New data compiled by NATO and Global Firepower show that female representation in the armed forces varies widely. The data ranks countries by the estimated percentage of women in their military personnel, revealing some surprising leaders.

According to the chart, North Korea has the highest share of women in uniform: an estimated 40 % of its military personnel are female. Israel, where military service is mandatory for most women, follows with 38 %. South Africa comes third at 24 %, benefiting from inclusive post‑apartheid policies.

Several NATO or NATO‑partner nations hover around one‑fifth: Hungary and Moldova each report 20 % women in their armed forces, while Australia and Greece are at 19 %. The United States is listed at 17 %, and Bulgaria at 16 %.

The ranking highlights how conscription policies and cultural factors influence gender balance. Israel and North Korea conscript women, boosting numbers. South Africa has instituted gender‑mainstreaming policies since the 1990s. In contrast, many European and North American militaries rely on voluntary recruitment and have been slower to achieve parity.

NATO’s reporting shows that women remain under‑represented across its member states. In 2019, Spain’s defence minister Margarita Robles noted that women constituted 12.7% of the country’s 120,000 servicemembers, a figure she said put Spain “ahead of the NATO average” of about 10.9 %.

That average has been inching upward – NATO’s 2023 summary of national reports indicated that women account for roughly 12–13% of armed forces personnel across the alliance – but few countries approach the high levels seen in Israel or North Korea.

The United States is a notable case. The U.S. Department of Defence’s 2021 demographics report stated that women made up 17.3% of active‑duty personnel, totalling more than 231,000 service members.

This share has grown steadily from about 15 % a decade earlier, reflecting efforts to open all combat roles and integrate women more fully. Despite this progress, the U.S. still lags behind countries like New Zealand and Australia, which report 18–19% female participation.

Botswana remains one of the few African countries that still actively enforces the death penalty. However, Boko has suggested a shift toward a more nuanced approach addressing GBV.

In 2019, the Botswana National Review acknowledged persistent GBV levels and outlined national efforts to implement the Domestic Violence Act (2008). These measures included extensive public education and awareness campaigns at both national and community levels, using tools such as cultural dialogues, media discussions, and seminars.

The review also stated the government ’s engagement with traditional and religious leaders to tackle GBV.

Despite repeated commitments, Gumbonzvanda stressed that women and girls remain disproportionately affected by poverty, unpaid care work, gender-based violence, and exclusion from decision-making. “These disparities are not accidents , they reflect fiscal and financial systems that systematically ignore or reinforce patterns of discrimination, especially for women in marginalized communities, including women with disabilities,” she said.

Gumbonzvanda emphasised that investing in gender equality is not just a moral imperative but an economic one. “The economic case of action is overwhelming. Closing gender gaps in employment could add trillions of dollars to global GDP,” she noted.

Yet current investments fall far short. “We continue to underinvest in half of the world ’s population, a devastating waste of human potential and economic opportunity,” she warned. “The urgency has never been greater. Intersecting crises, debt burdens, climate impacts and economic instability are deepening gender inequalities at alarming rates.”

With just five years left to achieve the SDGs, UN Women is calling on governments, development banks, and the private sector to step up their commitments. “The private sector must scale up gender lens investing, supporting women-led enterprises and inclusive supply chains,” Gumbonzvanda urged. “Without transformative financing for gender equality, we will fail not only SDG5 but the entire 2030 Agenda.”

The bill, introduced by Congresswoman Luz Mary Alpízar Loaiza of the Social Democratic Progress Party, argues that unequal paternity leave violates the principle of equal rights.

“Parenthood should not depend on the type of employment,” she stated. “All children deserve the same support and presence from their fathers in the earliest days of life.”

Why it matters

This move comes amid growing concerns over demographic and social pressures in the country. According to the United Nations Population Fund’s 2025 State of World Population Report , 11% of respondents in Costa Rica cited unequal caregiving responsibilities as a reason for postponing or avoiding parenthood.

The report also noted a growing gap between desired and actual family size, influenced by economic and cultural constraints.

If passed, the law would impose penalties on employers who deny the leave, including an indemnity of six months’ salary in addition to standard labour rights. Supporters see the bill as a major step toward gender equality and shared parenting responsibilities, while critics argue it could burden small businesses.

Compared to regional neighbours like Chile and Uruguay, where paternity leave is more generous, and countries like Sweden that offer extended shared parental leave, Costa Rica’s private sector has lagged.

