Bhutan continues to face deep challenges in increasing women’s participation in national leadership. Women currently hold only 7% of parliamentary seats, a stark reminder of the gender gap that persists in political representation. Policymakers and civil society groups have called for bold reforms to encourage more women to step into decision-making roles, especially in governance and public administration. Experts stress that representation in leadership not only reflects equality but also strengthens the nation’s democratic resilience and policy inclusiveness. Without significant structural and institutional changes, women’s voices may continue to be underrepresented at the national level.

Weak support systems keep women out of politics

A recent survey underscores the socio-cultural and institutional barriers preventing Bhutanese women from entering politics. Many potential candidates face limited access to campaign funding, mentorship, and family support, compounded by persistent social expectations about gender roles. Analysts note that without a robust support system, including training programs, inclusive party policies, and childcare infrastructure, few women will be able to overcome these barriers. The findings renew calls for both government and civil society to create enabling conditions for women’s political participation and leadership development.

Sherubtse College students lead call for gender equality during SDG Week

In an inspiring show of youth activism , students from Sherubtse College took the lead during Bhutan’s SDG Partnership Week, championing gender equality and women’s empowerment. Through discussions, art, and campus-wide forums, students emphasised that gender inclusion is critical to achieving Bhutan’s development goals and aligning with global sustainability targets. Their advocacy also highlights the growing role of young Bhutanese voices in shaping the country’s social progress narrative, as more students push for gender-sensitive education, workplace equality, and awareness campaigns across institutions.

RENEW opens two new centres to support women and families

In a significant step toward combating gender-based violence and strengthening social welfare, RENEW, a leading Bhutanese non-profit organisation, has launched two new community service centres. These facilities aim to provide safe spaces for survivors of abuse and offer counselling, legal aid, and vocational training for women and families in need. The initiative is part of Bhutan’s broader commitment to promoting equality and community resilience. It also reflects the growing collaboration between local NGOs, government agencies, and international partners to address gender inequality at both the grassroots and national levels.

Here’s what to know about her: 

Background

Stance

Role as president 

Ongmakagne’s announcement distinguishes her from a field of already-declared male candidates, making her a symbol of new energy and a potential change agent.

She will be contesting against the incumbent President, Paul Biya, now 92, seeking an eighth term after more than four decades in power.

Although she is not yet a known figure in Cameroon’s political sphere, Ongmakagne brings a background in business and fashion leadership to the race. She described her transition from the creative world to the political arena as a call to service and national transformation.

“I believe in a united, prosperous Cameroon, where everyone has their place. We need a new dynamic, a new era where the doors are open. I believe in a Cameroon that can catch up with the world and embrace globalisation,” she said.

In her video address, Ongmakagne framed her campaign as a “fight of light against darkness,” invoking a vision of peace , dignity, and national unity.

She called on Cameroonians to join her in ending fear and oppression, urging citizens to be active participants “in putting an end to the oppression and fear.”

While Ongmakagne is the first female to declare her candidacy for the 2025 race, she follows in the footsteps of  Edith Kabbang Walla , who was the only female candidate in the 2011 election and the first Cameroonian woman to announce a presidential bid.

"I was not elected because I am a woman, but on merit," she declared in her speech in the capital, Windhoek, as she took office in a ceremony attended by several African heads of state, including leaders from Angola, South Africa , and Tanzania.

The 72-year-old veteran politician succeeds outgoing president Nangolo Mbumba, 83, extending the rule of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), which has governed Namibia since gaining independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. Nandi-Ndaitwah, who previously served as vice president, has been a key figure in Namibia’s politics and a long-time member of SWAPO.

Her inauguration, coinciding with Namibia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations, had to be moved from the Independence Stadium to the State House due to rare heavy rains, the AFP reports. The ceremony was marked by applause and ululations as Nandi-Ndaitwah, popularly known as "NNN," took the oath of office.

In a powerful moment before her speech, she called on past and present women leaders in the audience to stand, including Liberia’s Nobel Peace laureate and former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Tanzania ’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan—the only other woman currently leading an African nation.

Namibia, a country rich in uranium and diamonds, is one of the world ’s leading producers of these valuable resources.

Here are a few noticeable ones that happened this year:

Claudia Sheinbaum - Mexico's first female president

Claudia Sheinbaum succeeded her mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, to become Mexico’s first female president in June. Sheinbaum previously served as Head of Government of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023.

Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang - Ghana's first female vice president

History was made when former Ghanaian president John Mahama won the December 7 election. It meant that 73-year-old Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang would become the first-ever female vice president of the West African nation.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra - Thailand's youngest-ever prime minister 

Although Paetongtarn Shinawatra did not become Thailand’s first-ever female prime minister when she replaced the ousted Srettha Thavisin, she still managed to etch her name in the history books by becoming the Southeast Asian nation’s youngest-ever prime minister at 37 in August.

Judith Suminwa - DRC's first-ever female prime minister 

President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Félix Tshisekedi had the opportunity to change the course of history in the DRC, and he did not disappoint. The man hailed as the ‘Champion of Positive Masculinity’ appointed Judith Suminwa as the nation’s first-ever female prime minister in April following the resignation of Sama Lukonde.

Kemi Badenoch - First Black person to lead UK’s Conservative Party

At 44, Kemi Badenoch stepped into a big role when she became the new leader of the Conservatives, making history as the first Black person to lead a major British political party. She won the leadership contest in November and took over from Rishi Sunak, the former Prime Minister.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey - First African woman to become Commonwealth secretary-general 

Ghana’s outgoing foreign minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, became the first African woman to be appointed secretary-general of the Commonwealth in October—on the final day of the group’s summit in Samoa. She will take over from Patricia Scotland, who has held the position since 2016.

Mandisa Maya - South Africa's first female chief justice

In the history of South Africa, there had never been a female chief justice—then came Mandisa Maya. The 60-year-old former deputy chief justice got the ultimate promotion when President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed her as the country’s first female chief justice in July. Maya, who began her legal career in 1987, assumed the role on September 1.

Emma Theofelus - Africa's youngest minister

After the death of President Hage Geingob on February 4, not many would have expected joyful news from Namibia in such a short time given that they were in a state of mourning. However, Geingob’s vice and successor, current president Nangolo Mbumba, appointed a 27-year-old Emma Theofelus as the new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) minister just five days later—making her the youngest serving cabinet minister in Namibia and on the African continent.

In an interview with Global South World, Chantal Chambu Mwavita, the Minister of Human Rights for the DRC, indicated that women now occupy 31% of cabinet positions.

“We are in the process of providing all possible means for women to get their place, Mwavita said. Today, our government is led by a woman and we, the ministers, represent about 31% of the members of the government.”

In 2022, Tshisekedi was appointed the first-ever African Union Champion of Positive Masculinity, a recognition of his ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and combat gender-based violence.

While highlighting an African Union men’s conference to tackle a surge in violence against women, he spoke about the need for “radical change” and reaffirmed that gender equality should not be considered a "gift" given to women, but a right.

“Because equality is not a gift given to women,” Tshisekedi said .

In April 2024, Judith Suminwa was appointed the country’s new Prime Minister, following the resignation of Sama Lukonde. This was the first time a woman had held the position in the DRC.

Fred Bauma, a prominent human rights activist in the DRC, in a podcast also commended the government for appointing women with proven expertise to key positions.

“And I think most of them appear to be people who are known to be technocrats or competent people in their field," Bauma said.

"You have a Minister of Education, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a few others who are, I think, good signs of both the inclusion of women in the government and putting competent people in the right place,” he added.

A recent study found that the “positive masculinity” approach has helped break down barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including family planning, for women and girls.

Watch the full interview here :

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that the Rwandan army and the M23 rebel group have been launching attacks on camps close to Goma in eastern DRC throughout 2024. The Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and allied militias have heightened the risk for displaced people in camps by stationing artillery nearby, according to the organisation, both factions have been involved in killing and raping camp residents, disrupting aid delivery, and committing various abuses.

“There are around 7 million internally displaced persons who lack access to water, electricity, and shelter. This is deplorable,” Mwavita stated, emphasising the scale of the crisis.

She also stressed the need for international support to ensure peace and punish companies involved in the illegal trade of “blood minerals.” She questioned why economic considerations often take precedence over human rights, asking, “Why is human consideration put aside in favour of economic consideration?”  

In April, the DRC  accused tech giant Apple of using unethically sourced minerals from the country in the manufacturing of the company's products. They expressed concerns that Apple's supply chain may be tainted by "blood minerals" obtained through unethical mining practices in the DRC.

President Felix Tshisekedi, appointed London-based law firm Amsterdam & Partners LLP to represent the DRC in litigation concerning individuals and companies involved in the extraction, supply, and commercialisation of natural resources and minerals pillaged from the country.

