“Those in control of this state need to stop fighting the future. They must stop governing by fear. They must stop pretending there’s some security blanket in laws that treat others unfairly.”
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Founding Feminists: February 28, 1913
The end of the trail and a spectacular entry into Washington, D.C., today for the suffrage hikers!
Female Afghan Parliamentarian Speaks Out About Women’s Progress in Afghanistan
Fawzia Koofi, a female member of the Afghan parliament, published an open letter this week to American women, urging them to continue standing shoulder-to-shoulder with women in Afghanistan. Koofi’s letter, entitled “A Letter to My American Sisters,” dispels the media myth that women’s lives have not improved since the fall of the Taliban regime in […]
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Founding Feminists: February 27, 1913
The suffrage hikers pushed on toward Washington, D.C., this morning despite rain, mud, hecklers and a growing conflict with the officers of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.
Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill Permitting Use of Religion as Cover to Discriminate
The bill was strongly opposed by LGBT groups who have seen businesses in other states – such as florists, photographers, and bakers – refuse to provide services to same-sex couples. Members of the Arizona business community also opposed the bill, as did politicians on both sides.
Massachusetts Governor Issues Emergency Regulations Banning Shackling of Pregnant Inmates
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed emergency regulations last week banning the shackling of incarcerated pregnant women.
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Founding Feminists: February 26, 1913
“We send and beg of you to accept this ‘Votes for Women’ flag as a memento of our pilgrimage through New York and New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Yours very truly, Rosalie Gardiner Jones.”
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Afghan Ministry of Justice Amends Criminal Procedure Code to Protect Women Victims of Violence
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Justice (MOJ) amended a controversial provision of the draft Afghan Criminal Procedure Code – Article 26 – that would have barred relatives from testifying against each other in criminal proceedings, including in cases of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. President Hamid Karzai had earlier responded to concerns from Afghan women’s […]
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Libya To Compensate Victims of Rape During 2011 Conflict
Libya’s cabinet introduced a decree last week that will recognize women raped during the 2011 uprising as war victims and provide them with compensation. Compensation could come in the form of financial assistance, a safe place to stay, and physical and psychological health care. While there are no confirmed figures, it is estimated that hundreds […]
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Founding Feminists: February 25, 1913
Proving that they can be as bold indoors as outdoors, the suffrage hikers descended upon two of Baltimore’s most patriarchal institutions on the 14th day of their journey.
Ohio Passes Laws Ending or Restricting Early and Absentee Voting
With Ohio remaining a key presidential swing state, the voting restrictions could have national impacts if they remain in place.
Court Rules Against Notre Dame’s Contraception Mandate Appeal
“If the government is entitled to require that female contraceptives be provided to women free of charge, we have trouble understanding how signing the form that declares Notre Dame’s authorized refusal to pay for contraceptives for its students or staff, and mailing the authorization document to those companies, which under federal law are obligated to pick up the tab, could be thought to ‘trigger’ the provision of female contraceptives.”
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Ugandan President Signs Anti-Gay Bill Into Law
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed a controversial anti-gay bill into law yesterday. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill, passed by parliament in December, could put people in prison for life if they engage in “aggravated homosexuality,” which means engaging in acts where someone is infected with HIV, having sex with minors, or being “serial offenders.” People who offer […]
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Founding Feminists: February 24, 1913
“General” Rosalie Jones’ suffrage army is reunited and back to full strength again as “Colonel” Craft’s contingent marched into Baltimore on Day 13 of the hike from Newark, New Jersey, to Washington, D.C.
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Case to Limit Access to Women’s Healthcare Centers
“The men and women of this state have the right to see the health care provider they deem is best for them.”
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Bolivian Court Relaxes Requirements for Women Seeking Abortion
Bolivia’s highest court issued a decision last week to remove the requirement that women must obtain judicial authorization in order to have a legal abortion. Bolivia’s constitution guarantees equal treatment to all citizens, including women and indigenous peoples. In 2012, Legislator Patricia Mancilla filed a challenge to the constitutionality of several penal code articles that […]
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Founding Feminists: February 21, 1913
This small, but dedicated group will have given a big boost to the struggle for woman suffrage by the time they finally arrive in the nation’s capital and join in the big suffrage parade and pageant on March 3rd.
Republican Senators Introduce Bill to Limit Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses
Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a bill last week that would give states the power to decide whether to give married lesbian and gay couples the same federal benefits that heterosexual married couples receive.
Recap: Afghan Presidential Candidates Address Women’s Rights in First Televised Debate
Women’s rights were one of the topics of discussion on February 4, 2014 when five of Afghanistan’s presidential candidates met for the first televised debate. Here’s what they said.
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Free Maternal and Childcare Center Commissioned in Nigeria
The government of Nigeria’s Delta State commissioned a 100-bed maternal and childcare center at the Warri Central Hospital last week. The center will provide free treatment and medication for pregnant women from conception to delivery and for children from ages 0 to 5, as part of the Free Maternal Healthcare Programme of 2007 and Free […]