Latest news with #WomenEmpowerment
The Hindu
18 hours ago
- The Hindu
RTC to celebrate 200 crore free tickets worth thousands of crores under Maha Lakshmi scheme: Ponnam Prabhakar
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) has crossed a remarkable milestone under the Maha Lakshmi Scheme with 200 crore free tickets availed by the women who have been provided free bus travel by the government. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar stated that women have saved an estimated ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 per month so far, and the government has already released ₹6,700 crore to the RTC for reimbursement of this free travel. 'This has ensured that the scheme runs smoothly without causing financial burden on the RTC,' he said. He stated that the government remains committed to protecting the interests of RTC, ensuring passenger safety and promoting employee welfare. 'Through this scheme, we are not just providing free travel but opening up opportunities for women from rural and remote areas to pursue employment, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship in cities,' the Minister said. Launched on December 9, 2023, the day the Congress assumed power, the Maha Lakshmi scheme was an election promise implemented from the first day itself. To mark this historic occasion, the Minister has called for grand celebrations and special programmes on Wednesday, at 97 RTC depots and 341 bus stations across Telangana. Mr. Prabhakar said the government has planned inspirational speeches by women beneficiaries from various walks of life, including vegetable vendors, employees, teachers, students, businesswomen, patients and pilgrims, sharing their personal experiences of how free travel has positively impacted their lives. Five best drivers, conductors, traffic guides and security personnel at each depot will be felicitated for their exceptional service and contribution to the success of the scheme, he said. Competitions for school and college students, such as essay writing, rangoli and painting on topics like Women Empowerment and Maha Lakshmi free travel scheme were being held and prizes would be awarded to the winners.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Africa: Advancing gender responsive land governance and women's land tenure security
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is convening a high-level regional workshop to advance gender-responsive land governance across the continent. As part of the multi-country initiative on Gender-Responsive Land Governance in Africa, the July 22-23 workshop reflects a deepened commitment to transforming land governance systems to ensure that African women are empowered with secure and equitable land rights. Land remains one of Africa's most vital yet contested natural resources, central to food security, livelihoods, inclusive growth, and community resilience. For women, land serves not only as an economic asset but also as a foundation for agency, decision-making power, and social protection. Despite their indispensable role in rural economies, women continue to face structural barriers to accessing, owning, and controlling land, rooted in discriminatory norms, legal pluralism, and unequal power relations. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these disparities, underscoring the importance of secure land tenure in strengthening resilience against economic and climate shocks. In response, ECA and its partners initiated a project across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Guinea, Malawi, and Tanzania, assisting Member States in developing and applying inclusive, gender-sensitive land policies and legal reforms. The regional workshop will provide a participatory platform for stakeholders—including government actors, civil society, traditional leaders, and development partners—to validate policy outputs, share experiences, and co-create strategies to secure women's land rights. Participants will engage in hands-on training sessions grounded in AU policy frameworks, such as the Framework and Guidelines on Land Policy in Africa, and apply analytical tools to drive reform within their national contexts. Expected outcomes of the workshop include strengthened stakeholder capacities, validated national action plans, improved monitoring and evaluation tools, and reinforced political commitment to gender equality in land governance. This workshop marks a critical step toward realizing the ambitions of Agenda 2063, the Maputo Protocol, and the Sustainable Development Goals, and ensuring that land governance systems work for all Africans, especially women. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Mehendi Celebrations Enthrall at Government Science Degree College
Nagar kurnool: Mehendi celebrations were held with great enthusiasm on Saturday at the Nellikonda Government Science Degree College, Nagarkurnool. The event witnessed active participation from female students and women faculty members and was organized grandly under the aegis of the Women Empowerment Cell. On this occasion, College Principal Madan Mohan stated, 'Cultural programs like these foster joy and a festive atmosphere among students. They also help strengthen the bond between faculty and students.' Students themselves collected henna leaves from the college premises and artistically adorned their hands with mehendi designs. The event captivated everyone and created a lively ambience. Women Empowerment officials Umadevi and Vanitha shared insights into the cultural and health significance of mehendi, stating, 'Henna helps reduce body heat, boosts immunity, and improves blood circulation. Since ancient times, women have traditionally adorned henna during the Ashada month as a part of customary practice.' They emphasized that continuing such traditions helps cultivate a pleasant and joyful environment among students. The event was attended by AO Mohammad Irfan, senior faculty member Kodandaramulu and others.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Empowering Women through Clean Energy: African Development Bank Launches Country Diagnostics to Accelerate Inclusive Energy Transitions
