Recent weeks have seen significant developments in gender equality and women-focused initiatives worldwide. In the Philippines, Amenah Pangandaman, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, highlighted the importance of gender-responsive budgeting as a driver of inclusive and sustainable development. At the Philippine Conference on Women, Peace and Security, she emphasized that national budgets must reflect the diverse needs of women and girls, while strengthening public financial management to ensure funds for gender and development programmes are used effectively. A gender accountability dashboard is also being developed to track GAD allocations and promote transparency.
In Ireland, the rollout of a mandatory gender pay gap reporting portal faced delays. Initially intended for 6,000 public and private organisations, the portal will now begin with a pilot involving 600–1,000 employers, with mandatory reporting for all employers with 50 or more employees expected from 2026. The government is finalizing the necessary legislation to ensure compliance.
UN Women reported that funding cuts are threatening programmes aimed at ending violence against women and girls. A survey of 428 organisations revealed that 34% had suspended or closed initiatives due to lack of resources, with more than 40% reducing essential services such as shelters and legal aid. Many organisations anticipate severe backsliding in protections for women, highlighting the urgent need for governments and donors to provide flexible and sustained funding.
In China, President Xi Jinping outlined four proposals to advance women’s development globally, emphasizing protection in conflict-affected areas, leveraging technology for empowerment, improving governance frameworks, and strengthening UN-led cooperation platforms. He announced a US$100 million allocation from China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund for projects benefiting women and girls, and the establishment of a Global Center for Women’s Capacity Building.
Japan appointed Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister, marking a historic milestone. While her election is seen as progress for women’s representation, critics highlight her conservative stances on issues like same-sex marriage and marital naming rights, raising questions about potential impacts on women’s rights. Japan currently ranks 118th out of 146 countries on the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Gender Gap Index.
Australia also achieved a first with Kathy Klugman’s appointment as the country’s director-general of national intelligence, making her the first woman to lead national security. Klugman brings extensive experience from senior roles in the Australian Public Service, including as principal adviser to the prime minister.
October marked World Menopause Awareness Month, drawing attention to the symptoms experienced by women and the need for workplace support policies. Governments and public services are encouraged to implement measures that accommodate menopausal women, ensuring inclusive and equitable workplaces.
