry, renew their passports or exit the country. The reform grants women greater autonomy and mobility, the pro-government Saudi Gazette newspaper said, hailing the decision as "one giant leap for Saudi women". The decision was met with jubilation on social media, with the hashtag "No guardianship over women travel" gaining traction and many posting humorous memes of women fleeing with suitcases and being chased by men. "Some women's dreams were aborted due to inability to leave the country for whatever reason... to study abroad, a work opportunity, or even flee if so desired," Saudi businesswoman Muna AbuSulayman said on Twitter. "This change means women are in a way in full control of their legal destiny." The changes announced Thursday also grant Saudi women what has long been a male entitlement -- the right to officially register childbirth, marriage or divorce and to be recognised as a guardian to children who are minors. Crackdown and reform The reform comes as Saudi Arabia faces heightened international scrutiny over its human rights record, including an ongoing trial of women activists who have long demanded that the guardianship system be dismantled. That includes Loujain al-Hathloul, a prominent rights activist who marked her 30th birthday this week in a Saudi prison, campaigners said. Alongside a sweeping crackdown on dissent, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman -- the kingdom's de facto ruler -- spearheads a wide-ranging liberalisation drive that is aimed at transforming the conservative petro-state, long criticised for its treatment of women. His reforms include the much-celebrated decision allowing women to drive in June last year, allowing women to attend soccer games alongside men and take on jobs that once fell outside the narrow confines of traditional gender roles. But while transforming the lives of many women, critics said the reforms will be cosmetic for many others until the kingdom abolishes the "guardianship" system. Some have undertaken perilous attempts to escape overseas despite the reforms. They include 18-year-old Rahaf al-Qunun, whose live-tweeted asylum plea from a Bangkok hotel in January after she fled her Saudi family drew global attention. Later, two Saudi sisters who sought sanctuary in Hong Kong from what they called family abuse were allowed passage to a third country that was not named for their safety. And subsequently, two other Saudi sisters fled to Georgia. The latest reform, which weakens but does not completely dismantle the guardianship system, could lead to family clashes in the deeply patriarchal society, observers warn. Saudi officials have expressed commitment to fighting guardianship abuse, but have warned the system can only be dismantled piecemeal to prevent a backlash from arch-conservatives. In a one-off case last year, a Saudi court ruled in favour of a 24-year-old woman who challenged her father's decision to not let her have a passport. But until Thursday's ruling, she would have still required his permission to travel.

Saudi Arabia to allow women to travel abroad without male 'guardian' approval

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is staring at hunger crisis says the World Food Programme. According to World Food Programme, about 13 million congolese are food insecure.

Congo: 5.8 million children & women suffer from acute malnutrition

Thousands took to the streets of Buenos Aires on Monday (June 3) for the capital's annual march against gender-based violence. Thousands of women were joined by men in the peaceful march that looked to call on the government to enact stricter policies to protect women and not allow their attackers to walk free. Demonstrators used the hashtag #NiUnaMenos, or #NotOneMore (woman) to promote the movement on social media.

Thousands of Argentines protest violence against women

Academy Award-winning actress and refugee activist Angelina Jolie pushed for the inclusion of women in peace talks to end the conflict in Afghanistan during an address to ministers and diplomats at the United Nations on Friday.

Peace talks between US and Taliban officials began late last year. However, some women fear the freedoms eked out since US-backed Afghan forces overthrew the Taliban in 2001 could slide backwards, and complain their voices are being sidelined.

"In Afghanistan thousands of women have recently come together in public risking their lives to ask that their rights and the rights of their children be guaranteed in peace negotiations that so far they have been allow no part of," Jolie told a ministerial meeting on UN peacekeeping.

"The international community's silent response is alarming to say the least," said Jolie, a special envoy for the UN refugee agency UNHCR, which she began working with 18 years ago. "There can be no peace or stability in Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world that involves trading away the rights of women."

While the Taliban has said in official statements they might consider more liberal policies towards women, their chief negotiator has said the constitution, which protects women's rights, is an obstacle to peace, said the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction on Thursday.

Jolie also touted the importance of a United States that is "part of an international community," after a retreat by US President Donald Trump from US agencies and global agreements that has some countries concerned about his commitment to multilateralism.

