The Week That Was: Global Women Empowerment News Overview (15th May - 20th May)

Women have become powerful leaders in a time of changing social dynamics and progressive ideals, driving change and altering cultures all over the world. The world need to honour the outstanding contributions and influence of prominent worldwide women leaders who have broken barriers, disproved preconceptions, and prepared the way for coming generations.

Women leaders have been in the forefront of forming legislation, upholding human rights, and fostering innovation in a variety of fields, including politics, business, education, and activism. They have made the world more inclusive and paved the route for gender equality through their unshakable commitment, unwavering passion, and unyielding perseverance.

Highlighting the outstanding achievements of female leaders from different continents, showing their motivational journeys, and analysing the transforming effect they have had in their respective fields. By sharing their experiences, we hope to uplift and celebrate the international movement for women's empowerment and to motivate people all across the world to acknowledge and support the crucial roles played by women leaders in determining our shared destiny. Have a look at The Global Woman Leader.  

UN Agency states Philippines Saw Close to 2,500 maternal deaths in 2021

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippines said that at least 2,478 women died due to childbirth in the Philippines in 202. The UN agency expressed concerns about the increasing number of maternal deaths in the Southeast Asian country.

"In the Philippines, we noticed an increase of maternal deaths during the past years: in 2019, 1,458 women died of maternal causes; this number increased to 2,478 in 2021," said Leila Saiji Joudane, UNFPA Philippines country representative.

US Senate confirms Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta as the office's ambassador on Global Women's Issues

Indian-American, The US Senate has approved Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta for the position of Ambassador-at-Large for the State Department's Office of Global Women's Issues.

The US Senate approved Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta for the position of Ambassador-at-Large for the Office of Global Women's Issues. The Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues tweeted, "The State Department looks forward to her work to advance women's and girls' rights via US foreign policy.

Frances Longley chosen as FIGO's next chief executive

Frances Longley has been chosen to serve as the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics' (FIGO) next chief executive. She will take over from Mary Ann Lumsden, who ran the charity for two years, when she joins in July. 

Longley served as the organization's first female chief executive and as chief executive of ActionAid UK in its history. She formerly served as Amref Health Africa's CEO. She has performed volunteer work for organisations such as Care International UK and Unicef UK. She presently serves on the advisory group for BBC charitable campaigns.

UNICEF to set up Community-based Education Programs for Female Students in Bamyan

This community-based education initiative was started by UNICEF with funding assistance from the Asian Bank, the World Bank in South Asia, and the Humanitarian Assistance Programme of the European Union.

With the assistance of these groups, UNICEF will set up 466 classrooms for instruction to accommodate 9400 male and female students who want to pursue an education.

Sony Interactive Entertainment to Build an Inclusive Workforce; Women already Hold Several Leadership Positions

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), which recently stated that over a quarter of its leadership roles are being managed by women, has now committed to making an inclusive workforce.

Orit Ziv, SVP & Head of Global Human Resources mentioned in the company's blog post that, "commitment to inclusion and belonging for our workforce". Women's History Month was marked by SEI which shared, "an update on our commitment to support women in gaming".

Meghan Markle awarded the Woman of Vision Award by Ms. Foundation in New York

Meghan Markle, also known as the Duchess of Sussex, was presented Women of Vision Award by the co-founder of the Ms. Foundation for Women, Gloria Steinem on 16^th May in Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan, New York as recognition for "her global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls.". LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, joined her at the event too.

Meghan was a guest of honour at the event. Meghan approached the stage after accepting her prize and during her acceptance speech, she urged women to seek inspiration in their pursuit of equality.

Biotech Firm Roche pledges to Promote Inclusivity & Diversity in the Middle East

Roche is a biotechnology business established in Basel, Switzerland in 1896. It collaborates with partners to develop medications and diagnostics, and has been recognized for its sustainability efforts. By ratifying the charter of the Middle East Inclusion & Diversity Council, Roche in the Middle East has reiterated its dedication to diversity and inclusion.

The business is one of the most recent to commit to advancing gender parity in the area in line with the UN's fifth sustainable development target, which calls for a rise in the proportion of women in leadership roles to 30 percent by 2025.

FIFA President confident about European Women's World Cup TV Deals

Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA is confident about securing what he considers to be an acceptable agreement for the broadcast rights to the upcoming Women's World Cup in five significant European nations.

Gianni briefly stated the negotiations with broadcasters in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and England for the rights to show the Women's World Cup games taking place in Australia and New Zealand in two months. While walking through the green carpet at a gala event he unveiled the logo and branding for the 2026 World Cup at Los Angeles' historic Griffith Observatory.