Women who face heavy psychological pressures at work are more likely to gain weight, a study claims.

The study, published in the journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, included data from over 3,872 participants in Sweden.

"We were able to see that high job demands played a part in women's weight gain, while for men there was no association between high demands and weight gain," said Sofia Klingberg, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

The participants in the study were investigated on three occasions over a 20-year period with respect to such variables as body weight and demands and control at work.

They were followed either from age 30 to 50 or from 40 to 60.

To estimate the level of job demands, the respondents were asked about their work pace, psychological pressures, whether there was enough time for their duties and how often the demands made were contradictory.

The questions about control at work covered such matters as how often they learned something new; whether the job called for imagination or advanced skills; and whether the respondent was personally able to choose what to do and how to do it.

The results show that the respondents with a low degree of control in their work more frequently gained considerable weight, defined as a weight gain of 10 per cent or more, in the course of the study. This applied to women and men alike.

On the other hand, long-term exposure to high job demands played a part only for women. In just over half of the women who had been subjected to high demands, a major increase in weight took place over the 20 years.

This gain in weight was some 20 per cent higher than in women subject to low job demands.

"When it came to the level of demands at work, only the women were affected," Klingberg said.

"We haven't investigated the underlying causes, but it may conceivably be about a combination of job demands and the greater responsibility for the home that women often assume. This may make it difficult to find time to exercise and live a healthy life," Klingberg said.

Having had or not had an academic education does not explain the associations in the study. Neither does the quality of diet or other lifestyle factors. However, the information about dietary intake comes from the respondents themselves, with a certain risk of incorrect reporting.

At the same time, given the problems associated with work-related stress, the study is relevant in terms of public health.

The researchers think identification of groups who are susceptible to stress and efforts to reduce work-related stress would likely achieve a decrease not only in weight gain but also in the incidence of ill health, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.&nbsp;

Women who face heavy psychological pressures at work are more likely to gain weight, a study claims. The study, published in the journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, included data from over 3,872 participants in Sweden.

Women who face heavy psychological pressures at work are more likely to gain weight, a study claims. The study, published in the journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, included data from over 3,872 participants in Sweden. "We were able to see that high job demands played a part in women's weight gain, while for men there was no association between high demands and weight gain," said Sofia Klingberg, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. The participants in the study were investigated on three occasions over a 20-year period with respect to such variables as body weight and demands and control at work. They were followed either from age 30 to 50 or from 40 to 60. To estimate the level of job demands, the respondents were asked about their work pace, psychological pressures, whether there was enough time for their duties and how often the demands made were contradictory. The questions about control at work covered such matters as how often they learned something new; whether the job called for imagination or advanced skills; and whether the respondent was personally able to choose what to do and how to do it. The results show that the respondents with a low degree of control in their work more frequently gained considerable weight, defined as a weight gain of 10 per cent or more, in the course of the study. This applied to women and men alike. On the other hand, long-term exposure to high job demands played a part only for women. In just over half of the women who had been subjected to high demands, a major increase in weight took place over the 20 years. This gain in weight was some 20 per cent higher than in women subject to low job demands. "When it came to the level of demands at work, only the women were affected," Klingberg said. "We haven't investigated the underlying causes, but it may conceivably be about a combination of job demands and the greater responsibility for the home that women often assume. This may make it difficult to find time to exercise and live a healthy life," Klingberg said. Having had or not had an academic education does not explain the associations in the study. Neither does the quality of diet or other lifestyle factors. However, the information about dietary intake comes from the respondents themselves, with a certain risk of incorrect reporting. At the same time, given the problems associated with work-related stress, the study is relevant in terms of public health. The researchers think identification of groups who are susceptible to stress and efforts to reduce work-related stress would likely achieve a decrease not only in weight gain but also in the incidence of ill health, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

High-stress jobs make women put on weight, not men: Study

Eighteen years ago, at the height of the Taliban's power in Afghanistan, Roshan Mashal secretly taught her daughters to read and write alongside a dozen local girls who smuggled school books to her house in potato sacks.

Mashal's daughters have since gained university degrees in economics and medicine. But she now fears the looming prospect that the hardline Islamist group, whose rule barred women from education, could once again become part of the government.

"They say they have changed, but I have concerns," she said in an interview in her office in Kabul. "There is no trust ... we don't want peace to come with women losing all the achievements of the last 17 years."

As talks to end Afghanistan's long war pick up momentum, women such as Mashal fear the freedoms eked out since US-backed Afghan forces overthrew the Taliban in 2001 are about to slide backwards and complain their voices are being sidelined.

An aide to Rula Ghani, the wife of Afghanistan's president, said the first lady had launched a survey of women in 34 provinces in a bid to amplify their voices in the peace process, with a report summarizing their views slated for February.

"The war was started by men, the war will be ended by men," said the aide. "But it's the women and children who suffer the most and they have a right to define peace."

Almost two decades of war have implicated both sides in the suffering of women. The United Nations last year expressed alarm at the increased use of air strikes by US and Afghan forces, which caused a rising death toll among women and children.

CHANGED TIMES

Afghanistan is still not an easy place to be a woman, with forced marriages, domestic violence and high maternal mortality rates prevalent nationwide, and particularly in rural areas, according to gender equality advocates.

But access to public life has improved, especially in cities such as the capital Kabul, where many women work outside the home and more than a quarter of the parliament is female.

But women lawmakers and some foreign diplomats fear enshrining gender equality may take a backseat in any peace deal to the intense international focus on ending the fighting and eliminating the country's potential as a haven for militants to launch attacks overseas.

"That is the threshold. The question is how much they will accept the position of women deteriorating in the process," said a senior Western diplomat in Kabul whose country funds projects to empower women. "There may be some backsliding, but hopefully not all the way back."

Between 1996 and 2001, under the Taliban government that called itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, women were banned from work, required to wear the full-length burqa that covered their faces, and not allowed to leave the house without a male relative.

The Taliban say they have changed, and that they would allow women to be educated, though they say schools should be segregated by gender and women required to wear loose clothing.

"We want Afghanistan to move forward with its present achievements and developments. But there are some reforms and changes the Emirate will struggle for," spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told Reuters last month.

That is not enough to assuage the fears of women such as Karima Rahimyaar. She is the main provider for her family after her first husband was shot and killed by the Taliban in Kunduz province in 1996 and her second was injured and left unable to work after being imprisoned by them around three years ago.

She regularly comforts her university-aged daughters, who feel sick when they hear gunshots or mention of the Taliban.

"It is very difficult for me," she said.

Like many Afghans, she is desperate for peace and wants an end to the near-daily attacks across the country, which claimed the life of her 32-year-old son, a police officer, in 2016.

But not, she says, at the expense of women's rights.

"If there are no agreements and commitments, women will be inside the home and they will be deprived of everything," she said.

FIGHTING FOR A VOICE

Wazhma Frogh, a member of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, tasked with negotiating with the Taliban, said that she and the 11 other female members of the group had to fight to have their perspective heard.

"To get access is difficult," she said, saying that at times women had to raise their voices in meetings to avoid being ignored and that gatherings were sometimes held late at night in venues women did not feel comfortable travelling to.

Though the Taliban is refusing to include the Afghan government in formal talks, Frogh and other members have informally met with the insurgent group and with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

Meanwhile, young women such as Zuhal Babakarkhil, one of the fast-growing segment of the population who has reached adulthood since the fall of the Taliban, say Afghan society has changed.

"In Afghanistan, the women are no more the women from 20 years back," said the 28-year-old, who was in her first year of school when the Taliban took power and whose family fled overseas.

She now lives in Kabul, plays cricket and promotes higher education among girls. She says that social media such as Whatsapp and Facebook gives women access to organising networks at home and abroad that would be tough to curtail.

She said she has no intention to leave Afghanistan, despite her worries about the Taliban returning.

"We did it before ... but certainly this is not the way, to escape anymore," she said. "We are not leaving our home country. We will definitely stand up for our rights."

Eighteen years ago, at the height of the Taliban's power in Afghanistan, Roshan Mashal secretly taught her daughters to read and write alongside a dozen local girls who smuggled school books to her house in potato sacks.

Eighteen years ago, at the height of the Taliban's power in Afghanistan, Roshan Mashal secretly taught her daughters to read and write alongside a dozen local girls who smuggled school books to her house in potato sacks. Mashal's daughters have since gained university degrees in economics and medicine. But she now fears the looming prospect that the hardline Islamist group, whose rule barred women from education, could once again become part of the government. "They say they have changed, but I have concerns," she said in an interview in her office in Kabul. "There is no trust ... we don't want peace to come with women losing all the achievements of the last 17 years." As talks to end Afghanistan's long war pick up momentum, women such as Mashal fear the freedoms eked out since US-backed Afghan forces overthrew the Taliban in 2001 are about to slide backwards and complain their voices are being sidelined. An aide to Rula Ghani, the wife of Afghanistan's president, said the first lady had launched a survey of women in 34 provinces in a bid to amplify their voices in the peace process, with a report summarizing their views slated for February. "The war was started by men, the war will be ended by men," said the aide. "But it's the women and children who suffer the most and they have a right to define peace." Almost two decades of war have implicated both sides in the suffering of women. The United Nations last year expressed alarm at the increased use of air strikes by US and Afghan forces, which caused a rising death toll among women and children. CHANGED TIMES Afghanistan is still not an easy place to be a woman, with forced marriages, domestic violence and high maternal mortality rates prevalent nationwide, and particularly in rural areas, according to gender equality advocates. But access to public life has improved, especially in cities such as the capital Kabul, where many women work outside the home and more than a quarter of the parliament is female. But women lawmakers and some foreign diplomats fear enshrining gender equality may take a backseat in any peace deal to the intense international focus on ending the fighting and eliminating the country's potential as a haven for militants to launch attacks overseas. "That is the threshold. The question is how much they will accept the position of women deteriorating in the process," said a senior Western diplomat in Kabul whose country funds projects to empower women. "There may be some backsliding, but hopefully not all the way back." Between 1996 and 2001, under the Taliban government that called itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, women were banned from work, required to wear the full-length burqa that covered their faces, and not allowed to leave the house without a male relative. The Taliban say they have changed, and that they would allow women to be educated, though they say schools should be segregated by gender and women required to wear loose clothing. "We want Afghanistan to move forward with its present achievements and developments. But there are some reforms and changes the Emirate will struggle for," spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told Reuters last month. That is not enough to assuage the fears of women such as Karima Rahimyaar. She is the main provider for her family after her first husband was shot and killed by the Taliban in Kunduz province in 1996 and her second was injured and left unable to work after being imprisoned by them around three years ago. She regularly comforts her university-aged daughters, who feel sick when they hear gunshots or mention of the Taliban. "It is very difficult for me," she said. Like many Afghans, she is desperate for peace and wants an end to the near-daily attacks across the country, which claimed the life of her 32-year-old son, a police officer, in 2016. But not, she says, at the expense of women's rights. "If there are no agreements and commitments, women will be inside the home and they will be deprived of everything," she said. FIGHTING FOR A VOICE Wazhma Frogh, a member of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, tasked with negotiating with the Taliban, said that she and the 11 other female members of the group had to fight to have their perspective heard. "To get access is difficult," she said, saying that at times women had to raise their voices in meetings to avoid being ignored and that gatherings were sometimes held late at night in venues women did not feel comfortable travelling to. Though the Taliban is refusing to include the Afghan government in formal talks, Frogh and other members have informally met with the insurgent group and with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Meanwhile, young women such as Zuhal Babakarkhil, one of the fast-growing segment of the population who has reached adulthood since the fall of the Taliban, say Afghan society has changed. "In Afghanistan, the women are no more the women from 20 years back," said the 28-year-old, who was in her first year of school when the Taliban took power and whose family fled overseas. She now lives in Kabul, plays cricket and promotes higher education among girls. She says that social media such as Whatsapp and Facebook gives women access to organising networks at home and abroad that would be tough to curtail. She said she has no intention to leave Afghanistan, despite her worries about the Taliban returning. "We did it before ... but certainly this is not the way, to escape anymore," she said. "We are not leaving our home country. We will definitely stand up for our rights."

As Taliban talks gather pace, Afghan women fear clock turning back

Several thousand people marched through major Australia cities on Sunday calling for safety for women after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/horrific-attack-israeli-student-murdered-in-australia-while-on-phone-with-sister-190997">an Israeli exchange student was murdered</a> in Melbourne.

The marches, part of the Women's March rallies held around the world in support of women's rights, gathered some 3,000 people in Sydney, who in their chants demanded safe streets for women in Australian cities.

Aiia Maasarwe, 21, was killed when walking home after a night out with friends in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, earlier this week. A 20-year-old man was charged with her murder.

Maasarwe's death recharged outrage over violence against women after 22-year-old Eurydice Dixon was killed in Melbourne while walking home after performing at a comedy show in June.

Thousands of people gathered at vigils for Maasarwe on Friday and continued to lay flowers at the site of her death. A special tram carrying only flowers late on Friday followed the route of Maasarwe's final journey.

In Sydney on Sunday marchers held signs paying tribute to Maasarwe and other victims of violence. Television news showed women carrying signs: "For Aiia and for those who suffer silently" and "I wanna walk through the park in the dark".

"I don't want my daughter to grow up in a world where she's unsafe or she can't pursue the opportunities she wants and I march for my son because I don't want him to grow up in a world where toxic masculinity is acceptable," said Samantha Nolan-Smith, one of several hundred protesters in the Australian capital Canberra, reported Australian Broadcasting Corp.

In reaction to Maasarwe's death, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government would announce another "action plan" to stem violence against women ahead of an election expected by May, on top of A$350 million ($252 million) that has already been committed.

Aiia Maasarwe, 21, was killed when walking home after a night out with friends in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, earlier this week.

Several thousand people marched through major Australia cities on Sunday calling for safety for women after an Israeli exchange student was murdered in Melbourne. The marches, part of the Women's March rallies held around the world in support of women's rights, gathered some 3,000 people in Sydney, who in their chants demanded safe streets for women in Australian cities. Aiia Maasarwe, 21, was killed when walking home after a night out with friends in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, earlier this week. A 20-year-old man was charged with her murder. Maasarwe's death recharged outrage over violence against women after 22-year-old Eurydice Dixon was killed in Melbourne while walking home after performing at a comedy show in June. Thousands of people gathered at vigils for Maasarwe on Friday and continued to lay flowers at the site of her death. A special tram carrying only flowers late on Friday followed the route of Maasarwe's final journey. In Sydney on Sunday marchers held signs paying tribute to Maasarwe and other victims of violence. Television news showed women carrying signs: "For Aiia and for those who suffer silently" and "I wanna walk through the park in the dark". "I don't want my daughter to grow up in a world where she's unsafe or she can't pursue the opportunities she wants and I march for my son because I don't want him to grow up in a world where toxic masculinity is acceptable," said Samantha Nolan-Smith, one of several hundred protesters in the Australian capital Canberra, reported Australian Broadcasting Corp. In reaction to Maasarwe's death, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government would announce another "action plan" to stem violence against women ahead of an election expected by May, on top of A$350 million ($252 million) that has already been committed.

