Latest news with #GenderEquality
Arab News
24-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Deputy minister of human resources says Saudi reforms boost women's economic participation
RIYADH: Dr. Tariq Alhamad, Saudi Arabia's deputy minister for international affairs at the ministry of human resources and social development, outlined how reforms under Vision 2030 are helping to remove barriers to women's participation in economic and social life during the official review of the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality. 'Vision 2030 is more than a set of goals,' he said. 'It brings government, civil society, and the private sector into shared delivery,' he said at the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum in New York City on Tuesday. 'We've focused not only on policy, but on the support systems women need to participate fully — whether that's jobs, childcare or reliable transport. 'There's more to do, but we've made real progress, and we're determined to build on it,' Alhamad said. He described Vision 2030 as a national framework that aligns closely with the SDGs and provides the basis for long-term reform. The deputy minister noted that female workforce participation reached 36.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025, up from 19.7 percent in 2018. Initiatives such as Qurrah, which has supported more than 40,000 women with childcare, and Wusool, which has helped more than 300,000 women with transport to and from work, have been key to this shift. Maternity leave has been extended to 12 weeks with full pay, and close to 1.3 million women are now working freelance. 'Change doesn't happen in isolation,' Alhamad said. 'It needs institutions that can partner, systems that allow for transparency, and frameworks that reflect our national priorities while staying aligned with global standards.' HRSD has introduced new legal frameworks for volunteering, donations and non-profit work. Alongside the National Center for Non-Profit Sector, the ministry is helping to expand the role of civil society in service delivery and innovation. Initiatives such as the National Volunteer Portal and the Ehsan platform are making it easier for citizens to participate, while helping institutions track and improve impact. The ministry is working to contribute to several SDGs, including Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequality (SDG 10), Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). Dr. Tariq also spoke about the value of international partnerships, highlighting HRSD's collaboration with the International Labour Organization and the World Bank, both part of the broader UN system. These relationships, he said, help ensure that national reforms meet international standards while staying rooted in local realities. 'Vision 2030 and the 2030 Agenda were launched the same year. They're not the same, but they speak to many of the same goals,' he said. 'For us, the SDGs are not abstract. They're reflected in the way we build institutions, form partnerships, and serve our communities.' The minister of economy and planning, Faisal Al-Ibrahim, delivered the Kingdom's address at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York City.
Irish Times
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Mrs Robinson: a Wikipedia entry brought to life
Mary Robinson is a transformative figure in Irish politics – the country's first female president, a tireless campaigner for equality and ferocious advocate for human rights. It's a shame, then, that her life has been flattened out into a functional feel-good story by Mrs Robinson (RTÉ One,9.35pm). The documentary, released in cinemas in 2024 and now airing on terrestrial television, has a becalmed, 'eat your greens' quality and is incurious about the private person behind the public figure. The best that can be said is that it does an efficient job tracing the broad arc of Robinson's career – from her childhood as the daughter of two doctors and the grandchild of a well-connected local lawyer in Ballina to her advocacy for women's rights as a young barrister in 1970s Dublin. Her fearlessness in the face of power is confirmed all over again as we see her become UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and stand up to both China and the United States – only to be asked to leave the job before her term was up. But while these milestones are ticked off, Mrs Robinson doesn't seem to have any opinions of its own about the former Uachtarán and what has ended up on screen has the quality of a Wikipedia entry brought to life. Across its 90 minutes, the film cries out for a spark – a zinging insight, a surprise that adds to our appreciation or understanding of Robinson. None is forthcoming. READ MORE It also glosses over Robinson's privileged background as the daughter of doctors, who grew up in a prominent house in the middle of Ballina. At a time when most people had very little, the Bourkes had a lot. There was a nanny at home and rather than attend school in Mayo she was educated privately at Mount Anville in Dublin. She was, as she says on camera, a woman and, thus, a second-class citizen in post-de Valera Ireland. But there were a lot of third-class citizens at the time, too, and it is a shame that she isn't asked for her views about privilege and power in Ireland. The turning point in her life, of course, was the 1990 presidential election. As the film shows, the campaign against her had a nasty edge. One low was Charles Haughey apparatchik Pádraig Flynn going on the radio and claiming that she was presenting a fake version of herself and