In Africa and in South America, two women leaders are making history and inspiring women all over the world.

Bad laws, and the failure to implement good ones, spell disaster for women’s health and lives in East and South East Asia.

Sixty years after the founding of the United Nations (UN), three Europeans, two Africans, one Latin American and one Asian have been appointed secretary-general. None of them were women.

Men in black suits have traditionally dominated trade talks. They still do, but increasingly, women’s organisations and networks are realising the importance of engaging in trade advocacy to achieve economic and gender justice.

Not only was the recent World Trade Organisation ministerial conference in Hong Kong a failure, it was also a form of betrayal to developing countries worldwide. While some governments praised the latest Ministerial Declaration for protective commitments in agriculture, trade activists perceive the text as promoting the interests of developed nations.