The Taliban has now promised to honour the rights of its people especially women, and it is being said that they would enjoy the same rights that they did before the Taliban stormed to power.

Afghanistan: Afghan girls urge Taliban to not snatch their education

Backdrop

Taliban’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Moscow Format meeting attended by 10 countries, held on October 20, 2021 assured that they have moved as quickly as possible on opening up their government, guaranteeing rights to women and Afghanistan will never allow its soil to be used as a base for anyone to threaten the security of another country. The myth of his statement was broken by another news of beheading of Mahjubin Hakimi, women volleyball player in Kabul, along with their interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani honouring and rewarding the suicide bombers who killed US and Afghan soldiers as ‘Martyrs’ and ‘Heroes of Islam’ in Kabul exposing reality at the same time. The people of Afghanistan especially women, children and minorities continue to suffer despite UN Resolution for their protection.

Realistic to consider Taliban 2.9 moderate?

With announcement of a caretaker government led by 18 UN designated terrorists, 30 Pashtuns out of 33 ministers, Taliban mocked the global community, UNSC, all world players and actors, who were propagating Taliban 2.0 to be moderate and reasonable, hoping for inclusive government. Even the expansion of the caretaker government to 50 ministers, saw no inclusion women and minimal inclusion of some minorities, the ministry of women affairs replaced by ministry of vice and virtue to discipline women. Ban on protests, women sports and scores of restrictions, public hanging, street justice through killings by fighters, are enough indicators of revival of barbaric laws of Taliban of 90s.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The desperate cries of Afghan women and attempts of people to throw babies out of Taliban-controlled land, shamed the world community, finding itself helpless due to varying interests, hiding behind “Wait and Watch” policy. All promises of Taliban leaders that it is moderate Taliban 2021 capable of meeting people's aspirations, stand junked as ‘Shariah Law’-like curbs are back in place, the most disgusting was listing of single girls between 15 to 45 years, to be married to Taliban fighters as reward, amputation on streets for wearing dress of choice, besides not allowing girl children to attend schools so far. Sportswomen have either sought asylum elsewhere or hiding to save their lives.&nbsp;

Some women did pick up courage to protest, but faced heavy crackdown. All women's activities in the sports, political and social spheres have almost ceased due to security concerns. Even if Taliban leaders pose moderate by falling back on 1964 Constitution, their fighters will not let the leaders settle down for anything less than Shariah Law. It is not possible for their leaders to survive against the wishes of their fighters, because they got into power due to them and the barrels can point them if they try anything else, in fragile Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Double-gaming the world community

Taliban 2.0 has been trained well by their Pakistani allies in the art of double-gaming the world community. Taliban kept promising its territory not to be used for terror activities against anyone, but it was prompt to release all ISIS cadres from jail the moment it entered Kabul, resulting series of attacks by IS(K) on foreigners, minorities, and innocents. The UN reports and inputs of most countries indicate largest conglomeration of terror groups in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region; hence, the appreciation of Taliban by some countries is politically motivated by their self-interest. Taliban Government itself has enough cadres of Haqqanis, al-Qaeda, ISIS, JeM, LeT and many other terror groups, who keep changing groups to improve their profile in terror industry. &nbsp;

The anxiety shown by Pakistan to make world recognise Taliban, and China urging to lift sanctions to meet financial needs of Taliban, may well prove to be a bad honeymoon. Taliban will not divorce TTP or ETIM, the impact of which are visible with increased attacks in Pakistan by TTP and will be felt by China, after they recognise the regime as Taliban is smart enough to wait on in exchange for a support from P5 nations.&nbsp;

Taliban doesn’t mind making false promise of discarding these groups and claim deniability for their action, replicating the model adopted by Pakistan of posing to help US, but helping Taliban simultaneously. Most countries including Russia are interacting with Taliban to prevent export of terrorists and refugees in their areas of interest/territory.

Taliban is threatening of humanitarian crisis if it is isolated or cash strapped, but the origin of this humanitarian crisis is Taliban-Pakistan nexus dislodging an elected government of Afghanistan by force and failing to put up a viable governance structure. The jubilation amongst Taliban and Pakistan of seemingly defeating the most powerful US and allied forces, ‘breaking shackles of slavery’ freedom to form a ‘Government, which is of the terrorists, by the terrorists, and for the terrorists’, has rejuvenated terrorism, fundamentalist ideology and self-belief in victory. The resultant hostage situation of people within, has muted the response of many, who otherwise could have been critical of blatant human right violations, leading to unprecedented human disaster. Notwithstanding this stark reality, the people in Afghanistan are suffering and they can’t be helped unless Taliban is spoken to. It has triggered comity of nations and UN to find out ways and means for delivering humanitarian assistance. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

How to Deliver Humanitarian Aid?

Taliban as per current behaviour doesn’t deserve recognition, legitimacy and a seat in United Nations. US should not open its treasury for Taliban after all the mocking and embarrassment. Last time when it was in power it was recognised only by three countries.&nbsp;

Humanitarian aid to it should be given in kind through UN agencies and not in cash, which is unlikely to reach the needy people. UN seems blackmailed to be pushing for financial aid to Taliban Government composed of many UN-designated terrorists, keeping humanitarian crisis in forefront or perhaps Chinese pressure? If cash has to be distributed, that too should be delivered through UN Agencies directly to people. Taliban needs to be given a hard choice either to accept these terms or manage the crisis and aftermath by itself and Pakistan offering 5 billion and China offering $31 million worth aid.&nbsp;

Taliban will have to accept these terms because the converse could be disastrous, as its not a popular regime and humanitarian crisis will soon turn into fresh wave of violence against Taliban and Pakistan. EU is offering one billion euros worth of aid, out of which 346 million euros worth has been sent. Countries offering aid including India (offering food grains and medicines) have to talk to Taliban, but talking does not mean recognition/legitimacy of the regime, which should be made amply clear.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Backdrop Taliban’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Moscow Format meeting attended by 10 countries, held on October 20, 2021 assured that they have moved as quickly as possible on opening up their government, guaranteeing rights to women and Afghanistan will never allow its soil to be used as a base for anyone to threaten the security of another country.

Backdrop Taliban’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Moscow Format meeting attended by 10 countries, held on October 20, 2021 assured that they have moved as quickly as possible on opening up their government, guaranteeing rights to women and Afghanistan will never allow its soil to be used as a base for anyone to threaten the security of another country. The myth of his statement was broken by another news of beheading of Mahjubin Hakimi, women volleyball player in Kabul, along with their interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani honouring and rewarding the suicide bombers who killed US and Afghan soldiers as ‘Martyrs’ and ‘Heroes of Islam’ in Kabul exposing reality at the same time. The people of Afghanistan especially women, children and minorities continue to suffer despite UN Resolution for their protection. Realistic to consider Taliban 2.9 moderate? With announcement of a caretaker government led by 18 UN designated terrorists, 30 Pashtuns out of 33 ministers, Taliban mocked the global community, UNSC, all world players and actors, who were propagating Taliban 2.0 to be moderate and reasonable, hoping for inclusive government. Even the expansion of the caretaker government to 50 ministers, saw no inclusion women and minimal inclusion of some minorities, the ministry of women affairs replaced by ministry of vice and virtue to discipline women. Ban on protests, women sports and scores of restrictions, public hanging, street justice through killings by fighters, are enough indicators of revival of barbaric laws of Taliban of 90s. The desperate cries of Afghan women and attempts of people to throw babies out of Taliban-controlled land, shamed the world community, finding itself helpless due to varying interests, hiding behind “Wait and Watch” policy. All promises of Taliban leaders that it is moderate Taliban 2021 capable of meeting people's aspirations, stand junked as ‘Shariah Law’-like curbs are back in place, the most disgusting was listing of single girls between 15 to 45 years, to be married to Taliban fighters as reward, amputation on streets for wearing dress of choice, besides not allowing girl children to attend schools so far. Sportswomen have either sought asylum elsewhere or hiding to save their lives. Some women did pick up courage to protest, but faced heavy crackdown. All women's activities in the sports, political and social spheres have almost ceased due to security concerns. Even if Taliban leaders pose moderate by falling back on 1964 Constitution, their fighters will not let the leaders settle down for anything less than Shariah Law. It is not possible for their leaders to survive against the wishes of their fighters, because they got into power due to them and the barrels can point them if they try anything else, in fragile Afghanistan. Double-gaming the world community Taliban 2.0 has been trained well by their Pakistani allies in the art of double-gaming the world community. Taliban kept promising its territory not to be used for terror activities against anyone, but it was prompt to release all ISIS cadres from jail the moment it entered Kabul, resulting series of attacks by IS(K) on foreigners, minorities, and innocents. The UN reports and inputs of most countries indicate largest conglomeration of terror groups in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region; hence, the appreciation of Taliban by some countries is politically motivated by their self-interest. Taliban Government itself has enough cadres of Haqqanis, al-Qaeda, ISIS, JeM, LeT and many other terror groups, who keep changing groups to improve their profile in terror industry. The anxiety shown by Pakistan to make world recognise Taliban, and China urging to lift sanctions to meet financial needs of Taliban, may well prove to be a bad honeymoon. Taliban will not divorce TTP or ETIM, the impact of which are visible with increased attacks in Pakistan by TTP and will be felt by China, after they recognise the regime as Taliban is smart enough to wait on in exchange for a support from P5 nations. Taliban doesn’t mind making false promise of discarding these groups and claim deniability for their action, replicating the model adopted by Pakistan of posing to help US, but helping Taliban simultaneously. Most countries including Russia are interacting with Taliban to prevent export of terrorists and refugees in their areas of interest/territory. Taliban is threatening of humanitarian crisis if it is isolated or cash strapped, but the origin of this humanitarian crisis is Taliban-Pakistan nexus dislodging an elected government of Afghanistan by force and failing to put up a viable governance structure. The jubilation amongst Taliban and Pakistan of seemingly defeating the most powerful US and allied forces, ‘breaking shackles of slavery’ freedom to form a ‘Government, which is of the terrorists, by the terrorists, and for the terrorists’, has rejuvenated terrorism, fundamentalist ideology and self-belief in victory. The resultant hostage situation of people within, has muted the response of many, who otherwise could have been critical of blatant human right violations, leading to unprecedented human disaster. Notwithstanding this stark reality, the people in Afghanistan are suffering and they can’t be helped unless Taliban is spoken to. It has triggered comity of nations and UN to find out ways and means for delivering humanitarian assistance. How to Deliver Humanitarian Aid? Taliban as per current behaviour doesn’t deserve recognition, legitimacy and a seat in United Nations. US should not open its treasury for Taliban after all the mocking and embarrassment. Last time when it was in power it was recognised only by three countries. Humanitarian aid to it should be given in kind through UN agencies and not in cash, which is unlikely to reach the needy people. UN seems blackmailed to be pushing for financial aid to Taliban Government composed of many UN-designated terrorists, keeping humanitarian crisis in forefront or perhaps Chinese pressure? If cash has to be distributed, that too should be delivered through UN Agencies directly to people. Taliban needs to be given a hard choice either to accept these terms or manage the crisis and aftermath by itself and Pakistan offering 5 billion and China offering $31 million worth aid. Taliban will have to accept these terms because the converse could be disastrous, as its not a popular regime and humanitarian crisis will soon turn into fresh wave of violence against Taliban and Pakistan. EU is offering one billion euros worth of aid, out of which 346 million euros worth has been sent. Countries offering aid including India (offering food grains and medicines) have to talk to Taliban, but talking does not mean recognition/legitimacy of the regime, which should be made amply clear. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Afghan Women hostage under Taliban rule despite promises

A traffic chief of Iranian police's NAJA special forces units has hit headlines for reportedly saying that Iranian women who ride motorcycles will&nbsp;be 'definitively' dealt with. Kamal Hadianfar, the traffic chief told this to Iranian media on Tuesday (October 19).&nbsp;

The assertions didn't stop there, Hadianfar said further that only men's names could appear on motorcycle licenses and that no woman could legally drive one.

"This issue needs to be amended in law,” he was quoted as saying by the Iranian media.

Women riding motorbikes in Iran are often harassed and even arrested by police.&nbsp;

Iranian women have found no respite from Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei who in 2016 reportedly said, “Women's cycling in public and in the presence of male non-relations, often attracts the attention of men. It tends toward sedition and corruption in society, and runs contrary to women's chastity.”

He was responding to a question from Fars New Agency about ban on women riding bikes.

Iran, a prominent and influential country in West Asia is still battling age-old beliefs that deny its citizens, especially women basic freedoms that are afforded or even taken for granted in many other countries across the world. The issues have often hit headlines globally.

A traffic chief of Iranian police's NAJA special forces units has hit headlines for reportedly saying that Iranian women who ride motorcycles will be 'definitively' dealt with.

A traffic chief of Iranian police's NAJA special forces units has hit headlines for reportedly saying that Iranian women who ride motorcycles will be 'definitively' dealt with. Kamal Hadianfar, the traffic chief told this to Iranian media on Tuesday (October 19). The assertions didn't stop there, Hadianfar said further that only men's names could appear on motorcycle licenses and that no woman could legally drive one. "This issue needs to be amended in law,” he was quoted as saying by the Iranian media. Women riding motorbikes in Iran are often harassed and even arrested by police. Iranian women have found no respite from Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei who in 2016 reportedly said, “Women's cycling in public and in the presence of male non-relations, often attracts the attention of men. It tends toward sedition and corruption in society, and runs contrary to women's chastity.” He was responding to a question from Fars New Agency about ban on women riding bikes. Iran, a prominent and influential country in West Asia is still battling age-old beliefs that deny its citizens, especially women basic freedoms that are afforded or even taken for granted in many other countries across the world. The issues have often hit headlines globally.

