Gurkha Widows

Everywoman

Gurkha Widows

Everywoman meets the Nepalese women left in destitution by the British government.

Last Modified: 11 Feb 2008 12:09 GMT

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The families of Gurkhas are denied compensation
by the British government

Earlier this year, the British government improved pensions for Gurkhas - Nepalese soldiers attached to the British army. But only for those who retired after 1997. For others, even though they have shed blood in the line of duty, there was no change. Some receive just a sixth of the normal army pension, and some get nothing.

In Nepal, where there is no state healthcare or social benefits, thousands of army widows have been left in destitution. Everywoman went to Nepal to meet some of those struggling to survive.

Joining Shiulie Ghosh from London is lawyer Matthew Gold who has been representing Gurkhas in their legal battle for equal rights.

Everywoman also asked the British ministry of defence how it responded to accusations that it had abandoned the families of thousands of former Gurkhas to a life of poverty, and it said: "The British government greatly values the contribution of the Gurkhas past and present and has not abandoned them. It has been the policy of successive UK Governments to ensure that the terms and conditions of service for Gurkhas and their families are fair."

The spokesman went on to say that the government also provided financial support to the Gurkha Welfare Trust, which helps alleviate hardship for former Gurkhas and their families even in the most remote areas of Nepal.

Code Pink

Code Pink campaigning against the presence
of US soldiers in Iraq

You probably know that recently the commander of the American forces in Iraq, General David Petraeus, testified before the US Congress in Washington.

While he was doing that a large crowd of peace protesters were outside demanding the withdrawal of American troops.

Some of the loudest voices belonged to the women-led anti-war group Code Pink.

Its cofounder Medea Benjamin ended up being arrested for disruptive behaviour.

She is now out of custody and joins us from Washington.

Stories from the Chinese city

Li Ying is worth $65million

We look at one woman who has joined the economic elite, a businesswoman who has competed, and won, against men in a male dominated industry.

In a society where many women are still dependent on their husbands, Li Ying is worth a cool $65million.

She told Everywoman's Ju Lin Ong about the driving force behind her ambition.

Watch this episode of Everywoman here:

Part 1: