By Tanya Maswaure

Women’s history may often feel ancient when we speak of it, but one might be surprised that it is still unfolding in front of our eyes. In a historic moment for women’s rights and political representation in India, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reintroduced a bill to reserve one-third of seats in the lower house of parliament and state legislative assemblies for women. This move comes after decades of anticipation and opposition from various political parties. However, as general elections loom, analysts believe the bill’s prospects have significantly improved due to reduced opposition.

By Tanya Maswaure

Pregnancy is not an Impediment to Achieving Your Dreams.

For several years, women worldwide have been relegated to the backseat in several sectors, especially in modern politics, and as time progressed, women moved more into the working / professional field. A few adjustments to the male-dominated workforce had to be made to accommodate these hard-working women. Most early systems in policies were created to favour men and often did not consider women and their needs in the workplace. Sadly, the inclusion of women is a battle still being fought to date, yet women have not let this delay or deter them. In fact, some leaders lead by example and show the world that they can do it despite several obstacles. One such leader is Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The Gender-Inclusive Care Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Program (GICEEP) has been launched in the Asia-Pacific region, to help women turn the persistent and disproportionate responsibility for unpaid care work into business opportunities and pathways towards full economic participation. Women-led business and women-benefitting enterprises in the care economy are encouraged to apply and join a 10-month business acceleration programme.

The programme is funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Visa Foundation, and implemented in partnership with Bopinc, UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, and the Swiss Association For Entrepreneurship In Emerging Markets (SAFEEM) and will be working with governments, investors, employers and other support organizations.

The wife of CPP/ANC Standard Bearer, Mrs Teresa Cummings, has stressed the need for women’s economic empowerment and to equip girls with vocational skills that will make them productive citizens.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is currently reaching out to states to develop and implement comprehensive policies to better protect indigenous women and girls’ human rights.