Iran: Women bike riders will be 'definitively' dealt with, says traffic chief

For all those who use the words like 'Feminazi' or think that women's rights movements have outlived their 'social utility', a look at reflection of patriarchal mindset in aspects of our lives is essential. The social mindset influences life, art and even ways we remember people.

A study in United Kingdon is perhaps symbolic of a global need to still stand for gender equality. The study has found that London has more than double the number of monuments dedicated to animals than that of those dedicated to named women.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-school-adds-white-privilege-course-will-discuss-meghan-markle-james-bond-422079">London school adds 'white privilege' course, will discuss Meghan Markle, James Bond</a>

Findings in this study show that out of about 1500 monuments in the British capital, more than a fifth (20.5 per cent) are dedicated to named men and only 4 per cent are dedicated to women. Number of monuments featuring animals is 100 or in other words, double than that of named women.

Just 1 per cent of the total sculptures are dedicated to named people of colour.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-london-music-venue-koko-to-re-open-next-spring-after-96-million-revamp-422533">London music venue Koko to re-open next spring after $96 million revamp</a>

The study is part of a national research project by Art UK and is funded in part by City Hall. It is the first comprehensive audit of sculptures and monuments in London

London Mayor Sadiq Khan's office is announcing a 1 million Pound fund for diversity in British capital's public spaces. The fund will seek to ensure that London's landmarks like monuments better reflect the city's diversity.

For all those who use the words like 'Feminazi' or think that women's rights movements have outlived their 'social utility', a look at reflection of patriarchal mindset in aspects of our lives is essential.

For all those who use the words like 'Feminazi' or think that women's rights movements have outlived their 'social utility', a look at reflection of patriarchal mindset in aspects of our lives is essential. The social mindset influences life, art and even ways we remember people. A study in United Kingdon is perhaps symbolic of a global need to still stand for gender equality. The study has found that London has more than double the number of monuments dedicated to animals than that of those dedicated to named women. Also Read | London school adds 'white privilege' course, will discuss Meghan Markle, James Bond Findings in this study show that out of about 1500 monuments in the British capital, more than a fifth (20.5 per cent) are dedicated to named men and only 4 per cent are dedicated to women. Number of monuments featuring animals is 100 or in other words, double than that of named women. Just 1 per cent of the total sculptures are dedicated to named people of colour. Also Read | London music venue Koko to re-open next spring after $96 million revamp The study is part of a national research project by Art UK and is funded in part by City Hall. It is the first comprehensive audit of sculptures and monuments in London London Mayor Sadiq Khan's office is announcing a 1 million Pound fund for diversity in British capital's public spaces. The fund will seek to ensure that London's landmarks like monuments better reflect the city's diversity.

London has more monuments for animals than for named women: Study

Sixteen-year-old Nella Salminen on Wednesday stepped into the shoes of Finnish President Sauli Niinisto for a day. This was part of a global campaign to promote girls' rights.

"This whole day is like the best thing I've experienced in a long time," Nella Salminen told AFP outside Helsinki's presidential palace, after spending the day meeting politicians and addressing a global climate action conference.

She was selected by Plan International, a charity, to work alongside the Nordic country's president.

as part of its #GirlsTakeover campaign, in which adolescents around the world take the helm in politics or business for one day.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-remains-bedrock-for-european-security-says-stoltenberg-amid-aukus-row-418607">NATO remains bedrock for European security, says Stoltenberg amid AUKUS row</a>

Held ahead of the UN Day of the Girl on October 11, this year the teens are sharing duties with Uganda's education minister, a Swiss federal counsellor and the CEOs of a number of major Indonesian companies, among others.

Nella said her message to her elders was that girls' potential should be better recognised and they should be involved more in policymaking.

"It is not fair that decisions that influence me a lot have been made by decision-makers without asking... my generation's opinion," she said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soaring-energy-prices-climb-up-eus-political-agenda-418611">Soaring energy prices climb up EU's political agenda</a>

Nella also spoke to the president about the theme of this year's girls' takeover campaign, the impact on gender of false information online.

"Misinformation and disinformation on the internet has grown and grown, and it's really hard to find the correct information," Nella told AFP.

"I think people from my generation know this the best, and that is one mesasge we can provide to the older generation."

Finland's government is headed by Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who became the world's youngest holder of the office in 2019 when she took power aged 34, leading a coalition of five centre-left parties who were all led by women.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sixteen-year-old Nella Salminen on Wednesday stepped into the shoes of Finnish President Sauli Niinisto for a day. This was part of a global campaign to promote girls' rights.

Sixteen-year-old Nella Salminen on Wednesday stepped into the shoes of Finnish President Sauli Niinisto for a day. This was part of a global campaign to promote girls' rights. "This whole day is like the best thing I've experienced in a long time," Nella Salminen told AFP outside Helsinki's presidential palace, after spending the day meeting politicians and addressing a global climate action conference. She was selected by Plan International, a charity, to work alongside the Nordic country's president. as part of its #GirlsTakeover campaign, in which adolescents around the world take the helm in politics or business for one day. Also Read | NATO remains bedrock for European security, says Stoltenberg amid AUKUS row Held ahead of the UN Day of the Girl on October 11, this year the teens are sharing duties with Uganda's education minister, a Swiss federal counsellor and the CEOs of a number of major Indonesian companies, among others. Nella said her message to her elders was that girls' potential should be better recognised and they should be involved more in policymaking. "It is not fair that decisions that influence me a lot have been made by decision-makers without asking... my generation's opinion," she said. Also Read | Soaring energy prices climb up EU's political agenda Nella also spoke to the president about the theme of this year's girls' takeover campaign, the impact on gender of false information online. "Misinformation and disinformation on the internet has grown and grown, and it's really hard to find the correct information," Nella told AFP. "I think people from my generation know this the best, and that is one mesasge we can provide to the older generation." Finland's government is headed by Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who became the world's youngest holder of the office in 2019 when she took power aged 34, leading a coalition of five centre-left parties who were all led by women. (With inputs from agencies)

In girls' rights drive, 16-year-old becomes Finnish president for a day

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

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

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

Women across Latin America march in favour of abortion rights

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has pleaded with the world to ensure the protection of Afghan women's rights on Friday after the change of guard. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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The remark was made by the 24-year-old Yousafzai to a panel on girls' education in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

The countries and organisations around the world may take the first steps to engage with the hardline group in the recent future. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-can-be-partners-in-peace-for-us-pakistan-says-prime-minister-imran-khan-415746">Taliban can be partners in peace for US, Pakistan, says PM Imran Khan</a>

Despite a steep rise in work and education opportunities for women in Afghanistan in last two decades since Taliban were in power, the activist is worried the group will act in same manner as they did last time. &nbsp;

"We cannot make compromises on the protection of women's rights and the protection of human dignity. Now is the time that we stick to that commitment and ensure that the rights of Afghan women are protected, and one of those important rights is the right to education," Yousafzai said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-activist-says-taliban-have-no-choice-but-to-listen-to-women-415507" hreflang="en">Afghan activist says Taliban have no choice but to listen to women</a>

She had joined the panel through video conferencing. In 2012, Yousafzai was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan after she was leaving school. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has pleaded with the world to ensure the protection of Afghan women's rights on Friday after the change of guard.

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has pleaded with the world to ensure the protection of Afghan women's rights on Friday after the change of guard. Watch: × The remark was made by the 24-year-old Yousafzai to a panel on girls' education in Afghanistan. The countries and organisations around the world may take the first steps to engage with the hardline group in the recent future. Also Read: Taliban can be partners in peace for US, Pakistan, says PM Imran Khan Despite a steep rise in work and education opportunities for women in Afghanistan in last two decades since Taliban were in power, the activist is worried the group will act in same manner as they did last time. "We cannot make compromises on the protection of women's rights and the protection of human dignity. Now is the time that we stick to that commitment and ensure that the rights of Afghan women are protected, and one of those important rights is the right to education," Yousafzai said. Also Read: Afghan activist says Taliban have no choice but to listen to women She had joined the panel through video conferencing. In 2012, Yousafzai was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan after she was leaving school. (With inputs from agencies)

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai asks world to secure Afghan women's rights

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

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

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

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

Universities in Kabul wore a deserted look on the first day of Afghan school year on Monday. Professors and students are still trying to decide&nbsp;what&nbsp;to make of Taliban's new rules. Taliban have promised a lenient stance than their previous regime in 90s towards women's education.

From 1996-2001 women's freedoms in Afghanistan were ruthlessly curtailed. They faced ban from receiving higher education.

This time, the hardline Islamist group have said women will be allowed to go to private universities under the new regime, but they face tough restrictions on their clothing and movement.

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Women can only attend class if they wear an abaya -- a flowing robe -- and a niqab -- a face veil with a small window to see through -- and are separated from men, the Taliban said.

"Our students don't accept this and we will have to close the university," said Noor Ali Rahmani, the director of Gharjistan University in Kabul, on an almost empty campus on Monday.

"Our students wear the hijab, not the niqab," he added, referring to a headscarf.

The Taliban education authority issued a lengthy document on Sunday outlining their measures for the classroom, which also ruled that men and women should be segregated -- or at least divided by a curtain if there are 15 students or less.

"We said we didn't accept it because it will be difficult to do," Rahmani told AFP.&nbsp;

"We also said that it is not real Islam, it is not what the Koran says."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-open-fire-to-disperse-demonstrators-who-chant-anti-pakistan-slogans-in-kabul-411312">Taliban open fire to disperse demonstrators who chant anti-Pakistan slogans in Kabul</a>

From now on at private colleges and universities, which have mushroomed since the Taliban's first rule ended, women must only be taught by other women, or "old men", and use a women-only entrance.

They must also end their lessons five minutes earlier than men to stop them from mingling outside.

So far, the Taliban has said nothing about public universities.

Usually on the first day of the academic year, university campuses are packed with students catching up after the summer break. This did not happen on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Universities in Kabul wore a deserted look on the first day of Afghan school year on Monday. Professors and students are still trying to decide what to make of Taliban's new rules.

Universities in Kabul wore a deserted look on the first day of Afghan school year on Monday. Professors and students are still trying to decide what to make of Taliban's new rules. Taliban have promised a lenient stance than their previous regime in 90s towards women's education. From 1996-2001 women's freedoms in Afghanistan were ruthlessly curtailed. They faced ban from receiving higher education. This time, the hardline Islamist group have said women will be allowed to go to private universities under the new regime, but they face tough restrictions on their clothing and movement. × Women can only attend class if they wear an abaya -- a flowing robe -- and a niqab -- a face veil with a small window to see through -- and are separated from men, the Taliban said. "Our students don't accept this and we will have to close the university," said Noor Ali Rahmani, the director of Gharjistan University in Kabul, on an almost empty campus on Monday. "Our students wear the hijab, not the niqab," he added, referring to a headscarf. The Taliban education authority issued a lengthy document on Sunday outlining their measures for the classroom, which also ruled that men and women should be segregated -- or at least divided by a curtain if there are 15 students or less. "We said we didn't accept it because it will be difficult to do," Rahmani told AFP. "We also said that it is not real Islam, it is not what the Koran says." Also Read | Taliban open fire to disperse demonstrators who chant anti-Pakistan slogans in Kabul From now on at private colleges and universities, which have mushroomed since the Taliban's first rule ended, women must only be taught by other women, or "old men", and use a women-only entrance. They must also end their lessons five minutes earlier than men to stop them from mingling outside. So far, the Taliban has said nothing about public universities. Usually on the first day of the academic year, university campuses are packed with students catching up after the summer break. This did not happen on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan universities wear deserted look as Taliban impose fresh rules

What is Utopia? In other words, a highly perfect society? We have various definitions based on our own perspectives. Some would say it is about everyone having enough money to do whatever they want, others would drift towards having freedom of thought. But for those who have been robbed of their very basic social rights, it all boils down to whether they will be able to stay alive with dignity. Women in Afghanistan are battling with such dilemmas, now that Taliban have returned to power.

The group is known for its hardline stance against gender equality and women from all walks of life in Afghanistan are apprehensive that the progress of the last two decades will amount to nothing now that men with centuries-old thoughts are calling the shots.

The social media space is full of such sentiment. There is a touch of nostalgia to the fear. A longing for the days which appear to flit away.

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This is heart-breaking. Back in 2019, these beautiful Afghan women from Afghanistan's first and only female-only orchestra were full of hope. 
 
As the Taliban have invaded Afghanistan, women like them will be banned from singing. They'll be confined to their homes. <a href="https://t.co/OenYV0DcgE">pic.twitter.com/OenYV0DcgE</a>
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlinejadMasih/status/1426999324014174209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

What have girls like these done to Taliban to make them keep 'under control'? They perhaps were not even born when the ruthless regime was in power in late 90s.

In last two decades after Taliban's defeat in 2001, women could at least dream of something. Women politicians, journalists and even security personnel defined the changing social scene in Afghanistan.

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Women anchors on <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TOLOnews</a> <a href="https://t.co/YcutkgRpcX">pic.twitter.com/YcutkgRpcX</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1427547511955214336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A single day changed everything.

Taliban stormed into a defenceless Afghan capital without facing any resistance and ideas of a new Afghanistan appeared to be something that defined a bygone era.&nbsp;

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Same country, same journalist, one day difference<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfganistanWomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfganistanWomen</a> <a href="https://t.co/mvKQzE1sIr">pic.twitter.com/mvKQzE1sIr</a>
— Andrei Menshenin ✈️ (@A_Menshenin) <a href="https://twitter.com/A_Menshenin/status/1427286283135688706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The chaos at Kabul airport, the fear among even men, were just an indication of how bad things were.

On Monday, a blog written by an Afghan woman in The Guardian made waves&nbsp;online. She describes how women felt when Taliban entered Kabul on Sunday. The world appeared to assume tones distinctly different than before.

The unnamed woman was at the university when she heard about Taliban's entry in Kabul.