In a significant step toward advancing inclusive climate solutions, the African Development Bank ( in partnership with the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) ( has launched the Gender and Renewable Energy Country Diagnostics ( pivotal initiative exploring the nexus between gender equity and energy access in six African countries: Ghana ( Liberia ( Mali ( Lesotho ( Madagascar ( and Malawi ( Commissioned by the Bank under CIF's Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program, the diagnostics provide evidence-based, country-specific recommendations to enhance women's leadership, financial inclusion, and participation in Africa's clean energy economy. Focusing on localized, actionable solutions, the reports identify opportunities to embed gender considerations into national energy planning, investment strategies, and policy frameworks. They also propose inclusive financing models that de-risk women-led energy enterprises and highlight the need for capacity-building efforts to strengthen technical skills, entrepreneurial readiness, and leadership among women in the renewable energy sector. The findings were officially unveiled at a virtual launch event on 30 June 2025, hosted by the Bank's Climate Change and Green Growth Department and Gender and Women Empowerment Division. The event brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, and development institutions, underscoring a strong regional commitment to gender-equitable and resilient energy transitions. Opening the event, Al Hamndou Dorsouma, Manager of the Climate Change and Green Growth, reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to a just and inclusive energy transition. 'Gender equality is a source of serious innovation and sustainable growth,' he stated, emphasizing the need to translate diagnostic findings into concrete reforms, strengthening institutional coordination, and gender-responsive business and financing mechanisms. He noted that the initiative directly responds to growing country-level demand for stronger gender integration in energy strategies, building on earlier successes in East Africa. Nathalie Gahunga, Manager of the Gender and Women Empowerment Division, closed the event with a compelling call to action. She urged governments, development partners, NGOs, financiers, and the private sector to turn the data into transformative investments, innovative programs, and inclusive policy reforms. 'The real work begins now,' she declared, calling for cross-sector collaboration to remove structural barriers and unlock women's full participation in Africa's green economy. Fewstancia Munyaradzi, Executive Director of Rand Sandton Consulting Group ( presented a consolidated action plan focused on closing financing gaps, building institutional capacity, and integrating gender-responsive approaches into energy policy and project design. At the African Development Bank, gender integration is a core priority. Gender considerations are mainstreamed in 100 percent of the Bank's climate operations—from design through implementation. These diagnostics reflect that commitment, providing practical tools to help countries operationalize gender equality in energy planning and programming. As Africa advances on its path to energy transformation, diagnostics are now available to guide gender-responsive policy and investment decisions across the continent. They affirm that gender inclusion is not only a development imperative but a cornerstone of sustainable, resilient progress. This new effort builds on the Bank's earlier collaboration with the Climate Investment Funds in 2020, which produced Gender and Sustainable Energy Access country briefs for Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda ( Those briefs guided gender-sensitive energy interventions and highlighted the importance of sex-disaggregated data, national-level engagement, and context-specific recommendations. To review the Country Diagnostic Studies on Gender and Renewable Energy, click here ( Ghana (https:// Liberia (https:// Mali (https:// Lesotho (https:// Madagascar (https:// Malawi (https:// Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:
Zawya
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
WomenIN Festival Unveils 2025 Theme: 'LIMITLESS: No Labels. No Limits. No Apologies'
The WomenIN Festival, Africa's definitive gathering of women from across industries, sectors, and stages of life, is thrilled to announce its official theme for 2025: LIMITLESS: No Labels. No Limits. No Apologies. This year's theme is more than a slogan — it's a declaration. A rallying cry for women who are no longer asking for permission. She's not fitting in — she's standing out, showing up, and shaking the world. The sub-themes set the tone for a celebration of authenticity, boldness, and multidimensional brilliance. It's about embracing your full self — in business, in leadership, in creativity, and in life. Save the Date: 13–14 November 2025 Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa WomenIN Festival 2025 will once again unite trailblazers, thought leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and change-makers for a powerful two-day experience filled with: Inspiring keynotes and fireside conversations Transformative networking Immersive activations and curated spaces Unapologetic celebration and connection From boardrooms to grassroots, innovation hubs to social impact spaces — this is where Africa's boldest women connect, collaborate, and thrive. 'LIMITLESS is not just our theme — it's a mindset. It's about dismantling outdated labels and owning the fullness of who we are, as women leading across industries, cultures, and communities. At WomenIN, we're building a global movement that recognises and celebrates every woman's power to rewrite the rules, reimagine her future, and rise.' – Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, Director: WomenIN Portfolio Whether you're building your legacy, launching your vision, or reimagining your next chapter — this is your invitation to do it limitlessly. Tickets are now available at and start at just R1499 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group. Festival ticket page: Partnerships&speaking opportunities: Hashtags: #WomenINFestival #Limitless2025 #NoLabelsNoLimitsNoApologies #WeAreWomenIN WomenIN (WiN): Empowering Women, Breaking Barriers, Creating Impact: WomenIN is a powerful cross-sector movement that connects, inspires, and uplifts women across Africa through collaboration, leadership, and sustainable development. From energy and mobility to retail, gaming, and the green economy, WiN is driving real change by building inclusive ecosystems where women can thrive. Through a range of in-person gatherings, digital content, workshops, and sector-specific initiatives, WomenIN provides a trusted platform for female professionals, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and allies to grow together, break silos, and co-create solutions for Africa's future. With a strong focus on capacity building, leadership development, and market access for female-owned businesses, WomenIN is building a legacy of impact for generations to come. Whether you're a corporate, NPO, SMME, or individual changemaker, there is space for you at the table—because we win when we WiN together. For more information, please visit: or contact our team at info@ ABOUT VUKA Group: VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations that drive growth and transformation across Africa's industries. With 20+ years of experience on the continent, the group delivers sector-leading platforms across Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport, Retail, and Women Empowerment. The WomenIN (WiN) portfolio is a flagship initiative of VUKA Group, championing gender inclusivity and creating opportunities for women to lead, influence, and innovate across sectors. With a proudly African team and a commitment to sustainable development, VUKA is creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to rise.
