10 gender stories of the week

This week’s digest of stories about how the gender gap plays out around the world – in business, health, education and politics. Subscribe here to receive this by email.

Chibok girls who escaped Boko Haram return to school. “I had to take the risk. Whatever happens to me, I can say I tried.” (Guardian)

When does the gender pay gap appear? Brace yourself: it starts sooner than you think. (World Economic Forum)

More women than ever are having babies at the peak of their careers. When will we stop punishing them for it? (New Republic)

When female farmers can’t reap what they sow. “I was the one who worked on the crop, but the land was his.” (Next Billion)

What’s it like to take a business trip to Saudi Arabia as a woman? Small victories, complex social navigations and a lack of ladies’ toilets feature. (New York Times)

Afghan women fight for political representation. Protesters take to the streets over failed pre-election promises. (World Bulletin)

Too young to wed. African Union launches campaign to end child marriages. (Tanzania Daily News)

“Why don’t we have women investors in Brazil?” How one question led to a network of female angel investors. (Global Fund for Women)

Veteran female diplomats leading US-Cuba negotiations. A cordial relationship has led the countries to a thaw. (LA Times)

What happened when I confronted my cruelest troll. If you’re a woman and you voice an opinion online, you’re bombarded with abuse. Until you snap.  (Guardian)

Statistic of the Week

A man who stays late to help at work is rated 14% more favourably by colleagues than a woman, according to a New York University study. When both decline to stay, a woman is rated 12% lower than a man.

From an article by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant claiming that women do more “office housework”.

Quote of the Week

Valentine’s Day is a sham created by card companies to reinforce and exploit gender stereotypes.

Tina Fey’s character Liz Lemon in the US television series 30 Rock.

Author: Ceri Parker is an Associate Director at the World Economic Forum, and edits the Agenda blog platform.

Image: People work at a call center in Lisbon April 22, 2013. REUTERS/Jose Manuel Ribeiro