Worldwide, gender inequality remains widespread. In extreme cases in some global regions girls are still sold as child brides, verbally, physically or sexually assaulted and denied access to education. <br /><br />Even in developed nations committed to gender equality, women often suffer from a lack of opportunity, unfair treatment and simple prejudice. <br /><br />In this edition of Learning World, presented by Maha Barada, we focus on three women who have defied the odds, overcoming different challenges to reach the top. <br /><br />Our first report takes us to New York where we meet Grammy-winning singer Angelique Kidjo.<br /><br />As well as being a top recording artist Kidjo, who was born in Benin, devotes her time to helping girls and women in Africa. One of her projects is the remarkable career that has included a stint as a government minister and senior posts at the World Health Organisation. <br /><br />She says her success is all down to having had an education, and she is determined that more African girls have the same opportunity. <br /><br />Our third subject did not have to overcome such adversity, but her achievements in the male-dominated world of diving are amazing nonetheless. ==
