The Senate Saturday passed a $1.1 trillion spending bill that included expanded abortion coverage for Peace Corps volunteers in case of rape, incest, and when the life of the parent is threatened.
Groups Demand Gender-Responsive Climate Policy at UN Convention
The talks are a continuation of the UN Climate Summit in New York earlier this year, and a precursor to the 2015 climate meeting in Paris, where world leaders are expected to finalize a new global climate agreement.
Activists Call on the President to Stand with Survivors of Rape in War
More than 20 organizations, including the Feminist Majority, the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE), Advocates for Youth, and several human rights and faith-based groups, came together to urge President Obama to ensure that US foreign assistance helps survivors of war rape access comprehensive medical care, including abortion.
Activists Demonstrate Outside Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations
Workers, human rights advocates, environmental organizations, and consumer rights leaders rallied today to oppose the TPP free trade agreement, described as “a massive corporate power grab… with potentially dire consequences for the economy, environment and public health both at home and abroad.”
World Health Organization Calls For an End to “Virginity Tests”
In the handbook, WHO stated that virginity tests used on women and girls to “prove” virginity have “no scientific validity” and pointed out that the tests violate international human rights standards against degrading treatment and are a form of discrimination against women.
On World AIDS Day, UN Women Calls for Fast-Tracking Gender Equality to Stem Epidemic
UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka reminded the international community that to end AIDS, we must first work to eradicate gender inequality.
Afghan Women Demand a Larger Role in Peace Process
As the drawdown of US and NATO troops in Afghanistan continues, Afghan women leaders are awaiting the launch of a new Afghan National Action Plan for Women, Peace, and Security, which aims to engage women more meaningfully in the peacebuilding process.
UN Expert Calls for Action To End Violence Against Women in Afghanistan
United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women Rashida Manjoo returned last week from a nine-day official visit in Afghanistan with a call to the Afghan Government and the international community to continue its focus on creating sustainable solutions to reduce violence against women. This was Manjoo’s third visit to Afghanistan, and the Special Rapporteur noted many positive developments since her […]
Afghan Women’s Rights Leader and Parlimentarian Survives Suicide Bombing Attack
Afghan law maker and prominent women’s rights leader Shukria Barakzai survived a suicide bombing attack on her armed vehicle on Sunday, November 16. Three people were killed and more than 20 wounded in the attack, which took place several hundred feet from the Parliament building where Barakzai was headed.
Maternal Death Rate in West Africa Expected to Rise Due to Ebola
One in seven women could die during childbirth in the West African countries most impacted by the Ebola crisis.
United States and China Announce Landmark Climate Change Deal on Carbon Emissions
After almost a year of negotiations, the US and China announced an unprecedented pledge this morning to limit their carbon emissions, giving hope to climate change activists worldwide.
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.”
Largest USAID Women’s Empowerment Program in the World Launched in Afghanistan
Called “Promote,” the program will invest up to $416 million dollars into the education, training, and promotion of Afghan women in civil society, government, and business.
Over 50 Women Hospitalized and 12 Dead in India After Botched Mass Sterilization at Government-Run Camp
Although four health officials, including one man who received an award last year for having performed 50,000 sterilization procedures, have been suspended, the Indian government denies claims of negligence.
Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls Remain Missing as Boko Haram Leader Denies Ceasefire
A man claiming to be the leader of extremist group Boko Haram denied that successful ceasefire talks had taken place between the group and Nigerian officials laying out a plan for the return of over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped in April. Now, their families are still waiting.
The Japanese Government is Being Sued for Institutional Sexism
“No matter how much we contribute or how well we perform, we stand virtually no chance of advancing in our careers.”
Mullah Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Rape Under Afghanistan’s EVAW Law
Judge Mohammad Suliman Rasuli sentenced Mullah Mohammad Amin – a religious leader from Afghanistan – to 20 years in prison Saturday for the rape of a 10-year-old girl in Kunduz province.
Thousands of Women in Iran Protest Acid Attacks in Wake of Religious Law
On Wednesday, thousands of Iranians in the historic city of Isfahan gathered to protest recent acid attacks on women. The attacks have been happening around the same time as the passage of a new law that protects anyone who “corrects” others who are acting in an “un-Islamic” way.
Instead of Returning Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls, Boko Haram Reportedly Abducted More Women and Girls
Despite Nigerian military officials last week announcing they had negotiated with militant group Boko Haram for the release of more than 200 schoolgirls who were kidnapped in April, it appears the girls have not yet been released – and residents say more women and girls have been kidnapped since.
Afghanistan’s New First Lady Advances Women’s Issues
Just a few days after moving to the presidential palace, Afghanistan’s new First Lady Rula Ghani said that she hopes to encourage greater respect for women.
