Both women were arrested in October and served around 90 days in prison for non-violent crimes.
Senator Boxer Urges President to Continue Support for UN Population Fund
The United States restored its funding for UNFPA under President Obama in 2009.
Egyptian Court Sentences Doctor In Female Genital Mutilation Case
This is the first time a doctor has been convicted in Egypt of this crime.
#HeForShe Campaign Launches Pilot Effort Aimed at Institutional Equality
The United Nations’ gender equality campaign #HeForShe has launched a new program called IMPACT 10X10X10.
Three Women Were Nominated for Cabinet Posts in Afghanistan’s Unity Government
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah announced 25 nominees for the Afghan cabinet yesterday.
Boko Haram’s “Deadliest Massacre” Kills Thousands in Nigeria
The majority of those killed were women, children, and the elderly who could not flee quickly enough.
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.
Trans People Can No Longer Obtain Driver’s Licenses in Russia
The new regulations put trans folks and anyone suffering from “fetishism, exhibitionism, and voyeurism” among those with primarily physical impairments such as blindness who are barred from driving.
Clinically Dead Pregnant Irish Woman Taken Off Life Support
The court’s decision to take the pregnant woman off life support was in line with her family’s wishes.
Transgender Woman Elected Mayor in India
On Sunday, independent candidate Madhu Kinnar was elected mayor over Mahaveer Guruji of the popular Bharatiya Janata Party by more than 4,500 votes.
More Women Agents at the Border Could Mitigate Sexual Assault Crisis
Following rampant accusations of sexual assault and harassment of female migrants, Customs and Border Protection is looking to boost the number of female agents on staff.
Boko Haram Kidnapped 172 More Women and Children, Officials Report
According to local officials and residents, Boko Haram insurgents kidnapped at least 172 women and children and killed 35 people last week.
Woman on Life Support Revives Ireland’s Abortion Debate
Ireland’s ban on abortion has come up in debate again following a current case involving a dead woman who is being kept on life support because she is pregnant.
The Spending Bill Lifted the Abortion Ban for Peace Corps Volunteers
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.