As the year comes to an end, let's take a moment to celebrate the progress that's been made in the field of women's empowerment. It's been a big year for women all over the world, and there's a lot to be proud of.
In the last twelve months, we've seen a number of groundbreaking developments that have helped to level the playing field for women. Here are just a few of the highlights that has happened this week
Odisha to Adopt new Menstrual Hygiene Policy
The state of Odisha is all set to put in place a new and improved policy for the management of menstrual health and hygiene (MHH). The new policy will aim that by 2030, all adolescent girls and women in the reproductive age group practice proper menstrual hygiene and are provided with access to affordable sanitary products by the state.
This is a first of its kind policy which has been prepared by Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), Bhubaneswar in collaboration with Unicef and the state government. The new policy aims to remove all stigma and discrimination associated with menstruation. It will also empower women and girls to maintain their personal dignity while maintaining health, education and employment.
Nigerian Agric Business Group Trains, Equips 500 Women, Entrepreneurs on Climate Change
The Nigerian Agric Business Group (NABG) has trained 500 women, young farmers and agric-entrepreneurs from the North-west Nigeria on climate change. The training aims to empower them with commodity standard and grading skills for competitive marketing of their produce.
Dr. Manzo Maigari, Director General of the group addressed the regional workshop on inclusiveness in Kaduna. The workshop was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Manzo stated that the workshop aimed at educating and sensitising participants on the challenges of climate change. The workshop is also being supported by the federal and North-west state governments.
The Annual Women's Economic Forum Speaker Lineup now includes best-selling author and publisher Radhaa Nilia
Radhaa Nilia, best-selling author and publisher, is scheduled to speak at the Women's Economic Forum (WEF), a global conference platform. Through business, innovation, leadership, vision, and voice, women committed to making a difference in ALL spheres of life are invited to this conference, which will bring together pioneering women and feminine leaders from around the world. Sessions on learning, networking, and company development will be included at WEF. Radhaa, the creator of Radhaa Publishing House, will lecture on healing via the arts.
RPH is a holistic publishing house that focuses on assisting authors with a heart-centered perspective to publish collaborative books that share their works with the world.
Corporate India is emphasising Gender Diversity and plans to Hire more Women by 2023
According to The Economic Times, corporate India is promoting gender diversity in the workplace and plans to add more women to its workforce in the coming year.
According to the survey, top companies like Cognizant, Larsen & Toubro, and HDFC Bank are stepping up their efforts to recruit more female employees by implementing initiatives like flexible work schedules and mentoring programmes.
According to the research, other companies taking action in this area include ITC, KPMG, Axis Bank, Schneider Electric, Cipla, and Procter & Gamble.
These companies also prioritise recruiting women in their second careers, or those who have taken a hiatus from the workforce. Additionally, anyone who departed during the last five years will be hired back.
IIT Roorkee and AIIMS Delhi Collaborate to Create the SwasthGarbh Mobile App for Pregnant Women
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have created the "SwasthGarbh" smartphone app to give pregnant women antenatal care and real-time medical support.
For women who live in remote places or who do not have easy access to doctors, this can be a crucial tool. This is the first pregnant app that offers immediate access to medical advice and is both credible and approved by doctors.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the App were jointly created. Due of the App's availability in the Google Play Store, both patients and doctors can utilise its advantages without paying a fee.
Odisha Cabinet approves a budget of Rs 367 crore for "Empowerment of Women in Agriculture"
According to the government, the Odisha Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, approved the allocation of Rs 367.19 crores for the State Sector Scheme "empowerment of women in agriculture-promotion of entrepreneurship for women SHG" during a five-year period from 2022–2026.
An official statement stated that the program's goals were to "double the state's mushroom output through area expansion incorporating women beneficiaries/WSHGs and to make the state self-sufficient in the production of button mushrooms and loose flowers."
"Over the mission time, the state shall emerge as the net exporter of mushrooms and high-value flowers," it continued. "The scheme will provide sustained income creation of women beneficiaries/WSHGs."
Hekka sponsored the 34th Miss Asia International Pageant as part of yet another Noteworthy Partnership
The 34th Miss Asia International Pageant and the 4th AFF Asian Film Festival Awards Ceremony were sponsored by the top swimsuit company Hekka, and both events took place in Los Angeles on December 19. Attendees were treated to excellent performances, lovely music, and a stunning display of lights during this fascinating event, which made for an unforgettable experience. The participants' desire to creating a better world, intelligence, and commitment to wisdom and beauty were all on display at the event.
The 4th AFF Asian Film Festival Awards Ceremony and the 34th Miss Asia International Pageant
It was a privilege for Hekka to dress the competitors in their swimsuits for this prestigious competition. The business is adamant that it is crucial to provide women the confidence and inner beauty they deserve.
Rajasthan's first Female Bodybuilder wins gold at an International Tournament
Priya Singh Meghwal, the first female bodybuilder from Rajasthan and a mother of two, brought honour to the state by taking first place in the 39th International Women's Bodybuilding Competition, which was held in Thailand. Following her Golden Globe victory, Priya told, "I am very happy. I have made a small contribution to my country. I received a PRO card in addition to a gold medal."
Priya said that she was having difficulties. She is from Bikaner, a highly conservative village where brides are required to wear veils in front of their in-laws for the rest of their lives. People make fun of me when they see me performing on stage while wearing a sports gear. But I'm also sticking to my custom. For my game, I must wear a sports attire. Priya said, "It is not appropriate if people make remarks about my athletic attire."
Sri Lankan Ambassador Hasanthi Dissanayake delivers Credentials in Ankara
Saranya Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, the recently appointed ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Turkey, presented her credentials to President Recep Tayyip Erdoan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, confirming her appointment as the ambassador extraordinaire and plenipotentiary of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Türkiye.
Ranil Wickremesinghe, the president of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, has received greetings from President Erdoan. He also remembered Sri Lanka's long-standing bilateral ties with Turkey, which go back to the Ottoman Empire's ninth century. He stated that the Ottoman Empire's appointment of an Honorary Consul to Sri Lanka with a house in Galle in 1864 marked the beginning of the two countries' formal relations.
