By&nbspTamar Carrol*,&nbspLara Nicosia**

Movements like #MeToo are drawing increased attention to the systemic discrimination facing women in a range of professional fields, from Hollywood and journalism to banking and government.

Discrimination is also a problem on user-driven sites like Wikipedia. Wikipedia is the fifth most popular website worldwide. In January, the English-language version of the online encyclopedia had over 7.3 billion page views, more than 2000 percent higher than other online reference sites.&nbsp

The volume of traffic on Wikipedia’s site – coupled with its integration into search results and digital assistants like Alexa and Siri – makes Wikipedia the predominant source of information on the web. YouTube even recently announced that it would start including Wikipedia links below videos on highly contested topics. But studies show that Wikipedia underrepresents content on women.

At the Rochester Institute of Technology, we’re taking steps to empower our students and our global community to address issues of gender bias on Wikipedia.

Signs of bias

Driven by a cohort of over 33 million volunteer editors, Wikipedia’s content can change in almost real time. That makes it a prime resource for current events, popular culture, sports and other evolving topics.

But relying on volunteers leads to systemic biases – both in content creation and improvement. A 2013 study estimated that women only accounted for 16.1 percent of Wikipedia’s total editor base. Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales believes that number has not changed much since then, despite several organized efforts.

If women don’t actively edit Wikipedia at the same rate as men, topics of interest to women are at risk of receiving disproportionately low coverage. One study found that Wikipedia’s coverage of women was more comprehensive than Encyclopedia Britannica online, but entries on women still constituted less than 30 percent of biographical coverage. Entries on women also more frequently link to entries on men than vice-versa and are more likely to include information on romantic relationships and family roles.

What’s more, Wikipedia’s policies state that all content must be “attributable to a reliable, published source.” Since women throughout history have been less represented in published literature than men, it can be challenging to find reliable published sources on women.

An obituary in a paper of record is often a criterion for inclusion as a biographical entry in Wikipedia. So it should be no surprise that women are underrepresented as subjects in this vast online encyclopedia. As The New York Times itself noted, its obituaries since 1851 “have been dominated by white men” – an oversight the paper now hopes to address through its “Overlooked” series.

Categorization can also be an issue. In 2013, a New York Times op-ed revealed that some editors had moved women’s entries from gender-neutral categories (e.g., “American novelists”) to gender-focused subcategories (e.g., “American women novelists”).&nbsp

Wikipedia is not the only online resource that suffers from such biases. The user-contributed online mapping service OpenStreetMap is also more heavily edited by men. On GitHub, an online development platform, women’s contributions have a higher acceptance rate than men, but a study showed that the rate drops noticeably when the contributor could be identified as a woman through their username or profile image.

Gender bias is also an ongoing issue in content development and search algorithms. Google Translate has been shown to overuse masculine pronouns and, for a time, LinkedIn recommended men’s names in search results when users searched for a woman.

What can be done?

The solution to systemic biases that plague the web remains unclear. But libraries, museums, individual editors and the Wikimedia Foundation itself continue to make efforts to improve gender representation on sites such as Wikipedia.

Organized edit-a-thons can create a community around editing and developing underrepresented content. Edit-a-thons aim to increase the number of active female editors on Wikipedia, while empowering participants to edit entries on women during the event and into the future.

Later this month, our university library will host its second annual Women on Wikipedia Edit-a-thon in celebration of Women’s History Month. The goal is to improve the content on at least 100 women in one afternoon.

For the past four years, students in our school’s American Women’s and Gender History course have worked to create new or substantially edit existing Wikipedia entries about women. One student created an entry on deaf-blind pioneer Geraldine Lawhorn, while another added roughly 1,500 words to jazz artist Blanche Calloway’s entry.

This class was supported by the Wikimedia Education Program, which encourages educators and students to contribute to Wikipedia in academic settings.

Through this assignment, students can immediately see how their efforts contribute to the larger conversation around women’s history topics. One student said that it was “the most meaningful assignment she had” as an undergraduate.

Other efforts to address gender bias on Wikipedia include Wikipedia’s Inspire Campaign organized editing communities such as Women in Red and Wikipedia’s Teahouse and the National Science Foundation’s Collaborative Research grant.

Wikipedia’s dependence on volunteer editors has resulted in several systemic issues, but it also offers an opportunity for self-correction. Organized efforts help to give voice to women previously ignored by other resources.&nbsp

*Tamar Carroll is an&nbspAssociate Professor of History at Rochester Institute of Technology&nbsp

**Lara Nicosia is a liberal Arts Librarian at&nbspRochester Institute of Technology

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Libraries, museums, individual editors and the Wikimedia Foundation itself continue to make efforts to improve gender representation on sites such as Wikipedia

By&nbspTamar Carrol*,&nbspLara Nicosia** Movements like #MeToo are drawing increased attention to the systemic discrimination facing women in a range of professional fields, from Hollywood and journalism to banking and government. Discrimination is also a problem on user-driven sites like Wikipedia. Wikipedia is the fifth most popular website worldwide. In January, the English-language version of the online encyclopedia had over 7.3 billion page views, more than 2000 percent higher than other online reference sites. The volume of traffic on Wikipedia’s site – coupled with its integration into search results and digital assistants like Alexa and Siri – makes Wikipedia the predominant source of information on the web. YouTube even recently announced that it would start including Wikipedia links below videos on highly contested topics. But studies show that Wikipedia underrepresents content on women. At the Rochester Institute of Technology, we’re taking steps to empower our students and our global community to address issues of gender bias on Wikipedia. Signs of bias Driven by a cohort of over 33 million volunteer editors, Wikipedia’s content can change in almost real time. That makes it a prime resource for current events, popular culture, sports and other evolving topics. But relying on volunteers leads to systemic biases – both in content creation and improvement. A 2013 study estimated that women only accounted for 16.1 percent of Wikipedia’s total editor base. Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales believes that number has not changed much since then, despite several organized efforts. If women don’t actively edit Wikipedia at the same rate as men, topics of interest to women are at risk of receiving disproportionately low coverage. One study found that Wikipedia’s coverage of women was more comprehensive than Encyclopedia Britannica online, but entries on women still constituted less than 30 percent of biographical coverage. Entries on women also more frequently link to entries on men than vice-versa and are more likely to include information on romantic relationships and family roles. What’s more, Wikipedia’s policies state that all content must be “attributable to a reliable, published source.” Since women throughout history have been less represented in published literature than men, it can be challenging to find reliable published sources on women. An obituary in a paper of record is often a criterion for inclusion as a biographical entry in Wikipedia. So it should be no surprise that women are underrepresented as subjects in this vast online encyclopedia. As The New York Times itself noted, its obituaries since 1851 “have been dominated by white men” – an oversight the paper now hopes to address through its “Overlooked” series. Categorization can also be an issue. In 2013, a New York Times op-ed revealed that some editors had moved women’s entries from gender-neutral categories (e.g., “American novelists”) to gender-focused subcategories (e.g., “American women novelists”). Wikipedia is not the only online resource that suffers from such biases. The user-contributed online mapping service OpenStreetMap is also more heavily edited by men. On GitHub, an online development platform, women’s contributions have a higher acceptance rate than men, but a study showed that the rate drops noticeably when the contributor could be identified as a woman through their username or profile image. Gender bias is also an ongoing issue in content development and search algorithms. Google Translate has been shown to overuse masculine pronouns and, for a time, LinkedIn recommended men’s names in search results when users searched for a woman. What can be done? The solution to systemic biases that plague the web remains unclear. But libraries, museums, individual editors and the Wikimedia Foundation itself continue to make efforts to improve gender representation on sites such as Wikipedia. Organized edit-a-thons can create a community around editing and developing underrepresented content. Edit-a-thons aim to increase the number of active female editors on Wikipedia, while empowering participants to edit entries on women during the event and into the future. Later this month, our university library will host its second annual Women on Wikipedia Edit-a-thon in celebration of Women’s History Month. The goal is to improve the content on at least 100 women in one afternoon. For the past four years, students in our school’s American Women’s and Gender History course have worked to create new or substantially edit existing Wikipedia entries about women. One student created an entry on deaf-blind pioneer Geraldine Lawhorn, while another added roughly 1,500 words to jazz artist Blanche Calloway’s entry. This class was supported by the Wikimedia Education Program, which encourages educators and students to contribute to Wikipedia in academic settings. Through this assignment, students can immediately see how their efforts contribute to the larger conversation around women’s history topics. One student said that it was “the most meaningful assignment she had” as an undergraduate. Other efforts to address gender bias on Wikipedia include Wikipedia’s Inspire Campaign organized editing communities such as Women in Red and Wikipedia’s Teahouse and the National Science Foundation’s Collaborative Research grant. Wikipedia’s dependence on volunteer editors has resulted in several systemic issues, but it also offers an opportunity for self-correction. Organized efforts help to give voice to women previously ignored by other resources. *Tamar Carroll is an&nbspAssociate Professor of History at Rochester Institute of Technology **Lara Nicosia is a liberal Arts Librarian at&nbspRochester Institute of Technology (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why Wikipedia often overlooks stories of women in history

Indian women have been scaling new heights in the field of sports and brought laurels to the country in the last few years. The ZEE News FAIRPLAY - a special day for women achievers in the field of sports - has recognised and honoured the special achievement and extraordinary feats by Indian women in the field of sports. The ZEE News FAIRPLAY is about inspiration, which is the key to everything we do.

Union minister for information and broadcasting Smriti Zubin Irani, Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State Telecom and Railways Manoj Sinha and Minister of State Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel graced the occasion. The glittering function was well attended and took place at The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi.

Smriti Irani, Manoj Sinha and Prakash Javadekar lauded the winners and pointed out India has changed a lot in the last few years.

&quot;Women are coming forward in the sporting arena and it is a welcome development. It is a great sign for our country that our women athletes are winning on the world stage,&quot; said Irani.

Javadekar thanked Zee Media for the event and said that all the awardees have struggled a lot to reach the pinnacle of their sport. He added that their stories are an inspiration for the entire country.

Manoj Sinha and Anupriya Patel spoke about the hard work and tough training followed by the awardees. They expressed hope that all the athletes will continue to do well and bring more laurels for the country.

&quot;Women athletes have to face a lot of discrimination and they are generally treated as being inferior to the men. But this is not the case. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking a personal interest in ensuring we do well in sports. We have launched Khelo India too. We have made a good beginning.

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Women are more powerful and dedicated than men: Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Zee Group (Zee News Network)
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It is time to say &#39;kheloge to khiloge&#39;,&quot; said Anupriya Patel. Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subhash Chandra expressed his happiness at women sportsperson basking in the limelight.

&quot;It is great pleasure for me that Zee Media is felicitating sportswomen. Women are more powerful and dedicated than men. In our society, the men have always looked down upon women. But women are not weak. We will strive to bring more sportswomen forward,&quot; said Dr Chandra.

List of Awardees:

Anjali Bhagwat: The rifle shooter is the first Indian to win at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Champion of Champions combined-air-rifle event when she emerged victorious in the 2002 edition. Anjali was the World Number One in 10m Air Rifle in 2002 and won her first World Cup Final in Milan, in 2003.

Anjali has represented India in three consecutive Olympics. She was a&nbsp;wildcard entry in the 2000 Sydney Olympics but reached the final, a first for an Indian women shooter. She dominated Commonwealth Games in the 10m Air Rifle and Sports Rifle 3P events and won 12 gold and four silver medals. She has won 31 gold, 23 silver and seven bronze medals in international competitions.

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Anjali Bhagwat is the first Indian to win at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Champion of Champions combined-air-rifle event (Zee News Network)
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Saina Nehwal: The 28-year-old is a household name and synonymous with women badminton in the country. She is a former World Number 1 and has represented India in three Olympics - Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016. She won the bronze medal at the London Olympics. She has over 23 international titles in her kitty. The government has honoured her with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and the Padma Bhushan.

Sania Mirza: The girl from Hyderabad showed the world that Indian women tennis players can compete with the best. Sania Mirza played in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events, and became the World Number 1 women&#39;s doubles player. She retired from singles in 2013. She became the highest-ranked Indian women player ever when she achieved the World Number 27 in 2007.

She represented India in three Olympics - 2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio. The government has conferred on her the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Padma Bhushan.

PV Sindhu: Another Hyderabad link to women sports, Pusarla Venkata Sindhu is the second badminton player after Saina to achieve success on the world stage. She won the silver medal at 2016 Rio Olympics, a first for an Indian woman. She and Saina are the only two Indian badminton players to ever win an Olympic medal. She has been consistently ranked among the top five women badminton players in the world and has defeated every top-ranked player.

Deepa Malik: She is the first Indian woman to win a medal in Paralympic Games when she bagged a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics in the shot put. She also has a gold medal in F-53/54 Javelin event at the para athletic Grand Prix held in Dubai in 2018. Coming from the defence background - her father is Colonel (retd) BK Nagpal and husband is Colonel Bikram Singh - she is currently the World Number one in F-53 category. She has been honoured with the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri.

Dipa Karmakar: She is the first Indian women to represent the country at an Olympic Games in gymnastics when she took part in the 2016 Rio Games. The girl from Agartala is also the first Indian gymnast to do so after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. She finished a credible fourth in Women&#39;s Vault event at Rio. Dipa Karmakar is one of the only five women who has successfully landed the Produnova, the most difficult vault currently performed in women&#39;s gymnastics. She has been honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri.

MC Mary Kom: Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom has achieved what no other Indian sportsperson has. The boxer from Manipur is a five-time World Amateur Boxing champion. She is also the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the six world championships. She won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the flyweight (51 kg) category. She was nominated by the President of India as a member of the Rajya Sabha on April 26, 2016. She has been honoured by the Padma Bhushan, Arjuna Award, Padma Shri and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Karnam Malleswari: The former Indian women weightlifter is the first in the history of Indian Olympics to win a medal. The woman from Andhra Pradesh received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 1995 and Padma Shri in 1999.

Krishna Poonia: Born in Haryana&#39;s Agroha village in 1982, Krishna Poonia is a discus thrower. She won the bronze in 2006 Doha Asian Games and gold in the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. She has been honoured with Padma Shri in 2011. She has represented India at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Games.

Sakshi Malik: The freestyle wrestler won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 58 kg category. She is the first female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics for India and only the fourth female Olympic medallist from the country. She has also won the silver medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2015 Doha Asian Wrestling Championships.

Anju Bobby George: She was a heptathlon athlete, to begin with but soon moved to long jump. The 41-year-old made history when she won the long jump bronze medal at the 2003 Paris World Athletics Championships. It was the first time that an Indian athlete had won a medal in a World Athletics Championships. She also bagged the gold at the IAAF World Athletics Final in 2005. She took part in the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2008 Beijing Games, She was awarded the Arjuna Award 
in 2002.

Sunil Dabas: Not a very popular name, Sunil Dabas&#39;s contribution in no less. She has coached the Indian national female Kabbadi team. Her team has won gold medals in the 2010 Asian Games and the 2012 World Cup 2012.She was hounored with the Dronacharya Award in 2012 and Padma Shri in 2014.

Indian Women Cricket Team: From the time India&#39;s women&#39;s cricket came under the wings of BCCI, the team has turned a new chapter of success. The Indian team ended up runners-up in the 2017&nbsp;World Cup in England, losing the final by a narrow margin. Recently, India won the T20 series 3-1 in South Africa and players such as Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana became role models for many a young player. Mithali has also been the highest runscorer in ODI cricket. Harmanpreet and Mandhana have showcased their talent in the Australian Big Bash League too. Harmanpreet has impressed the Aussies with his six-hitting ability.

Indian Women Hockey Team: Led by Rani Rampal, the hockey team recently lifted the Asia Cup for the first time after 2004. While they might still struggle at the world stage, the Indian team has been unparalleled in the Asian circuit. In 2016, the team won their first Asian Champions Trophy and finished the season on a strong note. In the last Asiad, the team won the bronze medal. The team has won gold in the 2002 Commonwealth Games, ended runners-up in 2006 and finished in top five in 2010 and 2014. With the FIH World Cup going to be played later this year, the in-form team has qualified and are touted as a strong contender.

Smriti Irani, Manoj Sinha and Prakash Javadekar lauded the winners and pointed out India has changed a lot in the last few years.

