12 must-read stories about gender

“In our subcontinent, we have unique forms of cruelty towards women.” An Indian media leader is pressing for change. (World Economic Forum)

It’s not your kids holding your career back; it’s your husband. Even high-achieving women let their partners’ careers take precedence. (Slate)

Gender balance isn’t always top-down. For businesses, progress often bubbles up from one team, one division or one country. (Harvard Business Review)

A book shows Barbie as a computer engineer. Progress? Nope. She needs help from Steven and Brian to code, prompting an amusing backlash – and the book’s withdrawal. (Los Angeles Times)

How a road improved gender equality in Argentina. The surprising economic and social impact of tarmac. (World Bank)

Do women deserve special protection on Twitter? The company’s efforts to curb misogynistic trolling raise concerns about censorship. (The Week)

Afghan women will negotiate with the Taliban. The Afghan government also wants more female recruits for the police force and army. (Inclusive Security)

The Church of England makes way for female bishops. And a split in the worldwide Anglican community once again looms. (The Economist)

A US human trafficking court treats prostitutes as victims. Women are offered counselling instead of a prison sentence. (New York Times)

Goodbye Mrs, hello Mx. A British bank has introduced the gender-neutral “Mx” as an alternative to Mr, Mrs, Miss and Ms. (The Times)

Quote of the Week

“Women are judged much more harshly and keenly for what they do, what they say and what they wear”

Karl Stefanovic, an Australian TV presenter, wore the same suit for a year to prove a point about sexism.

Statistic of the Week

One in three women around the world is subjected to violence.

Today is the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Author: Ceri Parker, Associate Director, Forum Blog.

Image: A woman walks through a subway under railway tracks in Mumbai January 7, 2014. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui