Pro-Women Laws Emerge in Pakistan
Women in Pakistan have historically struggled to achieve gender equality, however there have been several breakthroughs over the past few years thanks to the efforts of the government and various advocacy groups. Last year, the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention (Amendment) Bill gave the State guidance on how to punish offenders and support victims of violent gender-based crimes. Most recently, on International Women’s Day last month, the President of Pakistan signed the National Commission on the Status of Women Bill into law, which allows the commission to investigate women’s rights violations. Read more here.
Empowering Girls and Women to Achieve Peace and Prosperity
It has become well known that educating and empowering girls and women leads to a wide variety of benefits, from greater economic growth to healthier children and families. However, the positive effects also extend into making and keeping peace. In fact, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s recently released policy guidance on gender instructs embassies and bureaus across the world to implement policies that promote gender equality and advance the status of women and girls in order to foster conflict prevention, as well as relief recovery, in post-conflict situations. To read more go here.
Girls’ Education Top Concern for Afghani Women When US Troops Leave
When the Taliban fell from power in 2001, there were 5,000 girls attending school in Afghanistan. Today there are 2.5 million. A recent nationwide survey shows that a massive majority of women are terrified about the possibility of a return to a Taliban-run government when US troops pull out of the country. One of the main concerns mentioned was their daughter’s education, which many believe will suffer greatly if the Taliban returns. Not only are young girls fighting for their education, but also an escape from forced marriages and other practices that limit their freedom. Get the rest of the story here.
Young Girls in India Struggle to Stay in School
India’s government has made significant efforts to provide free compulsory education to all children ages 6 to 14 after passing the Right to Education Act in April 2010. Even more, all enrolled students receive 27 essential items such as a uniform and backpack as well as a free hot lunch. Despite these efforts, India’s poorest still struggle to stay in school and it seems to be even worse for girls. Durga Jadav is an 11 year old who lives under a bridge with her family in Mumbai, India. Despite having nothing to eat at home and pressure to help her family by getting a job, Durga perseveres and goes to school. To read more about her story go here.