Indian women have been scaling new heights in the field of sports and brought laurels to the country in the last few years. The ZEE News FAIRPLAY - a special day for women achievers in the field of sports - has recognised and honoured the special achievement and extraordinary feats by Indian women in the field of sports. The ZEE News FAIRPLAY is about inspiration, which is the key to everything we do. Union minister for information and broadcasting Smriti Zubin Irani, Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State Telecom and Railways Manoj Sinha and Minister of State Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel graced the occasion. The glittering function was well attended and took place at The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. Smriti Irani, Manoj Sinha and Prakash Javadekar lauded the winners and pointed out India has changed a lot in the last few years. "Women are coming forward in the sporting arena and it is a welcome development. It is a great sign for our country that our women athletes are winning on the world stage," said Irani. Javadekar thanked Zee Media for the event and said that all the awardees have struggled a lot to reach the pinnacle of their sport. He added that their stories are an inspiration for the entire country. Manoj Sinha and Anupriya Patel spoke about the hard work and tough training followed by the awardees. They expressed hope that all the athletes will continue to do well and bring more laurels for the country. "Women athletes have to face a lot of discrimination and they are generally treated as being inferior to the men. But this is not the case. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking a personal interest in ensuring we do well in sports. We have launched Khelo India too. We have made a good beginning. Women are more powerful and dedicated than men: Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Zee Group (Zee News Network) × It is time to say 'kheloge to khiloge'," said Anupriya Patel. Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subhash Chandra expressed his happiness at women sportsperson basking in the limelight. "It is great pleasure for me that Zee Media is felicitating sportswomen. Women are more powerful and dedicated than men. In our society, the men have always looked down upon women. But women are not weak. We will strive to bring more sportswomen forward," said Dr Chandra. List of Awardees: Anjali Bhagwat: The rifle shooter is the first Indian to win at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Champion of Champions combined-air-rifle event when she emerged victorious in the 2002 edition. Anjali was the World Number One in 10m Air Rifle in 2002 and won her first World Cup Final in Milan, in 2003. Anjali has represented India in three consecutive Olympics. She was a wildcard entry in the 2000 Sydney Olympics but reached the final, a first for an Indian women shooter. She dominated Commonwealth Games in the 10m Air Rifle and Sports Rifle 3P events and won 12 gold and four silver medals. She has won 31 gold, 23 silver and seven bronze medals in international competitions. Anjali Bhagwat is the first Indian to win at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Champion of Champions combined-air-rifle event (Zee News Network) × Saina Nehwal: The 28-year-old is a household name and synonymous with women badminton in the country. She is a former World Number 1 and has represented India in three Olympics - Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016. She won the bronze medal at the London Olympics. She has over 23 international titles in her kitty. The government has honoured her with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and the Padma Bhushan. Sania Mirza: The girl from Hyderabad showed the world that Indian women tennis players can compete with the best. Sania Mirza played in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events, and became the World Number 1 women's doubles player. She retired from singles in 2013. She became the highest-ranked Indian women player ever when she achieved the World Number 27 in 2007. She represented India in three Olympics - 2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio. The government has conferred on her the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Padma Bhushan. PV Sindhu: Another Hyderabad link to women sports, Pusarla Venkata Sindhu is the second badminton player after Saina to achieve success on the world stage. She won the silver medal at 2016 Rio Olympics, a first for an Indian woman. She and Saina are the only two Indian badminton players to ever win an Olympic medal. She has been consistently ranked among the top five women badminton players in the world and has defeated every top-ranked player. Deepa Malik: She is the first Indian woman to win a medal in Paralympic Games when she bagged a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics in the shot put. She also has a gold medal in F-53/54 Javelin event at the para athletic Grand Prix held in Dubai in 2018. Coming from the defence background - her father is Colonel (retd) BK Nagpal and husband is Colonel Bikram Singh - she is currently the World Number one in F-53 category. She has been honoured with the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri. Dipa Karmakar: She is the first Indian women to represent the country at an Olympic Games in gymnastics when she took part in the 2016 Rio Games. The girl from Agartala is also the first Indian gymnast to do so after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. She finished a credible fourth in Women's Vault event at Rio. Dipa Karmakar is one of the only five women who has successfully landed the Produnova, the most difficult vault currently performed in women's gymnastics. She has been honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri. MC Mary Kom: Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom has achieved what no other Indian sportsperson has. The boxer from Manipur is a five-time World Amateur Boxing champion. She is also the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the six world championships. She won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the flyweight (51 kg) category. She was nominated by the President of India as a member of the Rajya Sabha on April 26, 2016. She has been honoured by the Padma Bhushan, Arjuna Award, Padma Shri and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Karnam Malleswari: The former Indian women weightlifter is the first in the history of Indian Olympics to win a medal. The woman from Andhra Pradesh received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 1995 and Padma Shri in 1999. Krishna Poonia: Born in Haryana's Agroha village in 1982, Krishna Poonia is a discus thrower. She won the bronze in 2006 Doha Asian Games and gold in the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. She has been honoured with Padma Shri in 2011. She has represented India at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Games. Sakshi Malik: The freestyle wrestler won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 58 kg category. She is the first female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics for India and only the fourth female Olympic medallist from the country. She has also won the silver medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2015 Doha Asian Wrestling Championships. Anju Bobby George: She was a heptathlon athlete, to begin with but soon moved to long jump. The 41-year-old made history when she won the long jump bronze medal at the 2003 Paris World Athletics Championships. It was the first time that an Indian athlete had won a medal in a World Athletics Championships. She also bagged the gold at the IAAF World Athletics Final in 2005. She took part in the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2008 Beijing Games, She was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2002. Sunil Dabas: Not a very popular name, Sunil Dabas's contribution in no less. She has coached the Indian national female Kabbadi team. Her team has won gold medals in the 2010 Asian Games and the 2012 World Cup 2012.She was hounored with the Dronacharya Award in 2012 and Padma Shri in 2014. Indian Women Cricket Team: From the time India's women's cricket came under the wings of BCCI, the team has turned a new chapter of success. The Indian team ended up runners-up in the 2017 World Cup in England, losing the final by a narrow margin. Recently, India won the T20 series 3-1 in South Africa and players such as Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana became role models for many a young player. Mithali has also been the highest runscorer in ODI cricket. Harmanpreet and Mandhana have showcased their talent in the Australian Big Bash League too. Harmanpreet has impressed the Aussies with his six-hitting ability. Indian Women Hockey Team: Led by Rani Rampal, the hockey team recently lifted the Asia Cup for the first time after 2004. While they might still struggle at the world stage, the Indian team has been unparalleled in the Asian circuit. In 2016, the team won their first Asian Champions Trophy and finished the season on a strong note. In the last Asiad, the team won the bronze medal. The team has won gold in the 2002 Commonwealth Games, ended runners-up in 2006 and finished in top five in 2010 and 2014. With the FIH World Cup going to be played later this year, the in-form team has qualified and are touted as a strong contender.

ZEE News honours Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal among other sportswomen

As the country celebrates the spring festival of Gudi Padwa, Mumbai witnessed a colourful parade of women bikers clad in traditional Marathi attire to commemorate the new year for Marathi Hindus.

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Women ride two wheelers wearing traditional Maharashtrian sarees in Mumbai&#39;s Girgaon during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GudiPadwa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GudiPadwa</a> celebrations. <a href="https://t.co/V8o4ng927Q">pic.twitter.com/V8o4ng927Q</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975275116249649152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Women in Mumbai&#39;s Girgaon area took to the streets, riding two-wheelers in traditional Maharashtrian sarees. Some pinions carried elaborate parasols to save themselves from the scorching heat and add more drama to their grand avatar.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Women ride two wheelers wearing traditional Maharashtrian sarees in Mumbai&#39;s Girgaon during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GudiPadwa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GudiPadwa</a> celebrations. <a href="https://t.co/jUVk0lSXhP">pic.twitter.com/jUVk0lSXhP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975277345090293761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Every year, Gudi Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra and adjoining regions on the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calender.&nbsp;

The day marks the onset of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar.&nbsp;

The day marks the onset of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar

As the country celebrates the spring festival of Gudi Padwa, Mumbai witnessed a colourful parade of women bikers clad in traditional Marathi attire to commemorate the new year for Marathi Hindus. Women ride two wheelers wearing traditional Maharashtrian sarees in Mumbai's Girgaon during #GudiPadwa celebrations. pic.twitter.com/V8o4ng927Q — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × Women in Mumbai's Girgaon area took to the streets, riding two-wheelers in traditional Maharashtrian sarees. Some pinions carried elaborate parasols to save themselves from the scorching heat and add more drama to their grand avatar. #WATCH: Women ride two wheelers wearing traditional Maharashtrian sarees in Mumbai's Girgaon during #GudiPadwa celebrations. pic.twitter.com/jUVk0lSXhP — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × Every year, Gudi Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra and adjoining regions on the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calender. The day marks the onset of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar.

Mumbai: Saree-clad biker women take to streets to celebrate Gudi Padwa

By&nbsp;Tamar Carrol*,&nbsp;Lara Nicosia**

Movements like #MeToo are drawing increased attention to the systemic discrimination facing women in a range of professional fields, from Hollywood and journalism to banking and government.

Discrimination is also a problem on user-driven sites like Wikipedia. Wikipedia is the fifth most popular website worldwide. In January, the English-language version of the online encyclopedia had over 7.3 billion page views, more than 2000 percent higher than other online reference sites.&nbsp;

The volume of traffic on Wikipedia&rsquo;s site &ndash; coupled with its integration into search results and digital assistants like Alexa and Siri &ndash; makes Wikipedia the predominant source of information on the web. YouTube even recently announced that it would start including Wikipedia links below videos on highly contested topics. But studies show that Wikipedia underrepresents content on women.

At the Rochester Institute of Technology, we&rsquo;re taking steps to empower our students and our global community to address issues of gender bias on Wikipedia.

Signs of bias

Driven by a cohort of over 33 million volunteer editors, Wikipedia&rsquo;s content can change in almost real time. That makes it a prime resource for current events, popular culture, sports and other evolving topics.

But relying on volunteers leads to systemic biases &ndash; both in content creation and improvement. A 2013 study estimated that women only accounted for 16.1 percent of Wikipedia&rsquo;s total editor base. Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales believes that number has not changed much since then, despite several organized efforts.

If women don&rsquo;t actively edit Wikipedia at the same rate as men, topics of interest to women are at risk of receiving disproportionately low coverage. One study found that Wikipedia&rsquo;s coverage of women was more comprehensive than Encyclopedia Britannica online, but entries on women still constituted less than 30 percent of biographical coverage. Entries on women also more frequently link to entries on men than vice-versa and are more likely to include information on romantic relationships and family roles.

What&rsquo;s more, Wikipedia&rsquo;s policies state that all content must be &ldquo;attributable to a reliable, published source.&rdquo; Since women throughout history have been less represented in published literature than men, it can be challenging to find reliable published sources on women.

An obituary in a paper of record is often a criterion for inclusion as a biographical entry in Wikipedia. So it should be no surprise that women are underrepresented as subjects in this vast online encyclopedia. As The New York Times itself noted, its obituaries since 1851 &ldquo;have been dominated by white men&rdquo; &ndash; an oversight the paper now hopes to address through its &ldquo;Overlooked&rdquo; series.

Categorization can also be an issue. In 2013, a New York Times op-ed revealed that some editors had moved women&rsquo;s entries from gender-neutral categories (e.g., &ldquo;American novelists&rdquo;) to gender-focused subcategories (e.g., &ldquo;American women novelists&rdquo;).&nbsp;

Wikipedia is not the only online resource that suffers from such biases. The user-contributed online mapping service OpenStreetMap is also more heavily edited by men. On GitHub, an online development platform, women&rsquo;s contributions have a higher acceptance rate than men, but a study showed that the rate drops noticeably when the contributor could be identified as a woman through their username or profile image.

Gender bias is also an ongoing issue in content development and search algorithms. Google Translate has been shown to overuse masculine pronouns and, for a time, LinkedIn recommended men&rsquo;s names in search results when users searched for a woman.

What can be done?

The solution to systemic biases that plague the web remains unclear. But libraries, museums, individual editors and the Wikimedia Foundation itself continue to make efforts to improve gender representation on sites such as Wikipedia.

Organized edit-a-thons can create a community around editing and developing underrepresented content. Edit-a-thons aim to increase the number of active female editors on Wikipedia, while empowering participants to edit entries on women during the event and into the future.

Later this month, our university library will host its second annual Women on Wikipedia Edit-a-thon in celebration of Women&rsquo;s History Month. The goal is to improve the content on at least 100 women in one afternoon.

For the past four years, students in our school&rsquo;s American Women&rsquo;s and Gender History course have worked to create new or substantially edit existing Wikipedia entries about women. One student created an entry on deaf-blind pioneer Geraldine Lawhorn, while another added roughly 1,500 words to jazz artist Blanche Calloway&rsquo;s entry.

This class was supported by the Wikimedia Education Program, which encourages educators and students to contribute to Wikipedia in academic settings.

Through this assignment, students can immediately see how their efforts contribute to the larger conversation around women&rsquo;s history topics. One student said that it was &ldquo;the most meaningful assignment she had&rdquo; as an undergraduate.

Other efforts to address gender bias on Wikipedia include Wikipedia&rsquo;s Inspire Campaign; organized editing communities such as Women in Red and Wikipedia&rsquo;s Teahouse; and the National Science Foundation&rsquo;s Collaborative Research grant.

Wikipedia&rsquo;s dependence on volunteer editors has resulted in several systemic issues, but it also offers an opportunity for self-correction. Organized efforts help to give voice to women previously ignored by other resources.&nbsp;

*Tamar Carroll is an&nbsp;Associate Professor of History at Rochester Institute of Technology&nbsp;

**Lara Nicosia is a liberal Arts Librarian at&nbsp;Rochester Institute of Technology

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Libraries, museums, individual editors and the Wikimedia Foundation itself continue to make efforts to improve gender representation on sites such as Wikipedia.

By Tamar Carrol*, Lara Nicosia** Movements like #MeToo are drawing increased attention to the systemic discrimination facing women in a range of professional fields, from Hollywood and journalism to banking and government. Discrimination is also a problem on user-driven sites like Wikipedia. Wikipedia is the fifth most popular website worldwide. In January, the English-language version of the online encyclopedia had over 7.3 billion page views, more than 2000 percent higher than other online reference sites. The volume of traffic on Wikipedia’s site – coupled with its integration into search results and digital assistants like Alexa and Siri – makes Wikipedia the predominant source of information on the web. YouTube even recently announced that it would start including Wikipedia links below videos on highly contested topics. But studies show that Wikipedia underrepresents content on women. At the Rochester Institute of Technology, we’re taking steps to empower our students and our global community to address issues of gender bias on Wikipedia. Signs of bias Driven by a cohort of over 33 million volunteer editors, Wikipedia’s content can change in almost real time. That makes it a prime resource for current events, popular culture, sports and other evolving topics. But relying on volunteers leads to systemic biases – both in content creation and improvement. A 2013 study estimated that women only accounted for 16.1 percent of Wikipedia’s total editor base. Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales believes that number has not changed much since then, despite several organized efforts. If women don’t actively edit Wikipedia at the same rate as men, topics of interest to women are at risk of receiving disproportionately low coverage. One study found that Wikipedia’s coverage of women was more comprehensive than Encyclopedia Britannica online, but entries on women still constituted less than 30 percent of biographical coverage. Entries on women also more frequently link to entries on men than vice-versa and are more likely to include information on romantic relationships and family roles. What’s more, Wikipedia’s policies state that all content must be “attributable to a reliable, published source.” Since women throughout history have been less represented in published literature than men, it can be challenging to find reliable published sources on women. An obituary in a paper of record is often a criterion for inclusion as a biographical entry in Wikipedia. So it should be no surprise that women are underrepresented as subjects in this vast online encyclopedia. As The New York Times itself noted, its obituaries since 1851 “have been dominated by white men” – an oversight the paper now hopes to address through its “Overlooked” series. Categorization can also be an issue. In 2013, a New York Times op-ed revealed that some editors had moved women’s entries from gender-neutral categories (e.g., “American novelists”) to gender-focused subcategories (e.g., “American women novelists”). Wikipedia is not the only online resource that suffers from such biases. The user-contributed online mapping service OpenStreetMap is also more heavily edited by men. On GitHub, an online development platform, women’s contributions have a higher acceptance rate than men, but a study showed that the rate drops noticeably when the contributor could be identified as a woman through their username or profile image. Gender bias is also an ongoing issue in content development and search algorithms. Google Translate has been shown to overuse masculine pronouns and, for a time, LinkedIn recommended men’s names in search results when users searched for a woman. What can be done? The solution to systemic biases that plague the web remains unclear. But libraries, museums, individual editors and the Wikimedia Foundation itself continue to make efforts to improve gender representation on sites such as Wikipedia. Organized edit-a-thons can create a community around editing and developing underrepresented content. Edit-a-thons aim to increase the number of active female editors on Wikipedia, while empowering participants to edit entries on women during the event and into the future. Later this month, our university library will host its second annual Women on Wikipedia Edit-a-thon in celebration of Women’s History Month. The goal is to improve the content on at least 100 women in one afternoon. For the past four years, students in our school’s American Women’s and Gender History course have worked to create new or substantially edit existing Wikipedia entries about women. One student created an entry on deaf-blind pioneer Geraldine Lawhorn, while another added roughly 1,500 words to jazz artist Blanche Calloway’s entry. This class was supported by the Wikimedia Education Program, which encourages educators and students to contribute to Wikipedia in academic settings. Through this assignment, students can immediately see how their efforts contribute to the larger conversation around women’s history topics. One student said that it was “the most meaningful assignment she had” as an undergraduate. Other efforts to address gender bias on Wikipedia include Wikipedia’s Inspire Campaign; organized editing communities such as Women in Red and Wikipedia’s Teahouse; and the National Science Foundation’s Collaborative Research grant. Wikipedia’s dependence on volunteer editors has resulted in several systemic issues, but it also offers an opportunity for self-correction. Organized efforts help to give voice to women previously ignored by other resources. *Tamar Carroll is an Associate Professor of History at Rochester Institute of Technology **Lara Nicosia is a liberal Arts Librarian at Rochester Institute of Technology (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Women at Microsoft Corp working in US-based technical jobs filed 238 internal complaints about gender discrimination or sexual harassment between 2010 and 2016, according to court filings made public on Monday.

The figure was suggested by plaintiffs suing Microsoft for refusing pay raises or promotions to women, although, the company has denied these allegations.&nbsp;

The charges were made in 2015 in Seattle federal court, is attracting wider attention after a series of powerful men have left or been fired from their jobs in entertainment, the media and politics for sexual misconduct.&nbsp;

More than 8,000 women could be covered in the lawsuit which Plaintiffs have been pushing to&nbsp;go ahead with. Microsoft&#39;s practices made public on Monday in legal filings submitted as part of that process.

Out of 118 gender discrimination complaints filed by women at Microsoft, only one was deemed &quot;founded&quot; by the company, according to details in the unsealed court filings.

Attorneys for the women called the number of complaints &quot;shocking&quot; in the court filings and the response by Microsoft&#39;s investigations team &quot;lackluster.&quot;

Microsoft said in court filings that the plaintiffs did not identify practices that impact enough employees to warrant a class action and that it spends more than $55 million per year to promote diversity and inclusion. The company had about 74,000 U.S. employees at the end of last year.

Microsoft said the plaintiffs cannot cite one example of a pay or promotion problem in which Microsoft&#39;s investigations team should have found a violation of company policy, but did not. A Microsoft spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment.

Just last week, Microsoft released a special version last week of a twice-monthly published podcast that focuses on women in business and technology. The podcast celebrates International Women&rsquo;s Day.