This proposed reform could bring the country closer to international standards for family support and gender equity.

The system, adopted last week after wide consultation, is the first of its kind in Zimbabwe.

It brings together all the country’s gender-related goals under one national framework. Officials say the goal is to make better decisions by using accurate and consistent data.

For years, Zimbabwe struggled with poor gender statistics.

Ministries often submitted incomplete reports shortly before deadlines, making it hard for the government to understand real progress in areas such as land ownership, access to education, and women’s role in the economy.

The new system will measure gender gaps in six main areas: economic resources, health, education, human rights , political participation, and the environment.

These indicators are based on global and African gender equality standards but adjusted to fit Zimbabwe’s local context.

The country’s statistics agency, ZIMSTAT, will lead the data collection, working with other ministries. Officials aim to set a national baseline by August. The first gender equality report is expected in early 2026.

The project was developed with help from the UN Economic Commission for Africa. A joint oversight team made up of government agencies, civil society , and international experts will track progress and guide improvements.

Zimbabwe now joins a growing number of African countries investing in detailed, long-term systems to monitor gender equality.

The court’s decision was based on the definition of biological sex in the Equality Act 2010.

The decision ends a six-year-long legal battle between the Scottish government and campaign group For Women Scotland.

It also settles questions about who can be counted as a woman in laws that are meant to protect women’s rights.

Lord Hodge, one of the top judges, delivered the ruling in a detailed judgment that took almost 17 minutes to explain in court. The full ruling is 88 pages long.

Why the court made this decision

According to the judges, the Equality Act clearly defines the conditions under which various groups should be protected. In their view, changing the definition of sex to include those with gender recognition certificates would make the law confusing and hard to apply.

“The definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010 makes clear that the concept of sex is binary. A person is either a woman or a man,” part of the ruling said.

The judges also said using different meanings for words like “woman” would create unfairness, especially if some transgender people had legal recognition while others did not.

That would lead to groups with mixed rights, which, according to the judges, was not practical.

In simple terms, they found that the law protects people based on whether they are biologically male or female, not what is written on a certificate.

What the judges based their ruling on

The UK Supreme Court gave nine main reasons for saying that the Equality Act 2010 uses the word “woman” to mean someone born female.

The judges said the law protects people from discrimination based on sex and gender reassignment, but the meaning of sex must stay clear and consistent.

The first reason was that the Equality Act is built around group protections. It protects people as part of a group, like all women or all men, and not just individuals. This means sex needs a clear, shared meaning.

Secondly, they said the law must be applied in a way that is “clear and consistent”. Changing what the word “woman” means in some parts of the law would create confusion.

Third, using “certified sex” (the sex on a Gender Recognition Certificate) instead of biological sex would mix people into groups that were never meant to be mixed under the law. This would make it hard to apply the rules.

Fourth, they said that the ordinary meaning of “sex discrimination” in the law is about biological sex, not legal documents or identity.

Fifth, if “woman” could mean different things in different parts of the law, the whole Act would stop making sense. For example, rules about pregnancy clearly apply only to biological women.

Sixth, if the Scottish government’s view were used, it would create two groups of trans people — those with legal certificates and those without. The judges said this would be unfair and confusing, especially since who has a certificate is private information.

Seventh, using gender certificates to define “woman” would mean some people have more rights than others, which was not the aim of the law.

Eighth, they said the Scottish government’s rules went against the purpose of the Equality Act and could not legally change what the law means.

The ninth reason was that letting ministers change the meaning of a word in a UK-wide law like the Equality Act was not allowed. Only the UK Parliament can do that.

What this means for transgender people

While many supporters of For Women Scotland were seen crying, hugging, and celebrating outside the court, the judges made it clear this was not a victory over transgender people.

“This should not be seen as a triumph for one group over another,” said Lord Hodge, who read the ruling .

The court also stressed that transgender people still have legal protection under the Equality Act. Being transgender, also called gender reassignment in the law, remains a protected characteristic.

A person can still face discrimination for being trans, and the law says they must not be treated unfairly. Even without a Gender Recognition Certificate, transgender people are still protected.

How the dispute started

The case began in 2018 after the Scottish government passed a law to increase the number of women on public boards. The law included some transgender women in the count.

For Women Scotland challenged that decision. They said only people born female should be included in targets set for women, such as filling 50% of non-executive roles on public boards.

