Harassment is an unwanted problem for women around the world, writes Leigh-Ann Worrell, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from St. Thomas, but activists are increasingly working to raise awareness about the issue and change the culture. The day I tried to explain sexual harassment to a nine-year-old was a blindingly hot Caribbean Saturday. We decided to spend …
Salma Yusuf, a Sri Lankan based human rights lawyer, lecturer and Commonwealth Correspondent, outlines from a youth perspective how to achieve a socially cohesive society, and why it is critical for young people to be on board. She notes that this can be done through inter-ethnic and inter-faith exchanges, as well as empowering women to …
“Sri Lanka needs an equal and equitable society” Read More »
Joining the workforce can be a controversial step for some women, but Monica Islam, 23, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, argues that assuming work is a choice can have deep implications for society and gender equality. I had a conversation with a male friend on whether employment should be a choice for women. “Yes, those who …
Human trafficking is an ongoing problem, but as Monirul Islam, 25, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, examines the causes he proposes potential solutions and a call for prevention. Trafficking of women and children is a great concern for Bangladesh in recent times. It creates many problems for the victims, who suffer from physical and mental …
Women can help bring peace and development to Africa, writes Amina Adhan, 22, a Correspondent from Nairobi, Kenya, who reports on a forum that examined the hurdles and the opportunities for women looking for political and social empowerment. Kigali, Rwanda, recently hosted a forum sponsored by the African Union, seeking to understand the challenges for women’s …
"Silencing the guns in Africa by 2020: women's role" Read More »
A disturbing trend in gender based violence is the use of social media in the crime, writes Brian Dan Migowe, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kenya, who argues for laws to tackle the problem and protect human rights. Gender based violence, and more particularly gender based violence against women, is on the increase. The UN General Assembly on …
"Is it time for a law against electronic violence?" Read More »
Journalists can unwittingly marginalise minority groups by misusing language or relying on stereotypes, writes Leigh-Ann Worrell, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, who offers tips on inclusive writing. Representation matters. It is a truism which marginalised groups have known all too well. When those on the fringes are seen reflected in public discourse, the same tired tropes are …
"Getting it 'write': reporting on marginalised people" Read More »
On International Women’s Day, Summaya Afaq, 23, a Correspondent from Karachi, Pakistan, urges women to take responsibility for empowerment through grassroots changes in parenting and society. As 8th March approaches every year, we witness women’s day celebrations across the world. But I find it a dilemma not to have found any considerable change in women’s lives as …
International Women’s Day raises a fundamental issue, says Monica Islam, 24, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, who argues women too often suffer or are disadvantaged because of issues around menstruation. “I face extreme period pains every month. It gets intolerable. It’s been this way since my first ever periods. My lower body feels so …
Feminism is a concept that has become divisive, writes Jake Elson, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, who argues the need to support feminism that includes gender equality. In social circles across the world, feminism has become a dirty word. Once the banner for the push for equality, many now view it erroneously as an …