The DRC possesses abundant reserves of tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold, commonly known as 3T or 3TG, all of which are essential for manufacturing smartphones and various electronic devices. The legal team representing the DRC submitted an official notice to Apple, which included inquiries regarding the "3T minerals utilised in Apple products."

Children are among the most affected by the DRC conflict, with many recruited into armed groups and then reportedly forced into child labour in the artisanal mining sector. To combat this, the Minister noted that the government has implemented a policy of free education, aimed at providing vulnerable children with opportunities and reducing their risk of exploitation. “Child soldiers are often street children who cannot afford to go to school,” Mwavita explained.  

In June, the testimony of a former child soldier revealed that as a result of the conflict, children in the DRC are sometimes abducted and forced to join armed groups. In the case of this 16-year-old whose identity was kept hidden, he was forced into an armed group while on his way to school.

Efforts to improve basic infrastructure and human rights were also highlighted. While the nation holds 13% of the world's potential in hydropower, mostly from the Congo River. About 80% of DRC’s population lacks access to electricity.

According to the Human Rights Minister, the government is constructing roads and hydroelectric dams to address this problem. “The right to electricity is also a fundamental right,” Mwavita stated, linking infrastructure development to human rights and national progress.  

Amidst the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, the DRC has made strides in female representation in government. Following the resignation of Sama Lukonde as Prime Minister earlier this year, President Félix Tshisekedi appointed Judith Suminwa as his successor—the first female to occupy the position.

Mwavita pointed out that women now hold 31% of positions in the government, praising the leadership of President Tshisekedi, who has been recognised as a “champion of positive masculinity.” 

The Minister also called for transitional justice to address the violence suffered by Congolese communities and compensate victims of war. She advocated for the establishment of a criminal court for the DRC to combat impunity and deliver justice. “The promotion of human rights is one of the foundations of peace and humanity,” Mwavita said, affirming the DRC government’s commitment to these principles.  

Mwavita concluded with a plea to the international community, urging countries and organisations to take more than symbolic actions. “We are asking the international community to do even more, not to limit itself to denunciation but to sanction and take a stand,” she stated. For the Congolese people, she emphasised, the priority remains clear: “Peace in Congo is all we can ask for.”

Watch the full interview here:

Amina Sohail, 28, a motorcycle taxi driver and courier, shared how the economic strain in her household pushed her to start working with the AFP. She said, "The atmosphere at home was stressful. My parents were struggling to manage, and that’s when I decided I must work," she said.

Amina added that her decision transformed her outlook on herself and her immediate environment. "My vision has changed. I’m confident and will work openly like any man, no matter what anyone thinks."

Hina Saleem, a 24-year-old receptionist, also defied societal expectations after her father fell ill. Faced with pressure from her uncles to marry for financial security, Hina received support from her mother when she found a job opportunity. "At first, my mother was confused, as I was the first girl in the family to seek work. But given the economic conditions, she stood by me."

Meanwhile, Farzana Augustine, a 43-year-old cook, reflected on the social stigma surrounding her work, saying, "If someone asks my children what their mother does, they don’t say I work - they say 'mama stays at home.'"

In more conservative families, however, women are still discouraged from entering the workforce.

Pakistan, which became the first Muslim-majority country to elect a woman as prime minister in the 1980s, has over the years seen women rise to positions of power in business and government. However, much of society remains governed by traditional values, where family approval is often required for women to work outside the home. According to the United Nations, only 21% of women in Pakistan participate in the workforce, with many employed in informal sectors, particularly in rural areas.

As Chief Justice, Maya will lead the Constitutional Court and oversee the judiciary in South Africa, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s legal history.

Early Life and Education

Mandisa Maya was born on March 20, 1964, in St Cuthberts, Tsolo, Eastern Cape. Her upbringing in a family of teachers laid a strong foundation for her educational journey. She completed her high school education at St John’s College in King William’s Town and Mthatha in 1981. Maya earned her B.Proc from the University of Transkei, an LLB from the University of Natal, and an LLM from Duke University, where she was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship in 1989. Her academic credentials also include fellowships from Georgetown University and the Commonwealth Foundation.

Legal Career

Maya’s legal career began in 1987 as an attorney’s clerk at Dazana Mafungo Inc in Mthatha. She then served as a court interpreter and prosecutor before moving to Washington DC as a Legal Policy Counsel and Lobbyist. Returning to South Africa, she held roles as an Assistant State Law Adviser, law lecturer, and advocate. 