"We all wanted to get home, but we couldn’t use public transport. The drivers would not let us in their cars because they did not want to take responsibility for transporting a woman...," she writes as published by The Guardian.

"I worked for so many days and nights to become the person I am today, and this morning when I reached home, the very first thing my sisters and I did was hide our IDs, diplomas and certificates. It was devastating. Why should we hide the things that we should be proud of? In Afghanistan now we are not allowed to be known as the people we are," says the woman as mentioned in The Guardian.

You can read more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-womans-impassioned-blog-makes-waves-online-406127">here</a>

The Taliban have attempted to sound conciliatory. On Tuesday, they even said that they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-say-they-want-women-to-join-their-government-406258">wanted women to join their government</a>. But looking at Taliban's record, a more concrete declaration and practice is required to change the hearts and minds of Afghan women who only see darkness ahead.

What is Utopia? In other words, a highly perfect society? We have various definitions based on our own perspectives. Some would say it is about everyone having enough money to do whatever they want, others would drift towards having freedom of thought.

What is Utopia? In other words, a highly perfect society? We have various definitions based on our own perspectives. Some would say it is about everyone having enough money to do whatever they want, others would drift towards having freedom of thought. But for those who have been robbed of their very basic social rights, it all boils down to whether they will be able to stay alive with dignity. Women in Afghanistan are battling with such dilemmas, now that Taliban have returned to power. The group is known for its hardline stance against gender equality and women from all walks of life in Afghanistan are apprehensive that the progress of the last two decades will amount to nothing now that men with centuries-old thoughts are calling the shots. The social media space is full of such sentiment. There is a touch of nostalgia to the fear. A longing for the days which appear to flit away. This is heart-breaking. Back in 2019, these beautiful Afghan women from Afghanistan's first and only female-only orchestra were full of hope. As the Taliban have invaded Afghanistan, women like them will be banned from singing. They'll be confined to their homes. pic.twitter.com/OenYV0DcgE — Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) August 15, 2021 × What have girls like these done to Taliban to make them keep 'under control'? They perhaps were not even born when the ruthless regime was in power in late 90s. In last two decades after Taliban's defeat in 2001, women could at least dream of something. Women politicians, journalists and even security personnel defined the changing social scene in Afghanistan. Women anchors on @TOLOnews pic.twitter.com/YcutkgRpcX — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 17, 2021 × A single day changed everything. Taliban stormed into a defenceless Afghan capital without facing any resistance and ideas of a new Afghanistan appeared to be something that defined a bygone era. Same country, same journalist, one day difference#Afghanistan #AfganistanWomen pic.twitter.com/mvKQzE1sIr — Andrei Menshenin ✈️ (@A_Menshenin) August 16, 2021 × The chaos at Kabul airport, the fear among even men, were just an indication of how bad things were. On Monday, a blog written by an Afghan woman in The Guardian made waves online. She describes how women felt when Taliban entered Kabul on Sunday. The world appeared to assume tones distinctly different than before. The unnamed woman was at the university when she heard about Taliban's entry in Kabul. "We all wanted to get home, but we couldn’t use public transport. The drivers would not let us in their cars because they did not want to take responsibility for transporting a woman...," she writes as published by The Guardian. "I worked for so many days and nights to become the person I am today, and this morning when I reached home, the very first thing my sisters and I did was hide our IDs, diplomas and certificates. It was devastating. Why should we hide the things that we should be proud of? In Afghanistan now we are not allowed to be known as the people we are," says the woman as mentioned in The Guardian. You can read more here The Taliban have attempted to sound conciliatory. On Tuesday, they even said that they wanted women to join their government. But looking at Taliban's record, a more concrete declaration and practice is required to change the hearts and minds of Afghan women who only see darkness ahead.

Will such images of happy women in Afghanistan be a thing of the past?

Dozens of demonstrators took to the streets of Lahore, Pakistan to decry violence against women in the country. Pakistan's human rights commission has painted a concerning picture regarding gender disparity, crimes against women in the country. The demonstrations come days after the daughter of Afghan ambassador was abducted in Pakistan.

Demonstrators throng streets in Lahore to decry violence against women

Thousands of women protested Turkey's decision of formally withdrawing from the international treaty against domestic violence.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's move has drawn condemnation from Turks and Western allies. Erdogan however is stressing that this is not a step backwards.

"Some circles are trying to portray our withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention as a step backwards in our battle with violence against women," he said during a speech in Ankara to present an alternative action plan.

"Our battle did not start with the Istanbul Convention and it will not end with our withdrawal from the treaty," he said.

The Istanbul Convention, signed in 2011, committed its signatories to prevent and prosecute domestic violence and promote equality. Erdogan announced the withdrawal in March in favour of local laws to protect women's rights.

Thousands were set on Thursday to protest the decision across Turkey, where femicide has surged. A court appeal to halt the withdrawal was rejected this week.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of women protested Turkey's decision of formally withdrawing from the international treaty against domestic violence. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's move has drawn condemnation from Turks and Western allies.

Thousands of women protested Turkey's decision of formally withdrawing from the international treaty against domestic violence. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's move has drawn condemnation from Turks and Western allies. Erdogan however is stressing that this is not a step backwards. "Some circles are trying to portray our withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention as a step backwards in our battle with violence against women," he said during a speech in Ankara to present an alternative action plan. "Our battle did not start with the Istanbul Convention and it will not end with our withdrawal from the treaty," he said. The Istanbul Convention, signed in 2011, committed its signatories to prevent and prosecute domestic violence and promote equality. Erdogan announced the withdrawal in March in favour of local laws to protect women's rights. Thousands were set on Thursday to protest the decision across Turkey, where femicide has surged. A court appeal to halt the withdrawal was rejected this week. (With inputs from agencies)

Protests in Turkey as it withdraws from treaty against domestic violence

Saudi Arabia has released two women activists detained nearly three years ago, rights groups said on Sunday, following a fierce crackdown on female campaigners.

Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah were detained in the summer of 2018 with about a dozen other women activists on what rights groups called opaque charges related to national security.

"Prominent Saudi women human rights defenders Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah have been released following the expiry of the sentences against them," London-based rights group ALQST said on Twitter.

Saudi authorities have not yet commented publicly on their release.

The two women "should never have been jailed in the first place and deserve justice (and) compensation for their arbitrary detention," Adam Coogle, deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch, wrote on Twitter.

That view was echoed by Amnesty International, which called on Saudi King Salman to "remove the travel bans on Nassima and Samar, and all the released peaceful activists".

Several freed activists and their family members are barred from leaving Saudi Arabia, in a collective punishment that leaves them vulnerable to what campaigners call state coercion.

In late December, a Saudi court handed prominent activist Loujain al-Hathloul a prison term of five years and eight months for terrorism-related crimes, but a partially suspended sentence paved the way for her early release in February.

Hathloul was released on probation and is banned from leaving the kingdom for five years.

The crackdown on women activists, which drew global condemnation, have cast a spotlight on the human rights record of the kingdom, an absolute monarchy.

US President Joe Biden has vowed to press Saudi Arabia harder on human rights and earlier this year declassified an intelligence report into the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

Khashoggi's murder tarnished the global reputation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has sought to modernise the conservative kingdom as it tries to diversify its oil-reliant economy.

Saudi Arabia has released two women activists detained nearly three years ago, rights groups said on Sunday, following a fierce crackdown on female campaigners. Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah were detained in the summer of 2018 with about a dozen other women activists on what rights groups called opaque charges related to national security.

Saudi Arabia has released two women activists detained nearly three years ago, rights groups said on Sunday, following a fierce crackdown on female campaigners. Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah were detained in the summer of 2018 with about a dozen other women activists on what rights groups called opaque charges related to national security. "Prominent Saudi women human rights defenders Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah have been released following the expiry of the sentences against them," London-based rights group ALQST said on Twitter. Saudi authorities have not yet commented publicly on their release. The two women "should never have been jailed in the first place and deserve justice (and) compensation for their arbitrary detention," Adam Coogle, deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch, wrote on Twitter. That view was echoed by Amnesty International, which called on Saudi King Salman to "remove the travel bans on Nassima and Samar, and all the released peaceful activists". Several freed activists and their family members are barred from leaving Saudi Arabia, in a collective punishment that leaves them vulnerable to what campaigners call state coercion. In late December, a Saudi court handed prominent activist Loujain al-Hathloul a prison term of five years and eight months for terrorism-related crimes, but a partially suspended sentence paved the way for her early release in February. Hathloul was released on probation and is banned from leaving the kingdom for five years. The crackdown on women activists, which drew global condemnation, have cast a spotlight on the human rights record of the kingdom, an absolute monarchy. US President Joe Biden has vowed to press Saudi Arabia harder on human rights and earlier this year declassified an intelligence report into the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. Khashoggi's murder tarnished the global reputation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has sought to modernise the conservative kingdom as it tries to diversify its oil-reliant economy.

Saudi Arabia releases two jailed women activists: Campaigners

As the US troops withdraw from Afghanistan, experts fear the Taliban’s return to the South Asian country will undo all the progress made in women’s rights and equality over the years.

These fears were noted in a two-page National Intelligence Council document that claims the views of the Taliban leaders and members have not changed since 2001 — when the US intervened to restore peace in Afghanistan.

"The Taliban remains broadly consistent in its restrictive approach to women's rights and would roll back much of the past two decades' progress if the group regained national power," the report claims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-and-eu-call-for-immediate-and-comprehensive-ceasefire-in-afghanistan-382831" hreflang="en">India and EU call for 'immediate and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan</a>

Taliban was infamous for imposing old-age unequal decisions on women and keeping them away from studies and not allowing them to step out even for work.

The declassified report by the US intelligence warns that there has been very little, if any, change in Taliban’s leadership and the group still remains "inflexible" for any such negotiations and "enforces strict social constraints in areas that it already controls".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/small-afghanistan-attacks-have-no-significant-impact-on-troop-pullout-us-382753" hreflang="en">'Small' Afghanistan attacks have no significant impact on troop pullout: US</a>

"If the Taliban were again Afghanistan's dominant power, we assess that any prospect for moderating the group's policies toward women would lie with ethnic minorities' ability to maintain local variation and technological development," the report said.

While some groups have publically announced plans to respect women's&nbsp;rights, they have also added the condition of doing so only as a condition of Taliban’s fundamentalist interpretation of Sharia law, or Islamic law, the report claimed.

The US intelligence feels international pressure is crucial to maintain the progress of women’s rights in the country, with or without the return of Taliban in the area.

"The Taliban's desires for foreign aid and legitimacy might marginally moderate its conduct over time,"&nbsp;the report read. However, if the group returns back to power in Afghanistan, it will prioritise "extending control on its own terms".

As the US troops withdraw from Afghanistan, experts fear the Taliban’s return to the South Asian country will undo all the progress made in women’s rights and equality over the years.

As the US troops withdraw from Afghanistan, experts fear the Taliban’s return to the South Asian country will undo all the progress made in women’s rights and equality over the years. These fears were noted in a two-page National Intelligence Council document that claims the views of the Taliban leaders and members have not changed since 2001 — when the US intervened to restore peace in Afghanistan. "The Taliban remains broadly consistent in its restrictive approach to women's rights and would roll back much of the past two decades' progress if the group regained national power," the report claims. Also read | India and EU call for 'immediate and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan Taliban was infamous for imposing old-age unequal decisions on women and keeping them away from studies and not allowing them to step out even for work. The declassified report by the US intelligence warns that there has been very little, if any, change in Taliban’s leadership and the group still remains "inflexible" for any such negotiations and "enforces strict social constraints in areas that it already controls". Also read | 'Small' Afghanistan attacks have no significant impact on troop pullout: US "If the Taliban were again Afghanistan's dominant power, we assess that any prospect for moderating the group's policies toward women would lie with ethnic minorities' ability to maintain local variation and technological development," the report said. While some groups have publically announced plans to respect women's rights, they have also added the condition of doing so only as a condition of Taliban’s fundamentalist interpretation of Sharia law, or Islamic law, the report claimed. The US intelligence feels international pressure is crucial to maintain the progress of women’s rights in the country, with or without the return of Taliban in the area. "The Taliban's desires for foreign aid and legitimacy might marginally moderate its conduct over time," the report read. However, if the group returns back to power in Afghanistan, it will prioritise "extending control on its own terms".

Return of Taliban in Afghanistan harmful for women's rights: US report

The European Union’s first female chief, Ursula von der Leyen, was left speechless after the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, the former Belgian prime minister and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took the chairs, one of which was supposed to be Ursula’s.

Ursula was left shocked and can also be heard using the expression of “Uhm?” in the videos. As Michel refused to show any evidence of regret, Von der Leyen had to settle at the second-rank seat on the sofa opposite Turkey’s foreign minister.

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"Ehm" is the new term for "that’s not how EU-Turkey relationship should be". <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GiveHerASeat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GiveHerASeat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Turkey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Turkey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/womensrights?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#womensrights</a> <a href="https://t.co/vGVFutDu0S">pic.twitter.com/vGVFutDu0S</a>
— Sergey Lagodinsky (@SLagodinsky) <a href="https://twitter.com/SLagodinsky/status/1379483767161622535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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An interesting thing is that the discussion was about women’s equal rights as Turkey had withdrawn from a convention on gender-based violence.

Even after such disrespect, the German head did not walk away from the meeting and continued raising her voice for equal rights. “The president’s assertiveness was clearly on display in that she did not walk away from the meeting, she took part in the meeting, and played her full role,” her spokesperson said.

This act has been taken as a breaking of the protocol as the rules for European Council’s President are similar to those of any country’s president.

“The president of the commission was clearly surprised and that is something you can see from the video … The protocol level of our president is exactly the same as that of the president of the European council,” Von der Leyen’s spokesperson said. “The president expects that the institution that she represents to be treated with the required protocol and she has therefore asked her team to take all appropriate contacts in order to ensure that such an incident does not occur in the future.”

