Prerna
Women’s day is just around the corner, and we are celebrating the spirit of womanhood throughout this week. Here are the top stories concerning women this week:
1. Generation Equality Film Festival
UN Women and the Governments of Mexico and France have kickstarted the Generation Equality Film Festival 2021. This initiative is to encourage the promotion of women’s rights and gender equality via creative storytelling. This festival is open for all genders between the age groups of 18-30 years. The participants have to submit an original film not exceeding three minutes– the winner will bag a cash prize of 1000 USD. The submission deadline is on 12 March 2021. Visit filmfreeway.com/generationequality for more info.
2. New Zealand Addressing Period Poverty
“Young people should not miss out on their education because of something that is a normal part of life for half the population,” said New Zealand PM Jacinda Arden addressing a pilot program related to Period poverty. In a landmark move, New Zealand has joined the list of countries providing free period products to school-going girls. The program will roll out from June and is aimed at improving school attendance and creating a positive impact on children’s well-being. According to multiple studies, many menstruating girls find it difficult to access sanitary products and resort to skipping school. Certain instances also highlight the use of unsafe methods to control the bleeding which can lead to fatal health problems among girls.
3. Athlete Hima Das Appointed as a DSP in Assam
21-year-old Arjuna awardee Hima Das was designated in the Assam Police as a Deputy Superintendent. The Ace sprinter will continue her career in running along with her responsibilities of the police force. Das was appointed by the CM of Assam, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal in a ceremony attended by official dignitaries of the state government. Hima Das is fondly nicknamed the ‘Dhing Express’ (as a reference to her hometown Dhing in Assam’s Nagaon district) and is also the first-ever Indian athlete to win a gold medal in any format of a global track event at the IAAF World U20 Championships.
