Two women were arrested for protesting the Enbridge Line 3 oil pipeline yesterday by climbing into a section of the pipeline in Aitkin County, Minnesota. Temperatures reached 130 degrees inside the pipe, which was capped at one end. The women, ages 20 and 21, entered with respirators due to low oxygen levels. An officer […]
Mary Simon Named First Indigenous Governor-General of Canada
On Tuesday, Inuit rights advocate and former diplomat Mary Simon was named Governor-General by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Simon is the first Indigenous person to occupy the role, where she will represent Queen Elizabeth II, Canada’s head of state. In the position, Simon will also execute necessary state duties and serve as the commander-in-chief […]
Canada Proposes Comprehensive Nationwide Conversion Therapy Ban
In a landmark move, Canada’s federal government has proposed legislation to criminalize forced conversion therapy for LGBTQ people. The legislation would also prohibit conversion therapy for minors. “Conversion therapy” is a range of abusive practices performed to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. These practices, based on the antiquated idea that […]
Canadian Government Pressured to End Forced Sterilization of Indigenous Women
Monday, Amnesty International announced it will lobby the UN Committee Against Torture (CAT) to compel the Canadian government to investigate the allegations of forced sterilization of indigenous women. So far 60 women have come forward with a pending lawsuit against health professionals in Saskatchewan, a Canadian province with a large Native population. The lawsuit challenges […]
Canadian Police Head Apologizes to Female Officers for Years of Harassment
Yesterday the head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Bob Paulsen, issued a public apology to hundreds of women who had faced sexual harassment and discrimination while on the force.
Canada Forms Commission to Investigate Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women
Carolyn Bennett, Canada’s Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, announced new details concerning a highly-anticipated national inquiry into the disproportionate rate of murders and abductions of indigenous women in Canada.
High School Student Wins International Award for Creating HIV Test
Nicole Ticea, a teen from Vancouver, Canada, won a top prize at the Intel International and Engineering Fair, the world’s largest high school science research competition for her invention of a simple and low-cost HIV test. Ticea, who is just 16, created a simple and inexpensive HIV test that can be sold over-the-counter at very […]
Ontario to Include Consent in Updated Sex Education Curriculum
Thanks to a request from Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, the Canadian province will now include teaching consent in its sex-education curriculum.
12 Countries Have Called on El Salvador to Stop Criminalizing Abortion
“Now more than ever the international human rights community must continue to advocate and pressure the Salvadoran government to ensure women’s reproductive rights.”
Canada Pledges $3.5 Billion for Maternal Health Programs Worldwide
“There is no better investment in the world’s future prosperity than women’s and children’s health.”