The court agreed, indicating that including trans women in the count of women for these targets is not supported by the legal meaning of the word “woman” in the Equality Act.

Reactions from both sides

Supporters of For Women Scotland were emotional and joyful after the ruling. Some called the women who brought the case “she-roes” and celebrated outside the court by singing, “women’s rights are human rights.”

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), said the decision answered difficult questions about protecting single-sex spaces and same-sex rights.

Former MP Harriet Harman, who helped write the Equality Act, said the court made the right call. “Single-sex spaces for women are important and can exclude trans women, but only where necessary,” she told the BBC .

Trans rights groups, however, urged calm. Scottish Trans, a charity in Edinburgh, told people not to panic.

“There will be a lot of talk that overstates how this will affect trans people,” the group said in a message online. “Please look after yourselves and each other today.”

What happens next?

This ruling is a major moment in the UK’s gender rights debate. The case was adjourned in court after Lord Hodge concluded the judgment by saying that the court had allowed the appeal by For Women Scotland, having outlined a number of reasons why.

Although the case is concluded, it is likely to return to the political arena as campaigners on both sides push for change.

Among the laureates, 65 women have steadily carved their place in history and overcome significant barriers of gender inequality, systemic bias, and lack of opportunity against the contrast of 904 men laureates. Their stories and nationalities reflect broader social shifts and global progress in the inclusion of women in science, literature, and activism.

The first woman to receive a Nobel Prize was Marie Curie in 1903. She was honoured in Physics alongside her husband Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel for their work on radioactivity. Remarkably, she remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences—she won the Chemistry Prize in 1911 for her discovery of radium and polonium.

Since then, over 60 women have been awarded Nobel Prizes (as of 2024), with representation across all categories.

Peace (19 women winners)

The Peace Prize has historically had the highest female representation. Notable winners include:

Bertha von Suttner (Austria-Hungary) – 1905, the first woman to win the Peace Prize.

Mother Teresa (India) – 1979, for her humanitarian work.

Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan) – 2014, youngest laureate ever, honoured for advocacy of girls' education.

Literature (17 women winners)

Female voices have also resonated in the world of literature:

Selma Lagerlöf (Sweden) – 1909, first female Literature laureate.

Toni Morrison (USA) – 1993, a literary icon addressing African-American life and culture.

Olga Tokarczuk (Poland) – 2018, awarded for a "narrative imagination that represents the crossing of boundaries."

Medicine (13 women winners)

Women in medical science have received increasing recognition, such as:

Barbara McClintock (USA) – 1983, for her work in genetics.

Tu Youyou (China) – 2015, for discovering artemisinin, a breakthrough in malaria treatment.

Chemistry (8 women winners)

Aside from Marie Curie, recent milestones include:

Emmanuelle Charpentier (France) and Jennifer Doudna (USA) – 2020, for developing CRISPR gene-editing technology.

Physics (5 women winners)

Still a highly male-dominated field, but progress continues:

Donna Strickland (Canada) – 2018, third woman after Curie and Maria Goeppert-Mayer to win.

Andrea Ghez (USA) – 2020, for discoveries related to black holes.

Economic Sciences (3 women winners)

A relatively new category (established in 1969), with few female laureates:

Elinor Ostrom (USA) – 2009, the first woman to win in Economics.

Claudia Goldin (USA) – 2023, for advancing understanding of women’s labour market outcomes.

Where do they come from?

While women laureates come from a range of countries, several regions dominate:

The United States is the most represented country in terms of science and economics.

Europe: Countries like France, Germany, Sweden, and the UK have produced numerous female laureates.

Asia: India, China, Japan, Iran, and Pakistan have seen laureates mostly in Peace and Medicine.

Africa and Latin America: Representation has been limited but notable, such as Wangari Maathai (Kenya)—the first African woman to win the Peace Prize in 2004.

“I could either be with my children , or I could stay and do my duty,” says one of the doctors who remained in Khartoum in an interview with the AFP.

Since the conflict began, at least 78 health workers have been killed, according to Sudan’s Doctors’ Union, as hospitals continue to face attacks, supply shortages, and an exodus of medical professionals fleeing the violence.

For some, the decision to stay was deeply personal. Dr. Fathia Abdelmajed, a paediatrician at Al-Buluk Hospital, has not left since she arrived at the facility, determined to guide younger doctors who had been working tirelessly since the start of the war.

“Since I arrived at Al-Buluk, I have not left it. Even the specialists were once our students, and we trained them,” she says. “I was the only senior doctor. These hardworking young professionals had been working since the beginning of the war, even before I arrived. They truly accomplished great things, and I became like a mother to them, offering guidance and support,” said Dr Abdelmajed.

Others, like Dr. Safaa Ali, a gynaecologist and director of Saudi Hospital, stayed out of devotion to their country and profession.

“I have been working since the start of the war. I have not left Sudan. We find strength in our love for our country, our passion for our work, and the oath we swore,” she says.

But the decision came at a high personal cost. As her own family fled Sudan.

“My family, like many others, decided to leave Sudan because children started getting scared, and our area had become a conflict zone. It was extremely dangerous. When they made the decision to leave, and I had to make my own, I stayed up all night thinking. In the end, my professional commitment took precedence over my family obligations,” she explains. 

The hospitals still operating have increasingly relied on volunteer networks, such as the local Emergency Response Rooms, to fill the gaps.

The latest protests in Dhaka were sparked by several high-profile cases of sexual harassment, with demonstrators demanding stronger protections for women. Dhaka University student Jannatul Promi highlighted the pervasive sense of insecurity among young women.

“Since I don't live in the university dorm, I don’t feel safe staying on campus after evening. I constantly worry about how I will get home. Our society has become like this now – women cannot feel safe going out alone at night. And considering the recent incidents we have witnessed, it becomes even harder to feel courageous. Change is absolutely necessary. That’s why we feel that we must continue our movement. That’s why we have boycotted our classes and exams,” she told the AFP.

Maleka Banu, general secretary of Bangladesh Mohila Parishad, the country’s oldest feminist organisation, warned about the growing influence of anti-women forces in society. “ At present, we are seeing many anti-women forces gaining a lot of momentum. And they are becoming much bolder. They are attacking women on the streets for many excuses, whether it be mob attacks, personal attacks, silently or openly,” she stated. She also criticised the government’s response, urging authorities to take decisive action rather than merely expressing concern. “You can certainly express concern, but that alone is not enough from the state. Effective measures need to be taken, and a clear message must be sent.”

The rise in extremist activities has led to growing instances of harassment in public spaces. Nishat Tanjim Nera, an anti-rape protester and student, shared a troubling incident she witnessed on public transport. “ One day, I saw a man following a girl in the metro. Then the man told the girl, ‘Your dress is not appropriate.’ When I asked him, ‘Who gave you the right to say this?’ he left. I believe that in the present, women are suffering from a lack of security,” she said.

Speaking on International Women’s Day, she expressed gratitude to persons who have fought to change old ways of thinking and give women better chances in life.

She said women should be able to lead in any field and reach their dreams without being held back because of their gender.

Highlighting some of the many evident problems, she noted how women still face violence at home, are judged more for their looks than their skills, and struggle with expectations from a male-dominated society.

The government plans to change laws that discriminate against women, improve maternity leave, make childcare better, and support projects that help women become financially independent.

Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, also spoke about the country’s healthcare system.

Thai women have equal access to healthcare under the national health scheme. He highlighted that breast cancer is the most common cancer among Thai women. The government has now expanded free screenings, including mammograms and ultrasounds, for women over 40 with a family history of breast cancer.

Democrat Party spokeswoman Janejira Rattanapian said International Women’s Day should not just be a symbolic event but a moment for real change.

 She called for more women in leadership, stronger laws against gender-based violence, and financial support for women to help them succeed.

The annual tournament gathers wrestlers from 11 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Member States as part of the organisation’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. However, this year’s edition is notable not only for introducing a women’s division but also for the absence of athletes from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following their breakaway from ECOWAS.

Female wrestlers from across the region have embraced this opportunity, challenging long-standing gender stereotypes in the sport. Celine Bakayoko, a competitor from Ivory Coast, highlighted the significance of this moment. “Only 40 percent of people believe that women can wrestle, especially in Africa,” she said. “Men say it's not a woman's place, that women belong in the kitchen or should take care of children . But I say there is no sport just for men,” she told the AFP.

Bakayoko expressed joy at the long-overdue inclusion of women in the tournament. “From the first edition to the twelfth, there were no women. We’re delighted because women know how to fight. We just needed the chance,” she added.

Yvonne Ami, another Ivorian wrestler, echoed this sentiment, calling the event a major step forward. “It’s an honour for us women to participate in this tournament. It opens the door for gender equality in wrestling, and that truly makes me happy,” she said.

