Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigeria’s military are reportedly negotiating the release of the nearly 300 young women and girls who were abducted by Boko Haram more than six months ago, ostensibly bringing an end to six months of activist efforts calling for their return.
Over 80,000 Safety Violations Found At Bangladesh Garment Factories
A recently completed inspection found more than 80,000 safety violations in Bangladeshi garment factories – where 85 percent of all workers are women.
Girl Activists Spoke Out at the United Nations on International Day of the Girl
The designated day was created to raise awareness that gender inequality is still alive and well, and is worse in developing countries.
Staff at Immigration Center Accused of Sexually Abusing Women Detainees
Several civil rights organizations have filed a complaint against a privately run detention center in Texas, citing widespread allegations of sexual abuse and harassment.
UN Speaks Out Against Islamic State’s Attacks on Women
The United Nations last week condemned the brutal killings of women by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also know as ISIS.
Afghanistan and US Finalize Bilateral Security Agreement
In a nationally televised ceremony at the Presidential Palace just one day after President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai took office, Afghanistan signed a major security agreement with the United States.
Hope for Afghan Women as New President is Sworn In
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.