The Week That Was: Dr. Sonajharia Minz's Appointment, Women's ODI WC Schedule, India's Unemployment Rate Shoots & More

By: WE Staff | Sunday, 22 June 2025

Over the past decade, the rise of women in the corporate world has been notable, indicating that they are making progress in the right direction. India's women's empowerment movement is a dynamic one, driven by policy reforms, societal changes, and an increase in the number of female entrepreneurs, political leaders, and activists. Breaking years of stereotypes, Indian women are proving themselves to be excellent homemakers and businesswomen.

From corporate to politics, women can be seen everywhere, reclaiming their value by becoming decision-makers, including Dr. Sonajharia Minz, an Indian tribal professor appointed as UNESCO Co-Chair, India to Host Inaugural Women's T20 Cricket World Cup for the Blind, whereas the ICC Women's ODI World Cup starts in September.

The WER team has covered a range of news and more this week!

India to Host Inaugural Women's T20 Cricket World Cup for the Blind Announces CABI

At the state-of-the-art Samarthanam Art Centre, Bengaluru, the India Cricket Association for the Blind (CABI) successfully held its 15th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM). A day of serious talks, strategic planning, and a shared vision for the future of blind cricket in India was attended by representatives from 23 states and Union Territories.

Indian Women Unemployment Rate Edges to 16.3% in May 2025, Says Government Data

India's unemployment rate rose from 5.1 percent in April to 5.6 percent in May 2025, according to data published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. According to the ministry's report, this is mostly due to seasonal factors and a decline in rural employment following the conclusion of the Rabi harvest season.

The monthly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), which provides current information on employment trends, is in its second issue. According to the report, women's unemployment in May was 5.8 percent, slightly higher than men's, at 5.6 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively.

Dr. Sonajharia Minz appointed as UNESCO Co-Chair Promoting Tribal Rights & Knowledge

Dr. Sonajharia Minz, an Indian tribal professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, has been named the first UNESCO Co-Chair. She is a trailblazer in higher education, overcoming linguistic, social, and gender barriers in higher education.

Sonajharia, a member of the Oraon tribal community of Jharkhand, will co-direct the UNESCO Chair in Indigenous Knowledge, Research, Governance (IKRG), and Transformative Reconciliation with Dr. Amy Parent of the Nisga'a Nation in Canada. The four-year position is the first joint collaboration between Simon Fraser University of Vancouver and JNU of New Delhi. They will work to enhance the rights, knowledge systems, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples in India, Canada, and globally.

2025 ICC Women's ODI World Cup starts September; Know Full Schedule

The official schedule for the 2025 ICC Women's ODI World Cup has been revealed. On September 30, co-hosts Sri Lanka and India will play their opening match at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to kick off the tournament. The final is scheduled for November 2, which will be held in Bengaluru or Colombo, depending on Pakistan’s qualification.

As a result of constant political tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India's return fire through Operation Sindoor, India will not be hosting Pakistan. Their highly anticipated face-off will be held on October 5 in Colombo.

Union Minister Annpurna Devi launches Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub to Advance Inclusive Policy Planning

The Ministry of Women and Child Development held a National Consultation on Gender Budgeting in New Delhi, a unique initiative aimed at strengthening gender-responsive governance. Union Minister Annpurna Devi inaugurated the event and launched the Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub, a digital portal for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to integrate a gender lens into planning and budgeting.