of her having a newfound interest in her family. However, Mrs Robinson makes the baffling decision to skirt around rival candidate Brian Lenihan's self-sabotage when he contradicted himself on television over whether he had phoned the Aras to ask President Hillery to decline to dissolve the Dáil in 1982. At the time, the 'mature recollection' debacle was widely regarded as having swung the election. And yet Mrs Robinson does not mention it. Nor does it broach the whispering campaign against the President once she had taken up residency at the Phoenix Park - for instance, the notorious 'Big Bird' incident in which her fashion sense was mocked. There was a feeling at the time that many in Ireland wished to undermine her and could not come to terms with a woman in power. You wouldn't know it from watching Mrs Robinson. There are contributions from celebrity admirers such as mogul Richard Branson and musician Peter Gabriel. The film isn't quite a hagiography, however. Robinson admits to bad judgment over leaving the presidency three months early to take up her job with the UN. She is embarrassed, too, over having been manipulated into vouching for the safety of Dubai's Princess Latifa. Good on her for having the courage to acknowledge her missteps – and for her continuing advocacy for climate justice. As both a young lawyer and today as an outspoken elder stateswoman, she has always walked towards the future with dignity and courage. She deserves better than this often plodding film.
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Marking International Women's Day 2025: Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej & First Ladies of Africa Empower and Uplift Women & Girls Through Education & Healthcare
Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa who are also their Ambassadors, Ministries of Health, Education, Communication&Gender, mark 'International Women's Day 2025', through their impactful development programs, continuing their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African Women for Six Consecutive Years (2019 - 2024) expressed, 'Happy International Women's Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world! Empowering girls and women is at the core of all our initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation. I recognize the immense potential of women to thrive, succeed and excel in any domain they choose, yet they often lack the conducive environment to fully realize their capabilities, especially in underserved communities. Therefore, together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, we mark International Women's Day every day since the last 13 years through our development programs and initiatives such as ' More Than a Mother', 'Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement', 'Educating Linda', and 'STEM Program'." "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education and change of mindset. 'I am thrilled to share that out of the 2,282 scholarships awarded across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, 1046 scholarships, that is nearly 50% have been granted to female medical graduates, empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders. I am especially proud that we have awarded over 680 scholarships to young doctors, dedicated to advancing women's health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity.' Merck Foundation CEO strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. 'I am happy to share that through our 'Educating Linda' Program, together with my dear sisters, our Ambassadors, we are contributing to the future of over 700 girls by providing scholarships to continue their education and also providing essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls in many African countries such as Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Verde and more. Moreover, we have benefitted thousands of girls through our awareness campaign through many initiates like the release of inspiring songs, children's storybooks, animation films, TV Program and awards for best media, song, film&fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girl education today for women's empowerment tomorrow', emphasized Senator Rasha Kelej. Merck Foundation also actively empowers women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence. 'Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM,' emphasized Dr. Kelej. Watch the Episodes of 'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV program on Supporting Girl Education: Episode 2: Episode 11: Episode 14: Listen to Merck Foundation song about Supporting Girl Education here: Watch, share&subscribe to the 'Girl Can' song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively: Watch, share&subscribe the ' Like Them ' song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: Watch, share&subscribe ' Take me to School ' song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls' education: Watch share&subscribe ' Tu Podes Sim ' Portuguese song, which means ' Yes, You Can ' in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: Watch, share&subscribe ' Brighter day' song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: Watch the Merck Foundation Animation Films to Support Girl Education : Ride into to Future: Jackeline's Rescue: Read the Merck Foundation storybook addressing the importance of Girl Education: To read Educating Linda Storybook, pls visit: To read Jackline's Rescue Storybook, pls visit: To read Ride into the Future Storybook, pls visit: To read Not Who You Are Storybook, pls visit: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669 