The podcast is said to be hosted by Colleen O&rsquo;Brien and Sonia Dara. The duo interviewed Toni Townes-Whitley, who holds the new role of corporate vice president of industry at Microsoft. The goal of the team is to flow with the changes in a variety of industries. &nbsp;

But Townes-Whitley has another charter to keep woman excited about technology. She refers to it in the podcast as the &ldquo;pink color.&rdquo;

The figure was suggested by plaintiffs suing Microsoft for refusing pay raises or promotions to women, although, the company has denied these allegations

Women at Microsoft Corp working in US-based technical jobs filed 238 internal complaints about gender discrimination or sexual harassment between 2010 and 2016, according to court filings made public on Monday. The figure was suggested by plaintiffs suing Microsoft for refusing pay raises or promotions to women, although, the company has denied these allegations. The charges were made in 2015 in Seattle federal court, is attracting wider attention after a series of powerful men have left or been fired from their jobs in entertainment, the media and politics for sexual misconduct. More than 8,000 women could be covered in the lawsuit which Plaintiffs have been pushing to go ahead with. Microsoft's practices made public on Monday in legal filings submitted as part of that process. Out of 118 gender discrimination complaints filed by women at Microsoft, only one was deemed "founded" by the company, according to details in the unsealed court filings. Attorneys for the women called the number of complaints "shocking" in the court filings and the response by Microsoft's investigations team "lackluster." Microsoft said in court filings that the plaintiffs did not identify practices that impact enough employees to warrant a class action and that it spends more than $55 million per year to promote diversity and inclusion. The company had about 74,000 U.S. employees at the end of last year. Microsoft said the plaintiffs cannot cite one example of a pay or promotion problem in which Microsoft's investigations team should have found a violation of company policy, but did not. A Microsoft spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment. Just last week, Microsoft released a special version last week of a twice-monthly published podcast that focuses on women in business and technology. The podcast celebrates International Women’s Day. The podcast is said to be hosted by Colleen O’Brien and Sonia Dara. The duo interviewed Toni Townes-Whitley, who holds the new role of corporate vice president of industry at Microsoft. The goal of the team is to flow with the changes in a variety of industries. But Townes-Whitley has another charter to keep woman excited about technology. She refers to it in the podcast as the “pink color.”

238 women at Microsoft filed complain against gender discrimination, sexual harassment

Nearly 300 women ran through the streets of Iraq&#39;s Mosul on Thursday, in a demonstration of their freedoms eight months after the city was retaken from the Islamic State group.

Mosul&#39;s first ever women&#39;s marathon was held to coincide with International Women&#39;s Day.

The 900-metre run was not the length of a full marathon, but organiser Fatima Khalaf said it marked a real change for women in the city, who faced harsh restrictions under the hardline rule of the jihadists.

The race aimed to &quot;urge women and girls in the city to actively reclaim their rights,&quot; the 30-year-old said.

Trophy in hand, winner Najla Abdelhadi said she was &quot;very happy&quot;.

The 24-year-old sports education student said she her victory would &quot;send a message to the women of Mosul about the need to... take a step towards taking their rightful place in society&quot;.

Women lined either side of the street during the marathon, waving placards drawing attention to the harsh realities Iraqi women have faced.&nbsp;

&quot;You Are Not Powerless&quot; read one sign. &quot;Women Can Do It&quot; read another.

Men also showed up to watch the event. Mustafa Qais, 24, carried a sign reading: &quot;I support women getting the same rights as men.&quot;

The jihadists of IS seized control of Mosul in mid-2014, making it the de facto Iraqi capital of their &quot;caliphate&quot;.

During its three-year rule over nearly a third of Iraq, IS subjected hundreds of thousands of women to its rigid interpretation of Islam, using beatings and executions as punishments.

In Mosul and its surrounding province, jihadists raped, kidnapped and enslaved thousands of women and adolescent girls, especially those of the Yazidi ethnic minority.&nbsp;

The marathon was one of a series of events that have seen residents reclaim public spaces since Iraqi forces retook the city in July, including Valentine&#39;s Day market last month.

&nbsp;

Nearly 300 women ran through the streets of Iraq's Mosul in a demonstration of their freedom from the Islamic State group

Nearly 300 women ran through the streets of Iraq's Mosul on Thursday, in a demonstration of their freedoms eight months after the city was retaken from the Islamic State group. Mosul's first ever women's marathon was held to coincide with International Women's Day. The 900-metre run was not the length of a full marathon, but organiser Fatima Khalaf said it marked a real change for women in the city, who faced harsh restrictions under the hardline rule of the jihadists. The race aimed to "urge women and girls in the city to actively reclaim their rights," the 30-year-old said. Trophy in hand, winner Najla Abdelhadi said she was "very happy". The 24-year-old sports education student said she her victory would "send a message to the women of Mosul about the need to... take a step towards taking their rightful place in society". Women lined either side of the street during the marathon, waving placards drawing attention to the harsh realities Iraqi women have faced. "You Are Not Powerless" read one sign. "Women Can Do It" read another. Men also showed up to watch the event. Mustafa Qais, 24, carried a sign reading: "I support women getting the same rights as men." The jihadists of IS seized control of Mosul in mid-2014, making it the de facto Iraqi capital of their "caliphate". During its three-year rule over nearly a third of Iraq, IS subjected hundreds of thousands of women to its rigid interpretation of Islam, using beatings and executions as punishments. In Mosul and its surrounding province, jihadists raped, kidnapped and enslaved thousands of women and adolescent girls, especially those of the Yazidi ethnic minority. The marathon was one of a series of events that have seen residents reclaim public spaces since Iraqi forces retook the city in July, including Valentine's Day market last month.

Here is how Mosul women celebrated women's day

The direct and indirect costs of having children can be high and, in many societies, women most often shoulder these costs.

In a recent research study, we measured the gender-specific economic impact of parenthood in Germany. Our finding: mothers may end up with less accrued wealth than women without children.

German men, who are comparable in other characteristics such as education and age, on the other hand, show similar amounts of personal wealth regardless of whether they have children.

Mothers accrue less wealth

The research, which was conducted in Germany, looked at 28,650 individuals to assess women&rsquo;s personal wealth over the course of a decade, from 2002 to 2012. For the purposes of our study, personal wealth refers to all economic assets that subjects own solely as well as their individual share of assets jointly owned with somebody else.

We found that each year after a woman&rsquo;s first child is born, she accrues only about 98 cents for each &euro;1 of wealth that childless women gain. This small difference adds up over time. After being a mother for 50 years, a mother&rsquo;s personal wealth is roughly 60% lower than for a German woman who does not have children, everything else remaining equal.&nbsp;

This gap in capital is largely related to employment. German mothers accumulate less wealth because they are likely to stop paid work to care for their young children and, as children get older, return to work part-time.

Without full-time employment, women have less income to put into savings. Employment gaps may also reduce long-term earning potential because career advancement becomes less likely.

According to our study, women&rsquo;s male partners do not appear to fully compensate for these losses in wealth by sharing financial resources within the couple.&nbsp;

The loss in personal wealth is greater the younger a woman is when she becomes a mother. The difference may be due to the fact that career interruptions early in one&rsquo;s working life are especially harmful.

Mothers additionally accrue less wealth if they are unmarried when they give birth; a difference that holds for both single mothers and those living with their partners. This finding suggests that married fathers may be more willing to compensate for their spouses&rsquo; income losses, and that married mothers and fathers are more likely to share their incomes.

By middle life (ages 40 to 60), mothers and fathers show the greatest discrepancy in wealth (see above graph). By older age, these inequalities decrease.&nbsp;

Why wealth differences matter

The reduced wealth of mothers as compared to fathers and to women without children has many important implications.

Financial assets and savings are resources that can be tapped to weather rainy days, independent of current income. Wealth can also be passed on to the next generation or invested in education and, thereby, affect the well-being of children.

For a woman living with a more wealthy partner, having little wealth may seem less important. But, as we know, couples do not always fully share their wealth.

And, in any case, inequalities in personal wealth within the same household also hurt women. German women reported lower subjective well-being if they had less wealth than their partners, and studies from Ecuador and Ghana have shown that the risk of intimate partner violence increases when women&rsquo;s personal capital is less than that of their partners. Although we do not know whether those findings would apply in Germany or other countries.

Finally, economic inequality between mothers and fathers can affect children. When mothers have relatively more resources, the well-being of children is improved. If couples separate, gender inequalities within couples may ultimately contribute to inequalities between ex-partners.&nbsp;

International differences

Our research examined the wealth consequences of parenthood in Germany, where women have achieved equal status compared to men in many respects. Nonetheless, a traditional division of labour, where men are the main breadwinners, still dominates here.

Other research, though based on less adequate data, has also found a wealth gap between genders in the United States. Complementary evidence on income inequalities between mothers and fathers have additionally been found in many countries around the world, including China, Japan, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

Gender-based wealth inequality as a result of parenthood may be weaker in more egalitarian societies, such as Sweden.

Wealth inequalities between mothers and fathers &ndash; and, more generally, between women and men, even within married couples &ndash; are stronger in countries in which women and men do not have equal legal status.

In Ghana, for example, where women&rsquo;s contributions to marital assets are not recognised, married women own only about 20% of household assets. Similar inequality exists in some parts of India.

By contrast, in Ecuador, where women&rsquo;s legal status is more equal to men&rsquo;s, wealth inequalities within married couples are negligible.&nbsp;

Economic well-being of women and men

The finding that, in relatively gender-equal Germany, women end up with less personal wealth after becoming mothers as compared to both childless women and to men suggests the need for a proactive government response.

Currently, ambiguous policies continue to hinder female employment. One approach for tackling mothers&rsquo; economic disadvantages is to encourage maternal full-time employment, for instance, by providing better access to childcare.

Recent policy reforms in Germany toward this goal may decrease disadvantages in the future. But wealth accumulation is a slow process, and these changes will take time to have any effect.

In the meantime, mothers will continue to struggle to save up for that rainy day.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The economic costs of having children are more often shouldered by women, so mothers tend to accumulate less capital over time.

The direct and indirect costs of having children can be high and, in many societies, women most often shoulder these costs. In a recent research study, we measured the gender-specific economic impact of parenthood in Germany. Our finding: mothers may end up with less accrued wealth than women without children. German men, who are comparable in other characteristics such as education and age, on the other hand, show similar amounts of personal wealth regardless of whether they have children. Mothers accrue less wealth The research, which was conducted in Germany, looked at 28,650 individuals to assess women’s personal wealth over the course of a decade, from 2002 to 2012. For the purposes of our study, personal wealth refers to all economic assets that subjects own solely as well as their individual share of assets jointly owned with somebody else. We found that each year after a woman’s first child is born, she accrues only about 98 cents for each €1 of wealth that childless women gain. This small difference adds up over time. After being a mother for 50 years, a mother’s personal wealth is roughly 60% lower than for a German woman who does not have children, everything else remaining equal. This gap in capital is largely related to employment. German mothers accumulate less wealth because they are likely to stop paid work to care for their young children and, as children get older, return to work part-time. Without full-time employment, women have less income to put into savings. Employment gaps may also reduce long-term earning potential because career advancement becomes less likely. According to our study, women’s male partners do not appear to fully compensate for these losses in wealth by sharing financial resources within the couple. The loss in personal wealth is greater the younger a woman is when she becomes a mother. The difference may be due to the fact that career interruptions early in one’s working life are especially harmful. Mothers additionally accrue less wealth if they are unmarried when they give birth; a difference that holds for both single mothers and those living with their partners. This finding suggests that married fathers may be more willing to compensate for their spouses’ income losses, and that married mothers and fathers are more likely to share their incomes. By middle life (ages 40 to 60), mothers and fathers show the greatest discrepancy in wealth (see above graph). By older age, these inequalities decrease. Why wealth differences matter The reduced wealth of mothers as compared to fathers and to women without children has many important implications. Financial assets and savings are resources that can be tapped to weather rainy days, independent of current income. Wealth can also be passed on to the next generation or invested in education and, thereby, affect the well-being of children. For a woman living with a more wealthy partner, having little wealth may seem less important. But, as we know, couples do not always fully share their wealth. And, in any case, inequalities in personal wealth within the same household also hurt women. German women reported lower subjective well-being if they had less wealth than their partners, and studies from Ecuador and Ghana have shown that the risk of intimate partner violence increases when women’s personal capital is less than that of their partners. Although we do not know whether those findings would apply in Germany or other countries. Finally, economic inequality between mothers and fathers can affect children. When mothers have relatively more resources, the well-being of children is improved. If couples separate, gender inequalities within couples may ultimately contribute to inequalities between ex-partners. International differences Our research examined the wealth consequences of parenthood in Germany, where women have achieved equal status compared to men in many respects. Nonetheless, a traditional division of labour, where men are the main breadwinners, still dominates here. Other research, though based on less adequate data, has also found a wealth gap between genders in the United States. Complementary evidence on income inequalities between mothers and fathers have additionally been found in many countries around the world, including China, Japan, Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Gender-based wealth inequality as a result of parenthood may be weaker in more egalitarian societies, such as Sweden. Wealth inequalities between mothers and fathers – and, more generally, between women and men, even within married couples – are stronger in countries in which women and men do not have equal legal status. In Ghana, for example, where women’s contributions to marital assets are not recognised, married women own only about 20% of household assets. Similar inequality exists in some parts of India. By contrast, in Ecuador, where women’s legal status is more equal to men’s, wealth inequalities within married couples are negligible. Economic well-being of women and men The finding that, in relatively gender-equal Germany, women end up with less personal wealth after becoming mothers as compared to both childless women and to men suggests the need for a proactive government response. Currently, ambiguous policies continue to hinder female employment. One approach for tackling mothers’ economic disadvantages is to encourage maternal full-time employment, for instance, by providing better access to childcare. Recent policy reforms in Germany toward this goal may decrease disadvantages in the future. But wealth accumulation is a slow process, and these changes will take time to have any effect. In the meantime, mothers will continue to struggle to save up for that rainy day. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why mothers are less wealthy than women without children

Mervat Bukhari, a force of nature draped head-to-toe in Islamic niqab, braved insults and taunts to become the first Saudi woman to work at a gas station, something unimaginable not long ago.

The kingdom, where conservatives once bridled at even limited freedoms for women, is in the midst of reforms that mark the biggest cultural shake-up in its modern history.

Kickstarted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the reforms include the historic decision allowing women to drive from June, attend soccer games and take on jobs that once fell outside the narrow confines of traditional gender roles.

But the backlash faced by women like Bukhari illustrates how newfound empowerment is a potential social lightning rod in a country unaccustomed to such visibility for women.

When Bukhari, 43 and a mother of four, was promoted as supervisor of a gas station in the eastern Khobar city last October, insults began pouring in on social media with the hashtag &quot;Saudi women don&#39;t work at gas stations&quot;.

Bukhari, previously employed in a junior role by the same parent company, was forced to go on the defensive, telling critics she was in a managerial position and not physically handling fuel nozzles.

&quot;I am a supervisor. I don&#39;t fill gas myself,&quot; she reasoned, seeking to win a modicum of respectability for a job that class-conscious Saudi men disdain.

&quot;Women today have the right to do any work.&quot;Prince Mohammed&#39;s Vision 2030 reform plan for a post-oil era seeks to elevate women to nearly one-third of the workforce, up from about 22 percent now.

Government statistics also put more than one million Saudi women as currently looking to enter the workforce.&nbsp;

The reforms have seen the Saudi labour market slowly open up to women, introducing them to jobs that were once firmly the preserve of men.

The social change, catalysed in large measure by what experts characterise as economic pain owing to a protracted oil slump, has introduced a series of firsts.

Saudi media has championed in recent months the first woman restaurant chef, first woman veterinarian and even the first woman tour guide.

But women face sobering realities -- despite often being better qualified than men.

&quot;Saudi women are better educated but less mobile, less employed and vastly underpaid,&quot; Karen Young, a scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP.

Average monthly salaries in the private sector are close to 8,000 Saudi riyals ($2,134, 1,748 euros) for men, and only 5,000 riyals for women, according to research firm Jadwa.

Saudi Arabia ranked a low of 138 out of 144 countries in the 2017 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum on gender parity.

But Riyadh is seeking to change that through what appears to be social engineering.

The decision to allow women to drive after a decades-long ban could give women the much-needed mobility to join the workforce.

For the first time, women are seen alongside men in jazz music concerts and in mixed-gender restaurants, as the influence of the once-feared religious police -- notorious for enforcing gender segregation -- appears to be waning.

&quot;The well-known expression: &#39;You are a woman, cover your face&#39;&nbsp;seems to be disappearing from our society,&quot; human rights lawyer Abdulrahman al-Lahim wrote recently in the pro-government Okaz newspaper.The reforms have had an unwitting consequence, observers note -- competition with arch-nemesis Iran to be more liberal over women&#39;s rights.&nbsp;

Tehran recently relaxed its crackdown on women failing to wear the compulsory headscarf.

But Saudi activists say social change will only be cosmetic without dismantling the kingdom&#39;s rigid guardianship system, which requires that women seek permission from a male relative to study, travel and other activities.

That leaves many vulnerable to the whims of a controlling father, a violent husband or a vengeful son.

Horror stories have regularly surfaced.

Women inmates are often reported to be stuck in prisons after completing their terms because they were not claimed by their guardians.&nbsp;

One Saudi woman told AFP how she was stuck in limbo, unable to even renew her passport, when her father, her only male guardian, slipped into a coma after an accident.

&quot;If I could choose between the right to drive or the right to end guardianship, I would choose the latter,&quot; a women`s activist said on the condition of anonymity.Authorities appear to be slowly dismantling the many injustices against women ingrained in the law.

Saudi women now no longer need male permission to start business.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia also recently annulled the &quot;house of obedience&quot; article in the marriage law, which grants a husband the right to summon his wife to his home against her will.

The reform introduces a novel concept in married life: mutual consent.

&quot;This is not a revolution, this is evolution,&quot; Hoda al-Helaissi, a member of the advisory Shura Council, told AFP, referring to newfound social liberties.

&quot;It&#39;s a rite of passage for women.&quot;

Back at Bukhari&#39;s home in neighbouring Dammam city, she embraced her youngest son Mohammed -- who stood by her even as her brothers decried her gas station job as a shocking breach of tradition.

But the 16-year-old prefers to hide his mother&#39;s job from his peers, hoping to protect her from even more insults.

&quot;Maybe five years from now it will be normal to see women at gas stations,&quot; he said, kissing his mother&#39;s hand.