Australian rallies demand safe streets for women after Israeli student murder

Two women of menstrual age who reached Nilakkal base camp on Saturday to trek to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-case-kerala-govt-says-51-women-have-entered-sabarimala-temple-191271">Sabarimala temple</a> were forced to return after police warned them about protesters gathered in Pamba.

These two women, Reshma and Shalina, had tried to visit Sabarimala earlier in the month as well but failed to enter the temple. This time, the women were accompanied by a team of six men but had to return owing to possible protests.

The Sabarimala Temple and surrounding areas witnessed agitation after the Supreme Court lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age inside the temple in September this year.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Two women who reached Nilakkal base camp today to trek to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>, returned after police warned them about the protesters gathered in Pamba.
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The Kerala government told the Supreme Court on Friday that 51 women between 10 and 50 years of age have entered the Sabarimala Temple following the September 2018 verdict of the top court.

"Over 16 lakh devotees have done the online registration for 'darshan' in the Sabarimala temple and out of these 8.2 lakhs have visited the shrine. A total of 7564 women between the age of 10 and 50 have registered for darshan, and as per the digitally scanned records around 51 women in this group have already visited the shrine and had darshan, without any issue. This doesn't include many others who have come as normal pilgrims and not availed the online facility. A total number of 44 lakh pilgrims visited the temple from November 16, 2018, till date," a note of Kerala Police chief stated.

These two women, Reshma and Shalina, had tried to visit Sabarimala earlier in the month as well but failed to enter the temple.

Two women of menstrual age who reached Nilakkal base camp on Saturday to trek to Sabarimala temple were forced to return after police warned them about protesters gathered in Pamba. These two women, Reshma and Shalina, had tried to visit Sabarimala earlier in the month as well but failed to enter the temple. This time, the women were accompanied by a team of six men but had to return owing to possible protests. The Sabarimala Temple and surrounding areas witnessed agitation after the Supreme Court lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age inside the temple in September this year. #Kerala: Two women who reached Nilakkal base camp today to trek to #SabarimalaTemple, returned after police warned them about the protesters gathered in Pamba. — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × The Kerala government told the Supreme Court on Friday that 51 women between 10 and 50 years of age have entered the Sabarimala Temple following the September 2018 verdict of the top court. "Over 16 lakh devotees have done the online registration for 'darshan' in the Sabarimala temple and out of these 8.2 lakhs have visited the shrine. A total of 7564 women between the age of 10 and 50 have registered for darshan, and as per the digitally scanned records around 51 women in this group have already visited the shrine and had darshan, without any issue. This doesn't include many others who have come as normal pilgrims and not availed the online facility. A total number of 44 lakh pilgrims visited the temple from November 16, 2018, till date," a note of Kerala Police chief stated.

Sabarimala: Two women make second attempt to enter temple, forced to return

Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become the patron of four organisations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theatre and charities supporting women and animal welfare. 
 
Queen Elizabeth, 92, has passed on her patronages of the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which she has held for decades, to Meghan, who married the queen's grandson last year. 
 
Known as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan will also become the patron of Smart Works, a charity helping long-term unemployed women, and animal welfare charity Mayhew.

"The Duchess is delighted to become Patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes," Kensington Palace said in a statement. 
 
The National Theatre said it was a privilege to welcome Meghan, an American former actress who starred in television drama Suits before she married Harry. 
 
"The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life. I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come," Rufus Norris, the director of the National Theatre, said.

Meghan, who is pregnant with her first child, will visit Smart Works on Thursday.

Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become the patron of four organisations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theatre and charities supporting women and animal welfare.

Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become the patron of four organisations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theatre and charities supporting women and animal welfare. Queen Elizabeth, 92, has passed on her patronages of the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which she has held for decades, to Meghan, who married the queen's grandson last year. Known as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan will also become the patron of Smart Works, a charity helping long-term unemployed women, and animal welfare charity Mayhew. "The Duchess is delighted to become Patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes," Kensington Palace said in a statement. The National Theatre said it was a privilege to welcome Meghan, an American former actress who starred in television drama Suits before she married Harry. "The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life. I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come," Rufus Norris, the director of the National Theatre, said. Meghan, who is pregnant with her first child, will visit Smart Works on Thursday.

Meghan Markle takes royal roles at UK charities for women and animals

At least 13 Nepalese women, who were allegedly being trafficked on the pretext of jobs, were rescued from hotels in India by an NGO and have been brought back to the country.

Maiti India, an NGO has brought eight women from Bangalore and five from Ahmedabad to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-student-bus-plunges-inro-gorge-23-dead-185781">Kathmandu </a>on Tuesday, Balkrishna Pandey, a representative of the organisation, said.

The Nepalese women aged between 17 and 40 were rescued from various places, including hotels in India.&nbsp;

These women were taken by brokers to different parts of Indian cities in the pretext of providing them with attractive jobs, according to Pandey.&nbsp;

The women have been handed over to the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police, Pandey told PTI.

Annually tens of thousands of Nepalese women are being flown mainly to India with the promise of lucrative jobs.&nbsp;

At least 13 Nepalese women, who were allegedly being trafficked on the pretext of jobs, were rescued from hotels in India by an NGO and have been brought back to the country.

At least 13 Nepalese women, who were allegedly being trafficked on the pretext of jobs, were rescued from hotels in India by an NGO and have been brought back to the country. Maiti India, an NGO has brought eight women from Bangalore and five from Ahmedabad to Kathmandu on Tuesday, Balkrishna Pandey, a representative of the organisation, said. The Nepalese women aged between 17 and 40 were rescued from various places, including hotels in India. These women were taken by brokers to different parts of Indian cities in the pretext of providing them with attractive jobs, according to Pandey. The women have been handed over to the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police, Pandey told PTI. Annually tens of thousands of Nepalese women are being flown mainly to India with the promise of lucrative jobs.

At least 13 Nepalese women rescued from India

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entire-world-knows-pak-link-to-2611-general-bipin-rawat-182624">Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat</a> Saturday said there are women officers engaged in exercises like mining and de-mining operations and also manning the air defence system, but cited difficulties in assigning them frontline combat role.

He said that in frontline combat there are risks of officers getting killed.&nbsp;

"See, I am not saying a woman who has children doesn't die. She can also die in a road accident. But in combat, when body bags come back, our country is not ready to see that," Rawat said in an interview with a TV channel.

"We have women officers as engineers, they are doing mining and demining work. In air defence, they are manning our weapon systems. But we have not put women in frontline combat because what we are engaged in right now is a proxy war, like in Kashmir," he said.

He cited logistical reason also behind not posting women on frontlines.

"Our orders are that a lady officer will get a hut in the COB, then there are orders that we have to cocoon her separately. She will say somebody is peeping, so we will have to give a sheet around her," Rawat said.

Rawat questioned whether a women officer with commanding responsibilities can stay away from her post for long?&nbsp;

"I am ready, it is not that army is not ready (for combat role for the women). Will she command? Ok, so now I make her a commanding officer. She is commanding a battalion.Do I put a restriction on her to say that in that command tenure you will not be given maternity leave? If I say that, there will be ruckus created," he added.

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat Saturday said there are women officers engaged in exercises like mining and de-mining operations and also manning the air defence system, but cited difficulties in assigning them frontline combat role.

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat Saturday said there are women officers engaged in exercises like mining and de-mining operations and also manning the air defence system, but cited difficulties in assigning them frontline combat role. He said that in frontline combat there are risks of officers getting killed. "See, I am not saying a woman who has children doesn't die. She can also die in a road accident. But in combat, when body bags come back, our country is not ready to see that," Rawat said in an interview with a TV channel. "We have women officers as engineers, they are doing mining and demining work. In air defence, they are manning our weapon systems. But we have not put women in frontline combat because what we are engaged in right now is a proxy war, like in Kashmir," he said. He cited logistical reason also behind not posting women on frontlines. "Our orders are that a lady officer will get a hut in the COB, then there are orders that we have to cocoon her separately. She will say somebody is peeping, so we will have to give a sheet around her," Rawat said. Rawat questioned whether a women officer with commanding responsibilities can stay away from her post for long? "I am ready, it is not that army is not ready (for combat role for the women). Will she command? Ok, so now I make her a commanding officer. She is commanding a battalion.Do I put a restriction on her to say that in that command tenure you will not be given maternity leave? If I say that, there will be ruckus created," he added.

Army chief cites difficulties in putting women in combat role

More than half the women who were murdered worldwide last year were killed by their partners or family members, making home "the most dangerous place for a woman," a new UN study said Sunday.

In statistics released on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime calculated that of a total 87,000 female homicide cases worldwide in 2017, some 50,000 -- or 58 per cent -- were committed by the victims' intimate partners or family members.

Around 30,000, or 34 per cent, were committed by intimate partners alone.

"This amounts to some six women being killed every hour by people they know," the Vienna-based body said.

The vast majority -- around 80 per cent -- of homicide victims worldwide were men, but "women continue to pay the highest price as a result of gender inequality, discrimination and negative stereotypes," said UNODC chief Yury Fedotov.

"They are also the most likely to be killed by intimate partners and family... Making the home the most dangerous place for a woman," he said.

"The fact that women continue to be affected by this type of violence to a greater degree than men is indicative of an imbalance in power relations between women and men inside the domestic sphere."&nbsp;

The UNODC calculated that the global rate of female homicide victims stood at around 1.3 victims per 100,000 female population.

The study found that Africa and the Americas were the regions where women were most at risk of being killed by intimate partners or family members.

In Africa, the rate was around 3.1 victims per 100,000 female population, while the rate in the Americas was 1.6 victims, in Oceania 1.3 and in Asia 0.9.

The lowest rate was found in Europe, with 0.7 victims per 100,000 female population.

According to the UNODC, "no tangible progress" in combatting the scourge had been made in recent years "despite legislation and programmes developed to eradicate violence against women."&nbsp;

The report's conclusions "highlight the need for effective crime prevention and criminal justice responses to violence against women," the UNODC said, stressing the need for measures to boost safety and empower potential victims while holding their abusers accountable.

The study also called for greater coordination between police and the justice system as well as health and social services.

And the UNODC said it was also important to involve men in the solutions, including through early education.

More than half the women who were murdered worldwide last year were killed by their partners or family members, making home "the most dangerous place for a woman," a new UN study said Sunday.

More than half the women who were murdered worldwide last year were killed by their partners or family members, making home "the most dangerous place for a woman," a new UN study said Sunday. In statistics released on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime calculated that of a total 87,000 female homicide cases worldwide in 2017, some 50,000 -- or 58 per cent -- were committed by the victims' intimate partners or family members. Around 30,000, or 34 per cent, were committed by intimate partners alone. "This amounts to some six women being killed every hour by people they know," the Vienna-based body said. The vast majority -- around 80 per cent -- of homicide victims worldwide were men, but "women continue to pay the highest price as a result of gender inequality, discrimination and negative stereotypes," said UNODC chief Yury Fedotov. "They are also the most likely to be killed by intimate partners and family... Making the home the most dangerous place for a woman," he said. "The fact that women continue to be affected by this type of violence to a greater degree than men is indicative of an imbalance in power relations between women and men inside the domestic sphere." The UNODC calculated that the global rate of female homicide victims stood at around 1.3 victims per 100,000 female population. The study found that Africa and the Americas were the regions where women were most at risk of being killed by intimate partners or family members. In Africa, the rate was around 3.1 victims per 100,000 female population, while the rate in the Americas was 1.6 victims, in Oceania 1.3 and in Asia 0.9. The lowest rate was found in Europe, with 0.7 victims per 100,000 female population. According to the UNODC, "no tangible progress" in combatting the scourge had been made in recent years "despite legislation and programmes developed to eradicate violence against women." The report's conclusions "highlight the need for effective crime prevention and criminal justice responses to violence against women," the UNODC said, stressing the need for measures to boost safety and empower potential victims while holding their abusers accountable. The study also called for greater coordination between police and the justice system as well as health and social services. And the UNODC said it was also important to involve men in the solutions, including through early education.

Home 'most dangerous place' for women: UN study

US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/womens-groups-aim-to-use-kavanaugh-rage-to-boost-voter-turnout-169950">woman</a> to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report.

Neomi Jehangir Rao, 45, who is currently administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, was recommended for the judgeship on the DC circuit court by former White House counsel Don McGahn, news website Axios reported Sunday.

Citing sources, the website said Trump was interested in Rao so that he could appoint a minority woman to Kavanaugh's old job.&nbsp;

Rao, a former clerk for conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was confirmed by the Senate with a 54-41 vote in July 2017 to head the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. The agency reviews executive branch regulations, a task the DC circuit often addresses.

Rao in this capacity is called the regulatory czar of the Trump administration.

Before being sworn in as the US Supreme Court Judge, Kavanaugh, whose confirmation process was marred by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kavanaugh-sex-assault-allegations-totally-political-donald-trump-167467">sexual misconduct allegations</a>, was a judge at the United States circuit court of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

The position has now fallen vacant and Trump is reported to be interviewing several individuals for this position.&nbsp;

Sree Srinivasan is another Indian-American on this prestigious US federal court.

While one source told the website that Rao did not leave Trump with a good first impression, another said the president had not ruled her out of contention.

"Immediately after Trump met with Rao, two sources briefed on their encounter say they got the strong impression that the president was not impressed by her,&nbsp;the news portal said.

"Yes, but: A third source, who is close to Trump, told me late this week that it seemed like he was reconsidering his initial judgement of Rao and may still pick her,&nbsp;Axios said.

Rao has previously served in all three branches of the federal government.&nbsp;

She served as Associate Counsel to President George W Bush; counsel for nominations and constitutional law to the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary; and law clerk to Justice Clarence Thomas of US Supreme Court.

She practiced public international law and arbitration at Clifford Chance LLP in London. Rao received her JD with high honours from the University of Chicago and her BA from Yale University.

Last December, Trump had praised Rao's contribution in cutting down regulations.&nbsp;

Rao was born to mother Zerin Rao and father Jehangir Narioshang Rao, both Parsi physicians from India. She grew up in Michigan and did her schooling from Detroit High School.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report.

