Women's study by Dr. Hameedabanu

67 million watched first Harris-Trump debate Data source: CNN The recent presidential debate in Philadelphia sparked significant attention, with voters weighing in on the performances of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. According to a CNN poll by SSRS, voters who watched the debate overwhelmingly felt that Kamala Harris outperformed Trump. The poll revealed that 63% of debate watchers believed Harris had a stronger showing than Trump’s 37%. This marked a decisive shift, as voters were evenly split before the debate, with 50% anticipating a strong performance from each candidate. Harris not only exceeded expectations but also significantly improved her favorability among voters. Before the debate, only 39% viewed her positively; after the debate, this number rose to 45%. In contrast, Trump’s favorability remained largely unchanged, with 39% of viewers rating him favorably, both before and after the event. Harris's strong debate performance did not sway the majority of voters' pre...

  Source: BBC News Women’s safety is a crucial aspect of empowerment and well-being. The initiative started by Sadia Mahmood, a former teacher who left her job to set up jiu-jitsu classes for Muslim women and girls, highlights the importance of self-defense in building confidence. Mahmood, a black belt in jiu-jitsu, recognized a lack of safe training spaces for women who wear hijabs and decided to create a space where they could train without compromising their cultural values. Her classes not only focus on self-defense but also provide a safe and supportive environment for women to stay fit and healthy. Mahmood’s decision to lock the gym doors and limit access to women ensures a sense of security for her students, allowing them to focus on learning and developing their skills. This initiative is about more than just physical fitness—it’s about empowering women with the confidence to defend themselves in potentially dangerous situations. The benefits of these classes extend beyond ...

Factories play a critical role in empowering women and driving economic development, particularly in countries like India. While there is a large untapped potential of female labor, social and economic barriers have kept many women out of formal, wage-paying jobs. Yet, the rise of manufacturing holds immense potential to change this scenario, as seen in other Asian economies. In countries like Vietnam, China, and Thailand, women have been central to economic transformation through manufacturing. In Vietnam, for instance, over 68% of women over 15 work for some form of pay. However, in India, less than 33% of women are engaged in paid work that is officially counted, despite their significant contributions to household and agricultural labor. The exclusion of women from formal manufacturing jobs in India stems from various factors. Social norms, gender discrimination, and fears of harassment keep women confined to their homes. Additionally, some factories avoid hiring women, especially ...

Factories play a crucial role in the economic development of women, particularly in rural areas. Take the story of Sarika Pawar, who was confined to household tasks until her husband passed away, forcing her to earn an income. She took a job at a plastics factory in Silvassa, Maharashtra and over the years, her wages, though modest, transformed her life. Earning around 12,000 rupees per month, Sarika was able to provide for her daughter’s education and improve her family's living conditions. She bought a refrigerator, reducing her trips to the market, and upgraded to a propane stove, freeing her from time-consuming chores. More importantly, her work opened her eyes to broader opportunities and possibilities outside her village. Factories provide women with stable employment and a path to financial independence. As international companies shift manufacturing to India, this trend can create numerous job opportunities, especially for women who have traditionally been excluded from for...