The kingdom, where conservatives once bridled at even limited freedoms for women, is in the midst of reforms that mark the biggest cultural shake-up in its modern history

Mervat Bukhari, a force of nature draped head-to-toe in Islamic niqab, braved insults and taunts to become the first Saudi woman to work at a gas station, something unimaginable not long ago. The kingdom, where conservatives once bridled at even limited freedoms for women, is in the midst of reforms that mark the biggest cultural shake-up in its modern history. Kickstarted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the reforms include the historic decision allowing women to drive from June, attend soccer games and take on jobs that once fell outside the narrow confines of traditional gender roles. But the backlash faced by women like Bukhari illustrates how newfound empowerment is a potential social lightning rod in a country unaccustomed to such visibility for women. When Bukhari, 43 and a mother of four, was promoted as supervisor of a gas station in the eastern Khobar city last October, insults began pouring in on social media with the hashtag "Saudi women don't work at gas stations". Bukhari, previously employed in a junior role by the same parent company, was forced to go on the defensive, telling critics she was in a managerial position and not physically handling fuel nozzles. "I am a supervisor. I don't fill gas myself," she reasoned, seeking to win a modicum of respectability for a job that class-conscious Saudi men disdain. "Women today have the right to do any work."Prince Mohammed's Vision 2030 reform plan for a post-oil era seeks to elevate women to nearly one-third of the workforce, up from about 22 percent now. Government statistics also put more than one million Saudi women as currently looking to enter the workforce. The reforms have seen the Saudi labour market slowly open up to women, introducing them to jobs that were once firmly the preserve of men. The social change, catalysed in large measure by what experts characterise as economic pain owing to a protracted oil slump, has introduced a series of firsts. Saudi media has championed in recent months the first woman restaurant chef, first woman veterinarian and even the first woman tour guide. But women face sobering realities -- despite often being better qualified than men. "Saudi women are better educated but less mobile, less employed and vastly underpaid," Karen Young, a scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP. Average monthly salaries in the private sector are close to 8,000 Saudi riyals ($2,134, 1,748 euros) for men, and only 5,000 riyals for women, according to research firm Jadwa. Saudi Arabia ranked a low of 138 out of 144 countries in the 2017 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum on gender parity. But Riyadh is seeking to change that through what appears to be social engineering. The decision to allow women to drive after a decades-long ban could give women the much-needed mobility to join the workforce. For the first time, women are seen alongside men in jazz music concerts and in mixed-gender restaurants, as the influence of the once-feared religious police -- notorious for enforcing gender segregation -- appears to be waning. "The well-known expression: 'You are a woman, cover your face' seems to be disappearing from our society," human rights lawyer Abdulrahman al-Lahim wrote recently in the pro-government Okaz newspaper.The reforms have had an unwitting consequence, observers note -- competition with arch-nemesis Iran to be more liberal over women's rights. Tehran recently relaxed its crackdown on women failing to wear the compulsory headscarf. But Saudi activists say social change will only be cosmetic without dismantling the kingdom's rigid guardianship system, which requires that women seek permission from a male relative to study, travel and other activities. That leaves many vulnerable to the whims of a controlling father, a violent husband or a vengeful son. Horror stories have regularly surfaced. Women inmates are often reported to be stuck in prisons after completing their terms because they were not claimed by their guardians. One Saudi woman told AFP how she was stuck in limbo, unable to even renew her passport, when her father, her only male guardian, slipped into a coma after an accident. "If I could choose between the right to drive or the right to end guardianship, I would choose the latter," a women`s activist said on the condition of anonymity.Authorities appear to be slowly dismantling the many injustices against women ingrained in the law. Saudi women now no longer need male permission to start business. Saudi Arabia also recently annulled the "house of obedience" article in the marriage law, which grants a husband the right to summon his wife to his home against her will. The reform introduces a novel concept in married life: mutual consent. "This is not a revolution, this is evolution," Hoda al-Helaissi, a member of the advisory Shura Council, told AFP, referring to newfound social liberties. "It's a rite of passage for women." Back at Bukhari's home in neighbouring Dammam city, she embraced her youngest son Mohammed -- who stood by her even as her brothers decried her gas station job as a shocking breach of tradition. But the 16-year-old prefers to hide his mother's job from his peers, hoping to protect her from even more insults. "Maybe five years from now it will be normal to see women at gas stations," he said, kissing his mother's hand.

Saudi women will drive but face bumpy road to empowerment

An Iraqi court had decided to sentence 16 Turkish women to death for being members of ISIS on Sunday, reports said.&nbsp;

The court directed the women to be hanged after they were found guilty of marrying ISIS fighters and providing the group with support.&nbsp;

Abdul Sattar Bayraktar, the spokesman of Iraq&#39;s Supreme Judicial Council said that the brides had the group with aid, including logistical support and help carrying out terrorist attacks.&nbsp;

The women, aged between 20 - 50, were sentenced in a mass trial at a criminal court in Baghdad on Sunday. Some had young children with them.&nbsp;

The public defender argued that the women had been trafficked into jihadi territory or tricked by their husbands.&nbsp;

The sentences were issued under Iraq&#39;s counterterrorism law, however, the defendants still have a chance to appeal to a higher court.

Another Turkish woman was sentenced to death last week and 10 others of various nationalities to life in prison, all for alleged ISIS membership.

Last month, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jihadi-bride-who-married-gave-birth-under-isis-regime-arrested-on-landing-in-uk-30262">British woman</a> who married and gave birth under the Islamic State regime in Syria became one of the first so-called jihadi brides to be arrested on her return to the UK, a media report had claimed.

The court directed that the women will be hanged after they were found guilty of marrying ISIS fighters and providing the group with support.

An Iraqi court had decided to sentence 16 Turkish women to death for being members of ISIS on Sunday, reports said. The court directed the women to be hanged after they were found guilty of marrying ISIS fighters and providing the group with support. Abdul Sattar Bayraktar, the spokesman of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council said that the brides had the group with aid, including logistical support and help carrying out terrorist attacks. The women, aged between 20 - 50, were sentenced in a mass trial at a criminal court in Baghdad on Sunday. Some had young children with them. The public defender argued that the women had been trafficked into jihadi territory or tricked by their husbands. The sentences were issued under Iraq's counterterrorism law, however, the defendants still have a chance to appeal to a higher court. Another Turkish woman was sentenced to death last week and 10 others of various nationalities to life in prison, all for alleged ISIS membership. Last month, a British woman who married and gave birth under the Islamic State regime in Syria became one of the first so-called jihadi brides to be arrested on her return to the UK, a media report had claimed.

Watch: 16 Turkish brides sentenced to death for IS links

Women will now be seen driving autos in Kolkata, breaking the age-old customs.&nbsp;

Belonging to a lower income family, these women are receiving training to drive autos by an auto union leader Gopal, in South Kolkata.&nbsp;

According to a statement by Gopal to a news agency, he stated that till now trained over 60 women.&nbsp;

&quot;If a woman can be a prime minister, a president, and a speaker, then why can&#39;t they drive autos? These women belong to lower income family and we are training them to be independent,&quot; he said.

After completion of training, they will start a service called &#39;Pink&#39;, which will exclusively cater to women passengers in the city.

&quot;My husband also drives auto. It is really difficult to manage our lives on an income of one person, so I started driving auto for livelihood,&quot; said a woman.

Last year the Maharashtra government had also initiated a scheme where women autorickshaw drivers had hit the roads in Mumbai. The scheme provided a 5% reservation in rickshaw permits for women.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(With ANI inputs)

Till now over 60 women have been trained to drive autos by an auto union leader in Kolkata

Women will now be seen driving autos in Kolkata, breaking the age-old customs. Belonging to a lower income family, these women are receiving training to drive autos by an auto union leader Gopal, in South Kolkata. According to a statement by Gopal to a news agency, he stated that till now trained over 60 women. "If a woman can be a prime minister, a president, and a speaker, then why can't they drive autos? These women belong to lower income family and we are training them to be independent," he said. After completion of training, they will start a service called 'Pink', which will exclusively cater to women passengers in the city. "My husband also drives auto. It is really difficult to manage our lives on an income of one person, so I started driving auto for livelihood," said a woman. Last year the Maharashtra government had also initiated a scheme where women autorickshaw drivers had hit the roads in Mumbai. The scheme provided a 5% reservation in rickshaw permits for women. (With ANI inputs)

Women undergo training to drive autos in Kolkata

IMF chief Christine Lagarde today said India must continue with reforms especially in the financial services sector and should urgently focus on broad- based and the true inclusion of women in its economy.

Addressing a press conference here as part of the all-women co-chairs of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meet, Lagarde said IMF research has shown that raising women&#39;s participation in the workforce to the level of men can boost Indian economy by 27 per cent.

She also expressed concern over the high level of discrimination faced by women in rural India and emphasised that there is an urgent need to address this issue.

Lagarde reiterated IMF&#39;s forecast of 7.4 per cent growth for India and said it is obviously one of the fastest growing large economies of the world.

According to her, future growth would depend on how the country carries forward the reform process.

Lagarde said India must continue with its reforms, especially in financial services sector and the one area that needs special focus is gender equality.

&quot;I genuinely hope there will be a focus on inclusion of Indian women in the economy. We have research to show that India&#39;s GDP can grow by 27 per cent if the women are brought to the same level of men in terms of economic and workforce participation,&quot; she said.

In its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) update released here on Monday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected India growing at 7.4 per cent in 2018 as against China&#39;s 6.8 per cent, making it the fastest growing country among emerging economies.

The Indian economy is estimated to expand 7.8 per cent in 2019, as per the IMF.&nbsp;

She also expressed concern over the high level of discrimination faced by women in rural India

IMF chief Christine Lagarde today said India must continue with reforms especially in the financial services sector and should urgently focus on broad- based and the true inclusion of women in its economy. Addressing a press conference here as part of the all-women co-chairs of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meet, Lagarde said IMF research has shown that raising women's participation in the workforce to the level of men can boost Indian economy by 27 per cent. She also expressed concern over the high level of discrimination faced by women in rural India and emphasised that there is an urgent need to address this issue. Lagarde reiterated IMF's forecast of 7.4 per cent growth for India and said it is obviously one of the fastest growing large economies of the world. According to her, future growth would depend on how the country carries forward the reform process. Lagarde said India must continue with its reforms, especially in financial services sector and the one area that needs special focus is gender equality. "I genuinely hope there will be a focus on inclusion of Indian women in the economy. We have research to show that India's GDP can grow by 27 per cent if the women are brought to the same level of men in terms of economic and workforce participation," she said. In its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) update released here on Monday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected India growing at 7.4 per cent in 2018 as against China's 6.8 per cent, making it the fastest growing country among emerging economies. The Indian economy is estimated to expand 7.8 per cent in 2019, as per the IMF.

India should focus on women's inclusion in economy: IMF Chief Lagarde

Iran seems to be gripped with another wave of protests, this time around it is the women here fighting against the veil law.&nbsp;

Iranian women are seen taking to the street and removing their headscarves public in a move to protest the law.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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A 2nd woman arrested in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> for protesting forced <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hijab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hijab</a> by taking off her headscarf. 
Name: Narges Hosseini <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%86%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%B3_%D8%AD%D8%B3%DB%8C%D9%86%DB%8C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#نرگس_حسینی</a> 
Women are removing their hijab, posting it with the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%AF%D8%AE%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86_%D8%AE%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86_%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#دختران_خیابان_انقلاب</a> meaning <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GirlsOfRevolutionSt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GirlsOfRevolutionSt</a> where <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VidaMovahed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VidaMovahed</a> first took off her hijab. <a href="https://t.co/lLbeI5TZMo">pic.twitter.com/lLbeI5TZMo</a>
&mdash; Armin Navabi (@ArminNavabi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArminNavabi/status/958114610938232834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Social media also witnessed posts featuring pictures and videos of Iranian women removing their headscarves and displaying them tied to the end of a stick.&nbsp;

The protest is against the law that requires Iranian women to cover themselves and put on a veil in public.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E9WaxVfDZnY" width="560"></iframe>

Protests followed Vida Mohaved&nbsp;release on Sunday.

Mohaved was detained by Iranian authorities in December for removing her hijab while taking part in an anti-government protest.&nbsp;

Social media witnessed posts featuring pictures and videos of Iranian women removing their headscarves

Iran seems to be gripped with another wave of protests, this time around it is the women here fighting against the veil law. Iranian women are seen taking to the street and removing their headscarves public in a move to protest the law. A 2nd woman arrested in #Iran for protesting forced #hijab by taking off her headscarf. Name: Narges Hosseini #نرگس_حسینی Women are removing their hijab, posting it with the hashtag #دختران_خیابان_انقلاب meaning #GirlsOfRevolutionSt where #VidaMovahed first took off her hijab. pic.twitter.com/lLbeI5TZMo — Armin Navabi (@ArminNavabi) January 29, 2018 × Social media also witnessed posts featuring pictures and videos of Iranian women removing their headscarves and displaying them tied to the end of a stick. The protest is against the law that requires Iranian women to cover themselves and put on a veil in public. Protests followed Vida Mohaved release on Sunday. Mohaved was detained by Iranian authorities in December for removing her hijab while taking part in an anti-government protest.

Iran: Women take off their hijab to fight veil law

England women&#39;s coach&nbsp;Phil&nbsp;Neville has denied being sexist and is confident he is the right person for the job despite his lack of experience.

The former Manchester United defender has been widely criticised since his appointment last week after comments he made on Twitter a few years ago came to light.&nbsp;

One tweet from January 2012 read: &quot;When I said morning men I thought the women would of [sic] been busy preparing breakfast/getting kids ready/making the beds-sorry women!&quot;

Another from December 2012 read: &quot;U women of [sic] always wanted equality until it comes to paying the bills #hypocrites.&quot;

The 41-year-old sportsman deleted the posts last week and took down his Twitter account as criticism grew.

Also, Neville has revealed a historical tweet where he wrote &quot;just battered the wife&quot; was of a sporting nature and he regrets writing it.

&quot;That tweet was not sent out in terms of domestic violence but the words were not right then and not right now,&quot; said Neville, adding that the reference was to beating his wife at sport on holiday.

&quot;I had to apologise, I didn&#39;t like the words used. I&#39;m not a sexist. I&#39;ve lived my life right,&quot; said Neville who has since deleted his Twitter account.

Neville, 41, has also been criticised for his lack of experience of women&#39;s football, but he said he had coached extensively at a high level.

&quot;I&#39;m qualified for the job, I have a (coaching) Pro Licence. It&#39;s to work in all aspects of football. I&#39;ve worked abroad. I&#39;m best qualified for this job.&quot; said Neville, who has never been a manager but coached at Manchester United, England Under-21s and Spanish side Valencia.

Neville said that just as women were now encouraged to comment on men&#39;s football as TV pundits so he should be allowed to enter the women&#39;s game without any direct experience.

&quot;The gap (between the men&#39;s and women&#39;s game) is closing and I would have thought there were not many candidates with my experience of elite players,&quot; he said.

Neville&#39;s remarks represent an attempt to draw a line under a saga that has split a women&#39;s game still recovering from the sacking of previous head coach Mark Sampson for inappropriate behaviour in a previous job.

The English FA had clearly hoped Neville&#39;s appointment would begin a new era; instead it plunged the game into further turmoil.

Neville met his new team for the first time at a training camp in Spain last week, stating that his intention was to take the team to the next level.

The former Manchester United defender has been widely criticised since his appointment last week after comments he made on Twitter a few years ago came to light, one of which said he had 'just battered the wife'

England women's coach Phil Neville has denied being sexist and is confident he is the right person for the job despite his lack of experience. The former Manchester United defender has been widely criticised since his appointment last week after comments he made on Twitter a few years ago came to light. One tweet from January 2012 read: "When I said morning men I thought the women would of [sic] been busy preparing breakfast/getting kids ready/making the beds-sorry women!" Another from December 2012 read: "U women of [sic] always wanted equality until it comes to paying the bills #hypocrites." The 41-year-old sportsman deleted the posts last week and took down his Twitter account as criticism grew. Also, Neville has revealed a historical tweet where he wrote "just battered the wife" was of a sporting nature and he regrets writing it. "That tweet was not sent out in terms of domestic violence but the words were not right then and not right now," said Neville, adding that the reference was to beating his wife at sport on holiday. "I had to apologise, I didn't like the words used. I'm not a sexist. I've lived my life right," said Neville who has since deleted his Twitter account. Neville, 41, has also been criticised for his lack of experience of women's football, but he said he had coached extensively at a high level. "I'm qualified for the job, I have a (coaching) Pro Licence. It's to work in all aspects of football. I've worked abroad. I'm best qualified for this job." said Neville, who has never been a manager but coached at Manchester United, England Under-21s and Spanish side Valencia. Neville said that just as women were now encouraged to comment on men's football as TV pundits so he should be allowed to enter the women's game without any direct experience. "The gap (between the men's and women's game) is closing and I would have thought there were not many candidates with my experience of elite players," he said. Neville's remarks represent an attempt to draw a line under a saga that has split a women's game still recovering from the sacking of previous head coach Mark Sampson for inappropriate behaviour in a previous job. The English FA had clearly hoped Neville's appointment would begin a new era; instead it plunged the game into further turmoil. Neville met his new team for the first time at a training camp in Spain last week, stating that his intention was to take the team to the next level.

Soccer: Phil Neville denies being sexist, says he is right for job as women's coach

Tunisia on Sunday suspended Emirates Airlines flights after a public outcry over security measures in the United Arab Emirates targeting women from the North African country.

The transport ministry said it had &quot;decided to suspend&quot; Emirates flights to Tunis &quot;until the airline is able to find the appropriate solution to operate its flights in accordance with international law and agreements&quot;.

An Emirates Airlines spokesperson confirmed to AFP: &quot;Emirates will stop services between Tunis and Dubai, as instructed by the Tunisian authorities, with effect from December 25, 2017.&quot;&nbsp;

A number of Tunisian women had said their travel to the Gulf state on UAE airlines had been delayed and some had been forced to undergo additional examination of their visas.

That triggered angry reactions on social media and media outlets in Tunisia.

The United Arab Emirates said Sunday that &quot;security information&quot; had caused the delays.

&quot;We contacted our Tunisian brothers about security information that necessitated taking specific procedures,&quot; UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter.

&quot;We should avoid misleading attempts... We highly value Tunisian women and respect them,&quot; he said, without elaborating.

The Tunisian government said Friday it had asked the UAE ambassador for clarification, adding the envoy said the decision was for only a short period and the restrictions had been lifted.

Despite the clarification, Tunisian rights groups issued a statement on Saturday condemning the UAE measures as &quot;discriminatory and racist&quot;.