US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report. Neomi Jehangir Rao, 45, who is currently administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, was recommended for the judgeship on the DC circuit court by former White House counsel Don McGahn, news website Axios reported Sunday. Citing sources, the website said Trump was interested in Rao so that he could appoint a minority woman to Kavanaugh's old job. Rao, a former clerk for conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was confirmed by the Senate with a 54-41 vote in July 2017 to head the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. The agency reviews executive branch regulations, a task the DC circuit often addresses. Rao in this capacity is called the regulatory czar of the Trump administration. Before being sworn in as the US Supreme Court Judge, Kavanaugh, whose confirmation process was marred by sexual misconduct allegations, was a judge at the United States circuit court of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The position has now fallen vacant and Trump is reported to be interviewing several individuals for this position. Sree Srinivasan is another Indian-American on this prestigious US federal court. While one source told the website that Rao did not leave Trump with a good first impression, another said the president had not ruled her out of contention. "Immediately after Trump met with Rao, two sources briefed on their encounter say they got the strong impression that the president was not impressed by her, the news portal said. "Yes, but: A third source, who is close to Trump, told me late this week that it seemed like he was reconsidering his initial judgement of Rao and may still pick her, Axios said. Rao has previously served in all three branches of the federal government. She served as Associate Counsel to President George W Bush; counsel for nominations and constitutional law to the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary; and law clerk to Justice Clarence Thomas of US Supreme Court. She practiced public international law and arbitration at Clifford Chance LLP in London. Rao received her JD with high honours from the University of Chicago and her BA from Yale University. Last December, Trump had praised Rao's contribution in cutting down regulations. Rao was born to mother Zerin Rao and father Jehangir Narioshang Rao, both Parsi physicians from India. She grew up in Michigan and did her schooling from Detroit High School.

Trump interviews Indian-American woman to replace Kavanaugh in DC circuit court

Sexual violence and abductions continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations which disproportionately affect women, India has said as it asked the UN Security Council to sanction individuals and entities involved in gender-based violence.&nbsp;

The remarks by Paulomi Tripathi, First Secretary in the India's Permanent Mission here, came after UN chief Antonio Guterres reported a huge increase in such brutalities.&nbsp;

"Today, there is greater awareness about the centrality of meaningful participation of women in peace processes and incorporation of gender perspectives in UN's peace and security efforts," Tripathi said.

Despite these efforts, women's role and perspectives in peace processes remain largely neglected, she said during the UN Security Council open debate on "promoting the implementation of women, peace and security agenda and sustaining peace through women's political and economic empowerment".&nbsp;

"Sexual violence, abductions and human trafficking continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations. Rapidly expanding trans-boundary criminal networks finance terror, supply arms, recruit and train of foreign fighters and destabilise whole regions which disproportionately affect women," she said.

"Large scale movements of refugees emanating from armed conflicts increase the vulnerability of women to discrimination and exploitation, she said. 
Tripathi said India appreciates Secretary General's emphasis and achievement on gender parity in UN's senior leadership.&nbsp;

"As the General Assembly focuses on gender sensitive and inclusive development to build peaceful and resilient societies, the Council must push for effective cooperation on countering terrorism that threatens peace and security," she said.

"The Council must make all efforts to realize the full potential of integrating women, peace and security considerations in sanctions regimes. The Sanctions Committees of the Security Council need to address the issue of proactively listing terrorist individuals and entities involved in sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflicts," she said.&nbsp;

International cooperation for prosecution of criminals engaged in transboundary crimes is important to bring justice to the victims, large number of whom is women and girls, she added. &nbsp;

In India, she said the discourse on women's empowerment has progressed from viewing women as beneficiaries of welfare schemes to mainstreaming their concerns and harnessing their leadership for inclusive development.&nbsp;

More than 1.3 million directly elected women representatives participate in formulating and implementing gender responsive policies in India. Gender-based budgeting has proved beneficial for mainstreaming of gender perspectives in policy implementation across sectors, she said

"India is committed to a higher representation of women in peacekeeping missions and has fulfilled the pledge to have 15 per cent of military observers as women," she said as she cited the example of the landmark first ever deployment by UN of all Female Formed Police Unit in Liberia by India.

The deployment became a role model to the local women to participate in policing and in relevant rule of law frameworks. India is also committed to provide another all-female formed police unit," she said.

India also fully supports UN Secretary General Guterres' zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse, and strong commitment to achieving gender parity in peace operations, she said.

"India stands ready to engage with our partners to work towards ensuring the meaningful participation of women and mainstreaming of women, peace and security considerations for building inclusive, peaceful and resilient societies," Tripathi said.&nbsp;

Sexual violence and abductions continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations which disproportionately affect women, India has said as it asked the UN Security Council to sanction individuals and entities involved in gender-based violence.

Sexual violence and abductions continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations which disproportionately affect women, India has said as it asked the UN Security Council to sanction individuals and entities involved in gender-based violence. The remarks by Paulomi Tripathi, First Secretary in the India's Permanent Mission here, came after UN chief Antonio Guterres reported a huge increase in such brutalities. "Today, there is greater awareness about the centrality of meaningful participation of women in peace processes and incorporation of gender perspectives in UN's peace and security efforts," Tripathi said. Despite these efforts, women's role and perspectives in peace processes remain largely neglected, she said during the UN Security Council open debate on "promoting the implementation of women, peace and security agenda and sustaining peace through women's political and economic empowerment". "Sexual violence, abductions and human trafficking continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations. Rapidly expanding trans-boundary criminal networks finance terror, supply arms, recruit and train of foreign fighters and destabilise whole regions which disproportionately affect women," she said. "Large scale movements of refugees emanating from armed conflicts increase the vulnerability of women to discrimination and exploitation, she said. Tripathi said India appreciates Secretary General's emphasis and achievement on gender parity in UN's senior leadership. "As the General Assembly focuses on gender sensitive and inclusive development to build peaceful and resilient societies, the Council must push for effective cooperation on countering terrorism that threatens peace and security," she said. "The Council must make all efforts to realize the full potential of integrating women, peace and security considerations in sanctions regimes. The Sanctions Committees of the Security Council need to address the issue of proactively listing terrorist individuals and entities involved in sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflicts," she said. International cooperation for prosecution of criminals engaged in transboundary crimes is important to bring justice to the victims, large number of whom is women and girls, she added. In India, she said the discourse on women's empowerment has progressed from viewing women as beneficiaries of welfare schemes to mainstreaming their concerns and harnessing their leadership for inclusive development. More than 1.3 million directly elected women representatives participate in formulating and implementing gender responsive policies in India. Gender-based budgeting has proved beneficial for mainstreaming of gender perspectives in policy implementation across sectors, she said "India is committed to a higher representation of women in peacekeeping missions and has fulfilled the pledge to have 15 per cent of military observers as women," she said as she cited the example of the landmark first ever deployment by UN of all Female Formed Police Unit in Liberia by India. The deployment became a role model to the local women to participate in policing and in relevant rule of law frameworks. India is also committed to provide another all-female formed police unit," she said. India also fully supports UN Secretary General Guterres' zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse, and strong commitment to achieving gender parity in peace operations, she said. "India stands ready to engage with our partners to work towards ensuring the meaningful participation of women and mainstreaming of women, peace and security considerations for building inclusive, peaceful and resilient societies," Tripathi said.

India asks UN to impose sanctions against terrorists for sexual violence

Thousands of women across Iceland walked off the job on Wednesday to demonstrate for the right to equal pay, in an event that takes place regularly on October 24.

The women walked off the job at 2:55 PM, a symbolic time after which they are technically not paid, as women in Iceland -- a country renowned for its gender equality -- earn only 74 per cent of the average male wage, according to Iceland Statistics.

"My husband has always had a better salary than me, although we have almost the same education ... just because he is a man," said Gudridur Benediktsdottir, a 68-year-old preschool teacher, one of thousands attending a protest held in the capital Reykjavik.

"I don't want my girls and grandchildren to live like that," she added.

Organisers of the protest, the fifth such demonstration since 1975, noted that women are now paid for 30 minutes more work than in 2010.

But at that rate, it will be 2047 before women receive the same pay as men.

"I'll be 49-years-old," Birgitta Bjork Gunnarsdottir, a young bookstore cashier, exclaimed.

She was among the thousands who turned out for the Reykjavik gathering, listening to speeches, poems, songs and chanting slogans to protest against the wage gap between men and women, harassment in the workplace, and sexual violence.

"Don't Change Women, Change the World," was the theme of this year's Women's Day Off, which organisers said was even more topical in the wake of last year's #MeToo campaign.

For nine years, Iceland has held the top position in the World Economic Forum's ranking of gender-equal countries.

And yet, women's gross hourly wages were in 2016 on average 16.3 per cent lower than men's, according to Eurostat. The EU average was 16.2 per cent.

Bjorn Thors, a 40-year-old actor, said he came out to support women.

"It's important to notice the difference between the sexes in the workforce and the workplace and to take part in the struggle for equality," he said, his one-year-old son in his arms.

At the first such protest in 1975, 90 per cent of women in Iceland walked off the job, and 25,000 people gathered in the capital in one of the country's biggest demonstrations ever.

Five years later, in 1980, the country elected Vigdis Finnbogadottir as president, the first woman in the world to be democratically elected as head of state.

Iceland has a new law in force since January 2018 which requires all Icelandic companies with more than 25 employees to be able to prove, with documentation, that a man and woman doing the same job are receiving the same salary.

Thousands of women across Iceland walked off the job on Wednesday to demonstrate for the right to equal pay, in an event that takes place regularly on October 24.

Thousands of women across Iceland walked off the job on Wednesday to demonstrate for the right to equal pay, in an event that takes place regularly on October 24. The women walked off the job at 2:55 PM, a symbolic time after which they are technically not paid, as women in Iceland -- a country renowned for its gender equality -- earn only 74 per cent of the average male wage, according to Iceland Statistics. "My husband has always had a better salary than me, although we have almost the same education ... just because he is a man," said Gudridur Benediktsdottir, a 68-year-old preschool teacher, one of thousands attending a protest held in the capital Reykjavik. "I don't want my girls and grandchildren to live like that," she added. Organisers of the protest, the fifth such demonstration since 1975, noted that women are now paid for 30 minutes more work than in 2010. But at that rate, it will be 2047 before women receive the same pay as men. "I'll be 49-years-old," Birgitta Bjork Gunnarsdottir, a young bookstore cashier, exclaimed. She was among the thousands who turned out for the Reykjavik gathering, listening to speeches, poems, songs and chanting slogans to protest against the wage gap between men and women, harassment in the workplace, and sexual violence. "Don't Change Women, Change the World," was the theme of this year's Women's Day Off, which organisers said was even more topical in the wake of last year's #MeToo campaign. For nine years, Iceland has held the top position in the World Economic Forum's ranking of gender-equal countries. And yet, women's gross hourly wages were in 2016 on average 16.3 per cent lower than men's, according to Eurostat. The EU average was 16.2 per cent. Bjorn Thors, a 40-year-old actor, said he came out to support women. "It's important to notice the difference between the sexes in the workforce and the workplace and to take part in the struggle for equality," he said, his one-year-old son in his arms. At the first such protest in 1975, 90 per cent of women in Iceland walked off the job, and 25,000 people gathered in the capital in one of the country's biggest demonstrations ever. Five years later, in 1980, the country elected Vigdis Finnbogadottir as president, the first woman in the world to be democratically elected as head of state. Iceland has a new law in force since January 2018 which requires all Icelandic companies with more than 25 employees to be able to prove, with documentation, that a man and woman doing the same job are receiving the same salary.

Icelandic women walk off the job in wage gap protest

Amidst rising concern over the increasing inequality, the country created a whopping 7,300 more millionaires during the 12 months to mid-2018, taking the total number of dollar-millionaires to 3.43 lakh, who are collectively worth around US $6 trillion, says a report.

According to Credit Suisse, the country is home to one of the highest proportions of female billionaires at 18.6 per cent during the period, among the major countries.

"By mid-2018, there were an estimated 3,43,000 millionaires in India, a rise of 7,300," Credit Suisse's 2018 global wealth report said, adding of these, 3,400 have wealth over US $50 million, while 1,500 of them have wealth over US $100 million each.

By mid-2018, in dollar terms, wealth in the country grew by a modest 2.6 per cent to around US $6 trillion and wealth per adult stayed flat at US $7,020 mainly due to the rupee plunge against the dollar, it said.

And the number of the rich as well the inequality is set to widen by over 53 per cent by 2023 when their number is set to cross an estimated 5,26,000 millionaires worth around US $8.8 trillion. It said Indians' personal wealth is dominated by property and other real assets, which make up 91 per cent of estimated household assets. Over the past 12 months, non-financial assets grew by 4.3 per cent, accounting for all of the wealth growth in the country, it noted.

House-price movements are a proxy for the non-financial component of household assets, which reached a high of 9 per cent for the country. The report estimates that "women's share of global wealth is around 40 per cent, while recent studies for the country indicate a significantly lower share ranging between 20 and 30 per cent."

It said while wealth has been rising here, not everyone has shared in this growth.

"There is still considerable wealth poverty, reflected in the fact that 91 per cent of the adult population has wealth below&nbsp;$10,000," the report said. By 2023, the wealth of Indian millionaires is expected to grow by 8 per cent per annum to reach US $8.8 trillion with an estimated 5,26,000 millionaires, an increase of more than 53 per cent or 8.9 per cent per annum.

Globally, the US continues to lead the rich club for the 10th year in a row. During the reporting period too, the US contributed the most to global wealth, adding a US&nbsp;$6.3 trillion, taking the total to US $98 trillion.

Since 2008, the US has been continuing its unbroken run of growth in total wealth and wealth per adult annually. China is home to the second largest number of wealthy households, having added US $2.3 trillion to reach US $52 trillion. The number of the Chinese rich is projected to grow by US $23 trillion over the next five years, taking its share in global wealth from 16 per cent in 2018 to just above 19 per cent by 2023.

Non-financial assets have continued their accelerated growth over the past 12 months, providing the main impetus for overall growth in all regions except North America, accounting for 75 per cent of the rise in wealth in China and Europe, and all of the rise in India.

Amidst rising concern over the increasing inequality, the country created a whopping 7,300 more millionaires during the 12 months to mid-2018, taking the total number of dollar-millionaires to 3.

