It all started with a visit to a rural Indian village. Sanchaita Gajapati Raju draws inspiration from her mother, who from a very young age instilled in her a deep civic sense and encouraged her to help those less fortunate.

Perspective by Bharati Sadasivam, Gender Practice Team Leader

18 July is Nelson Mandela’s birthday. It is also the first ‘Mandela Day’ to be marked since we lost him after a long illness.

A new series of commercials featuring public figures, as well as workshops and support for women politicians from all parties, and a project to broaden the current quota law are all stimulating the participation of women in decision-making in Uruguay.

Khadra Hussein Mohammad, 28, made history by becoming Somaliland’s first female National Deputy Prosecutor, dealing with a range of cases including theft, gang-related violence, and even terrorism.

The call for  "Experiences that make a difference: Mainstreaming gender equality in public policies in Latin America and the Caribbean" is extended until July 17, 2014.

The Global Forum convened by Women in Parliaments (WIP) in Kigali, and co-organized by UN Women, was held from 1 to 3 July 2014.

UN Women Deputy Executive Director Lakshmi Puri yesterday met with key ministers of the new Government in India whose efforts will be crucial to the progress of the country’s women and girls – who represent over 18 per cent of the world’s women.