Her judicial career features significant milestones: she was the first woman to serve as both Deputy President and President of the Supreme Court of Appeal and was the first black woman appointed as a judge of that court. Maya’s career also includes acting roles in Namibia and Lesotho, and she has been the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal since June 2017.

Contributions and Influence

Mandisa Maya has made significant contributions to the legal field, both nationally and internationally. She is the Vice President of the International Association of Women Judges and the founding president of its South African chapter.

Her judicial decisions have had a profound impact on South African law, including her ruling in the 2020 AfriForum case regarding the use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction and her influential dissent in the 2011 Minister of Safety and Security case. Maya’s appointment as Chief Justice underscores her exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing justice and equality.

The proposed amendments target Sections 48, 49, 71, and 117 of the Constitution to reserve one special seat for women in the Senate and House of Representatives for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This change would come into effect after the current National Assembly term and is subject to review every 16 years, according to Premium Times Nigeria . Additionally, Section 91 would be amended to allocate three special seats for women in the Houses of Assembly of each state, distributed across the three senatorial districts.

Leading the debate, Joshua Gana, a member of the House of Representatives, emphasised the bill's foundation on equitable representation. "The bill is anchored on the fundamental principle of equitable representation and aims to empower women by ensuring their voices are not only heard but that they actively contribute to shaping the legislative landscape and the overall development of our nation," Gana said.

He noted the importance of addressing gender inequality in Nigeria's governance, saying "the issue of gender equality and representation lies at the heart of our constitutional democracy."

However, the bill has its detractors. Ghali Tijani from Kano State called for its rejection, arguing that it undermines democratic principles and human rights.

"Accepting this bill is against democratic principles, and it is undermining human rights. This should be rejected. Of course, I can support women if there is a political provision for non-elective positions. If we continue on this path, we are undermining political parties," Tijani argued.

Currently, Nigeria has the least gender-representative parliament in sub-Saharan Africa, with women comprising only 2.8% of MPs in the upper chamber and 3.9% in the lower chamber following the 2023 elections.

In contrast, Zimbabwe's upper chamber boasts the highest female representation in the region at 45%. Globally, Rwanda leads with women holding 61.3% of seats in the Chamber of Deputies, followed by Cuba and Nicaragua at 55.7% and 53.9%, respectively.

Seychelles and Botswana are collaborating on agriculture, education, and tourism projects. The new High Commissioner of Botswana presented her credentials to Seychelles President and discussed trade, investments, and connectivity, as well as the impact of import restrictions on Botswana's diamond trade, Seychelles News Agency reports. “Botswana is interested to learn from Seychelles' experiences in dealing with victims of substance abuse and rehabilitation process, Seychelles is keen to learn more from Botswana's agricultural success," said the Seychelles Foreign Affairs Department.

Low female candidates for election

As Botswana prepares for general elections in October, the number of women running for office remains low, with only 20 out of nearly 200 candidates for the National Assembly being women, according to VoA News . Gender activists are concerned about the lack of female representation in elected positions, and there is a call for gender quotas and amendments to electoral laws to support women in political leadership. Botswana falls short of achieving gender parity as advocated by the Southern Africa Development Community. Other countries in the region have higher women representation in parliament.

New British High Commissioner to Botswana

The UK government has appointed Giles Enticknap MBE as the new British High Commissioner to Botswana, taking over from Sian Price who is relocating to another position in the Diplomatic Service, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced . Enticknap is expected to begin his new role in August 2024.

Zimbabweans sentenced for human smuggling

Twelve Zimbabweans were sentenced to smuggling in persons and entering Botswana through an illegal point of entry, local media Mmegi reports. Eleven out of the twelve pleaded guilty to entering Botswana through an ungazetted point of entry.  The dozen were intercepted with six minors en route to South Africa, according to Mmegi. The socio-economic situation in Zimbabwe was a major factor in their actions. Most of the convicts pleaded for mercy, citing their intention to seek greener pastures in Botswana.

New additions to barred fresh produce imports

Botswana has extended its ban on certain fresh produce imports to four years, set to expire at the end of 2025—the ban, which included 19 horticultural items, aimed to boost local agriculture and reduce import expenditure. Botswana Minister Fidelis Molao plans to introduce additional items by July. The ban has resulted in a 71% reduction in the horticultural import bill and significantly increased local production volumes. However, meeting domestic demand remains a challenge.

Filed by Lumumba & Ayieko Advocates, her application requests a court order to ensure her political party registration and candidacy before the May 30 deadline. The petition highlights, "That the honourable court be pleased to issue an order compelling Ms Ingabire to register a political party and participate in the July 2024 presidential elections as a candidate pending the inter-partes hearing," the East African reports.

Ingabire's application further noted the Rwandan government's failure to grant her authorization to travel, which she argues violates the East African Community (EAC) Treaty principles on human rights, the rule of law, accountability, and transparency. “The actions of the Rwandan government in ignoring Ms Ingabire’s multiple requests for authorization to leave the country are in breach of the fundamental and operational principles of the EAC Treaty,” the petition asserted

A staunch critic of President Paul Kagame, Ingabire was imprisoned for eight years, five of which were in solitary confinement. She was released in 2018 on a presidential pardon. Despite the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights ruling that Rwanda violated her right to freedom of expression, the government has not acknowledged this decision.

Ingabire stated, "I cannot run for any elections unless I am rehabilitated. Laws allow President Kagame to do so. Whether he will accept to rehabilitate me, I do not know,” she told the East African in 2023.

The National Election Commission (NEC) of Rwanda has set the application period for presidential candidates from May 17 to May 30. 

According to the official announcement, Suminwa served as President Tshisekedi's Minister of Planning since 2023. “This act reinforces the positive masculinity advocated by President Félix Tshisekedi,” they wrote.

Before her government roles, Suminwa served as an economist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she held the role of coordinator for the Consolidation of Peace and Strengthening of Democracy pillar in Kinshasa, the national capital of DR Congo.

“I know that the task is great and the challenges immense. But with the support of the President of the Republic and that of everyone, we will get there,” the new DR Congo Prime Minister told reporters following her appointment.

She will head a new cabinet after the dissolution of the previous cabinet following the resignation of Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde as prime minister on February 20.

Suminwa's achievement is part of a larger trend across Africa, where women are assuming pivotal roles in policymaking and social reform.

Sahle-Work Zewde

In Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde made history as the first female president, embodying the spirit of progress and inclusivity. On October 25, 2018, she achieved a unanimous election as president by members of the Federal Parliamentary Assembly. Before her ascension to the presidency, Zewde was the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) from 2011 to 2018. She was subsequently appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as his Special Representative to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union.

Samia Suluhu Hassan

Samia Suluhu Hassan is the first Tanzanian woman and the second woman from the East African region to serve as president. She has served as president of Tanzania since March 19, 2021, after the sudden demise of her predecessor, John Magufuli. She was also the vice president of the country from 2015 to 2021.

Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula

Although she is the fifth female speaker of South Africa's parliament, Rt. Hon. Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula has made her mark in the country's legislative arm of government. She took office on August 19, 2021, and has since been an influential figure in South African politics. Her tenure as Speaker is marked by her commitment to uphold the democratic processes and her call for unity and integrity in the administration of parliamentary duties.

The report expands its analysis to include two critical indicators - safety from violence and access to childcare services - which can significantly impact women's options in the workforce. When these measures are considered, women, on average, have just 64% of the legal protections available to men, a significant drop from the previous estimate of 77%, the World Bank reports.

Further assessment of the gap between legal reforms and actual outcomes for women in 190 economies exposes an implementation gap, indicating that although laws suggest women have about two-thirds of the rights of men, countries have established less than 40% of the necessary systems for full implementation.

Among the key findings, only 35 out of 98 economies with legislation mandating equal pay for women have adopted measures or enforcement mechanisms addressing the gender pay gap. This discrepancy underscores the need for a supporting framework, including robust enforcement mechanisms, tracking systems for gender-related pay disparities, and access to healthcare services for women who survive violence.

Chief Economist of the World Bank Group and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, Indermit Gill said, "Women have the power to turbocharge the sputtering global economy. Closing this gap could raise global gross domestic product by more than 20% - essentially doubling the global growth rate over the next decade - but reforms have slowed to a crawl."

According to the report, even countries like Togo which stands out in sub-Saharan economies for enacting laws giving women approximately 77% of men's rights, face an implementation gap, establishing only 27% of the necessary systems for full implementation.

The report calls for governments to take action to accelerate progress toward gender equality in business and the law.

In an election marred by opposition boycotts, the newly elected Chief Minister of the South Asian nation expressed her disappointment with the opposition attempts during her victory speech.

“I wish they had been a part of the political and democratic process. I want to give a message to the opposition: the doors of my chamber and heart will always remain open for them as they are for the members of my party,” she is quoted by local media Dawn .

