Yes, Angela Merkel has been in charge for 13 years, and Germany was a relatively early pioneer for women’s suffrage. But there’s still plenty of work to do to increase women’s representation in politics.

Heroic Women of France. World War I propagandizing caption read, ‘All agriculture rests upon their shoulders. Uncomplaining, with an attitude that amounts almost to religious exultation, the women of France bears the burden.’ Ca. 1914-1918.

Driving trams, ploughing fields and manning production lines: World War I radically changed women’s role in society, as they stepped into the boots of men gone to fight for their countries. November 11, 2018 is the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

(From left) Ida Thien, Connie Foong and Cheah Kok Hin, three of the four founders of Closing The Gap. Photo Credit: SOPHIE CHIN

Perhaps she could have pursued a career as a high-flying lawyer, but Ida Thien has absolutely no regrets.

Thien, 27, is one of the four founders of Closing The Gap (CTG), a social project that helps high-potential students from challenging backgrounds overcome hurdles in order to gain access to higher education.

Taking on a sport largely reserved for men in a region with strict traditions was quite a challenge but one that both Nehaya Dhaher and young female sports fans embraced.

Sports teacher Nehaya Dhaher was living a quiet life looking after her elderly mother in Iraq’s tribal south when she was asked to set up the country’s first women’s wrestling squad.

The coffee-growing communities have a matrilineal culture with women playing a key role in society and property passed to the eldest daughter.

Hamda,18, and Laiba, 16, are kabaddi players and even on Pakistan’s national women’s team. The girls are often compared to the Dangal sisters of Bollywood fame who were high-level wrestlers. I spoke to the girls and their father and trainer Rai Masood Kharal, to find out more about what motivated them to play this male-dominated sport.

Since picking up a wrench as one of the first female car mechanics in conservative Pakistan, Uzma Nawaz has faced two common reactions: shock and surprise. And then a bit of respect.