Latest news with #genderEquality
Zawya
2 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Rwanda renews its leadership in gender equality through technology and innovation at Generation Equality national stakeholders roundtable
UN Women Rwanda, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), successfully convened the 4th Generation Equality Forum (GEF) Stakeholders Roundtable, reaffirming Rwanda's global leadership in advancing gender equality through technology and innovation. Held at MIGEPROF headquarters, the bi-annual forum brought together over 50 stakeholders from across government, civil society, the private sector, academia, and development partners to assess national progress and strengthen cross-sector partnerships aligned with the GEF agenda and Rwanda's national commitments . Rwanda has emerged as a global leader, proudly serving as co-lead of the Action Coalition on Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality. With consistent coordination by UN Women and MIGEPROF, Rwanda has institutionalized a results-oriented, inclusive stakeholder engagement model. This roundtable served as a critical midpoint reflection in Rwanda's five-year journey toward fulfilling its national pledges, first declared by H.E. President Paul Kagame at the 2021 Forum in Paris and reaffirmed the country's commitment to using technology and innovation as a powerful lever for gender transformation. Opening the session, Hon. Consolée Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, emphasized the tangible strides made to date. Girls' enrollment in STEM at the upper secondary level has increased from 44.7 per cent in 2021 to 48.6 per cent in 2024. Mobile phone ownership among women-led households has risen from 54.4 per cent to 74 per cent. Additionally, young women innovators have triumphed in three consecutive editions of the national Hanga Pitch Fest competition. 'These are not just statistics, they are stories of transformation,' said Minister Uwimana. 'As we reflect on our commitments, let's remember we are here as Rwanda's voice in the Generation Equality Forum. The world is watching. Let's show what is possible when strong leadership and partnerships work together to drive real change.' The forum featured presentations from key government institutions. The Ministry of ICT and Innovation, alongside the Rwanda Information Society Authority, highlighted advances in broadband connectivity and digital device distribution. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning acknowledged notable gains in expanding digital financial inclusion while also calling for improved tracking mechanisms. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported increased engagement of women in e-commerce and digital marketplaces, while the Ministry of Education showcased the transformative impact of targeted STEM and coding programs, including the African Girls Can Code Initiative. In her keynote remarks, Ms. Jennet Kem, UN Women Country Representative, commended MIGEPROF's leadership and reiterated UN Women's commitment to coordinated multistakeholder action. 'This platform reflects the full essence of the GEF model, bringing together experiences, resources, and good practices from all sectors,' she said. 'Rwanda's coordinated efforts with stakeholders, consistently convened over the past four years, demonstrate what effective implementation and accountability look like.' She pointed to its election as Vice-Chair of the 70th Commission on the Status of Women as an opportunity to influence global gender-tech norms providing global and regional perspective. Joining the stakeholders virtually, Ms. Hélène Molinier, UN Women's Advisor on Digital Gender Cooperation, shared that the Generation Equality Forum has mobilized over $40 billion in financial pledges and more than 2,500 policy and program commitments globally. She commended Rwanda's ability to not only make bold pledges but to institutionalize them through structured coordination and accountability mechanisms, positioning the country as a global exemplar in translating ambition into action. During the meeting, participants emphasized the need to systematically document initiatives that advance the gender and digitization agenda to foster coherent, coordinated action and better leverage stakeholder contributions across the ecosystem. Accelerating grassroots efforts was highlighted as essential for sustaining progress, with a strong call to utilize community structures to tackle persistent barriers to girls' education in STEM fields. Addressing emerging GEWE challenges, particularly technology-facilitated gender-based violence, was identified as a critical priority in the roll out of the national digitisation agenda. Stakeholders also stressed the importance of evidence-based policies, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, particularly with research institutions and innovation hubs, to develop tailored solutions that bridge the gender digital divide and strengthen women and girls' digital skills and entrepreneurial potential. Strengthening national coordination mechanisms was recognized as key to ensuring impactful and synergistic actions. Closing the session, Mr. Silas Ngayaboshya, Director General of MIGEPROF, reaffirmed Rwanda's resolve. 'Our pledges are not mere aspirations, they are transformative promises. We must continue to challenge the norms, bridge digital gaps, and ensure no woman or girl is left behind.' As Rwanda looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, the 4th Generation Equality Stakeholders Roundtable once again showcased a collective national vision rooted in accountability, innovation, and inclusive leadership. With coordinated action and sustained momentum, Rwanda continues to lead by example, demonstrating how technology can serve as a powerful engine for gender equality. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Zawya
2 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Young Feminist Movement in Malawi Elects First Executive Committee, Paving the Way for Change
On May 10, 2025, the Young Feminist Movement in Malawi took a significant step toward strengthening its leadership and collective vision by electing its inaugural Executive Committee. The elections took place in the capital, Lilongwe, and involved 32 participants, including representatives from 25 civil society organizations, media representatives, UN Women officials, and the Ambassador of Ireland, with Letty Chiwara, the UN Women Malawi Representative, presiding as the Guest of Honour. This movement, which originated from a roundtable discussion in December 2024, aims to unify the voices of young feminists throughout the country and elevate their efforts towards achieving gender equality. The establishment of the Executive Committee represents a pivotal moment in fostering structured, inclusive, and accountable leadership for this emerging movement. The gathering underscored the resolve of young feminists to drive change. In her keynote address, Letty Chiwara praised the movement's advancements, stating, 'What we are witnessing today is not merely a meeting; it is a powerful testament to the strength, energy, and vision of young feminists in Malawi… Your leadership is crucial in shaping a future where women and girls are central to development.' She stated. The elections were carried out with transparency, focusing on governance, structure, and the movement's immediate goals. In addition to defining the roles and composition of the Executive Committee, a clear roadmap for the movement's future was created, enhancing collaboration among its members. The newly elected Executive Committee has committed to being an active force in combating gender-based violence, discrimination, and the systemic challenges faced by women and girls in Malawi. Their mandate includes positioning the movement as a prominent advocate for gender justice and ensuring that young feminists are included in decision-making processes. In moving forward, the committee has resolved to create a detailed action plan in partnership with collaborators, thereby ensuring sustained momentum and tangible impact. Bridget Oscar Phiri, a representative of young women, highlighted the necessity of a united approach: 'This is merely the beginning. We must collaborate—activists, organizations, and allies—to transform our feminist aspirations into reality,' Phiri said. With a democratically elected leadership now in place, the Young Feminist Movement is poised to initiate strategic efforts, including advocacy campaigns, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborations with both national and international partners. The movement's focus on intersectionality and inclusivity guarantees that a variety of voices—especially those from underrepresented communities—are acknowledged and included. As the young feminists of Malawi advance, their message is unequivocal: the pursuit of gender equality is not an individual endeavour but a collective movement, and they are ready to take the lead. For more information on the Young Feminist Movement's initiatives, see Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Japan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Japan Times
No LGBTQ+ help desks for 73% of sports groups in Japan
A survey released Thursday showed that 73% of sports organizations in Japan have not made consultation desks available for LGBTQ+ and other sexual minorities, as well as people seeking advice on gender identity and sexual orientation. The survey was conducted in March and April on efforts to protect sexual minorities and secure diversity, covering members from some 60 sports organizations across Japan, including staff in professional leagues and clubs. Valid responses came from 31 people. Half of respondents answered that their organizations have not set sections to promote diversity, equality and inclusiveness, or persons in charge of securing them, according to the survey led by Pride House Tokyo, which sends out information on LGBTQ+ issues. The proportion of female directors stood at less than 10% at half of respondents' organizations. "Diversity is very limited in the sports world," Aya Noguchi, deputy director of the International Research Center for Sport and Gender Equality at Seijo University said in a news conference. "Rather than only raising awareness, it is important for organizations to change."
Japan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Japan Times
Ishiba and Tomasdottir agree to deepen cooperation between Japan and Iceland
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Icelandic President Halla Tomasdottir met in Tokyo on Tuesday and agreed to deepen cooperation between their countries in a wide range of fields, including the economy and security. During their meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, Ishiba said he feels Japan has an affinity with Iceland because both countries are known for their many volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. Referring to intensifying competition in the Arctic, including for new shipping routes, Ishiba said Japan hopes to advance its cooperation with Iceland in a concrete way. Tomasdottir said Japan is Iceland's most important partner in Asia, and expressed her eagerness to collaborate with Japan on geothermal energy and gender equality.
ABC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Tegan Bennett Daylight's young adult novel How to Survive 1985 draws on memories 'burned into' her brain
What would you do if you came out of a cinema and found you had somehow gone back in time to the 1980s? That's the predicament facing Shannon, the teenage protagonist of Tegan Bennett Daylight's new young adult (YA) novel, How to Survive 1985. The book follows Shannon as she tries to find her friends — who have also travelled back in time — and a way to return to her usual life. While it would be easy for a time travel tale to embrace the cliches of the era and have its characters get around in acid wash jeans while listening to power ballads on their walkmans, Daylight's book has fun with its setting — but takes a different path. How to Survive 1985 uses its time shift for social commentary, as Shannon reflects on how society has changed in the past four decades. Seeing a less inclusive Australia leads her to celebrate progress on gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights and environmental issues. She also becomes thankful for the modern medical advances that help people live longer, happier lives. Daylight says she has seen teenagers become more compassionate and inclusive, and wanted to celebrate this change. "I come across Gen-Xers who seem to think that all the radical work stopped with us, as though we'd done everything that we needed to do, or that Gen Z are a hopeless bunch. I just don't believe that at all. "I've been teaching for 30 years, and I've got kids, and I have found that young people are lost in some ways, but they just get kinder and kinder." While Daylight, who turned 16 in 1985, consulted with some Gen X friends about their memories of the 1980s, she didn't have to do too much research to set the scene. "That part of your life gets burned into your brain," she explains of being a teenager. "Anything that happens then stays [with you], so it was very, very easy to remember my attitudes, clothing, the music I was listening to and what the world looked like." She can also easily recall the connection she felt with her family as a teenager. In the book, Shannon hangs out with her teenage mother and reflects on her hopes and dreams for the future. Daylight says the storyline was close to home for her. "I asked my oldest child what they would do if they went back to 1985, and they said, 'I'd look for you.' That was a lovely thing to hear. "I also realised as I was writing that it was likely to be something I'd do as well." One key difference with setting a book in the 1980s is that the characters can't communicate with mobile phones or the internet. "Taking phones out [of the story] is a great thought experiment to see what young people who are used to phones might do," Daylight says. "It's also a great plot point, because they know they want to find each other but don't know how. So that gives them this lovely adventure to go on." Daylight, who published her first adult novel, Bombora, in 1996, never planned to write YA fiction. "I just had this idea of six teenagers trapped in Penrith Plaza," she says of her previous book, Royals. (How to Survive 1985 features the same characters, but can be read as a standalone book.) "But once I'd written that, I was like, 'OK, cool, I've finished my YA.' "A few people said to me, 'Are you going to write a sequel?' and I said 'No way.' But then this other idea [for How to Survive 1985] just turned up and kept hanging out with me." Now, she's even working on a third book in the series that she never intended to write. Daylight says the main difference she has found between writing literary fiction and YA is promoting the work. "YA is a different space; it's much less heightened and poised than literary, where you're really curating yourself," she says. She has found that while there is less focus on YA in the media and at writer's festivals, it has a vibrant and enthusiastic readership. "Even though you might be quite visible as a literary writer and less so as a YA writer, what happens is the books actually sell. "They call it young adult, but [the character ages] start at about 10 and go to 25, so it's quite a broad market, and it's been super interesting." And Daylight is delighted that her time travel fiction is striking a chord. How to Survive 1985 (Simon & Schuster) is out now.