Tunisia has been trying to repair diplomatic ties with the UAE damaged by its 2011 revolution and after the Islamic party Al-Nahda, which has strong links with Qatar, came to power in the North African country.

Relations between Qatar on the one hand and Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt on the other have been severed since June after the four Arab countries accused Doha of backing &quot;terror&quot; groups in the region, a charge denied by Qatar.

A number of Tunisian women had said their travel to the Gulf state on UAE airlines had been delayed and some had been forced to undergo additional examination of their visas

Tunisia on Sunday suspended Emirates Airlines flights after a public outcry over security measures in the United Arab Emirates targeting women from the North African country. The transport ministry said it had "decided to suspend" Emirates flights to Tunis "until the airline is able to find the appropriate solution to operate its flights in accordance with international law and agreements". An Emirates Airlines spokesperson confirmed to AFP: "Emirates will stop services between Tunis and Dubai, as instructed by the Tunisian authorities, with effect from December 25, 2017." A number of Tunisian women had said their travel to the Gulf state on UAE airlines had been delayed and some had been forced to undergo additional examination of their visas. That triggered angry reactions on social media and media outlets in Tunisia. The United Arab Emirates said Sunday that "security information" had caused the delays. "We contacted our Tunisian brothers about security information that necessitated taking specific procedures," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter. "We should avoid misleading attempts... We highly value Tunisian women and respect them," he said, without elaborating. The Tunisian government said Friday it had asked the UAE ambassador for clarification, adding the envoy said the decision was for only a short period and the restrictions had been lifted. Despite the clarification, Tunisian rights groups issued a statement on Saturday condemning the UAE measures as "discriminatory and racist". Tunisia has been trying to repair diplomatic ties with the UAE damaged by its 2011 revolution and after the Islamic party Al-Nahda, which has strong links with Qatar, came to power in the North African country. Relations between Qatar on the one hand and Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt on the other have been severed since June after the four Arab countries accused Doha of backing "terror" groups in the region, a charge denied by Qatar.

Tunisia suspends Emirates flights after outcry over women security measures

A woman in Dindori, Madhya Pradesh had to give birth in a field after doctors declared her unborn baby dead and made her leave the hospital

To give her some privacy as she gave birth, a few fellow women shielded her from public view with articles of clothing.&nbsp;

Dindori&#39;s Chief Medical Officer said &quot;strict action would be taken after a probe and the accused will likely be suspended or punished with pay cut&quot;.&nbsp;

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Dindori: Woman delivered baby in a field with help of other women after doctors allegedly declared her unborn baby dead &amp; made her leave hospital, Chief Medical Officer says &#39;action would be taken after probe, culprits may be suspended or punished with a pay cut&#39; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q1cqX1W3dO">pic.twitter.com/Q1cqX1W3dO</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942771540231299072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Last month, a newborn was incorrectly declared dead by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-newborn-declared-dead-by-hospital-found-alive-later-25612">Max hospital </a>in Delhi&#39;s Shalimar Bagh.

It was only on the way to the funeral that the parents realised their child was still alive.&nbsp;

The hospital&#39;s licence has since been revoked.&nbsp;

A woman in Dindori, Madhya Pradesh had to give birth in a field after doctors declared her unborn baby dead and made her leave the hospital To give her some privacy as she gave birth, a few fellow women shielded her from public view with articles of clothing. Dindori's Chief Medical Officer said "strict action would be taken after a probe and the accused will likely be suspended or punished with pay cut". Dindori: Woman delivered baby in a field with help of other women after doctors allegedly declared her unborn baby dead & made her leave hospital, Chief Medical Officer says 'action would be taken after probe, culprits may be suspended or punished with a pay cut' #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/Q1cqX1W3dO — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017 × Last month, a newborn was incorrectly declared dead by Max hospital in Delhi's Shalimar Bagh. It was only on the way to the funeral that the parents realised their child was still alive. The hospital's licence has since been revoked.

MP: Doctors declare unborn baby dead, make woman leave hospital

In a shocking incident, a woman in Odisha delivered a baby girl in an unused drain after being denied entry in a hospital, reports said on Saturday.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old woman had to resort to giving birth in the hospital&#39;s drain after being denied assistance for not having the right documents.&nbsp;

The women had gone to the hospital to visit her ailing husband and started having labour pains and asked the nurse there for a check-up, she was asked to furnish her Mamata Yojana beneficiary card and other documents, which she was not carrying at the time.&nbsp;

The hospital, Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital, later admitted the mother after she lay unattended for almost an hour, reports said.&nbsp;

When contacted, Koraput chief district medical officer Lalit Mohan Rath denied the allegations, terming them &#39;baseless&#39;. 
&nbsp;

On Friday morning, the women had felt labour pains and visited the gynaecology ward but the staff allegedly refused to admit her

In a shocking incident, a woman in Odisha delivered a baby girl in an unused drain after being denied entry in a hospital, reports said on Saturday. The 30-year-old woman had to resort to giving birth in the hospital's drain after being denied assistance for not having the right documents. The women had gone to the hospital to visit her ailing husband and started having labour pains and asked the nurse there for a check-up, she was asked to furnish her Mamata Yojana beneficiary card and other documents, which she was not carrying at the time. The hospital, Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital, later admitted the mother after she lay unattended for almost an hour, reports said. When contacted, Koraput chief district medical officer Lalit Mohan Rath denied the allegations, terming them 'baseless'.

Denied hospital admission, Odisha woman gives birth in drain

Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore today announced a cash award of Rs 6.70 lakh for all the gold medal winners at the recently concluded Youth Women&#39;s World Boxing Championships.

India&#39;s junior women pugilists won five gold and two bronze medals emerging as team champions during the week-long event in Guwahati.

&quot;You girls have changed the old thinking that girls can only take part in some games. This thinking should end, anyone can take part in anything,&quot; Rathore had words of encouragement for the youngsters during a felicitation ceremony organized by Boxing Federation of India (BFI).

&quot;I know how many problems you may have faced just to play, to train and that is why you all are an inspiration for the people of the country and the girls. Your stories need to be heard so that girls hear them and get inspired by them to play,&quot; Rathore said.

The Olympic silver medallist said that his ministry is working on revamping the current structure by appointing CEOs and High-Performance Managers for each and every sport.

&quot;We will change the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme. Every sport will now have CEOs and High Performance Managers. These managers will have to ensure that the players get better training for each sport and also which tournament they should take part in,&quot; he added.

&quot;The CEOs will look at the logistics part -&nbsp;where the players need sport&nbsp;science, sports medicine. These two will be responsible for combining all of this,&quot; Rathore said.

Emphasising on the need for transparency in the system, Rathore appealed to all the sports federations to display fund details on their websites.

&quot;I want the funding that the federations receive displayed in detail on their websites. Where they got the money and where they spent it.&#39;&#39;

&quot;The names of the selected players should also be put on their websites. This transparency is very necessary because each citizen, media, taxpayer should know where their money is being spent by the federation,&quot; Rathore said.&nbsp;

Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore today announced a cash award of Rs 6.70 lakh for all the gold medal winners at the recently concluded Youth Women's World Boxing Championships

Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore today announced a cash award of Rs 6.70 lakh for all the gold medal winners at the recently concluded Youth Women's World Boxing Championships. India's junior women pugilists won five gold and two bronze medals emerging as team champions during the week-long event in Guwahati. "You girls have changed the old thinking that girls can only take part in some games. This thinking should end, anyone can take part in anything," Rathore had words of encouragement for the youngsters during a felicitation ceremony organized by Boxing Federation of India (BFI). "I know how many problems you may have faced just to play, to train and that is why you all are an inspiration for the people of the country and the girls. Your stories need to be heard so that girls hear them and get inspired by them to play," Rathore said. The Olympic silver medallist said that his ministry is working on revamping the current structure by appointing CEOs and High-Performance Managers for each and every sport. "We will change the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme. Every sport will now have CEOs and High Performance Managers. These managers will have to ensure that the players get better training for each sport and also which tournament they should take part in," he added. "The CEOs will look at the logistics part - where the players need sport science, sports medicine. These two will be responsible for combining all of this," Rathore said. Emphasising on the need for transparency in the system, Rathore appealed to all the sports federations to display fund details on their websites. "I want the funding that the federations receive displayed in detail on their websites. Where they got the money and where they spent it.'' "The names of the selected players should also be put on their websites. This transparency is very necessary because each citizen, media, taxpayer should know where their money is being spent by the federation," Rathore said.

Sports minister Rathore announces cash award for youth boxers

With princes not spared charges of corruption and women granted permission to start driving, Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Vision 2030 is certainly displaying its credibility. The Saudi government has stated that women will be permitted to drive cars from June next year. At present, regulations regarding this are being worked upon.

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Interestingly, &#39;news&#39; of Saudi women being permitted to drive has been accorded substantial media coverage, more than most news items regarding the kingdom usually are. This isn&rsquo;t surprising. The hard truth is that in most non-Arab countries, a stereotyped image of Saudi Arabia prevails.

Yes, there is no denying that the trend in most parts of the world is to think of Saudi Arabia primarily as an oil country and a conservative Islamic country where Muslims periodically gather for pilgrimage. There is also the perception that women here are discriminated against. Besides, the spread of conflict in several Arab nations has enhanced the negative perception of linking Muslims with terrorism.

These factors apparently prompted Saudi King and Crown Prince to move ahead with some dynamic measures needed to change the opinion of others towards Saudi Arabia. If they had not come out with Vision 2030, in all probability the Kingdom would not have attracted much attention.

Careful analysis of this programme suggests that it was probably viewed as pertinent to prevent Saudi citizens from losing hope in coming years, to instil confidence in them about their promising future and also to derail prospects of regional chaos spilling into the Kingdom. After all, landmark, set for 2030, that is 17 years from now, carries promises for children as well as the youth of today. They include women, as laid out specifically in the Vision.

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<h5>The Vision 2030 also plans to raise a percentage of Saudi women employment rate from 12 per cent to 40 per cent and increase their participation in the workforce from 22 per cent to 30 per cent.</h5>
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A close analysis of Saudi women&rsquo;s status suggests that issue of their being permitted to drive is not the first or only step taken by the Saudi government for their progress. It may be recalled, in 1957, with the support of the then King&rsquo;s wife, private schools for girls were established in Jeddah. Though there were protests in certain areas, this movement continued and from the late 1970s, university education for women was paid greater attention.

The same drive is expected to be continued with greater dynamism through Vision 2030. Drawing attention to high literacy rate of Saudi women and their being engaged in development of country&rsquo;s society and economy, the Vision diligently states, &ldquo;With over 50 percent of our university graduates being female, we will continue to develop their talents, invest in their productive capabilities and enable them to strengthen their future and contribute to the development of our society and economy.&rdquo; The Vision also plans to raise a percentage of Saudi women employment rate from 12 per cent to 40 per cent and increase their participation in the workforce from 22 per cent to 30 per cent.

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<h5>Slowly but definitely, the Kingdom has been taking strides to ensure progress of Saudi women and also change stereotyped image held about them as well as the country.</h5>
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Slowly but definitely, the Kingdom has been taking strides to ensure progress of Saudi women and also change stereotyped image held about them as well as the country. Less than a decade ago, the first women to hold a cabinet post was Norah Al Faiz. She was appointed as deputy minister of education in charge of women&rsquo;s affairs in February 2009. The period was also marked by visits between Saudi Arabia and several countries, with delegations including women. When Saudi King visited India as the Republic Day Chief Guest (2006), the media delegation included women.

Vision 2030&rsquo;s agenda resting on three pillars, with first being religious and other two being economically as well as regionally oriented, was certainly not conceived and/or planned overnight. The steps being taken over past few decades, for instance, regarding the progress of women, are a testimony to this fact. Earlier this year, Vision 2030 led to Sarah Al Suhaini&rsquo;s appointment as chair of Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s stock exchange. A woman has been appointed to this position for the first time in this country.

Besides, Rania Mahmoud Nashar was appointed as chief executive of Samba Financial Group, one of the country&rsquo;s largest national banks and Latifa Al-Sabhan as a chief financial officer of Arab National Bank. Globally, only around four per cent, women chair boards and around 12 percent hold board seats.

The emphasis laid in Vision 2030 to create job opportunities for Saudi youth and ensure their qualifications to build a vibrant and ambitious nation is directed towards gaining their confidence. And this apparently is viewed as vital to maintain political stability in the country. Crisis elsewhere in the Arab world has been primarily linked with unemployment faced by youth there.

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<h5>The ruling monarchy is well aware that at this stage it cannot afford to lose confidence of its youth.</h5>
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The ruling monarchy is well aware that at this stage it cannot afford to lose the confidence of its youth. More than 50 percent of the Saudi population is below the age of 25 years. The Vision states, &ldquo;We will guarantee their skills are developed and properly deployed.&rdquo; A priority of Vision towards Saudi Arabia emerging as a &ldquo;global investment powerhouse&rdquo; and a &ldquo;regional leader,&rdquo; also guarantees citizens of employment opportunities in their own country.

The iron hand with which several Saudi princes and ministers have recently been arrested and/or dismissed on charges of corruption cannot be de-linked from Vision 2030. This sudden move may be viewed as yet another step to boost people&rsquo;s confidence in the &ldquo;ambitious&rdquo; Vision and that the country is &ldquo;effectively governed.&rdquo; The Vision states, &ldquo;We shall have zero tolerance for all levels of corruption, whether administrative or financial.&rdquo;

Overall, a greater thrust of Vision is on Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s economic drive, globally, regionally and nationally. There is an also economic angle behind Saudi women being permitted to drive. Drivers employed in Saudi Arabia form around 60 per cent of foreign domestic workers. The remittances from drivers that leaves Saudi Arabia annually is higher than four billion dollars.

When women actually start driving, it is expected to spell advantages for Saudi Arabia socially and economically. Also, it wouldn&rsquo;t be surprising to see global media paying attention to the country through a new lens, for a change, which is not totally tainted with a negative approach. Vision 2030 is thus directed not just towards the agenda outlined in it but also compel people across the world to change their stereotyped perceptions about Saudi Arabia!

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

A priority of Vision towards Saudi Arabia emerging as a ?global investment powerhouse? and a ?regional leader,? guarantees employment opportunities and basic rights

With princes not spared charges of corruption and women granted permission to start driving, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is certainly displaying its credibility. The Saudi government has stated that women will be permitted to drive cars from June next year. At present, regulations regarding this are being worked upon. The hard truth is that in most non-Arab countries, a stereotyped image of Saudi Arabia prevails. × Interestingly, 'news' of Saudi women being permitted to drive has been accorded substantial media coverage, more than most news items regarding the kingdom usually are. This isn’t surprising. The hard truth is that in most non-Arab countries, a stereotyped image of Saudi Arabia prevails. Yes, there is no denying that the trend in most parts of the world is to think of Saudi Arabia primarily as an oil country and a conservative Islamic country where Muslims periodically gather for pilgrimage. There is also the perception that women here are discriminated against. Besides, the spread of conflict in several Arab nations has enhanced the negative perception of linking Muslims with terrorism. These factors apparently prompted Saudi King and Crown Prince to move ahead with some dynamic measures needed to change the opinion of others towards Saudi Arabia. If they had not come out with Vision 2030, in all probability the Kingdom would not have attracted much attention. Careful analysis of this programme suggests that it was probably viewed as pertinent to prevent Saudi citizens from losing hope in coming years, to instil confidence in them about their promising future and also to derail prospects of regional chaos spilling into the Kingdom. After all, landmark, set for 2030, that is 17 years from now, carries promises for children as well as the youth of today. They include women, as laid out specifically in the Vision. The Vision 2030 also plans to raise a percentage of Saudi women employment rate from 12 per cent to 40 per cent and increase their participation in the workforce from 22 per cent to 30 per cent. × A close analysis of Saudi women’s status suggests that issue of their being permitted to drive is not the first or only step taken by the Saudi government for their progress. It may be recalled, in 1957, with the support of the then King’s wife, private schools for girls were established in Jeddah. Though there were protests in certain areas, this movement continued and from the late 1970s, university education for women was paid greater attention. The same drive is expected to be continued with greater dynamism through Vision 2030. Drawing attention to high literacy rate of Saudi women and their being engaged in development of country’s society and economy, the Vision diligently states, “With over 50 percent of our university graduates being female, we will continue to develop their talents, invest in their productive capabilities and enable them to strengthen their future and contribute to the development of our society and economy.” The Vision also plans to raise a percentage of Saudi women employment rate from 12 per cent to 40 per cent and increase their participation in the workforce from 22 per cent to 30 per cent. Slowly but definitely, the Kingdom has been taking strides to ensure progress of Saudi women and also change stereotyped image held about them as well as the country. × Slowly but definitely, the Kingdom has been taking strides to ensure progress of Saudi women and also change stereotyped image held about them as well as the country. Less than a decade ago, the first women to hold a cabinet post was Norah Al Faiz. She was appointed as deputy minister of education in charge of women’s affairs in February 2009. The period was also marked by visits between Saudi Arabia and several countries, with delegations including women. When Saudi King visited India as the Republic Day Chief Guest (2006), the media delegation included women. Vision 2030’s agenda resting on three pillars, with first being religious and other two being economically as well as regionally oriented, was certainly not conceived and/or planned overnight. The steps being taken over past few decades, for instance, regarding the progress of women, are a testimony to this fact. Earlier this year, Vision 2030 led to Sarah Al Suhaini’s appointment as chair of Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange. A woman has been appointed to this position for the first time in this country. Besides, Rania Mahmoud Nashar was appointed as chief executive of Samba Financial Group, one of the country’s largest national banks and Latifa Al-Sabhan as a chief financial officer of Arab National Bank. Globally, only around four per cent, women chair boards and around 12 percent hold board seats. The emphasis laid in Vision 2030 to create job opportunities for Saudi youth and ensure their qualifications to build a vibrant and ambitious nation is directed towards gaining their confidence. And this apparently is viewed as vital to maintain political stability in the country. Crisis elsewhere in the Arab world has been primarily linked with unemployment faced by youth there. The ruling monarchy is well aware that at this stage it cannot afford to lose confidence of its youth. × The ruling monarchy is well aware that at this stage it cannot afford to lose the confidence of its youth. More than 50 percent of the Saudi population is below the age of 25 years. The Vision states, “We will guarantee their skills are developed and properly deployed.” A priority of Vision towards Saudi Arabia emerging as a “global investment powerhouse” and a “regional leader,” also guarantees citizens of employment opportunities in their own country. The iron hand with which several Saudi princes and ministers have recently been arrested and/or dismissed on charges of corruption cannot be de-linked from Vision 2030. This sudden move may be viewed as yet another step to boost people’s confidence in the “ambitious” Vision and that the country is “effectively governed.” The Vision states, “We shall have zero tolerance for all levels of corruption, whether administrative or financial.” Overall, a greater thrust of Vision is on Saudi Arabia’s economic drive, globally, regionally and nationally. There is an also economic angle behind Saudi women being permitted to drive. Drivers employed in Saudi Arabia form around 60 per cent of foreign domestic workers. The remittances from drivers that leaves Saudi Arabia annually is higher than four billion dollars. When women actually start driving, it is expected to spell advantages for Saudi Arabia socially and economically. Also, it wouldn’t be surprising to see global media paying attention to the country through a new lens, for a change, which is not totally tainted with a negative approach. Vision 2030 is thus directed not just towards the agenda outlined in it but also compel people across the world to change their stereotyped perceptions about Saudi Arabia! (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Vision 2030 embodies Saudi quest for modernity

An<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ola-driver-molests-bengaluru-woman-activates-child-lock-to-prevent-her-from-escaping-26011"> Ola driver was suspended</a> on Tuesday after he was allegedly accused of molesting a 23-year-old woman in Bengaluru on Sunday night, reports said.&nbsp;

An Ola representative has also told the customer to file a formal complaint against the driver to the police.&nbsp;

&quot;We regret the unfortunate experience the customer had during their ride. We have zero tolerance for such incidents and the driver has been suspended from the platform as an immediate action upon receiving the complaint,&quot; the Ola spokesperson said.