"I'm a patriot, I love my country and I want to see it thrive. I also believe in an America that is part of an international community. Countries working together on equal footing is how we reduce the risk of conflict," she said.

"A country that believes that all men and women are born free and equal cannot be true to itself if it doesn't defend those principles for all people, wherever they live," she said.

Academy Award-winning actress and refugee activist Angelina Jolie pushed for the inclusion of women in peace talks to end the conflict in Afghanistan during an address to ministers and diplomats at the United Nations on Friday.

Academy Award-winning actress and refugee activist Angelina Jolie pushed for the inclusion of women in peace talks to end the conflict in Afghanistan during an address to ministers and diplomats at the United Nations on Friday. Peace talks between US and Taliban officials began late last year. However, some women fear the freedoms eked out since US-backed Afghan forces overthrew the Taliban in 2001 could slide backwards, and complain their voices are being sidelined. "In Afghanistan thousands of women have recently come together in public risking their lives to ask that their rights and the rights of their children be guaranteed in peace negotiations that so far they have been allow no part of," Jolie told a ministerial meeting on UN peacekeeping. "The international community's silent response is alarming to say the least," said Jolie, a special envoy for the UN refugee agency UNHCR, which she began working with 18 years ago. "There can be no peace or stability in Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world that involves trading away the rights of women." While the Taliban has said in official statements they might consider more liberal policies towards women, their chief negotiator has said the constitution, which protects women's rights, is an obstacle to peace, said the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction on Thursday. Jolie also touted the importance of a United States that is "part of an international community," after a retreat by US President Donald Trump from US agencies and global agreements that has some countries concerned about his commitment to multilateralism. "I'm a patriot, I love my country and I want to see it thrive. I also believe in an America that is part of an international community. Countries working together on equal footing is how we reduce the risk of conflict," she said. "A country that believes that all men and women are born free and equal cannot be true to itself if it doesn't defend those principles for all people, wherever they live," she said.

Angelina Jolie pushes for women to be part of Afghan peace talks

India Elections 2019: 41 percent of Trinamool candidates will be female for Lok Sabha Polls

Nations still bar women in combat role but Canada serves as template

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

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

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

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

The Central Government on Monday decided to allow women to work in underground coal mines and also do night shifts in an open cast or over ground mines, in a bid to bring about greater gender equality and generate more employment opportunities for women.

The government in a notification said it had decided to exempt the women employed in any mine above and mine below ground from the provisions of section 46 of the Mines Act, 1952, which restricts the women from working in mines.

Following the request from women employees and mining companies, the ministry has also decided to extend the timing of women workers in coal mines initially and it would be extended in other such mining sectors on the basis of the initiative. However, the deployment of women has been subjected to certain rules, which includes providing adequate facilities and safety to them.

The labour ministry has ordered that the deployment of women should be in a group of not less than three in a shift.

In addition, the deployment of women shall be subject to the framing and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures on the basis of the guidelines issued in this regard by the Chief Inspector of Mines from time to time.

Earlier, the Mines Act had restricted the employment of women in underground mines, and also in opencast or above ground workings of the mine during night hours between 7 pm and 6 am.

The Central Government on Monday decided to allow women to work in underground coal mines and also do night shifts in an open cast or over ground mines, in a bid to bring about greater gender equality and generate more employment opportunities for women.

The Central Government on Monday decided to allow women to work in underground coal mines and also do night shifts in an open cast or over ground mines, in a bid to bring about greater gender equality and generate more employment opportunities for women. The government in a notification said it had decided to exempt the women employed in any mine above and mine below ground from the provisions of section 46 of the Mines Act, 1952, which restricts the women from working in mines. Following the request from women employees and mining companies, the ministry has also decided to extend the timing of women workers in coal mines initially and it would be extended in other such mining sectors on the basis of the initiative. However, the deployment of women has been subjected to certain rules, which includes providing adequate facilities and safety to them. The labour ministry has ordered that the deployment of women should be in a group of not less than three in a shift. In addition, the deployment of women shall be subject to the framing and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures on the basis of the guidelines issued in this regard by the Chief Inspector of Mines from time to time. Earlier, the Mines Act had restricted the employment of women in underground mines, and also in opencast or above ground workings of the mine during night hours between 7 pm and 6 am.

Now, women allowed to work in underground mines

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