Although numbering more than half of the world’s population, women are often denied the same rights enjoyed by men. In many parts of the world, they confront open discrimination, deeply rooted cultural biases, and restrictions on their bodily autonomy and the roles they can play in society. This gender discrimination also intersects with other aspects of women’s experiences, including race and socio-economic class. While women have made great strides in gaining influence in government, education and industry around the globe, many remain particularly vulnerable to human rights abuses. 60 Seconds: Consider your experience 60 Minutes: Break down barriers 60 Days: Donate your time
Janet Nkubana (shown) and her sister co-founded Gahaya Links Cooperatives to turn traditional basket weaving skills into an income source for rural women after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. They now have a network of over 5,000 weavers across the country.
(Source: Getty Images, photograph by Robert Alexander)