&quot;We have also urged the customer to lodge a formal complaint with the authorities. The safety of customers is our priority and we will continue to extend our full support to this investigation against the said driver,&quot; the spokesperson added.

The woman, who was a fashion designer by profession, complained to Ola Cabs safety team where she said that the driver misbehaved with her, held her hostage and child locked the doors.&nbsp;

The driver further threatened the woman and said that she would face consequences if she reports a complaint to the authorities, media reports said.

The woman did not lodge an official complaint. According to reports, she was not a resident of Bengaluru and did not file the complaint to avoid legal issues.&nbsp;

The victim has confirmed that the incident took place at around 10:30 pm.

The driver further threatened the women and said that she would face consequences if she reports a complaint to the authorities, media reports said

An Ola driver was suspended on Tuesday after he was allegedly accused of molesting a 23-year-old woman in Bengaluru on Sunday night, reports said. An Ola representative has also told the customer to file a formal complaint against the driver to the police. "We regret the unfortunate experience the customer had during their ride. We have zero tolerance for such incidents and the driver has been suspended from the platform as an immediate action upon receiving the complaint," the Ola spokesperson said. "We have also urged the customer to lodge a formal complaint with the authorities. The safety of customers is our priority and we will continue to extend our full support to this investigation against the said driver," the spokesperson added. The woman, who was a fashion designer by profession, complained to Ola Cabs safety team where she said that the driver misbehaved with her, held her hostage and child locked the doors. The driver further threatened the woman and said that she would face consequences if she reports a complaint to the authorities, media reports said. The woman did not lodge an official complaint. According to reports, she was not a resident of Bengaluru and did not file the complaint to avoid legal issues. The victim has confirmed that the incident took place at around 10:30 pm.

Ola suspends driver for molesting woman passenger

A man was arrested on Saturday on account of raping, filming the scene and then blackmailing a 26-year-old woman&nbsp;to extort money, media reports said.&nbsp;

According to reports, the man had coaxed the women by inviting her to his house to introduce her to potential clients as she worked&nbsp;in micro-finance. 
&nbsp; 
Upon her arrival, she found out that he was alone which is when he allegedly raped and filmed her.&nbsp;

&nbsp;As per reports, it was revealed that he had extorted about Rs. 2 lack from the woman after allegedly threatening her to leak the video.&nbsp;

The man had also demanded her to purchase a two-wheeler for him and pay the EMI&#39;s. The women finally filed a complaint on Friday, media reports said.&nbsp;

According to reports, the man had coaxed the women by inviting her to his house to introduce her to potential clients as she worked?in micro-finance

A man was arrested on Saturday on account of raping, filming the scene and then blackmailing a 26-year-old woman to extort money, media reports said. According to reports, the man had coaxed the women by inviting her to his house to introduce her to potential clients as she worked in micro-finance. Upon her arrival, she found out that he was alone which is when he allegedly raped and filmed her. As per reports, it was revealed that he had extorted about Rs. 2 lack from the woman after allegedly threatening her to leak the video. The man had also demanded her to purchase a two-wheeler for him and pay the EMI's. The women finally filed a complaint on Friday, media reports said.

26-year-old women raped, filmed and blackmailed

The ongoing three-day-long Global Entrepreneurship Summit is not the only place where the spirit of women empowerment soars high.

There were many things that happened for the very first time at the spectacular event that is to conclude later in the day today.

Ivanka Trump, adviser to the President of the United States noted the presence of staggering 1500 women delegates at GES 2017.&nbsp;

But, as mentioned above, GES 2017 is not the only place strumming chords of women empowerment. The holy city of Varanasi recently saw a historic feat where women participated in the annual wrestling competition for the very first time.&nbsp;

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For the first time in Varanasi, women participated in the annual wrestling competition, held on Assi Ghat. Sankat Mochan Foundation, which organizes the wrestling competition every year included a women category this time <a href="https://t.co/yhSu3OOf9k">pic.twitter.com/yhSu3OOf9k</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936060425392742401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The event took place at Assi Ghat, Varanasi and was organised by the Sankat Mochan Foundation. The wrestling event is organised every year by the foundation and this time around the organisers decided to introduce a category for women.&nbsp;

The event took place at Assi Ghat, Varanasi and was organised by the Sankat Mochan Foundation.

The ongoing three-day-long Global Entrepreneurship Summit is not the only place where the spirit of women empowerment soars high. There were many things that happened for the very first time at the spectacular event that is to conclude later in the day today. Ivanka Trump, adviser to the President of the United States noted the presence of staggering 1500 women delegates at GES 2017. But, as mentioned above, GES 2017 is not the only place strumming chords of women empowerment. The holy city of Varanasi recently saw a historic feat where women participated in the annual wrestling competition for the very first time. For the first time in Varanasi, women participated in the annual wrestling competition, held on Assi Ghat. Sankat Mochan Foundation, which organizes the wrestling competition every year included a women category this time pic.twitter.com/yhSu3OOf9k — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 30, 2017 × The event took place at Assi Ghat, Varanasi and was organised by the Sankat Mochan Foundation. The wrestling event is organised every year by the foundation and this time around the organisers decided to introduce a category for women.

At annual Varanasi wrestling competition, women participate for first time

The Shiv Sena on Friday said if the government decided to introduce a legislation for a ban on triple talaq it would permanently free Muslim women.&nbsp;

The Supreme court&nbsp;in August described <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-centre-likely-to-introduce-bill-in-winter-session-of-parliament-to-end-practice-24747">instant Talaq </a>&#39;unconstitutional.&#39;&nbsp;The Centre is likely to introduce a bill in the winter session of the Parliament to end Triple Talaq.

It is said that once the law is proposed to declare triple Talaq as an offence, people will have the right to go to the police for redressal of their complaints and for action to be taken against their spouse, reports also said.

A ministerial committee has decided to carry out a proper legislation or amend the existing penal provisions, stating the Triple talaq as a felony.

The party also took potshots at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by talking about a number of concerns &mdash; the promise of building Ram temple at Ayodhya, execution of uniform civil code and repealing Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

&ldquo;The way the Union government is following directives of the Supreme Court on triple talaq, it should do the same with the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The Supreme Court had given directives to the Centre thrice over the UCC but the government has still not taken any step toward it,&rdquo; the party claimed.

Earlier this month, Yasmeen Khalid, the wife of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) professor Khalid Bin Yusuf Khan had alleged that she was given instant divorce by her husband on WhatsApp.

Prime Minister led Bharatiya Janata Party government has opposed the system, terming the practice of husbands verbally divorcing wives as unfair to women.

(with inputs from agencies)

The Supreme court, in August, had directed to eliminate the system of instant Talaq as 'unconstitutional.'?

The Shiv Sena on Friday said if the government decided to introduce a legislation for a ban on triple talaq it would permanently free Muslim women. The Supreme court in August described instant Talaq 'unconstitutional.' The Centre is likely to introduce a bill in the winter session of the Parliament to end Triple Talaq. It is said that once the law is proposed to declare triple Talaq as an offence, people will have the right to go to the police for redressal of their complaints and for action to be taken against their spouse, reports also said. A ministerial committee has decided to carry out a proper legislation or amend the existing penal provisions, stating the Triple talaq as a felony. The party also took potshots at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by talking about a number of concerns — the promise of building Ram temple at Ayodhya, execution of uniform civil code and repealing Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. “The way the Union government is following directives of the Supreme Court on triple talaq, it should do the same with the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The Supreme Court had given directives to the Centre thrice over the UCC but the government has still not taken any step toward it,” the party claimed. Earlier this month, Yasmeen Khalid, the wife of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) professor Khalid Bin Yusuf Khan had alleged that she was given instant divorce by her husband on WhatsApp. Prime Minister led Bharatiya Janata Party government has opposed the system, terming the practice of husbands verbally divorcing wives as unfair to women. (with inputs from agencies)

Bill banning Triple Talaq would free Muslim women: Shiv Sena

Perhaps no single demographic faces greater persecution than women living in conflict zones. Either as members of rebel groups or victims of state-led violence, women in armed conflict are vulnerable and usually always the victims.

This victimisation is part of an organised policy that weaponises their bodies and minds for dominance, power and control by men, in war. And it&rsquo;s a method chosen by both state and non-state actors. Whether it be the enslavement of thousands of Yazidi women by ISIS, the abduction of women and girls by Boko Haram in Nigeria, or the mass-scale rapes of women by soldiers in Syria, conflict always reveals horrific levels of repression women across the world continue to face. India is no exception to the rule. Frequently prone to insurgencies and ethnic conflict, the stories of women in India&rsquo;s conflict zones, whether it is Manipur, Chattisgarh, or Kashmir, bear the scars of brutality, sexual violence, and oppression.

One of the most important cases that catapulted the issue of brutality against women in war in India was the murder of a Manipuri girl, Thangjam Manorama by members of the 17 Assam Rifles. The Chairman of the Judicial Inquiry Commission tasked with the responsibility to investigate the murder called it one of the most shocking custodial killings.

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<h5>In Kashmir, years of a brutal insurgency between the Indian state and militant groups inflicted its highest toll on women.</h5>
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Thangjam had been sexually assaulted repeatedly and had eight bullets pumped into her. In Kashmir, years of a brutal insurgency between the Indian state and militant groups inflicted its highest toll on women. Rita Manchanda and Urvashi Bhutalia who have extensively worked on this issue show, in their body of work, that in Kashmir, women are either killed in crossfire, shot at in public demonstrations, blown up in grenade explosions across the Line of Control (LoC) or raped by militants.

Both security forces and militant groups use rape as an instrument of control, though, the objectives are markedly different. While militants use rape to humiliate and silence members of minority communities like the Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs, Indian security forces have used rape to punish those suspected of links to militant groups.

A Human Rights Report published by the US State Department in 1999-2000 documents how paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir and the police were culpable in a broader pattern of custodial abuse. The 1991 Kunan-Pushpora incident is still a dark episode in the history of Kashmir&rsquo;s internal conflict when four soldiers belonging to the Rashtriya Rifles allegedly raped at least 23 women in Kashmir&rsquo;s Kunan and Pushpora villages.

Twenty-six years later, six of the victims are deceased and justice remains elusive. In a separate case in 2009, 22-year-old Neelofer Jan and her 17-year-old sister-in-law Asiya Jan were allegedly raped and murdered by CRPF forces in Shopian, Kashmir. Despite setting up several inquiries to investigate the matter, the results were inconclusive and justice, again, a foregone conclusion.

There is another side to the story, though. A 2017 NPR report reveals how many Kashmiri women are actively aiding militants against the Indian state. Alternatively, Kashmiri Pandit women belonging to the Hindu community are killed in militant attacks, the 1998 Wandhama massacre being the case in point. These stories are telling in that not just majority Muslim women but Hindu women and those belonging to minority groups in Kashmir are caught in a relentless cycle of violence between state and militant groups.

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<h5>The women are deeply indoctrinated into an ideology that views violence as a means of liberation and emancipation.</h5>
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Women living in Maoist-held insurgent territory face a similar fate. In 2015, the National Human Rights Commission reported that at least 16 tribal women were allegedly raped and killed by police in Bastar. While many of these reports are evidence of the impunity state security forces and police exercise in conflict zones, one cannot entirely ignore the role of female Maoist cadres leading an orchestrated campaign of violence against the Indian state.

But their victimisation has a different source. These women are deeply indoctrinated into an ideology that views violence as a means of liberation and emancipation. Much of the result of such ideological violence is that the same women inevitably become victims of both state violence and extremist indoctrination, their bodies constant targets of physical and emotional abuse.

Where do we go from here? There are several ways to address the subjugation and brutalisation of women in India&rsquo;s conflict zones. While these measures will not entirely eliminate the problem, they could alleviate the suffering of many women.

First, a speedy justice system that punishes the perpetrators quickly is essential. Much of the violence against women continues unabated when those perpetrating the abuse are convinced they can get away with it. For instance, problematic parts of laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) need to be amended to place limits on military powers.

Second, police and military personnel must receive mandatory training and socialisation in how to approach women in conflict zones, carrying a penalty for misdemeanours.

Third, civil society must work with non-governmental organisations to spread greater awareness about the experiences of women in violence-afflicted zones and offer assistance in any way possible. Journalists, too, must continue to educate and confront the problem. Finally, cultural norms that sustain a deeply patriarchal society must be challenged and broken. The onus is on us, both men and women, to do it.

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

There is need to end violence against women in conflict zones because as members of rebel groups or victims of state-led violence, women in armed conflict are vulnerable and usually the victims

Perhaps no single demographic faces greater persecution than women living in conflict zones. Either as members of rebel groups or victims of state-led violence, women in armed conflict are vulnerable and usually always the victims. This victimisation is part of an organised policy that weaponises their bodies and minds for dominance, power and control by men, in war. And it’s a method chosen by both state and non-state actors. Whether it be the enslavement of thousands of Yazidi women by ISIS, the abduction of women and girls by Boko Haram in Nigeria, or the mass-scale rapes of women by soldiers in Syria, conflict always reveals horrific levels of repression women across the world continue to face. India is no exception to the rule. Frequently prone to insurgencies and ethnic conflict, the stories of women in India’s conflict zones, whether it is Manipur, Chattisgarh, or Kashmir, bear the scars of brutality, sexual violence, and oppression. One of the most important cases that catapulted the issue of brutality against women in war in India was the murder of a Manipuri girl, Thangjam Manorama by members of the 17 Assam Rifles. The Chairman of the Judicial Inquiry Commission tasked with the responsibility to investigate the murder called it one of the most shocking custodial killings. In Kashmir, years of a brutal insurgency between the Indian state and militant groups inflicted its highest toll on women. × Thangjam had been sexually assaulted repeatedly and had eight bullets pumped into her. In Kashmir, years of a brutal insurgency between the Indian state and militant groups inflicted its highest toll on women. Rita Manchanda and Urvashi Bhutalia who have extensively worked on this issue show, in their body of work, that in Kashmir, women are either killed in crossfire, shot at in public demonstrations, blown up in grenade explosions across the Line of Control (LoC) or raped by militants. Both security forces and militant groups use rape as an instrument of control, though, the objectives are markedly different. While militants use rape to humiliate and silence members of minority communities like the Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs, Indian security forces have used rape to punish those suspected of links to militant groups. A Human Rights Report published by the US State Department in 1999-2000 documents how paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir and the police were culpable in a broader pattern of custodial abuse. The 1991 Kunan-Pushpora incident is still a dark episode in the history of Kashmir’s internal conflict when four soldiers belonging to the Rashtriya Rifles allegedly raped at least 23 women in Kashmir’s Kunan and Pushpora villages. Twenty-six years later, six of the victims are deceased and justice remains elusive. In a separate case in 2009, 22-year-old Neelofer Jan and her 17-year-old sister-in-law Asiya Jan were allegedly raped and murdered by CRPF forces in Shopian, Kashmir. Despite setting up several inquiries to investigate the matter, the results were inconclusive and justice, again, a foregone conclusion. There is another side to the story, though. A 2017 NPR report reveals how many Kashmiri women are actively aiding militants against the Indian state. Alternatively, Kashmiri Pandit women belonging to the Hindu community are killed in militant attacks, the 1998 Wandhama massacre being the case in point. These stories are telling in that not just majority Muslim women but Hindu women and those belonging to minority groups in Kashmir are caught in a relentless cycle of violence between state and militant groups. The women are deeply indoctrinated into an ideology that views violence as a means of liberation and emancipation. × Women living in Maoist-held insurgent territory face a similar fate. In 2015, the National Human Rights Commission reported that at least 16 tribal women were allegedly raped and killed by police in Bastar. While many of these reports are evidence of the impunity state security forces and police exercise in conflict zones, one cannot entirely ignore the role of female Maoist cadres leading an orchestrated campaign of violence against the Indian state. But their victimisation has a different source. These women are deeply indoctrinated into an ideology that views violence as a means of liberation and emancipation. Much of the result of such ideological violence is that the same women inevitably become victims of both state violence and extremist indoctrination, their bodies constant targets of physical and emotional abuse. Where do we go from here? There are several ways to address the subjugation and brutalisation of women in India’s conflict zones. While these measures will not entirely eliminate the problem, they could alleviate the suffering of many women. First, a speedy justice system that punishes the perpetrators quickly is essential. Much of the violence against women continues unabated when those perpetrating the abuse are convinced they can get away with it. For instance, problematic parts of laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) need to be amended to place limits on military powers. Second, police and military personnel must receive mandatory training and socialisation in how to approach women in conflict zones, carrying a penalty for misdemeanours. Third, civil society must work with non-governmental organisations to spread greater awareness about the experiences of women in violence-afflicted zones and offer assistance in any way possible. Journalists, too, must continue to educate and confront the problem. Finally, cultural norms that sustain a deeply patriarchal society must be challenged and broken. The onus is on us, both men and women, to do it. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Women and the wounds of war

At least 20 people including women and children were killed on Monday when a lorry toppled over and shed its load of coal onto a passenger van in southern Pakistan, police said.

