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**India Grapples with Progress and Persistent Gender Inequality**

**NEW DELHI – October 12, 2025** – This week saw a mixed bag of news regarding gender issues in India, highlighting both progress and persistent inequalities.

On the positive side, Karnataka became the first Indian state to approve paid menstrual leave for both government and private sector employees. This landmark decision acknowledges the often-debilitating effects of dysmenorrhea and aims to improve women’s performance and well-being in the workplace. However, the move has sparked debate among feminists, with some, like Shruti M.P. from Infosys, fearing it could lead to discrimination and reduced employment opportunities for women.

In Ajmer, Rajasthan, a hopeful story is unfolding as about 30 women, many survivors of child marriage, are learning filmmaking skills at the Mahila Jan Adhikar Samiti. They aspire to create their own films, offering a path to empowerment and self-expression.

However, the fight for gender equality continues on multiple fronts. Husamettin Dogan, convicted of raping a 72-year-old French woman, Gisèle Pelicot, had his sentence increased from nine to 10 years.

On the international front, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs faced criticism after the Taliban’s Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi addressed the Indian press without including any women journalists. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned this as an “insult” to Indian women.

Alarming statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau’s 2023 report reveal a concerning trend in gender-based violence. A total of 448,211 cases of crime against women were registered, marking a 0.7% increase from the previous year. Dowry-related crimes saw a significant 14% rise, with over 15,000 cases and 6,100 deaths reported.

Activists like Poorani C, co-founder of Penn Collective, are working to empower women in politics. Her organization aims to equip women with the skills necessary for political engagement and leadership.

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