“I was born in an affluent household. I got a chance to hold direct interactions with the common people and I am aware of their problems. I know the expectations they have from the government. Therefore, from today onwards, after the oath, I will go to my office and begin the implementation of my manifesto,” she added.

Maryam Nawaz said after the decision that her appointment was an “honour” for every woman in Pakistan and emphasized that being a woman or a daughter should not limit one's ambitions.

Her election to Punjab's highest political office has been considered a great step forward for gender equality in Pakistan's patriarchal system, garnering praise from women's rights activists and female politicians across the nation.

As a transgender, Sanjana is the first person from her community to secure a government job in the state and was posted in the Social Justice and Disabled Welfare Department in 2018. Additionally, she also serves as a para-legal volunteer in the Civil Legal Services Authority and is a member of the division bench in Lok Adalat or People’s Courts where she participates in the arbitration of cases.

The State Election Commission has designated her as the state icon for the upcoming assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh so that she may encourage people to participate in the democratic process by casting votes.

On the occasion of Transgender Awareness Week celebrated from November 13 to November 19, she told Global South World, “I reach out among the people and my aim is to inspire them to vote.”

LOW NUMBER OF REGISTERED TRANSGENDER VOTERS

According to Sanjana, there are merely 1,373 voters from the transgender community in the state although their population here is about 30,000

While the highest numbers of transgender voters are in Bhopal Central seat, there are 16 such assembly seats in the state where there is not even a single registered voter from the community.

Explaining the low numbers of registered voters in her community, Sanjana said, “Establishing oneself as transgender is challenging and the lengthy procedure discourages many from obtaining a transgender identity card.”

Belonging to a community that earns its livelihood by dancing, singing and begging, Sanjana has carved out a distinct identity for herself and serves as a role model for other members of her society as she is not only holding a government job but also participating in social service. 

Although she believes that the status of transgender is changing in society, still there is a lack of awareness among the people. She says, “The attitude of the people, who are initially helpful and caring, changes once they discover that she is a transgender.”

Sanjana believes that the life of transgender is not very easy; they have to face bias throughout their life.

FAMILIES DISCARD TRANSGENDER PEOPLE AGAINST THEIR WILL

Sanjana explains families have to throw out transgender individuals due to societal pressure often against their will.

Sanjana rues that political parties do not prioritize her community but she wants more and more people of her class to come forward and make their mark as she has done.

She says, “If the government wants to bring about equality then we should be provided education and job opportunities to help us move ahead.”

FIRST TRANSGENDER MLA ELECTED IN 2000

Madhya Pradesh elected the first transgender MLA Shabnam Mausi in 2000. She won the election from Sohagpur assembly seat by 18,000 votes. Her victory was perceived as a new beginning and an extraordinary event in Indian politics. Later, another transgender Kamla Jaan was also elected Mayor from Katni in Madhya Pradesh, but soon people became disillusioned with this community in politics.

In April this year, the Madhya Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, included transgenders in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category to grant them reservation and other benefits. But not only the OBC members but also the transgender community protested against this.

Transgender people themselves were also unhappy with this decision, arguing that their community encompasses people from all sections, making it unrealistic to put them in a single category.

“It is not just something that sounds good on the ear, but an aspiration and something that inspires me as a Namibian. I will be vigorously trekking my way to the presidency while pinpointing various issues that need to be changed as the years go by,” she is quoted by The Namibian , adding she is fully aware of the constitutional requirements.

Sharpley, however, clarified that she is not aiming for an election during the upcoming year's polls but that she considers her campaign to be a long-term project. While criticising the age restriction on the presidency, she noted that the groundwork for her presidential ambition had begun and she would be contesting as an independent candidate when the time is right.

“I just wanted to stir up excitement among the youth that we need to take up our space within our communities. I feel like there needs to be consideration in terms of the age limit because young people today are more advanced both technologically and in how they think and operate,” she said.

In 2022, Namibia's ruling party nominated Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its vice president, positioning her to become the country's first female presidential candidate when the incumbent leader steps down in March 2024 , VOA News reported.

Meanwhile, in Africa, Sahle-Work Zewde has been serving as the President of Ethiopia since her appointment in October 2018, while Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Joyce Banda are former presidents of Liberia (2006–2018) and Malawi (2012–2014), respectively. Also, President Samia Suluhu Hassan became the sixth President of the United Republic of Tanzania in March 2021, following the death of President John Magufuli.

