Gender equality is explicitly mentioned only in two of the eight MDGs, but in reality, it is an over-arching and crosscutting concern that can enhance performance on every other indicator of human development.
The goals of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in the MDGs can be seen as opportunities for mainstreaming women's concerns and perspectives in development, by identifying synergies amongst the MDGs, the Beijing Platform for Action, and other international and national commitments. Also, working towards social, political and economic empowerment of disadvantaged groups of women and men in a holistic manner is important for achieving the goals.
06-11-2009The National Assembly of Pakistan has unanimously passed a bill to provide for a higher punishment for sexual harassment. In a rare show of concern for women without a dissent, the lawmakers have expanded the definition of the crime to facilitate prosecution.
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Image: The draft by women activists was introduced in the house early this year by then information minister Sherry Rehman/ Photo credit: APP
30-10-2009Working women in India face an increased risk of domestic violence, according to a recent study. The research underscores the need for
promotion of unbiased gender attitudes and norms to achieve a violence-free and gender-equitable future.
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Image: Suneeta Krishnan/ Photo credit: RTI International
30-10-2009For the internally displaced people living in India's north-eastern state of Assam, life is nowhere near normal. Living in refugee camps under pathetic conditions, they lack basic facilities such as clean water, sanitation and education, writes Ratna Bharali Talukdar.
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Image: Internal displacement in India, Kokrajhar district, Assam/ Photo credit: IDMC
23-10-2009No Tally of the Anguish, a Human Rights Watch report documents the state of pregnant women in northern India and the failure of institutions to identify and address the gaps in healthcare. It recommends timely investigations, targeted interventions and healthcare accountability for achieving MDG on maternal health.
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Image: Cover page of the report/ Photo credit: Human Rights Watch
Women crusaders 'on the prowl' for timber mafia A group of tribal women in eastern India has helped restore the neighbourhood forests. Carrying traditional weapons and humming folk warnings, these women go on routine patrolling to track timber mafia engaged in illegal felling of trees.
