French President Emmanuel Macron plans to close the prestigious Ecole Nationale d'Administration (ENA) to address social inequality and elitism, proposing the Institute of Public Service as its replacement. This move aligns with his efforts to create a more transparent and meritocratic civil service, following promises made during the Yellow Vests protests. Analysts suggest Macron's decision is politically motivated to gain support ahead of the 2022 elections, as he faces criticism for his handling of the pandemic and social issues. The closure of ENA has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a necessary change, while others argue it targets the wrong issue.

Pakistan has emerged as one of the top countries for social entrepreneurship, with significant improvements in the global ranking due to the efforts of young entrepreneurs and women. The country's youth, who are highly aware of socio-economic challenges, are driving this growth. Social startups are filling gaps in areas such as poverty, water scarcity, climate change, and sanitation. Notable enterprises include SEED Ventures, Aerosync, TrashIt, and Good Earth. The legal framework for social enterprises is under discussion, with varying opinions on its necessity at this stage.

European women are at least 60 years away from achieving equality with men, with the pandemic potentially further delaying progress, according to a report by the European Institute for Gender Equality. The 2020 index showed some progress but highlighted that women still perform most unpaid domestic work and face greater economic risks from COVID-19. The pandemic has increased domestic pressures on women, with lockdowns requiring more care, cleaning, and feeding. The index, which has monitored gender equality in the EU for a decade, measures women's performance against men in work, money, knowledge, time, power, and health, with the EU scoring 67.9 out of 100, indicating slow progress towards parity.

The French government announced it will fund hotel rooms for domestic violence victims and open counseling centers after a significant rise in abuse cases during the first week of COVID-19 quarantine. Gender Equality Minister Marlene Schiappa stated that around 20 new centers will be established in stores nationwide to assist women seeking help while shopping. An additional 1 million euros will be allocated to support organizations aiding domestic abuse victims. The measures follow reports of a 36% increase in domestic abuse cases in Paris and 32% in the rest of the country, including two murders, since the quarantine began on March 17.

Helen Mirren commends the #MeToo generation for challenging inequality and taking control of their destinies, highlighting the empowerment of young women in creating their own content and asserting their identities. She discusses the evolving understanding of gender identity, emphasizing a non-binary perspective. The article reflects on the broader societal shifts towards gender equality and the impact of the #MeToo movement.

A feminist poster campaign in Paris, initiated by Marguerite Stern, uses street art to denounce rape, sexual harassment, and murder, resonating with city residents and inspiring similar actions globally. Despite the government's inaction, the campaign has empowered women and changed their approach to public spaces. The campaign highlights ongoing issues of public sexual harassment in France, with significant statistics showing the prevalence of such incidents among young women.

A British court acknowledged it lacked authority to halt the deportation of a 10-year-old girl at risk of FGM, following the rejection of her mother's asylum application. The mother, facing deportation to Bahrain, fears subsequent forced return to Sudan, where FGM prevalence is high. The Home Office contested the court's power, but agreed to await the outcome of an FGM Act application. Lawyer Charlotte Proudman and campaigner Alimatu Dimonekene criticized the UK's failure to protect women and children at risk due to its immigration policies, despite its international leadership in combating FGM.

Paris, traditionally known for its high-end gastronomy, is experiencing a burgeoning street food scene with the rise of food trucks offering gourmet burgers, tacos, and other delicacies. The trend, initiated by Californian Kristin Frederick with her food truck 'Camion Qui Fume', has gained popularity despite initial resistance and strict regulations. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has acknowledged the trend as part of French gastronomy, leading to the authorization of 56 food trucks to operate in designated areas. The trucks were selected from 158 applications based on criteria such as food quality and environmental respect. This movement has diversified the culinary options in Paris, with trucks like 'La Cantine California' and 'Bügelski' contributing to the variety. The success of these trucks is changing the Parisian lunchtime landscape, especially in areas with fewer dining options, such as the business district of La Défense.

French ski resorts are facing difficult decisions due to the second warmest winter since 1900, with Mont-Dore's ski-lift operator entering administration due to a lack of snow. Resorts are adapting by diversifying tourist activities and considering the sustainability of artificial snow. France, a top skiing destination, is seeing resorts in lower altitudes struggle with snow scarcity. The Alps have warmed by an average of 2 degrees Celsius since the 19th century, affecting winter temperatures. Some resorts are investing in year-round attractions, while others face criticism for unsustainable practices like airlifting snow.

French President Emmanuel Macron, an alumnus of the Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA), has proposed shutting down the prestigious school to promote a fairer society and address elitism. ENA, established by Charles de Gaulle to democratize access to the civil service, has become a symbol of elite privilege. Macron's plan includes replacing ENA with an Institute of Public Service to foster transparent and meritocratic recruitment. This move comes in response to the yellow vest protests and is seen as a political strategy ahead of the 2022 elections. Critics argue that the problem lies with the government, not ENA, and that closing the school will not address underlying issues.