Public polls

Surveys conducted in October 2023 showed Claudia Sheinbaum with 50% support, followed by Xóchitl Gálvez with 20%. Another poll in September 2023 echoed these findings, with Sheinbaum garnering 47% support compared to Gálvez's 30%. The Economist also reported a 17-point lead for Sheinbaum over Gálvez in early September 2023.

Gender Parity Legislation

The constitutional amendment of 2014 ensures equal numbers of women and men as candidates for federal and local congressional elections. The amendment is the result of decades of advocacy and activism by the women's movement and other civil society organizations, as well as several legal and constitutional reforms that recognised women's equal citizenship and introduced gender quotas for candidate lists.

The representation of women following the legislation soared significantly. Women elected into positions at municipal, state, and federal levels saw a 71.2% increase from 2015 to 2020.

In 2015, the number of women serving as mayors, governors, state deputies, federal deputies, and federal senators was 809. By 2020, this figure had risen to 1,385, marking an increase of 576. This substantial growth underscores the development made towards women’s representation in Mexico’s political landscape.

Representation vs power

While women might represent 50% of the Mexican Congress, political science experts Xavier Medina Vidal and Christopher Chambers-Ju argue that the election of women to high office doesn’t always translate into a meaningful shift in power.

According to experts on women in politics, this is a concept that is referred to as “descriptive representation”, where political leaders mirror the demographics of their constituents, but may not necessarily champion policies that safeguard their interests.

They also argue that “substantive representation” is achieved when officials not only represent a group but also enact laws that genuinely benefit the groups they purport to represent.

This distinction is crucial in understanding the dynamics of women in politics and the impact of their leadership as the Latin American nation braces itself for a historic election that could potentially crown its first female leader.

While particular emphasis has been placed on expanding educational opportunities in remote areas to enrol out-of-school children, both boys and girls, the government has also Eritrea has taken significant steps toward gender equality and women's empowerment through the adoption and implementation of relevant legal instruments.

Implementation of legal instruments

The country has ratified various international treaties aimed at advancing the human rights and equality of women. These include the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1994), the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1995), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1999), the African Charter on Human and People's Rights (1999), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (2001), and the Beijing Declaration and Global Platform for Action.

Additionally, Eritrea ratified ILO Conventions in 2000. These ratifications and commitments underscore Eritrea's dedication to promoting gender equality and human rights.

National legal framework

More importantly, at the national level, Eritrea takes pride in transformative gains made in advancing girls' education, showcasing a commitment to fostering equal educational opportunities for all.

The country has since 1994 adopted a National Charter which emphatically declares that education is a fundamental right to which every Eritrean is entitled without any form of discrimination. Part of the document reads, “Education is a fundamental right to which every Eritrean is entitled. Therefore, we must expand education to the rural areas of the country where educational opportunity has so far been scant,” the Ministry of Information quotes.

In 2003, Eritrea's dedication to fostering gender equality in education received a significant boost with the introduction of a new national education policy in February 2003. The policy underscored the central importance of gender equality in basic education, explicitly stating that the government is committed to ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all citizens, the UN reported. It read, “the government shall work towards the elimination of gender disparity at all levels of the education system… it commits to ensuring girls’ full and equal access to and achievement in basic and secondary education of good quality.”

In a continuing commitment to advance women's participation in education, Eritrea has taken significant steps, including the criminalisation of underage marriage and harmful traditional practices, Girls Not Brides has reported.

The Macro Policy of Eritrea , established in 1994, firmly asserts the commitment to uphold the equal rights of women, pledging to amend any laws that hinder this right.

The progress

Over the past three decades since gaining independence, Eritrea has witnessed substantial progress in narrowing the gender gap, particularly in the realm of education. A notable achievement is the significant increase in the female youth literacy rate, which has soared from 49.3% in 1990 to an impressive 92.71% in 2018.

A comprehensive report from the 2022/2023 academic year shed light on the enrolment patterns of girls in schools across different regions in Eritrea. The data revealed variations in female enrolment percentages from primary to secondary levels. In the Anseba region, 48.4% of students were girls, while the Southern region saw a slightly lower figure of 46%. The Central region recorded a higher enrolment of 48.9% for girls, whereas the Northern Red Sea region reported 41.46%. The Southern Red Sea region faced greater challenges, with a female enrolment rate of 28.2%. The Gash Barka region presented a unique scenario, where the female enrolment rate in secondary schools stood at 38%, the Ministry of Information report further stated.