Five people were injured in the accident in Khairpur district in Sindh province.

A senior district police official said the truck was trying to overtake the van when it toppled and crushed the other vehicle.

&quot;The van (was) buried under the coal and at least 17 people including children and women died on the spot,&quot; Azfar Mahesar told AFP.

Eight injured people were rushed to hospital but three subsequently died, said hospital doctor Ghulam Jafar.

Several of the bodies were badly crushed by the coal and so far just 10 have been identified, he added.&nbsp;

Pakistan has one of the world&#39;s worst records for fatal traffic accidents, due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.

At least 20 people including women and children were killed on Monday when a lorry toppled over and shed its load of coal onto a passenger van in southern Pakistan, police said

At least 20 people including women and children were killed on Monday when a lorry toppled over and shed its load of coal onto a passenger van in southern Pakistan, police said. Five people were injured in the accident in Khairpur district in Sindh province. A senior district police official said the truck was trying to overtake the van when it toppled and crushed the other vehicle. "The van (was) buried under the coal and at least 17 people including children and women died on the spot," Azfar Mahesar told AFP. Eight injured people were rushed to hospital but three subsequently died, said hospital doctor Ghulam Jafar. Several of the bodies were badly crushed by the coal and so far just 10 have been identified, he added. Pakistan has one of the world's worst records for fatal traffic accidents, due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.

20 killed as truck topples onto van in Pakistan

Anti-terror probe agency NIA could be empowered to investigate cases of human trafficking, in what seems to be a breakthrough in the nearly year-long consultations among various stakeholders, including the home ministry and the ministry of women and child development.

Sources say the additional responsibility for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would be part of the proposed anti-human trafficking law unveiled by Maneka Gandhi last year.

The move will also require amending the law that gave birth to the counter-terrorism agency -- the National Investigation Act, 2008.

The Draft Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016, proposed setting up a National Bureau on Trafficking in Person for &quot;prevention, investigation of the trafficking of persons cases and protection of the victims of trafficking&quot; -- a role which could be performed by the NIA, sources said.

&quot;The ministry of home affairs (MHA) wanted NIA to investigate trafficking and we have agreed to that. MHA has also given its approval for the draft Bill. After we get a green flag from Prime Minister&#39;s Office, a Cabinet note will be circulated,&quot; according to a top official of the ministry of women and child development.

Another official said that &quot;a cell within NIA&quot; could be probing human trafficking cases.

After the Union Cabinet gives its approval, the draft bill will be tabled before Parliament.

&quot;Traffickers enjoy immunity because local police agencies are not able to probe inter-state or cross-border crimes. We require a nodal agency as 80-90 per cent of trafficking cases span across various states,&quot; said President of NGO Shakti Vahini, Ravi Kant, explaining why activists have been seeking a central body to probe human trade.

Government officials say that in order to empower the NIA to investigate trafficking cases the National Investigation Act, 2008, will have to be amended.

The NIA was set up by the previous UPA government in 2009 to probe terrorist activities in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people.

As per the National Investigation Act, the anti-terror body is empowered to probe offences under eight specified laws, including the Atomic Energy Act 1962, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, and the Anti-Hijacking Act 1982.

The proposed anti-human trafficking legislation will be independent of the existing law on trafficking in relation to prostitution -- Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 -- while a section of the civil society has sought an umbrella law.

The draft law divides offences into &quot;trafficking&quot; and &quot;aggravated trafficking&quot;. The punishment for offences in the former category is rigorous imprisonment between 7 and 10 years and a fine of not less than Rs 1 lakh, while aggravated forms of trafficking will invite a jail term of between 10 years and life imprisonment and a fine of not less than Rs 5 lakh.

Aggravated trafficking will include trafficking of children, transgenders, differently-abled, pregnant women and those which involve the use of drugs and alcohol.

There is also a provision for a national committee as well as a central fund for the relief and rehabilitation services for the victims.

Sources say the additional responsibility for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would be part of the proposed anti-human trafficking law unveiled by Maneka Gandhi last year

Anti-terror probe agency NIA could be empowered to investigate cases of human trafficking, in what seems to be a breakthrough in the nearly year-long consultations among various stakeholders, including the home ministry and the ministry of women and child development. Sources say the additional responsibility for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would be part of the proposed anti-human trafficking law unveiled by Maneka Gandhi last year. The move will also require amending the law that gave birth to the counter-terrorism agency -- the National Investigation Act, 2008. The Draft Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016, proposed setting up a National Bureau on Trafficking in Person for "prevention, investigation of the trafficking of persons cases and protection of the victims of trafficking" -- a role which could be performed by the NIA, sources said. "The ministry of home affairs (MHA) wanted NIA to investigate trafficking and we have agreed to that. MHA has also given its approval for the draft Bill. After we get a green flag from Prime Minister's Office, a Cabinet note will be circulated," according to a top official of the ministry of women and child development. Another official said that "a cell within NIA" could be probing human trafficking cases. After the Union Cabinet gives its approval, the draft bill will be tabled before Parliament. "Traffickers enjoy immunity because local police agencies are not able to probe inter-state or cross-border crimes. We require a nodal agency as 80-90 per cent of trafficking cases span across various states," said President of NGO Shakti Vahini, Ravi Kant, explaining why activists have been seeking a central body to probe human trade. Government officials say that in order to empower the NIA to investigate trafficking cases the National Investigation Act, 2008, will have to be amended. The NIA was set up by the previous UPA government in 2009 to probe terrorist activities in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people. As per the National Investigation Act, the anti-terror body is empowered to probe offences under eight specified laws, including the Atomic Energy Act 1962, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, and the Anti-Hijacking Act 1982. The proposed anti-human trafficking legislation will be independent of the existing law on trafficking in relation to prostitution -- Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 -- while a section of the civil society has sought an umbrella law. The draft law divides offences into "trafficking" and "aggravated trafficking". The punishment for offences in the former category is rigorous imprisonment between 7 and 10 years and a fine of not less than Rs 1 lakh, while aggravated forms of trafficking will invite a jail term of between 10 years and life imprisonment and a fine of not less than Rs 5 lakh. Aggravated trafficking will include trafficking of children, transgenders, differently-abled, pregnant women and those which involve the use of drugs and alcohol. There is also a provision for a national committee as well as a central fund for the relief and rehabilitation services for the victims.

NIA likely to probe human trafficking cases

Crushed stones are piled in front of nearly every house along the main narrow lane of Gothi hamlet, along with several sacks. Women of all ages, schoolgirls too, sit on top of these coarse heaps, crushing the stones one by one with hammers and clamps. Men play carrom and cards outside the houses in the lane, after having quarried the stones from the mountains and river beds.

Gothi, a hamlet of Kalika panchayat village, is on the way from the Jauljibi market area to Dharchula town in eastern Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Two rivers &ndash; the Kali and Gori &ndash; meet at Jauljibi, and there is the constant sound of water. Nepal is a few metres away, with narrow foot bridges connecting the two countries. &nbsp;The bridges are as shaky as the lives of the people living on either side of them.

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Heaps of stones used to build houses and roads lie outside almost every house in Gothi hamlet (Others)
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Fulmati Hunar, 32, the cook at the government school in the village, says, &ldquo;It is difficult to get a job here. During the summer, we go back to our upper-Himalayan homes.&rdquo; These are in the villages of Go and Baun in Darma valley in the upper Himalayas, close to the India-China border.

Here, at altitudes of 2,500 metres, many families collect yarsagumba for about 45 days, from mid-May. Yarsagumba is a rare and valuable fungus with medicinal properties, though only a portion of its high-value international trade emanating from this region is legal. The people also collect kitchen herbs for sale in various parts of the Kumaon region. &ldquo;We earn by selling those herbs,&rdquo; Fulmati says. &ldquo;However, that is not enough to run a home. So, we crush and sell these stones.&rdquo; 
Local middlemen buy the crushed stones and sell them to contractors who are building roads or houses. It is almost a year-round activity, that has increased after the 2013 flood. In June that year, most of Uttarakhand received unprecedented rainfall. Water from the overflowing Kali river washed away many houses and roads in Gothi, Naya Basti, Kalika and Balwakot in Dharchula block. &nbsp;The stones are used to rebuild these houses and roads &ndash; as well as make new ones.

Each sack of crushed stones fetches Rs. 45, Fulmati says. In a day, she can fill two sacks. &ldquo;Some women sell three sacks a day. It takes a lot of time, because there are household chores to be done as well,&quot; she says, busy making an egg curry at the school.

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Batuli Devi, 65, breaks stones with only a hammer and clamp, without any protective gear; sometimes tiny pieces of stone get in her eyes or she injures her fingers (Others)
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In one of the alleys of Gothi, two women are placing pieces of stone on bigger ones, holding them down with clamps, and hammering them. The stones shatter. Their hands, feet and faces are grey with the dust. They don&rsquo;t wear any protective gloves or masks. &ldquo;Sometimes, tiny pieces of stone get in our eyes and we rush to the hospital [in Dharchula, six kilometres away]. Sometimes our fingers are injured. But that is all,&rdquo; says 65-year-old Batuli Devi. It is afternoon, and she has collected a sack full of stones. She says she will work until the daylight fades.

Crushing stones has become a full-time livelihood activity for the women of Gothi not only because of the increased demand for the stones, but also because of the falling demand for their traditional handwoven products. Most of the women here are from the Bhotiya tribe, known for their excellent weaving skills. They can weave anything, from mats to blankets, sweaters to socks, all from wool fetched from herds of sheep in the region. Weaving is what the Bhotiya women most enjoy. This was how they used to earn a living. Their craft commanded respect. But that was in another time, recalls Batuli Devi.

Now the wooden looms &ndash; many were washed away or damaged in the flood and had to be remade &ndash; are gathering dust in the corners of many homes. Some of the looms that survived the flood are a hundred years old, handed down as precious gifts from mothers to daughters and daughters-in-law. The weaving skills too have been passed down the generations. &ldquo;If nothing else, a Bhotiya girl will know how to weave and make wine [from wheat],&rdquo; says Kismati Devi, 52.

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Synthetic rugs have edged out handwoven ones, but weavers like Arti Bona (left) and Kushma Kutiyal (right) still make them occasionally (Others)
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Fulmati says they used to make chutkhas, thick blankets made of pure wool, and sell them at the annual Jauljibi mela in November. The blanket is heavy, ideal for the cold climate of Kumaon. &ldquo;Our fathers and brothers would go to Almora and Pithoragarh town to sell the chutkhas. &ldquo;Each is priced between 3,500 and 6,000 rupees, depending on the purity of the wool. But it takes hard labour and a lot of time to make,&rdquo; says Fulmati&#39;s mother, Suppu Devi. &ldquo;About 15&ndash;20 days to make a chutkha if one spins all day long. Sometimes it can take three months to complete one piece.&rdquo;

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Suppu Devi with the yarn she uses to make a chutkha, a thick blanket which can last up to a hundred years (Others)
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But this handmade blanket does not sell much anymore. &ldquo;Nobody wants to pay more than Rs. 2,000 when you can get blankets and quilts much cheaper,&rdquo; says Suppu Devi, as she unwraps the yarn for my camera. A chutkha survives many generations, at least a hundred years.

The women have also traditionally made thulma (another type of blanket), pattu (a coarse woollen rug), pankhi (a woollen wrapper), dann (carpet) and asan (prayer mat). The elegant embellishments on the mats and carpets are similar to Tibetan motifs &ndash; with bright geometric patterns, auspicious symbols and flowers.

But now the looms are only used occasionally to make the rugs and mats. &nbsp;A pair of asan &ndash; long, narrow and intricate &ndash; can be sold for Rs. 20,000; bigger carpets can cost more. But the buyers are few. Low-cost synthetic blankets, rugs and wrappers from the India-China border trade and from the plains, including Punjab, have replaced these traditional woollen products in Kumaoni homes. The women now make chutkhas only for their families or for pujas and festivals within the Bhotiya community.

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Left: Rugs like these, handwoven by Bhotiya women, can take six months to make. Right: Fulmati Hunar shows a chutkha woven by her (Others)
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&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t like coming out on the road and breaking stones, but we don&rsquo;t know how else to make money,&rdquo; says Shanti Devi, who is crushing stone not far from where Batuli Devi is working, focussing on them with her clamp and hammer. A few sacks stand against each other nearby, with two men filling more.

These heaps of crushed stones are everywhere in Dharchula and Munsyari blocks of Pithoragarh district. So are the women and girls crushing them, amid this wide open landscape, with a mountain reaching up to touch the sky. The physical space is vast, but the skills and livelihoods of the people living here are now severely constrained.

This <a href="https://ruralindiaonline.org/articles/from-creating-carpets-to-crushing-stones" rel="nofollow" target="blank">article</a> was originally published on 31/10/2017 on the <a href="https://ruralindiaonline.org/" rel="nofollow" target="blank">People&#39;s Archive of Rural India</a>

Women of the Bhotiya community in Uttarakhand?s Gothi hamlet earn an income by breaking quarried stones ? and recall a time when their weaving skills brought them respect as well as financial returns

Crushed stones are piled in front of nearly every house along the main narrow lane of Gothi hamlet, along with several sacks. Women of all ages, schoolgirls too, sit on top of these coarse heaps, crushing the stones one by one with hammers and clamps. Men play carrom and cards outside the houses in the lane, after having quarried the stones from the mountains and river beds. Gothi, a hamlet of Kalika panchayat village, is on the way from the Jauljibi market area to Dharchula town in eastern Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Two rivers – the Kali and Gori – meet at Jauljibi, and there is the constant sound of water. Nepal is a few metres away, with narrow foot bridges connecting the two countries. The bridges are as shaky as the lives of the people living on either side of them. Heaps of stones used to build houses and roads lie outside almost every house in Gothi hamlet (Others) × Fulmati Hunar, 32, the cook at the government school in the village, says, “It is difficult to get a job here. During the summer, we go back to our upper-Himalayan homes.” These are in the villages of Go and Baun in Darma valley in the upper Himalayas, close to the India-China border. Here, at altitudes of 2,500 metres, many families collect yarsagumba for about 45 days, from mid-May. Yarsagumba is a rare and valuable fungus with medicinal properties, though only a portion of its high-value international trade emanating from this region is legal. The people also collect kitchen herbs for sale in various parts of the Kumaon region. “We earn by selling those herbs,” Fulmati says. “However, that is not enough to run a home. So, we crush and sell these stones.” Local middlemen buy the crushed stones and sell them to contractors who are building roads or houses. It is almost a year-round activity, that has increased after the 2013 flood. In June that year, most of Uttarakhand received unprecedented rainfall. Water from the overflowing Kali river washed away many houses and roads in Gothi, Naya Basti, Kalika and Balwakot in Dharchula block. The stones are used to rebuild these houses and roads – as well as make new ones. Each sack of crushed stones fetches Rs. 45, Fulmati says. In a day, she can fill two sacks. “Some women sell three sacks a day. It takes a lot of time, because there are household chores to be done as well," she says, busy making an egg curry at the school. Batuli Devi, 65, breaks stones with only a hammer and clamp, without any protective gear; sometimes tiny pieces of stone get in her eyes or she injures her fingers (Others) × In one of the alleys of Gothi, two women are placing pieces of stone on bigger ones, holding them down with clamps, and hammering them. The stones shatter. Their hands, feet and faces are grey with the dust. They don’t wear any protective gloves or masks. “Sometimes, tiny pieces of stone get in our eyes and we rush to the hospital [in Dharchula, six kilometres away]. Sometimes our fingers are injured. But that is all,” says 65-year-old Batuli Devi. It is afternoon, and she has collected a sack full of stones. She says she will work until the daylight fades. Crushing stones has become a full-time livelihood activity for the women of Gothi not only because of the increased demand for the stones, but also because of the falling demand for their traditional handwoven products. Most of the women here are from the Bhotiya tribe, known for their excellent weaving skills. They can weave anything, from mats to blankets, sweaters to socks, all from wool fetched from herds of sheep in the region. Weaving is what the Bhotiya women most enjoy. This was how they used to earn a living. Their craft commanded respect. But that was in another time, recalls Batuli Devi. Now the wooden looms – many were washed away or damaged in the flood and had to be remade – are gathering dust in the corners of many homes. Some of the looms that survived the flood are a hundred years old, handed down as precious gifts from mothers to daughters and daughters-in-law. The weaving skills too have been passed down the generations. “If nothing else, a Bhotiya girl will know how to weave and make wine [from wheat],” says Kismati Devi, 52. Synthetic rugs have edged out handwoven ones, but weavers like Arti Bona (left) and Kushma Kutiyal (right) still make them occasionally (Others) × Fulmati says they used to make chutkhas, thick blankets made of pure wool, and sell them at the annual Jauljibi mela in November. The blanket is heavy, ideal for the cold climate of Kumaon. “Our fathers and brothers would go to Almora and Pithoragarh town to sell the chutkhas. “Each is priced between 3,500 and 6,000 rupees, depending on the purity of the wool. But it takes hard labour and a lot of time to make,” says Fulmati's mother, Suppu Devi. “About 15–20 days to make a chutkha if one spins all day long. Sometimes it can take three months to complete one piece.” Suppu Devi with the yarn she uses to make a chutkha, a thick blanket which can last up to a hundred years (Others) × But this handmade blanket does not sell much anymore. “Nobody wants to pay more than Rs. 2,000 when you can get blankets and quilts much cheaper,” says Suppu Devi, as she unwraps the yarn for my camera. A chutkha survives many generations, at least a hundred years. The women have also traditionally made thulma (another type of blanket), pattu (a coarse woollen rug), pankhi (a woollen wrapper), dann (carpet) and asan (prayer mat). The elegant embellishments on the mats and carpets are similar to Tibetan motifs – with bright geometric patterns, auspicious symbols and flowers. But now the looms are only used occasionally to make the rugs and mats. A pair of asan – long, narrow and intricate – can be sold for Rs. 20,000; bigger carpets can cost more. But the buyers are few. Low-cost synthetic blankets, rugs and wrappers from the India-China border trade and from the plains, including Punjab, have replaced these traditional woollen products in Kumaoni homes. The women now make chutkhas only for their families or for pujas and festivals within the Bhotiya community. Left: Rugs like these, handwoven by Bhotiya women, can take six months to make. Right: Fulmati Hunar shows a chutkha woven by her (Others) × “We don’t like coming out on the road and breaking stones, but we don’t know how else to make money,” says Shanti Devi, who is crushing stone not far from where Batuli Devi is working, focussing on them with her clamp and hammer. A few sacks stand against each other nearby, with two men filling more. These heaps of crushed stones are everywhere in Dharchula and Munsyari blocks of Pithoragarh district. So are the women and girls crushing them, amid this wide open landscape, with a mountain reaching up to touch the sky. The physical space is vast, but the skills and livelihoods of the people living here are now severely constrained. This article was originally published on 31/10/2017 on the People's Archive of Rural India

From creating carpets to crushing stones

The&nbsp;National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma on Sunday said that strict action must&nbsp;be initiated against the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/24001">cop who towed away&nbsp;a car with the woman seated in the rear seat breastfeeding her seven-month-old-child</a>&nbsp;and added if the woman acted irresponsibly, a case should be registered against her as well.