Shortly after this, Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi has accused the Turkish leader of humiliating his EU counterpart and has also labelled him a “dictator”.

“I absolutely do not agree with Erdoğan’s behavior towards president Von der Leyen … I think it was not appropriate behavior and I was very sorry for the humiliation Von der Leyen had to suffer,” Draghi said.

“With these, let’s call them what they are – dictators – with whom one nonetheless has to coordinate, one has to be frank when expressing different visions and opinions,” he added.

Soon after his remarks, the Italian ambassador to Ankara was summoned. The foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu also struck back at Italy’s remarks.

“We strongly condemn the appointed Italian prime minister Draghi’s unacceptable, populist discourse and his ugly and unrestrained comments about our elected president,” Çavuşoğlu tweeted.

The European Union’s first female chief, Ursula von der Leyen, was left speechless after the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, the former Belgian prime minister and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took the chairs, one of which was supposed to be Ursula’s.

The European Union’s first female chief, Ursula von der Leyen, was left speechless after the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, the former Belgian prime minister and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took the chairs, one of which was supposed to be Ursula’s. Ursula was left shocked and can also be heard using the expression of “Uhm?” in the videos. As Michel refused to show any evidence of regret, Von der Leyen had to settle at the second-rank seat on the sofa opposite Turkey’s foreign minister. "Ehm" is the new term for "that’s not how EU-Turkey relationship should be". #GiveHerASeat #EU #Turkey #womensrights pic.twitter.com/vGVFutDu0S — Sergey Lagodinsky (@SLagodinsky) April 6, 2021 × An interesting thing is that the discussion was about women’s equal rights as Turkey had withdrawn from a convention on gender-based violence. Even after such disrespect, the German head did not walk away from the meeting and continued raising her voice for equal rights. “The president’s assertiveness was clearly on display in that she did not walk away from the meeting, she took part in the meeting, and played her full role,” her spokesperson said. This act has been taken as a breaking of the protocol as the rules for European Council’s President are similar to those of any country’s president. “The president of the commission was clearly surprised and that is something you can see from the video … The protocol level of our president is exactly the same as that of the president of the European council,” Von der Leyen’s spokesperson said. “The president expects that the institution that she represents to be treated with the required protocol and she has therefore asked her team to take all appropriate contacts in order to ensure that such an incident does not occur in the future.” Shortly after this, Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi has accused the Turkish leader of humiliating his EU counterpart and has also labelled him a “dictator”. “I absolutely do not agree with Erdoğan’s behavior towards president Von der Leyen … I think it was not appropriate behavior and I was very sorry for the humiliation Von der Leyen had to suffer,” Draghi said. “With these, let’s call them what they are – dictators – with whom one nonetheless has to coordinate, one has to be frank when expressing different visions and opinions,” he added. Soon after his remarks, the Italian ambassador to Ankara was summoned. The foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu also struck back at Italy’s remarks. “We strongly condemn the appointed Italian prime minister Draghi’s unacceptable, populist discourse and his ugly and unrestrained comments about our elected president,” Çavuşoğlu tweeted.

'Dictator': Turkey and Italy get into spat after EU chief left without chair during equal rights talk

The ruling could not have been more clear.

One of soccer’s six regional bodies had engaged in discriminatory behavior against a female official by hindering her chances of getting a seat on its board and a leadership position with the sport’s global governing body, FIFA.

The official, Mariyam Mohamed, also convinced judges at sports’ top court that an influential Kuwaiti sheikh had actively interfered in elections held by the Asian Football Confederation in 2019 to achieve his desired outcome.

The full ruling, which has not been published, was obtained by The New York Times. In it, a panel at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland concluded that the inaction by Asian soccer officials over several months amounted to a “denial of justice” for Mohamed. Yet two months since the decision was announced, the effect of what appears to be a powerful denunciation of ethics breaches and a disregard for women’s rights has had all the effect of a snowball hitting a tank.

Nothing has happened.

The tainted elections will not be rerun. The men who offered Mohamed inducements to drop out have not been punished. And soccer’s leaders have taken no action.

FIFA said in an email it had no comment, even though it previously insisted it would follow up on the court’s findings with soccer officials in Asia. Asian soccer’s governing body also declined to comment, saying its leaders had nothing to add to a January statement in which they had pledged the organization would review the findings.

For Mohamed, the silence has been maddening.

“It’s just a game for them, justice denial, the same process that I was in,” she said in a phone interview. “They’re waiting for time to pass by, and hoping I get fed up. Now the verdict has come, and it’s just very sad. I don’t know where else to go now.”

Mohamed, who filed her complaints to the Asian federation’s disciplinary department in May 2019, says she initially celebrated the ruling, but came to realize it may amount to a Pyrrhic victory.

She has not been contacted by officials from the AFC, she said. Nor has she heard from ethics investigators from FIFA, even though the organization’s rules state that gender discrimination is “strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.”

The case and its aftermath have highlighted how power works in global sports. It shows how a tainted Gulf royal linked to other cases of corruption has been able to exert significant control over one of soccer’s largest governing bodies even though he has no official role in its affairs. And it shows how a strategy of delay can be its own kind of injustice.

Mohamed’s case had roots in FIFA’s response to its own problems with discrimination: To address a lack of women on its governing board, the organization since 2013 set aside specific seats for women, starting with one voting member in 2013 and now a minimum of one from each of FIFA’s six regional confederations.

Mohamed, a former soccer player and coach from the Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, had hoped to win the AFC’s spot in a vote in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in April 2019. It did not take her long to realize that the power brokers of Asian soccer had already decided the election’s outcome.

She filed her first complaints about the election to the Asian confederation’s disciplinary department a month later. Emails show the organization responded to her inquiries by insisting it had begun an investigation, although it appears little was done. The AFC, citing confidentiality, refused to supply any evidence of its investigation to the court.

At a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport last July, the AFC hardly put up a defense. Its lawyers offered no witnesses to challenge Mohamed’s testimony that a top confederation official and the head of the soccer federation of Qatar had been present in a luxury hotel suite when the Kuwaiti sheikh, Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, told Mohamed he had decided that his preferred candidate, Mahfuza Akhter Kiron of Bangladesh, would be elected as the AFC’s female representative to the FIFA Council.

Mohamed was told she should drop her candidacy, and do so within 24 hours. She later claimed, in testimony that went unchallenged by the AFC, that Sheikh Ahmad attempted to mollify her by saying he had so much sway in international soccer circles that he could obtain for her “any other position of her choosing at the AFC or FIFA” in exchange for her withdrawal.

By this point, Sheikh Ahmad had no official role in soccer, having resigned his position on the FIFA Council in 2017 after allegations emerged in a U.S. federal court that he had bribed Asian officials. But Mohamed’s decision to take her case to court provided a rare public glimpse into his continuing stature as a power broker in global sports through his role as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia, an organization created by his father in 1982.

At a 2013 International Olympic Committee meeting, for example, Sheikh Ahmad’s support helped Thomas Bach secure the IOC presidency and also deliver the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo. Since he was indicted in a forgery case unrelated to sports in 2018, he has “self-suspended” from two prominent Olympic roles. But his opinion still carries weight.

Before the AFC’s 2019 elections, his legal troubles did not seem to be an issue. A list of his favored candidates was distributed to AFC voters on the eve of the elections and, aware of the talks with Mohamed and of Sheikh Ahmad’s preference for a different candidate, the leaders of several federations pressured Mohamed to drop out, she said. She declined to withdraw, and lost the vote, 31-15. Every candidate on Sheikh Ahmad’s list, however, was elected to seats on the AFC’s executive board or, as in Kiron’s case, as a confederation representative to FIFA.

After reviewing the evidence presented by Mohamed and her lawyers, the CAS panel made clear in the summary of its decision that it agreed with her version of the events. The panel confirmed that the 2019 elections had breached FIFA and AFC rules on gender discrimination. It concluded that Sheikh Ahmad had tried to influence the outcome, and that the AFC had denied Mohamed justice by not making a ruling on her complaint. It did, however, also say that by not bowing out of the elections, Mohamed ensured the sheikh’s efforts to influence the election in her case were not effective.

But the court said it was powerless to order that the flawed elections be annulled, or to punish any of the individuals accused of interfering with them. Any decision on further action was for FIFA, and the AFC, to decide, the court said.

Because of the rules governing the court, the panel’s full findings have been cloaked in secrecy since the verdict was announced on Jan. 25.

“If nothing happens it is a disgrace for FIFA, the AFC, and undermines the authority of CAS indirectly,” said Miguel Maduro, the former FIFA governance head who gave evidence in Mohamed’s case. “This award and what follows tells us at once that CAS has exposed corruption at the highest level of elections in football and at the same time tells us they cannot do anything about it.”

Maduro added that at the very least, FIFA should have initiated an ethics inquiry after the ruling. To date, it has not.

Such a move, though, would be extremely sensitive for soccer’s global leadership. The FIFA official responsible for overseeing the 2019 election, Eduardo Ache, told the CAS panel that soccer’s guidelines to improve female representation were mere recommendations. The panel said Ache’s evidence suggested he was “prepared to accept any discrimination provided at least one woman was elected to FIFA.”

But pressing for discipline in the case also could be uncomfortable for FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, who relies on the support of national and regional soccer leaders to push his agenda. He recently spent two weeks touring Africa, for example, to ensure that his favored candidate, a South African billionaire with no high-level experience in soccer administration, was elected president of the continent’s regional confederation. And he is unlikely to press for discipline against the leader of Qatar’s soccer federation — reportedly present when Mohamed was offered inducements to step aside — or any other Asian leader a year before Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup.

The longer the full ruling in Mohamed’s case goes unpublished, though, the more it will give the appearance soccer’s leaders are trying to brush a problematic situation under the carpet, said Johan Lindholm, a professor of law at Umea University in Sweden who has published a book on CAS.

“Whether it’s because of bad PR or there are other things going on, then you would probably want to keep it as secret as possible,” Lindholm said.

The ruling could not have been more clear. One of soccer’s six regional bodies had engaged in discriminatory behavior against a female official by hindering her chances of getting a seat on its board and a leadership position with the sport’s global governing body, FIFA.

The ruling could not have been more clear. One of soccer’s six regional bodies had engaged in discriminatory behavior against a female official by hindering her chances of getting a seat on its board and a leadership position with the sport’s global governing body, FIFA. The official, Mariyam Mohamed, also convinced judges at sports’ top court that an influential Kuwaiti sheikh had actively interfered in elections held by the Asian Football Confederation in 2019 to achieve his desired outcome. The full ruling, which has not been published, was obtained by The New York Times. In it, a panel at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland concluded that the inaction by Asian soccer officials over several months amounted to a “denial of justice” for Mohamed. Yet two months since the decision was announced, the effect of what appears to be a powerful denunciation of ethics breaches and a disregard for women’s rights has had all the effect of a snowball hitting a tank. Nothing has happened. The tainted elections will not be rerun. The men who offered Mohamed inducements to drop out have not been punished. And soccer’s leaders have taken no action. FIFA said in an email it had no comment, even though it previously insisted it would follow up on the court’s findings with soccer officials in Asia. Asian soccer’s governing body also declined to comment, saying its leaders had nothing to add to a January statement in which they had pledged the organization would review the findings. For Mohamed, the silence has been maddening. “It’s just a game for them, justice denial, the same process that I was in,” she said in a phone interview. “They’re waiting for time to pass by, and hoping I get fed up. Now the verdict has come, and it’s just very sad. I don’t know where else to go now.” Mohamed, who filed her complaints to the Asian federation’s disciplinary department in May 2019, says she initially celebrated the ruling, but came to realize it may amount to a Pyrrhic victory. She has not been contacted by officials from the AFC, she said. Nor has she heard from ethics investigators from FIFA, even though the organization’s rules state that gender discrimination is “strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.” The case and its aftermath have highlighted how power works in global sports. It shows how a tainted Gulf royal linked to other cases of corruption has been able to exert significant control over one of soccer’s largest governing bodies even though he has no official role in its affairs. And it shows how a strategy of delay can be its own kind of injustice. Mohamed’s case had roots in FIFA’s response to its own problems with discrimination: To address a lack of women on its governing board, the organization since 2013 set aside specific seats for women, starting with one voting member in 2013 and now a minimum of one from each of FIFA’s six regional confederations. Mohamed, a former soccer player and coach from the Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, had hoped to win the AFC’s spot in a vote in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in April 2019. It did not take her long to realize that the power brokers of Asian soccer had already decided the election’s outcome. She filed her first complaints about the election to the Asian confederation’s disciplinary department a month later. Emails show the organization responded to her inquiries by insisting it had begun an investigation, although it appears little was done. The AFC, citing confidentiality, refused to supply any evidence of its investigation to the court. At a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport last July, the AFC hardly put up a defense. Its lawyers offered no witnesses to challenge Mohamed’s testimony that a top confederation official and the head of the soccer federation of Qatar had been present in a luxury hotel suite when the Kuwaiti sheikh, Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, told Mohamed he had decided that his preferred candidate, Mahfuza Akhter Kiron of Bangladesh, would be elected as the AFC’s female representative to the FIFA Council. Mohamed was told she should drop her candidacy, and do so within 24 hours. She later claimed, in testimony that went unchallenged by the AFC, that Sheikh Ahmad attempted to mollify her by saying he had so much sway in international soccer circles that he could obtain for her “any other position of her choosing at the AFC or FIFA” in exchange for her withdrawal. By this point, Sheikh Ahmad had no official role in soccer, having resigned his position on the FIFA Council in 2017 after allegations emerged in a U.S. federal court that he had bribed Asian officials. But Mohamed’s decision to take her case to court provided a rare public glimpse into his continuing stature as a power broker in global sports through his role as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia, an organization created by his father in 1982. At a 2013 International Olympic Committee meeting, for example, Sheikh Ahmad’s support helped Thomas Bach secure the IOC presidency and also deliver the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo. Since he was indicted in a forgery case unrelated to sports in 2018, he has “self-suspended” from two prominent Olympic roles. But his opinion still carries weight. Before the AFC’s 2019 elections, his legal troubles did not seem to be an issue. A list of his favored candidates was distributed to AFC voters on the eve of the elections and, aware of the talks with Mohamed and of Sheikh Ahmad’s preference for a different candidate, the leaders of several federations pressured Mohamed to drop out, she said. She declined to withdraw, and lost the vote, 31-15. Every candidate on Sheikh Ahmad’s list, however, was elected to seats on the AFC’s executive board or, as in Kiron’s case, as a confederation representative to FIFA. After reviewing the evidence presented by Mohamed and her lawyers, the CAS panel made clear in the summary of its decision that it agreed with her version of the events. The panel confirmed that the 2019 elections had breached FIFA and AFC rules on gender discrimination. It concluded that Sheikh Ahmad had tried to influence the outcome, and that the AFC had denied Mohamed justice by not making a ruling on her complaint. It did, however, also say that by not bowing out of the elections, Mohamed ensured the sheikh’s efforts to influence the election in her case were not effective. But the court said it was powerless to order that the flawed elections be annulled, or to punish any of the individuals accused of interfering with them. Any decision on further action was for FIFA, and the AFC, to decide, the court said. Because of the rules governing the court, the panel’s full findings have been cloaked in secrecy since the verdict was announced on Jan. 25. “If nothing happens it is a disgrace for FIFA, the AFC, and undermines the authority of CAS indirectly,” said Miguel Maduro, the former FIFA governance head who gave evidence in Mohamed’s case. “This award and what follows tells us at once that CAS has exposed corruption at the highest level of elections in football and at the same time tells us they cannot do anything about it.” Maduro added that at the very least, FIFA should have initiated an ethics inquiry after the ruling. To date, it has not. Such a move, though, would be extremely sensitive for soccer’s global leadership. The FIFA official responsible for overseeing the 2019 election, Eduardo Ache, told the CAS panel that soccer’s guidelines to improve female representation were mere recommendations. The panel said Ache’s evidence suggested he was “prepared to accept any discrimination provided at least one woman was elected to FIFA.” But pressing for discipline in the case also could be uncomfortable for FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, who relies on the support of national and regional soccer leaders to push his agenda. He recently spent two weeks touring Africa, for example, to ensure that his favored candidate, a South African billionaire with no high-level experience in soccer administration, was elected president of the continent’s regional confederation. And he is unlikely to press for discipline against the leader of Qatar’s soccer federation — reportedly present when Mohamed was offered inducements to step aside — or any other Asian leader a year before Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup. The longer the full ruling in Mohamed’s case goes unpublished, though, the more it will give the appearance soccer’s leaders are trying to brush a problematic situation under the carpet, said Johan Lindholm, a professor of law at Umea University in Sweden who has published a book on CAS. “Whether it’s because of bad PR or there are other things going on, then you would probably want to keep it as secret as possible,” Lindholm said.

