News headlines for “Women’s Rights”, page 73
The Taliban's War on Women: The Ongoing Struggle in Afghanistan
- Inter Press Service

Oct 12 (IPS) - The author is an Afghanistan-based female journalist, trained with Finnish support before the Taliban take-over. Her identity is withheld for security reasonsAfghanistan can be likened to an open prison, where nearly 20 million women struggle daily for their freedom. What these women demand is a simple right – the right to lead dignified lives, equal to their male counterparts. Unfortunately, this aspiration seems distant and despairingly unattainable.
Undocumented Afghan Women Fear Eviction from Pakistan
- Inter Press Service

PESHAWAR, Oct 12 (IPS) - Amid a looming threat of forceful eviction, Afghan women who arrived in Pakistan after the Taliban’s takeover in Kabul have asked the host country to allow them to stay because they want to continue their education.
Maldives Election: What Now for Civil Society?
- Inter Press Service

LONDON, Oct 12 (IPS) - Ahead of the presidential election, Solih faced accusations of irregularities in his party’s primary vote, in which he defeated former president Mohamed Nasheed. The Electoral Commission was accused of making it harder for rival parties to stand, including the Democrats, a breakaway party Naheed formed after the primary vote. The ruling party also appeared to be instrumentalising public media and state resources in its favour. Solih’s political alliances with conservative religious parties were in the spotlight, including with the Adhaalath Party, which has taken an increasingly intolerant stance on women’s and LGBTQI+ rights.
Kazakhstan's Interfaith Initiative: Fostering Global Harmony through Wisdom and Leadership
- Inter Press Service

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Oct 11 (IPS) - In the heart of Central Asia, a nation renowned for its rich cultural diversity, multi-ethnic society, and spiritual traditions has emerged as a global beacon of interfaith harmony and understanding. Over the past two decades, Kazakhstan’s Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions (The Congress) has played an instrumental role in promoting dialogue, forging unity, and advocating for peace among diverse faiths worldwide. Rooted in Kazakhstan’s deep spiritual heritage and wisdom, this initiative has evolved into a symbol of international cooperation and tolerance. As we reflect on its remarkable journey and look ahead to its future under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, it becomes evident that the Congress is poised to make even greater strides toward fostering global harmony and unity.
Mexico on the Rights Path
- Inter Press Service

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, Oct 10 (IPS) - Mexico’s Supreme Court recently declared abortion bans unconstitutional, effectively decriminalising abortion throughout the vast federal country, so far characterised by a legislative patchwork.
To End Child Marriage in Southern & East Africa, Governments Need to Strengthen Laws & Implementation
- Inter Press Service

GENEVA, Switzerland, Oct 10 (IPS) - Almost one third (32%) of women aged 20 to 24 in Eastern and Southern Africa - around 50 million – were married before 18 years old. To address this pervasive problem, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum has adopted the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage, a legal framework providing a comprehensive, integrated approach to ending child marriage and protecting children already married.
INTERVIEW: Reducing teen pregnancy in Thailand
- UN News

Teen pregnancy rates have been falling dramatically in Thailand thanks to progressive legislation, but more can be done to drive it lower if the rights of girls and young women are respected, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).
Setting the Record Straight
- Inter Press Service

DHAKA, Bangladesh, Oct 09 (IPS) - This year, three of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) six regions elect new Regional Directors (RD). The South-East Asia Region (SEARO) is composed of only 11 Member States, yet is home to over a quarter of the world’s population. Two SEARO Member States, Nepal and Bangladesh, have nominated their candidates to contest for RD.
Effective International Aid Depends on the Application of Girl-Centered Design
- Inter Press Service

WASHINGTON DC, Oct 09 (IPS) - In a year that is rapidly becoming the costliest on record for climate-related disasters, the International Day of the Girl Child appeals to the global community for greater investments for and with adolescent girls.
Religious Leaders Can Help Bring about World Peace
- Inter Press Service

NEW YORK, Oct 06 (IPS) - It is not a secret that the world is witnessing rising international tensions and erosion of the global order that has been in place since the establishment of the United Nations. Divisive blocs, which have not been seen since the Cold War, are making a swift return. As a result, our planet is facing severe threats, including a new global arms race, the threat of the use of nuclear weapons, and the proliferation of wars in all formats, including hot, hybrid, cyber, and trade.

