6 Sunday, January 7, 2018 Women and the World GOPIO Convention Meredith Ann O’Connell Proof and Accountability gets underway or women in 2018, it’s going to be all about proof and accountability. Equality for women is not just a slogan orF vague concept but a goal, which means that it must be translated into concrete action. Politicians can easily say that they want to promote women, and may put forth a strategic plan or agenda. However, just as they are held accountable for meeting other goals, governments (and industries, and other groups) need to start showing the results of their promises. 2018 is not about empty words, it is about proof. One country has started the New Year off swinging: Iceland, already well advanced in terms of gender equality, is determined to make sure women receive equal pay. It is so determined that the country has made it illegal to pay women less than men for the same job. And while many countries have passed Equal Pay legislation, Iceland’s new law stands out because it demands accountability. It demands proof—or else there are consequences. Icelandic employers with 25 or more workers must obtain a “pay equality certification” every three years from a government- approved certifier. While it is strange that the law leaves out smaller businesses, Iceland’s law is different than, for example, the Equal Pay Act in the United States because it is mandatory. It uses mechanisms to make sure it is enforced, with noncompliance resulting in fines. While companies in the US can get in trouble for unequally compensating employees, no one will catch them unless an employee Raj Purohit inaugurates the event yesterday speaks up. In effect, the burden of enforcing the law falls on the very people it is trying to protect instead of the government. In Iceland, the government enforces the law, DT News Network In his speech, Purohit will see what we have been between India and Bahrain, with the companies bearing the “burden of proof” having to [email protected] outlined how India has preparing for in the past 2 to Rahul Gandhi will have submit their certification. OPIO Bahrain progressed over the years, 3 months.” Calling Bahrain an audience with His The burden of proving that companies or individuals Convention and Pravasi lauding the progress made “a great land of religious Majesty King Hamad bin are breaking the law—whether it is regarding equal pay, SammelanG organised by The by the nation. “We have tolerance, and a graceful Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal discrimination in the hiring process, sexual harassment, Global Organization of People achieved tremendous country” he thanked HM the Highness Prince Salman bin etc.—should not have to solely lay with women. Why not? of Indian Origin (GOPIO) progress over the years. The King, HRH Prime Minister Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa There are several reasons, one of the main ones being got underway yesterday. image of India and Indians and HRH the Crown Prince. and His Royal Highness that women are often not taken seriously (especially in The three-day event will have changed dramatically. “I would also like to thank Khalifa bin Salman bin the case of sexual harassment). Thanks to a history of feature discussions about Years ago when Indians Shaikh Khalifa bin Daij Al Hamad Al Khalifa. He will discrimination, women may be afraid to come forward India, its economy and travel to the west, we were Khalifa President, Court of be accompanied by Sam or to appear that they are being a “difficult” employee. By people, with many well- asked too many questions HRH the Crown Prince,” he Pitroda, Chairman, overseas establishing mechanisms to enforce compliance, gender known personalities from at the airport, now this has added congress AICC, Milind equality laws will have more of a chance of succeeding. India participating. The changed we are warmly Rahul Gandhi, President Deora, Ex-Minister, Govt. of The strong rhetoric that marked 2017 in regards to opening was attended by welcomed, this represents of Indian National Congress India. The visit is coordinated women’s equality will hopefully be followed with concrete delegates including Raj how our image has changed,” will be visiting Bahrain on by Dr Arathi Krishna, Deputy action in the new year. Concrete action that can be followed Purohit Cabinet Minister he said. 8 January 2017 to address Chairman, NRI Forum, Govt. up with concrete proof. of Maharashtra and Dr Soman Baby, Chairman, the concluding session of of Karnataka and Madhu Chandan Mitra, Editor of Reception Committee, said, the event. “Considering the Yaskhi, Secretary, AICC,” (The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of this newspaper.) The Pioneer. “Over the next two days you close and cordial relations GOPIO said in a statement. Arab League to seek East Jerusalem as Palestinian capital, says Jordan Actress Amman Palestinian Authority as well as Trump’s controversial decision King Abdullah II met the Sunny Leone ordan said yesterday the by the United Arab Emirates in December to recognise Arab diplomats and said Arab League would seek minister of state for foreign Jerusalem as Israel’s capital “the question of Jerusalem to perform internationalJ recognition affairs. sparked protests in Arab and must be resolved within the of the Palestinian state with “There is a political decision Muslim countries and was framework of a just and lasting east Jerusalem as its capital to recognise Jerusalem as the rejected in a non-binding peace agreement between in Bahrain after Washington recognised capital of Israel and we will UN General Assembly Palestinians and Israelis”. Mumbai Oshma and directed by Manoj the Holy City as Israel’s strive to reach an international resolution. Jordan signed a peace treaty ctress Sunny Leone has Mayyannour. Hope to see capital. political decision to recognise Jerusalem’s status is among with Israel in 1994, and is the announced that she will be you’ll there at Indian School Foreign Minister Ayman a Palestinian state... with (east) the most contentious issues in custodian of Muslim holy sites Aperforming in Bahrain for the Grounds, Bahrain,” she added. Safadi made the announcement Jerusalem as its capital,” Safadi the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. in Jerusalem. first time in April. In December last year, Sunny at a joint news conference with said. Safadi said Arabs have The kingdom has been “I have an exciting news. was forced to cancel her New Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Abul Gheit said an expanded three main goals, including rocked by anti-US and anti- For the first time ever, I will Year bash in Bengaluru after Gheit after talks in Amman on meeting of Arab foreign invalidating Trump’s decision. Israeli protests in the wake be performing in Bahrain on the police denied permission to the status of Jerusalem. ministers to discuss Jerusalem “According to international of Trump’s decision, and has April 27 for the anniversary the organisers. Sunny was last The talks were attended by would be held at the end of the law, Jerusalem is an occupied accused the US president of of Aura Arts Centre,” Sunny seen onscreen in 2017 musical the foreign ministers of Egypt, month. land,” he said. violating international law. tweeted on Saturday. “This romantic film “Tera Intezaar” Saudi Arabia, Morocco and the US President Donald Earlier Saturday, Jordan’s (AFP) show is coordinated by Dadu alongside Arbaaz Khan. (IANS).