A soccer official proved her discrimination case. No one was punished.

The European Union on Sunday (Indian time) urged Turkey to reverse its decision to withdraw from Istanbul Convention on women's rights. The treaty has been designed to prevent violence against women.

"Now is the time to show leadership and enhance global efforts to fight violence against women and girls, not to retreat. This is why we cannot but regret deeply and express incomprehension towards the decision of the Turkish government to withdraw from this convention that even bears the name of Istanbul. This decision risks compromising the protection and fundamental rights of women and girls in Turkey," said Josep Borrell, EU's foreign policy chief in a statement.

"The Istanbul Convention is the first international legally binding instrument to combat violence against women and domestic violence. It aims at ensuring essential legal protection to women and girls across the world. This is today more important than ever, as violence against women and girls has increased to new levels worldwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and of the many conflicts, where women are primary victims. We, therefore, cannot but urge Turkey to reverse its decision," he said further

Borrell said that Turkey's decision sent a dangerous message across the world. The Istanbul Convention is EU-backed human rights accord. Turkey was the first country to ratify the convention. It was adopted in Istanbul in 2011.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government declared Turkey's exit from the accord on March 20.

The European Union on Sunday (Indian time) urged Turkey to reverse its decision to withdraw from Istanbul Convention on women's rights. The treaty has been designed to prevent violence against women.

The European Union on Sunday (Indian time) urged Turkey to reverse its decision to withdraw from Istanbul Convention on women's rights. The treaty has been designed to prevent violence against women. "Now is the time to show leadership and enhance global efforts to fight violence against women and girls, not to retreat. This is why we cannot but regret deeply and express incomprehension towards the decision of the Turkish government to withdraw from this convention that even bears the name of Istanbul. This decision risks compromising the protection and fundamental rights of women and girls in Turkey," said Josep Borrell, EU's foreign policy chief in a statement. "The Istanbul Convention is the first international legally binding instrument to combat violence against women and domestic violence. It aims at ensuring essential legal protection to women and girls across the world. This is today more important than ever, as violence against women and girls has increased to new levels worldwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and of the many conflicts, where women are primary victims. We, therefore, cannot but urge Turkey to reverse its decision," he said further Borrell said that Turkey's decision sent a dangerous message across the world. The Istanbul Convention is EU-backed human rights accord. Turkey was the first country to ratify the convention. It was adopted in Istanbul in 2011. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government declared Turkey's exit from the accord on March 20.

EU asks Turkey to rethink exit from women's rights treaty

There was domestic and international outrage directed at Turkey after its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took the country out of a treaty designed to prevent violence against women. The decision to withdraw from the treaty was announced on Saturday. This step is being considered to be a victory for conservatives in Erdogan's party who had argued the treated damaged family unity.

Council of Europe, a top rights body, denounced Turkey's decision to withdraw from a treaty it sponsored.

"This move is a huge setback to these efforts and all the more deplorable because it compromises the protection of women in Turkey, across Europe and beyond," Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buricshe said.

The treaty "is widely regarded as the gold standard in international efforts to protect women and girls from the violence that they face every day in our societies," she added.

The 2011 Istanbul Convention, signed by 45 countries and the European Union, requires governments to adopt legislation prosecuting domestic violence and similar abuse as well as marital rape and female genital mutilation.&nbsp;

'Evil'

The publication of the decree in the official gazette early Saturday immediately sparked anger among Turkish rights groups and calls for protests in Istanbul.&nbsp; 
Gokce Gokcen, deputy chairperson of the main opposition CHP party, said abandoning the treaty meant "keeping women second-class citizens and letting them be killed."

"Despite you and your evil, we will stay alive and bring back the convention," she said on Twitter.

Turkey had been debating a possible departure after an official in Erdogan's party raised dropping the treaty last year.

(With Reuters inputs)

There was domestic and international outrage directed at Turkey after its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took the country out of a treaty designed to prevent violence against women.

There was domestic and international outrage directed at Turkey after its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took the country out of a treaty designed to prevent violence against women. The decision to withdraw from the treaty was announced on Saturday. This step is being considered to be a victory for conservatives in Erdogan's party who had argued the treated damaged family unity. Council of Europe, a top rights body, denounced Turkey's decision to withdraw from a treaty it sponsored. "This move is a huge setback to these efforts and all the more deplorable because it compromises the protection of women in Turkey, across Europe and beyond," Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buricshe said. The treaty "is widely regarded as the gold standard in international efforts to protect women and girls from the violence that they face every day in our societies," she added. The 2011 Istanbul Convention, signed by 45 countries and the European Union, requires governments to adopt legislation prosecuting domestic violence and similar abuse as well as marital rape and female genital mutilation. 'Evil' The publication of the decree in the official gazette early Saturday immediately sparked anger among Turkish rights groups and calls for protests in Istanbul. Gokce Gokcen, deputy chairperson of the main opposition CHP party, said abandoning the treaty meant "keeping women second-class citizens and letting them be killed." "Despite you and your evil, we will stay alive and bring back the convention," she said on Twitter. Turkey had been debating a possible departure after an official in Erdogan's party raised dropping the treaty last year. (With Reuters inputs)

Turkey criticised after withdrawing from treaty preventing violence against women

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken the country out of an international treaty that was designed to protect women. The move has come in spite of the calls from campaigners against it. The treaty is seen as a key to combating rising cases of domestic violence in the country.

The Council of Europe accord, forged in Istanbul, pledged to prevent, prosecute and eliminate domestic violence and promote equality. Turkey, which signed the accord in 2011, saw a rise in femicides last year.

No reason has been provided for the withdrawal.

Conservatives in Turkey have been claiming that the pact undermines family structure, encouraging violence. They are also hostile to the principle of gender equality in the Istanbul Convention and see it as promoting homosexuality, given its principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.

Turkey is not the first country to move towards ditching the accord. Poland's highest court scrutinized the pact after a cabinet member said Warsaw should quit the treaty which the nationalist government considers too liberal.

Turkey does not keep official statistics on femicide. World Health Organization data has shown 38% of women in Turkey are subject to violence from a partner in their lifetime, compared to about 25% in Europe.

(With Reuters inputs)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken the country out of an international treaty that was designed to protect women. The move has come in spite of the calls from campaigners against it.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken the country out of an international treaty that was designed to protect women. The move has come in spite of the calls from campaigners against it. The treaty is seen as a key to combating rising cases of domestic violence in the country. The Council of Europe accord, forged in Istanbul, pledged to prevent, prosecute and eliminate domestic violence and promote equality. Turkey, which signed the accord in 2011, saw a rise in femicides last year. No reason has been provided for the withdrawal. Conservatives in Turkey have been claiming that the pact undermines family structure, encouraging violence. They are also hostile to the principle of gender equality in the Istanbul Convention and see it as promoting homosexuality, given its principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. Turkey is not the first country to move towards ditching the accord. Poland's highest court scrutinized the pact after a cabinet member said Warsaw should quit the treaty which the nationalist government considers too liberal. Turkey does not keep official statistics on femicide. World Health Organization data has shown 38% of women in Turkey are subject to violence from a partner in their lifetime, compared to about 25% in Europe. (With Reuters inputs)

Erdogan takes Turkey out of treaty designed to protect women

Afghanistan’s Education Ministry recently put out a memo prohibiting girls aged 12 and over from singing at school functions.

Soon after the memo was released, social media caught air of its contents, prompting authorities to refer to the memo as a “mistake”, and suggesting that the authors of the memo had not clearly understood the objective.

Nevertheless, Twitter spares no mistakes. #IAmMySong has been trending on the web portal, with Afghan girls recording clips of themselves singing songs.

Afghanistan is undergoing multiple upheavals right now, with the US planning to withdraw from the country. Critics fear that all progress made in terms of human rights could lapse if the Taliban assumes power.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
2days after Intl Women Day ‘21, the AFG Ministry of Education banned girls 12yo&amp;up from singing in public. This violates national &amp; int’l laws for basic human/universal rights. Join <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAmMySong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAmMySong</a> and record a song in solidarity for AFG females music rights&amp;freedom of expression <a href="https://t.co/kRsW1rknmP">pic.twitter.com/kRsW1rknmP</a>
— Dr Ahmad Sarmast (@DSarmast) <a href="https://twitter.com/DSarmast/status/1369988156846641156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Before Taliban was ousted by the US, they ran the country on mostly anti-women lines. Among its many dictates, education was denied to all girls. And all forms of entertainment - including music and television was banned. Women are only allowed access to religious music.

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We raise our voices in protest against the extremist and discriminatory order of the Ministry of Education!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAmMySong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAmMySong</a> <a href="https://t.co/EnfycjiMtf">pic.twitter.com/EnfycjiMtf</a>
— MyRedLine - خط سرخ من (@myredline_afg) <a href="https://twitter.com/myredline_afg/status/1370462043128672258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Since then, the memo has been rescinded by the ministry. It was sent to all school districts in Kabul. Soon after, a fresh memo was issues, which banned music groups for not only girls of secondary schools, but also for boys.

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On Wednesday Afghanistan’s Ministry of Education reportedly banned girls 12yo&amp;up from singing in public. 
 
People are now recording songs in solidarity with Afghan women’s right to expression <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAmMySong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAmMySong</a> 
 
<a href="https://t.co/ThR7jUogWv">pic.twitter.com/ThR7jUogWv</a>
— Megha Mohan (@meghamohan) <a href="https://twitter.com/meghamohan/status/1370079768318775298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Associated Press reported that the government claims objective of&nbsp;the move is not to ban music, but to prevent coronavirus from spreading.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAmMySong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAmMySong</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyRedLine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyRedLine</a> <a href="https://t.co/86XL4F3qtu">pic.twitter.com/86XL4F3qtu</a>
— MyRedLine - خط سرخ من (@myredline_afg) <a href="https://twitter.com/myredline_afg/status/1370336074145366025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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But many believe this is an act of damage control, prompting the hashtag, which had received over 600,000 clicks so far. The hashtag was reportedly started by Ahmad Sarmast, the founder of Afghanistan’s Institute of Music.

Afghanistan’s Education Ministry recently put out a memo prohibiting girls aged 12 and over from singing at school functions. Soon after the memo was released, social media caught air of its contents, prompting authorities to refer to the memo as a “mistake”, and suggesting that the authors of the memo had not clearly understood the objective.