Amidst rising concern over the increasing inequality, the country created a whopping 7,300 more millionaires during the 12 months to mid-2018, taking the total number of dollar-millionaires to 3.43 lakh, who are collectively worth around US $6 trillion, says a report. According to Credit Suisse, the country is home to one of the highest proportions of female billionaires at 18.6 per cent during the period, among the major countries. "By mid-2018, there were an estimated 3,43,000 millionaires in India, a rise of 7,300," Credit Suisse's 2018 global wealth report said, adding of these, 3,400 have wealth over US $50 million, while 1,500 of them have wealth over US $100 million each. By mid-2018, in dollar terms, wealth in the country grew by a modest 2.6 per cent to around US $6 trillion and wealth per adult stayed flat at US $7,020 mainly due to the rupee plunge against the dollar, it said. And the number of the rich as well the inequality is set to widen by over 53 per cent by 2023 when their number is set to cross an estimated 5,26,000 millionaires worth around US $8.8 trillion. It said Indians' personal wealth is dominated by property and other real assets, which make up 91 per cent of estimated household assets. Over the past 12 months, non-financial assets grew by 4.3 per cent, accounting for all of the wealth growth in the country, it noted. House-price movements are a proxy for the non-financial component of household assets, which reached a high of 9 per cent for the country. The report estimates that "women's share of global wealth is around 40 per cent, while recent studies for the country indicate a significantly lower share ranging between 20 and 30 per cent." It said while wealth has been rising here, not everyone has shared in this growth. "There is still considerable wealth poverty, reflected in the fact that 91 per cent of the adult population has wealth below $10,000," the report said. By 2023, the wealth of Indian millionaires is expected to grow by 8 per cent per annum to reach US $8.8 trillion with an estimated 5,26,000 millionaires, an increase of more than 53 per cent or 8.9 per cent per annum. Globally, the US continues to lead the rich club for the 10th year in a row. During the reporting period too, the US contributed the most to global wealth, adding a US $6.3 trillion, taking the total to US $98 trillion. Since 2008, the US has been continuing its unbroken run of growth in total wealth and wealth per adult annually. China is home to the second largest number of wealthy households, having added US $2.3 trillion to reach US $52 trillion. The number of the Chinese rich is projected to grow by US $23 trillion over the next five years, taking its share in global wealth from 16 per cent in 2018 to just above 19 per cent by 2023. Non-financial assets have continued their accelerated growth over the past 12 months, providing the main impetus for overall growth in all regions except North America, accounting for 75 per cent of the rise in wealth in China and Europe, and all of the rise in India.

India creates 7,300 more millionaires in one year worth $6 trillion: Study

&nbsp;More female candidates than ever are set to contest Afghanistan's upcoming parliamentary election, braving violence and opposition from social conservatives in a campaign seen as a test of the war-torn nation's democratic institutions.

"Elections in my country are not just about victory or defeat," said Dewa Niazai, a 26 year-old candidate from the eastern province of Nangarhar, who holds a degree in computer science from India. "It is about launching a small-scale war. I can get killed, injured or abducted."

Niazai is one of the 417 women candidates contesting seats across the country, despite deadly suicide attacks on election rallies and offices apparently aimed at forcing voters to boycott the vote scheduled for October 20.

She says she wants to be a voice for uneducated women who are not represented in parliament and to defend girls' rights to education - Islamic State has blown up several girls' schools in her Nangarhar constituency.

The growing involvement of women has been welcomed by the United Nations and other international bodies, which see the elections as a vital step in building trust in democratic processes.

Campaigning is fraught with risks regardless of gender. Nine candidates, including one woman, have been killed in separate attacks. Another two have been abducted, and four others have been wounded by hardline Islamist militants, election officials said.

Last week a blast at an election rally of a woman candidate in the northeastern province of Takhar killed 22 people and wounded 35.

Nazifa Yousuf Bek, the female candidate, was standing about 10 metres away when the explosion occurred.

"My supporters were waiting to listen to my speech but in a few seconds I was surrounded by their bodies," the 32-year-old teacher told Reuters. "I am shaken but I am also determined to continue the election campaign. This is my responsibility."

For women, there are additional challenges, said Maria Bashir, Afghanistan's first female prosecutor from Herat province, who like other women candidates interviewed by Reuters had until recently never seriously contemplated entering politics.

"In comparison with male candidates, women have more problems in the election race ... insecurity and harassment inhibit women's mobility and justify family restrictions," she said.

Echoing other women candidates who spoke to Reuters, Bashir says she is standing for election after growing dismayed with the direction of the country, starting with the failure of the government to improve security or safeguard women's rights.

Unable to hold open rallies because of security concerns, Bashir invites voters to attend political discussions at her home, and travels around the city at night to distribute publicity pamphlets and encourage voters to cast their ballot.

Sabri Andar, the only female candidate with disabilities, is contesting a seat in Kabul. She said her main focus would be on ensuring rights legislation was not ignored.

"Laws about equality exist on paper but they are yet to implemented," she said. "As a lawmaker I want to ensure we practice what is written in our constitution."

Women's rights advocates say that, despite the heavy emphasis placed on promoting equality by international donors, age-old scourges such as child marriage or the murder of women by family members in so-called "honour killings" remain rife. Afghan girls still routinely receive less schooling than boys.

Under the constitution written after the austere rule of the Taliban was ended by U.S.-backed Afghan forces in 2001, at least 68 of the 250 seats in the lower house of parliament are reserved for women. The quota means that Afghanistan fares better in a simple measure of female representation in the legislature than some Western nations - 28 per cent of seats in the lower house are currently held by women, 8 points higher than the U.S. Congress.

But female candidates campaigning in their constituencies say Afghanistan's patriarchal culture means they face a battle to be heard even if they win.

"We are trained to dress in a way that is acceptable to men, we talk in a way that does not anger men and, in politics, we are expected to appease them to stay relevant," said Masooda Jalal, a former minister of women's affairs.

As well as facing sexual harassment, a regular problem that is rarely discussed openly because of strict social taboos, many women MPs complain they are not taken seriously by their male counterparts.

Women in positions of authority said they were often perceived as puppets who can procure funds from international aid groups committed to promoting gender equality.

Rights group activists in Kabul said more than three dozen bills drafted to strengthen the existing laws to safeguard the rights of millions of Afghan women were pending before the parliament but have not been allotted time for debate.

Nasrullah Stanekzai, a political science professor at Kabul University and a former legal advisor to President Ashraf Ghani said ethnic, religious, political and financial loyalties of female candidate limit their role.

"Females candidates win elections with the help of powerful male politicians who in turn expects them to work as stooges in the parliament, rarely allowing them to have an independent opinion," said Stanekzai.

More female candidates than ever are set to contest Afghanistan's upcoming parliamentary election, braving violence and opposition from social conservatives in a campaign seen as a test of the war-torn nation's democratic institutions.

More female candidates than ever are set to contest Afghanistan's upcoming parliamentary election, braving violence and opposition from social conservatives in a campaign seen as a test of the war-torn nation's democratic institutions. "Elections in my country are not just about victory or defeat," said Dewa Niazai, a 26 year-old candidate from the eastern province of Nangarhar, who holds a degree in computer science from India. "It is about launching a small-scale war. I can get killed, injured or abducted." Niazai is one of the 417 women candidates contesting seats across the country, despite deadly suicide attacks on election rallies and offices apparently aimed at forcing voters to boycott the vote scheduled for October 20. She says she wants to be a voice for uneducated women who are not represented in parliament and to defend girls' rights to education - Islamic State has blown up several girls' schools in her Nangarhar constituency. The growing involvement of women has been welcomed by the United Nations and other international bodies, which see the elections as a vital step in building trust in democratic processes. Campaigning is fraught with risks regardless of gender. Nine candidates, including one woman, have been killed in separate attacks. Another two have been abducted, and four others have been wounded by hardline Islamist militants, election officials said. Last week a blast at an election rally of a woman candidate in the northeastern province of Takhar killed 22 people and wounded 35. Nazifa Yousuf Bek, the female candidate, was standing about 10 metres away when the explosion occurred. "My supporters were waiting to listen to my speech but in a few seconds I was surrounded by their bodies," the 32-year-old teacher told Reuters. "I am shaken but I am also determined to continue the election campaign. This is my responsibility." For women, there are additional challenges, said Maria Bashir, Afghanistan's first female prosecutor from Herat province, who like other women candidates interviewed by Reuters had until recently never seriously contemplated entering politics. "In comparison with male candidates, women have more problems in the election race ... insecurity and harassment inhibit women's mobility and justify family restrictions," she said. Echoing other women candidates who spoke to Reuters, Bashir says she is standing for election after growing dismayed with the direction of the country, starting with the failure of the government to improve security or safeguard women's rights. Unable to hold open rallies because of security concerns, Bashir invites voters to attend political discussions at her home, and travels around the city at night to distribute publicity pamphlets and encourage voters to cast their ballot. Sabri Andar, the only female candidate with disabilities, is contesting a seat in Kabul. She said her main focus would be on ensuring rights legislation was not ignored. "Laws about equality exist on paper but they are yet to implemented," she said. "As a lawmaker I want to ensure we practice what is written in our constitution." Women's rights advocates say that, despite the heavy emphasis placed on promoting equality by international donors, age-old scourges such as child marriage or the murder of women by family members in so-called "honour killings" remain rife. Afghan girls still routinely receive less schooling than boys. Under the constitution written after the austere rule of the Taliban was ended by U.S.-backed Afghan forces in 2001, at least 68 of the 250 seats in the lower house of parliament are reserved for women. The quota means that Afghanistan fares better in a simple measure of female representation in the legislature than some Western nations - 28 per cent of seats in the lower house are currently held by women, 8 points higher than the U.S. Congress. But female candidates campaigning in their constituencies say Afghanistan's patriarchal culture means they face a battle to be heard even if they win. "We are trained to dress in a way that is acceptable to men, we talk in a way that does not anger men and, in politics, we are expected to appease them to stay relevant," said Masooda Jalal, a former minister of women's affairs. As well as facing sexual harassment, a regular problem that is rarely discussed openly because of strict social taboos, many women MPs complain they are not taken seriously by their male counterparts. Women in positions of authority said they were often perceived as puppets who can procure funds from international aid groups committed to promoting gender equality. Rights group activists in Kabul said more than three dozen bills drafted to strengthen the existing laws to safeguard the rights of millions of Afghan women were pending before the parliament but have not been allotted time for debate. Nasrullah Stanekzai, a political science professor at Kabul University and a former legal advisor to President Ashraf Ghani said ethnic, religious, political and financial loyalties of female candidate limit their role. "Females candidates win elections with the help of powerful male politicians who in turn expects them to work as stooges in the parliament, rarely allowing them to have an independent opinion," said Stanekzai.

Women candidates face 'small-scale war' in Afghan election

Sri Lanka on Wednesday promised to revoke a rogue bikini ban raising eyebrows at a popular seaside resort, as the authorities urged tourists to wear what they want at the beach.

The signs erected by local police at Habaraduwa Beach, about 130 kilometres (81 miles) south of the capital Colombo, depicted a pair of western women in bikinis crossed out with a red "X".

"According to Sri Lankan culture, please dress in an appropriate suit," it stated, declaring bikinis "improper".

A police official in Colombo said local law enforcers had not sought approval for the signs, which stirred controversy after going viral on social media.

Sri Lanka does not allow visitors in revealing clothing -- including men in shorts -- to visit Buddhist temples and other religious sites, but beaches are generally more relaxed.

Tourism authorities said visitors to the island's famed coastline had nothing to worry about, and steps were being taken to remove the signs.

"Dress code policing is unneeded and unwarranted for tourists enjoying the scenic beaches of Sri Lanka," the Tourism Development Authority said.

Sri Lanka, a Buddhist-majority island popular with tourists, has criticised foreigners in the past for offending moral tastes.

Foreigners with clothing, tattoos or jewellery depicting the Buddha have seen tourists deported from the island for "hurting the sensibilities" of Sri Lankans.

Last month, three Sri Lankan men landed in hot water after exposing their bottoms near a Buddhist temple as part of a social media challenge and posting the images online.

They were tracked down and charged with offending Buddhist sentiments.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday promised to revoke a rogue bikini ban raising eyebrows at a popular seaside resort, as the authorities urged tourists to wear what they want at the beach.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday promised to revoke a rogue bikini ban raising eyebrows at a popular seaside resort, as the authorities urged tourists to wear what they want at the beach. The signs erected by local police at Habaraduwa Beach, about 130 kilometres (81 miles) south of the capital Colombo, depicted a pair of western women in bikinis crossed out with a red "X". "According to Sri Lankan culture, please dress in an appropriate suit," it stated, declaring bikinis "improper". A police official in Colombo said local law enforcers had not sought approval for the signs, which stirred controversy after going viral on social media. Sri Lanka does not allow visitors in revealing clothing -- including men in shorts -- to visit Buddhist temples and other religious sites, but beaches are generally more relaxed. Tourism authorities said visitors to the island's famed coastline had nothing to worry about, and steps were being taken to remove the signs. "Dress code policing is unneeded and unwarranted for tourists enjoying the scenic beaches of Sri Lanka," the Tourism Development Authority said. Sri Lanka, a Buddhist-majority island popular with tourists, has criticised foreigners in the past for offending moral tastes. Foreigners with clothing, tattoos or jewellery depicting the Buddha have seen tourists deported from the island for "hurting the sensibilities" of Sri Lankans. Last month, three Sri Lankan men landed in hot water after exposing their bottoms near a Buddhist temple as part of a social media challenge and posting the images online. They were tracked down and charged with offending Buddhist sentiments.

Nothing to see here: Sri Lanka to revoke rogue bikini ban

India Temple Entry Row: Tensions rise over women's entry to Sabrimala

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan&nbsp;attended an event named Women's Cancer Initiative to spread awareness around cancer.

The event was hosted by Tara Memorial Hospital on Tuesday.

Aishwarya also shared an opinion on the fatal disease and said, "There are so many myths and misconceptions in our country that it is astonishing to realise and recognize that there are so many people even in this day and age who believe that a disease like cancer could possibly be contagious to us. That's shocking, but to many, it seems that's a fact. ''

The actress further said, "That just boils down to lack of awareness, education, access to information, recognizing what this disease is all about and the step you need to take as simple as early detection.''

"Events such as these have come together to draw attention and raise awareness, increase dialogue, make information more accessible to people and have people coming for their regular check-ups for early detection because that in the course of action is referred to as a baby step, but it is the most important step to a possible cure of the disease when a patient has it,'' said the actress. 
 
&nbsp;She further added, "So, earlier detection gives you a higher chance at a cure and that's a possibility that every person should humanly have a right to access. We hope this early detection of curable cancer in women will be an important component of the cancer control program in India."

