Iceland becomes first country to legalize equal pay
The legislation, which came into force on Monday, the first day of 2018, makes Iceland the first country in the world to legalise equal pay between men and women.
Women's rights & well-being
Belgium appoints world’s first-ever female ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Belgium made the announcement this week revealing that Dominique Mineur, who currently serves as the European nation’s ambassador to the UAE, will transfer to Riyadh next summer.
Pope Francis grants all priests the authority to absolve abortions
Pope Francis has declared that abortion, which remains a “grave sin” in the eyes of the Catholic Church, can be absolved by ordinary priests for the foreseeable future instead of requiring the intervention of a bishop.
Brenda Hale sworn in as first female president of U.K.’s supreme court
The first woman appointed to be a law lord, in 2004, Hale had to wait until this week for a second woman to join her on the U.K.’s highest court.
Nepal outlaws custom of exiling women during their periods
The ancient Hindu tradition of Chhaupadi, whereby women are confined to animal sheds during menstruation to keep “impurity” out of the home, was banned by the supreme court in 2005.
Jordan repeals law allowing rapists to avoid punishment if they marry their victims
The decision is expected to be approved by the upper house, and then ratified by King Abdullah II.
Proportion of female CEOs leading Forbes 500 companies at an all-time high
There are a record number of women who are CEOs of the Fortune 500, which was unveiled Wednesday morning, June 7, and Cleveland is well represented in those ranks.
Over 100 companies sign the Equal Pay Pledge
Forty-four new employers have signed on to the Equal Pay Pledge, bringing the total number to over 100 businesses who have embraced equal pay policies.
Women in Iceland protest country’s 14 percent pay gap by leaving work 14 percent early
On Monday, in protest of the pay gap, thousands of Icelandic women decided to work the hours their pay merited by leaving their workplaces promptly when the clock struck 2:38.
Pakistan adopts new law to tackle ‘honour killings’
New legislation mandates life imprisonment of “honour” killers – even if victim’s relatives forgive the murderers.