In higher educational facilities, female enrolment of women has consistently risen over the years. In the 2022/2023 academic year, females constituted 44.65% of college students. While the College of Engineering and Technology had 519 (33.87%) female students, the College of Sciences had 514 (49.45%) female students.

These proactive measures reflect the government's dedication to fostering an environment where women have equal access to education, further contributing to the nation's pursuit of gender equality and empowerment.

Mahbube Siraj, women's rights activist and executive director of the Women's Skills Training Center in Afghanistan, won the biennial Finland Gender Equality Award on December 11. The Finnish government said this award, which is accompanied by a donation of 300,000 euros, has been given to Mahbouba Siraj for her efforts in supporting women and creating safe shelters and jobs for them.

Taliban's reaction to drought

The Minister of “enjoining good and forbidding bad”
of the Taliban regime, in response to people's concerns about the continuation of the drought, ordered that people throughout Afghanistan pray for rain for three days. In the notification of the Ministry of Good and Prohibition of the Taliban regime which was issued on December 12, it is stated that people should come to pre-specified places on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 am and pray for rain.

Nasim Radio Afghanistan director jailed

The Taliban court in Daikundi, accused Sultan Ali Javadi, the director of Radio Nasim, the only free audio media in the central regions of Afghanistan (Bamiyan and Daikundi), of cooperating with media outside of Afghanistan, reflecting news of moral and administrative corruption of local Taliban officials, and cooperating with critics. He was sentenced to one year in prison. This sentence was delivered to Sultan Ali Javadi by the Taliban court in Nili city on Monday, December 11.

"Jihadist commander" killed

Unknown armed men killed one of the "jihadi commanders" in Herat province on Sunday evening, December 10. On Sunday evening, Mohammad Naeem Jamshidi was on his way to his home from the centre of Rabat Sangi in the north of Herat city, when he was shot by two motorcycle riders. According to Naeem Jamshidi's relatives, he was targeted along with one of the residents of Chahardare village and the said person survived. Naeem Jamshidi was active as the commander of popular uprising forces against the Taliban for many years.

"Afghan meeting" in Germany

The participants in the thirty-seventh "Afghan meeting" of the Evangelical Academy in the "Villigast" district criticized the policy of interaction with the Taliban and demanded a change in this approach. The "Afghan meeting" of the Evangelical Academy, which is held annually in Germany, was planned in the city of Shorte, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, entitled "Take the facts seriously, be responsible and strengthen communication" hosting representatives of the Taliban regime. Following criticism about the presence of a Taliban official in the city of Cologne, Willigst Evangelical Academy was pressured to cancel the trip of Taliban representatives to participate in the two-day conference "Afghanistan Session" and had to cancel their invitation.

Beijing has shown an interest in running the multi-national railway line owned by Tanzania and Zambia. The Chinese may be looking to export copper via the Tanzania-Zambia railway line. As reported by the Tanzania Times , Beijing has been in talks with Lusaka and Dar-es-Salaam to take charge of operations of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA).

Heavy rains wreak havoc

More than 150 people have been left homeless after heavy rains demolished 30 houses in Kalambo district in the Rukwa region in Tanzania's southern highlands, Lazaro Komba, Kalambo District commissioner said on Friday. According to The East African , the Kalambo District commissioner expressed that some victims have taken refuge from their relatives while others have been accommodated in public schools.

IPU elects new president

National Assembly Speaker, Dr. Tulia Ackson, has been elected as the new president of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), succeeding Portugal's Duarte Pacheco. Dr Ackson, a PhD holder in law, will lead the organisation, which represents legislators worldwide, for a three-year term. She won the election with 57 per cent of the vote in a single round, defeating three other candidates during the IPU's 147th Assembly in Luanda, Angola, according to The East African .

Heshimu Bahari project receives additional funds

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced an increase in funding from $13 million to $25 million for the Heshimu Bahari project, aimed at enhancing conservation efforts in critical areas for marine biodiversity and climate adaptation. According to Daily News reports, the decision will extend the project's reach along the south coast of the mainland, covering marine management areas such as the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve System, Mafia Kilwa Seascape, and Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park.

Women’s participation in politics

The Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD) has inaugurated a women's forum in Dar es Salaam to bolster women's engagement in politics and democracy. According to Daily News reports, TCD Chairperson Prof Ibrahimu Lipumba encouraged women to use the platform for constructive discussions on issues affecting them and advocated for a constitution that represents citizens' views.