World gender equality

Gender equality is a basic right that should be recognised by communities and governments around the world 365 days of the year, Equalities Secretary Angela Constance has said on the UN International Day of the Girl. Ms Constance pledged to champion the rights of girls and women wherever they live in the world after taking part in a speed mentoring event with 250 school girls at the London Eye as part of the Day of the Girl celebrations. She joined 250 mentors including Jo Brand, Mary Portas, Lily Cole and Heather Stanning at the special event organised to recognise the challenges girls face around the world and acknowledge their achievements. For the event, participants were divided into capsules on the London Eye, with Ms Constance providing advice and guidance to three girls on board.She said: “It’s a sad fact that around the world girls face disadvantage and discrimination on a daily basis and can face barriers to accessing even the most basic education and healthcare.