The University of Sydney has formally apologised to a transgender Malaysian student after it mistakenly threatened her with suspension for expressing pro-Gaza sentiments on campus. The student, currently seeking asylum and facing potential deportation, voiced that the initial notification escalated her distress, Malaymail reports. The university's acknowledgement of its mistake, together with the granting of additional time to respond to the allegations and the subsequent apology, has been termed a necessary rectification of their policy actions. Critique from student representatives underscores perceptions of inclusivity and fairness in institutional policies, raising questions about the treatment of minority voices on campuses. 

Why Malaysia’s women are still waiting for equality

On International Women’s Day, Ameena Siddiqi brought attention to the ongoing challenges of gender inequality in Malaysia, despite milestones like the appointment of the first female Chief Justice. Concerns remain acute as female representation in Parliament declines, and systemic bias persists, with a significant proportion of the population acknowledging institutional discrimination against women. The gender pay gap stands alarmingly at 21%, while women navigating divorce face bureaucratic challenges not present for men. Furthermore, issues such as moral policing and child marriage disproportionately affect women, particularly young Muslim girl, according to Malaymail . Siddiqi advocates for substantial reforms, including alterations to Islamic family laws, enhanced protections against domestic violence, enforcement of equal pay, and a mandate for a minimum of 30% female representation in politics. Her assertion posits that Malaysia's modernity cannot be genuinely claimed as long as women operationally encounter outdated societal constructs. 

Mandatory employee provident fund contributions

New regulations concerning the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) in Malaysia will mandate contributions from foreign workers starting Q4 of 2025, as enacted through the recently passed Employees Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025. Both foreign workers and their employers will be obligated to contribute 2% of monthly earnings, with the potential for withdrawals upon repatriation after employment, rather than at the traditional retirement age of 55. Asianews reports that, a registration framework is underway for streamlining the integration of data across federal agencies aimed at facilitating the automatic registration of foreign employees. This initiative marks an effort to equalise social security benefits for foreign workers to mirror those available to Malaysian citizens, amidst current statistics revealing that a mere 0.9% of foreign workers actively utilise the EPF.

Malaysian government to import coconuts to peninsula

To mitigate demand fluctuations and ensure a consistent supply within the coconut market during the festive period, the Malaysian government has announced plans to import 640 tonnes of coconuts monthly from Indonesia, along with local sources from Sabah and Sarawak. Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu highlighted this strategy to stabilise prices amidst increasing costs, as coconut prices have markedly escalated from RM1.10 to RM2.20 since late 2024. While local production of coconuts has seen some growth, it is still inadequate to fulfil the national demand of 1.3 billion coconuts annually, Asianews reports. In tandem with this approach, the government is launching medium- and long-term initiatives under the Coconut Industry Development Programme, which encompasses replanting strategies and agricultural assistance for farmers, with an earmarked budget of RM15 million aimed at enhancing production capabilities and curbing price surges.

The same was the case in Mexico when Claudia Sheinbaum, a former Mexico City mayor, succeeded Lopez Obrador in the June 2 elections.

Professor Jane Naana Opoku, running alongside John Dramani Mahama, became Ghana's first female vice president-elect, while Emma Theofelus, a Namibian, became Africa's youngest minister at 27.

"This job is my whole life. It helped me escape many vices, including begging and prostitution. I earn a decent living and provide dignity for my children ," Nah told the AFP. 

Nah’s journey began after losing her mother early in life. Raised by her blacksmith brother and later married to another blacksmith, she embraced the craft, honing her skills to manufacture pots, agricultural tools, plumbing parts, and even mechanical components. 

Her customers, like Silamakan Traore, a mechanic who has relied on Nah for 20 years, praise her expertise. "She made a new flange for my dynamo after the old one broke. Her work is precise and reliable," he said. 

Despite injuries and hazards, including burns from molten aluminum, Nah remains steadfast. "These are the risks of the job, but with motivation, you can overcome anything," she says, noting that she balanced her craft with raising children, who now proudly celebrate her accomplishments. 

Her second son, Mohamed Camara, calls her an inspiration. "She is an example for all women. Despite being a mother, she has never let that hinder her. We’re proud to inherit her craft and legacy." 

This election is particularly notable as Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the ruling SWAPO party's candidate, could become Namibia's first female president . Her candidacy marks a potential milestone for gender equality in the nation.

Additionally, she was among the first to cast her vote, showcasing her dedication to everything.