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpBi76Gl_Q4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">✨Spoke for Women’s Cancer Initiative✨</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aishwaryaraibachchan_arb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> AishwaryaRaiBachchan</a> (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb) on <time datetime="2018-10-17T06:27:55+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 16, 2018 at 11:27pm PDT</time>
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She appreciated efforts of Women's Cancer Initiative in spreading awareness about cancer among women in general and underprivileged women in particular.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attended an event named Women's Cancer Initiative to spread awareness around cancer. The event was hosted by Tara Memorial Hospital on Tuesday.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attended an event named Women's Cancer Initiative to spread awareness around cancer. The event was hosted by Tara Memorial Hospital on Tuesday. Aishwarya also shared an opinion on the fatal disease and said, "There are so many myths and misconceptions in our country that it is astonishing to realise and recognize that there are so many people even in this day and age who believe that a disease like cancer could possibly be contagious to us. That's shocking, but to many, it seems that's a fact. '' The actress further said, "That just boils down to lack of awareness, education, access to information, recognizing what this disease is all about and the step you need to take as simple as early detection.'' "Events such as these have come together to draw attention and raise awareness, increase dialogue, make information more accessible to people and have people coming for their regular check-ups for early detection because that in the course of action is referred to as a baby step, but it is the most important step to a possible cure of the disease when a patient has it,'' said the actress. She further added, "So, earlier detection gives you a higher chance at a cure and that's a possibility that every person should humanly have a right to access. We hope this early detection of curable cancer in women will be an important component of the cancer control program in India." View this post on Instagram ✨Spoke for Women’s Cancer Initiative✨ A post shared by AishwaryaRaiBachchan (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb) on Oct 16, 2018 at 11:27pm PDT × She appreciated efforts of Women's Cancer Initiative in spreading awareness about cancer among women in general and underprivileged women in particular.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at event to spread awareness about cancer

A new program called 'Action: The Academy Women's Initiative' will be launched by Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences this year. 
 
The program will be organised in London and Los Angeles this year on October 15th and 30th, respectively. It aims to provide a platform for women filmmakers to connect and share their notions.&nbsp; 
 
"As we continue to advocate for inclusion, we are honoured to bring Academy members and the filmmaking community together to support women in all stages of their careers, especially emerging Academy Gold filmmakers. We are grateful that E! and Swarovski support our commitment to a more inclusive film community," &nbsp;said CEO Dawn Hudson in a statement posted on the official website.&nbsp; 
 
The program is a part of Academy's A2020 program to promote inclusion and increase representation within the greater film community.

Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, the Academy Directory and annual events are also included in the program and will render fellowship to two women filmmakers.

The Los Angeles Women's Lunch, in partnership with E! Entertainment and with the support of Swarovski, will bring together female filmmakers and will feature an on-stage conversation with comedian Hannah Gadsby and writer-actor-producer Lena Waithe.

Academy's branch governor, Susanne Bier will be an eminent guest who will present the award to a US-based filmmaker. this will be for the second time when Academy and Swarovski will host a program together.

A new program called 'Action: The Academy Women's Initiative' will be launched by Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences this year. The program will be organised in London and Los Angeles this year on October 15th and 30th, respectively.

A new program called 'Action: The Academy Women's Initiative' will be launched by Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences this year. The program will be organised in London and Los Angeles this year on October 15th and 30th, respectively. It aims to provide a platform for women filmmakers to connect and share their notions. "As we continue to advocate for inclusion, we are honoured to bring Academy members and the filmmaking community together to support women in all stages of their careers, especially emerging Academy Gold filmmakers. We are grateful that E! and Swarovski support our commitment to a more inclusive film community," said CEO Dawn Hudson in a statement posted on the official website. The program is a part of Academy's A2020 program to promote inclusion and increase representation within the greater film community. Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, the Academy Directory and annual events are also included in the program and will render fellowship to two women filmmakers. The Los Angeles Women's Lunch, in partnership with E! Entertainment and with the support of Swarovski, will bring together female filmmakers and will feature an on-stage conversation with comedian Hannah Gadsby and writer-actor-producer Lena Waithe. Academy's branch governor, Susanne Bier will be an eminent guest who will present the award to a US-based filmmaker. this will be for the second time when Academy and Swarovski will host a program together.

Motion Pictures Academy set to launch a program for women filmmakers

According to a survey conducted by a wealth intelligence firm Wealth-X, the number of female billionaires, in comparison to male billionaires, increased in the year 2017.&nbsp;

The percentage growth in women billionaires last year was recorded at 18% as compared to 14.5% increase in the number of male billionaires. Women, at present, constitute 11.7% of the world’s total billionaire population.

"The fifth edition of the Wealth-X Billionaire Census reveals that billionaire wealth surged by 24% to a record level in 2017, and the billionaire population rebounded by 15% to 2,754 individuals, surpassing the previous peak of 2,473 in 2015," the report noted.&nbsp;<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z2qWK42OGuc" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Wealth-X's Billionaire Census 2018 states that there are more global billionaires than ever before. North America, which was once home to the most billionaires, has now been replaced by Asia which currently houses the most billionaires.

The report also informed that the wealth of billionaires "grew at a much faster pace than population size across all regions".

 
&nbsp;

Wealth-X's Billionaire Census 2018 states that there are more global billionaires than ever before

According to a survey conducted by a wealth intelligence firm Wealth-X, the number of female billionaires, in comparison to male billionaires, increased in the year 2017. The percentage growth in women billionaires last year was recorded at 18% as compared to 14.5% increase in the number of male billionaires. Women, at present, constitute 11.7% of the world’s total billionaire population. "The fifth edition of the Wealth-X Billionaire Census reveals that billionaire wealth surged by 24% to a record level in 2017, and the billionaire population rebounded by 15% to 2,754 individuals, surpassing the previous peak of 2,473 in 2015," the report noted. Wealth-X's Billionaire Census 2018 states that there are more global billionaires than ever before. North America, which was once home to the most billionaires, has now been replaced by Asia which currently houses the most billionaires. The report also informed that the wealth of billionaires "grew at a much faster pace than population size across all regions".

Number of female billionaires outpaces male billionaires: Report

Cannes film festival experienced something different this year as women were seen protesting regarding their status in the movie industry that needs to be improved to prevent sexual harassment. The protest was part of the ongoing global Times Up movement. 
 
The protest witnessed 82 women lead by Cate Blanchett and Kristen Stewart and was attended by the likes of Salma Hayek, Jane Fonda, Nandita Das, Ava Duvernay, Marion Cottilard and Patty Jenkins among others. The women were all prominent actors, filmmakers who were representing various countries at the festival.&nbsp;

Blanchett spoke about equality and stated how male filmmakers outnumber their female counterparts in award nominations. &nbsp;

Rasika Duggal, who is presently in Cannes for the premiere of her film Manto, lent support to the Time is Up event at the Cannes Film Festival 2018.“There are very few times when you are part of a historical moment and you know it. This was one of those. It was a very emotional experience holding hands and walking in solidarity with 82 women at Cannes. Not much was said but yet many of us were moved to tears. The unspoken regard and understanding and solidarity for the challenges we have all had to face to be here was so so powerful. It was my first time at the Palais de festivals red carpet at the Cannes film festival and I shared that moment with Salma Hayek, Patty Jenkins, Nandita Das and so many other women. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. Cate Blanchett's powerful speech just made me feel more than ever how important this is. I mean we know there is rampant gender discrimination and we face it every day (in so so many small things) &nbsp;It was her first time at the Palais de festivals red carpet at the Cannes film festival and she shared that moment with Salma Hayek, Patty Jenkins, Nandita Das and so many other women.

<img alt="Untitled design (9)_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Untitled%20design%20(9)_0.jpg" width="770" />

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Finally got Twitter on my phone. Let me start from the beginning in <a href="https://twitter.com/Festival_Cannes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Festival_Cannes</a> was part of the 82 women who marched up the red carpet to ask for more representation of women. V moving experience. Holding hands in solidarity So glad to be a part of it <a href="https://t.co/4VBZWY5rwa">https://t.co/4VBZWY5rwa</a>
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After the iconic protest that took place on Saturday, France's Minister of Culture, Francoise Nyssen, said on Sunday, that few women work in movie-related fields in her country and they make less money than men. She also said many women become victims of discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Cannes experienced a historical movement wherein 82 well-known women, celebrities and filmmakers protests across different countries regarding their equal rights and gender equality

Cannes film festival experienced something different this year as women were seen protesting regarding their status in the movie industry that needs to be improved to prevent sexual harassment. The protest was part of the ongoing global Times Up movement. The protest witnessed 82 women lead by Cate Blanchett and Kristen Stewart and was attended by the likes of Salma Hayek, Jane Fonda, Nandita Das, Ava Duvernay, Marion Cottilard and Patty Jenkins among others. The women were all prominent actors, filmmakers who were representing various countries at the festival. Blanchett spoke about equality and stated how male filmmakers outnumber their female counterparts in award nominations. Rasika Duggal, who is presently in Cannes for the premiere of her film Manto, lent support to the Time is Up event at the Cannes Film Festival 2018.“There are very few times when you are part of a historical moment and you know it. This was one of those. It was a very emotional experience holding hands and walking in solidarity with 82 women at Cannes. Not much was said but yet many of us were moved to tears. The unspoken regard and understanding and solidarity for the challenges we have all had to face to be here was so so powerful. It was my first time at the Palais de festivals red carpet at the Cannes film festival and I shared that moment with Salma Hayek, Patty Jenkins, Nandita Das and so many other women. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. Cate Blanchett's powerful speech just made me feel more than ever how important this is. I mean we know there is rampant gender discrimination and we face it every day (in so so many small things) It was her first time at the Palais de festivals red carpet at the Cannes film festival and she shared that moment with Salma Hayek, Patty Jenkins, Nandita Das and so many other women. Finally got Twitter on my phone. Let me start from the beginning in @Festival_Cannes was part of the 82 women who marched up the red carpet to ask for more representation of women. V moving experience. Holding hands in solidarity So glad to be a part of it https://t.co/4VBZWY5rwa — Nandita Das (@nanditadas) 14 May 2018 × After the iconic protest that took place on Saturday, France's Minister of Culture, Francoise Nyssen, said on Sunday, that few women work in movie-related fields in her country and they make less money than men. She also said many women become victims of discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Cannes 2018: 82 women converge at the red carpet demanding equal rights

By:&nbspJill S. Greenlee*

Motherhood is taking center stage in the US&nbsppolitics.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, the first United States senator to give birth while in office has been seen on Capitol Hill with her newborn nestled in her lap.

Two Democratic gubernatorial candidates, Maryland’s Krish Vignarajah and Wisconsin’s Kelda Roys, made waves with campaign ads that, in addition to touting their capabilities as leaders, also show them nursing their babies.

A Democratic congressional candidate in New York, Liuba Grechen Shirley, was just granted permission from the Federal Election Commission to use campaign funds to cover the cost of child care while she runs for office.

Plus, women are running for office in record numbers this year. Among their many experiences, roles and identities, many are emphasizing being a mom.

What does this acknowledgment of motherhood tell us about U.S. politics today? As I have discussed in my work as a scholar of gender and politics, women running for office have not traditionally made motherhood central to their candidacies.

Here’s why that appears to be changing.

Mothers of young children

In the past, women who ran for office typically did not have young children. Research shows that women who are professionally best positioned to run for office are less likely to have children than men, and that female officeholders are more likely than their male counterparts to not have children.

If female candidates did have children, they were often adult children – making their role as a motherless intensive and less central to their personal narrative at the time of their candidacy. Scholars have shown that women who hold office at various levels of government tend to do so when their children are older.

Enter Hillary Clinton, whose groundbreaking presidential candidacy made motherhood central to her political appeals and policy agenda. While Clinton fit the traditional mold of a woman by running when her child was an adult, she made motherhood a major theme in her campaign. She spoke about her own experience of raising a child. She elevated the voices of other mothers and drew attention to their concerns.

And she relied on her own daughter, Chelsea Clinton – who gave birth to her second child just weeks before the 2016 Democratic National Convention – as a key surrogate for her on the campaign trail. By focusing on motherhood in so many ways, it’s possible that her historic nomination may have empowered more women with young children to run for office.

Negotiating motherhood

Previously, female candidates with children had to deftly negotiate their role as a mother, rather than fully embrace it. While being a mother fulfills a strong societal expectation associated with womanhood, social psychologists have found that motherhood may be at odds with public perceptions of what strong, competent leadership looks like.

Moreover, women who highlight their children in campaigns may open themselves up to greater scrutiny. Voters may wonder, “Who is caring for your children while you are governing?”

These are the types of questions that Republicans Jane Swift and Sarah Palin faced during their political careers. These are questions that similarly situated male candidates do not receive.

Ironically, today, women without children may face the highest hurdle. There is some evidence that women running for office who do not have children are judged most harshly by would-be voters because childless female candidates violate traditional expectations of women.

Running as a woman

Scholarship, that focuses on the issues that female candidates highlight and the types of voters they reach out to, suggests that making motherhood front and center may be a smart strategy. Scholars have found that in some electoral contexts, female candidates who highlight their gender and target female voters can build a strategic advantage.

For example, as the only woman running in the Democratic primary for the Maryland gubernatorial seat, Krish Vignarajah may distinguish herself from her six male competitors when she highlights her role as a mother. Research suggests she might build an advantage if she talks more about issues that affect women and spends more energy courting women, primary voters, because these same approaches may be less effective for her male competitors.

Risks and rewards

The current focus on motherhood in U.S. politics is a mixed bag.

Running “as a mom” may open some female candidates up to the negative impact of gender stereotypes. On the other hand, some recent research suggests that gender stereotypes may no longer hinder women in the ways that they previously have. Other scholars argue that while gender stereotypes shape perceptions of female candidates, many voters ultimately cast their votes for the candidate of their preferred party, making gender and its stereotypes less consequential.

Candidates who highlight motherhood risk oversimplifying their own complex motivations. They may end up perpetuating the myth that women – perhaps because of motherhood – are best at legislating on issues related to family life, thereby keeping them tethered to the home and hearth.

Moreover, images of motherhood seen in electoral politics often reflect just one form of mothering. They do not embrace many other forms of motherhood and mothering across racial, ethnic and other identity groups.

On the other hand, when we ignore motherhood altogether, we do a disservice to all women. And, importantly, we may perpetuate the myth that women cannot or should not, to paraphrase Rep. Patricia Schroeder, “have a brain and a uterus, and use them both.”

