Latest news with #HeForShe
Times
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Times
Police officer who quit to avoid misconduct hearing ‘cannot be barred'
A senior Metropolitan Police counterterrorism officer accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a female officer at an International Women's Day event in the Maldives was allowed to resign before a gross misconduct hearing. Detective Superintendent Jim Knowles was heralded in the event brochure as a 'strong advocate' for gender equality and a 'HeForShe ally' before he allegedly caused distress to a Maldivian police officer, the local liaison for the Met contingent. It is understood that the complaint lodged with the Met alleged that Knowles texted the woman inappropriately after meeting her at the conference in March 2023. He was said to have turned up unannounced at her hotel room after dinner and, although he left when asked, the encounter left her feeling distressed and uncomfortable. An investigation found that Knowles, who has worked in royalty protection and intelligence, had a case to answer for gross misconduct. He faced the sack if found guilty but resigned before proceedings were brought. He now works for a private security company. The case is another test of the Met's commitment to addressing misconduct within its ranks, a key pledge of Sir Mark Rowley, the Met commissioner, after a series of scandals involving police predators. Gross misconduct hearings, which can be carried out in the absence of former officers, also have the power to bar individuals from working in policing again. That was no longer an option in relation to Knowles once the hearing was cancelled. The Met said that his conduct would be part of his file and come up if he applied for jobs that required vetting in the future. Officers from the Met's counterterror squad are regularly sent overseas to engage and advise local police forces, including in the Maldives, which had one of the highest rates per capita of fighters joining Islamic State. Since the collapse of the Islamist caliphate, there is an enhanced threat from fighters who have returned home. In March 2023 Knowles, then the deputy national co-ordinator for Protect and Prepare, a key element of the UK's counterterror strategy, travelled to the Maldives with two colleagues. The Foreign Office arranged an event, at which Knowles was a speaker, with more than 130 female officers to mark International Women's Day, celebrate women in policing and improve co-ordination between law enforcement agencies involved in the Maldives. The morning after the incident, Knowles's colleagues saw the Maldivian officer in distress. A complaint was made about his alleged inappropriate behaviour on their return to the UK. A disciplinary board was convened 20 months later in November last year, but the force confirmed that it was cancelled when Knowles resigned. The Met would not say who took that decision but cited the need to bring the alleged victim from overseas to give evidence and claimed that she was by then living in a country that did not allow video evidence. A Met spokeswoman said: 'We investigated a complaint of inappropriate behaviour by a Met officer seconded to Counter Terrorism Policing towards a woman in the Maldives on March 8, 2023. 'While our investigation determined the officer should face a misconduct hearing, this was reviewed following his resignation from the force and the hearing was cancelled. The matter remains on the former officer's conduct file and would need to be disclosed during any future vetting process. 'There is no place in the Met for anyone who cannot be trusted to work with women or is a risk to the public.' The Met declined to comment on whether Knowles had to get permission from anyone to resign, and if so who. The Times has attempted to contact Knowles.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Millie Bobby Brown Compared to Emma Watson After ‘Incredible' Speech
is making her fans very proud. Earlier this month, the 21-year-old actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador stood before a packed room to deliver what has since been called a powerful speech at the United Nations. 🎬 🎬 In a video from her appearance, the Stranger Things star introduced the POWER4Girls Initiative which, as she said, "puts adolescent girls at the heart of shaping a more equal world for every girl." Brown then spoke at length about growing up in a world where gender inequality is still present, noting that "change is happening, but not fast enough and not for everyone." "Progress is not the same as equality," she emphasized, before calling on the leaders, organizations, and decision-makers in the room "to do more" and get to work on "real policies that protect their rights and give them the opportunities they deserve." "Fund programs that protect girls from violence, ensure that every girl–no matter where she is born–can go to school and complete her education. Give girls access to healthcare, to digital technology, to economic opportunities, and most importantly, listen to their voices." View the to see embedded media. Another portion of her speech was highlighted in the caption, which read: "I cannot live in a world where girls aren't given the same tools or grace as others. I will not live in a world, where girls aren't treated equally or encouraged to live their lives to the fullest potential ― as teachers, doctors, lawyers, scientists." Fans wasted no time flocking to the comments to praise Brown for her efforts. "i love you so much mills you're incredible 💜," one wrote. 'Another Emma Watson in the making,' a second said, drawing comparisons between the Harry Potter alum–who also was appointed a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and helped launch the UN Women campaign HeForShe, which also advocates for gender equality. "Millie!! I love seeing women using their platform for the better. Way to go Girl!!!" a third cheered. "Slay Millie," another simply wrote. "So well said mills!!" one more exclaimed. Next:
Zawya
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio Honored with Two Prestigious African Continental Awards for Leadership in Gender Equality and Girl-Child Education
His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio has been honored with two prestigious continental awards in recognition of his transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality, girl-child education, and human capital development in Sierra Leone. The African HeForShe Champion of the Year 2024 and the Presidential African Intelligence Award 2024 were presented to President Bio by Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi and founder of the Joyce Banda Foundation, alongside Princess Dr. Ocansey, founder of the Nakotech Centre for Excellence. Declaring the purpose of the award ceremony, the Press Secretary, Yusuf Keketorma Sandi, welcomed the esteemed guests on behalf of President Bio and described the occasion as one that honors an exceptional leader whose dedication has significantly impacted his country. He emphasized that these awards are not just accolades but symbols of Africa's aspiration for leadership rooted in integrity, commitment, and progress. Former Malawian President Dr. Joyce Banda stated that she and her delegation traveled to Freetown to honor one of Africa's most distinguished leaders, having closely followed President Bio's remarkable efforts in promoting gender equality and empowering women. She acknowledged that, although Africa has six female presidents, with another expected in Namibia, only a few male leaders actively champion the rights and protection of women and girls. She commended First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for her steadfast support and advocacy in advancing gender equality in Sierra Leone, highlighting that President Bio's commitment is not merely rhetorical but evident in his policy decisions. She applauded his administration's deliberate efforts to appoint more women to leadership positions, which have now been enshrined in law, affirming him as a true HeForShe Champion. She further noted that his dedication to human capital development made him a deserving recipient of these prestigious awards. In his acceptance speech, President Julius Maada Bio expressed profound gratitude for the African HeForShe Champion of the Year Award 2024 and the Presidential African Intelligence Award 2024. He noted that these honors recognize his government's work in promoting women's socio-economic empowerment and advancing girl-child education, particularly in STEM fields. 'These awards are not just personal achievements but a testament to the collective efforts of my government and the people of Sierra Leone in fostering education, gender equality, and women's empowerment. Receiving them from two globally recognized trailblazers in gender advocacy makes them even more significant,' President Bio remarked. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to gender equality, emphasizing that Sierra Leone's journey has been one of dedication and transformative action. He underscored that gender equality is not just a moral imperative but a fundamental driver of national development, social cohesion, and economic progress. President Bio highlighted several key initiatives undertaken by his government, including progressive legislative reforms to enhance gender inclusion, increased access to education for girls, particularly in STEM, greater support for women entrepreneurs to foster economic independence, and strengthened measures against gender-based violence to create a safer society for women and girls. 'These are not just policies; they are pathways to a more just and equitable society. While we celebrate progress, we remain fully aware that the road ahead is long and demanding,' he stated. The President also reiterated that gender equality is not solely a women's issue but a collective responsibility requiring the unwavering commitment of men and boys as allies. 'I dedicate this award to every girl who dares to dream beyond societal limitations, every woman who strives against the odds, and every man who believes in and actively advocates for gender equality. Together, we can make a significant difference,' he concluded. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
