the role of women in society

Progressive groups unveiled a major initiative on Wednesday to draw attention to challenges that women still face and to promote public policies to address gender disparities.

Organizing for Action, dedicated to promoting President Barack Obama's agenda, is launching a "Stand with Women" effort on Wednesday night with more than 100 events in homes around the country.

Egypt's National Council for Women (NCW) said in a statement issued Wednesday that new amendments under-discussion to the currently suspended 2012 constitution are "fairer" to women.

The Fundamental Principles subcommittee of the 50-member constitution amending body agreed to suggestions filed by NCW head Mervat El-Tallawy, who also sits on the committee, the statement said.

President Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to replace sacked female ministers with women in order to keep and perhaps surpass the 35 per cent affirmative action as favoured by the current administration.

Female stakeholders, including politicians, made the plea on Monday in Abuja. It was at a one-day forum on Dissemination of Framework for Implementation of at least 35 percent Affirmative Action on Women’s Political Advancement and Representation in Democratic Governance in Nigeria.