Afghanistan’s Education Ministry recently put out a memo prohibiting girls aged 12 and over from singing at school functions. Soon after the memo was released, social media caught air of its contents, prompting authorities to refer to the memo as a “mistake”, and suggesting that the authors of the memo had not clearly understood the objective. Nevertheless, Twitter spares no mistakes. #IAmMySong has been trending on the web portal, with Afghan girls recording clips of themselves singing songs. Afghanistan is undergoing multiple upheavals right now, with the US planning to withdraw from the country. Critics fear that all progress made in terms of human rights could lapse if the Taliban assumes power. 2days after Intl Women Day ‘21, the AFG Ministry of Education banned girls 12yo&up from singing in public. This violates national & int’l laws for basic human/universal rights. Join #IAmMySong and record a song in solidarity for AFG females music rights&freedom of expression pic.twitter.com/kRsW1rknmP — Dr Ahmad Sarmast (@DSarmast) March 11, 2021 × Before Taliban was ousted by the US, they ran the country on mostly anti-women lines. Among its many dictates, education was denied to all girls. And all forms of entertainment - including music and television was banned. Women are only allowed access to religious music. We raise our voices in protest against the extremist and discriminatory order of the Ministry of Education!#IAmMySong pic.twitter.com/EnfycjiMtf — MyRedLine - خط سرخ من (@myredline_afg) March 12, 2021 × Since then, the memo has been rescinded by the ministry. It was sent to all school districts in Kabul. Soon after, a fresh memo was issues, which banned music groups for not only girls of secondary schools, but also for boys. On Wednesday Afghanistan’s Ministry of Education reportedly banned girls 12yo&up from singing in public. People are now recording songs in solidarity with Afghan women’s right to expression #IAmMySong pic.twitter.com/ThR7jUogWv — Megha Mohan (@meghamohan) March 11, 2021 × Associated Press reported that the government claims objective of the move is not to ban music, but to prevent coronavirus from spreading. #IAmMySong#MyRedLine pic.twitter.com/86XL4F3qtu — MyRedLine - خط سرخ من (@myredline_afg) March 12, 2021 × But many believe this is an act of damage control, prompting the hashtag, which had received over 600,000 clicks so far. The hashtag was reportedly started by Ahmad Sarmast, the founder of Afghanistan’s Institute of Music.

Afghanistan releases, then redacts memo banning girls from singing. #IAmMySong roars on Twitter

To call for an end to violence and discrimination against women and the scrapping of a proposed law that would restrict travel for many women, hundreds of women's right activists and their supporters took to streets in Nepal's capital on Friday.&nbsp;

The protesters marching in the heart of Kathmandu chanted slogans demanding equality. Activists say even though the country's constitution guarantees equal rights to women, there is much more that needs to be done to make it a reality.&nbsp;

They point to the proposed law that would require women under 40 years of age to get permission from their family and local government to travel to the Middle East or Africa as a violation of human rights. The government has said the regulation would help stop human trafficking, but has pointed out it is just a proposal and not a law till now.&nbsp;

The protesters tried to march to the prime minister's office but were blocked by riot police and barbed wire barricades. There were no clashes or violence.&nbsp;

Reshu Aryal, a rights activist in the rally, said she wanted to protest what she saw as police and official indifference to discrimination and sexual violence against women and girls.&nbsp;

To call for an end to violence and discrimination against women and the scrapping of a proposed law that would restrict travel for many women, hundreds of women's right activists and their supporters took to streets in Nepal's capital on Friday.

To call for an end to violence and discrimination against women and the scrapping of a proposed law that would restrict travel for many women, hundreds of women's right activists and their supporters took to streets in Nepal's capital on Friday. The protesters marching in the heart of Kathmandu chanted slogans demanding equality. Activists say even though the country's constitution guarantees equal rights to women, there is much more that needs to be done to make it a reality. They point to the proposed law that would require women under 40 years of age to get permission from their family and local government to travel to the Middle East or Africa as a violation of human rights. The government has said the regulation would help stop human trafficking, but has pointed out it is just a proposal and not a law till now. The protesters tried to march to the prime minister's office but were blocked by riot police and barbed wire barricades. There were no clashes or violence. Reshu Aryal, a rights activist in the rally, said she wanted to protest what she saw as police and official indifference to discrimination and sexual violence against women and girls.

Hundreds rally for women's rights in Nepal

Prominent Saudi Arabian women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul was released from prison after nearly three years behind bars, said her family on Wednesday. Hathloul was detained in May 2018. She was sentenced to six years in prison in December that year. UN rights experts had called charges against her "spurious". She still faces a five-year travel ban ordered by the court

"Loujain is at home !!!!!!" her sister Lina tweeted.

Another sister, Alia, said Hathloul was at their parents' home in Saudi Arabia. She posted a picture of Hathloul smiling in a garden, looking much thinner and with grey streaks in her hair.

Hathloul had campaigned for women's right to drive and to end Saudi's male guardianship system. Rights groups and her family say that she was subjected to abuse, including electric shocks, waterboarding, flogging and sexual assault. Saudi authorities have denied the allegations. A court dismissed claims of torture saying evidence was lacking.

On Wednesday, Amnesty International said that Saudi Arabia should bring to justice "those responsible for her torture". It has also urged the authorities to ensure that no punitive measures like travel ban against Hathloul.

Saudi officials have not commented on her conviction or sentencing. There was no immediate comment on her release.

US President Joe Biden welcomed Loujain al-Hathloul's release from prison.

"Releasing her was the right thing to do," Biden said of Hathloul.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the development as well.

"But I think it is important that others who are in the same condition as her, who have been jailed for the same reasons as her, also be released and that charges be dropped against them," said Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

Hathloul, detained along with several other women's rights activists, was convicted on charges including seeking to change the Saudi political system and harming national unity.

Saudi Arabia's rights record came under global scrutiny after the 2018 murder of prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents, which tarnished Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's image. The prince denied ordering the killing.

Agnes Callamard, the independent U.N. rights investigator who led an international probe into Khashoggi's murder, welcomed Hathloul's release but said in a Twitter post that "the cruelty" of Saudi rulers that "violated her most basic right to physical and mental integrity" should not be forgotten.

(With Reuters inputs)

Prominent Saudi Arabian women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul was released from prison after nearly three years behind bars, said her family on Wednesday. Hathloul was detained in May 2018.

Prominent Saudi Arabian women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul was released from prison after nearly three years behind bars, said her family on Wednesday. Hathloul was detained in May 2018. She was sentenced to six years in prison in December that year. UN rights experts had called charges against her "spurious". She still faces a five-year travel ban ordered by the court "Loujain is at home !!!!!!" her sister Lina tweeted. Another sister, Alia, said Hathloul was at their parents' home in Saudi Arabia. She posted a picture of Hathloul smiling in a garden, looking much thinner and with grey streaks in her hair. Hathloul had campaigned for women's right to drive and to end Saudi's male guardianship system. Rights groups and her family say that she was subjected to abuse, including electric shocks, waterboarding, flogging and sexual assault. Saudi authorities have denied the allegations. A court dismissed claims of torture saying evidence was lacking. On Wednesday, Amnesty International said that Saudi Arabia should bring to justice "those responsible for her torture". It has also urged the authorities to ensure that no punitive measures like travel ban against Hathloul. Saudi officials have not commented on her conviction or sentencing. There was no immediate comment on her release. US President Joe Biden welcomed Loujain al-Hathloul's release from prison. "Releasing her was the right thing to do," Biden said of Hathloul. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the development as well. "But I think it is important that others who are in the same condition as her, who have been jailed for the same reasons as her, also be released and that charges be dropped against them," said Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. Hathloul, detained along with several other women's rights activists, was convicted on charges including seeking to change the Saudi political system and harming national unity. Saudi Arabia's rights record came under global scrutiny after the 2018 murder of prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents, which tarnished Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's image. The prince denied ordering the killing. Agnes Callamard, the independent U.N. rights investigator who led an international probe into Khashoggi's murder, welcomed Hathloul's release but said in a Twitter post that "the cruelty" of Saudi rulers that "violated her most basic right to physical and mental integrity" should not be forgotten. (With Reuters inputs)

Saudi Arabian women's rights activist Hathloul freed from jail: Family

When questioned about crimes against women by wayward youth, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mulayam Singh Yadav once said, rather than condemning, that kids can commit mistakes.

On the other hand, our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi once said that we don’t ask our sons, when returning home at night, as to why they are late or where they have been, but daughters are grilled. These are two contrasting statements worth thinking about if we have to change the situation.

The brutality of the rape of our daughters&nbsp;Nirbhaya, Kathua and Hathras refuses to fade away from our minds. The pain is only deepening further with the number of cases increasing at an alarming rate and their brutality getting severe. &nbsp;

A heinous crime like rape is not only devastating to the victim but most damaging to the survivor as well as the community.&nbsp;

National Crimes Records Bureau 2019 data indicates India faces about 88 rapes every single day. The number is worrisome also because sexual abuse reported on minors and even infants is on the rise. &nbsp;

Even animals are not aggressive so the depraved human perpetrators need to be called devils and not insult animals. Rajasthan is in the top spot per lakh population with one of the highest reported numbers of rapes and sexual abuse.&nbsp;

The state administration cites ease of reporting to be one of the factors for the increased number of cases reported in comparison to states like Uttar Pradesh that recorded less reporting than previous years. &nbsp;

Number of reported crimes is not true portrayal of the problem as the conviction rate remains very low. Only 27 percent of cases got a conviction decree in the year 2018. Nearly three quarter of the total number of devils got away.

An important fact here is that the number of reported cases is just the tip of the iceberg, if we go by the findings of a study commissioned by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in the year 2007, one of the major findings is that 50 per cent of the abusers are persons known to the child or in a position of trust and responsibility. &nbsp;

Moreover, politicisation of cases, threatening victims, blaming and shaming them and insensitive media coverage discourages rape survivors and victims' family to report the case.&nbsp;

Even with stringent laws, legal processes remain tedious and insensitive with advocates dealing with the abuse survivors as they interrogate criminals.&nbsp; 
Delay in justice and low conviction are dampeners for under-reporting or withdrawal from seeking justice.&nbsp;

Low social status of women and the caste dynamics clearly seems to favour the abusers and rape as a tool to re-establish their status by targetting vindictive actions on women. &nbsp;

Who can forget Bhanwari Devi’s case in Rajasthan about 25 years ago that lead to formulation of prevention against sexual harassment at workplace law.&nbsp;

Bhanwari Devi was 'taught a lesson' for preventing child marriage by the angry Gujjar community. Thus the crime of child marriage in the region also continued unabated. &nbsp;

The case stormed the nation but the caste dynamics strongly prevails and the unfortunate Harthras case not only reflects that we as a society have not changed a bit but the process also remains as complex as it was.&nbsp;

The discrimination faced by the victim's family is further fuelled by statements made by people in leadership and political positions. These statements often defend such acts by men and boys by blaming and shaming women for their quest for equality.

Kathua rape and murder of a minor led to nationwide protest and agitations eventually leading to formulation of stringent legislation. But even death penalty fails to curb the massive number of rapes in the country.&nbsp;

Harsh punishments like the death penalty also pose a risk of under-reporting if the abuser is from an influential family. The social construct and power dynamics are often in favour of supporting male members and influences the decisions hugely.&nbsp;

We really need to introspect deeply on where we as individuals and as a society are failing.&nbsp;

It is important to realise that the problem of abuse and rape is deep-rooted and relates closely to the status of women in society. Deteriorating child sex ratio, high percentage of girls dropping out of education, child marriage, teen pregnancies and more statistics that otherwise look comparatively benign tell a much greater story.

Evidently, all of these issues reflect a more serious situation among under-privileged scheduled tribes and castes, the communities that face high number of rapes and abuse.

Stringent legislation and its enforcement are no doubt the most important factors but it is equally important to assess how these laws are impacting the community. If so then legislations need to be re-visited in favour of safeguarding the survivors.&nbsp;

Hitting the issue early and at the right time is crucial, devising a robust sex education component in school education and sensitising our communities and particularly leaders to behave responsibly could have a long-lasting positive impact. &nbsp;

And not to forget that there are good examples from other countries that look at rape as the most heinous crime causing lifelong damage to a person. These countries have then worked effectively on penalties and solutions.

(The opinions expressed in this article are writers' own)

When questioned about crimes against women by wayward youth, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mulayam Singh Yadav once said, rather than condemning, that kids can commit mistakes.