T<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-car-towing-incident-new-video-adds-twist-to-the-tale-24042">he video fo the incident went viral involving&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/24001" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">a Mumbai Traffic police&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-car-towing-incident-new-video-adds-twist-to-the-tale-24042">went viral on Saturday evening.</a>

&nbsp;&quot;When I saw the video last night, my first reaction was that the police personnel should be suspended and an action should be taken against him. But I read in the morning that the mother kept sitting inside the moving car. Our first concern is that of the child. If the case goes against the lady, then a case should be booked against her,&quot; Rekha Sharma said.&nbsp;

&quot;In any case, the police personnel is responsible and he should be taken to task,&quot; she further added.

Sharma said that the commission would send a report to the director general of police to take immediate action against the concerned police personnel as well as a complete investigation into the matter.

The women, whose car was&nbsp;towed away, was Jyoti Male along&nbsp;with her seven-month-old child.

&quot;The policemen towing the car did not even for once ask me to get down, even when I told them that I am breastfeeding my baby they did not stop,&quot; Male said.&nbsp;

Male further claimed that she had presented her medical prescription to the policemen which stated that she was unwell during that incident. However, they still did not listen to me and towed the car away.

&quot;It has been prima facie noticed that the safety of the woman and the child was endangered in the said incident. Hence, a pending inquiry, the constable is being placed under suspension. The decision about departmental action shall be taken after the inquiry report is received&quot;, Mumbai Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amitesh Kumar had said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Sharma said that the commission would send a report to the director general of police to take immediate action against the concerned police personnel as well as a complete investigation into the matter.?

The National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma on Sunday said that strict action must be initiated against the cop who towed away a car with the woman seated in the rear seat breastfeeding her seven-month-old-child and added if the woman acted irresponsibly, a case should be registered against her as well. The video fo the incident went viral involving a Mumbai Traffic police went viral on Saturday evening. "When I saw the video last night, my first reaction was that the police personnel should be suspended and an action should be taken against him. But I read in the morning that the mother kept sitting inside the moving car. Our first concern is that of the child. If the case goes against the lady, then a case should be booked against her," Rekha Sharma said. "In any case, the police personnel is responsible and he should be taken to task," she further added. Sharma said that the commission would send a report to the director general of police to take immediate action against the concerned police personnel as well as a complete investigation into the matter. The women, whose car was towed away, was Jyoti Male along with her seven-month-old child. "The policemen towing the car did not even for once ask me to get down, even when I told them that I am breastfeeding my baby they did not stop," Male said. Male further claimed that she had presented her medical prescription to the policemen which stated that she was unwell during that incident. However, they still did not listen to me and towed the car away. "It has been prima facie noticed that the safety of the woman and the child was endangered in the said incident. Hence, a pending inquiry, the constable is being placed under suspension. The decision about departmental action shall be taken after the inquiry report is received", Mumbai Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amitesh Kumar had said on Saturday.

NCW demands action against guilty in Mumbai car towing incident

In a yet another historic, &ldquo;game changer&rdquo; move, Saudi Arabia has allowed its women citizens to enter the sports stadium. Women&rsquo;s entry was banned in all stadiums but with this move, from the early next year i.e. 2018 women will attend sporting events in the city of Riyadh, Jeddah and the eastern city of Dammam. However, women must be accompanied by a male guardian according to the Wilaya or guardianship system. Under this system, every woman is subject to a legal male guardian, father, husband or son, whose permission is required for her to marry, get divorced, travel abroad, open a bank account, get employment, or undergo medical surgery.

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<h5>Image change is the need of the hour for Saudi rulers especially the crown prince Mohammed bin Salman as it will help to show his skills of being a capable ruler to world leaders.</h5>
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However, the pace at which the positive, gender friendly moves are happening is questionable. The State, in fact, is making alliances with women only for the purpose of fulfilling its interests - both internal and external. Alliance with women would help Saudi in externally change its position in the global scenario from a regressive to a forward-looking state. Women and their portrayal as veiled, unveiled, modern, westernise is often used to depict a distinct political identity and give a message globally.

Image change is the need of the hour for Saudi rulers, especially the crown prince Mohammed bin Salman as it will help to show his skills of being a capable ruler to world leaders. Its a crucial moment as Saudi needs global investments under its plan &nbsp;National Transformation Plan 2020 and &ldquo;Saudi Vision 2030&rdquo;- a plan for social and economic reform as the kingdom prepares for a post-oil era.

A few weeks back, Saudi lifted the ban on women driving. Women will be able to drive from June 2018. However, internally, Saudi needs women in the workforce. Women earn more than half of college and graduate degrees but only comprise 20 per cent of the workforce. This move will encourage women to participate in the development of economy and families will not have to employ drivers which will save a lot of money as drivers will not be able to send money to their home countries which will strengthen the balance of payment.

These gender friendly moves have nothing to do with women empowerment but are one of the means to strengthen and consolidate power in Saudi as cracking in the system has started.

With the decrease in the oil prices, subsidies are being cut and sales tax is introduced. People have lived with cheap petrol, without taxes, and free water and electricity throughout in Saudi are now finding it difficult. Moreover, 70 per cent of the Saudi population is young and under thirty years.

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<h5>The real change will happen when Saudi will have citizens participation, where they will play an important role in running the state, when human rights abuses will stop and freedom of speech will be encouraged, women lives will not be governed by guardianship system.</h5>
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Most of this young population are foreign educated thanks to various scholarship programmes run by the Saudi Government. They demand a more open society where both the sexes can mix freely. Means of entertainment are being encouraged as Saudi population spends huge amounts on holidays abroad. With the opening of the society, this money can be saved which will help the Saudi economy.

Changes are taking place, the religious police the Mutawa, who mission is to &quot;prevent vice and promote virtue&quot; is less active on the street. However, the real change will happen when Saudi will have citizens participation, where they will play an important role in running the state, when human rights abuses will stop and freedom of speech will be encouraged, women lives will not be governed by guardianship system. 
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Citizen partnership and gender equality will help Saudi Arabia to develop as a modern country

In a yet another historic, “game changer” move, Saudi Arabia has allowed its women citizens to enter the sports stadium. Women’s entry was banned in all stadiums but with this move, from the early next year i.e. 2018 women will attend sporting events in the city of Riyadh, Jeddah and the eastern city of Dammam. However, women must be accompanied by a male guardian according to the Wilaya or guardianship system. Under this system, every woman is subject to a legal male guardian, father, husband or son, whose permission is required for her to marry, get divorced, travel abroad, open a bank account, get employment, or undergo medical surgery. Image change is the need of the hour for Saudi rulers especially the crown prince Mohammed bin Salman as it will help to show his skills of being a capable ruler to world leaders. × However, the pace at which the positive, gender friendly moves are happening is questionable. The State, in fact, is making alliances with women only for the purpose of fulfilling its interests - both internal and external. Alliance with women would help Saudi in externally change its position in the global scenario from a regressive to a forward-looking state. Women and their portrayal as veiled, unveiled, modern, westernise is often used to depict a distinct political identity and give a message globally. Image change is the need of the hour for Saudi rulers, especially the crown prince Mohammed bin Salman as it will help to show his skills of being a capable ruler to world leaders. Its a crucial moment as Saudi needs global investments under its plan National Transformation Plan 2020 and “Saudi Vision 2030”- a plan for social and economic reform as the kingdom prepares for a post-oil era. A few weeks back, Saudi lifted the ban on women driving. Women will be able to drive from June 2018. However, internally, Saudi needs women in the workforce. Women earn more than half of college and graduate degrees but only comprise 20 per cent of the workforce. This move will encourage women to participate in the development of economy and families will not have to employ drivers which will save a lot of money as drivers will not be able to send money to their home countries which will strengthen the balance of payment. These gender friendly moves have nothing to do with women empowerment but are one of the means to strengthen and consolidate power in Saudi as cracking in the system has started. With the decrease in the oil prices, subsidies are being cut and sales tax is introduced. People have lived with cheap petrol, without taxes, and free water and electricity throughout in Saudi are now finding it difficult. Moreover, 70 per cent of the Saudi population is young and under thirty years. The real change will happen when Saudi will have citizens participation, where they will play an important role in running the state, when human rights abuses will stop and freedom of speech will be encouraged, women lives will not be governed by guardianship system. × Most of this young population are foreign educated thanks to various scholarship programmes run by the Saudi Government. They demand a more open society where both the sexes can mix freely. Means of entertainment are being encouraged as Saudi population spends huge amounts on holidays abroad. With the opening of the society, this money can be saved which will help the Saudi economy. Changes are taking place, the religious police the Mutawa, who mission is to "prevent vice and promote virtue" is less active on the street. However, the real change will happen when Saudi will have citizens participation, where they will play an important role in running the state, when human rights abuses will stop and freedom of speech will be encouraged, women lives will not be governed by guardianship system.

Saudi crown prince is not for women empowerment but image change

Dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, who were yesterday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2008-aarushi-murder-case-timeline-22357">acquitted by the Allahabad High Court of the charge of murdering their daughter </a>and domestic help Hemraj are likely to be released from a prison in Ghaziabad at 4 pm today, their lawyer said.

The couple will be released once the prison authorities receive the court order, the jailer confirmed.

&quot;We have not received the court order as yet. We will release them once we get it,&quot; Dasna Jail Superintendent Dadhiram Maurya told reporters here.

&quot;I think release orders will be received by jail superintendent by afternoon and the Talwars will be released by 4 pm,&quot;&nbsp;the Talwars&#39; lawyer, Tanveer A Mir told ANI.

The couple have been serving life imprisonment in Dasna jail since 2013, after they were held guilty of murdering their daughter by a CBI court.

The jailer told PTI there were two methods to complete the process of releasing a prisoner from jail.

&quot;Either the Allahabad High Court sends its order copy directly to jail authorities or it is sent through the CBI court concerned which awarded them life sentence,&quot; he said.

The Allahabad High Court had yesterday acquitted the Talwars of the 2008 sensational murder <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aarushi-talwar-murder-case-what-allahabad-hc-said-while-acquitting-talwars-22342">on the grounds that neither the circumstances nor the evidence </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aarushi-talwar-murder-case-what-allahabad-hc-said-while-acquitting-talwars-22342">was</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aarushi-talwar-murder-case-what-allahabad-hc-said-while-acquitting-talwars-22342"> enough</a> to hold them guilty.

The verdict ends, at least for now, the nine-year ordeal of the Noida couple who were sentenced to life by a Ghaziabad CBI court on November 28, 2013.

With the acquittal, the central question in the bizarre mystery resurfaces - <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-judgement-leaves-twitter-clueless-users-ask-who-killed-aarushi-22348">who killed the 14-year-old teenager and the 45-year-old</a>&nbsp;domestic help.

&quot;There is a strong possibility that (the) incident was caused by some outsider,&quot; a bench comprising justices B K Narayana and A K Mishra had said, upholding the Talwars&#39; appeal against the CBI court verdict.&nbsp; 
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Chhath Pooja, an eco-friendly festival that highlights the enduring and devotional capabilities of women

Dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, who were yesterday acquitted by the Allahabad High Court of the charge of murdering their daughter and domestic help Hemraj are likely to be released from a prison in Ghaziabad at 4 pm today, their lawyer said. The couple will be released once the prison authorities receive the court order, the jailer confirmed. "We have not received the court order as yet. We will release them once we get it," Dasna Jail Superintendent Dadhiram Maurya told reporters here. "I think release orders will be received by jail superintendent by afternoon and the Talwars will be released by 4 pm," the Talwars' lawyer, Tanveer A Mir told ANI. The couple have been serving life imprisonment in Dasna jail since 2013, after they were held guilty of murdering their daughter by a CBI court. The jailer told PTI there were two methods to complete the process of releasing a prisoner from jail. "Either the Allahabad High Court sends its order copy directly to jail authorities or it is sent through the CBI court concerned which awarded them life sentence," he said. The Allahabad High Court had yesterday acquitted the Talwars of the 2008 sensational murder on the grounds that neither the circumstances nor the evidence was enough to hold them guilty. The verdict ends, at least for now, the nine-year ordeal of the Noida couple who were sentenced to life by a Ghaziabad CBI court on November 28, 2013. With the acquittal, the central question in the bizarre mystery resurfaces - who killed the 14-year-old teenager and the 45-year-old domestic help. "There is a strong possibility that (the) incident was caused by some outsider," a bench comprising justices B K Narayana and A K Mishra had said, upholding the Talwars' appeal against the CBI court verdict.

Chhath, an all-women festival of the sun

The bodies of two young women were found with their throats slit at a house in north Delhi&#39;s Timarpur today, police said.

Premlata and Sonia, both in their 20s and relatives, were found in a pool of blood in the building in Wazirabad area.

The police suspect Premlata&#39;s husband Mohit could have a role in the killings. He has been missing since the matter was reported to them.

It is suspected that Mohit had a fight with his wife last night and killed her, said a police official, adding that it could be possible that when Sonia tried to intervene he killed her too.

Mohit may have been under the influence of alcohol when the crime happened, he added.

Sonia recently underwent a surgery and Premlata and Mohit came to stay with her to take care of her.

The incident came to light when Sonia&#39;s father&#39;s calls to the women went unanswered and he asked his tenant, who stays upstairs, to inquire about them.

The tenant went downstairs, found the bodies and informed the police.

Premlata and Sonia, both in their 20s and relatives, were found in a pool of blood in the building in Wazirabad area.

The bodies of two young women were found with their throats slit at a house in north Delhi's Timarpur today, police said. Premlata and Sonia, both in their 20s and relatives, were found in a pool of blood in the building in Wazirabad area. The police suspect Premlata's husband Mohit could have a role in the killings. He has been missing since the matter was reported to them. It is suspected that Mohit had a fight with his wife last night and killed her, said a police official, adding that it could be possible that when Sonia tried to intervene he killed her too. Mohit may have been under the influence of alcohol when the crime happened, he added. Sonia recently underwent a surgery and Premlata and Mohit came to stay with her to take care of her. The incident came to light when Sonia's father's calls to the women went unanswered and he asked his tenant, who stays upstairs, to inquire about them. The tenant went downstairs, found the bodies and informed the police.

Two women found dead at North Delhi home

Britain&#39;s world number three Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;has stressed the importance of gender equality in tennis, saying the&nbsp;work&nbsp;ethic required to succeed is the same for both men and women.

Murray, who is seen as the voice of&nbsp;women&#39;s equality within the game for his previous views on various issues, was coached by French woman Amelie Mauresmo for two years from 2014.

The Scot, who won seven titles and reached two Australian Open finals with Mauresmo, said he had a better understanding of the struggles&nbsp;women&nbsp;face in the game because of the partnership.

&quot;People often underestimate the amount of&nbsp;work&nbsp;that it takes to become a top tennis player,&quot; Murray&nbsp;said in comments published by BBC Magazine. &quot;And that&nbsp;work&nbsp;ethic is the same whether you are a man or a woman.

&quot;There are hours spent in the gym, on court, in physio, travelling, analysing matches and opponents, talking with your team, managing your body, and of course, making plenty of sacrifices,&quot; added the three-time grand slam champion.

&quot;Anyone who has spent any time with any of the top&nbsp;women&nbsp;will know they make those same sacrifices and are as determined and committed to winning as any of the top men on the tour.&quot;

Murray&nbsp;said he&nbsp;worked with Mauresmo because she was the right person to coach him and not because of her gender but discovered she wasn&#39;t treated the same as men in similar jobs.

&quot;Since then, I have been asked about&nbsp;women&#39;s equality and I would find it&nbsp;hard&nbsp;to look any of the top female tennis players in the eye if I did not speak my mind,&quot; he said.

Murray, who is seen as the voice of?women's equality within the game for his previous views on various issues, was coached by French woman Amelie Mauresmo for two years from 2014.

Britain's world number three Andy Murray has stressed the importance of gender equality in tennis, saying the work ethic required to succeed is the same for both men and women. Murray, who is seen as the voice of women's equality within the game for his previous views on various issues, was coached by French woman Amelie Mauresmo for two years from 2014. The Scot, who won seven titles and reached two Australian Open finals with Mauresmo, said he had a better understanding of the struggles women face in the game because of the partnership. "People often underestimate the amount of work that it takes to become a top tennis player," Murray said in comments published by BBC Magazine. "And that work ethic is the same whether you are a man or a woman. "There are hours spent in the gym, on court, in physio, travelling, analysing matches and opponents, talking with your team, managing your body, and of course, making plenty of sacrifices," added the three-time grand slam champion. "Anyone who has spent any time with any of the top women will know they make those same sacrifices and are as determined and committed to winning as any of the top men on the tour." Murray said he worked with Mauresmo because she was the right person to coach him and not because of her gender but discovered she wasn't treated the same as men in similar jobs. "Since then, I have been asked about women's equality and I would find it hard to look any of the top female tennis players in the eye if I did not speak my mind," he said.

Women work just as hard, sacrifice as much as men: Murray

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