Email: Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Liberia Signs the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs representing the Government of Liberia signed the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AUCEVAWG) The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 47th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Speaking on behalf of the Government of Liberia, Assistant Minister for Afro-Asian Affairs, Honorable Charlyne A. Taylor, who signed the Convention, reaffirmed Liberia's commitment to advancing the women, peace and security agenda in Africa. She noted that Liberia will continue to work with the African Union and all partners in implementing the Convention to protect and empower women and girl's rights. Minister Taylor praised the African Union and affiliated organizations for their work in protecting women and girls, and promised that Liberia will accelerate the process of ratifying the convention given that Convention aligns well with the agenda of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. who has made women empowerment and protection of women and girls a key program of his government. The Vice Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, Honorable Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, commended Liberia for the bold step and praised Liberia for its impressive record in promoting and protecting women's rights, well as enhancing women's participation in government and the economy. She noted that Liberia is the fifth African country to sign the convention but encouraged Liberia to lead in the ratification process. Also attending the ceremony were Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration; Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, the African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security; and Her Excellency Doris Mpoumou, UNWOMEN Special Representative to the African Union Commission and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
Business Recorder
05-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Digital & financial inclusion of women: WCCI, UNDP hold provincial dialogue
LAHORE: In a concerted effort to empower women and bridge Pakistan's widening gender gap, the Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lahore (WCCIL), in collaboration with UNDP's Punjab SDGs Unit, convened a high-level provincial consultation titled 'Bridging the Gender Divide | Empowering Futures through Digital and Financial Inclusion of Women.' Chaired by the President of Bank of Punjab Zafar Masud, the dialogue engaged esteemed speakers from diverse sectors with UNDP, represented by Dr. M. Aman Ullah, Project Manager, Punjab SDGs Unit; Dr. Shehla Javed Akram, Founder Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Falahat Imran, President WCCI; Ahmed Khan, CEO PSDF; Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi, Vice Chancellor, Lahore College for Women University, Ayub Ghuri, Executive Director Netsol, and Ms. Rie Komahashi from JICA. The keynote address was delivered by Zafar Masud, President of the Bank of Punjab, who emphasized the critical need for expanding access to financial services for women and young entrepreneurs. 'Local chambers must give a list of local global and regional supply chains to which local women entrepreneurs can connect to while transcending baking and dress making', said Zafar. Further he stressed to create some bankable projects/financial empowerment schemes that could be run or supported by Bank of Punjab. 'This provincial dialogue is not just a discussion; it is a commitment to action. We are working to ensure that women are not only included in Pakistan's digital and financial ecosystems but empowered to lead within them,' said UNDP's Dr. M. Aman Ullah. Despite some progress with 8 million more women gaining access to mobile internet in the past year; Pakistan's overall ranking in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 remains concerning at 148 out of 148 countries. The event addressed this urgent call to action by exploring barriers such as lack of digital literacy, limited access to credit, and informal labour constraints, which disproportionately affect women-led SMEs and home-based workers. The session brought together key stakeholders from government, thought leaders, development practitioners, private sector representatives, academia, and civil society, who actively engaged in a meaningful debate followed by a Q&A session to spotlight systemic challenges and explore inclusive pathways for women's economic emancipation and digital empowerment in both formal and informal sectors. Anchored in SDG 5 (Gender Equality), the event amplified women's voices and innovation, called for public-private collaboration, and laid the foundation for scalable, gender-responsive economic solutions. Gender and fintech experts highlighted the role of women in driving economic growth, the barriers to their economic emancipation, significance of digital literacy, access to supply chains, and mentorship and skills-based training programs to support and formalize the women-led SMEs. The session ended with an action plan shared by WCCIL Founder, Dr. Shehla Javed Akram. 'To re-imagine a thriving and inclusive economy, we must enable women not just as beneficiaries, but as builders and leaders of the future,' remarked Dr. Shehla Javed Akram. The dialogue served as a pivotal step toward reshaping the landscape of financial and digital inclusion for women in Pakistan; one solution, one story, and one commitment at a time. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
