Young people play an integral role in advancing development, democracy and peace. At the 10th Commonwealth Youth Forum in Malta, 21-25 November, over 400 youth leaders will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing young people, and devise relevant policy solutions through four main agendas – economic, environmental, social and political. The theme of the Forum is ‘Adding …

“Youth and investment in women’s leadership” Read More »

Girls and women in Nigeria are getting a boost from a programme designed to help close the gender gap in school success rates, writes Timi Olagunju, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, who spoke to a trainer with the organisation. According to a 2014 UNESCO report, Nigeria has one of the largest number of …

“Initiative team empowers girls for the future” Read More »

Feminism is a controversial issue, writes Omang Agarwal, 19, a Correspondent from India, but he suggests that looking at the women in one’s own family can make a strong argument in favour of gender equality. Feminism in India has been controversial and under fire due to the influence of many traditions, religions, customs and orthodox laws. …

“My reasons for supporting feminism” Read More »

Promoting the rights of one gender above the other is divisive and counter-productive, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, who advocates the goal of universal rights. Many of us living on this earth have heard about feminism. We know about its goals, its successes and its failures. We have also heard about …

“What a tangled web we weave with division” Read More »

This year’s International Women’s Day in Cameroon focuses on “Gender Equality by 2030”, writes Alphonse Akouyu, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Cameroon, who spoke with journalist and coach Ayuk Besong Anne Chantal and Tchatcheut Yonga Nelly Shella, coordinator at the Buea Rural Women Development Centre, to discuss the situation for Cameroon’s women. Could you give …

“Women’s Day – views from Cameroon” Read More »

Mothers are advocating for their daughters’ rights to exist as black people, unashamed of their roots – from historical to follicle – writes Alicia Wallace, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nassau, Bahamas.  Young women are holding fast to their identities and rights as citizens and members of the African diaspora. They are unapologetic about the natural …

“Natural hair, racism and gender equality” Read More »

 Repealing a little-used law against homosexuality sparked a potentially divisive debate, but Angelique Pouponneau, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from the Seychelles, reports that the result was in favour of tolerance and human rights. It was announced early March in the State of the Nation address that a section of the Seychelles penal code would be repealed. The …

“Views on decriminalising homosexuality” Read More »

Abdur Rafay Usmani, 21, a Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan, argues that gender empowerment will not only allow the marginalised to overcome their sense of powerlessness, but will also  have a profound impact on a nation’s economy. There is a widespread misconception that gender and sex are two interchangeable terms. Sex refers to the biological characteristics …

“Gender empowerment and the economy” Read More »

Nigeria’s education system has been plagued by socio-economic and political matters that have troubled society for decades, writes Laila Johnson-Salami, 20, a Correspondent from Ibadan in Nigeria, who argues that closing the gender gap is part of the solution to those issues.  Although Nigeria’s development standards are slowly stepping up, the gender gap in primary …

“Closing gender gaps in the education system” Read More »

Feminism is for everyone, says Ashley Tan Yu Yi, 16, a Correspondent from Singapore. Men and women have a critical role to play in eliminating gender disparities. As a typical teenager struggling with a borderline unhealthy case of internet addiction, I have come across several articles and videos of women proudly calling themselves “feminists.” However, …

“Men are important in promoting equality” Read More »