Self-described conservative writer and lover of biomedical science Lyn-Marie Blackman, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, writes about the need for women and girls to take pride in themselves and shine as brightly as they can. I have always had a special place in my heart for women, not because I am one myself but …

"A message for young girls: know who you are" Read More »

Small island developing states are especially vulnerable to external economic and environmental shocks. At the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Samoa, 1-4 September, the Commonwealth is partnering with the United Nations, governments and international organisations to help build the resilience of these countries. Gender issues are key to development goals, writes …

SIDS 2014: "Gender inclusion in the Pacific: reimagining the #YesAllWomen message" Read More »

Women’s football in England has a tumultuous history, writes Jake Elson, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, but is now gaining the respect of fans and officials. Several months ago, 55,000 supporters watched England lose 3-0 to Germany at Wembley. Generally, this is the usual story. However, this game was significant. It was …

"England's women’s football – a bright future" Read More »

Feminism is a concept that has become divisive, writes Jake Elson, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, who argues the need to support feminism that includes gender equality. In social circles across the world, feminism has become a dirty word. Once the banner for the push for equality, many now view it erroneously as an …

"Coping with the F word and gender equality" Read More »

Salma Yusuf, a Sri Lankan based human rights lawyer, lecturer and Commonwealth Correspondent, was the main author of the Jaffna Memorandum. The document was the outcome of a historic event that took place in Sri Lanka in March, 2015. On the 5th of March 2015, nearly 100 women’s rights activists from different regions of Sri Lanka …

“Jaffna reflections and inspirations from abroad” Read More »

The tradition of gender-based discrimination is being challenged in the Bahamas, writes Alicia Wallace, 29, a Correspondent from Nassau, Bahamas, who describes activism in support of equality. Known for its sun, sea, and sand, The Bahamas has a dirty little secret. Sexism lives and thrives in this chain of islands, supported by the constitution and …

“Facing resistance and gender-based discrimination” Read More »

Salma Yusuf, a Sri Lankan-based human rights lawyer, lecturer and Commonwealth Correspondent, was invited to present a Sri Lankan perspective following the Colombo screening of the documentary “Girls Rising: Education of Girls”. The right to education has been recognized since the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, which states in Article 26 …

“Girls Rising: perspectives from Sri Lanka” Read More »

The United States Supreme Court made a long-awaited and historic decision on same-sex marriage, but as David Masengesho, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kigali in Rwanda currently residing in the USA writes, the decision does not mean the end of the LGBT community’s struggle for equal human rights.  June 26, 2015, marked a historical day …

“Our tomorrow: LGBT moves to the future” Read More »

Kenya’s constitution promises equality for women, but as Brian Dan Migowe, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kenya explains, there are still hurdles to women’s participation and leadership. As the independence curtains opened to usher in a new day, the 12th of December 1963 became a significant day for the epitome of the Kenyan struggles for independence. …

“The voice for gender-inclusive policy” Read More »

Climate change affects entire populations, but Renice Bostic, 24, a Correspondent from Christ Church in Barbados, says that addressing the impact on women must be part of the conversation. Mary Robinson said that “climate change is the greatest human rights issue of the 21st century”. Indeed, the manifestations of climate change are likely to threaten the human …

“Gender equality and climate change” Read More »