Women have always featured in the news, at times as commodities, sometimes as art. But it is still rare for an immigrant woman to become the talk of the town for her entrepreneurial debut and leadership skills.

Despite progress on other fronts, woman worldwide still earn less than men – in Germany its 21 percent less. What are the reasons for the wage gap, and when will it finally be closed? Watch the video here!

© Roheena Sajid

A few months ago some women from Islamabad (Pakistan) organized a conference to raise awareness about rape and sexual assault. This conference was organized in one of the universities in Islamabad by the collaboration of “Gender And Woman Studies” department professionals. People from different walks of life attended the conference including politicians, teachers, students and social workers. The basic purpose of this conference was to raise awareness about the rape and harassment.

Bamyan Governor Dr. Habiba Sarabi stands on a patio overlooking the Bamyan river valley where the ancient standing Buddhas of Bamiyan statues used to reside in two giant insets, one of which can be seen here, June 18, 2012. Sarabi is the only female Afghan provincial governor in history.Since becoming a Governor, Dr Habiba Sarabi has efficiently governed Bamyan and used this platform to promote the rich cultural heritage of the province. © Ali Sher

Born in the mid-50s in Mazar-i-Sharif, a cultural and religious site in Afghanistan with famous shrines that get thousands of visitors annually, Dr Habiba Sarabi’s childhood was similar to that of many girls in her country. She grew up in a lower middle class household where money was tight, and her father preferred her brothers. She had to work twice as hard to show that she was capable of doing as much as them, if not more.

From artisanal fishing to working in fruit plantations nearly 100,000 women have secured gainful employment thanks to the vocational training provided under the Chapéu de Palha Mulher, a ground-breaking government initiative in Brazil. (© UN Women/ Lianne Milton)

When Maria Jose Pereira was growing up in the rural town of Escada, Brazil, her father’s tools were off limits. “Everyone in my house worked in construction. My father and brothers were all stonemasons,” Maria says. “I wanted to work with them, but they said I couldn’t because I was a woman.”

“picture-alliance/AP Photo/Saurabh Das”

Here’s a round-up of women’s news that made it to the headlines. Did we miss
something? Let us know through your comments.