Ashraf Ghani, who has has publicly and consistently stated his support for women’s rights and women’s participation in government, was sworn in as the new President of Afghanistan today at the Presidential Palace in Kabul.
Largest-Ever Global Study of Gender in Film Illuminates a Persistent Sexism Problem
The Institute’s founder said the data never fails to shock her Hollywood peers, who largely haven’t noticed the dearth of female representation – even at the level of crowd shots. According to Davis, women won’t achieve parity on screen for another 700 years.
New President and National Unity Government Announced in Afghanistan
Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai is the next president of Afghanistan. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, his opponent, will serve as Afghanistan’s new chief executive.
Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership Still Needs Improvements in Human and Workers Rights
Legislators and activists are still concerned about the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a proposed regional free trade agreement that addresses a broad range of issues and is currently being negotiated between the United States and 11 Pacific Rim nations.
UN Ambassador Says the World Needs a “Wake-Up Call” on Ebola Crisis
“This should be a wake-up call for the international community. It’s the worst Ebola epidemic we’ve seen in history.”
Wheels in Motion: Meet Afghanistan’s First All-Woman Bicycling Team
Women in Afghanistan are rediscovering a vehicle of freedom that has galvanized social change since the turn of the 20th century: the bicycle.
Court Sentences Seven Men for Gang Rape in Afghanistan
The vicious public attack received national attention and sparked outrage among Afghan women leaders.
Ecuador Will Now Recognize Same-Sex Civil Unions
As of this upcoming September 15, same-sex couples in Ecuador will legally be able to register their civil unions.
Afghan Girls Compete in Bike Race to Raise Awareness About Violence Against Women
Fifteen girls participated in the race to raise awareness about violence against women. Many others, including government and education leaders in the province, escorted them to the finish line.
Domestic Violence Victims May Now Qualify For Asylum in the US
The Justice Department’s Board of Immigration Appeals ruled for the first time on Tuesday that a victim of domestic violence fit a specific criterion for asylum: persecution for membership in a particular social group.
More Investment in Women’s Health Needed as Africa’s Population Rises
Africa’s population could reach four billion by 2100. As the population grows, more investment in maternal health and family planning resources will be needed to ensure women’s health.
$92 Million Project Will Improve Higher Education in Afghanistan
The US Agency for International Development announced a $92 million project to improve the higher education system in Afghanistan last week.
Ugandan President Signs Law Making HIV Transmission Illegal
Provisions of the law include possible imprisonment of HIV-positive individuals, a ten-year prison sentence and fine for the “intentional transmission of HIV,” a five-year prison sentence for “attempted transmission of HIV,” and compulsory testing in some situations.
In Liberia, The Ebola Outbreak is Also a Maternal Health Issue
Although the death toll from the virus itself is astounding, many people – including pregnant mothers – are also dying as hospitals and clinics shut their doors.
Afghanistan Celebrates 95th Anniversary of Independence
President Hamid Karzai and candidates Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai attended a special ceremony to commemorate the day. US Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement in honor of the celebration.
Suicidal Rape Victim Denied Abortion in Ireland
A suicidal young woman who became pregnant as a result of rape was refused an abortion in Ireland.
Peru Finally Complies with Sexual Assault Settlement
Twenty years ago, a doctor at a hospital in Peru raped a 22-year-old woman who was getting medical care. Now, after human-rights groups fought for the case, the Peruvian government has finally settled the case.
France Dumps Abortion Restrictions, Will Cover the Cost of All First Trimester Abortions
A new law in France will now allow first-trimester abortions without requiring justification, and the full cost of the procedure will now be covered by the government.
Supporting the Advancement of Women in Afghanistan
Afghan women have come a long way over the last decade. We have made significant achievements, many of which would have not been possible without the generous support of the international community, especially the United States.
Close to Two-Thirds of Cameroonian Women Have Unmet Need for Contraception
Around 6,000 Cameroonian women die each year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and 30 percent of those women did not want to become pregnant in the first place.