English

More about this topic

Afghanistan

Forget drugs and booze, young Afghans risk their parents' wrath — by going to the gym

In conservative Afghan society, women are secondary to men, and female participation in sport — including at female-only fitness clubs — is frowned upon.

France

Women challenge the status quo at the Cannes Film Festival

Women often fill the frame at Cannes. On the red carpet, the camera lingers on them far longer than it does on men. But this year, some women are challenging that image.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi women mock ‘You can’t drive’ hashtag as they get ready to take to the roads

Female social media users have commandeered an Arabic Twitter hashtag that translates to "You can't drive".

No Comment

82 women walk the red carpet in Cannes film festival protest

Eighty-two women climbed the steps of the Palais des Festivals at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday in an unprecedented red carpet protest to press for improved gender equality in the film industry.

ADVERTISEMENT

Portugal

Toy is a song about empowerment, says Eurovision winner

Netta's supporters celebrated not only her Eurovision win but the message behind the victory. The Israeli singer described her song as one of empowerment, wrapped in a heavy vibe.

No Comment

Hong Kong mothers stage breastfeeding flashmob protest

Dozens of breastfeeding mothers took over Hong Kong's Central financial district on Saturday (May 5) to protest over prejudices against giving nourishment to their little ones in public.

Iran

Women beaten up in Iran for wearing headscarf 'improperly'

Video prompts investigation by interior ministry.

Argentina

Argentina begins historic debate on legalising abortion

Pro and anti-abortion activists demonstrated as the first hearings began into expanding the law allowing women to terminate their pregnancies

United Kingdom

78% of UK firms pay men more than women

Some 8% of respondents had no median gender pay gap, and 14% had a pay gap favouring women.

France

French feminist groups sceptical over on-the-spot fines for sexual har

Are on-the-spot fines for sexual harassment in the street a good idea? The French government plans a new law but some feminist groups believe it might be unenforceable and counterproductive.

France

Eiffel Tower lights up for women's rights

The message "Maintenant On Agit" ("Now We Act") was displayed on the iconic monument ahead of International Women's Day.

USA

McDonald's flips its arches for Women's Day

It's the first year McDonald's celebrates International Women's Day this way, and some customers are lovin' it.

No Comment

Watch: Saudi women take the wheel

Women at Jeddah's Effat University took their first driving lessons on Wednesday, March 7, ahead of the lifting of a ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia.

No Comment

Thousands march in London for women’s rights

Thousands of people calling for gender equality marched through central London on Sunday March 4th alongside celebrities, activists and politicians, a century after some British women won the right to vote and ahead of International Women's Day.

United Kingdom

#March4Women: Choir to sing 'You Don't Own Me' in London

Last rehearsals are underway ahead of a performance which will close the annual event dedicated to promoting gender equality

Iran

Posters against 'manspreading' in Iran shared by government official

The image was one of four shared by the Iranian president's special assistant for citizens' rights affairs depicting scenes where women were experiencing harassment in the street.

My Europe Series

What can Iceland teach Europe about gender equality?

Recent developments in the news have shown that equal rights and opportunities for women, let alone basic respect for their bodies, is a battle that has yet to be won, even in what we thought were mor

My Europe Series

Iceland's recipe for gender parity

Lauded as the world leader in gender parity, Iceland is reaping the harvest of a decades-long struggle to give women a fairer deal.

My Europe Series

How equal are Europe's men and women?

_Insiders_ talks to Virginija Langbakk, Director of the European Institute for Gender Equality. How is Europe doing on gender parity?

Iceland

Iceland leads the way on gender parity

The Scandinavian island ranks first in the World Economic Forum's gender equality report. So what is Iceland doing right?