*Jill S. Greenlee is an Associate Professor of Politics, Brandeis University

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Two Democratic gubernatorial candidates, Maryland’s Krish Vignarajah and Wisconsin’s Kelda Roys, made waves with campaign ads that, in addition to touting their capabilities as leaders, also show them nursing their babies

By: Jill S. Greenlee* Motherhood is taking center stage in the US&nbsppolitics. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, the first United States senator to give birth while in office has been seen on Capitol Hill with her newborn nestled in her lap. Two Democratic gubernatorial candidates, Maryland’s Krish Vignarajah and Wisconsin’s Kelda Roys, made waves with campaign ads that, in addition to touting their capabilities as leaders, also show them nursing their babies. A Democratic congressional candidate in New York, Liuba Grechen Shirley, was just granted permission from the Federal Election Commission to use campaign funds to cover the cost of child care while she runs for office. Plus, women are running for office in record numbers this year. Among their many experiences, roles and identities, many are emphasizing being a mom. What does this acknowledgment of motherhood tell us about U.S. politics today? As I have discussed in my work as a scholar of gender and politics, women running for office have not traditionally made motherhood central to their candidacies. Here’s why that appears to be changing. Mothers of young children In the past, women who ran for office typically did not have young children. Research shows that women who are professionally best positioned to run for office are less likely to have children than men, and that female officeholders are more likely than their male counterparts to not have children. If female candidates did have children, they were often adult children – making their role as a motherless intensive and less central to their personal narrative at the time of their candidacy. Scholars have shown that women who hold office at various levels of government tend to do so when their children are older. Enter Hillary Clinton, whose groundbreaking presidential candidacy made motherhood central to her political appeals and policy agenda. While Clinton fit the traditional mold of a woman by running when her child was an adult, she made motherhood a major theme in her campaign. She spoke about her own experience of raising a child. She elevated the voices of other mothers and drew attention to their concerns. And she relied on her own daughter, Chelsea Clinton – who gave birth to her second child just weeks before the 2016 Democratic National Convention – as a key surrogate for her on the campaign trail. By focusing on motherhood in so many ways, it’s possible that her historic nomination may have empowered more women with young children to run for office. Negotiating motherhood Previously, female candidates with children had to deftly negotiate their role as a mother, rather than fully embrace it. While being a mother fulfills a strong societal expectation associated with womanhood, social psychologists have found that motherhood may be at odds with public perceptions of what strong, competent leadership looks like. Moreover, women who highlight their children in campaigns may open themselves up to greater scrutiny. Voters may wonder, “Who is caring for your children while you are governing?” These are the types of questions that Republicans Jane Swift and Sarah Palin faced during their political careers. These are questions that similarly situated male candidates do not receive. Ironically, today, women without children may face the highest hurdle. There is some evidence that women running for office who do not have children are judged most harshly by would-be voters because childless female candidates violate traditional expectations of women. Running as a woman Scholarship, that focuses on the issues that female candidates highlight and the types of voters they reach out to, suggests that making motherhood front and center may be a smart strategy. Scholars have found that in some electoral contexts, female candidates who highlight their gender and target female voters can build a strategic advantage. For example, as the only woman running in the Democratic primary for the Maryland gubernatorial seat, Krish Vignarajah may distinguish herself from her six male competitors when she highlights her role as a mother. Research suggests she might build an advantage if she talks more about issues that affect women and spends more energy courting women, primary voters, because these same approaches may be less effective for her male competitors. Risks and rewards The current focus on motherhood in U.S. politics is a mixed bag. Running “as a mom” may open some female candidates up to the negative impact of gender stereotypes. On the other hand, some recent research suggests that gender stereotypes may no longer hinder women in the ways that they previously have. Other scholars argue that while gender stereotypes shape perceptions of female candidates, many voters ultimately cast their votes for the candidate of their preferred party, making gender and its stereotypes less consequential. Candidates who highlight motherhood risk oversimplifying their own complex motivations. They may end up perpetuating the myth that women – perhaps because of motherhood – are best at legislating on issues related to family life, thereby keeping them tethered to the home and hearth. Moreover, images of motherhood seen in electoral politics often reflect just one form of mothering. They do not embrace many other forms of motherhood and mothering across racial, ethnic and other identity groups. On the other hand, when we ignore motherhood altogether, we do a disservice to all women. And, importantly, we may perpetuate the myth that women cannot or should not, to paraphrase Rep. Patricia Schroeder, “have a brain and a uterus, and use them both.” *Jill S. Greenlee is an Associate Professor of Politics, Brandeis University (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Women on the 2018 ballot are busting perceptions of motherhood and leadership

Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) on Saturday to attract more women to their ranks or else lose their status as one of Germany's two big popular parties, or 'Volksparteien'.

Speaking on the 70th anniversary of her conservatives' women's union, Merkel said the CDU needed to boost the proportion of women in its membership above some 25 percent if it wanted to win more than 40 percent of the vote.

"That's why this is not just a question of women who want to make a career, but it is a survival matter for this Volkspartei," she said.

Both the mainstream political blocs - the CDU and their Bavarian allies, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD) - suffered their worst post-war election results in last September's national election - 33 and 21 percent respectively.

Frustration about the influx of more than a million migrants since 2015 propelled the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) into parliament for the first time.

Merkel, 63, is the CDU's first female leader and the first woman to be German chancellor. Earlier this year, the CDU elected another woman, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is sometimes dubbed 'mini-Merkel', as party general-secretary, putting her in pole position to succeed Merkel as chancellor.

Speaking on the 70th anniversary of her conservatives' women's union, Merkel said the CDU needed to boost the proportion of women in its membership

Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) on Saturday to attract more women to their ranks or else lose their status as one of Germany's two big popular parties, or 'Volksparteien'. Speaking on the 70th anniversary of her conservatives' women's union, Merkel said the CDU needed to boost the proportion of women in its membership above some 25 percent if it wanted to win more than 40 percent of the vote. "That's why this is not just a question of women who want to make a career, but it is a survival matter for this Volkspartei," she said. Both the mainstream political blocs - the CDU and their Bavarian allies, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD) - suffered their worst post-war election results in last September's national election - 33 and 21 percent respectively. Frustration about the influx of more than a million migrants since 2015 propelled the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) into parliament for the first time. Merkel, 63, is the CDU's first female leader and the first woman to be German chancellor. Earlier this year, the CDU elected another woman, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is sometimes dubbed 'mini-Merkel', as party general-secretary, putting her in pole position to succeed Merkel as chancellor.

We must attract more women to survive, Merkel tells her party

Iraq officials on Sunday sentenced 19 Russian women for being a part of the terrorist outfit Islamic State, reports said.&nbsp

The head of Baghdad's Centra Criminal Court which deals with cases related to terrorism, said that women were foing guilty of "joining and supporting IS."

Six women from Azerbaijan and four from Tajikistan were also condemned to life in prison Sunday on the same charge.

The women, who have the right to appeal against the sentences, stepped in court one-at-a-time all dressed in black headscarves and pink blouses, most of them accompanied by their children.

Most of the women on trial Sunday claimed they were tricked into going to Iraq.

On April 17, three women, including two Russian citizens and one French national, were sentenced to life in prison over their membership in the notorious terror group.

Six women from Azerbaijan and four from Tajikistan were also condemned to life in prison Sunday on the same charge

Iraq officials on Sunday sentenced 19 Russian women for being a part of the terrorist outfit Islamic State, reports said. The head of Baghdad's Centra Criminal Court which deals with cases related to terrorism, said that women were foing guilty of "joining and supporting IS." Six women from Azerbaijan and four from Tajikistan were also condemned to life in prison Sunday on the same charge. The women, who have the right to appeal against the sentences, stepped in court one-at-a-time all dressed in black headscarves and pink blouses, most of them accompanied by their children. Most of the women on trial Sunday claimed they were tricked into going to Iraq. On April 17, three women, including two Russian citizens and one French national, were sentenced to life in prison over their membership in the notorious terror group.

19 Russian women sentenced to life for joining Islamic State: Reports

Amid the outrage over the Kathua and Unnao incidents, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today lamented that crimes against women were getting politicised based on the identity of the perpetrators.

Addressing a gathering as part of BJPs women outreach interactive programme called 'Karunada Mahila Jagruthi', Sitharaman said "You see every morning how such crimes against women are vitiating atmosphere. It is even more painful when that gets politicised."

"Crimes against women "who's the perpetrator, whos not the perpetrator" based on that, agony is replayed and charges are levelled," she noted.

"But does that mean that you don't talk of politics at all in the context of women? You do! You make parties which don't mouth or make lip services for women in parliament, their emancipation or empowerment," she stated.

Sitharaman felt that security of women was not a new topic for India at all.

"But periodically the country faces such unfortunate situation of one after the other diabolically human crimes, especially one targeting women, adolescents and sometimes even children who are not even in their teens," she said.

She emphasised that while discussing crimes against women, a fine line should be drawn so that the issue does not get politicised and the exercise should not restrict only to lip services but finding out a concrete solution to the problem.

Every government, said Sitharaman, has the responsibility to make sure such crimes are prevented.

"If there is difficulty in preventing crime, the government should have stringent laws," Sitharaman added.

Citing the example of BJP government at the Centre, the defence minister said the government came up with the ordinance because the parliament was not in session.

She said, "We brought in an ordinance to make sure that the punishments are even more stringent."

The Union Cabinet recently approved an ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of rape of girls below 12 years amid a nation-wide outrage over cases of sexual assault and murder of minors in Kathua and Surat and the rape of a girl in Unnao. Taking a dig at the Congress government in Karnataka, Sitharaman said the government here failed to identify that such crimes have to be prevented with "methods which meets something."

"We are tolerating a lot in Karnataka... Corruption has known no boundary," said Sitharaman.

During the question and answer session, a woman asked why the BJP, which talks about women empowerment, gave inadequate number of tickets to women to contest in the May 12 assembly polls, Sitharaman said it was not the gender but the candidate's winning chances which matter.

In this context, she cited the example of BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, who was sitting next to her.

She emphasised that while discussing crimes against women, a fine line should be drawn

Amid the outrage over the Kathua and Unnao incidents, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today lamented that crimes against women were getting politicised based on the identity of the perpetrators. Addressing a gathering as part of BJPs women outreach interactive programme called 'Karunada Mahila Jagruthi', Sitharaman said "You see every morning how such crimes against women are vitiating atmosphere. It is even more painful when that gets politicised." "Crimes against women "who's the perpetrator, whos not the perpetrator" based on that, agony is replayed and charges are levelled," she noted. "But does that mean that you don't talk of politics at all in the context of women? You do! You make parties which don't mouth or make lip services for women in parliament, their emancipation or empowerment," she stated. Sitharaman felt that security of women was not a new topic for India at all. "But periodically the country faces such unfortunate situation of one after the other diabolically human crimes, especially one targeting women, adolescents and sometimes even children who are not even in their teens," she said. She emphasised that while discussing crimes against women, a fine line should be drawn so that the issue does not get politicised and the exercise should not restrict only to lip services but finding out a concrete solution to the problem. Every government, said Sitharaman, has the responsibility to make sure such crimes are prevented. "If there is difficulty in preventing crime, the government should have stringent laws," Sitharaman added. Citing the example of BJP government at the Centre, the defence minister said the government came up with the ordinance because the parliament was not in session. She said, "We brought in an ordinance to make sure that the punishments are even more stringent." The Union Cabinet recently approved an ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of rape of girls below 12 years amid a nation-wide outrage over cases of sexual assault and murder of minors in Kathua and Surat and the rape of a girl in Unnao. Taking a dig at the Congress government in Karnataka, Sitharaman said the government here failed to identify that such crimes have to be prevented with "methods which meets something." "We are tolerating a lot in Karnataka... Corruption has known no boundary," said Sitharaman. During the question and answer session, a woman asked why the BJP, which talks about women empowerment, gave inadequate number of tickets to women to contest in the May 12 assembly polls, Sitharaman said it was not the gender but the candidate's winning chances which matter. In this context, she cited the example of BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, who was sitting next to her.

Crimes against women are getting politicised: Nirmala Sitharaman

In a country where women have yet to drive, a number of women in Saudi Arabia are challenging social norms by taking to heavy sports such as weightlifting.

The conservative Muslim kingdom has allowed female-only-gyms to open earlier this year, amid a wider wave of social and cultural change.

Some of those gyms quickly filled up with customers such as Reham al-Shaaban, who regularly goes to the gym in the eastern city of Dammam.

Weightlifting helps women stay in shape and get fit, Shaaban said.

She is aware that assumptions about women engaging in intense workouts still exist but adds that she does not see any problem with it.

Some of the gym goers are women who have certification in gym training, which they obtained while living abroad.

Among those is Rana al-Shamasi, who returned from the United States in 2013 to find her society, even her own family, opposed to the idea.

"When I first came back from the United States in 2013, I was shocked to see people rejecting that women practice weightlifting or drink proteins shakes. They had assumed that if they drink protein shakes then their body would become like men. Even my own family was thinking the same way."

In February, Saudi Arabian newspaper Okaz quoted Princess Reema bint Bandar, the vice president for women's affairs at the General Authority of Sports, announcing that licenses would be granted to open gyms for women.

The target is to have a gym in every district and neighbourhood, Okaz newspaper reported.

However, Saudi Arabia sports authorities ordered the shutdown of a women’s fitness center in Riyadh on Friday, over a promotional workout video deemed contentious for showing a woman in a tight-fitting sportswear, while kicking a punching bag.

The President of the General Sports Authority, Turki al-Sheikh, who ordered the suspension of the center’s license and the opening of an investigation, said the video contained scenes that could corrupt public morals, adding in a Twitter post that Saudi authorities “will not tolerate this.”

The conservative Muslim kingdom has allowed female-only-gyms to open earlier this year, amid a wider wave of social and cultural change

In a country where women have yet to drive, a number of women in Saudi Arabia are challenging social norms by taking to heavy sports such as weightlifting. The conservative Muslim kingdom has allowed female-only-gyms to open earlier this year, amid a wider wave of social and cultural change. Some of those gyms quickly filled up with customers such as Reham al-Shaaban, who regularly goes to the gym in the eastern city of Dammam. Weightlifting helps women stay in shape and get fit, Shaaban said. She is aware that assumptions about women engaging in intense workouts still exist but adds that she does not see any problem with it. Some of the gym goers are women who have certification in gym training, which they obtained while living abroad. Among those is Rana al-Shamasi, who returned from the United States in 2013 to find her society, even her own family, opposed to the idea. "When I first came back from the United States in 2013, I was shocked to see people rejecting that women practice weightlifting or drink proteins shakes. They had assumed that if they drink protein shakes then their body would become like men. Even my own family was thinking the same way." In February, Saudi Arabian newspaper Okaz quoted Princess Reema bint Bandar, the vice president for women's affairs at the General Authority of Sports, announcing that licenses would be granted to open gyms for women. The target is to have a gym in every district and neighbourhood, Okaz newspaper reported. However, Saudi Arabia sports authorities ordered the shutdown of a women’s fitness center in Riyadh on Friday, over a promotional workout video deemed contentious for showing a woman in a tight-fitting sportswear, while kicking a punching bag. The President of the General Sports Authority, Turki al-Sheikh, who ordered the suspension of the center’s license and the opening of an investigation, said the video contained scenes that could corrupt public morals, adding in a Twitter post that Saudi authorities “will not tolerate this.”

