The Week That Was: Global Women Empowerment News Overview (10th July - 15th July)

In today's rapidly changing global landscape, women leaders all over the world have emerged as powerful forces driving progress, equality, and innovation. Breaking barriers and defying stereotypes, these visionary leaders embody resilience, determination, and a passion for positive change. From politics to business, science to education, women are at the forefront, reshaping societies and inspiring future generations.

Their remarkable achievements have paved the way for inclusive policies, economic growth, and social justice. With their unique perspectives, empathetic approach, and transformative leadership, women leaders are making indelible contributions, creating a more balanced and equitable world for everyone. Let’s see and cherish the accomplishments of women globally at (theglobalwomanleader.com)

Nigerian Women's Group seeks for 50% Representation in Public Offices

Women’s group, UNWomen has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that there is 50 percent female representation in his forthcoming appointments for ministers, heads of agencies and parastatals.

Beatrice Eyong, UNWomen Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS spoke during the fisrst edition of ReportHer Awards, in Lagos. The event was organized by Women Radio WFM91.7, in partnership with UNWomen and with the support of the Canadian government.

MSN and Rotary Club Partnership Offers Free Cervical Cancer Screening Vouchers to Women in Nepal

In a significant effort to combat cervical cancer in Nepal, the "Mahila Swastha Upahaar" voucher program has been introduced through a partnership between MSN (Marie Stopes Nepal) and the Rotary Club of Rajdhani. The initiative aims to improve access to cervical cancer screening for women across various regions of the country.

Cervical cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women in Nepal, with 2,942 new cases and 1,928 fatalities reported in 2018 alone. Shockingly, less than one in ten women had undergone cervical cancer screening in the previous five years. The disease claims the lives of a woman every two minutes worldwide, often due to a lack of awareness. Early detection through regular screenings is crucial in preventing such deaths.

Iranian Women Break Decades-Long Ban, Allowed to Attend Live Football Games

In a historic development, the Iranian Football Federation announced on July 9, 2023 that Iranian women will now be allowed to watch live football games from stadiums. Mehdi Taj, the head of the federation, expressed that this year's premier football season in Iran will mark a significant milestone with the inclusion of women in the stadiums.

The decision to allow women into stadiums was revealed during the live broadcast of the drawing ceremony for Iran's upcoming football season, set to commence in August with a potential participation of up to 16 teams.

Orthodox Jewish Women's Organizations Barred from Knesset Discussion on Gender Segregation Rights

Two prominent women's organizations in the Orthodox Jewish community were denied entry to a Knesset discussion on the "right to gender segregation" on July 10th, 2023. The Centre for Women's Justice, representing women in rabbinical courts, and the Orthodox feminist group Kolech: Religious Women's Forum reported being turned away from the Knesset session.

According to Israel's state television Kan, the reason provided for their exclusion was the presence of sufficient organizations representing Haredi women at the conference. However, sources close to the event's organizer, MK Limor Son Har-Melech of the far-right Otzma Yehudit Party, stated that only invited organizations and the parliamentary lobby group were allowed to attend. Kan's attempt to seek clarification from Har-Melech went unanswered.

H.E.R Bodywear Receives ₤14,500 Funding to Revolutionize Post-Surgery Bras for Breast Cancer Survivors

Under the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans initiative, First Enterprise - Enterprise Loans has granted £14,500 in funding to Nottingham-based bodywear company H.E.R Bodywear. The investment will be utilized for marketing initiatives and the development of new products, specifically tailored for women who have undergone breast cancer surgery or cosmetic breast surgery.

H.E.R Bodywear, founded by two-time breast cancer survivor Alexandra Perry, aims to address the lack of stylish and comfortable post-surgery bras available in the market. Perry's personal struggle in finding suitable bras following her own procedures, combined with her bachelor's degree in fashion management and research on the market for post-surgery bras, led her to identify a significant gap in the UK market.

UN Women & Adrienne Arsht Latin America Centre Join Forces to Address Gender-Based Challenges in Caribbean

The UN Women Multi-Country Office in the Caribbean and the US-based Adrienne Arsht Latin America Centre (AALAC) have formed a strategic partnership aimed at tackling pressing gender-based challenges in the Caribbean. The collaboration, announced on July 11, 2023, will focus on promoting female equality and safety, with a particular emphasis on Jamaica and Guyana.

Valentina Sader, assistant director of AALAC and coordinator of the center's gender-related activities, highlighted the unique obstacles faced by women and girls in the Caribbean that hinder their progress towards equal standing in society. These challenges include limited political representation and insufficient access to vital resources necessary for post-disaster recovery.

UAE Gender Balance Council Takes Center Stage at Global Aviation Gender Summit 2023 in Madrid

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recently hosted the Global Aviation Gender Summit 2023 in Madrid, where the UAE Gender Balance Council (UAE GBC) played a significant role. The summit focused on achieving gender equality and empowering women in the aviation industry by discussing enabling conditions and forming alliances.

Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, attended the summit along with a delegation from the UAE.

History Created: India Successfully Launches Chandrayaan-3 with Massive Contribution from Women Scientists

The Chandrayaan-3, India’s third moon mission, was launched successfully on July 14 and marked a landmark accomplishment for India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). At 2:35 pm, the satellite was launched by a Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre's second launch pad in Sriharikota. The "Rocket Woman of India," Ritu Karidhal, is in command of Chandrayaan 3.

Numerous women have made major contributions to Chandrayaan-3. According to an anonymous senior ISRO official, about 54 female engineers and scientists have personally worked on Chandrayaan-3. They act as project managers, associate project directors, and deputy project directors at various centres.