UN Women Asia and the Pacific Regional Director Mohammad Naciri discusses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on women, efforts to implement a gender-fair and gender- sensitive pandemic recovery plan, and the continuing partnership between UN Women and ASEAN. He also talks about the role of male leaders, allies, and champions in advancing the gender equality agenda. ASEAN: Emerging data and narratives from the ground indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the burden on women and girls and may be reversing the global progress made on achieving gender inclusion and equality.

When ventilators were becoming scarce due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Somaya Faruqi, 17, led Afghanistan’s Girl’s Robotics Team as they developed a prototype ventilator to support their country’s health care system.

Dr. Krisana Kraisintu, Thailand, Gypsy Pharmacist, affordable health care, HIV/AIDS, malaria, sick, Asia, Africa, medicine, Ramon Magsaysay Award, Public Service, top woman executive, pharmaceutical industry, UN Women, Women of Achievement, Beijing+20