When questioned about crimes against women by wayward youth, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mulayam Singh Yadav once said, rather than condemning, that kids can commit mistakes. On the other hand, our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi once said that we don’t ask our sons, when returning home at night, as to why they are late or where they have been, but daughters are grilled. These are two contrasting statements worth thinking about if we have to change the situation. The brutality of the rape of our daughters Nirbhaya, Kathua and Hathras refuses to fade away from our minds. The pain is only deepening further with the number of cases increasing at an alarming rate and their brutality getting severe. A heinous crime like rape is not only devastating to the victim but most damaging to the survivor as well as the community. National Crimes Records Bureau 2019 data indicates India faces about 88 rapes every single day. The number is worrisome also because sexual abuse reported on minors and even infants is on the rise. Even animals are not aggressive so the depraved human perpetrators need to be called devils and not insult animals. Rajasthan is in the top spot per lakh population with one of the highest reported numbers of rapes and sexual abuse. The state administration cites ease of reporting to be one of the factors for the increased number of cases reported in comparison to states like Uttar Pradesh that recorded less reporting than previous years. Number of reported crimes is not true portrayal of the problem as the conviction rate remains very low. Only 27 percent of cases got a conviction decree in the year 2018. Nearly three quarter of the total number of devils got away. An important fact here is that the number of reported cases is just the tip of the iceberg, if we go by the findings of a study commissioned by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in the year 2007, one of the major findings is that 50 per cent of the abusers are persons known to the child or in a position of trust and responsibility. Moreover, politicisation of cases, threatening victims, blaming and shaming them and insensitive media coverage discourages rape survivors and victims' family to report the case. Even with stringent laws, legal processes remain tedious and insensitive with advocates dealing with the abuse survivors as they interrogate criminals. Delay in justice and low conviction are dampeners for under-reporting or withdrawal from seeking justice. Low social status of women and the caste dynamics clearly seems to favour the abusers and rape as a tool to re-establish their status by targetting vindictive actions on women. Who can forget Bhanwari Devi’s case in Rajasthan about 25 years ago that lead to formulation of prevention against sexual harassment at workplace law. Bhanwari Devi was 'taught a lesson' for preventing child marriage by the angry Gujjar community. Thus the crime of child marriage in the region also continued unabated. The case stormed the nation but the caste dynamics strongly prevails and the unfortunate Harthras case not only reflects that we as a society have not changed a bit but the process also remains as complex as it was. The discrimination faced by the victim's family is further fuelled by statements made by people in leadership and political positions. These statements often defend such acts by men and boys by blaming and shaming women for their quest for equality. Kathua rape and murder of a minor led to nationwide protest and agitations eventually leading to formulation of stringent legislation. But even death penalty fails to curb the massive number of rapes in the country. Harsh punishments like the death penalty also pose a risk of under-reporting if the abuser is from an influential family. The social construct and power dynamics are often in favour of supporting male members and influences the decisions hugely. We really need to introspect deeply on where we as individuals and as a society are failing. It is important to realise that the problem of abuse and rape is deep-rooted and relates closely to the status of women in society. Deteriorating child sex ratio, high percentage of girls dropping out of education, child marriage, teen pregnancies and more statistics that otherwise look comparatively benign tell a much greater story. Evidently, all of these issues reflect a more serious situation among under-privileged scheduled tribes and castes, the communities that face high number of rapes and abuse. Stringent legislation and its enforcement are no doubt the most important factors but it is equally important to assess how these laws are impacting the community. If so then legislations need to be re-visited in favour of safeguarding the survivors. Hitting the issue early and at the right time is crucial, devising a robust sex education component in school education and sensitising our communities and particularly leaders to behave responsibly could have a long-lasting positive impact. And not to forget that there are good examples from other countries that look at rape as the most heinous crime causing lifelong damage to a person. These countries have then worked effectively on penalties and solutions. (The opinions expressed in this article are writers' own)

Countering crimes against women effectively

More than 170 countries promised during a virtual UN summit Thursday to step up their efforts to advance women's rights, while the US took aim at China's claims of leadership on the issue.

The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, marked the 25th anniversary of the seminal 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing.&nbsp;

"In the coming five years, China will donate another $10 million to UN Women," President Xi Jinping said in a pre-recorded video, proposing another world meeting on gender equality for 2025.

In her own pre-recorded address, US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos condemned the treatment of women in Venezuela, Cuba and Iran, but saved her harshest criticism for Beijing.&nbsp;

"The worst violator of all in both scope and scale is the host of the conference we commemorate today," she said.&nbsp;

"Since 1995, the Chinese Communist Party has been responsible for the murder of millions of baby girls through brutal population controls on industrial scale, unfortunately with the support (of) UN agencies."

She specifically took aim at Beijing's operations in the Xinjiang region, which some rights groups and lawmakers in Washington have said could amount to genocide.

DeVos called out practices of sterilization, abortion and birth control she said have been forced on Uighur Muslim women.&nbsp;

'Question of power'

Meanwhile, France and Mexico committed to hosting an international forum on women's rights in Paris next June -- a meeting which was scheduled for July of this year but was canceled due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron lamented the slow progress of the last 25 years.

"Everywhere, women's rights are under attack, as are human rights, from which they are inseparable," he said.&nbsp;

"Progress achieved by great efforts is being undermined even in our democracies, starting with the freedom for women to control their own bodies, and in particular the right to abortion," he said, also pointing out inequalities in schooling, pay, domestic work and political representation.

Even at the UN General Assembly, there were only a handful of women speakers among the representatives for 170 countries.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said gender equality was "fundamentally a question of power, so it starts with the equal representation of women in leadership positions."

He bemoaned the circumstances that lead to one in three women experiencing violence and 12 million girls marrying under the age of 18 every year.&nbsp;

He also pointed to 137 women being killed by a family member every day in 2017.

More than 170 countries promised during a virtual UN summit Thursday to step up their efforts to advance women's rights, while the US took aim at China's claims of leadership on the issue.

More than 170 countries promised during a virtual UN summit Thursday to step up their efforts to advance women's rights, while the US took aim at China's claims of leadership on the issue. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, marked the 25th anniversary of the seminal 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing. "In the coming five years, China will donate another $10 million to UN Women," President Xi Jinping said in a pre-recorded video, proposing another world meeting on gender equality for 2025. In her own pre-recorded address, US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos condemned the treatment of women in Venezuela, Cuba and Iran, but saved her harshest criticism for Beijing. "The worst violator of all in both scope and scale is the host of the conference we commemorate today," she said. "Since 1995, the Chinese Communist Party has been responsible for the murder of millions of baby girls through brutal population controls on industrial scale, unfortunately with the support (of) UN agencies." She specifically took aim at Beijing's operations in the Xinjiang region, which some rights groups and lawmakers in Washington have said could amount to genocide. DeVos called out practices of sterilization, abortion and birth control she said have been forced on Uighur Muslim women. 'Question of power' Meanwhile, France and Mexico committed to hosting an international forum on women's rights in Paris next June -- a meeting which was scheduled for July of this year but was canceled due to the pandemic. French President Emmanuel Macron lamented the slow progress of the last 25 years. "Everywhere, women's rights are under attack, as are human rights, from which they are inseparable," he said. "Progress achieved by great efforts is being undermined even in our democracies, starting with the freedom for women to control their own bodies, and in particular the right to abortion," he said, also pointing out inequalities in schooling, pay, domestic work and political representation. Even at the UN General Assembly, there were only a handful of women speakers among the representatives for 170 countries. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said gender equality was "fundamentally a question of power, so it starts with the equal representation of women in leadership positions." He bemoaned the circumstances that lead to one in three women experiencing violence and 12 million girls marrying under the age of 18 every year. He also pointed to 137 women being killed by a family member every day in 2017.

Slow progress on women's rights decried at UN summit

Bangladesh High Court gave a historic verdict and said that Hindu widows were entitled to a share in all properties owned by their late husbands and not only their homesteads. A single-judge bench of Justice Miftah Uddin Choudhury passed the order. The order was passed after decision in a case was finalised.

Earlier, women only had right to homestead and not any property like agricultural land. The inheritance rights of of a women with respect to her husband's property was guided by Property Act, 1937. This act curtailed rights of Hindu women.

The historic verdict on Wednesday has come after 83 years.

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The week has had two encouraging stories for women's rights in South Asia. Other than the historic judgment in Bangladesh, a development in Afghanistan has had women's rights activists celebrating.

A cabinet committee of Afghanistan government has okayed the inclusion of mother's name in the national identity card of a person. This seemingly small step is a big leap in a deeply patriarchal Afghan society.

In Afghanistan, women do not enjoy equal social rights as men and are often only represented with respect to male relatives in their family.

Bangladesh High Court gave a historic verdict and said that Hindu widows were entitled to a share in all properties owned by their late husbands and not only their homesteads.

Bangladesh High Court gave a historic verdict and said that Hindu widows were entitled to a share in all properties owned by their late husbands and not only their homesteads. A single-judge bench of Justice Miftah Uddin Choudhury passed the order. The order was passed after decision in a case was finalised. Earlier, women only had right to homestead and not any property like agricultural land. The inheritance rights of of a women with respect to her husband's property was guided by Property Act, 1937. This act curtailed rights of Hindu women. The historic verdict on Wednesday has come after 83 years. × The week has had two encouraging stories for women's rights in South Asia. Other than the historic judgment in Bangladesh, a development in Afghanistan has had women's rights activists celebrating. A cabinet committee of Afghanistan government has okayed the inclusion of mother's name in the national identity card of a person. This seemingly small step is a big leap in a deeply patriarchal Afghan society. In Afghanistan, women do not enjoy equal social rights as men and are often only represented with respect to male relatives in their family.

Hindu widows entitled to a share in husband's property: Bangladesh High Court

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-welcomes-24000-tourists-in-10-days-254557">Saudi Arabia</a> announced Wednesday it will allow women in the ultra-conservative kingdom to serve in the armed forces as it embarks on a broad programme of economic and social reforms.&nbsp;

The move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at increasing the rights of women in the kingdom, even as rights groups accuse Riyadh of cracking down on women activists. &nbsp;

"Another step to empowerment," the foreign ministry wrote on Twitter, adding that women would be able to serve as private first class, corporal or sergeant.&nbsp;

Last year, Saudi Arabia authorised women to join their security forces.&nbsp;

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, has approved a handful of reforms aimed at widening women's rights, including allowing them to drive and to travel abroad without consent from a male "guardian".

But he has at the same time overseen the arrest of several prominent women's rights campaigners, including activist Loujain al-Hathloul.

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude exporter, is pushing to improve its image and attract tourists as part of a plan to diversify its economy away from oil.

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it will allow women in the ultra-conservative kingdom to serve in the armed forces as it embarks on a broad programme of economic and social reforms.

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it will allow women in the ultra-conservative kingdom to serve in the armed forces as it embarks on a broad programme of economic and social reforms. The move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at increasing the rights of women in the kingdom, even as rights groups accuse Riyadh of cracking down on women activists. "Another step to empowerment," the foreign ministry wrote on Twitter, adding that women would be able to serve as private first class, corporal or sergeant. Last year, Saudi Arabia authorised women to join their security forces. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, has approved a handful of reforms aimed at widening women's rights, including allowing them to drive and to travel abroad without consent from a male "guardian". But he has at the same time overseen the arrest of several prominent women's rights campaigners, including activist Loujain al-Hathloul. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude exporter, is pushing to improve its image and attract tourists as part of a plan to diversify its economy away from oil.

Saudi Arabia to allow women to serve in armed forces

Pope Francis reiterated Saturday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/groups-sue-over-alabama-abortion-law-judge-blocks-mississippi-ban-221564">abortion</a> is unacceptable, saying its use amounted to the hiring of a "paid killer."

"Is it lawful to eliminate a human lift to resolve a problem? It is lawful to hire a paid killer to resolve a problem," Francis asked during a conference at the Vatican on the use of abortion when the unborn child is found to have a serious illness.

"No human being can ever be incompatible with life," he said, adding,&nbsp;"Every child is a gift that changes the history of a family... and this child needs to be welcomed, loved and cared for."

In cases where the child may not live for very long, medical care is not wasted but by gaining time, allows parents to prepare for the death.

"That child will remain in their lives forever," he said.

Pope Francis used similar "paid killer" remarks in relation to abortion in October 2018, sparking a sharp reaction in medical circles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/abortion-ban-igniting-legal-political-battles-219101">Watch: Alabama abortion ban igniting legal, political battles</a>

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Pope Francis reiterated Saturday that abortion is unacceptable, saying its use amounted to the hiring of a "paid killer." "Is it lawful to eliminate a human lift to resolve a problem?

Pope Francis reiterated Saturday that abortion is unacceptable, saying its use amounted to the hiring of a "paid killer." "Is it lawful to eliminate a human lift to resolve a problem? It is lawful to hire a paid killer to resolve a problem," Francis asked during a conference at the Vatican on the use of abortion when the unborn child is found to have a serious illness. "No human being can ever be incompatible with life," he said, adding, "Every child is a gift that changes the history of a family... and this child needs to be welcomed, loved and cared for." In cases where the child may not live for very long, medical care is not wasted but by gaining time, allows parents to prepare for the death. "That child will remain in their lives forever," he said. Pope Francis used similar "paid killer" remarks in relation to abortion in October 2018, sparking a sharp reaction in medical circles. Watch: Alabama abortion ban igniting legal, political battles ×

Pope Francis condemns abortion as use of 'paid killer'

President Donald Trump has declared himself "strongly Pro-Life", days after two US states passed tough new restrictions on abortions but said exceptions should be made for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.

The US president spelt out his position on abortion -&nbsp;set to feature prominently at next year's election -&nbsp;in his first comments on the hot-button issue since Alabama's governor signed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alabama-senate-bans-nearly-all-abortions-including-rape-cases-218840">near-total ban on the termination of pregnancy</a>.

"As most people know, and for those who would like to know, I am strongly Pro-Life, with the three exceptions -&nbsp;Rape, Incest and protecting the Life of the mother -&nbsp;the same position taken by Ronald Reagan," Trump tweeted late Saturday.

Trump, who is seeking to expand on his conservative support ahead of his re-election bid, added, "The Radical Left, with late-term abortion (and worse), is imploding on this issue.

"We must stick together and Win for Life in 2020."

Alabama's governor on Wednesday<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alabama-governor-signs-nations-strictest-abortion-ban-219055"> signed a near-total prohibition on abortions</a> widely seen as the country's most restrictive ban, and the Missouri legislature on Friday made the procedure illegal from eight weeks of pregnancy.

Neither makes exceptions for rape or incest -&nbsp;only for cases where the mother's life is in danger.

Republican-led legislatures in Georgia, Ohio, Mississippi, Kentucky, Iowa and North Dakota have also enacted laws banning abortion from the moment a fetal heartbeat is detected.

Supporters hope that legal battles over the laws will reach the Supreme Court, as they pursue the long-sought conservative goal of overturning its landmark 1973 abortion ruling, known as Roe v Wade.

Roe v Wade guarantees women's rights to abortion as long as the fetus is not viable -&nbsp;around 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Trump, a bombastic, twice-divorced billionaire, won over the evangelical vote during his 2016 campaign by promising to appoint anti-abortion justices at the Supreme Court.

He has since brought two conservative appointees to the highest court in the land -&nbsp;Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh -&nbsp;shifting the balance of the nine-person bench.

In a series of tweets on the deeply polarising issue, Trump said the US had "come very far in the last two years" on abortion, and praised "two great new Supreme Court Justices".

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As most people know, and for those who would like to know, I am strongly Pro-Life, with the three exceptions - Rape, Incest and protecting the Life of the mother - the same position taken by Ronald Reagan. We have come very far in the last two years with 105 wonderful new.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1129954110747422720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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....Federal Judges (many more to come), two great new Supreme Court Justices, the Mexico City Policy, and a whole new &amp; positive attitude about the Right to Life. The Radical Left, with late term abortion (and worse), is imploding on this issue. We must stick together and Win....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1129954115205914625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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....for Life in 2020. If we are foolish and do not stay UNITED as one, all of our hard fought gains for Life can, and will, rapidly disappear!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1129954116489404416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, defenders of women's reproductive rights are set to march in protest against Alabama's new abortion law in four of the Southern state's cities, including the capital Montgomery.

"People should have the right to make the decisions that are best for their bodies without state interference," organisers said on Facebook.

President Donald Trump has declared himself "strongly Pro-Life", days after two US states passed tough new restrictions on abortions but said exceptions should be made for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.

President Donald Trump has declared himself "strongly Pro-Life", days after two US states passed tough new restrictions on abortions but said exceptions should be made for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. The US president spelt out his position on abortion - set to feature prominently at next year's election - in his first comments on the hot-button issue since Alabama's governor signed a near-total ban on the termination of pregnancy. "As most people know, and for those who would like to know, I am strongly Pro-Life, with the three exceptions - Rape, Incest and protecting the Life of the mother - the same position taken by Ronald Reagan," Trump tweeted late Saturday. Trump, who is seeking to expand on his conservative support ahead of his re-election bid, added, "The Radical Left, with late-term abortion (and worse), is imploding on this issue. "We must stick together and Win for Life in 2020." Alabama's governor on Wednesday signed a near-total prohibition on abortions widely seen as the country's most restrictive ban, and the Missouri legislature on Friday made the procedure illegal from eight weeks of pregnancy. Neither makes exceptions for rape or incest - only for cases where the mother's life is in danger. Republican-led legislatures in Georgia, Ohio, Mississippi, Kentucky, Iowa and North Dakota have also enacted laws banning abortion from the moment a fetal heartbeat is detected. Supporters hope that legal battles over the laws will reach the Supreme Court, as they pursue the long-sought conservative goal of overturning its landmark 1973 abortion ruling, known as Roe v Wade. Roe v Wade guarantees women's rights to abortion as long as the fetus is not viable - around 24 weeks of pregnancy. Trump, a bombastic, twice-divorced billionaire, won over the evangelical vote during his 2016 campaign by promising to appoint anti-abortion justices at the Supreme Court. He has since brought two conservative appointees to the highest court in the land - Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh - shifting the balance of the nine-person bench. In a series of tweets on the deeply polarising issue, Trump said the US had "come very far in the last two years" on abortion, and praised "two great new Supreme Court Justices". As most people know, and for those who would like to know, I am strongly Pro-Life, with the three exceptions - Rape, Incest and protecting the Life of the mother - the same position taken by Ronald Reagan. We have come very far in the last two years with 105 wonderful new..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2019 × ....Federal Judges (many more to come), two great new Supreme Court Justices, the Mexico City Policy, and a whole new & positive attitude about the Right to Life. The Radical Left, with late term abortion (and worse), is imploding on this issue. We must stick together and Win.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2019 × ....for Life in 2020. If we are foolish and do not stay UNITED as one, all of our hard fought gains for Life can, and will, rapidly disappear! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2019 × On Sunday, defenders of women's reproductive rights are set to march in protest against Alabama's new abortion law in four of the Southern state's cities, including the capital Montgomery. "People should have the right to make the decisions that are best for their bodies without state interference," organisers said on Facebook.

Trump spells out his position on abortion, says 'Pro-Life' but favours exceptions for rape, incest

South Korea's constitutional court lifted the country's decades-old abortion ban in a landmark decision Thursday.&nbsp;

The court said criminalising women who undergo abortion and doctors that carry out terminations was "unconstitutional" and ordered the 1953 law to be revised by the end of next year, the Yonhap news agency reported.

However, the court said the current law would remain in effect until the end of next year.

The South was one of the few industrialised nations where the procedure was illegal except for instances of rape, incest and when the mother's health is at risk.

Calls to repeal the law have gained traction in recent years, but support for it is also staunch in a country that remains conservative towards female sexuality and highly influenced by evangelical Christianity.

An opinion poll in 2017 showed a narrow public majority -- 51.9 per cent -- in favour of abolishing the ban.

The Constitutional Court last upheld the law in 2012, saying that abortion would "end up running rampant" if not punished. 
&nbsp;

South Korea's constitutional court lifted the country's decades-old abortion ban in a landmark decision Thursday. The court said criminalising women who undergo abortion and doctors that carry out terminations was "unconstitutional" and ordered the 1953 law to be revised by the end of next year, the Yonhap news agency reported.

South Korea's constitutional court lifted the country's decades-old abortion ban in a landmark decision Thursday. The court said criminalising women who undergo abortion and doctors that carry out terminations was "unconstitutional" and ordered the 1953 law to be revised by the end of next year, the Yonhap news agency reported. However, the court said the current law would remain in effect until the end of next year. The South was one of the few industrialised nations where the procedure was illegal except for instances of rape, incest and when the mother's health is at risk. Calls to repeal the law have gained traction in recent years, but support for it is also staunch in a country that remains conservative towards female sexuality and highly influenced by evangelical Christianity. An opinion poll in 2017 showed a narrow public majority -- 51.9 per cent -- in favour of abolishing the ban. The Constitutional Court last upheld the law in 2012, saying that abortion would "end up running rampant" if not punished.

South Korean constitutional court lifts abortion ban

Thousands of people took to the streets of Brazil's largest cities on Friday to mark International Women's Day and denounce gender violence and sexual discrimination.

Brazil has the fifth highest rate of femicide in the world, and last year elected right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly used rhetoric widely seen as sexist and racist.

A wave of protesters clad in purple called for an end to gender-based violence, equal pay, and abortion rights. There were also loud calls and chants for increased female solidarity among the demonstrators, most of whom were women.&nbsp;

In the last year in Brazil, more than 16 million women above the age of 16 faced some kind of violence and of them, 536 were victims of physical aggression every hour, according to a study released in February by the Brazilian Forum of Public Security and the Datafolha research center.

Many demonstrators carried banners and wore shirts paying tribute to Brazilian councilwoman and activist Marielle Franco, who was assassinated almost a year ago in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, a crime that remains unsolved. Franco was a vocal defender of human rights and critic of police brutality in Brazil.

Demonstrators also carried a bust of Franco as well as one of Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, another icon of feminism in Latin America.&nbsp;

The black feminist movement was also strongly represented at the rally in Rio.&nbsp;

One of the protesters, Silvia de Mendoza, told EFE that she had joined the protest to "claim her right to fight against fascism and for the life and rights of women".&nbsp;

While it was a primarily feminist march, there was also a strong anti-fascist sentiment, with chants against the current president Bolsonaro heard throughout, as well as clear support for former left-wing president Lula Da Silva, who was jailed last year on corruption charges.

In Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, the demonstrations to commemorate International Women's Day started around 6:30 pm in front of the iconic art museum in the city (MAFF), where slogans were chanted against President Jair Bolsonaro, pension reform and violence against women.

More than 11,000 Brazilian women have filed the report of violence to police in the first two months of this year, a 19.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year, the government said Friday.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Brazil's largest cities on Friday to mark International Women's Day and denounce gender violence and sexual discrimination.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Brazil's largest cities on Friday to mark International Women's Day and denounce gender violence and sexual discrimination. Brazil has the fifth highest rate of femicide in the world, and last year elected right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly used rhetoric widely seen as sexist and racist. A wave of protesters clad in purple called for an end to gender-based violence, equal pay, and abortion rights. There were also loud calls and chants for increased female solidarity among the demonstrators, most of whom were women. In the last year in Brazil, more than 16 million women above the age of 16 faced some kind of violence and of them, 536 were victims of physical aggression every hour, according to a study released in February by the Brazilian Forum of Public Security and the Datafolha research center. Many demonstrators carried banners and wore shirts paying tribute to Brazilian councilwoman and activist Marielle Franco, who was assassinated almost a year ago in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, a crime that remains unsolved. Franco was a vocal defender of human rights and critic of police brutality in Brazil. Demonstrators also carried a bust of Franco as well as one of Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, another icon of feminism in Latin America. The black feminist movement was also strongly represented at the rally in Rio. One of the protesters, Silvia de Mendoza, told EFE that she had joined the protest to "claim her right to fight against fascism and for the life and rights of women". While it was a primarily feminist march, there was also a strong anti-fascist sentiment, with chants against the current president Bolsonaro heard throughout, as well as clear support for former left-wing president Lula Da Silva, who was jailed last year on corruption charges. In Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, the demonstrations to commemorate International Women's Day started around 6:30 pm in front of the iconic art museum in the city (MAFF), where slogans were chanted against President Jair Bolsonaro, pension reform and violence against women. More than 11,000 Brazilian women have filed the report of violence to police in the first two months of this year, a 19.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year, the government said Friday.

Thousands march in Brazil for women's rights, against Brazilian government

As organisers of the Women's March gear up for their third major day of protest on Saturday across the United States, there is one big question -- how many people will answer the call for a #WomensWave?

Two New Yorkers, who attended a sign-making workshop ahead of the big rally, talked to AFP about why they are marching again this year, despite controversies at the heart of the movement:

'Wake-up call'

Sharon Lin, a doctor and mother of two, will march with her children on Saturday in the Big Apple.&nbsp;

She says she remains convinced of the need to show up, and not be a silent bystander in the middle of the political firestorm sparked two years ago when President Donald Trump took office.

That "wake-up call," as she calls it, prompted a major life change: she and her husband gave up their jobs and a home in "comfortable suburbia" in San Francisco in August for a new life in New York.

"We moved to New York so I could expose my kids to a more global environment," Lin told AFP -- a decision that was "directly linked to Trump."

While Lin believes that turnout will be lower on Saturday than in the past two years, perhaps because a record number of women were elected to Congress in the November midterms, she still thinks participation is key.

"I think the momentum needs to keep going, at least until the next election" in 2020, when Trump will face re-election, says Lin, who will act as a volunteer on Saturday to make sure the march goes off smoothly.

Optimism despite divisions

Round Three of the Women's March could see sagging enthusiasm, given the various issues that have tainted the movement in recent months.

Accusations of anti-Semitism have rattled the national movement's top brass, and despite repeated denials, a parallel group known as March On was created.

In New York, two rallies will take place in Manhattan, in separate neighbourhoods -- which could impact attendance and weaken the message.

Lin says the divisions don't really matter to her as the "original intent" is intact: "The masses coming together and saying, 'We don't like the way our country is going.'"

But Jean Laupus -- a 59-year-old self-described "concerned citizen" who wants to see better public schools and access to contraception -- fears the "schism" at the heart of the Women's March will be an issue.

"It is making people have to choose," she told AFP. However, she hopes to bridge the gap and make it to both rallies, proudly, in her pink "pussy hat" -- the de facto symbol of the movement.

She is also getting her signs ready for Saturday.

No matter how many people show up, both Lin and Laupus say they are optimistic about the future.&nbsp;

And they are particularly impressed with 29-year-old progressive New York lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.

"She represents a breath of fresh air but also a sense of humanity -- understanding more about people who represent a greater part of society," Laupus says.

For Lin, Trump is "giving us a gift: the doors are opening for women who would never thought of entering politics."

As organisers of the Women's March gear up for their third major day of protest on Saturday across the United States, there is one big question -- how many people will answer the call for a #WomensWave?

As organisers of the Women's March gear up for their third major day of protest on Saturday across the United States, there is one big question -- how many people will answer the call for a #WomensWave? Two New Yorkers, who attended a sign-making workshop ahead of the big rally, talked to AFP about why they are marching again this year, despite controversies at the heart of the movement: 'Wake-up call' Sharon Lin, a doctor and mother of two, will march with her children on Saturday in the Big Apple. She says she remains convinced of the need to show up, and not be a silent bystander in the middle of the political firestorm sparked two years ago when President Donald Trump took office. That "wake-up call," as she calls it, prompted a major life change: she and her husband gave up their jobs and a home in "comfortable suburbia" in San Francisco in August for a new life in New York. "We moved to New York so I could expose my kids to a more global environment," Lin told AFP -- a decision that was "directly linked to Trump." While Lin believes that turnout will be lower on Saturday than in the past two years, perhaps because a record number of women were elected to Congress in the November midterms, she still thinks participation is key. "I think the momentum needs to keep going, at least until the next election" in 2020, when Trump will face re-election, says Lin, who will act as a volunteer on Saturday to make sure the march goes off smoothly. Optimism despite divisions Round Three of the Women's March could see sagging enthusiasm, given the various issues that have tainted the movement in recent months. Accusations of anti-Semitism have rattled the national movement's top brass, and despite repeated denials, a parallel group known as March On was created. In New York, two rallies will take place in Manhattan, in separate neighbourhoods -- which could impact attendance and weaken the message. Lin says the divisions don't really matter to her as the "original intent" is intact: "The masses coming together and saying, 'We don't like the way our country is going.'" But Jean Laupus -- a 59-year-old self-described "concerned citizen" who wants to see better public schools and access to contraception -- fears the "schism" at the heart of the Women's March will be an issue. "It is making people have to choose," she told AFP. However, she hopes to bridge the gap and make it to both rallies, proudly, in her pink "pussy hat" -- the de facto symbol of the movement. She is also getting her signs ready for Saturday. No matter how many people show up, both Lin and Laupus say they are optimistic about the future. And they are particularly impressed with 29-year-old progressive New York lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. "She represents a breath of fresh air but also a sense of humanity -- understanding more about people who represent a greater part of society," Laupus says. For Lin, Trump is "giving us a gift: the doors are opening for women who would never thought of entering politics."

Women's March wants to maintain momentum despite rifts

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