Namibia's ruling party, SWAPO, has been in power since its independence in 1990, but it faces its toughest challenge yet. Increasing dissatisfaction among the electorate, particularly the youth, has led to a surge in support for opposition parties.

The election will determine whether SWAPO can maintain its grip on power or if Namibia will see a significant political shift.

Approximately 1.45 million Namibians are registered to vote in this election. Voters will select both the president and members of the National Assembly, with 15 presidential candidates and 21 parties competing for 96 parliamentary seats.

Early voting results , including those from citizens overseas and the armed forces, have shown strong support for Nandi-Ndaitwah However, the outcome remains uncertain as opposition parties gain traction.

It was as if she knew her future roles when she earned degrees from institutions in Zambia and the United Kingdom in Political Science and International Relations.

Being a loyal member of SWAPO from age 14, Netumbo has served in ministerial positions since the early years of Namibia's independence from South Africa in 1990 including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Environment and Tourism, and Deputy Prime Minister.

In 2017, she was elected as the Vice President of SWAPO, making her the first woman to hold this position. Her election as the party's vice president positioned her as a key figure in Namibian politics and set the stage for her presidential candidacy.

One of her notable achievements as minister is the Combating of Domestic Violence Act, which she introduced to the National Assembly in 2002. Despite facing criticism and jokes from male MPs, she successfully navigated the Bill through parliament.

Consistently advocating for gender equality, she called for a 30 percent representation of women among elected leaders, acknowledging that the 50 percent target may be unrealistic.

As a presidential candidate, Nandi-Ndaitwah has promised to address critical issues such as unemployment, particularly among the youth, and to promote economic growth. She has pledged to create more jobs and tackle the 20% unemployment rate for young people and graduates.

Her vision includes spending approximately 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.7 billion) over the next five years to create more than 500,000 jobs

Women ruling at the apex of government across the globe have taken prominence in the 21st century.

If elected on Wednesday, November 27, Nandi-Ndaitwah would join the ranks of pioneering African women leaders like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Joyce Banda of Malawi.

Despite her impressive credentials and 'juicy' campaign messages, Nandi-Ndaitwah faces significant challenges of SWAPO being ousted.

The party's dominance in Namibian politics has dwindled in recent years, partly due to allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement. The party lost its two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for the first time since 1994 during the 2019 elections.

“The Prime Minister of Togo is a woman. The outgoing Assembly was chaired by a woman, and many women are represented in government ,” she observed.

Togo has prioritised gender inclusion through legal frameworks that enable women to access education, professional training, and leadership opportunities. These initiatives are targeted programs that encourage women to participate in politics and governance .

She said, “Togo can be pleased to have recognised the extent and importance of the contribution of women to development very early on. Several reforms in this direction have been initiated. A legal arsenal allows Togolese women and women to be able to access all levels of positions, to have the necessary education , the necessary training and the skills to assume positions of responsibility.”

Dossou d'Almeida credited these measures for fostering a more inclusive government, with women holding key ministerial positions and contributing to national decision-making. She noted that such efforts have inspired women across the nation to step forward and engage actively in political and administrative roles.

Togo’s achievements in women’s leadership include the historic appointment of  Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé  in 2020, the first woman to hold the office. Dossou d'Almeida herself succeeded Dogbé as Minister of Grassroots Development and Youth before transitioning to her current role in the National Assembly.

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 :

"The recent uprising, which saw a huge participation from women, raised expectations that there would be no rapes, no harassment of women, and absolute security for them," protester Israt Jahan Imu told AFP. "But we don't see any change; we are in the same situation as we were during the fascist regime."

According to women's rights group Bangladesh Mohila Parishad, reports of violence against women rose by over 25% in September compared to previous months. The group gathers data from ten national newspapers, cross-referencing it with their findings.

"Freedom! Freedom!" chanted the women as they marched through Dhaka University, some waving torches. "When we speak up, we are asked to be patient," Imu added.

The demonstrations come as Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the country’s "chief advisor" to lead a temporary administration focused on restoring democratic institutions.

"There should be no inequality among the citizens of Bangladesh," protester Rupashi Chakma said. "Violence against women across all regions of the country must end."

