–– Paul Schlehlein

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What do the following three worldwide occurrences have in common? 

First, daycare centres across the globe have experienced explosive growth. In the Netherlands, for example, 85% of children under age four attend formal daycare. Every day in South Africa, more pre-schools and creches are being added to the already existing 43,000 early childhood development centres, with one company calling daycare the strongest target for business entrepreneurs. 

Second, as of 1 June 2024, 27 countries have women serve as Heads of State, a significant rise from years past. Worldwide, over a quarter of all parliamentarians in lower houses are women, up from 11% in 1995, the highest percentage being Rwanda at 61%. Currently, the world boasts well over a dozen female defence ministers, including four in Africa—Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Togo, and South Africa.