Watch: Saudi women take to weightlifting for shape and beauty

Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Sunday that a total of 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India will go on Haj this year without any subsidy, a first after Independence.&nbsp

The announcement comes after the Centre increased the total quota for the second time. It was also announced that women from India will go without a male companion for the first time.&nbsp

The total pilgrims this year include 19,000 pilgrims from Delhi, 14,500 from Lucknow, 14,200 from Mumbai, 11,700 from Cochin, 11,610 from Kolkata, 8,950 from Srinagar, 7,600 from Hyderabad, 6,700 from Ahmedabad, 5,550 from Bengaluru, 5,500 from Jaipur and 5,140 from Gaya.

A total of 4,000 pilgrims from Chennai, 3,250 from Varanasi, 2,950 from Guwahati, 2,800 from Nagpur, 2,100 from Ranchi, 450 from Goa, 430 from Mangalore, 350 from Aurangabad and 254 from Bhopal will also visit Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.

As many as 1,28,002 pilgrims — including around 47 per cent females — will go on the Muslim pilgrimage through the Haj Committee of India while 47,023 will opt for the services of private tour operators.

The Minister said 355,604 applications were received for Haj this year, including 1,89,217 male and 1,66,387 female applicants.

He said at least Rs 57 crore less will be paid to airlines this year even after ending the Haj subsidy. A total of Rs 973 crore will be paid to airlines for 1,28,002 pilgrims.

Naqvi said that the Union government's decision to allow Haj pilgrims to choose the embarkation point most suited to them, instead of the earlier practice of fixing such a point for them, was benefiting those going to perform Haj.&nbsp

"Due to this new rule by the Union government, Haj pilgrims can board a flight from the airport most convenient for them. It has saved the government a lot of money," he added.&nbsp

The announcement comes after the Centre increased the total quota for the second time. It was also announced that women from India will go without a male companion for the first time

Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Sunday that a total of 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India will go on Haj this year without any subsidy, a first after Independence. The announcement comes after the Centre increased the total quota for the second time. It was also announced that women from India will go without a male companion for the first time. The total pilgrims this year include 19,000 pilgrims from Delhi, 14,500 from Lucknow, 14,200 from Mumbai, 11,700 from Cochin, 11,610 from Kolkata, 8,950 from Srinagar, 7,600 from Hyderabad, 6,700 from Ahmedabad, 5,550 from Bengaluru, 5,500 from Jaipur and 5,140 from Gaya. A total of 4,000 pilgrims from Chennai, 3,250 from Varanasi, 2,950 from Guwahati, 2,800 from Nagpur, 2,100 from Ranchi, 450 from Goa, 430 from Mangalore, 350 from Aurangabad and 254 from Bhopal will also visit Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. As many as 1,28,002 pilgrims — including around 47 per cent females — will go on the Muslim pilgrimage through the Haj Committee of India while 47,023 will opt for the services of private tour operators. The Minister said 355,604 applications were received for Haj this year, including 1,89,217 male and 1,66,387 female applicants. He said at least Rs 57 crore less will be paid to airlines this year even after ending the Haj subsidy. A total of Rs 973 crore will be paid to airlines for 1,28,002 pilgrims. Naqvi said that the Union government's decision to allow Haj pilgrims to choose the embarkation point most suited to them, instead of the earlier practice of fixing such a point for them, was benefiting those going to perform Haj. "Due to this new rule by the Union government, Haj pilgrims can board a flight from the airport most convenient for them. It has saved the government a lot of money," he added.

1.75 lakh pilgrims from India to go on Haj this year for the first time after Independence

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will add 779 more seats exclusively for women applicants in the new academic session this year.

Sayantani Saha, a student from IIT Kharagpur told ANI that the decision by the institutes will help in improving the problem of gender imbalance in the IITs.

"It will help the girl students to get the privilege of higher studies in premier technological institutes. It will also tackle the issue of gender imbalance in IITs," she said.

A decision in this regard was taken last year by the IIT Council but a final number of "supernumerary seats" have been announced now. The number of seats is likely to vary each year.

Of the 779 seats, the largest chunk of 113 seats, is with IIT Kharagpur, followed by IIT-Dhanbad (95 seats), IIT-Kanpur (79), IIT-BHU (76), IIT-Roorkee (68), IIT-Delhi (59), IIT-Bombay (58) and IIT Guwahati (57).

Hoping that the initiative will help in increasing the number of girls in the IITs, IIT Kharagpur faculty member Sudeshna Sarkar said, "Over the next few years, the percentage of girls will be hiked to 20 per cent."

"Additional supernumerary seats created over and above girls who were already coming in. Seats to be decided based on the number of girls already in the system. In the coming year, the target is to go up to 14 percent girls," she added.

Earlier, a survey conducted jointly by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Stanford University revealed that there are still not enough women in Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs).

Women are under-represented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields in top engineering institutions. But surprisingly, they are well-represented in non-elite institutes.&nbsp;

In a large-scale program to assess and improve the skills of engineering students in India, AICTE along with Stanford University is currently undertaking a three-phased survey in engineering institutes of the country. Based on the survey results, the Centre planned to introduce changes in technical education in India.

Currently, 9 per cent women are admitted at IIT Kharagpur and this year the seats increased to 14 per cent.

Women at the moment make up 9% of IIT Kharagpur's student body

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will add 779 more seats exclusively for women applicants in the new academic session this year. Sayantani Saha, a student from IIT Kharagpur told ANI that the decision by the institutes will help in improving the problem of gender imbalance in the IITs. "It will help the girl students to get the privilege of higher studies in premier technological institutes. It will also tackle the issue of gender imbalance in IITs," she said. A decision in this regard was taken last year by the IIT Council but a final number of "supernumerary seats" have been announced now. The number of seats is likely to vary each year. Of the 779 seats, the largest chunk of 113 seats, is with IIT Kharagpur, followed by IIT-Dhanbad (95 seats), IIT-Kanpur (79), IIT-BHU (76), IIT-Roorkee (68), IIT-Delhi (59), IIT-Bombay (58) and IIT Guwahati (57). Hoping that the initiative will help in increasing the number of girls in the IITs, IIT Kharagpur faculty member Sudeshna Sarkar said, "Over the next few years, the percentage of girls will be hiked to 20 per cent." "Additional supernumerary seats created over and above girls who were already coming in. Seats to be decided based on the number of girls already in the system. In the coming year, the target is to go up to 14 percent girls," she added. Earlier, a survey conducted jointly by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Stanford University revealed that there are still not enough women in Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs). Women are under-represented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields in top engineering institutions. But surprisingly, they are well-represented in non-elite institutes. In a large-scale program to assess and improve the skills of engineering students in India, AICTE along with Stanford University is currently undertaking a three-phased survey in engineering institutes of the country. Based on the survey results, the Centre planned to introduce changes in technical education in India. Currently, 9 per cent women are admitted at IIT Kharagpur and this year the seats increased to 14 per cent.

To improve gender imbalance, IITs to add 779 more seats exclusively for women

The father of a woman, who had alleged that she was raped by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and his accomplices, died in police custody, on Monday.

An inquiry has been ordered and two police officers and four constables&nbsp;suspended.

The woman's father was arrested on Sunday after the family attempted suicide outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's Lucknow residence.

"The man was admitted to the hospital last night after he complained of abdominal pain and vomiting. He passed away in the early morning hours. He was admitted to the hospital by the police," Dr Atul, District hospital, Unnao told ANI.

However, the relatives alleged that he was murdered in the jail by Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the BJP MLA from Unnao named as accused by the rape victim.

The woman and her family alleged that she was raped by the BJP MLA and his fellow accomplices on June 4 last year, but no action was taken.

The victim also said that she and her family were threatened after they had filed an FIR, which the Police had registered after stalling it for a year.

The family further alleged that the MLA's brother had thrashed the woman's father on April 3 for refusing to cancel the FIR, but the Police booked the father instead, and locked him up for a period of one year. Police have now arrested four persons accused of beating the father.

Sengar has denied the allegations and called it a conspiracy hatched by his political opponents.

"It's a conspiracy hatched by my political opponents to damage my reputation. I have no problems with any probe. Let a probe be conducted, and the guilty be given the stringent punishment. If I am found guilty in the probe, I am ready to face the punishment," Sengar told news agency PTI.

A probe into the rape case is underway and has been transferred to Lucknow.

The woman's father was arrested on Sunday after the family attempted suicide outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's Lucknow residence

The father of a woman, who had alleged that she was raped by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and his accomplices, died in police custody, on Monday. An inquiry has been ordered and two police officers and four constables suspended. The woman's father was arrested on Sunday after the family attempted suicide outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's Lucknow residence. "The man was admitted to the hospital last night after he complained of abdominal pain and vomiting. He passed away in the early morning hours. He was admitted to the hospital by the police," Dr Atul, District hospital, Unnao told ANI. However, the relatives alleged that he was murdered in the jail by Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the BJP MLA from Unnao named as accused by the rape victim. The woman and her family alleged that she was raped by the BJP MLA and his fellow accomplices on June 4 last year, but no action was taken. The victim also said that she and her family were threatened after they had filed an FIR, which the Police had registered after stalling it for a year. The family further alleged that the MLA's brother had thrashed the woman's father on April 3 for refusing to cancel the FIR, but the Police booked the father instead, and locked him up for a period of one year. Police have now arrested four persons accused of beating the father. Sengar has denied the allegations and called it a conspiracy hatched by his political opponents. "It's a conspiracy hatched by my political opponents to damage my reputation. I have no problems with any probe. Let a probe be conducted, and the guilty be given the stringent punishment. If I am found guilty in the probe, I am ready to face the punishment," Sengar told news agency PTI. A probe into the rape case is underway and has been transferred to Lucknow.

UP: Father of woman alleging rape by MLA dies in police custody, relatives say politician did it

Telangana Tourism Department welcomed four women bikers who successfully completed 'Road to Mekong', a 16,992-km long road trip covering six Southeast Asian countries starting from Hyderabad.

The team, led by Jai Bharathi, included Shilpa Balakrishnan, ASD Shanti and Piya Bahadur. They started their journey on February 11 and covered Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia successfully.

Their first international border crossing was on February 25 as they entered Myanmar after crossing Manipur. In India, the women bikers journeyed through Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur.

During the trip, the women held media conferences in each of the cities they halted at to speak about Telangana tourism.

The team focused on explaining Buddhist history of Telangana as they travelled across South Asian countries where the religion was popular.

The women were supported by the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) and Government of India in this initiative.

TSTDC Managing Director D. Manohar, while talking to ANI, congratulated the rider on their success and said during their journey the riders met people from various sections of society and explained them about Telangana tourism and incredible India.

"The rider`s team was also accompanied by four member`s production crew to document the entire expedition, Telangana tourism provided a mini couch with two drivers and ample Telangana tourism publicity material and 2 more members as supported," Manohar said.

"I am very happy that the women for this unique thing which no other state have done yet. The Telangana tourism with support others also coming up with such ideas," he added.

The rider first covered 15 states in India then entered Myanmar from Manipur, 13 days after starting the journey.

They started their journey on February 11 and covered Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia successfully

Telangana Tourism Department welcomed four women bikers who successfully completed 'Road to Mekong', a 16,992-km long road trip covering six Southeast Asian countries starting from Hyderabad. The team, led by Jai Bharathi, included Shilpa Balakrishnan, ASD Shanti and Piya Bahadur. They started their journey on February 11 and covered Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia successfully. Their first international border crossing was on February 25 as they entered Myanmar after crossing Manipur. In India, the women bikers journeyed through Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. During the trip, the women held media conferences in each of the cities they halted at to speak about Telangana tourism. The team focused on explaining Buddhist history of Telangana as they travelled across South Asian countries where the religion was popular. The women were supported by the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) and Government of India in this initiative. TSTDC Managing Director D. Manohar, while talking to ANI, congratulated the rider on their success and said during their journey the riders met people from various sections of society and explained them about Telangana tourism and incredible India. "The rider`s team was also accompanied by four member`s production crew to document the entire expedition, Telangana tourism provided a mini couch with two drivers and ample Telangana tourism publicity material and 2 more members as supported," Manohar said. "I am very happy that the women for this unique thing which no other state have done yet. The Telangana tourism with support others also coming up with such ideas," he added. The rider first covered 15 states in India then entered Myanmar from Manipur, 13 days after starting the journey.

Women bikers complete 17,000km journey promoting Telangana culture in South Asia

After losing the first game against Wales, Indian women's hockey team is back on track as they have thrashed team Malaysia by 4-1 in the second Pool A match on Friday at 21st Commonwealth Games.

Indian defender Gurjit Kaur converted two penalty corners (6th and 39th minute) to inspire the team to such a crucial victory also skipper Rani Rampal and Lalremsiami's scored the other two goals in the 56th and 59th minute respectively to solidify the win.

The Indian captain said, "It's quite a good result, in the second half we did much better. Malaysia played well in the first and second quarters and didn't give us much space."

She mentioned about the yesterday's loss to Wales and said, "Yesterday (Thursday 5 April) was quite a bad day, but in sport sometimes you lose and we now have to bounce back. Today our defensive structure was good and we played a controlled game."

Malaysian captain Siti Ruhani said that the team is guilt for giving away too many chances. While interacting with media she said, "This game was a close competitive match except for the last quarter. We gave them too many chances to score."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
FT. The Indian Eves put on a dominating show in their second match of the <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> Commonwealth Games in Australia on 6th April, as an imposing performance showed off their ability to take full control of a game.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HallaHockeyKa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HallaHockeyKa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvMAS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvMAS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/kHzw8gnTEl">pic.twitter.com/kHzw8gnTEl</a>
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/982143104751779841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Here are some moments captured from the Indian Eves’ dominating win against Malaysia in the second group stage match at the <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> XXI Commonwealth Games in Australia on 6th April. Album- <a href="https://t.co/j3W7qSLmCR">https://t.co/j3W7qSLmCR</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HallaHockeyKa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HallaHockeyKa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/r9dANHbxci">pic.twitter.com/r9dANHbxci</a>
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/982154343682945025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Indian women's hockey team is back on track as they have thrashed team Malaysia by 4-1 in the second Pool A match

After losing the first game against Wales, Indian women's hockey team is back on track as they have thrashed team Malaysia by 4-1 in the second Pool A match on Friday at 21st Commonwealth Games. Indian defender Gurjit Kaur converted two penalty corners (6th and 39th minute) to inspire the team to such a crucial victory also skipper Rani Rampal and Lalremsiami's scored the other two goals in the 56th and 59th minute respectively to solidify the win. The Indian captain said, "It's quite a good result, in the second half we did much better. Malaysia played well in the first and second quarters and didn't give us much space." She mentioned about the yesterday's loss to Wales and said, "Yesterday (Thursday 5 April) was quite a bad day, but in sport sometimes you lose and we now have to bounce back. Today our defensive structure was good and we played a controlled game." Malaysian captain Siti Ruhani said that the team is guilt for giving away too many chances. While interacting with media she said, "This game was a close competitive match except for the last quarter. We gave them too many chances to score." FT. The Indian Eves put on a dominating show in their second match of the @GC2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia on 6th April, as an imposing performance showed off their ability to take full control of a game.#IndiaKaGame #HallaHockeyKa #INDvMAS #GC2018 pic.twitter.com/kHzw8gnTEl — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) April 6, 2018 × Here are some moments captured from the Indian Eves’ dominating win against Malaysia in the second group stage match at the @GC2018 XXI Commonwealth Games in Australia on 6th April. Album- https://t.co/j3W7qSLmCR#IndiaKaGame #HallaHockeyKa #GC2018 pic.twitter.com/r9dANHbxci — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) April 6, 2018 ×

Commonwealth Games: Indian women bounce back, defeat Malaysia in 2nd hockey match

A 25-year-old woman and her two daughters were found dead in &nbsp;Rajasthan's Dungarpur district on Sunday.&nbsp;

The police have suspected a case of suicide. The mother, identified as Anita Koted, and her two daughters&nbsp;- three years and six years - were found death in their house.&nbsp;

The locals informed the police&nbsp;who reached the spot and took the charred bodies to the hospital, a police official informed.&nbsp;

The room was bolted from inside and the woman's husband had gone to work at that time, SHO of Sagwada police station Rameshwar Bhati said.

Prima facie, it appears to be a case of suicide. The matter is being investigated, the police said.

Last week, another woman had committed suicide along with her three-year-old daughter in Bikaner after her husband had died in an accident.&nbsp;

She committed suicide by hanging herself in her quarter at the police line. The deceased in her letter also expressed the desire to donate eyes of her daughter and herself.

The police have suspected a case of suicide. The mother, identified as Anita Koted, and her two daughters were - three years and six years - were found death in their house

A 25-year-old woman and her two daughters were found dead in Rajasthan's Dungarpur district on Sunday. The police have suspected a case of suicide. The mother, identified as Anita Koted, and her two daughters - three years and six years - were found death in their house. The locals informed the police who reached the spot and took the charred bodies to the hospital, a police official informed. The room was bolted from inside and the woman's husband had gone to work at that time, SHO of Sagwada police station Rameshwar Bhati said. Prima facie, it appears to be a case of suicide. The matter is being investigated, the police said. Last week, another woman had committed suicide along with her three-year-old daughter in Bikaner after her husband had died in an accident. She committed suicide by hanging herself in her quarter at the police line. The deceased in her letter also expressed the desire to donate eyes of her daughter and herself.

Woman, 2 daughters found charred to death, suicide suspected

Urban mobility, smart city, city branding - the latest buzz words in urban planning. We often fail to include the role of crime prevention, urban safety, and ample public spaces through environmental design. To address the same The Global Grid, organized a twitter event (#TheGlobalGrid) to discuss “Safety through Environmental Design” to ideate and develop suitable solutions to design public spaces for women and from the perspective of women.

My personal take on some of the pertinent questions on a safe city- “it’s indicators, design measures for a safe city, formulation of a cohesive community, gender approach in planning process and&nbsp elements that threaten the existence of a safe city” are provided herein below:

A safe city and its indicators:

The idea of a “Safe City” should not be limited to modern infrastructural development rather align with sustainable goals too. Along with safety measures namely: “CCTV Installation, street lights, employing women in police force and police stations, deploying emergency response team, prevention of cyber-crime, identifying hotspots, awareness campaigns via social media, live and women safety apps”, other indicators namely: “clean air, free from toxic agents, clean water, basic health requirement” should be part of “safe city” program.

Understanding a city’s structure, history, and design- its strength and weaknesses, without harming its ecology and unique features should be considered to build a safe city. Safe City’s agenda must include: health security, personal security and infrastructure, digital and cybersecurity, better family planning initiative and sensitizing public, promote wealth and economic development, better roads, equal focus on roads for car as well as pedestrians, intelligent lighting, sufficient energy supplies, well-lit streets, better transport system and disabled friendly city, public toilets.

In toto, appropriate measures to be taken in the field of “health, digital, infrastructure, and personal” safety.

Design measures required for a safe city:

Design measures to fulfill the urgent requirement to build a safe city. A city has to function smart for its citizens. A&nbsp safe city should be compact and well connected- better traffic flow, spaces for pedestrians, adoption of measures to launch better quality public transport, disabled friendly, designated waiting areas, study data to protect and detect problem areas (identify hotspots). Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) has proven to be a cost-effective measure to ensure safety.

To ensure optimal results, citizens with right assistance can participate and volunteer in urban planning and transform existing neighborhood. Create ample space for pedestrians, reduce the need for vehicles and public facilities with better urban design, maximize safety in health and personal security, engage stakeholders/civil societies, launch neighborhood watch program, understand the current demand of community- needs and requirements. Projects adopted should be feasible, cost-effective and avoid wasting money. Understanding our space and services needed for the community i.e, car parking, bike parking. The idea of “Urbanism” is not to destroy green spaces. Developers and planners should include green spaces and design friendly neighborhood for commercial as well as private property.&nbsp

Vienna in Austria (1999), conducted a study on the usage of public transport for men and women. The report suggested men completed the feedback form in no time. Whereas, women addressed a lot more practical issues.&nbsp Men use public transport only for official purposes (from office to home and vice versa). Women had broader demands, namely, “sidewalks, bus routes,&nbsp subway lines” to name a few. Women do not restrict their movement from home to office only. We are not a homogenous entity. The idea was to include men and women- “gender mainstreaming” to reshape the city. Design ensure safety measures and an optimal desired result can be achieved by including both the sexes for a metropolis to succeed.

In South Asia there are rampant instances of acid attack, chain snatching, knife attack/stabbing, women basically are encouraged to stay indoors at night. If cities are planned and well equipped with technology and environmental design, such risk can be significantly reduced.&nbsp

Ascertaining safe environment for a cohesive community:

We need to look beyond conventional measures to build safe cities. Mental, physical and social well-being can be assured in a healthy environment. A safe city is essential for the wellbeing of citizens. Community building exercises do help in the creation of a trusting network of relationships in the neighborhood. Often strong communities are well reciprocated, if these measures are encouraged- proactive participation, solutions to address local issues, harm minimisation strategy with the help of law enforcement, adopt preventive measures to handle risk factors like violence, injury, crime, early intervention and help risk-based groups, gender equity, recognising diversity and understanding of safety needs of men and women, proper design help reduce fear and crime. If these elements are inculcated, communities may develop strong ties and accountable.

A safe environment is definitely a good measure of community cohesion. Safe environment reduces fear and incidence of crime and improves the quality of life. For example, Melbourne, New York, and Tokyo are 24hours city, this has helped women participate in business and domestic affairs efficiently.

&nbspPractical Approaches:&nbsp

Theoretically, all the above-mentioned measures are good. However, for a pragmatic approach, the requirement of developing countries and developed countries has to be understood. In India, basic issues such as slum dwellers issues, street vendors, public toilets and sanitation issues, poverty, a risk of eviction should be resolved. The idea of cohesive community will fail to exist if grass root issues are not addressed. The big divide between rich and poor will not ensure “safe city”. Most of the time victims of rape, abuse, torture, and migrants often face hardship looking for a suitable house or neighborhood. The house owners do not wish to be associated with risk and taboo involved in any victim related case. Thus, to build a cohesive community, such issues should be addressed.

Engaging women and residents, collect relevant data (R&D) for town planning, mixed-used neighborhood to cut down crime,&nbsp homelessness- the idea is to make cities liveable, involve women, community leaders in city planning. Women, children, and senior citizens are at risk often vulnerable, if these risks are analyzed and basic security through environmental design, technology, and zoning laws are set in place, lot more can be achieved.

Dark alley, the absence of street lights, functional CCTV, better pathways for pedestrians,&nbsp public transport, the absence of a functional 24-hour city- these features posing as a threat to our movement should be curbed immediately.

Will gender approach to safe city planning help reduce crime?

Gender equity is urgently needed to achieve social justice goal. The idea is to be fair to both the sexes. It helps understand the strategy required to identify the needs and requirement of both the sexes.&nbsp

We women do not enjoy much of public spaces (depends from country to country). To ascertain our territory/space -private and public, gender-based approach must be encouraged. We should be able to move around freely at any time- perform our regular chores, go to work, live life fully and why not, it’s 2018?

Gender approach is a systematic way to safe city planning, as it is more inclusive and do not represent women as “second-class citizen”. Women can equally participate in sectors like business, finance, politics, private/public sector jobs. The inclusion of women is fundamental to a holistic city-wide urban safety and public spaces.&nbsp

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp

The idea of a 'Safe City' should not be limited to modern infrastructural development rather align with sustainable goals too

Urban mobility, smart city, city branding - the latest buzz words in urban planning. We often fail to include the role of crime prevention, urban safety, and ample public spaces through environmental design. To address the same The Global Grid, organized a twitter event (#TheGlobalGrid) to discuss “Safety through Environmental Design” to ideate and develop suitable solutions to design public spaces for women and from the perspective of women. My personal take on some of the pertinent questions on a safe city- “it’s indicators, design measures for a safe city, formulation of a cohesive community, gender approach in planning process and elements that threaten the existence of a safe city” are provided herein below: A safe city and its indicators: The idea of a “Safe City” should not be limited to modern infrastructural development rather align with sustainable goals too. Along with safety measures namely: “CCTV Installation, street lights, employing women in police force and police stations, deploying emergency response team, prevention of cyber-crime, identifying hotspots, awareness campaigns via social media, live and women safety apps”, other indicators namely: “clean air, free from toxic agents, clean water, basic health requirement” should be part of “safe city” program. Understanding a city’s structure, history, and design- its strength and weaknesses, without harming its ecology and unique features should be considered to build a safe city. Safe City’s agenda must include: health security, personal security and infrastructure, digital and cybersecurity, better family planning initiative and sensitizing public, promote wealth and economic development, better roads, equal focus on roads for car as well as pedestrians, intelligent lighting, sufficient energy supplies, well-lit streets, better transport system and disabled friendly city, public toilets. In toto, appropriate measures to be taken in the field of “health, digital, infrastructure, and personal” safety. Design measures required for a safe city: Design measures to fulfill the urgent requirement to build a safe city. A city has to function smart for its citizens. A safe city should be compact and well connected- better traffic flow, spaces for pedestrians, adoption of measures to launch better quality public transport, disabled friendly, designated waiting areas, study data to protect and detect problem areas (identify hotspots). Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) has proven to be a cost-effective measure to ensure safety. To ensure optimal results, citizens with right assistance can participate and volunteer in urban planning and transform existing neighborhood. Create ample space for pedestrians, reduce the need for vehicles and public facilities with better urban design, maximize safety in health and personal security, engage stakeholders/civil societies, launch neighborhood watch program, understand the current demand of community- needs and requirements. Projects adopted should be feasible, cost-effective and avoid wasting money. Understanding our space and services needed for the community i.e, car parking, bike parking. The idea of “Urbanism” is not to destroy green spaces. Developers and planners should include green spaces and design friendly neighborhood for commercial as well as private property. Vienna in Austria (1999), conducted a study on the usage of public transport for men and women. The report suggested men completed the feedback form in no time. Whereas, women addressed a lot more practical issues. Men use public transport only for official purposes (from office to home and vice versa). Women had broader demands, namely, “sidewalks, bus routes, subway lines” to name a few. Women do not restrict their movement from home to office only. We are not a homogenous entity. The idea was to include men and women- “gender mainstreaming” to reshape the city. Design ensure safety measures and an optimal desired result can be achieved by including both the sexes for a metropolis to succeed. In South Asia there are rampant instances of acid attack, chain snatching, knife attack/stabbing, women basically are encouraged to stay indoors at night. If cities are planned and well equipped with technology and environmental design, such risk can be significantly reduced. Ascertaining safe environment for a cohesive community: We need to look beyond conventional measures to build safe cities. Mental, physical and social well-being can be assured in a healthy environment. A safe city is essential for the wellbeing of citizens. Community building exercises do help in the creation of a trusting network of relationships in the neighborhood. Often strong communities are well reciprocated, if these measures are encouraged- proactive participation, solutions to address local issues, harm minimisation strategy with the help of law enforcement, adopt preventive measures to handle risk factors like violence, injury, crime, early intervention and help risk-based groups, gender equity, recognising diversity and understanding of safety needs of men and women, proper design help reduce fear and crime. If these elements are inculcated, communities may develop strong ties and accountable. A safe environment is definitely a good measure of community cohesion. Safe environment reduces fear and incidence of crime and improves the quality of life. For example, Melbourne, New York, and Tokyo are 24hours city, this has helped women participate in business and domestic affairs efficiently. &nbspPractical Approaches: Theoretically, all the above-mentioned measures are good. However, for a pragmatic approach, the requirement of developing countries and developed countries has to be understood. In India, basic issues such as slum dwellers issues, street vendors, public toilets and sanitation issues, poverty, a risk of eviction should be resolved. The idea of cohesive community will fail to exist if grass root issues are not addressed. The big divide between rich and poor will not ensure “safe city”. Most of the time victims of rape, abuse, torture, and migrants often face hardship looking for a suitable house or neighborhood. The house owners do not wish to be associated with risk and taboo involved in any victim related case. Thus, to build a cohesive community, such issues should be addressed. Engaging women and residents, collect relevant data (R&D) for town planning, mixed-used neighborhood to cut down crime, homelessness- the idea is to make cities liveable, involve women, community leaders in city planning. Women, children, and senior citizens are at risk often vulnerable, if these risks are analyzed and basic security through environmental design, technology, and zoning laws are set in place, lot more can be achieved. Dark alley, the absence of street lights, functional CCTV, better pathways for pedestrians, public transport, the absence of a functional 24-hour city- these features posing as a threat to our movement should be curbed immediately. Will gender approach to safe city planning help reduce crime? Gender equity is urgently needed to achieve social justice goal. The idea is to be fair to both the sexes. It helps understand the strategy required to identify the needs and requirement of both the sexes. We women do not enjoy much of public spaces (depends from country to country). To ascertain our territory/space -private and public, gender-based approach must be encouraged. We should be able to move around freely at any time- perform our regular chores, go to work, live life fully and why not, it’s 2018? Gender approach is a systematic way to safe city planning, as it is more inclusive and do not represent women as “second-class citizen”. Women can equally participate in sectors like business, finance, politics, private/public sector jobs. The inclusion of women is fundamental to a holistic city-wide urban safety and public spaces. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: The idea of a safe city for women - reality or fictitious?

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