A soldier from Uganda's Special Forces Command (SFC), identified as Pte Bony Ameny, is on the run after allegedly shooting three civilians dead and injuring three others in Agago District. The incident occurred around 12:30 AM in Ngora East village, approximately 15 kilometres from his deployment area. The deceased has been identified as 16-year-old Florence Ajalo, 52-year-old Akidi Santina, and her 19-year-old daughter, Sunday Apio. The injured include 45-year-old Charles Kidega and two others, who are receiving treatment at Dr Ambrosoli Hospital. Local officials stated the shooting stemmed from a dispute involving Ameny's wife, who had rekindled a past relationship, the Monitor reports.

Ghanaian firm under investigation

Ugandan authorities have launched an investigation into the Jospong Group of Companies, a Ghanaian firm, following allegations of procurement irregularities related to a landfill management contract. The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has suspended all activities at the Kiteezi landfill involving Jospong, which proposed to manage the site without cost to the Ugandan government. Concerns have been raised about the lack of an open bidding process and whether other interested investors were overlooked. As reported by Modern Ghana , The State Minister for Kampala insists that all legal procedures were followed in awarding the contract, while the IGG's investigation seeks to clarify these claims and the project's funding. The deal, aimed at addressing Uganda's waste management issues, is now under scrutiny for transparency and governance.

Justice in Uganda

Lady Justice Faridah Bukirwa has emerged as a symbol of justice in Uganda, known for her exceptional efficiency and commitment to the rule of law, notably closing 1,866 cases in a year. Her recent sidelining raises concerns about the government's dedication to women's empowerment and threatens to undermine progress made in gender equality. Many in the Busoga region and beyond are demanding her reinstatement, viewing it as essential not just for judicial credibility but also for the empowerment of women in leadership positions. Nile Post reports that the removal of Justice Bukirwa is seen as a step back from the advancements women have fought for in Uganda and calls for global solidarity to support her return. This situation highlights the intertwined battles for judicial independence and gender equality, underscoring the need for a united front in advocating for women's rights.

Malnutrition on the rise

Acute malnutrition is severely impacting Northern Uganda, particularly in Omoro and Otuke districts, where over 268,000 children are affected. Many families struggle to provide nutritious meals due to poverty, diseases, and inadequate resources. Parents, like Night Aloyo and Betty Awor, report spending significant amounts on treatment for their malnourished children, who often suffer from persistent health issues. According to the Monitor , while Uganda has made progress in reducing malnutrition rates, it is not enough to meet global commitments. Factors contributing to high malnutrition include inadequate food consumption, poor sanitation, and extreme weather events affecting agricultural productivity. Additionally, healthcare facilities face challenges due to shortages of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), essential for treating severe malnutrition.

Ugandan shilling selling price

The Ugandan shilling remained stable on October 21, 2024, with slight strengthening due to inflows from charities and remittances, trading at 3,760/3,770 compared to the previous close of 3,662/3,672, CBNC Africa reports.

The legislation allows for gender-neutral marriage terms in place of “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives” and includes adoption and inheritance rights for same-sex couples.

This approval follows more than a decade of advocacy from LGBTQ activists in a country known for its relative tolerance. Despite strong public support reflected in opinion polls , traditional values still create challenges for many LGBTQ individuals.

Thailand joins Taiwan and Nepal as one of only three places in Asia where same-sex couples can marry.

LGBTQ activists staged celebrations, including a recent drag show in Bangkok, in excitement.

“We’ve been waiting for a long time. As soon as it becomes law, we will go register our marriage,” 49-year-old Apiwat Apiwatsayree, a well-known figure in the LGBTQ community said on Friday, September 20 after 17 years with his partner.

Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pushed for this legislation, believing it would strengthen family structures. However, he was recently ousted from office, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra taking over as the new leader.

Thailand now joins over 30 countries worldwide that have recognized same-sex unions since the Netherlands first did in 2001.

Further, the report discloses a decline in women’s economic contribution, which has dropped from 18% in 2000 to just 11% in 2022. The decline correlates with a rise in the number of young women who are not engaged in employment, education, or training. 

According to the report, a primary solution to this challenge lies in enabling women to better manage care responsibilities, thereby increasing their access to the formal labour market.

Only 26% of African girls finish secondary school, and a mere 8% pursue tertiary education, which hinders their access to higher-paying jobs and diminishes their overall economic contribution.

The report calls on governments to enact and implement favourable laws that empower young women to become entrepreneurs, thus creating job opportunities for themselves and their peers. 

Additionally, there is a strong push for programs that promote STEM education for young women in both urban and rural areas, as well as initiatives supporting second-chance education.