Bono To Trump: Make Gender Equality A Priority

Bono has urged Donald Trump to prioritise women and gender equality in his upcoming presidency.

The U2 frontman and activist was awarded Glamour magazine's Man of the Year award on Tuesday after his One campaign launched the Poverty is Sexist campaign last year.

He used his acceptance speech to call on Trump to promote more women.

"I say to the president-elect: look across to women, make equality a priority, it is the only way forward."

His call came as feminist groups are organising a mass protest in Washington DC for 21 January, the day after Trump will be sworn into office.

His presence at the awards sparked controversy with many on social media criticising the choice as it was the first time a man had been given a prize at the magazine's annual Women of the Year Awards. 

The Irish musician mocked his own trophy as "ridiculous".

He said: "I know how ridiculous it is for me to be on this stage accepting this award. "But if I didn't know how ridiculous it was, I did have the blessed internet to remind me.

He went on to give Trump tips on how to improve gender equality: "There is nowhere on Earth where women have the same opportunities as men."

"Unless we address this problem, both men and women together, the world will continue down this misogynistic, violent and impoverished path.

"The train is leaving the station, be on it or be under it."

Other awards went to International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Christine Lagarde, who won the lifetime achievement prize, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and singer Gwen Stefani.

Also at the ceremony Amber Heard read out the victim statement from the survivor of the Stamford assault case, known only as Emily Doe. Doe was sexually assaulted by student Brock Turner while she was unconscious. Turner was jailed for just six months and then released after serving half his sentence.

"Wherever you are, we know you are listening. Thank you for your words. Thank you for your courage. We carry it with us every day," said Heard, whose divorce case with Johnny Depp involved allegations of domestic abuse.

News
US criticises prosecution of pro-life campaigner over silent prayer near abortion clinic
US criticises prosecution of pro-life campaigner over silent prayer near abortion clinic

The US State Department has said it is closely monitoring the prosecution of a Christian woman who prayed silently in an abortion clinic buffer zone. 

Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians.