Top of the Morning: Record Number of Women Serving in Parliaments Worldwide

Record Number of Women Serving in Parliaments Worldwide

Rwanda has the greatest percentage of female parliamentarians. “A survey finds a record number of women are serving as members of parliament worldwide.  The report by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) shows last year, women occupied nearly 22 percent of parliamentary seats.  That is an increase of 1.5 percentage points – double the average rate of increase in recent years.  A 1.5 percent increase in the number of women who are members of parliaments globally may not sound like a lot.  But the Inter-Parliamentary Union says if this trend continues, it could lead to gender parity in parliaments in 20 years.”  (VOA http://bit.ly/1eSpuYO)

Big Scientific Breakthrough on AIDS

Not quite a vaccine, but it’s an injection that provides long lasting protection. “Two studies by different laboratory groups each found 100 percent protection in monkeys that got monthly injections of antiretroviral drugs, and there was evidence that a single shot every three months might work just as well. If the findings can be replicated in humans, they have the potential to overcome a major problem in AIDS prevention: that many people fail to take their antiretroviral pills regularly.” (NYThttp://nyti.ms/1cAnXSv)

Venezuela on the Edge for the One Year Anniversary of Hugo Chavez’s Death

 The country is as polarized as ever. “The first anniversary of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s death does not come at an opportune moment for his protege and successor in office, Nicolas Maduro. Since early February, there have been daily protests against insecurity, record inflation and shortages of some basic foods, medicines and toiletries. The largest protests to rock Venezuela in a decade, they have become the toughest test yet for Mr Maduro since he was elected in April following Mr Chavez’s death from cancer.” (BBC http://bbc.in/1cAkUtC)

Record Number of Women Serving in Parliaments Worldwide

Rwanda has the greatest percentage of female parliamentarians. “A survey finds a record number of women are serving as members of parliament worldwide.   The report by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) shows last year, women occupied nearly 22 percent of parliamentary seats.  That is an increase of 1.5 percentage points – double the average rate of increase in recent years.  A 1.5 percent increase in the number of women who are members of parliaments globally may not sound like a lot.  But the Inter-Parliamentary Union says if this trend continues, it could lead to gender parity in parliaments in 20 years.”  (VOA http://bit.ly/1eSpuYO)